City Hall  
107 N. Nevada Avenue  
Colorado Springs, CO  
80903  
City of Colorado Springs  
Meeting Minutes  
Council Work Session  
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Monday, August 25, 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 Crow-Iverson called the meeting to order at 9:01 AM.  
9 -  
Present  
Councilmember Tom Bailey, President Lynette Crow-Iverson,  
Councilmember Dave Donelson, Councilmember Kimberly Gold,  
Councilmember Nancy Henjum, Councilmember Brandy Williams,  
Councilmember David Leinweber, Councilmember Roland Rainey Jr., and  
President Pro Tem Brian Risley  
Councilmember Williams attended the meeting virtually.  
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  
25-424  
4.A.  
City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes August 11, 2025  
Presenter:  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk  
Attachments: 8-11-25 City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes Final  
Councilmember Bailey requested clarification be made to his comments  
for Agenda item 8.A. to include “The City has Model Service Plans for  
special districts in order to give the Planning Department the ability to  
quickly identify any deviations so the City can have high confidence that the  
districts created using them will be in the public interest, have good  
governance, and are set up to succeed in service to their members.” and  
that the titles of President Crow-Iverson and President Risley be corrected  
in the Roll Call. Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk, agreed to Councilmember  
Bailey’s request.  
The minutes of the August 11, 2025 Work Session were approved as  
amended by Consensus of City Council.  
5. Presentations for General Information  
25-430  
5.A.  
UC Health Chapter Veterans Presentation  
Presenter:  
Damian McCabe  
Damian McCabe, Director of Behavioral Health and Military Affairs,  
UCHealth Southern Colorado Region, presented an annual update on the  
Next Chapter program for veterans. He provided an overview of the  
program, military/veteran services, pilot program highlights, and what is  
needed to continue this program.  
Councilmember Henjum asked if they would support the use of psilocybin  
as a treatment option. Mr. McCabe stated they are currently not prescribing  
psilocybin but would look into it if it is approved by the FDA.  
25-433  
5.B.  
Cultural Affairs Office of the Pikes Peak Region (COPPeR) - 2025  
mid-year Lodgers and Auto Rental Tax (LART) contract update to City  
Council  
Presenter:  
Angela Seals, President and CEO, COPPeR  
Attachments:  
Cultural Office LART Mid Year 2025 Report Slidedeck for City Council  
- 08-25-25  
Angela Seals, President and CEO, Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak  
Region (COPPeR), presented the 2025 mid-year Lodgers and Auto Rental  
Tax (LART) contract update. She provided an overview of their mission,  
service area, program focus, and LART contract. Ms. Seals went over the  
cultural promotion/tourism key performance indicators (KPIs), Peak Radar  
User Survey 2025 results, cultural destination marketing campaign, and  
developing/building an arts destination.  
Councilmember Leinweber asked how they are promoting the downtown  
corridor as a destination for art and cultural events. Ms. Seals stated the  
state created Downtown Creative District and there are more creative  
businesses, venues, museums, and galleries located downtown than in any  
other part of the region.  
Councilmember requested additional information regarding the status of  
the affordable housing project for creatives. Ms. Seals stated the Artspace  
development is on track to complete construction in 2025.  
Councilmember Henjum asked what cities have culture and arts as part of  
their budget. Ms. Seals stated she will research that information.  
25-432  
5.C.  
Visit COS - 2025 mid-year Lodgers and Auto Rental Tax (LART)  
contract update to City Council  
Presenter:  
Doug Price, President and CEO, Visit COS  
Attachments:  
VCOS - LART - 2025 Q1 & Q2 KPI Presentation_City  
Council_08252025  
Doug Price, President and CEO, VisitCOS, presented the 2025 mid-year  
Lodgers and Auto Rental Tax (LART) contract update. He provided an  
overview of the vendor collections through June 2025, trade shows  
attended, estimated room nights booked for group travel, VisitCOS.com  
website Key Performance Indicators (KPI), social media activity, new  
followers, Pikes Peak neighborhoods/areas, international travel to the  
United States, international travel to Colorado, decline in Canadian visitors,  
and Colorado Governors Conference (Gov Con 2025).  
President Crow-Iverson asked if the Hotel Polaris was responsible for  
securing Gov Con 2025. Mr. Price confirmed they were.  
6. Staff and Appointee Reports  
25-423  
6.A.  
Agenda Planner Review  
Presenter:  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk  
Attachments: Agenda Planner Review 8-25-25  
There were no comments on this item.  
7. Items for Introduction  
25-405  
7.A.  
Discussion regarding Mayor Mobolade’ s appointment for Alex Kovacs  
for Aviation Director  
Presenter:  
Ryan Trujillo, Deputy Chief of Staff  
Alex Kovacs, Aviation Director Candidate  
Attachments: Kovacs Resolution (003)  
Ryan Trujillo, Deputy Chief of Staff, provided an overview of Mayor Yemi’s  
appointment of Alex Kovacs as Aviation Director. He identified the  
recruitment process, Mr. Kovacs’ credentials for this position and  
achievements during his time with the City.  
Mr. Kovacs expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve the City in  
this capacity and gave a brief overview of his employment history, and his  
mission for this role, his leadership style, and goals.  
Councilmember Williams asked Mr. Kovacs where he anticipates the  
revenue will come from in 2026. Mr. Kovacs explained they will need to  
diversify non-airline revenue such as development of Peak Innovation Park,  
parking, land leases, and increasing rental car companies and they are  
planning to decrease costs by bringing in more airlines which also include  
cargo airlines.  
Councilmember Williams asked if leases outside Peak Innovation Park  
would benefit the airport. Mr. Kovacs confirmed they also have aeronautical  
development on airport land.  
Councilmember Williams asked if the airport has a capital improvement  
plan in place. Mr. Kovacs confirmed they have a five-year capital plan in  
place and are continually working on the funding sources for it.  
Councilmember Leinweber asked how the super users of the airport could  
be rewarded. Mr. Kovacs stated they can offer a parking program to  
reduce their cost, a good customer experience, and accessibility.  
President Pro Tem Risley requested additional information regarding  
leveraging debt in a smart way and what the implications are for the  
airlines. Mr. Kovacs stated the airlines are governed by the Airline Use and  
Lease Agreement, capital projects go before the airlines for approval, and  
larger capital projects are supported by the federal government through  
grants and Colorado Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division.  
President Pro Tem Risley asked if how they would leverage debt was  
aspirational. Mr. Kovacs stated it is not aspirational but are not at a point  
where a feasibility study is complete and they can issue debt.  
President Pro Tem Risley asked if Mr. Kovacs views leveraging debt for  
capital as an expense or an investment. Mr. Kovacs stated he views it as  
both because it is an investment for the future of the airport. President Pro  
Tem Risley asked if he views Peak Innovation Park in the same manner.  
Mr. Kovacs confirmed that he views all development of facilities as an  
investment but also looks at the feasibility of the investment.  
President Pro Tem Risley asked if he is concerned with any of the  
contractual agreements at the airport. Mr. Kovacs stated he is not involved  
with the contracts of Peak Innovation Park, and they are working on  
standards for other agreements which are coming up in the near future.  
President Pro Tem Risley asked if there have been any challenges in the  
agreements. Mr. Kovacs stated he is focusing on the partnership because  
it is a give-and-take negotiation.  
President Pro Tem Risley asked if he has identified any challenges with the  
airport. Mr. Kovacs stated there are opportunities with the development of  
Peak Innovation Park, not losing business to Denver International Airport  
(DIA), development of the airport, capital needs, finding innovative ways to  
use limited resources, leveraging federal funds, and political climate.  
Councilmember Rainey asked if airlines could be enticed to offer more  
direct flights to decrease the leakage of business to DIA. Mr. Kovacs  
stated they are currently working on revamping their incentive program to  
airlines, but there are very strict rules from the federal government  
regarding funding.  
President Crow-Iverson asked Mr. Kovacs what his leadership style is  
regarding working with all different types of employees and other  
individuals/agencies. Mr. Kovacs stated his leader style is a collaborative  
leadership.  
Councilmember Gold requested a comparison to the Reno, NV airport to  
the Colorado Springs Airport. Mr. Kovacs provided an overview of the  
similarities and differences of both airports.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if the City and community partners will  
need to stay focused on growing the airport due to the geographical  
location and competition of DIA. Mr. Kovacs confirmed they will.  
25-387  
7.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  
Gayle Sturdivant, Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer, presented  
the Resolution authorizing the disposal of surplus City property to James B.  
Klein as the one logical purchaser. She identified the property location,  
project background, one logical purchaser: James B. Klein, easements,  
appraised value, 1103 Lily Place, next steps, and area background.  
Councilmember Henjum asked if this property is part of the project to pull  
parcels out of the 100-year floodplain. Ms. Sturdivant confirmed it is.  
25-388  
7.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  
Gayle Sturdivant, Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer, presented  
the 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 Pikes Peak  
Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA) funds for the Dublin Boulevard  
Improvements - Peterson Road to Marksheffel Road Project. She provided  
an overview of the location map, property need, negotiation history, and  
Procedure Manual information.  
Councilmember Rainey asked if the back-and-forth conversation with  
7-Eleven, Inc. was at a front office level. Ms. Sturdivant stated it was at the  
local level.  
25-407  
7.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  
Gayle Sturdivant, Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer, presented  
the 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 Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority  
(PPRTA) funds. She provided an overview of the location map, property  
need, and Procedure Manual information.  
Councilmember Leinweber requested additional information regarding the  
projects taking place on 8th Street. Ms. Sturdivant stated she will provide  
that information.  
25-417  
7.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  
Erin Powers, Stormwater Enterprise Manager, presented the Resolution  
authorizing the City to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA)  
between the City and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)  
for operation and maintenance of the Spring Creek Tributary Outfall. He  
provided an overview of the project location, Spring Creek Tributary, and  
project maintenance delineation.  
There were no comments on this item.  
25-427  
7.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  
Erin Powers, Stormwater Enterprise Manager, presented the Ordinance  
certifying delinquent stormwater fees and charges to the El Paso County  
Treasurer for collection. She gave a brief summary of the delinquent  
stormwater fee collection process and stated there are 208 parcels which  
are ninety days or more past due.  
Councilmember Williams asked why these charges are not being paid  
since the fees are included on Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) bills and  
why the number has doubled since last year. Ms. Powers stated that due to  
certain exceptions, these accounts cannot be billed through CSU’s system,  
and the number of delinquent accounts always fluctuates from year to year.  
Councilmember Bailey asked if there is a way to streamline the collection  
process. Ms. Powers stated they follow the process outlined in City Code  
and as more parcels are moved to CSU, the number of accounts will go  
down.  
25-420  
7.G.  
A Resolution of the City of Colorado Springs approving a Service Plan  
for the Miller Downs Metropolitan District located generally northwest of  
the intersection of North Marksheffel Road and Dublin Boulevard.  
Council District #6  
Presenter:  
Allison Stocker, Senior Planner, City Planning Department  
Daniel Sexton, Planning Manager, City Planning Department  
Attachments: MillerDowns_MD_Resolution  
Eminent Domain Limits Map  
Exhibit_1_ServicePlan_ Miller Downs Metropolitan District_V2  
Exhibit_A_Legal Description  
Exhibit_B_Vicinity Map  
Exhibit_C_Initial District Boundary Map  
Exhibit_D1_List of Public Improvements  
Exhibit_D2_Financial Plan  
Exhibit_E_Description of Services  
Redlined_Comparison_to_ModelServicePlan_MillerDowns_MD  
Petitioner_Cover_Memo_MillerDowns_MD_Creation  
Allison Stocker, Senior Planner, City Planning Department, presented the  
Resolution of approving a Service Plan for the Miller Downs Metropolitan  
District located generally northwest of the intersection of North Marksheffel  
Road and Dublin Boulevard. She provided an overview of the request,  
related applications, vicinity map, Service Plan details, future bond  
issuances, Exhibit E - description of services, eminent domain, and next  
steps.  
Councilmember Donelson asked who owns the parcels. Ms. Stocker  
stated she would provide that information.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if the eminent domain for access would  
be permanent. Ms. Stocker confirmed it would be.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if there has been discussion with the  
metropolitan district. Ms. Stocker confirmed there has been discussion with  
the metropolitan district regarding how to facilitate this.  
Councilmember Donelson asked why the use of eminent domain by a  
metropolitan district has not occurred previously. Ms. Stocker stated this is  
a unique property between City and El Paso County properties with very  
limited access options.  
Councilmember Donelson asked where the nearest City roads are located.  
Ms. Stocker stated they are located on the western side.  
Councilmember Henjum asked if this property is surrounded by the City.  
Ms. Stocker stated the properties on the west and southwest sides are  
within the City and the properties to the east and north are County.  
Councilmember Henjum asked if this property is already in a metropolitan  
district. Ms. Stocker stated there is no metropolitan district for this property  
yet.  
Councilmember Williams asked if the metropolitan district would have to  
follow all the same eminent domain procedures that the City does. Ms.  
Stocker confirmed it would.  
President Pro Tem Risley asked if the power of eminent domain by a  
metropolitan district is granted under state statute. Ms. Stocker confirmed it  
is.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if the parcels were just dirt. Ms. Stocker  
stated there is not any development on the parcels.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if the City has already taken over  
responsibility for the roads in the metropolitan district. Ms. Stocker stated  
she would provide that information.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if these roads were already anticipated to  
become part of the City, and why is the applicant going through the process  
of using eminent domain. Daniel Sexton, Planning Manager, City Planning  
Department, stated the roadways within Quailbrush Creek to the west are  
public roads and are in various stages of acceptance by Public Works and  
eminent domain is being sought to date the negotiations between the  
developer for the site and the owners of the two tracks. Councilmember  
Donelson stated City Council does not know who has been the reasonable  
party in those negotiations. Mr. Sexton stated this gives the district the tools  
to enter those negotiations.  
Councilmember Leinweber asked how much information the neighbors  
were given regarding this project. Ms. Stocker stated there has been  
significant neighborhood involvement.  
Colin B. Mielke, Seter, Vander Wall & Mielke, P.C., representing the  
applicant, provided an overview of the project, district location, district  
overview, district powers, district financial information, and the negotiation  
history regarding the parcels.  
Councilmember Bailey asked when the parcels were identified as future  
public right-of-way. Mr. Mielke stated it was when the Quailbrush Creek  
plats were approved in 2015 and 2017 which was prior to anyone  
purchasing a lot and that information was available in the title  
commitments.  
Councilmember Bailey asked if there is a possibility of an egress to the  
east. Mr. Mielke stated there may be if development occurs further east.  
8. Items Under Study  
There were no Items Under Study.  
9. Councilmember Reports and Open Discussion  
President Crow-Iverson stated she and Councilmember Leinweber  
attended the Legislative Barbecue on Friday night, August 22, 2025, in  
Pueblo, CO which was very unattended due to the session in Denver, CO  
did not get out in time, but it was still a fun time.  
Councilmember Leinweber stated the fewer attendees at the Legislative  
Barbecue afforded him the opportunity to discuss keeping the Nixon Power  
Plant online to meet the City’s baseload demand for utilities. He stated he  
also attended the State of the Outdoors event at Weidner Field with  
approximately 160 to 175 attendees where they discussed the  
achievements and future of Pikes Peak America’s Mountain.  
Councilmember Henjum stated there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony  
Friday, August 29, 2025, at 10:00 AM, for the reopening of the Colorado  
Springs Senior Center.  
10. Executive Session  
10A. Open  
There was no Open Executive Session.  
10B. Closed  
25-438  
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 (f) the City  
Council, in Open Session, is to determine whether it will hold a Closed  
Executive Session. The issue to be discussed involves a personnel  
regarding the performance and qualifications of the City Auditor and  
consultation with the City Attorney regarding legal questions related to  
changes in minimum qualifications.  
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:  
Marc Smith, Acting City Attorney  
Attachments: 25-438 Closed Session memo - 8-19-25  
Ben Bolinger, Legislative Counsel, 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 a Closed Executive  
Session. The issue to be discussed involves a personnel regarding the  
performance and qualifications of the City Auditor and consultation with the  
City Attorney regarding legal questions related to changes in minimum  
qualifications.  
President Crow-Iverson 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  
Upon completion of the Closed Executive Session, there being no further  
business to come before City Council, Council adjourned at 3:03 PM.  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk