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, July 24, 2023  
10:00 AM  
Council Chambers  
How to Watch the Meeting  
Coloradosprings.gov/springstv | Facebook Live: Colorado Springs City Council  
Facebook Page @coscity Council | SPRINGS TV - Comcast Channel 18 / 880 (HD)  
- Stratus IQ Channel 76 / 99 (Streaming)  
Estimated agenda item times are provided for planning purposes and do not constitute notice  
of a specific time for any item. Items may take more or less time than estimated. City Council  
may amend the order of items.  
1. Call to Order and Roll Call  
8 -  
Present  
Councilmember Yolanda Avila, President Pro Tem Lynette Crow-Iverson,  
Councilmember Dave Donelson, President Randy Helms, Councilmember Nancy  
Henjum, Councilmember David Leinweber, Councilmember Brian Risley, and  
Councilmember Michelle Talarico  
1 - Councilmember Mike O'Malley  
Excused  
Councilmember Henjum left the meeting at approximately 11:00 AM and  
returned at approximately 1:00 PM.  
2. Changes to Agenda  
There were no Changes to Agenda.  
3. Regular Meeting Comments  
23-363  
3.A.  
Discussion of a request to postpone an appeal of the Planning  
Commission’s decision to affirm the administrative decision for the  
approval of a multi-family residential development plan, known as  
Launchpad Apartments, located at 864 North 19th Street to the August 8,  
2023 Regular City Council meeting.  
(Quasi-Judicial)  
Related Files: APPL-23-0002  
Presenter:  
William Gray, Senior Planner, Planning and Community Development  
Peter Wysocki, Director of Planning and Community Development  
Attachments: Appellant Request for Postponement_06092023  
Exhibit 1 - Appellant Request for Postponement & Addendum  
Exhibit 1 - Applicant's Appeal Presentation  
Exhibit 2 - Appeal Application  
Exhibit 2 - Community Leader & Neighbor Support Letters  
Exhibit 3 - Public Comment  
Opposition to Postponement  
Position Statement in Opposition to Appeal  
Appellant Document: 1999 Landslides Engineering Report SQUIRE  
Appellant Document: Deficiencies Geologic Hazard Study  
Appellant Document: Hofstead Landslide 1999  
Appellant Document: Transcript Neighborhood Meeting 09.26.22  
Appellant Document: Uphill Neighbor Letter 06.06.23  
Appellant Document: Uphill Neighbor Letter 07.11.23  
Appellant Request for Postponement 06.09.23  
President Helms introduced the discussion of the appellant’s request to  
postpone an appeal of the Planning Commission’s decision to affirm the  
administrative decision for the approval of a multi-family residential  
development plan, known as Launchpad Apartments, located at 864 North  
19th Street to the August 8, 2023 Regular City Council meeting. He stated  
today’s discussion is not a hearing, just a discussion regarding whether to  
postpone.  
Scott Hiller, representing the appellant, read a letter from Tracy Bradford  
who spoke in opposition of the proposed development and requested a  
postponement due to a death in her family. Mr. Hiller stated they are also  
requesting a postponement due to an incomplete geologic hazard report.  
David McConkie, Cohen-Esrey, representing the applicant, stated they are  
opposed to the postponement due to the appellant’s incorrect claim of  
entitlement to postpone from an obsolete and deleted City Code provision,  
the appellant has not met their burden to show good cause to postpone the  
hearing, and the appellant received the notice and transcript of the  
Planning Commission meeting in plenty of time.  
President Helms stated he supports a two-week postponement due to the  
amount of time, energy, and effort this appeal would take and the number of  
additional land use items on tomorrow’s agenda.  
Ben Bolinger, Legislative Counsel, City Attorney’s Office, reminded  
everyone that today’s discussion should only concern the request for  
postponement and not the review criteria for the appeal.  
Councilmember Donelson asked why the appellant is asking for a  
postponement until September, 2023. Mr. Hiller stated it is to allow enough  
time for the Colorado Geological Survey (CGS) to review of the geological  
hazard report.  
Mr. Bolinger stated that the referral of the review of the geological hazard  
report should be noticed at a hearing.  
President Helms polled Council regarding supporting a postponement to  
the August 8, 2023 City Council meeting at tomorrow’s meeting.  
Consensus of Council agreed to the postponement.  
Councilmember Talarico disclosed that she received a request to recuse  
herself due to her company’s donations to non-profit agencies which did  
not include the Launchpad Apartments project and stated she is able to  
remain fair and impartial for the hearing.  
4. Review of Previous Meeting Minutes  
23-371  
4.A.  
City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes July 10, 2023  
Presenter:  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk  
Attachments: 7-10-23 City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes Final  
Councilmember Donelson requested the minutes be amended to reflect his  
comments on Agenda item 8.A. to reflect that there is no plan to raise  
money for the other ninety percent of the project, no location has been  
selected, and the City has previously requested the retention of excess  
Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) revenue from voters. Dena Lozano,  
Deputy City Clerk, agreed to make the requested change.  
Councilmember Henjum asked if Councilmember requested amendments  
are verified against the video before changes are made. Ms. Lozano  
confirmed they are.  
The minutes of the July 10, 2023 Work Session were approved as  
amended by Consensus of City Council.  
5. Presentations for General Information  
23-335  
5.A.  
Colorado Springs Health Foundation Update  
Presenter:  
Cari Davis, Executive Director, Colorado Springs Health Foundation  
Attachments: COS CIty Council Briefing_24Jul23 - CSHF  
Cari Davis, Executive Director, Colorado Springs Health Foundation  
(CSHF), provided an overview of the history of the foundation, mission,  
vision, values, funding focus areas, Board of Trustees/staff, asset/payout  
parameters, total grant dollars paid out, grant examples, City related grants  
to date, and outreach.  
Councilmember Avila expressed appreciation for the Peak Vista clinic  
located in District 4.  
Councilmember Risley asked how much their annual operating costs are.  
Ms. Davis stated approximately $560,000.  
Councilmember Risley asked how the payout of five percent could be  
increased even if it is for a one-time purpose. Ms. Davis stated that it would  
require a change in the bylaws and investment policies.  
President Pro Tem Crow-Iverson asked if the corpus used to be higher.  
Ms. Davis confirmed it was and explained the decrease value of the  
investments over the past few years.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if the CSHF would fund a police training  
center. Ms. Davis went over their criteria for funding projects.  
Councilmember Talarico encouraged Councilmembers to tour the Safe  
Passage facility.  
6. Staff and Appointee Reports  
23-386  
6.A.  
2024 Colorado Springs Police Department Budget Recommendation  
from Law Enforcement Transparency and Advisory Commission  
(LETAC)  
Presenter:  
Randy Helms, Council President & Councilmember District 2  
Yolanda Avila, Councilmember District 4  
D’Ontay Roy, Chair, Law Enforcement Transparency and Advisory  
Commission  
Brent Windebank, Vice Chair, Law Enforcement Transparency and  
Advisory Commission  
Attachments: LETAC 2024 CSPD Budget Considerations and Recommendations  
D’Ontay Roy, Chair, Law Enforcement Transparency and Accountability  
Commission (LETAC), presented the recommendation concerning  
Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) budget from the LETAC. He  
provided an overview of the background, LETAC budget priories, priorities  
with justification/corresponding General Fund account numbers, and  
recommendations, and individual commissioner comments.  
President Helms stated the Budget Committee supported the LETAC  
recommendations and polled City Council regarding their support.  
Consensus of Council supported the recommendations.  
Councilmember Henjum asked if LETAC supports the ballot initiative for  
the retention of excess Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) funds for  
construction of a police training facility. Jim Mason, Chair of LETAC’s  
Budget Committee, confirmed they do.  
23-369  
6.B.  
Agenda Planner Review  
Presenter:  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk  
Attachments: Agenda Planner Review 7-24-23  
There were no comments on this item.  
7. Items for Introduction  
23-311  
7.A.  
Ordinance No. 23-44 including certain property into the boundaries of the  
Creekwalk Marketplace Business Improvement District  
(Legislative)  
Presenter:  
Mike Tassi, Assistant Director, Planning & Community Development  
Peter Wysocki, Director, Planning & Community Development  
Attachments: Ordinance  
Exhibit A - Petition for Inclusion  
Exhibit B - Proof of Publication  
Revised Cover Letter to Colorado Springs BID Inclusion  
Notice of Inclusion  
Petition for Inclusion  
Staff PowerPoint  
Mike Tassi, Assistant Director, Planning and Development Department,  
presented the Ordinance including certain property into the Creekwalk  
Marketplace Business Improvement District (BID). He provided a  
background of the BID, summary of inclusions, existing boundaries,  
proposed inclusions, and staff recommendation.  
President Helms asked if there were any cons to moving these parcels into  
the BID. Mr. Tassi stated he is not aware of any.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if there are any examples of where there  
would be a downside or harm to the BID regarding the inclusion. Mr. Tassi  
stated he will look into that.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if water, wastewater, gas, and electric  
are private utilities. Mr. Tassi stated that water and wastewater are public  
utilities, and he will research gas and electric.  
23-336  
7.B.  
A Resolution approving an Economic Development Agreement between  
the City of Colorado Springs and Project Bullseye  
Presenter:  
Bob Cope, Economic Development Officer  
Shawna Lippert, Senior Economic Development Specialist  
Attachments: RES_ProjectBullseye_2023  
Project Bullseye Economic Development Agreement  
Bullseye EDA Presentation_WORK  
Signed Resolution No. 110-23.pdf  
Bob Cope, Economic Development Officer, presented the Resolution  
approving an Economic Development Agreement (EDA) between the City  
and Project Bullseye. He provided an overview of Project Bullseye, the  
proposed EDA, EDA requirements, ten-year expansion: economic impact,  
expansion: fiscal impact, expansion: calculation of incentives, ten-year  
retention: economic impact, retention: fiscal impact, combined (expansion  
and retention) economic impacts, combined: fiscal impacts, financial  
safeguards, consistency with the City’s Strategic Plan, and staff  
recommendation.  
Councilmember Avila asked if they work with the Chamber and EDC  
regarding projects like this. Mr. Cope confirmed they do.  
23-360  
7.C.  
Ordinance No. 23-45 amending Ordinance No. 22-90 (2023 Budget  
Appropriation Ordinance) for a supplemental appropriation to the Public  
Safety Sales Tax (PSST) Fund in the amount of $2,000,000, and to the  
General Fund in the amount of $1,000,000, for additional capital costs  
for construction of Fire Station 24 and remodel of an existing fire station  
in Colorado Centre that will become Fire Station 25; and to the Capital  
Improvements Program (CIP) Fund in the amount of $1,000,000 for the  
transfer from the General Fund to the Fire Station 24 existing project  
account  
Presenter:  
Chris Fiandaca, City Budget Manager  
Randy Royal, Fire Chief  
Attachments:  
Ordinance for Supplemental Approp-PSST and GF and CIP for FS 24  
and 25  
Chris Fiandaca, City Budget Manager, presented the Ordinance for a  
supplemental appropriation to the Public Safety Sales Tax (PSST) Fund in  
the amount of $2,000,000 and to the General Fund in the amount of  
$1,000,000 for additional capital costs for construction of Fire Station 24  
and remodel of an existing fire station in Colorado Centre that will become  
Fire Station 25; and to the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Fund in  
the amount of $1,000,000 for the transfer from the General Fund to the Fire  
Station 24 existing project account. She stated the costs of construction  
have exceeded the original estimates, this represents an accumulation of  
sales tax revenue which exceeded the budget for 2021 and 2022, and this  
item has already gone before the Budget Committee.  
Councilmember Risley asked what the original budget for these projects  
were. Ms. Fiandaca stated $8.5 million for Fire Station 24 and 2.2 million  
for Fire Station 25.  
Councilmember Donelson and President Helms stated the Budget  
Committee supports this item.  
23-361  
7.D.  
Ordinance No. 23-46 amending Ordinance No. 22-90 (2023  
Appropriation Ordinance) for a Supplemental Appropriation to the  
Memorial Health System Enterprise Fund in the amount of $1,465,848  
for monies due to UCH-MHS for the periodic reconciliation with UC  
Health  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: Supplemental Approp Ord for MHS to UCH recon payment  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer, presented the Ordinance for a  
supplemental appropriation to the Memorial Health System Enterprise  
Fund in the amount of $1,465,848 for monies due to UCH-MHS for the  
periodic reconciliation with UC Health. She stated this does not affect the  
General Fund.  
Councilmember Donelson stated this item had full support from the Budget  
Committee.  
8. Items Under Study  
There were no Items Under Study.  
9. Executive Session  
9A. Open  
There was no Open Executive Session.  
9B. Closed  
23-340  
9B.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 issues to be discussed involve  
consultation with the City Attorney, discussing strategy for negotiations,  
and instructing negotiators regarding (i) a land acquisition by the  
Municipal Airport enterprise and (ii) an economic development  
agreement.  
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: 23-340 Closed Session memo - airport land & Econ Dev  
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 an electronic Closed  
Executive Session. The issues to be discussed involve consultation with  
the City Attorney, discussing strategy for negotiations, and instructing  
negotiators regarding (i) a land acquisition by the Municipal Airport  
enterprise and (ii) an economic development agreement.  
President Helms polled City Council regarding the desire to proceed with  
an electronic Closed Executive Session. At least two-thirds of City Council  
agreed to proceed in an electronic Closed Executive Session.  
10. Councilmember Reports and Open Discussion  
ouncilmember Leinweber stated he has been very busy preparing a  
document for City Council regarding what he feels Council should be doing  
regarding mental health in the community, he attended the Fountain Creek  
Watershed District meeting where they are looking at possibly raising the  
mill levy for additional funding, and he and Councilmember Talarico  
participated in appointing two new members on the Parks Advisory Board.  
Councilmember Talarico stated she and Councilmember Risley attended  
the Downtown Partnership Meet and Greet for District 3 at Trainwreck, she  
and Councilmember Avila attended the mock electricity council meeting for  
sixth to ninth graders held at Hillside Community Center, she attended the  
Greater Westside Community Working Group plan meeting for the Town  
Hall meeting hosted by the Council of Organizations and Neighbors  
(CONO), where she and Mayor Yemi will participate this Friday, July 28,  
2023, she attended the Greater Westside Community Center Working  
Group working session last week, and the groundbreaking ceremony for  
the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA) project at  
Marksheffel Road where Councilmember O’Malley spoke.  
Councilmember Avila stated she and Councilmember Talarico attended  
the mock council meeting for sixth to ninth graders from Deerfield Hills  
Community Center and Hillside Community Center, Phill Wiser, Attorney  
General, will be at Carmel Community School on July 26, 2023 to discuss  
the merger between Kroger and Albertson’s regarding the recent closer of  
King Soopers in District 4 for which a Town Hall meeting was held in  
Panorama Park which is becoming a very activated park, and there will be  
a listening session on August 4, 2023 with Mayor Yemi.  
Councilmember Risley stated he attended the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo  
on two separate evenings, he and Councilmember Talarico attended the  
Downtown Partnership Meet and Greet for District 3 at Trainwreck, and he  
has had several conversations with local school districts regarding  
workforce development.  
Councilmember Henjum stated she and Mayor Yemi attended the CONO  
meeting with District 5B, and she participated in a panel with the El Pomar  
Foundation regarding civic engagement.  
President Pro Tem Crow-Iverson stated on Thursday, she chaired her first  
Audit Committee meeting and the City’s results came back completely  
clean,  
President Helms stated he and the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural  
Department held a listening Town Hall last week in District 2 for the Grey  
Hawk neighborhood, the groundbreaking ceremony for the PPRTA project  
at Marksheffel Road, the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, and he and  
Councilmember Donelson attended the Korean War Armistice Day  
Memorial service at Memorial Park.  
11. Adjourn  
There being no further business to come before City Council, Council  
adjourned.  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk