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 22, 2024  
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  
President Helms called the meeting to order at 10:00 AM.  
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  
2. Changes to Agenda  
There were no Changes to Agenda.  
3. Regular Meeting Comments  
President Helms stated Councilmember Risley requested item 4B.D. be  
removed from the July 23, 2024 City Council meeting Consent Calendar.  
Councilmember Risley stated this item will be tabled until the exhibits are  
updated with the correct information.  
Consensus of City Council agreed to this change.  
4. Review of Previous Meeting Minutes  
24-389  
4.A.  
City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes July 8, 2024  
Presenter:  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk  
Attachments: 7-8-24 City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes Final  
The minutes of the July 8, 2024 Work Session were approved by  
Consensus of City Council.  
5. Executive Session  
5A. Open  
5A.A.  
24-387  
Jacob Root vs Officer Robert Comstock and the City of Colorado  
Springs 1:24-cv-1293-MEH  
Presenter:  
Wynetta Massey, City Attorney  
Attachments: 24-387 Council Memo Root Final  
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 Officer.  
President Helms polled City Council regarding authorizing the City to  
represent the Officer. Consensus of City Council agreed.  
5B. Closed  
There was no Closed Executive Session.  
6. Presentations for General Information  
24-329  
6.A.  
Common Sense Institute Colorado Springs Housing Affordability Report  
Presenter:  
Dr. Steven Byers and Peter Lifari  
Attachments: Colorado Springs Housing Affordability Powerpoint (1)  
CSI_Colorado Springs Housing Affordability Report  
Katie Sunderlin, Acting Chief Housing Officer, Housing and Community  
Vitality Department, introduced Dr. Steven Byers, Common Sense Institute  
(CSI) Senior Economist, who provided an overview of the CSI Colorado  
Springs Housing Affordability Report, mission statement, housing deficit,  
housing affordability, rising costs, household income, and permitting.  
Councilmember Donelson requested additional regarding second homes.  
Dr. Byers stated these are homes which are not available for rent, long  
term rental, or for sale.  
Councilmember Donelson asked how many second homes there are. Dr.  
Byers stated he does not have a number but will provide the percentage  
and explained how they calculate the shortage.  
President Helms asked how they will increase the number of permits. Dr.  
Byers stated when land gets more affordable, there will be more  
development in lower priced homes.  
Councilmember Henjum asked how much the City’s housing stock is part  
of the overall problem. Dr. Byers stated interest rates and people moving to  
Colorado Springs are big components of unaffordability and the City needs  
to look at zoning in order to increase density.  
Councilmember Henjum asked how the private sector can help the solution.  
Dr. Byers stated home builders will need to use new technology, materials,  
and new designs, to build more affordably.  
24-400  
6.B.  
Colorado Springs Sports Corp - 2024 mid-year Lodgers and Auto  
Rental Tax (LART) contract update to City Council  
Presenter:  
Davis Tutt, Director of Sports Tourism & Olympic Engagement,  
Colorado Springs Sports Corp  
Attachments: CS Sports Corp - 2024 City Council LART Report  
Davis Tutt, Director of Sports Tourism and Olympic Engagement, Colorado  
Springs Sports Corp, provided a brief overview of Colorado Springs  
Sports Corp’s mission, who they are, key performance indicators (KPI),  
2024 endorsed events, Development Players League - Spring Showcase,  
the Business of Running Events, Adrenaline Lacross Western Shootout,  
2024 growth, future projects in progress, Department of Defense Warrior  
Games, and 2024 events.  
President Helms requested additional information regarding the estimated  
15,100 room nights generated in 2023 and 40,000 room nights in 2024.  
Mr. Tuff stated it is due to going after larger traveling events.  
7. Staff and Appointee Reports  
24-368  
7.A.  
Wildfire Mitigation Update from Colorado Springs Fire Department  
Presenter:  
Brett Lacey, Fire Marshall  
Attachments: Wildfire City Council Presentation  
Brett Lacey, Fire Marshall, Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD),  
introduced the Wildfire Mitigation Update from Colorado Springs Fire  
Department (CSFD).  
Ashley Whitworth, Wildfire Mitigation Program Administrator CSFD,  
provided an overview of the Wildfire Mitigation Program, 2D Taxpayer Bill  
of Rights (TABOR) funds spending as of May 2024, current grant funding,  
and future grant funding.  
Councilmember Henjum asked how CSFD is collaborating with the Friends  
of Palmer Park group. Ms. Whitworth stated anytime they get a grant or do  
large project work, they hold a public meeting with the communities that  
surround that area and that they did hold a public meeting with this area.  
Cory Ashby, Fuels/Project Program Administrator, CSFD, identified the  
Fishers Canyon Mitigation Project, Austin Bluffs Fuels mitigation, Cedar  
Heights mitigation, Stratton Open Space Mitigation Project, Palmer Park  
Project/Slope map, and Homeowners Association (HOA)/Neighborhood  
Projects - TABOR.  
Councilmember Henjum asked how the public has been educated  
regarding what the markings that CSFD uses on the trees mean. Mr. Ashby  
stated they created signage to illustrate what the markings mean.  
Councilmember Talarico asked if the contract for mitigation has been  
awarded yet. Ms. Whitworth stated they have chosen the contractor, but  
they are waiting on some of the funding pieces to be finalized.  
Ms. Whitworth went over the community support they have received.  
Councilmember Leinweber asked what the timeframe is for large  
re-mitigation projects. Fire Marshall stated it depends on the weather. Mr.  
Ashby stated retreatment cycles are dependent on the type of vegetation  
and moisture and oak stands are generally between five and ten years.  
24-388  
7.B.  
Agenda Planner Review  
Presenter:  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk  
Attachments: Agenda Planner Review 7-22-24  
There were no comments on this item.  
8. Items for Introduction  
24-370  
8.A.  
A Resolution declaring the intent of the City of Colorado Springs,  
Colorado to carry forward its 2024 allocation of private activity bonds for  
the purpose of constructing multi-family housing for low-and  
middle-income families or persons.  
Presenter:  
Katie Sunderlin, Acting Chief Housing Officer, Housing and Community  
Vitality Department  
Attachments: 2024 COS Carryforward - Inducement Resolution  
2024 PAB Carryforward  
Signed Resolution No. 101-24.pdf  
Katie Sunderlin, Acting Chief Housing Officer, Housing and Community  
Vitality Department, presented the Resolution declaring the intent of the  
City to carry forward its 2024 allocation of private activity bonds (PAB) for  
the purpose of constructing multi-family housing for low-and middle-income  
families or persons. She provided an overview of the private activity bonds  
(PAB) 2024 allocations, carryforward purposes, use and carryforward  
options, available PAB, and progress on previously issued projects.  
Councilmember Henjum requested additional information regarding Royal  
Pines. Ms. Sunderlin stated the last briefing received from the  
neighborhood report was in the middle of July, 2024 and they are now  
waiting for a determination from the court.  
Councilmember Henjum asked what other projects have requested PAB.  
Ms. Sunderlin stated there are currently three other development projects  
under study.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if how the project will be received by the  
neighborhood is factored in before issuing PAB. Ms. Sunderlin stated  
readiness to receive is factored into their review before issuing PAB.  
Councilmember Donelson requested that the City not choose projects with  
strong resistance or opposition from the neighborhood.  
Councilmember Talarico asked if a carryforward impacts the amount the  
City receives for the next year. Ms. Sunderlin stated it does not, they are  
completely separate, and the allocation is based on population.  
24-392  
8.B.  
A Resolution Submitting To The Registered Qualified Electors Of The  
City Of Colorado Springs, Colorado, At The Coordinated Election  
Conducted By Mail Ballot To Be Held On Tuesday, November 5, 2024,  
The Question Of Extending For Ten (10) Years The Existing 0.57%  
Temporary City Sales And Use Tax For Road Repairs And  
Improvements Within The City, As A Continuation Of A Voter-Approved  
Revenue Change; Providing For The Form Of The Ballot Title And Text;  
Providing For Certain Matters With Respect To The Election; And  
Providing The Effective Date Of This Resolution  
Presenter:  
Yemi Mobolade, Mayor  
Travis Easton, P.E., Deputy Chief of Staff - Infrastructure and  
Development  
Richard Mulledy, PE, Public Works Director  
Gayle Sturdivant, PE, PMP, Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer  
Attachments: 1_BallotRoadRepairImprovementsExtension2024-RES  
2_ RES Exhibit A - Planned Paving List  
2C3 Roadway Maintenance Presentation  
Signed Resolution No. 102-24.pdf  
Mayor Yemi introduced the Resolution submitting to the registered,  
qualified electors of the City the question of extending for a ten-year period  
the temporary sales and use tax for road repairs and improvements at a  
rate of 0.57 percent as a voter approved revenue change (2C3), identified  
the accomplishments and progress achieved due to the 2C ballot initiative,  
and requested City Council approve putting in on the November 2024  
ballot.  
Gayle Sturdivant, Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer provided a  
brief overview of 2C, the importance of maintenance, accomplishments of  
2C, how 2C is managed, 2015 system condition, 2020 system condition,  
current system condition, and projected system condition. She identified  
2C methodology, what is next for 2C, draft ballot question, and 2C 2026  
through 2035.  
Councilmember Henjum asked how the percentage of funding which goes  
toward curb, gutter, and sidewalks is determined. Ms. Sturdivant stated  
when they do an evaluation on existing roadways which need  
improvements, they also look at the condition of the curb and gutter to see  
if water is going to continue to do damage to the roadway, and if it is, they  
will do a replacement. She stated they also have a commitment due to the  
Creek settlement to upgrade 14,000 sidewalk ramps for Americans with  
Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.  
Councilmember Risley asked what the cost will be to place this item on the  
November ballot. Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk, stated they will not know  
the exact cost until July 26, 2024, but the approximate amount is $400,000  
to $600,000.  
Councilmember Risley asked if the cost would increase if an additional  
item were placed on the ballot. Ms. Johnson stated it may if it requires  
something extra such as an additional ballot sheet.  
Councilmember Henjum asked if this ballot item would be numbered 2C  
again. Ms. Johnson stated she refers to this initiative as the road tax  
question and it would depend on the number of ballot questions that other  
jurisdictions submit to El Paso County, but she will try as hard as possible  
to keep it as ballot question 2C.  
24-396  
8.C.  
An Ordinance Submitting A Charter Amendment To The Registered  
Electors Of The City Of Colorado Springs, Colorado, At The  
Coordinated Election Conducted By Mail Ballot To Be Held On  
November 5, 2024, Adding A New Section 15-130 Of The City Charter  
Prohibiting Retail Marijuana Establishments  
Presenter:  
Lynette Crow-Iverson, President Pro Tem and Councilmember At Large  
Attachments: CO Springs rec mj charter ordinance_07.17.2024.docx  
President Pro Tem Crow-Iverson presented the Ordinance submitting a  
Charter amendment to the registered electors of the City at the November  
5, 2024 Coordinated Election, adding a new Section 15-130 prohibiting  
retail marijuana establishments. She stated the citizens have already voted  
against recreational marijuana in the City and this Charter amendment  
would prevent the issue from coming back every two to four years.  
Councilmember Avila asked if this initiative would supersede the citizen  
initiative for recreational marijuana if both questions were passed by  
voters. Ben Bolinger, Assistant City Attorney, stated it is unlikely both  
questions would pass because they are directly contrary to one another but  
if it happened, a Charter provision would supersede an Ordinance.  
Councilmember Avila asked if the petition currently being circulated is for a  
Charter amendment or an Ordinance. Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk, stated  
the Petitioner’s Group had a choice and chose initiated Ordinance.  
President Helms asked what the impact would be to this proposed Charter  
amendment if the Federal government decriminalizes recreational  
marijuana. Mr. Bolinger stated hypothetically, they would follow State law  
regulation.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if recreational marijuana could still be  
sold out of another business which is not classified as a recreational  
marijuana establishment such as a convenience store. Mr. Bolinger stated  
if a convenience store is selling recreational marijuana, it could then be  
considered a recreational marijuana establishment. Wynetta Massey, City  
Attorney, stated when they have had these prior Ordinance initiatives come  
forward, they have made sure that they mirror the State Constitutional law  
relating to retail marijuana so when they use the phrase of “retail marijuana  
establishment”, they are also using the definition in the Colorado  
Constitution which would include any entity that is selling retail marijuana.  
She explained that in order to change the definition of “retail marijuana  
establishment”, there would need to be an amendment to the Colorado  
Constitution which would require a vote of the people.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if there are any other instances within the  
City in which it is illegal to sell something which is legal to be sold  
elsewhere. Ms. Massey confirmed there are a number of regulatory  
schemes on different types of products such as tobacco. Ms. Johnson  
stated when the State law was put into place for medical or  
recreational/retail marijuana, it set up a licensing structure which states  
legal sales of medical or retail/recreational must be done at a dispensary  
or a center.  
Councilmember Henjum asked when the curing period for the citizen  
initiative will end. Ms. Johnson stated the Petitioner’s Committee has until  
5:00 PM on August 9, 2024 to supplement their filing and then the City  
Clerk’s Office will need at least two weeks to verify if they have reached the  
threshold for sufficiency.  
Councilmember Henjum stated Charter amendments can be very impactful  
and it is sometimes difficult to see the economic impacts down the road.  
Councilmember Leinweber asked if this proposed Charter amendment  
fails if that would be a statement that there should be recreational  
marijuana sales within the City. President Pro Tem Crow-Iverson stated the  
ballot initiative in favor of recreational marijuana failed by a vote of the  
people two years ago and feels they need to let citizens speak again.  
24-397  
8.D.  
An Ordinance Amending Section 303 (Commercial And Industrial Uses)  
Of Part 3 (Use-Specific Standards) Of Article 3 (Use Regulations) Of  
Chapter 7 (Unified Development Code) Of The Code Of The City Of  
Colorado Springs 2001, As Amended, Pertaining To Recreational  
Marijuana Land Use Regulations  
Presenter:  
Lynette Crow-Iverson, President Pro Tem and Councilmember At Large  
Attachments: Draft Ordinance to City Council CAO Approved  
Staff Report - RMS Council Ordinance Referral v3  
UDC 7.5.702 Text changes  
UDC 7.3.303 Marijuana-Related Uses  
City Council Draft Minutes  
President Pro Tem Crow-Iverson presented an Ordinance and amending  
Section 303 (Commercial And Industrial Uses) of Part 3 (Use-Specific  
Standards) of Article 3 (Use Regulations) of Chapter 7 (Unified  
Development Code) of the City Code pertaining to recreational marijuana  
land use regulations. She stated this proposed Ordinance would mandate  
recreational marijuana dispensaries be located at least one mile away  
from schools, rehabilitation centers, and children’s facilities. She stated this  
prioritizes the well-being of children and vulnerable populations over the  
interests of the marijuana industry and research indicates that children's  
behaviors are influenced by their perception and availability and by  
implementing a one-mile buffer zone, would help reduce the likelihood of  
children perceiving marijuana safe and easy easily accessible.  
President Helms asked if this Ordinance would be enacted in the event that  
the citizen initiative passes, and the Charter amendment does not.  
President Pro Tem Crow-Iverson confirmed it is.  
Councilmember Henjum asked how this compares to the sale of alcohol.  
Wynetta Massey, City Attorney, stated the comparison should be made  
with medical marijuana regulation because it has different regulation than  
liquor. Ben Bolinger, Assistant City Attorney, stated the buffer distance for  
liquor sales depends on a lot of varying factors and is between 500 and  
1,500 feet.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if this type of restriction or regulation is  
done anywhere else where the substance it is regulating is already illegal.  
Ms. Massey stated if the initiated Ordinance permitting recreational  
marijuana failed and the Charter amendment prohibiting it prevailed, then  
City Council would have to come back and take this out of the City Code.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if they could just wait and see what  
happens with the vote. Ms. Massey confirmed that is an option as well.  
Councilmember Talarico asked what the buffer distance is for Denver, CO  
and Manitou Springs, CO. Mr. Bolinger stated they have not previously  
researched this. President Pro Tem Crow-Iverson stated there is no  
science behind the proposed one-mile distance, it is just a safeguard.  
President Helms asked what the distance buffer is for medical marijuana  
establishments. Mr. Bolinger stated 1,000 feet.  
9. Items Under Study  
There were no Items Under Study.  
10. Councilmember Reports and Open Discussion  
Councilmember Leinweber stated he did the VIP tour of the United States  
Air Force Academy (USAFA), and he hosted a Neighborhood Gathering.  
Councilmember Talarico stated she attended the Westside Center  
Advisory Board meeting and the Mirasol film presentation by Colorado  
Springs Utilities (CSU) and Palmer Land Conservancy.  
Councilmember Donelson stated July 24, 2024 will be the twelfth  
anniversary of the death of a Colorado Springs Police Officer, Matthew  
Tyner, who was 42 years old, served as a police officer for thirteen years,  
and was killed in a motorcycle accident while performing traffic  
enforcement on Austin Bluffs Parkway, Oro Blanco Drive, and Old Farm  
Drive. Councilmember Donelson thanked Officer Tyner for his service and  
his family for their sacrifice.  
Councilmember Avila encouraged everyone to participate in the Zero Fare  
for Better Air program, where everyone can ride the bus for free from July  
1, 2024 through August 31, 2024.  
Councilmember Risley stated he attended two nights of the Pikes Peak or  
Bust Rodeo, the Breakfast For Champions launch event on July 16, 2024  
which was hosted by Peak Vista, 2024, and the Taste of Pikes Peak.  
Councilmember Henjum stated she has received emails from the Nevada  
Safety Committee regarding the increased number of deaths and  
speeding on Nevada Avenue and she attended the Neighborhood  
Gathering hosted by Councilmember Leinweber, the Neighborhood  
Gathering hosted by the Knob Hill neighborhood, and the Mirasol film  
presentation. She stated she had a meeting with the Sand Creek Division  
of Colorado Springs Police Department, Police Chief Adrian Vasquez, and  
Officer Mathis regarding the Citadel Mall and they are planning a  
community meeting for September 20, 2024. Councilmember Henjum  
stated she has updated her personal website to include all her campaign  
contributions in order to provide additional transparency.  
President Pro Tem Crow-Iverson stated she attended the Pikes Peak or  
Bust Rodeo on July 10, 2024 which was Military Night where they honored  
the veterans.  
President Helms stated the Saturday matinees of the Pikes Peak or Bust  
Rodeo are when the 1,100 new cadets from the USAFA attend and then  
march to Jacks Valley for training.  
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