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, March 25, 2024  
10:00 AM  
Council Chambers  
How to Watch the Meeting  
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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 10:03 AM.  
6 -  
3 -  
Present  
Councilmember Yolanda Avila, Councilmember Dave Donelson, President Randy  
Helms, Councilmember Nancy Henjum, Councilmember David Leinweber, and  
Councilmember Michelle Talarico  
Excused  
President Pro Tem Lynette Crow-Iverson, Councilmember Mike O'Malley, and  
Councilmember Brian Risley  
Councilmember Avila arrived at 11:44 AM.  
2. Changes to Agenda  
There were no Changes to Agenda.  
3. Regular Meeting Comments  
There were no Regular Meeting Comments.  
4. Review of Previous Meeting Minutes  
24-162  
4.A.  
City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes March 11, 2024  
Presenter:  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk  
Attachments: 3-11-24 City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes Final  
Councilmember Henjum requested her statement in Agenda item 8.A. from  
the March 11, 2024 Work Session be amended from “Councilmember  
Henjum asked if it was a benefit to the residents and the City of Cimmaron  
Hills for it to be an enclave.” to “Councilmember Henjum asked if it is a  
benefit to the City and the residents of Cimmaron Hills for it to be an  
enclave.” Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk, stated she will make that  
correction.  
President Helms stated Councilmember O'Malley and Councilmember  
Henjum requested clarification regarding Agenda item 8.A. from the March  
11, 2024 Work Session concerning a statement from Tristan Gearhart,  
Chief Planning and Financial Officer, Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU). Ms.  
Johnson stated she will research that information and amend the minutes.  
The minutes of the March 11, 2024 Work Session were approved as  
amended by Consensus of City Council.  
5. Executive Session  
5A. Open  
24-152  
5A.A.  
Estate of Dizmang v. Reed, et al., Case No. 24-cv-00423-CNS-MDB  
Presenter:  
Wynetta Massey, City Attorney  
Attachments: 24-152 2024-03-25_Council_Memo  
Ben Bolinger, Assistant City Attorney, City Attorney’s Office, stated with the  
recommendation of the Civil Action Investigation Committee, the City is  
requesting authorization to defend the City employees.  
President Helms polled City Council regarding authorizing the City to  
represent the employees. Consensus of City Council agreed.  
5B. Closed  
6. Staff and Appointee Reports  
24-084  
6.A.  
2023 Financial Update  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: March 2024 Financial Report 2023 Update  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer, presented the 2023 financial  
update which included sales tax trends, 2023 preliminary General Fund  
(GF) summary, 2023 GF revenue/expenses, and economic indicators.  
Councilmember Henjum asked when the City will be exploring additional  
revenue sources other than sales tax. Ms. McDaniel stated there are a  
number of restrictions on revenue sources other than sales tax which are  
also subject to the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) limit.  
Councilmember Leinweber requested a representation of the growth of the  
City compared to the City’s revenue/expenditures. Ms. McDaniel stated it  
is a complicated equation due to the cost of goods and services, and  
population is not a factor in the TABOR calculation.  
Councilmember Donelson asked what labor participation rates are. Ms.  
McDaniel stated it is the number of people who are unemployed and are  
actively looking for jobs  
Councilmember Donelson stated credit card debt in the United States is at  
an all-time high and requested this rate be included in the next financial  
presentation. Ms. McDaniel agreed to include that in the next presentation.  
Councilmember Talarico asked if since only $9 million, as opposed to $11  
million, was taken out of the reserves, if that delta will go back into the  
reserve fund. Ms. McDaniel confirmed it would.  
24-141  
6.B.  
2024 City Council Redistricting Process and Timeline  
Presenter:  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk  
Attachments:  
City Council Work Session Redistricting Process Slides PP  
3-25-24.pptx  
2024 Redistrcting Timeline.xlsx  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk, provided a briefing on the 2024 City Council  
redistricting process which the City Charter requires the City Clerk to  
review the City’s six City Council district boundaries every four years. She  
gave an overview of the current districts, district requirements, City Clerk  
process, Districting Process Advisory Committee selection process, the  
responsibilities of the committee, and the timeline.  
There were no comments on this item.  
Agenda Planner Review  
24-161  
6.C.  
Presenter:  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk  
Attachments: Agenda Planner Review 3-25-24  
There were no comments on this item.  
7. Presentations for General Information  
24-170  
7.A.  
Update from Springs Rescue Mission  
Presenter:  
Jack Briggs, President & CEO, Springs Recue Mission  
Jack Briggs, President and CEO, Springs Rescue Mission (SRM),  
presented an update of the Springs Rescue Mission. He provided an  
overview of the campus, stated that their commitment is to serve their  
guests as they are, provide life-changing services, and offer a  
welcoming/safe environment for transformation. Mr. Briggs stated they want  
to see lives transformed and incentivize people. He explained that their  
mission is to mobilize the community to provide housing, health, and work  
services for people in need.  
Councilmember Henjum requested information regarding SRM’s  
partnership with the City. Mr. Briggs stated the City provided the seed  
money for the expansion of the facility in order to provide additional beds  
and they received money to support the services they provide but they do  
keep their faith-based services separate from City supported services.  
Councilmember Henjum asked how many people are not allowed to enter  
the SRM. Mr. Briggs stated they do not have the staff to treat individuals  
who have a medical condition and they restrict people who are depicting  
violent behavior.  
Councilmember Henjum requested additional information regarding the  
process during cold weather events. Steve Johnson, Community and  
Public Health Administrator, Colorado Springs Fire Department, identified  
the procedures and collaboration of agencies for individuals who may  
choose or are not allowed to seek shelter at the SRM.  
Councilmember Henjum requested there be a future presentation  
regarding the cold weather sheltering plan going forward. Mr. Johnson  
agreed to provide that information.  
Councilmember Leinweber asked why people perceive the SRM as  
unsafe. Mr. Briggs stated the very few people who have made that  
statement have never even been to the SRM and it is not a true fact.  
Councilmember Leinweber asked how the City can address respite care.  
Mr. Briggs stated they are continuing to look for solutions for the issues  
associated with respite care.  
Councilmember Leinweber asked how the SRM is involved with the judicial  
system. Mr. Briggs explained how they are involved with the Homeless  
Outreach Team, eviction court, and parole officers.  
Councilmember Leinweber asked if the SRM is in favor of the new  
proposed sit/lie Ordinance to include the boundary within one hundred  
yards of any school. Mr. Briggs stated they support the Ordinance as it is  
today because it brings people to the SRM where they can provide them  
with the assistance they need.  
Councilmember Henjum requested HOPECOS provide an update of their  
experience during the cold weather event. Melissa Oskin, Chief Executive  
Officer, Hope COS, stated they served 403 people, they are working to  
reduce that number, and introduced Joshua Trusievitz, On Point FTA, who  
provided security during the event and stated they encountered some  
individuals experiencing emotional instability/mental illness which they  
addressed respectively and spoke to them regarding the direness of the  
situation.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if the unionization of people experiencing  
homeless is a trend throughout the United States. Mr. Briggs stated he is  
unsure, but the community does organize together, especially if there is a  
legal issue involved.  
Councilmember Donelson asked why some people experiencing  
homelessness are speaking badly about the SRM. Mr. Briggs stated those  
are the individuals who dislike the rules at the SRM.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if the SRM makes people leave at a  
certain time each day. Mr. Briggs stated they do not.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if someone who has a wound would be  
allowed to stay at the SRM. Mr. Briggs confirmed they would be, but not if  
they have an injury that cannot be treated by staff at the SRM.  
Councilmember Talarico requested the process for someone leaving the  
SRM. Mr. Briggs stated they simply collect their belongings and leave.  
Councilmember Talarico asked if the SRM forces their religion on people.  
Mr. Briggs stated they have an exposure to faith, but not a requirement for  
faith.  
8. Items for Introduction  
24-101  
8.A.  
A Resolution Authorizing a Land Exchange between The City of  
Colorado Springs, Cloud Family Partnership, LLLP; and CSFM RE LLC  
Parcels  
Presenter:  
Richard Mulledy, PE, Stormwater Division Manager - City of Colorado  
Springs  
Tim Biolchini, PE, Stormwater Projects Coordinator - City of Colorado  
Springs  
Beau Thompson, PE, Civil Engineer III - City of Colorado Springs  
Attachments:  
Cloud Land Exchange_Draft Resolution_BB edits CLEAN 5-23-23 -  
djk 02-15-24  
Cloud Resolution - Exhibits 6-2-23  
Cloud Property Exchange Presentation  
Richard Mulledy, PE, Stormwater Division Manager presented the  
Resolution authorizing a land exchange between the City Cloud Family  
Partnership, LLLP; and CSFM RE LLC Parcels. He provided an overview  
of the vicinity map, City right-of-way (ROW) property, Cloud property,  
CSFM property, proposed Cloud exchange, proposed CSFM conveyance,  
and proposed City exchange.  
President Helms asked if the Cloud family or the City initiated the transfer.  
Mr. Mulledy stated the City.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if there was any objection to the  
exchange. Mr. Mulledy stated there was not.  
24-160  
8.B.  
An Ordinance amending Section 415 (Appeals) of Part 4 (General  
Procedures) of Article 5 (Administration and Enforcement) of Chapter 7  
(Unified Development Code) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs  
2001, as amended, pertaining to scheduling of hearing.  
(First Reading)  
(Legislative)  
Presenter:  
Peter Wysocki, Director, Planning + Neighborhood Services  
Mike Tassi, Assistant Planning Director, Planning + Neighborhood  
Services  
Attachments: UDC-AppealsORD-2024-2-2  
Exhibit 1 - Redline of amendment to UDC Subsection 7.5.415  
-Appeals - Scheduling of Hearing  
Peter Wysocki, Director, Planning and Neighborhood Services, presented  
the Ordinance amending City Code pertaining to scheduling of an appeal  
hearing. He stated the Unified Development Code (UDC) requires that a  
public hearing for an appeal be scheduled for the next available regular  
agenda of the appellate body and that it is at least twenty days after the  
receipt of the appeal, and it has been the experience of staff that the  
inflexibility of this provision of the UDC was creating scheduling conflicts for  
the parties involved and eliminated any flexibility for setting City Council  
agendas. Mr. Wysocki stated the proposed amendment provides a remedy  
that allows the parties, City staff and City Council a seven-day window to  
collectively agree on a date for the appeal that is within a thirty-to-sixty-day  
window after receipt of the appeal.  
President Helms stated he supports this change and it will benefit both the  
appellant and applicant.  
Councilmember Leinweber asked if the hearing could be held in less than  
thirty days. Ben Bolinger, Assistant City Attorney, City Attorney’s Office,  
explained the appeal process and why they chose the thirty-day minimum  
time frame due to the length of time the process requires.  
Councilmember Henjum asked what the benefits are. Sam Friedman,  
Constituent and Outreach Program Coordinator, City Council and  
Legislative Services, stated the biggest benefit is to City Council by vesting  
the authority of the City Council President and he does not see any  
negatives to the proposed change.  
24-111  
8.C.  
An Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 23-65 (2024 Budget  
Appropriation Ordinance) for a supplemental appropriation to the  
Conservation Trust Fund in the amount of $567,118 to address  
additional operating and capital expenditures  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Chris Fiandaca, City Budget Manager  
Kim King, Assistant Director - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services  
Attachments: 3-25-24 - 2024 CTF Supplemental - City Council - PowerPoint  
CTFSuppAppropORD-2024-03-20  
Eric Becker, Parks Maintenance and Operations Manager, Parks,  
Recreation and Cultural Services Department, presented the Ordinance for  
a supplemental appropriation to the Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) in the  
amount of $567,118 to address additional operating and capital  
expenditures. He provided an overview of the CTF, requests for a new Toro  
mower, Palmer Park remediation, and construction project in Grey Hawk  
Park, and funding plan summary.  
Councilmember Henjum asked if the foundation rock could be repurposed.  
Mr. Becker stated they will look into that.  
24-143  
8.D.  
An Ordinance Creating Section 452 (Eligible Affordable Housing  
Projects) of Part 4 (Exempt Transactions, Commodities and Persons;  
Deductions) of Article 7 (Sales And Use Tax) of Chapter 2 (Business  
Licensing, Liquor Regulation and Taxation) of The Code of the City Of  
Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, pertaining to Eligible Affordable  
Housing Projects  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: SalesTaxExemptionAffordableHousingORD-2024-03-04_Clean  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer, presented the Ordinance  
creating a new section in the Sales Tax Code to create an exemption for  
Affordable Housing Projects that are wholly or partially owned by a housing  
authority or an entity in which a housing authority has a direct ownership  
interest. She provided an overview of the sales tax refund for stated eligible  
projects which can be housing that meets the Affordable Housing income  
thresholds and Affordable Housing Projects that are solely owned by a  
developer where the Housing Authority is not involved and may still qualify  
for the refund but would not be eligible for the exemption.  
President Helms stated the Budget Committee had concerns regarding the  
potential risk of an unqualified organization receiving sales tax exemption  
status up front instead of being reimbursed after the work has been done.  
Ms. McDaniel stated the City has updated ways of reducing the risk to the  
City and this makes it easier for developers to build affordable housing  
projects.  
Councilmember Donelson stated he is concerned about the risk of fraud  
and the previous process required a Certificate of Occupancy was  
required to illustrate the completion of the project.  
Councilmember Henjum stated she supports this proposed change  
because it incentivizes affordable housing projects and saves the City staff  
time due the time involved in the verification process.  
Councilmember Henjum asked how the City will address the risk of fraud.  
Jackie Rowland, City Auditor, asked how the verification process will  
address the risk on the front side of the project. Ms. McDaniel explained  
that due to the pool for this type of exemption being small and the  
certificate being tied to a particular qualifying project, it would limit the  
City’s exposure to fraud.  
Councilmember Henjum asked if the tax-exempt project could be audited  
after the construction is completed. Ms. McDaniel stated they will look into  
that process.  
Councilmember Leinweber stated he would like the City Auditor’s Office to  
be involved in the auditing process.  
Councilmember Donelson stated he is also skeptical of moving forward  
with this change.  
24-164  
8.E.  
An Ordinance Amending Section 202 (Definitions) of Part 2 (Definitions)  
of Article 1 (Administration and Enforcement) and Section 102 (Careless  
Driving) of Article 6 (Reckless Driving and Careless Driving) of Chapter  
10 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic) of the Code of the City of Colorado  
Springs 2001, as amended  
Presenter:  
Commander John Koch, Colorado Springs Police Department  
Emily Vandenberg, Prosecuting Attorney, City Attorney’s Office  
Attachments: CSPD-Careless-Ch_10-ORD-2024-03-12  
2024 Careless Driving - Injury Expired Registration Display  
Commander John Koch, Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD),  
presented the Ordinances pertaining to careless driving-injury and display  
of license plates. He provided an overview of the current practice, current  
violation information, proposed Ordinances, reasons behind the change,  
and implementation.  
Councilmember Henjum asked why the number of citations issued  
decreased. Commander Koch stated it is due to staffing issues.  
President Helms stated he supports this item moving forward.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if the State is keeping the penalties for  
proof of registration. Emily Vandenberg, Prosecuting Attorney, City  
Attorney’s Office, explained the differences between the State provisions  
and City provisions regarding the correct display of license plates and valid  
current registration displayed.  
Councilmember Donelson asked what the fine would be. Ms. Vanderberg  
stated that the amount would be determined by Chief Municipal Judge  
HayDen Kane.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if a person in violation would be required  
to pay both the State and City penalties. Commander Koch stated they  
cannot cite into both courts so the Officer would have to cite either  
municipal or state, not both.  
24-165  
8.F.  
An Ordinance Amending Section 202 (Definitions) of Part 2 (Definitions)  
of Article 1 (Administration and Enforcement) and Creating Section 232  
(License Plates Displayed) of Part 2 (Vehicle Equipment and Inspection)  
of Article 22 (Vehicle Equipment and Inspection) of Chapter 10 (Motor  
Vehicles and Traffic) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001,  
As Amended; Pertaining to Display of License Plates.  
Presenter:  
Commander John Koch, Colorado Springs Police Department  
Emily Vandenberg, Prosecuting Attorney, City Attorney’s Office  
Attachments: CSPD-LicensePlates-Ch_10-ORD-2024-03-12  
2024 Careless Driving - Injury Expired Registration Display  
Please see comments in Agenda item 8.E.  
24-166  
8.G.  
An Ordinance Amending Section 104 (Right to Trial By Jury; Jail;  
Exceptions) of Part 1 (Trial by Jury) of Article 4 (Jury Provision) of  
Chapter 11 (Municipal Court) of the Code of the City of Colorado  
Springs 2001, as amended, pertaining to Careless Driving.  
Presenter:  
Commander John Koch, Colorado Springs Police Department  
Emily Vandenberg, Prosecuting Attorney, City Attorney’s Office  
Attachments: CSPD-Careless-Ch_11-ORD-2024-03-12  
2024 Careless Driving - Injury Expired Registration Display  
Please see comments in Agenda item 8.E.  
24-134  
8.H.  
An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 23-63 (An Ordinance Repealing  
Ordinance No. 22-89 and Adopting the City of Colorado Springs 2024  
Salary Structure for Civilian and Sworn Municipal Employees) to  
Reclassify the Position of City Council Administrator within the Salary  
Schedule  
Presenter:  
Randy Helms, Council President  
Attachments: 24-134 City Council Administrator Salary Schedule Change Ordinance  
President Helms presented the Ordinance to reclassify the position of City  
Council Administrator within the 2024 Salary Schedule to align the  
band/zone salary of the City Council Administrator with current job  
duties/responsibilities and would increase the salary of the City Council  
Administrator.  
There were no comments on this item.  
24-135  
8.I.  
An Ordinance amending Section 2(B) of Ordinance No. 23-64, And  
Amending Section 3 Of Ordinance No. 18-120 (An Ordinance  
Appointing The City Council Administrator And Setting The Salary Of  
The City Council Administrator), And Prescribing The Salary Of The City  
Council Administrator.  
Presenter:  
Randy Helms, Council President  
Attachments: 24-135 City Council Administrator 2024 Salary Ordinance  
Please see comments in Agenda item 8.H.  
24-146  
8.J.  
A Resolution Adopting the City Council’s Annual Report to the Citizens  
for April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024  
Presenter:  
Emily Evans, City Council Administrator  
Alex Ryden, City Council Senior Public Communications Specialist  
Attachments: Annual Report Res 24  
City Council-2024 Annual Report F2 Digital  
Alex Ryden, City Council Communications Specialist, gave a brief  
background and the process for creating the City Council annual report to  
the Citizens for April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024. He identified some of the  
highlights for the report which included the year in review, new  
Councilmembers, strategic plan update, City Budget overview, City  
Council/Mayor collaborations, noteworthy items, community event, update  
of the boards/commissions/committees, Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU)  
Board, and legislative services. Mr. Ryden requested feedback regarding  
any additions or changes from City Council.  
Councilmember Henjum asked how many reports have been sent out. Mr.  
Ryden stated he will provide that information.  
Councilmember Avila asked if the currently seated Councilmembers could  
be listed in the section of new Councilmembers and Colorado Springs  
Utilities Board who are joining the current Councilmembers. Mr. Ryden  
agreed to include that information.  
9. Items Under Study  
There were no Items Under Study.  
10. Councilmember Reports and Open Discussion  
Councilmember Henjum stated she attended the Silver Key Meal Making  
event, open house event for the new Colorado Springs Utilities valves  
being put in at Academy Boulevard/Austin Bluffs Parkway, State of  
Downtown event, We Fortify fundraiser, and Colorado Springs Fire  
Department (CSFD) Fire Ball, and that she met the Bishop of the Anglican  
Church of Rwanda and had a joint conversation with him and the Men of  
Influence regarding having conversations around profound differences in  
conflict and reconciliation with violence.  
Councilmember Leinweber stated he attended the We Fortify fundraiser  
and State of Downtown event, and there will be a press release for an  
initiative for the City on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 10:30 AM.  
Councilmember Talarico stated she attended the State of Downtown, We  
Fortify luncheon, and read the Proclamation for Women’s Month at the  
Pikes Peak Women event on March 20, 2024 where Councilmember  
Henjum was recognized for her achievements.  
Councilmember Avila stated she attended the Pikes Peak Women event,  
John Adams School, where she was interviewed by third and fourth  
graders, and Harrison High School fundraiser for dance  
costumes/transportation.  
President Helms stated he attended the CSFD Fire Ball and announced  
the Civilian of the Year award went to Jim Weber, the Firefighter of the Year  
award went to Driver Engineer Louise Pacheco, and the CSFD Career  
Achievement award went to Driver/Engineer Tony Seely. He stated  
Councilmember Leinweber and Councilmember Risley conducted a town  
hall meeting on March 13, 2024 and will be holding another one on April 3,  
2024.  
11. Adjourn  
There being no further business to come before City Council, President  
Helms adjourned the meeting at 2:34 PM.  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk