City Hall  
107 N. Nevada Avenue  
Colorado Springs, CO  
80903  
City of Colorado Springs  
Meeting Minutes  
Council Work Session  
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Monday, December 9, 2024  
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 9:04 AM.  
6 -  
3 -  
Present  
President Pro Tem Lynette Crow-Iverson, President Randy Helms, Councilmember  
Nancy Henjum, Councilmember David Leinweber, Councilmember Brian Risley, and  
Councilmember Michelle Talarico  
Excused  
Councilmember Yolanda Avila, Councilmember Dave Donelson, and Councilmember  
Mike O'Malley  
2. Changes to Agenda  
There were no Changes to Agenda.  
3. Regular Meeting Comments  
There were no Changes to Agenda.  
4. Review of Previous Meeting Minutes  
24-701  
4.A.  
City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes November 25, 2024  
Presenter:  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk  
Attachments: 11-25-24 City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes Final  
The minutes of the November 25, 2024 Work Session were approved by  
Consensus of City Council.  
5. Presentations for General Information  
24-661  
5.A.  
Pikes Peak Business & Education Alliance  
Presenter:  
Bob Gemignani, Director, Pikes Peak Business & Education Alliance  
Attachments: COS City Council_PPBEA Info Session Presentation 12-9-24  
Bob Gemignani, Director, Pikes Peak Business and Education Alliance  
(PPBEA), provided an overview of the PPBEA, PPBEA as intermediary,  
problems they help solve, primary practices/tools, career-connected  
learning continuum, and ppbea.org. He identified quantitative outcomes,  
participating school systems, regional advisory engagement, corporate  
sponsors, industry benefits, and K-12 student benefits.  
President Helms asked how challenging it is to discuss career-connected  
learning with elementary students. Mr. Gemignani stated eighty percent of  
their activities are at the high school level.  
Councilmember Talarico spoke about her experience speaking to children  
about the program.  
Councilmember Risley spoke about the importance of the program to the  
economic vitality of the community.  
Councilmember Henjum asked if PPBEA is working with organizations  
who assist troubled youth find employment. Mr. Gemignani stated their  
program host, the Pikes Peak Workforce Center, partners with those  
organizations, but PPBEA works primarily with in-school students.  
6. Staff and Appointee Reports  
24-556  
6.A.  
2024 City of Colorado Springs Community Satisfaction Survey Findings  
Presenter:  
Courtney Brown, City Strategic Plan Manager - Office of the Mayor  
Attachments:  
ETC 2024 COS COMMUNITY SATISFACTION SURVEY RESULTS -  
12.09.2024 City Council Work Session_.pptx  
Courtney Brown, City Strategic Plan Manager - Office of the Mayor,  
provided an overview of the 2024 City of Colorado Springs Community  
Satisfaction Survey findings, statistics, respondents by district, and survey  
demographics/location. She identified the key results for public safety,  
infrastructure, parks/recreation, economy, workforce, housing, resident  
satisfaction with City/community connection, and measuring progress.  
Councilmember Henjum asked if there was a correlation between what the  
citizens deem most important and what they are most dissatisfied with. Ms.  
Brown confirmed there is.  
Councilmember Henjum requested additional information regarding a  
breakdown between district satisfaction levels. Ms. Brown stated she will  
provide that information.  
President Helms asked if respondents believe the City needs more  
housing. Ms. Brown confirmed they do.  
Councilmember Henjum requested additional data regarding the City’s  
approach to homelessness and what citizens believe the City’s role is in  
addressing it.  
Councilmember Henjum requested Ms. Brown work with Sam Friedman,  
City Council Constituent and Outreach Program Coordinator, regarding the  
feedback City Council receives from citizens. Ms. Brown stated they have  
formed a data-driven government team in order to collect that information.  
24-700  
6.B.  
Agenda Planner Review  
Presenter:  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk  
Attachments: Agenda Planner Review 12-9-24  
Councilmember Henjum asked why the electric bikes Ordinance is not  
included on the Agenda Planner. Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk, stated it will  
be coming before City Council in February 2025 due to the items already  
planned for the January 2025 Agendas.  
Councilmember Henjum requested additional information regarding the  
Parkland Dedication Ordinance (PLDO). Caroline Miller, Park Land  
Dedication Ordinance Program Administrator, Planning Department,  
stated they are a review of the requirements for PLDO within City Code  
which is required every four years and include changes with updated  
Census and land appraisal information.  
7. Items for Introduction  
24-630  
7.A.  
An Ordinance Amending Article 1 of Chapter 4, of the Chapter 4 of the  
Code of Colorado Springs 2001, as Amended, Pertaining to Electrical  
Assisted Bicycles  
Presenter:  
Britt Haley, Director, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services  
Department  
Lonna Thelen, Program Manager, Trails, Open Space and Parks  
(TOPS) Program  
Scott Abbott, Manager, Regional Parks, Trails and Open Space  
Attachments: PR-E_BikesORD-2024-11-25-24  
E-Bike Policy Presentation to Council 120924  
Lonna Thelen, Program Manager, Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS)  
Program, introduced the Ordinance pertaining to electrical assisted  
bicycles (e-bikes) and provided an overview of the definition of an E-Bike,  
E-Bike survey, survey results, four steps to implement policy: 1. TOPS  
Working Committee/Parks Advisory Board consider e-bike policy/City  
Code updates, 2. City Council considers e-bike policy/City Code updates,  
3. Parks Recreation and Cultural Services Department (PRCS) adopts  
rules/regulations, and 4. Staged rollout of policy and reasons for this  
approach.  
Councilmember Risley asked if the classifications of e-bikes are capable  
of going faster than what is identified for each classification. Ms. Thelen  
confirmed they are able to go as fast as the rider is able to pedal it.  
Councilmember Leinweber asked what the maximum wattage of e-bikes  
is. Ms. Thelen stated 750 watts is the maximum motor assistance which  
can be provided. Councilmember Risley commented that the output of  
power for an e-bike is much different that the power output of a hairdryer.  
Councilmember Henjum asked what the survey results were for Alternative  
2. Ms. Thelen stated it was less than fifty percent support for Alternative 2.  
Councilmember Henjum asked why Class 3 e-bikes are excluded from  
trails. Ms. Thelen stated no other jurisdictions allow Class 3 e-bikes on  
nonmotorized trails and due to their higher speed capability, they have  
determined to exclude them.  
Councilmember Henjum asked why there are no definitions for e-bikes in  
City Code. Ms. Thelen stated e-bikes is a bike which has not been  
previously included in the nonmotorized use in City Code and came  
forward from a citizen initiative.  
Scott Abbott, Manager, Regional Parks, Trails and Open Space, went over  
the process for PRCS adoption of rules/regulations and staged rollout of  
policy. He identified the reasons for this approach why they are  
recommending a City Code update instead of a ballot measure,  
environmental impact studies, TOPS Working Committee/Parks Advisory  
Board recommendation, and motions.  
Councilmember Henjum asked what the position of the Palmer Land  
Conservancy is regarding e-bikes. Mr. Abbott stated they are very  
interested in the effects of e-bikes and protecting conservation values in  
conservation easements. Britt Haley, Director, PRCS, stated their letter to  
the City conveys they would like to continue to have a dialogue between  
attorneys to be careful and intentional regarding each conservation  
easement.  
Councilmember Henjum requested the PRCS continue to refine how trails  
are used so that each type of user feels comfortable and safe on them. Ms.  
Haley confirmed they would.  
President Helms asked if the TOPS Working Committee passed PRCS  
policy recommendation. Mr. Abbott stated they only passed adding the  
definition of e-bikes classifications into City Code, but not the policy  
recommendation regarding e-bike. Caitlin Moldenhauer, Attorney, City  
Attorney’s Office, stated they did not recommend including the definition of  
nonmotorized use in the TOPS Section of Chapter 4 of City Code which  
would not permit the use of e-bikes on TOPS properties. Mr. Abbott  
clarified that e-bikes are not by definition from the Federal and State  
government, motorized vehicles and the Parks Advisory Board  
recommended all classifications of e-bikes to be included in the definition  
of nonmotorized vehicles.  
Councilmember Leinweber stated e-bikes are nonmotorized because they  
require pedaling in order to operate and only assists riders.  
Councilmember Henjum stated it is her understanding that Class 2 e-bikes  
do not require pedaling.  
Councilmember Henjum requested additional information from the City  
Attorney’s Office regarding the difference between motor vehicles and  
motorized vehicles. Ben Bolinger, Legislative Counsel, City Attorney’s  
Office, stated clarification of those terms is why this Ordinance is being  
presented to City Council.  
President Helms asked why staff opted not to move forward with a ballot  
measure. Mr. Abbott stated they needed an overarching e-bike policy  
recommendation in order to make a complete change to PRCS Chapter of  
City Code regarding definitions and TOPS is only a piece of that Chapter.  
President Helms asked if this is considered a substantiative change. Ms.  
Moldenhauer stated there is not currently a definition for nonmotorized use  
in TOPS.  
President Helms asked if there is any anticipated legal action against the  
City if this Ordinance is passed. Ms. Moldenhauer stated she does not  
know of any threats of litigation.  
Councilmember Leinweber asked how much a ballot measure would cost  
to promote. Ms. Fabos stated the City cannot expend any resources to  
promote a ballot measure, but an outside group spent approximately a little  
more than $300,000 for the ballot measure 2c.  
Councilmember Henjum stated she is not opposed to this policy, but she  
would like to see a pro and con analysis before City Council votes on it. Mr.  
Abbot stated they will provide that information.  
Councilmember Talarico stated she would not support this going forward  
as a ballot initiative and asked if the first reading of the Ordinance will  
come before City Council in February 2025. Ms. Haley stated they will  
provide an example of what the rules and regulations would look like before  
it comes to City Council for a vote.  
Councilmember Talarico stated reckless behavior on an e-bike is due to  
the rider, not the e-bike.  
President Helms requested additional information regarding how the Staff  
recommendation would relate to State and Federal policy. Mr. Abbott  
stated State Statute permits Class 1 and 2 e-bikes wherever bikes are  
permitted to go and allows local authority to determine the allowance of  
Class 3 e-bikes.  
President Helms stated he supports Staff’s recommendation.  
7.B.  
CODE-24-00 An Ordinance amending Section 307 (Park Land Dedications) of Article  
4 (Development Standards and Incentives) of Chapter 7 (Unified  
Development Code (UDC)) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs  
2001, as amended, pertaining to Park Land Dedications. (Legislative)  
03  
Presenter:  
Caroline Miller, Park Land Dedication Ordinance Program  
Administrator, Planning Department  
Lonna Thelen, Parks Design and Development Manager/TOPS  
Manager, Parks Recreation and Cultural Services  
Attachments:  
Staff Report_CC Work Session_PLDO 2025 Acreage and Fee Update  
Attachment 1 - 2024 PLDO Appraisal  
Attachment 2 - Existing Fee Schedule  
Attachment 3 - ACS Household Data  
ORD-Park Land Dedication Acreage  
7.4.307 PARK LAND DEDICATIONS  
7.5.702 AMENDMENT TO UDC TEXT  
PLDO - Acreage & Fee Update - City Council Presentation  
HBA - 2025 PLDO Fee Letter  
Caroline Miller, Park Land Dedication Ordinance Program Administrator,  
Planning Department, presented the Ordinance pertaining to Park Land  
Dedications and the Resolutions amending the Fee Schedule for fees in  
lieu of park land dedication as provided for in the Park Land Dedication  
Ordinance (PLDO) and the City’s Park Land Dedication Ordinance Criteria  
Manual. She provided an overview of review of requirements, 7.4.307.H.1 -  
Census and Land Dedication standards, land dedication obligation,  
7.4.307.H.2 - Background Appraisal Neighborhood/Community Park Land,  
fees in lieu of land dedication equation-base rate, proposed fees in lieu,  
the additional applicable fees related to platting, timeline, and process.  
Councilmember Henjum asked where the City stands in meeting the parks  
standards of 5.5 acres per 1,000 people. Ms. Miller stated the future Parks  
Master Plan will be able to better map where they are meeting these  
standards.  
President Helms asked why there is such a large difference between the  
value of the square foot of sites throughout the City. Ms. Miller stated the  
values were evaluated based on the methodology of the appraiser.  
Councilmember Henjum asked what part of the Parks Recreation and  
Cultural Services Department (PRCS) budget the fees in lieu of go into.  
Ms. Miller stated it goes into City neighborhood/community park funds and  
primarily goes toward acquisitions of park land.  
Councilmember Henjum asked what the most recent piece of land was  
acquired for a City park. Britt Haley, Director, PRCS, stated it was an  
8.42-acre site for Stratton Park.  
Councilmember Henjum asked how much opportunity the City has to  
purchase built environment public parks. Ms. Haley stated they typically see  
opportunity for park development in greenfield developments.  
Councilmember Henjum requested additional information from the City  
Council liaisons to the Parks Advisory Board (PAB) regarding any  
concerns or discussions the PAB had regarding PLDO. Councilmember  
Talarico stated she does not believe there was any consternation from the  
PAB regarding this item. Ms. Haley stated they discussed making sure  
there was availability for public comment, the fees in lieu of were being  
used to purchase additional park land, and to ensure compatibility with the  
revision of Parks Master Plan being implemented in 2025-2026.  
7.C.  
CODE-24-00 A Resolution amending the Fee Schedule for fees in lieu of park land  
dedication as provided for in the Park Land Dedication Ordinance.  
(Legislative)  
04  
Presenter:  
Caroline Miller, Park Land Dedication Ordinance Program  
Administrator, Planning Department  
Lonna Thelen, Parks Design and Development Manager/TOPS  
Manager, Parks Recreation and Cultural Services  
Attachments:  
RES-PLDO Fee Schedule  
Please see comments in Agenda item 7.B.  
7.D.  
CODE-24-00 A Resolution amending the City of Colorado Springs Park Land  
05 Dedication Ordinance Criteria Manual. (Legislative)  
Presenter:  
Caroline Miller, Park Land Dedication Ordinance Program  
Administrator, Planning Department  
Lonna Thelen, Parks Design and Development Manager/TOPS  
Manager, Parks Recreation and Cultural Services  
Attachments: RES-PLDO Criteria Manual  
Please see comments in Agenda item 7.B.  
24-704  
7.E.  
An Ordinance amending section 112 (Sitting or Lying Down in  
Commercial Districts) of Article 2 (Offenses Affecting Public Safety) of  
Chapter 9 Public Offenses) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs  
2001, as amended, pertaining to sitting or lying in commercial districts  
Presenter:  
Jessie Kimber, Director, Economic Development  
Shannon Snuggs, Commander – Gold Hill Division, CSPD  
Attachments: 24-704-SitLieCommercialDistrictORD-2024-11-19  
22-07  
Jessie Kimber, Director, Economic Development, introduced the  
Ordinance pertaining to sitting or lying in commercial districts zone  
expansion.  
Shannon Snuggs, Commander, Gold Hill Division, Colorado Springs  
Police Department (CSPD), provided an overview of the current  
boundaries, South Nevada Avenue boundaries, area comparison, calls for  
service (CFS)/citations from January 2022 through September 2024,  
another opportunity for contacts, and proposed area.  
Councilmember Henjum added if the proposed Ordinance is adding area  
to the already existing boundaries. Commander Snuggs confirmed it is.  
President Helms asked if the Colorado Springs Fire Department and  
municipal judges work with the offenders to help them through other  
programs rather than just charging them a fine. Ben Bolinger, Legislative  
Counsel, City Attorney’s Office, confirmed that quality of life services  
intersects with people experiencing homelessness at the municipal court.  
Councilmember Talarico asked if an individual could be ticketed outside of  
the proposed timeframes. Commander Snuggs stated not under this  
particular Ordinance, but they have other tools to address this issue.  
Aimee Cox, Chief Housing and Homelessness Response Officer, provided  
an overview the actions the City is taken to address the causes of  
homelessness and the law enforcement aspect of it.  
Councilmember Leinweber stated the community needs to identify  
unacceptable behavior and stand up to it.  
24-706  
7.F.  
An Ordinance creating a new Section 108 (Carrying of a Firearm In  
Government Buildings) of Part 1 (Dangerous and Deadly Weapons) of  
Article 7 (Dangerous Weapons and Substances) of Chapter 9 (Public  
Offenses) of the Code Of The City Of Colorado Springs 2001, as  
amended, Pertaining To Carrying Firearms  
Presenter:  
Benjamin Bolinger, Legislative Counsel, Office of the City Attorney  
Attachments: 24-706 Sensitive Spaces-ORD-2024-12-03  
24-706 2024a_131_signed  
Ben Bolinger, Legislative Counsel, Office of the City Attorney, presented  
the Ordinance pertaining to carrying firearms in City government buildings  
and provided an overview of SB24-131 which prohibits a person from  
knowingly carrying a firearm in certain government buildings and the  
proposed Ordinance maintains the City’s existing rules, regulations, and  
Ordinances pertaining to carrying firearms as required by the building’s  
facility manager.  
President Helms and Councilmember Risley stated it was important to  
bring the proposed Ordinance forward to prevent the State from usurping  
control from jurisdictions.  
Councilmember Leinweber asked if City Council would have the authority  
to allow exceptions to what is currently permitted in City buildings. Mr.  
Bolinger stated this proposed Ordinance retains the authority of each  
facility manager to set security policies.  
8. Items Under Study  
There were no Items Under Study.  
9. Councilmember Reports and Open Discussion  
Councilmember Risley stated he and several other Councilmembers  
attended the 2024 Legislative Round Table where they were able to share  
with State Legislators their concern over the utilities cost and reliability  
issues of the State’s decarbonization efforts and he and many  
Councilmembers attended the Festival of Lights Parade.  
Councilmember Leinweber stated he and his new puppy, Hatch, attended  
the Festival of Lights Parade.  
Councilmember Talarico stated she was grateful to attend the Legislative  
Round Table with fellow Councilmembers.  
President Helms stated he also attended the well-attended Festival of  
Lights Parade which he will be working toward fund raising to ensure it  
occurs again in 2025 and asked everyone to keep deployed military  
personnel, who will not be with their families during the holiday season, in  
their thoughts and prayers.  
10. Executive Session  
There was no Open Executive Session.  
10A. Open  
There was no Open Executive Session.  
10B. Closed  
24-708  
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)(a), (b), and (e), the  
City Council, in Open Session, is to determine whether it will hold a  
Closed Executive Session. The issue to be discussed involves  
consultation with the City Attorney and City staff for the purpose of  
receiving legal advice and providing instruction to negotiators on a real  
estate acquisition related to plans for a downtown transit center.  
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 may be discussed in Open Session or withdrawn from  
consideration.  
Presenter:  
Wynetta Massey, City Attorney  
Attachments: Closed Session memo - 12-4-24  
Ben Bolinger, Corporate Division Chief, Office of the City Attorney, 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 a Closed  
Executive Session. The issue to be discussed involves consultation with  
the City Attorney and City staff for the purpose of receiving legal advice and  
providing  
instruction to negotiators on a real estate acquisition related to plans for a  
downtown transit center.  
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 a Closed Executive Session.  
11. Adjourn  
There being no further business to come before City Council, President  
Helms adjourned the meeting at 1:45 PM.  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk