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, November 13, 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  
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  
Councilmember Donelson requested item 4B.F. be removed from the  
November 14, 2023 City Council meeting Consent Calendar. Consensus  
of City Council agreed to this change.  
4. Review of Previous Meeting Minutes  
23-591  
4.A.  
City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes October 23, 2023  
Presenter:  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk  
Attachments: 10-23-23 City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes Final  
The minutes of the October 23, 2023 Work Session were approved by  
Consensus of City Council.  
5. Presentations for General Information  
23-566  
5.A.  
Greater Resilience Information Toolkit (GRIT) Program Update  
Presenter:  
Dr. Charles Benight, Executive Director, Lyda Hill Institute for Human  
Resilience  
Attachments: GRIT_City Council  
Dr. Charles Benight, Executive Director, Lyda Hill Institute for Human  
Resilience, gave an overview of the Greater Resilience Information Toolkit  
(GRIT). He identified population resilience, Colorado Springs being the first  
GRIT city in America, the GRIT program, concepts of GRIT, five steps to  
GRIT, Olympic and Paralympic Museum collaboration, organizations they  
have supported, veteran and trauma clinic, and how they are revolutionizing  
trauma therapy.  
President Helms asked if GRIT was involved with the El Paso County  
Office of Emergency Management. Dr. Benight confirmed they have been  
in communication with them, but do not have a program with them.  
Councilmember Donelson asked if GRIT receives funding from the Olympic  
and Paralympic Museum. Dr. Benight stated there is no money exchanged  
with the museum, only a Memorandum of Understanding, they have  
received several grants through the pandemic, El Paso County, and  
receive funding from Lyda Hill Philanthropies.  
Councilmember Donelson stated citizens seem more unhappy now than  
ever before. Mr. Benight stated there seems to be an ongoing sense of  
despair among the younger population and they are looking for a strategic  
plan for people to gain access for trauma and mental health difficulties.  
Councilmember Avila stated that the GRIT program training has changed  
lives and created resilience for those who have participated in it.  
Councilmember Henjum stated the Becoming Your Personal Best program  
is funded by the Colorado Springs Health Foundation but is free for those  
who wish to enroll in it.  
Councilmember Leinweber asked if they have explored a program called  
The Third Place. Dr. Benight stated they have not but agreed that social  
support is very important for people to be able to cope more effectively.  
6. Staff and Appointee Reports  
23-590  
6.A.  
Agenda Planner Review  
Presenter:  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk  
Attachments: Agenda Planner Review 11-13-23  
There were no comments on this item.  
7. Items for Introduction  
23-518  
7.A.  
A Resolution fixing and certifying the 2023 annual assessment mill levy  
for assessments payable in 2024 at zero (0.00) mills upon each dollar of  
assessed valuation within the Briargate Special Improvement  
Maintenance District  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: Briargate SIMD map  
Resolution re Mill Levy for Briargate SIMD_11 13 23  
Signed Resolution No. 191-23.pdf  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer, presented the Resolutions fixing  
and certifying the 2023 annual assessment mill levy for assessments  
payable in 2024 upon each dollar of assessed valuation within the  
Briargate Special Improvement Maintenance District (SIMD), Colorado  
Avenue Gateway SIMD, Nor’wood SIMD, Old Colorado City Security and  
Maintenance District, Platte Avenue SIMD, Stetson Hills SIMD, and  
Woodstone SIMD and stated the 2024 mill levies for the seven SIMDs in  
the City are remaining the same as they were in 2023 with exception of the  
There were no comments on this item.  
23-497  
7.B.  
A Resolution fixing and certifying the 2023 annual assessment mill levy  
for assessments payable in 2024 at 1.009 mills upon each dollar of  
assessed valuation within the Colorado Avenue Gateway Special  
Improvement Maintenance District  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: Resolution re Fix Mill Levy for Colo Ave Gateway SIMD_11.13.23  
Colo Ave Gateway SIMD map  
136 Gateway budget letter 230906  
Signed Resolution No. 192-23.pdf  
Please see comments in Agenda item 7.A.  
23-498  
7.C.  
A Resolution fixing and certifying the 2023 annual assessment mill levy  
for assessments payable in 2024 at 3.935 mills upon each dollar of  
assessed valuation within the Nor’wood Special Improvement  
Maintenance District  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: Resolution re Set Mill Levy for Norwood SIMD_11.13.23  
Norwood SIMD map  
132 Norwood Budget Letter 230928  
Signed Resolution No. 193-23.pdf  
Please see comments in Agenda item 7.A.  
23-499  
7.D.  
7.E.  
7.F.  
A Resolution fixing and certifying the 2023 annual assessment mill levy  
for assessments payable in 2024 at 13.416 mills upon each dollar of  
assessed valuation within the Old Colorado City Security & Maintenance  
District  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: Resolution re Set Mill Levy for Old Colorado City SIMD 11.13.23  
Old Colo City SIMD map  
131 Old Colo City budget letter 230920  
Signed Resolution No. 194-23.pdf  
Please see comments in Agenda item 7.A.  
23-500  
A Resolution fixing and certifying the 2023 annual assessment mill levy  
for assessments payable in 2024 at $1.10 per front footage of real  
property within the Platte Avenue Special Improvement Maintenance  
District  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: Resolution re Set Mill Levy for Platte Ave SIMD_11.13.23  
PLATTEAVESID-Tax-Map  
137 Platte Budget Letter 230928  
Signed Resolution No. 195-23.pdf  
Please see comments in Agenda item 7.A.  
23-501  
A Resolution fixing and certifying the 2023 annual assessment mill levy  
for assessments payable in 2024 at 3.858 mills upon each dollar of  
assessed valuation within the Stetson Hills Special Improvement  
Maintenance District  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: Resolution re Set Mill Levy for Stetson Hills SIMD_11.13.23  
Stetson Hills SIMD map  
134 Stetson Budget Letter 230918  
Signed Resolution No. 196-23.pdf  
Please see comments in Agenda item 7.A.  
23-502  
7.G.  
A Resolution fixing and certifying the 2023 annual assessment mill levy  
for assessments payable in 2024 at 3.615 mills upon each dollar of  
assessed valuation within the Woodstone Special Improvement  
Maintenance District  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: Resolution re Set Mill Levy for Woodstone SIMD_11.13.23  
Woodstone SIMD map  
135 Woodstone budget letter 230918  
Signed Resolution No. 197-23.pdf  
Please see comments in Agenda item 7.A.  
23-506  
7.H.  
A Resolution Fixing and Certifying the 2023 Tax Levy for Taxes Payable  
in 2024 at 5.000 Mills for the Colorado Springs Downtown Development  
Authority in Colorado Springs, Colorado  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: 01_Res to Fix Mill Levy for DDA_11 13 23  
11.13.2023 DDA & BID City Council  
Signed Resolution No. 198-23.pdf  
Susan Edmondson, President and CEO Downtown Partnership of  
Colorado Springs, introduced Chelsea Gondeck, Director, Downtown  
Partnership who provided an overview of the Downtown district  
boundaries, goals, role of the Greater Downtown Colorado Springs  
Business Improvement District (BID), BID historical revenue, 2022 BID  
expenses, recent capital purchases, public space management,  
supplemental security service, anticipated changes in 2024, greatest  
needs,  
President Helms asked if the trash removal is with the City. Ms. Gondeck  
confirmed the emptying of the trash bins is contracted with the City, but not  
the actual cleanup of the areas.  
Councilmember Henjum asked how vendors request the closing of a street  
for an event. Ms. Gondeck stated they would need to go through the City’s  
special event permitting process.  
Councilmember Henjum asked how the downtown tree canopy is  
managed. Ms. Gondeck explained the process for the designs of the  
streetscapes.  
Ms. Edmondson provided an overview of the property tax mill levy of 5.0  
and the 2024 budget for the Downtown Development Authority (DDA),  
DDA small business support, grants, tax incremental financing (TIF),  
residential, public realm improvements, marketing, data/market research,  
and 2024 goals.  
Councilmember Leinweber asked how mobility and parking in downtown  
can be improved. Ms. Edmondson stated they are hyper aware of  
connectivity issues and are always working to improve connections and  
they are working towards reviewing parking data to analyze it further.  
Councilmember Avila spoke about the need for walkability for those who  
have accessibility issues. Ms. Edmondson stated the business owners are  
responsible for snow removal in front of their businesses and the Tejon  
Street reconstruction project will address the limited right-of-way and  
expand navigation around the area.  
Councilmember Donelson requested additional information regarding the  
TIF. Ms. Edmondson explained how TIF revenue is used to pay School  
District 11 and other expenditures.  
Councilmember Donelson asked how many small business owners are on  
the Board of the DDA. Ms. Edmondson stated there are two within the  
realm of small business owners.  
Councilmember Donelson asked how long the DDA has been endorsing  
candidates and issues. Ms. Edmondson stated the DDA does not endorse  
candidates or issues, but the Downtown Partnership does.  
Councilmember Donelson asked how much funding the DDA provides to  
the Downtown Partnership. Ms. Edmondson stated approximately fifty  
percent of the DDA’s resources goes toward the Downtown Partnership.  
23-507  
7.I.  
A Resolution Approving the 2024 Budget for the Colorado Springs  
Downtown Development Authority in Colorado Springs Colorado  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: 02_Res to Approve Budget for DDA_11.13.23  
DDA 2024 Preliminary Budget  
Signed Resolution No. 199-23.pdf  
Please see comments in Agenda item 7.H.  
23-598  
7.J.  
A Resolution adopting final form of the Agreement and Joint Plan for the  
Exclusion of Certain Property from the Black Forest Fire Rescue  
Protection District  
Presenter:  
Frederick Stein, Public Safety Attorney  
Attachments: City_Resolution-FINAL  
CouncilPresentation-Exhibit-PropertyMap  
Property_Exclusion_List_2023  
AgreementJoint Plan for Exclusion-BlackForest-Eff2024-FINAL1.docx  
Frederick Stein, Public Safety Attorney, presented the Resolution adopting  
final form of the agreement and joint plan for the exclusion of certain  
property from the Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District. He stated  
this plan is the third part of a three-part plan to exclude properties which are  
located within the Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District and are  
also annexed into the City in order to discontinue the dual fire protection  
and taxes these residents are currently receiving.  
There were no comments on this item.  
23-577  
7.K.  
Consideration of a Resolution Setting Certain Electric Rates within the  
Service Area of Colorado Springs Utilities and Regarding Certain  
Changes to the Electric Rate Schedules  
Presenter:  
Travas Deal, Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Springs Utilities  
Chris Bidlack, City Attorney's Office - Utilities Division  
Attachments: 2 - 2024 Rate Case - D&O Electric  
3 - 2024 Rate Case - Electric Resolution  
4 - 2024 Rate Case - Final Electric Tariffs  
Signed Resolution No. 185-23.pdf  
Chris Bidlack, City Attorney's Office, Utilities Division, presented the review  
of the draft decision and order and draft Resolutions setting electric rates,  
natural gas rates, and water rates, within the service area of Colorado  
Springs Utilities (CSU) as well as certain changes to the Utilities Rules and  
Regulations (URR) of CSU. He stated City Council will vote on these items  
at the November 14, 2023 City Council meeting.  
City Council had no changes to the draft documents.  
23-578  
7.L.  
Consideration of a Resolution Setting the Natural Gas Rates within the  
Service Area of Colorado Springs Utilities and Regarding Certain  
Changes to the Natural Gas Rate Schedules.  
Presenter:  
Travas Deal, Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Springs Utilities  
Chris Bidlack, City Attorney's Office - Utilities Division  
Attachments: 2 - 2024 Rate Case - D&O Natural Gas  
3 - 2024 Rate Case - Natural Gas Resolution  
4 - 2024 Rate Case - Final Natural Gas Tariffs  
Signed Resolution No. 186-23.pdf  
Please see comments in Agenda item 7.K.  
23-579  
7.M.  
7.N.  
7.O.  
Consideration of a Resolution Setting Certain Water Rates within the  
Service Area of Colorado Springs Utilities  
Presenter:  
Travas Deal, Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Springs Utilities  
Chris Bidlack, City Attorney's Office - Utilities Division  
Attachments: 2 - 2024 Rate Case - D&O Water  
3 - 2024 Rate Case - Water Resolution  
4 - 2024 Rate Case - Final Water Tariffs  
Signed Resolution No. 187-23.pdf  
Please see comments in Agenda item 7.K.  
23-581  
Consideration of a Resolution Regarding Certain Changes to Colorado  
Springs Utilities' Utilities Rules and Regulations  
Presenter:  
Travas Deal, Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Springs Utilities  
Chris Bidlack, City Attorney's Office - Utilities Division  
Attachments: 2 - 2024 Rate Case - D&O URR  
3 - 2024 Rate Case - URR Resolution  
4 - 2024 Rate Case - Final URR Tariffs  
Signed Resolution No. 188-23.pdf  
Please see comments in Agenda item 7.K.  
23-397  
Ordinance No. 23-63 repealing Ordinance No. 22-89 and Adopting the  
City of Colorado Springs - 2024 Salary Structure for Civilian and Sworn  
Municipal Employees  
Presenter:  
Mike Sullivan, Chief Human Resources and Risk Officer  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: 2024 Salary Schedule (1).pdf  
11-13-23 - Ordinance - 2024 Salary Schedule  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer, presented the updated 2024  
salary structure for civilian and sworn employees to be effective December  
24, 2023. She stated based on the findings of the salary survey and market  
movement, the proposed salary ranges changes for 2024 are increasing  
four percent for civilian employees and sworn employees due to market  
movement and civilians will be eligible for an average of two percent for  
pay for performance increases.  
Councilmember Risley asked what zones 8, 9, and 10 are slotted for. Ms.  
McDaniel stated those are to allow any additional position categories if  
needed.  
Councilmember Donelson requested additional information regarding the  
compensation for the employees who receive the 911 calls. Cameron  
Martin, Compensation Manager, stated that position is classified as an  
Emergency Response Technician, and they have added incentives for that  
position by adding different levels of classification and salaries based on  
market data. Councilmember Donelson stated the high stress and overtime  
required of this position should receive additional compensation.  
23-529  
7.P.  
Ordinance no. 23-64 repealing Ordinance No. 23-12, And Amending  
Section 3 Of Ordinance No. 14-20 (An Ordinance Confirming The  
Mayor’s Appointment Of The City Attorney And Setting The Salary Of  
The City Attorney), And Section 3 Of Ordinance No. 18-120 (An  
Ordinance Appointing The City Council Administrator And Setting The  
Salary Of The City Council Administrator), And Section 3 Of Ordinance  
No. 21-06 (An Ordinance Appointing Jacqueline Rowland As City  
Auditor And Prescribing Her Duties, Compensation, And Tenure In  
Office), And Prescribing The Salaries Of The City Attorney, City Council  
Administrator, And City Auditor  
Presenter:  
Michael Sullivan, Chief Human Resources and Risk Officer  
Attachments: 2024 Appointee Salary Ordinance  
Michael Sullivan, Chief Human Resources and Risk Officer, presented the  
Ordinance approving the salary of the City Attorney, City Auditor, and City  
Council Administrator He stated the annual salary for the City Attorney will  
increase two percent, the City Auditor position will increase 2.5 percent  
City Auditor, and the City Council Administrator will increase 4.5 percent.  
Councilmember Henjum stated she supports these recommended  
increases and looks forward to learning more about the role of the City  
Council Administrator.  
23-395  
7.Q.  
Ordinance No. 23-62 Making and Certifying the 2023 Tax Levy for Taxes  
Payable in 2024 at 3.579 Mills (comprised of a general operating mill  
levy of 4.279 mills and a temporary tax credit of 0.70 mills) Upon Each  
Dollar of Assessed Valuation of All Taxable Property and a Tax Credit of  
3.579 Mills Upon Each Dollar of Assessed Valuation of All Taxable  
Business Personal Property Within the Corporate Limits of the City of  
Colorado Springs  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: TaxLevy2024-BPPT_CreditORD SB23B 11.28.23  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer, presented the Ordinance  
certifying the 2023 tax levy for taxes payable in 2024 at 3.349 mills upon  
each dollar of assessed valuation of all taxable property and stated they  
anticipate the property tax mill levy revenue will exceed the Taxpayer Bill of  
Rights (TABOR) property tax limit. She stated a temporary mill levy credit  
reduction of 0.93 mills can be established for the amount of taxes paid and  
there will be approximately $8.7 million refunded.  
There were no comments on this item.  
23-396  
7.R.  
Ordinance 23-65 Annual Appropriation Ordinance Adopting the Annual  
Budget and Appropriating Funds for the Several Purposes Named in  
Said Budget for the Year Ending December 31, 2024  
Presenter:  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer  
Attachments: 2024 Budget Ordinance-11.13.23  
Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer, presented the Ordinance  
adopting the annual budget for the City for the year ending December 31,  
2024. She identified the modifications made to the Ordinance since the  
Budget Markup meeting, and stated the total budget is proposed at a 11.5  
percent increase over the 2023 budget, and the general fund budget for  
expenditures is $428,284,805 which represents a 1.7 percent increase  
over the 2023 budget.  
Councilmember Donelson asked when this budget needs to be approved  
by. Ms. McDaniel stated before the end of the year and if it is not approved  
by Council prior to the end of the year then the following year's budget is the  
same budget minus ten percent until another budget is approved.  
8. Items Under Study  
There were no Items Under Study.  
9. Councilmember Reports and Open Discussion  
Councilmember Avila stated she participated in the listening tour with the  
City employees which was very impactful, they hosted a delegation from  
several different cities in Argentina, she attended the Latino community  
Veterans Day luncheon, Veterans Day parade, and Family Success Center  
ribbon cutting ceremony, and she highlighted the services offered by Pikes  
Peak United Way 211.  
Councilmember Risley stated he attended the ribbon cutting for the Family  
Success Center and encouraged his colleagues to help spread the word  
about the programs and services that are being offered there.  
Councilmember Henjum stated she attended the Mayor’s Young Leaders  
Award ceremony and Youth Documentary Academies 10th Anniversary  
Film Festival at Colorado College and reminded everyone that today is  
World Kindness Day  
President Helms congratulated the United States Army for beating the  
United States Air Force Academy in football and read a statement about  
the Wilson water tank item on the November 14, 2023 City Council meeting  
agenda and stated he received a letter from a citizen asking the City  
Council to recuse itself from the hearing on the Wilson tank however a few  
weeks ago City Council members received an advisory opinion from the  
City Attorney that clarified why they do not have a conflict and do not have  
to recuse ourselves and proposed that they release that opinion publicly so  
that their constituents can understand why the City Council will hear the  
Wilson tank matter tomorrow. Consensus of City Council agreed to  
President Helm’s proposal. He stated there is a campaign going on to  
support the United way until the end of November and he attended the  
Salvation Army event November 11, 2023 to start the Ring the Bell fund  
raising campaign. President Helms also played a video honoring Veterans  
and their families.  
10. Executive Session  
There was no Open Executive Session.  
10A. Open  
10B. Closed  
23-569  
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), 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 for the purposes of receiving legal advice on specific legal  
questions regarding fair housing laws.  
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: 23-569 Closed Session memo - 10-13-23  
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 issue to be discussed involves consultation with  
the City Attorney for the purposes of receiving legal advice on specific legal  
questions regarding fair housing laws.  
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.  
11. Adjourn  
Upon completion of the Closed Executive Session and there being no  
further business to come before City Council, President Helms adjourned  
the meeting at 2:15 PM.  
Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk