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Tuesday, September 9, 2025  
9:00 AM  
Council Chambers  
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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 Crow-Iverson called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM.  
9 -  
Present:  
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  
Councilmember Bailey, Councilmember Donelson, and  
Councilmember Williams attended the meeting virtually.  
2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance  
The Invocation was made by Pastor Brandon Shupp from Story Church.  
President Crow-Iverson led the Pledge of Allegiance.  
3. Changes to Agenda/Postponements  
Councilmember Gold requested item 9.A. be postponed. President  
Crow-Iverson stated they will consider that at the time that item is  
presented.  
Councilmember Donelson requested items 4B.G. and 4B.I. to be removed  
from the Consent Calendar.  
Sarah B. Johnson stated Councilmember Henjum requested item 4B.J. to  
be removed from the Consent Calendar.  
Consensus of Council agreed to these changes on 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:  
4A.A. SUBD-25-00 Ordinance No. 25-68 vacating a portion of public right-of-way known as  
21  
Holly Avenue and First Street consisting of approximately 2.13 acres  
located northwest of the intersection at First Street and Lake Avenue.  
(Legislative) (Third Reading and Public Hearing).  
Council District # 3  
Presenter:  
Ethan Shafer, Urban Planner II, City Planning Department  
Kevin Walker, Planning Director, City Planning Department  
Attachments: SUBD-25-0021 ORDINANCE DRAFT_EPS  
Exhibit A - Legal Description  
Exhibit B - Vacation Plat  
Exhibit C - Vicinity Map  
Exhibit D - Project Statement  
Exhibit E - Public Comment in Opposition  
Exhibit F - Public Comment Response and Memo  
Exhibit G - Public Comment in Support  
Signed Ordinance No. 25-68.pdf  
This Ordinance was finally passed on the Consent Calendar.  
25-380  
4A.B.  
A Ordinance by the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado authorizing the  
issuance and delivery of its multifamily housing revenue bonds (Bradley  
Ridge Apartments Project), series 2025, in one or more tax-exempt or  
taxable series in an aggregate amount not to exceed $76,832,222.72 for  
the purpose of financing the acquisition, construction, improvement and  
equipping of a multifamily housing facility in the City of Colorado Springs,  
State of Colorado and to pay certain issuance expenses of such bonds,  
approving and authorizing execution of an indenture of trust, a loan  
agreement with the borrower, a forward bond purchase agreement, a  
bond purchase agreement, and a tax regulatory agreement with respect  
to the bonds; making findings and determinations with respect to the  
project and the bonds; authorizing the execution and delivery of related  
documents; and repealing all action heretofore taken in conflict herewith.  
Presenter:  
Aimee Cox, Chief Housing and Homelessness Officer, Housing &  
Homelessness Response Department  
Attachments: Bradley Ridge Presentation  
Bond Purchase Agreement (Bradley Ridge)  
Forward Bond Purchase Agreement (v1) (002) - Bradley Ridge  
Indenture - Bradley Ridge Apartments 2025  
Loan Agreement Bradley Ridge Apartments 2025  
Ordinance - Bradley Ridge Apartments 2025  
Permanent Financing Agreement Bradley Ridge 2025  
Permanent Trust Indenture - Bradley Ridge 2025 Permanent Trust  
Indenture  
Tax Regulatory Agreement - Bradley Ridge Apartments 2025  
Signed Ordinance No. 25-72.pdf  
TThis Ordinance was finally passed on the Consent Calendar.  
25-416  
4A.C.  
Ordinance No. 25-73 to fill the vacancy on the Catalyst Campus  
Business Improvement District’s Board of Directors. (2nd Reading and  
Public Hearing)  
(Legislative)  
Related Files: N/A  
Council District # 3  
Presenter:  
Allison Stocker, Senior Planner, City Planning Department  
Kevin Walker, Planning Director, City Planning Department  
Attachments: CatalystCampus_BID_Amend_2025_Ordinance  
Exhibit_A_Second Amendment to Lease Agreement Catalyst  
Campus BID (SIGNED)  
Exhibit_B_Qualified_Property_Owner_Q&A  
Exhibit_C_Ordinance_21-75  
Signed Ordinance No. 25-73.pdf  
This Ordinance was finally passed on the Consent Calendar.  
4B. First Presentation:  
25-469  
4B.A.  
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 26, 2025  
Presenter:  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk  
Attachments: 8-26-2025 City Council Meeting Minutes Final  
The Minutes were approved on the Consent Calendar.  
25-387  
4B.B.  
A Resolution declaring City-owned property identified as El Paso County  
Tax Schedule Number 63262-08-002 as surplus property and  
authorizing the disposal of such property to James B. Klein as the one  
logical purchaser.  
Presenter:  
Gayle Sturdivant, PE, PMP, Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer  
Kellie Billingsley, Real Estate Services Manager  
Attachments: 1_Location Map  
2_City Council Resolution_Klein Disposal  
3_Exhibit A to Resolution  
4_Exhibit B and C to PSA and Resolution  
5_Exhibits D and E to PSA and Resolution  
6_Klein Disposal Presentation  
Signed Resolution No. 108-25.pdf  
This Resolution was adopted on the Consent Calendar.  
25-388  
4B.C.  
A Resolution authorizing the use of a Possession and Use Agreement  
and Eminent Domain to acquire real property and a temporary  
construction easement, on real property owned by 7-ELEVEN, Inc. using  
PPRTA funds for the Dublin Boulevard Improvements - Peterson Road to  
Marksheffel Road Project  
Presenter:  
Gayle Sturdivant, PE, PMP, City Engineer/Deputy Public Works Director  
Kellie Billingsley, Real Estate Services Manager  
Attachments: 1_711 - Location map  
2_711 - Resolution  
3_711 - Exhibit A-1  
4_711 - Exhibit A-2  
5_711 - Exhibit A-3  
6_711 - Presentation  
Signed Resolution No. 109-25.pdf  
This Resolution was adopted on the Consent Calendar.  
25-407  
4B.D.  
A Resolution authorizing the use of a Possession and Use Agreement  
and Eminent Domain to acquire permanent easements and temporary  
construction easements for the 8th Street Improvements: Motor City Dr to  
Fountain Creek Project and 8th Street over Fountain Creek Bridge  
Maintenance Project using PPRTA funds  
Presenter:  
Gayle Sturdivant, PE, PMP, City Engineer/Deputy Public Works Director  
Kellie Billingsley, Real Estate Services Manager  
Attachments: 03_ Resolution_8th Street Projects(1).docx  
03A_Exhibit A to Resolution  
03B_Exhibit B to Resolution  
03C_Exhibit C to Resolution  
01_Summary Table  
02_Location Map  
04_Presentation  
Signed Resolution No. 110-25.pdf  
This Resolution was adopted on the Consent Calendar.  
25-417  
4B.E.  
A Resolution Authorizing the City of Colorado Springs to Enter into an  
Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of Colorado Springs and  
the Colorado Department of Transportation for Operation and  
Maintenance of the Spring Creek Tributary Outfall.  
Presenter:  
Erin Powers, P.E., Stormwater Enterprise Manager  
Richard Mulledy, P.E., Public Works Director  
Attachments: RES_CDOT-City IGA - Stormwater_8-13-25.docx  
Final Spring Creek MTCE Colorado Springs 331003614 August 05  
2025.pdf  
Spring Creek IGA_Vicinity Map.pdf  
CDOT Spring Creek IGA Presentation.2.pptx  
Signed Resolution No. 111-25.pdf  
This Resolution was adopted on the Consent Calendar.  
25-427  
4B.F.  
An Ordinance Certifying Delinquent Stormwater Fees and Charges to  
the El Paso County Treasurer for Collection  
Presenter:  
Richard Mulledy, P.E., Public Works Director  
Erin Powers, P.E., Stormwater Enterprise Manager  
Attachments: SWENT-StormwaterFees-CertificationORD-2025.docx  
2025 Exhibit A.pdf  
This Ordinance was approved on first reading on the Consent Calendar.  
4B.H. SUBD-25-00 An Ordinance vacating a portion of public right-of-way consisting of  
61  
approximately .09 acres located on 1904 Glenn Street and adjacent to  
806 N Nineteenth Street.  
(1st Reading and setting the public hearing date for September 23,  
2025)  
(Legislative)  
Council District #3  
Presenter:  
Drew Foxx, Planner II, City Planning Department  
Kevin Walker, Planning Director, City Planning Department  
Attachments: ORD_VacationROW_Glenn Street Alley  
Exhibit A - Legal Description  
Exhibit B - Vacation Plat  
Vicinity Map  
Attachment 1_LK Adams Vacation Plat  
Attachment 2_Utility Plan  
Attachment 3_Adjacent Property Owner Acknowledgement  
Project Statement  
Alley Way Closure Sheet  
This Ordinance was approved on first reading on the Consent Calendar.  
25-472  
4B.K.  
Ratification of Councilmember Liaisons to City Council Appointed  
Boards, Commissions, and Committees  
Presenter:  
Lynette Crow-Iverson, Council President and Councilmember At-Large  
Attachments:  
Summary of Boards, Commissions, and Committees Councilmember  
Assignments - September 9, 2025  
This Item was approved on the Consent Calendar.  
Approval of the Consent Agenda  
Motion by President Pro Tem Risley, seconded by Councilmember  
Rainey Jr., 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 -  
Aye:  
Bailey, Crow-Iverson, Donelson, Gold, Henjum, Leinweber, Rainey Jr.,  
Risley, and Williams  
5. Recognitions  
25-476  
5.A.  
A Resolution Honoring September 11, 2025 As A Day Of Remembrance  
Presenter:  
Roland Rainey, Councilmember District 6  
Attachments: A Day of Remembrance  
Signed Resolution No. 112-25.pdf  
Councilmember Rainey spoke about the importance of reflecting on the  
events of 9/11, read a Resolution honoring September 11, 2025 as a Day  
of Remembrance.  
Councilmember Donelson and Councilmember Rainey spoke about the  
sacrifices of first responders, military veterans, and their families due to the  
consequences of 9/11.  
Mayor Yemi expressed appreciation of the Resolution.  
Motion by President Pro Tem Risley, seconded by Councilmember  
Rainey Jr., that the Resolution honoring September 11, 2025 as a day of  
remembrance be adopted. The motion passed by a vote of 9-0-0-0  
9 -  
Aye:  
Bailey, Crow-Iverson, Donelson, Gold, Henjum, Leinweber, Rainey Jr.,  
Risley, and Williams  
25-471  
5.B.  
City Council Appointments to Boards, Commissions, and Committees  
Presenter:  
Lynette Crow-Iverson, Council President and Councilmember At-Large  
Attachments:  
09092025 Boards Commissions and Committees  
Appointment-Revised  
09092025 FCWD Small Municipalities Representative  
09092025 Independent Ethics Commission Packet  
09092025 LETAC Packet  
09092025 LART Packet  
President Crow-Iverson presented the City Council Appointments to  
Boards, Commissions, and Committees.  
Councilmember Henjum recognized the nominees who wish to serve the  
City.  
Motion by Councilmember Rainey Jr., seconded by Councilmember  
Henjum, that tthe City Council Appointments to Boards, Commissions,  
and Committees be approved. The motion passed by a vote of 9-0-0-0  
9 -  
Aye:  
Bailey, Crow-Iverson, Donelson, Gold, Henjum, Leinweber, Rainey Jr.,  
Risley, and Williams  
6. Mayor's Business  
25-410  
6.A.  
A Resolution confirming the Mayor’s appointment of Alexandru Kovacs  
as the Director of Aviation  
Presenter:  
Yemi Mobolade, Mayor of Colorado Springs  
Attachments: Kovacs Resolution (003)  
Signed Resolution No. 113-25.pdf  
Mayor Yemi gave a description of the Director of Aviation position,  
introduced Mr. Kovacs, and provided an overview of Mr. Kovacs’  
credentials for this position.  
Councilmember Henjum expressed support of Mr. Kovacs appointment  
and presented the banner from the Colorado Springs Airport sponsored  
hot air balloon Labor Day Lift Off event.  
Councilmember Rainey and Councilmember Gold conveyed gratitude for  
Mr. Kovacs’ leadership of the Colorado Springs Airport.  
Mayor Yemi administered the Oath of Office.  
Mr. Kovacs stated his honored to be selected for this position and will do  
his best to make the Colorado Springs Airport successful.  
Motion by Councilmember Gold, seconded by Councilmember Henjum,  
that the Resolution confirming appointment of Alexandru Kovacs as the  
Director of Aviation be adopted. The motion passed by a vote of 9-0-0-0  
9 -  
Aye:  
Bailey, Crow-Iverson, Donelson, Gold, Henjum, Leinweber, Rainey Jr.,  
Risley, and Williams  
25-478  
6.B.  
Appointment of Daniel O’Rear to a four-year term, on the Colorado  
Springs Housing Authority (CSHA) Board beginning on September 9,  
2025 and expiring on April 1, 2029.  
Presenter:  
Jamie Fabos, Chief of Staff – City of Colorado Springs  
Attachments: Daniel ORear_2025_Resume.pdf  
Jamie Fabos, Chief of Staff, presented the nomination to appoint Daniel  
O’Rear to serve a four-year term on the Colorado Springs Housing  
Authority Board (CSHAB) set to expire April 1, 2029.  
Motion by Councilmember Henjum, seconded by Councilmember Rainey  
Jr., to confirm Mayoral appointee Daniel O'Rear to serve on the Colorado  
Springs Housing Authority Board term beginning on September 9, 2025,  
and expiring on April 1, 2029. The motion passed by a vote of 9-0-0-0  
9 -  
Aye:  
Bailey, Crow-Iverson, Donelson, Gold, Henjum, Leinweber, Rainey Jr.,  
Risley, and Williams  
25-479  
6.C.  
Nomination to reappoint Jim Johnson for a three-year term on the  
Colorado Springs Health Foundation Board of Trustees, beginning on  
January 1, 2026, and expiring on December 31, 2028.  
Presenter:  
Jamie Fabos, Chief of Staff City of Colorado Springs  
Attachments: Jim Johnson Short Bio.docx  
Jamie Fabos, Chief of Staff, presented the nomination to reappoint Jim  
Johnson to serve a three-year term on the Colorado Springs Health  
Foundation Board of Trustees set to expire December 31, 2028.  
Motion by Councilmember Leinweber, seconded by Councilmember  
Rainey Jr., to reappoint Jim Johnson for a three-year term on the  
Colorado Springs Health Foundation Board of Trustees, beginning on  
January 1, 2026, and expiring on December 31, 2028. The motion passed  
by a vote of 8-0-1-0  
8 -  
Aye:  
Bailey, Crow-Iverson, Gold, Henjum, Leinweber, Rainey Jr., Risley, and  
Williams  
1 - Donelson  
Absent:  
25-480  
6.D.  
Nomination to reappoint Mary Coleman for a three-year term on the  
Colorado Springs Health Foundation Board of Trustees, beginning on  
January 1, 2026, and expiring on December 31, 2028.  
Presenter:  
Jamie Fabos, Chief of Staff City of Colorado Springs  
Attachments: Mary Coleman Short Bio.docx  
Jamie Fabos, Chief of Staff, presented the nomination to reappoint Mary  
Coleman to serve a three-year term on the Colorado Springs Health  
Foundation Board of Trustees set to expire December 31, 2028.  
Motion by Councilmember Leinweber, seconded by Councilmember  
Rainey Jr., to reappoint Mary Coleman for a three-year term on the  
Colorado Springs Health Foundation Board of Trustees, beginning on  
January 1, 2026, and expiring on December 31, 2028. The motion passed  
by a vote of 9-0-0-0  
9 -  
Aye:  
Bailey, Crow-Iverson, Donelson, Gold, Henjum, Leinweber, Rainey Jr.,  
Risley, and Williams  
25-482  
6.E.  
Mayor’s Office Updates  
Presenter:  
Jamie Fabos, Chief of Staff  
Jamie Fabos, Chief of Staff, stated the mayor remains in constant  
communication with the City’s federal delegation to continue to advocate  
for continued space presence here in Colorado Springs, they do not expect  
the decision to move Space Command will result in large numbers of  
people leaving the City due to the continuation of operations and many vital  
space missions, Mayor Yemi met with a large group of local philanthropists  
on Monday, September 8, 2025, to identify key service gaps in the City’s  
homelessness system, the State of the City will be held on Thursday  
September 25, 2025 at Broadmoor Hall, at 7:45 AM, and registration  
closes September 19, 2025, and at the Keep It Clean COS event,  
sponsored by the Pikes Peak Road Runners at America the Beautiful  
Park, they picked up fifty-two tons of trash, twenty-three shopping carts,  
thirty-seven tires, and seven propane tanks.  
7. Items Called Off Consent Calendar  
4B.G. ZONE-25-00 An ordinance to amend the zoning map of the City of Colorado Springs  
07  
pertaining to 7,000 square feet located at 2402 North Nevada Avenue  
from R-2 (Two-Family) to MX-N (Mixed-Use Neighborhood Scale). (1st  
Reading and setting the public hearing for September 23, 2025).  
(Quasi-Judicial)  
Related Files: None  
Council District # 5  
Presenter:  
William Gray, Senior Planner, City Planning Department  
Attachments: Ordinance_2402 N Nevada Ave Rezoning  
Exhibit A Legal and Exhibit B Drawing  
Staff Report_2402 N Nevada Rezoning_WEG  
Attachment 1 - Zoning Map  
Attachment 2 - North End Addition  
Attachment 3 - Context Map  
Attachment 4 - Project Statement  
Attachment 5 - Land Use Statement  
Attachment 6 - North End Existing Land Use  
Attachment 7 - North End Future Land Use  
7.5.704 ZONING MAP AMENDMENT (REZONING)  
CPC Minutes Excerpt - 2402 N Nevada Avenue - 08_13_2025  
Public Comment_Old North End_08122025  
Resident Questions and Staff Response_08272025  
Bob Loevy Opinion_Gazette_09132025  
Kevin Walker, Director, Planning Department, presented the Ordinance to  
amend the zoning map of the City pertaining to 7,000 square feet located  
at 2402 North Nevada Avenue from R-2 (Two-Family) to MX-N (Mixed-Use  
Neighborhood Scale) and setting the public hearing for September 23,  
2025.  
Councilmember Donelson stated he pulled this item from the Consent  
Calendar to bring more awareness to this item.  
Motion by President Pro Tem Risley, seconded by Councilmember  
Henjum, that this Ordinance be approved on first reading Proposed  
Motion: <br />Move to approve an ordinance amending the zoning map  
of the City of Colorado Springs pertaining to 7,000 square feet located at  
2402 North Nevada Avenue from R-2 (Two-Family) to MX-N (Mixed-Use  
Neighborhood Scale) for the purpose of providing public notice and  
setting the public hearing date for Tuesday, September 23, 2025, to  
consider the 2402 N Nevada Avenue zone change ordinance. The motion  
passed by a vote of  
9 -  
Aye:  
Bailey, Crow-Iverson, Donelson, Gold, Henjum, Leinweber, Rainey Jr.,  
Risley, and Williams  
4B.I. ZONE-25-00 An ordinance to amend the zoning map of the City of Colorado Springs  
14  
pertaining to 9.93 acres located southeast of Union Boulevard and  
Ranch Drive at 4625 Ranch Drive from PDZ/cr/HS-O (Planned  
Development Zone District with conditions of record and Hillside  
Overlay) to PDZ/cr/HS-O (Planned Development Zone District with  
conditions of record and Hillside Overlay) to modify certain established  
conditions of record.  
(Quasi-Judicial)  
(1st Reading and setting the public hearing date for September 23,  
2025)  
Related Files: PDZD-25-0020  
Council District # 1  
Presenter:  
Molly O'Brien, Planner II, City Planning Department  
Kevin Walker, Planning Director, City Planning Department  
Attachments: Beth-El Mennonite Church Ordinance  
Beth-El Mennonite Church Staff Report - ZONE_25-0014_MEO_Final  
Attachment 1 - Ordinance 03-18  
Attachment 2 - Public Comment  
Attachment 3 – Exhibits A and B  
Attachment 4 - Project Statement  
Attachment 5 - Land Use Statement  
Attachment 6 - Minor Modification  
7.5.704 ZONING MAP AMENDMENT (REZONING)  
CPC Minutes Excerpt - Beth-El - 08_13_2025  
Kevin Walker, Director, Planning Department, presented the Ordinance to  
amend the zoning map of the City pertaining to 9.93 acres located  
southeast of Union Boulevard and Ranch Drive at 4625 Ranch Drive from  
PDZ/cr/HS-O (Planned Development Zone District with conditions of  
record and Hillside Overlay) to PDZ/cr/HS-O (Planned Development Zone  
District with conditions of record and Hillside Overlay) to modify certain  
established conditions of record and setting the public hearing date for  
September 23, 2025.  
Councilmember Donelson stated he pulled this item from the Consent  
Calendar to bring more awareness to this item and requested additional  
information regarding the conservation easement.  
Motion by President Pro Tem Risley, seconded by Councilmember  
Leinweber, that the Ordinance to provide notice and set a public hearing  
date for September 23, 2025 for an ordinance amending the zoning map  
of the City of Colorado Springs pertaining to 9.93 acres located  
southeast of Union Boulevard and Ranch Drive at 4625 Ranch Drive from  
PDZ/cr/HS-O (Planned Development Zone District with conditions of  
record and Hillside Overlay) to PDZ/cr/HS-O (Planned Development Zone  
District with conditions of record and Hillside Overlay) for the Beth-El  
Mennonite Church Childcare zone change ordinance be approved on  
first reading. The motion passed by a vote of 9-0-0-0  
9 -  
Aye:  
Bailey, Crow-Iverson, Donelson, Gold, Henjum, Leinweber, Rainey Jr.,  
Risley, and Williams  
25-466  
4B.J.  
Request to Establish a Public Hearing Date of Oct. 14, 2025 for the  
Consideration of Colorado Springs Utilities’ 2026 Rate Case, consisting  
of: Resolutions Setting Certain Electric Rates Within the Service Areas  
of Colorado Springs Utilities, Certain Changes to Electric Rate  
Schedules, Accepting Conclusions and Recommendations Concerning  
the Public Utilities Regulatory Policy Act Standards, Certain Changes to  
Utilities Rules and Regulations and the Open Access Transmission  
Tariff, and Adopting the Transmission Formula Rate, Initial Rates, and  
Implementation Protocols for Colorado Springs Utilities’ Transmission  
Owner Filing.  
Presenter:  
Travas Deal, Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Springs Utilities  
Tristan Gearhart, Chief Planning and Finance Officer, Colorado Springs  
Utilities  
Chris Bidlack, Attorney, City Attorney’s Office, Colorado Springs Utilities  
(CSU), presented the request to establish a public hearing date of October  
14, 2025 for the consideration of CSU’s 2026 Rate Case, consisting of:  
Resolutions setting certain Electric Rates within the service areas of CSU,  
certain changes to Electric Rate Schedules, accepting conclusions and  
recommendations concerning the Public Utilities Regulatory Policy Act  
Standards, certain changes to Utilities Rules and Regulations and the  
Open Access Transmission Tariff, and adopting the Transmission Formula  
Rate, initial rates, and implementation protocols for CSU’s Transmission  
Owner Filing.  
Councilmember Henjum requested the rate case be sent back to the  
Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) Board for discussion regarding the  
removal of the net metering portion of the rate case. Mr. Bidlack stated this  
item is simply to set the hearing date.  
President Pro Tem Risley asked what the impact would be if this item was  
sent back to the CSU Board. Tristan Gearhart, Chief Planning and Finance  
Officer, CSU, stated there is no CSU Board meeting scheduled for  
September so it would push it back to October and they have several  
critical filings which need to occur as scheduled.  
President Pro Tem Risley asked if a special CSU Board meeting could be  
scheduled to meet the deadlines. Renee Congdon, Attorney, City  
Attorney’s Office, stated she does not believe that it would be possible due  
to the timing.  
President Pro Tem Risley asked if CSU would support the removal of the  
net metering. Mr. Gearhart stated they believe the rate case they brought  
forward is important and appropriate due to the cost of service. Mr. Bidlack  
stated today’s discussion is only to set the hearing date.  
Councilmember Leinweber stated he is also concerned with the net  
metering piece of the rate case. Mr. Bidlack requested that City Council  
refrain from ex parte communications prior to the hearing.  
Councilmember Williams requested a CSU Board meeting be scheduled  
for Friday, September 12, 2025. Ms. Congdon stated she will look into that.  
Councilmember Henjum stated CSU has known for quite some time about  
the cost of the net metering piece, but the CSU Board just received the  
information two days before they voted on it, many families have invested in  
rooftop solar panels/solar equipment with the reliance/trust that CSU’s  
commitments would be honored, and she would like the net metering piece  
removed today and re-reviewed by the CSU Board, or removed from the  
rest of the rate case at the October 14, 2025 hearing. Mr. Gearhart stated  
CSU stands by the case as presented and every customer which begins  
service at rates which do not accurately represent the rates as they should  
be, puts CSU into a further hole from a subsidy from one base of  
customers to another. Councilmember Henjum stated she finds CSU’s  
stance on this disrespectful of a customer base.  
Councilmember Rainey asked if the CSU Board could have a special  
session the last week of September 2025. Ms. Congdon stated if this rate  
case goes back to the CSU Board, they would not be setting the hearing  
date for October 14, 2025 today because once the hearing date is set, City  
Council would not be able to discuss/have ex parte communications  
regarding the rate case until the hearing.  
Councilmember Donelson stated he does not support postponing the  
hearing because with the high rate of credit has gotten out of balance and  
CSU is losing over $600 per solar customer which equates to  
approximately $5.4 million, this change would not go into effect until 2027,  
this would make rates more fair to the customers who do not have solar,  
and are covering the loss of revenue.  
Councilmember Williams stated that forty-eight hours is not enough time for  
the CSU Board to obtain enough information to make a decision on net  
metering and supports this item being postponed.  
Councilmember Leinweber asked if the net metering part of the rase case  
could be removed at the October 14, 2025 hearing. Mr. Bidlack confirmed  
they could.  
Motion by Councilmember Henjum, seconded by Councilmember Gold, to  
postpone to September 23, 2025 City Council meeting and send back to  
the Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) Board of Directors for further  
consideration prior to coming back to the September 23, 2025 City  
Council meeting. The motion failed by a vote of 3-6-0-0  
3 - Gold, Henjum, and Williams  
Aye:  
No:  
6 - Bailey, Crow-Iverson, Donelson, Leinweber, Rainey Jr., and Risley  
Citizen Cliff Kotnik spoke in opposition of the net metering rate and the  
request to set the hearing date for October 14, 2025.  
Councilmember Rainey asked if CSU staff are subject to the restriction of  
ex parte communications. Mr. Bidlack stated they are not, only City Council  
has that restriction.  
Councilmember Rainey recommended CSU be proactive and engage the  
public by inviting the public to meetings held in each City Council District to  
provide the opportunity for the community to ask questions.  
Motion by Councilmember Donelson, seconded by President Pro Tem  
Risley, that the Resolution approving the proposed hearing date of  
October 14, 2025 be adopted. The motion passed by a vote of 7-2-0-0  
7 -  
Aye:  
Bailey, Crow-Iverson, Donelson, Leinweber, Rainey Jr., Risley, and  
Williams  
2 - Gold, and Henjum  
No:  
8. Utilities Business  
25-391  
8.A.  
Intergovernmental Agreement with Arkansas River Power Authority  
(ARPA)  
Presenter:  
Travas Deal, Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Springs Utilities  
Mike Francolino, Chief Customer and Enterprise Services Officer,  
Colorado Springs Utilities  
Attachments: IGA with ARPA presentation for City Council  
ARPA IGA Final July 1 2025  
Mike Francolino, Chief Customer and Enterprise Services Officer,  
Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU), presented the Intergovernmental  
Agreement (IGA) with Arkansas River Power Authority (ARPA). He  
provided an overview of the IGA, ARPA members, and benefits of the  
partnership.  
Councilmember Leinweber expressed appreciation for CSU’s  
proactiveness in being a good neighbor.  
Motion by Councilmember Donelson, seconded by Councilmember  
Henjum, that the Intergovernmental Agreement with Arkansas River  
Power Authority (ARPA) be approved. The motion passed by a vote of  
9-0-0-0  
9 -  
Aye:  
Bailey, Crow-Iverson, Donelson, Gold, Henjum, Leinweber, Rainey Jr.,  
Risley, and Williams  
25-464  
8.B.  
Pursuant to City Code § 1.4.105 (Candidates for Election), Colorado  
Springs Utilities Employee Request for City Council Consent to Run for  
Ellicott School District 22 Board of Education and, If Elected, Request to  
Waive the Requirement to Terminate Employment  
Presenter:  
Tracy Lessig, City Attorney’s Office  
Attachments: 25-464 Council Cover Memo Utilities Employee Candidacy Ferguson  
Tracy Lessig, City Attorney’s Office, provided an overview of the City Code  
requirement which requires Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) employees to  
receive approval from City Council to run for elected office. She stated the  
employee, Michael Ferguson, does not intend to terminate employment if  
elected but would still need permission to run for Ellicott School District 22  
Board of Education and City Council has the ability to revoke its  
permission if there are any violations of City Code Or Utilities Policy  
relating to election use of City resources or other election requirements.  
There were no comments on this item.  
Motion by Councilmember Henjum, seconded by Councilmember  
Leinweber, to give Michael Ferguson consent to run for Ellicott School  
District 22 Board of Education and, if he is elected to the position, to  
waive the requirement he terminate employment with Colorado Springs  
Utilities, with the understanding that City Council may revoke its consent  
to run or, if he is elected, waiver of the requirement to terminate  
employment if Mr. Ferguson violates any City Charter provision, City  
Code provision, Colorado Springs Utilities policy or procedure, or any  
other applicable law or regulation regarding campaigning while on duty  
or use of City/Utilities resources. The motion passed by a vote of 9-0-0-0  
9 -  
Aye:  
Bailey, Crow-Iverson, Donelson, Gold, Henjum, Leinweber, Rainey Jr.,  
Risley, and Williams  
9. Unfinished Business  
25-377  
9.A.  
Ordinance No. 25-69 amending Ordinance No. 25-31, Section 5  
(Appointing Natalie Lovell As City Auditor And Prescribing Her Duties,  
Compensation, and Tenure In Office, And Superseding And Repealing  
All Prior Ordinances Inconsistent With The Provisions Of This  
Ordinance), And Removing The Requirement Of Certification As A  
Colorado Certified Public Accountant For The Position Of City Auditor.  
Presenter:  
Myra Romero, Chief Human Resources and Risk Officer  
Lynette Crow-Iverson, City Council President  
Attachments: Amended City Auditor Ordinance (Lovell) CIA  
Signed Ordinance No. 25-69.pdf  
Myra Romero, Chief Human Resources and Risk Officer, presented the  
Ordinance removing the requirement of certification as a Colorado  
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and add the requirement that the City  
Auditor obtain a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certificate within two years  
of their hire date for the position of City Auditor.  
Councilmember Leinweber asked how the Human Resources Department  
determines the need to reclassify credentials. Ms. Romero stated they look  
at benchmarks and classifications to determine the necessary  
requirements.  
Councilmember Gold stated City Council has been inundated with email  
communication from constituents stating that they should not lower the  
standards for the City Auditor position, that they are displeased with the  
lack of transparency with the process, and requested this item be  
postponed to the January 27, 2026 City Council Meeting so City Council  
can have the proper amount of internal dialogue, make a more informed  
decision on this matter, and build public confidence for this position.  
Councilmember Donelson stated Ms. Lovell did not disclose that she failed  
the CPA exam prior to initiating the request to have the CPA requirement  
removed. He asked how many jurisdictions which do not require at CPA  
still hire people who have it. Ms. Romero stated of the twenty-seven  
jurisdictions researched, eleven of them hired individuals who had a CPA.  
Councilmember Henjum stated the job description should have been  
evaluated prior to the hiring process, everyone needs to continue being  
informed about the Auditor’s Office, but delaying this Ordinance would not  
benefit the citizens or the City.  
Councilmember Leinweber stated the City Auditor needs to show courage  
and leadership, which does not require a CPA, and he takes offense to Ms.  
Lovell’s character being questioned due to not identifying that she failed the  
CPA test over ten years ago.  
Councilmember Rainey stated trust is critical, especially in the Auditor’s  
Office, Ms. Lovell was hired four months ago and is now asking to remove  
the only requirement that was agreed upon and requested that this item be  
postponed so that an impartial third-party review this request.  
Motion by Councilmember Gold, seconded by Councilmember Donelson,  
that the Ordinance be postponed to the January 27, 2026 City Council  
meeting. The motion failed by a vote of 4-5-0-0  
4 - Donelson, Gold, Rainey Jr., and Williams  
Aye:  
No:  
5 - Bailey, Crow-Iverson, Henjum, Leinweber, and Risley  
Motion by President Pro Tem Risley, seconded by Councilmember  
Leinweber, that the Ordinance No. 25-69 amending Ordinance No. 25-31,  
Section 5 (Appointing Natalie Lovell as City Auditor and prescribing her  
duties, compensation, and tenure in office, and superseding and  
repealing all prior Ordinances inconsistent with the provisions of this  
Ordinance), removing the requirement of certification as a Colorado  
Certified Public Accountant for the position of City Auditor. The motion  
passed by a vote of 6-3-0-0  
6 - Bailey, Crow-Iverson, Gold, Henjum, Leinweber, and Risley  
3 - Donelson, Rainey Jr., and Williams  
Aye:  
No:  
10. New Business  
There was no New Business.  
11. Public Hearing  
There was no Public Hearing.  
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 Lee Brooks spoke about the challenges of after school daycare  
and artificial intelligence (AI).  
Citizen Derek Shetrone spoke about the issues with Google artificial  
intelligence and third-party Flock Security traffic cameras used by the City.  
Citizens Will Starks, Tiny Smith, Craig Harvey, Jennifer Smith, Thomas  
Pantoja, Theresa Donnelly, Dustin Huth, Belinda Gardner, and Dee Smith  
spoke about the positive Men of Influence, One Body ENT, Concrete  
Couch, and K Land Neighborhood Association events taking place the  
community.  
Citizen Steve Lightfoot stated Stephen King shot and killed John Lennon  
and spoke about the potholes in the City, and being fired from Gasoline  
Alley.  
14. Executive Session  
There was no Executive Session.  
15. Adjourn  
There being no further business to come before City Council, Council  
adjourned at 12:08 PM.  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk