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View photos of the Wal-Mart Community Meeting March 2
By Jim Kendrick
CLC Associates, consultants to Wal-Mart, held an open
house-style meeting at Lewis-Palmer Middle School from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on March
2. County Planning Division Director Carl Schueler said the meeting came at the
"strong recommendation" of county planning to Wal-Mart and their
consultants that they communicate their plans for the store, proposed for the
south side of Baptist Road directly opposite the King Soopers shopping center.
In a notice sent to adjacent Chaparral Hills landowners, CLC termed it "a
community meeting," but adjacent landowners were the only ones notified.
Wal-Mart and their consultants apparently made no attempt to notify anyone else
who might use Baptist Road as their primary access route to work or shopping.
The Coalition of Tri-Lakes Communities learned of the open
house on March 1 and notified some of its members, which greatly increased the
number of citizens presenting their views to CLC and Schueler, who also
attended. About 40 citizens attended the open house, roughly one-third from
Chaparral Hills. Schueler expressed disappointment to OCN that the notification
of the meeting had been so extremely limited.
No formal presentations were given. CLC president Steve
Wilson and several of his engineering staff answered questions from those who
attended the open house.
April planning commission hearing possible
Schueler said Wal-Mart has asked for a continuance beyond the
scheduled County Planning Commission hearing date of March 23. Schueler said the
planning commission hearing for Wal-Mart would be a separate meeting with no
other agenda items and would be held on the fourth Tuesday of the month, one
week after the regular monthly planning commission session. The current
tentative date for the Wal-Mart hearing is Tuesday, April 27. Schueler said he
anticipates a difficult hearing due to the tightly compressed site plan and
strong opposition to the proposal from area residents.
Zoning
One of the major issues with the project is zoning. The
parcel was zoned R-4 about 20 years ago. That zoning is now obsolete, but the
commercial form of it is equivalent to the county’s current Planned Business
Park (PBP) zone district. PBP is defined in the county’s Land Development Code
as being for retail sales and service businesses that "primarily serve an
adjoining neighborhood or neighborhoods." Schueler has said the required
zone for a Wal-Mart supercenter is Planned Business Center (PBC). PBC is the
most intense commercial zone in the Land Development Code and is two steps more
intense, and a significant departure from, the existing R-4 equivalent PBP. As
defined in the code, the purpose of PBC zoning is for "regional
centers" that are expected to draw customers from significant distances.
Instead of requesting PBC zoning, Wal-Mart has requested
rezoning the parcel as a Planned Unit Development (PUD). Wal-Mart has said its
use of the PUD zoning "encompasses land uses similar to the R-4 zone."
Based on the materials submitted, the planned use is not similar, but is a
regional center requiring PBC zoning as stated by Schueler.
The Mouse
Wilson said an agreement has been reached with U.S.
Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) regarding the amount
of mitigation that is required for Preble’s meadow jumping mouse habitat
conservation. He said Wal-Mart will buy alternative habitat elsewhere to offset
the habitat its construction will destroy, though no CLC staff member knew who
would receive or maintain this new habitat. When Wilson was asked by OCN where
the offsetting habitat would be located, Schueler advised Wilson that he did not
have to answer the question. Wilson then walked away and did not answer anymore
questions.
The Plans
About 10 drawings for the site plan, landscaping, parking,
lighting, utilities, grading contours, and Baptist Road widening were displayed,
along with an overhead photo of the neighborhoods surrounding the Wal-Mart site
and detailed sketches of the four supercenter building elevations.
The proposed main building is 196,028 square feet inside
(about three times the size of the Home Depot building now under construction)
and 203,007 square feet overall. The external features of the proposed building
have been changed to color cinder blocks providing more variety than the
traditional flat Wal-Mart façade. A new garden center façade is proposed, to
include 15-foot-tall plant racks. A new pharmacy drive-through window is
planned.
Façade walls raise the parapet roof height to a minimum of 7
feet 4 inches above the actual roofline, to screen HVAC machinery from
ground-level view. The machinery would be 12 to 18 inches below the top edge of
the façade walls. This will provide little screening for many neighboring
homes, as pointed out to CLC by neighboring resident Dale Turner. Masonry
screening is proposed for all similar ground-level exterior HVAC equipment.
The tire and lube express facility would have six bays, with
two tall center garage doors to handle RVs and large trucks. The proposed garden
center and lube facilities face Baptist Road. The design includes a six-pump gas
station.
The buildings and parking lot are shifted north and
compressed as much as possible to retain a 50-foot buffer at the south boundary
of the parcel, providing 1.55 acres as a transition to the rear boundary of the
three neighboring five-acre Chaparral Hills residential lots. Denis Kelsch, CLC’s
Wal-Mart project manager, said the drainage and traffic studies for this latest
revision would be completed within one to two weeks. Schueler said that when the
county receives them, they will be available for public review at the county
planning division office, 27 E. Vermijo, Colorado Springs 80903.
The access road to the rear loading bays that face the
22-foot-tall solid masonry retaining wall on the east boundary has been further
narrowed. All delivery trucks must enter the property from Jackson Creek
Parkway, drive past the three adjacent Chaparral Hills homes to the south, and
then travel counterclockwise around the building. The Colorado Department of
Transportation (CDOT) will not allow truck access from Baptist Road because of
the very small turn radius of the right-in/right-out (RI/RO) access from the
eastbound lane of Baptist. A median will extend east from the intersection of
Baptist Road and Jackson Creek Parkway past the Wal-Mart and the neighboring
church. According to the plans, the church will also be restricted to RI/RO
access after Baptist Road is widened and the median is installed.
Drainage
The southwest triangular corner of the parcel is proposed to
be a 15-foot-deep wet bottom detention pond, to meet mitigation requirements.
When full, the top of the pond will still be below the level of Jackson Creek
Parkway. Kelsch said Wal-Mart had planned to lease this portion of the property
to a restaurant before being required by FWS to deal with the contaminants that
would otherwise drain into protected mouse habitat and Jackson Creek.
This detention pond will collect storm water drainage,
gasoline, oil, lubricants, chemical contaminants, and sediment from the parking
lot and from the length of Jackson Creek Parkway along the store’s frontage.
The pond is intended to release the collected water into a drainage channel that
will flow under Jackson Creek Parkway and empty onto CDOT-owned protected mouse
habitat between the Wal-Mart site and I-25; it will eventually drain into
Jackson Creek. Although the flow rates are expected to be similar to historic
conditions, the water that flows onto the CDOT parcel will be concentrated at
one culvert rather than distributed across the entire length of the CDOT parcel’s
eastern boundary that runs along the southbound lane of Jackson Creek Parkway.
The contaminants in the pond’s outflow will now be delivered to the CDOT
parcel only at the culvert outlet and would likely be much more concentrated and
potentially more damaging at the point of discharge.
Mary Montevaldo and several other Chaparral Hills residents
asked Kelsch about the effect of these drainage contaminants on neighbors’
wells and mouse habitat. Kelsch said to each, "We hope it has no effect on
neighboring wells." When Montevaldo expressed shock at this inconclusive
response, Kelsch concluded by saying, "I can’t answer the question."
None of the other CLC engineering staff or Wilson would say more, other than
that the county, rather than Wal-Mart, would provide detention pond maintenance.
When asked by OCN what department or division of the county would clean out the
detention pond for Wal-Mart, CLC staff gave no response. Neither Kelsch nor any
other CLC staff member could say what effects the drainage would have on CDOT
property across Jackson Creek Parkway or on downstream Jackson Creek.
When asked about Wal-Mart’s policy of allowing RVs to park
in the lot overnight, several CLC staff members denied that Wal-Mart had that
policy. Schueler expressed concern about that response, taking written note of
it for future discussion with the applicant. CLC employees provided different
answers to questions on several other topics as well.
The Triview connection
A major factor in making the project feasible is that the
Triview Metropolitan District agreed to provide water and sewer service to the
store, even though it lies outside the Triview district. As reported in the June
7, 2003, issue of OCN, in lieu of a town sales tax, initially a 3 percent retail
sales fee would be charged on items sold at the store. If the county approves
the project, the fee will be paid to a Public Improvement Corporation (PIC)
authorized by Triview. Triview will receive one-quarter of the fee, with
three-quarters going to pay off doubly tax-exempt bonds issued by the PIC to
make road construction and other improvements associated with the store. When
the PIC bonds are paid off, estimated to take from three to seven years, the
retail sales fee will be reduced to 1.5 percent—all of it going to Triview.
The negotiated fees going to Triview are exactly half of what was proposed when
Triview authorized the PIC August 28, 2002. Note that if the store were
constructed within Monument town limits, Triview would receive 1.5 percent sales
tax. At recent Triview board meetings, district general manager Ron Simpson said
he has been searching for reasonably priced offsetting mouse habitat for
Wal-Mart.
CLC reported that Triview and its consultant Nolte and
Associates have revised the water report previously prepared for the Wal-Mart
project at Triview district expense.
Marketplace alternative
Schueler did not respond when asked if the county had urged
Wal-Mart to switch to the 200,000-square-foot pad at the Monument Marketplace
that is zoned for a supercenter-sized building. He mistakenly said the
Marketplace parcel had not been rezoned when Wal-Mart started the acquisition
process for a Baptist Road exit location. The Marketplace site has been zoned
for regional commercial development since it was annexed to the town in the late
1980s.
**********
For more information on this project and to provide comments,
contact Carl Schueler, Director, El Paso County Planning Division, 520-6300, CarlSchueler@elpasoco.com.
Mail comments and questions to the El Paso County Planning Department, 27 E.
Vermijo, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903-2208.
Background information is available at www.ourcommunitynews.org/top_stories.htm#wal-mart
and www.CoalitionTLC.org/wal-mart.htm
View photos of the Wal-Mart Community Meeting March 2
By Steve Sery
Carl Schueler began the meeting with a brief overview of the
new planning department structure. The new name is the "Development
Services Department." Current acting manager is Denny Cripps, the assistant
county administrator. A search is underway for a permanent manager. Carl
Schueler is the planning manager. Imad Karaki is the customer services manager.
Paul Danley is the engineering division manager.
Schueler announced that Struthers Ranch Final Plat Phase 2
and 3 would be continued until the March 16 meeting so road, drainage and
environmental issues could be better resolved. He also said it looks like
Wal-Mart is finally ready and could come before the planning commission March
23.
Northern El Paso County Agenda Items
-
Vacation and replat of 8.88 acres in the Walden Pines
Subdivision, east of Highway 83, south of Highway 105/Walker Road. Creates a
7-lot subdivision in RR-1 zoned area that is surrounded by RR-1 zoning.
-
Preliminary plan amendment and final plat, Eagle Wing
Estates, east of Black Forest Road, west of Vollmer Road, north of Woodmen
Road. This is an 81.76-acre property zoned RR-2 (2-1/2 acre lots) planned
for 27 lots. The amendment replaces individual wells with a central water
system.
The first two items were on the consent calendar and were unanimously
approved.
-
Rezoning from RR-3 to RR-2 of 121.2 acres in Black
Forest, just east of Raygor Road and south of Arroya Drive. The property is
surrounded on three sides by RR-3 with vacant land on the fourth side. The
main concerns were with the roads. Raygor Road north to Burgess Road is the
only access for this and surrounding homes. The developer agreed to provide
a chained gate as the second access. The proposal was approved 5-3. Those
voting for denial were concerned about the road situation.
-
Two residences located in RR-3 in the Black Forest area,
on Raygor Road near Stapleton were approved for kennels. Both parties breed
and show Weimaraners.
-
Rezone for RR-3 to PUD and preliminary plan approval for
Forest Gate subdivision. This is a 200-acre property located in the Black
Forest Area south and east of the intersection of Vollmer Road and Burgess
Road. The proposal is for 50 lots of varying size. The developer provided
transitions from the adjacent RR-3 properties and after much discussion
agreed to provide a 60-foot right-of-way on the west side for the possible
upgrade of Vollmer Road to a major arterial. This was approved.
-
Finally, although not in Northern El Paso County, the
item drawing the most public interest, was a sketch plan for Lorson Ranch at
Jimmy Camp. This was a proposal for 1,361 acres near the city of Fountain.
The development would occur over 30 years with a maximum residential of
6,985 residences, commercial property, school sites, and open space. It
would create a small town in the middle of one-third to 5 acre properties.
Only adjoining landowners were notified of a proposed development that
impacts a much larger area. The planning commission unanimously recommended
denial of the project. The commission also recommended the developer meet
with affected homeowner associations to better define the plan and obtain
broader input.
The meeting started at 9 a.m. and adjourned at 7:30 p.m. with
just a 35-minute break for lunch. No telling how long it would have lasted had
not six items been continued.
Web Site Exclusive: View photos of
the county transportation corridors forum Feb. 9
By John Heiser
County Project Manager Jude Willcher headed a public forum at
Lewis-Palmer Middle School Feb. 9 on the El Paso County Major Transportation
Corridors Plan. This was the second meeting in the series of three meetings
working on an update to the county’s major transportation corridors plan that
was last updated in 1987. The first local meeting was held Oct. 23. The third
and final public forum is planned for May 2004.
Willcher said the county intends to use the updated major
transportation corridors plan to help guide transportation planning. The new
plan will try to identify transportation needs through 2030.
During the first part of the Feb. 9 meeting, citizens
reviewed a variety of displays and completed comment sheets regarding questions
and concerns. Displays included a number of maps, aerial photos, and process
descriptions to help citizens familiarize themselves with the history of overall
county transportation plans since 1987. Team project members circulated,
soliciting questions and concerns. In addition to Willcher and other county
transportation staff members, staff from engineering consultant LSA Associates
and public relations firm Catalyst Consulting moved through the crowd, answering
questions and collecting comment sheets. This was followed by a presentation by
Willcher and Ray Moe, consultant team leader with LSA Associates. Similar
meetings were held Feb. 10 in Widefield and Feb. 12 in Falcon.
The primary purpose of this forum was to present the models
that have been developed to extrapolate residential and employment growth and
resulting travel demand and points of congestion and then to discuss specific
potential alternative changes to the 1987 plan to address that congestion. Moe
said congestion is measured by travel delay during the peak period. He said that
in many areas, the projected period of congestion becomes a greater and greater
portion of each day without some roadway improvements. But Moe cautioned,
"We don’t really have the funds for a lot of them."
Moe separated the potential improvement into three
categories: 1) Committed base corridor improvements, estimated at $159 million,
2) Preliminary spot improvements, estimated at $117 million, and 3) Non-capacity
or safety improvements, estimated at $85 million for a total of $361 million.
Funding for the projects would be sought from federal, state, and county
sources. Moe said the projects categorized as committed base corridor
improvements are actually only partially funded.
Despite numerous objections raised by residents at prior
meetings, the construction of Jackson Creek Parkway/Struthers Road south from
Baptist Road to connect to Northgate Road and the extension of Baptist Road east
of Roller Coaster Road to Hodgen and Highway 83 are shown as committed base
corridor improvements. They were not included in the list of alternatives.
The following are Tri-Lakes and Black Forest alternatives
discussed.
Alternative 1: State Highway 105
Widen from 2 lanes to 4 lanes from I-25 to Roller Coaster Road
Moe said this would:
-
Reduce congestion on Highway 105
-
Increase traffic on the Highway 105/Walker Road corridor
-
Decrease traffic on the Baptist Road/Hodgen Road corridor
Alternative 2: Gleneagle Dr. to Furrow Rd.
Construct a new 2-lane connector from Gleneagle Drive north to Furrow Road
Moe said this would:
-
Provide north/south parallel capacity to Roller Coaster
Road and Highway 83
-
Reduce congestion along Highway 105 and Highway 83
-
Increase traffic along Gleneagle Drive and Baptist Road
Alternative 3: Highway 83
Widen from 4 lanes to 6 lanes from Interquest to Northgate Road
Moe said this would reduce the forecast congestion along
Highway 83 from Shoup Road to Northgate Road.
Alternative 4: Milam Road (South of Shoup)
Widen from 2 lanes to 4 lanes
Moe said this would:
Alternative 5: Milam Road (Shoup to Hodgen)
Widen from 2 lanes to 4 lanes south of Shoup and construct a new 2-lane
arterial from Shoup to Hodgen
Moe said this would:
-
Reduce Milam Road congestion between Old Ranch Road and
Shoup Road
-
Provide north/south parallel capacity to Black Forest
Road, Highway 83, Roller Coaster Road, Volmer Road, and Howells Road
-
Increase traffic on Hodgen Road between the Milam
Extension and Highway 83
-
Increase traffic on Highway 83 north of Hodgen Road
-
Increase traffic on Highway 105 west of Highway 83
Some responses
Black Forest resident Barbara Hosmer objected to Alternatives
4 and 5 and suggested that a better alternative would be to widen Highway 83 to
four lanes perhaps as far north as County Line Road.
Residents noted that the Baptist Road/I-25 interchange is
very congested and will likely not be improved until 2008 or later. They
objected to the connection of Baptist Road to Hodgen Road and construction of
alternative 2 because it would increase traffic on Baptist Road.
Several residents urged the county to require road
improvements to be built prior to construction of additional developments.
Dick Carlson, county manager of traffic/transportation, later
said, "A lot of the congestion is driven by development." He added,
"The Hodgen/Baptist connection shouldn’t be made until improvements are
made to Baptist Road."
Results of the comment sheets and discussions from this round
of forums will be consolidated, summarized, and presented at the next round of
public forums—part of Step 3 of this process—in May.
**********
For further information on this project and the results of
the traffic models used, visit www.elpasoMTCP.com
or contact the El Paso County Department of Transportation, 3640 N. Marksheffel
Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80922 (719) 659-3941 Fax (719) 520-6878.
Web Site Exclusive: View photos of
the county transportation corridors forum Feb. 9
By Jim Kendrick
The Preble’s meadow jumping mouse was the subject of the
Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) working session on Feb. 6. Jerry Haile,
director of the El Paso County Environmental Services Department (ESD), and his
natural resources director, Mike Bonar, gave a briefing on the current status
and future plans of the department’s Regional Habitat Conservation Plan (RHCP)
involving the mouse. The plan’s projected cost for the first 10 years is $103
million. The BOCC also heard comments from other county employees, citizens, and
representatives of Colorado Springs Utilities and Colorado Springs Home Builders’
Association. Commissioner Jeri Howells was absent.
The mouse
The Preble’s meadow jumping mouse takes its name from field
biologist E. A. Preble, who collected a specimen of the animal in 1895. Using
its long tail as a rudder, the mouse can launch itself 18 inches into the air
and switch direction mid-flight. It can travel three feet in a single jump and
also swims. The species spends most of its time out of sight, foraging beneath
long grasses for seeds, berries, and insects. The rest of its time is spent in
leaf-lined dens, where it hibernates seven months out of the year. Biologists
believe the species came to Colorado during the Ice Age and remained after the
ice receded.
Preble’s habitat
Bonar said the Preble’s mouse was listed by the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service (FWS) as a threatened species on May 13, 1998, under the
Endangered Species Act. (ESA). The act defines a threatened species as one that
is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future
throughout all, or a significant portion, of its range. Preble’s habitat has
been defined as mature plains riparian vegetation with relatively undisturbed
grassland and a water source in close proximity. Riparian areas occur between
the active channel of a river or stream and its associated wetland habitat.
Upland habitat areas are those sloping up away from the riparian waterway. In
Colorado, that includes areas below 7,600 feet in 10 Front Range counties: El
Paso, Boulder, Douglas, Elbert, Adams, Arapahoe, Larimer, Morgan, Weld, and
Jefferson. FWS requires that all ground-disturbing projects within 300 feet of
the 100-year floodplain supporting suitable mouse habitat be assessed for the
presence of the Preble’s. Currently, agencies at the federal, state, county,
and city/town level must all provide approval for such projects. Consequently,
this process has little predictability in terms of cost and time required.
In El Paso County, most potential Preble’s habitat is
located in the northwest end of the county, with little, if any, identified
habitat elsewhere. Nearly every flowing water source in the Tri-Lakes region has
been designated as potential, if not actual, Preble’s habitat. Some projects
that have been affected by habitat issues are the Monument Lake dam renovation,
the Jackson Creek community athletic fields, the proposed Baptist Road Wal-Mart,
and road and bridge improvements for Exit 158 and Baptist Road. The cost for
preserving Preble’s habitat at Monument Dam was $200,000; however, the town
secured a federal grant for $133,500.
The Regional Habitat Conservation Plan
The county is preparing a proposal for taking over
responsibility for land use review and decision-making authority regarding mouse
habitat for developments in El Paso County. Currently these processes—mandated
by the ESA but not funded by the federal government—are administered by Fish
and Wildlife and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (CDNR), the latter
of which has only three employees reviewing projects for the whole state. The
county’s goal is to produce a scientific, legal plan that will reduce the time
it takes to verify regulatory compliance requirements for each level of
government by local developers or citizens.
This process began in 1997 when the CDNR organized a steering
committee to help guide all state efforts related to the Preble’s mouse. This
committee is now a subset of a much larger working group and includes
representatives from state agencies, local governments, and the environmental,
development, and natural resources communities.
The first meeting to address concerns related to the Preble’s
habitat in El Paso County was held in March 1998. From that meeting a core group
was formed, made up of members with diverse backgrounds, ranging from the Sierra
Club, the Home Builders Association, and private landowners to public officials
and various government entities. The group meets monthly to discuss the habitat
plan. An executive committee also was formed to act as a "project
manager" for the development of the RHCP.
As a long-term strategy, El Paso County intends to cooperate
in the formation of a statewide nonprofit organization to provide monitoring
and, where appropriate, ownership of preserve areas. The budget needed for
the county RHCP process has been $600,000, with the expense divided between the
county, Colorado Springs, city utilities, and the CDNR. However, this is only
enough funding to finalize the draft RHCP and pay outstanding consultant and
agency bills. Total implementation expense is estimated at $1.09 million, not
including costs for annual operations.
Bonar said the proposed county plan would standardize the
Preble’s habitat evaluation and review process, cut the time required for
review and approval of developments, cut costs for developers and citizens, and
centralize the review process for all county governments.
Discussion with staff
Bonar said that landowners with potential Preble’s habitat
would have to hire a consultant to conduct an investigation and draft a
"disqualification letter" for submission to the FWS. Approval of the
letter can take up to six months. Bonar did not provide an average time for
state or county/city approvals following the FWS approval. County Commissioner
Wayne Williams asked who makes the final decisions under the RHCP. Bonar
recommended an administrator position similar to a floodplain administrator
should be created. Williams disagreed, saying the decisions should be made by an
elected official answerable to the electorate.
Bonar discussed the finding by the Denver Museum of Natural
History that states the supposed Preble’s mouse found in this region is not
part of a distinct species but is Zapus hudsonius campestria, just as Preble had
determined in 1895. This finding was filed on Dec. 17, 2003; a response from the
FWS is required by March 17. If the museum’s finding is validated by peer
review and accepted by the federal government, no further Preble’s habitat
conservation will be required. By not being a distinct species, Preble’s mouse
could be de-listed. However, FWS is expected to disagree with the museum’s
finding, as it is not yet conclusive. FWS’s anticipated response will likely
lead to a lawsuit by developers and others. Mountain States Legal Foundation,
the city of Greeley, and Wheatland Irrigation District in Wyoming have all filed
lawsuits already. The state of Wyoming and the Colorado Water Development and
Conservation Coalition have filed 60-day notice of intent to sue. If, however,
FWS agrees that the museum’s finding are valid, a final decision must be
announced by March 17, 2006. A series of lawsuits from advocacy groups such as
the Sierra Club and the Nature Conservancy would likely ensue. Bonar said that
after seven years of effort, it is unclear when the county will actually be able
to implement reviews and approvals.
Bonar said unity in pursuing the regional habitat plan is
essential. He noted that county pursuit of de-listing the Preble’s creates the
potential for adversarial relations with FWS that may delay gaining approval of
the regional plan that assumes the mouse is distinct and endangered. Williams
and Commissioner Jim Bensberg asked several questions about joining a de-listing
lawsuit initiated by the governor of Wyoming. There was a lengthy discussion
regarding de-listing. Mark Ebbin, a consultant attorney for the executive group,
advised that the county should definitely not appear to be adversarial with FWS
in any manner. He suggested emphasizing technical and scientific arguments,
avoiding political advocacy, and advised the BOCC to treat the issue delicately
and "not jump on the de-listing bandwagon" that might jeopardize
pending federal grants for habitat conservation. Bensberg disagreed, saying that
silence is interpreted by federal agencies as acquiescence, inviting a heavier
hand as the federal government enforces a silent prohibition against requests
for de-listing. Ebbin said that FWS had not indicated officially that it would
take an adversarial stance against the plan request if the county simultaneously
pursued de-listing. Commissioner Chuck Brown said that de-listing efforts should
be left to private citizens.
County Assistant Attorney Cole Emmons concluded by saying the
legal staff’s recommendation was to approve funding for the RHCP process.
Pursuit of the RHCP process does not detract from the de-listing lawsuits by the
Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and the Home Builders Association; it can
continue to operate in parallel without endangering grant awards to the county
for habitat preservation. Emmons asserted that an approved RHCP is the surest,
quickest, and most economical way of dealing with the Endangered Species Act. He
said the county commissioners should finalize fiscal arrangements with the state
and then forward an approved plan to FWS as soon as possible.
Public comments
Brown asked for comments from the public. First to speak was
Bob Hoff, a Colorado Springs realtor who was a charter member of the core group
but resigned in June 1999. His review of the documentation from FWS and other
agencies at that time confirmed his belief that the mouse is always found
alongside the deer mouse, and both carry disease: the Preble’s carries plague,
and the deer mouse hantavirus. He did not want to be part of protecting a
disease-carrying "unendangered" rodent. He said the county should not
spend time or money on the RHCP and should instead invest in de-listing
activities against FWS because that would take less time and have a higher
certainty of success. He also said the BOCC may have already decided to proceed
with RHCP approval actions. He said projected costs for the first 20 years (the
amount of time a recovery is projected to take) of the RHCP would be no less
than $206 million.
Hoff noted that Larimer and Weld counties never participated
in RHCP formation and that Elbert and Jefferson counties had withdrawn from the
RHCP process in frustration. He said that the Boulder and Douglas county plans
were not the same as El Paso’s, leaving our county alone in its pursuit of an
RHCP. He concluded by saying it is time for the county "to stop spending
taxpayer money on this unneeded and unfavorable plan" and fight "the
imposition of this hoax on its citizens."
Ralph Braden of Norwood Development said that it took FWS two
years to approve his disqualification letter, which delayed by two years his
Wolf Ranch development near Cottonwood Creek.
Ernie Biggs, owner of Monument’s Lake of the Rockies
trailer park, endorsed Hoff’s comments. Biggs said he had lost the ability to
develop a $600,000 parcel along the northeast shoreline of the currently empty
Monument Lake due to mouse concerns expressed by the town’s board of trustees
on Jan. 20. "The government has taken my ability to use this land without
payment," Biggs said, adding that he would sue FWS, CDNR, and the town if
the mouse is de-listed as a nondistinct species. "I’ll go after them if
it turns out to be bad science," he concluded.
Gary Barber, a water lobbyist for the Forest Lakes
subdivision and consultant for the county water authority, said environmental
scientists should be charged with fraud once the de-listing lawsuits are won. He
saw rejection of the RHCP proposal as a fruitless attempt to prove a negative.
Staff rebuttal
Williams asked how vulnerable the county was to a liability
suit. Ebbin said he was not aware of any suit that has been successful in
recovering judgments against the government for changing a mouse designation
before or after a permit was issued. He added that such a suit would have to
also target FWS and he said that FWS would be obligated to help in a defense.
Commissioners’ concluding remarks
Williams said that his opinion was that the Endangered
Species Act had unconstitutional aspects, but the Supreme Court has not yet
agreed with him. Commissioner Tom Huffman said that everyone in the room was in
agreement that ESA processes are frustrating, challenging, and difficult.
Bensberg said the county is dealing with an onerous, heavy-handed federal agency
because the ESA is another "Washington third rail … like Social Security,
with no relief in sight for millions in indirect costs." Then they agreed
that the county should move forward with the Preble’s mouse Regional Habitat
Conservation Plan.
The meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m.
By Jim Kendrick
The Monument Board of Trustees (BOT) held an eligibility
hearing on Feb. 17 for annexation of the Kerr Addition on the northeast corner
of Second Street and Mitchell Avenues. John Kerr is proposing that the parcel
also be rezoned for commercial use so he can build a wholesale gift business
building for Present Perfect Gifts. Monument resident Tim Schutz asked the board
how it was handling the violation by Lake of the Rockies of town zoning
restrictions that prohibit permanent residents. Police Chief Joe Kissell
presented an award to the Tri-Lakes Fire Protection District (TLFPD), and the
nomination of Virginia Cullen to the Police Advisory Committee increased the
membership to three, enough for a quorum if all members attend. All members of
the board were present.
Scheduled guests
Ted Bauman of Monument Hills Sertoma introduced Melissa
Gasser, who wrote one of the nine winning essays on freedom for its February
Freedom Essay Contest. The three top essayists from Creekside, Lewis-Palmer, and
Monument Academy Middle Schools were honored. Gasser read her essay on First
Amendment rights. Mayor Betty Konarski read a proclamation declaring the week of
Feb. 15 Sertoma’s Freedom Week; it was unanimously approved by the board.
Kissell presented a plaque to Tom Mace and Skip Fleming of
the TLFPD thanking the district and Board President Charlie Pocock for the
donation of two complete sets of self-contained breathing apparatus and related
protective gear, which he said is valued at about $8,000.
Konarski thanked Cullen for volunteering for the Police
Advisory Committee. The mayor said she was not happy at losing that committee
and was glad Monument has qualified citizens like Cullen who are willing to
serve. Cullen retired from the Colorado Springs Police Department in July 2000
and served on the board of the Cottonwood Creek Townhomes Association from 1988
through 1999. She moved to Monument in 2000.
Lake of the Rockies permanent residents
During public comment, Schutz expressed concern— based on
newspaper reports he had read—about possible inaction by the BOT after its
Jan. 20 approval of an amended development site plan for Ernie Biggs’
campground that specifically prohibits permanent residents. He asked if plans to
develop an ordinance to enforce this zoning restriction had been put on the
"permanent shelf." He said that he understood a brief interval might
be necessary for Town Attorney Gary Shupp to fully research the proposed
ordinance. Konarski said the ordinance had not been shelved and that the staff
was working on a proposal for this ordinance. Trustee Glenda Smith expressed
concern that permanent residents of the campground were able to register to
vote. Schutz said, "I do sense a commitment. That’s all I need to
hear."
The public hearing on the Jackson Creek Market Village
Preliminary Plat was continued to the March 1 meeting at the request of the
developer, Paragon Engineering Consultants, Inc. This development includes what
looks like an extension to the east of the King Soopers shopping center and a
40-unit townhome development behind it to the north that fronts on Lyons Tail
Drive.
Annexation eligibility hearing for Kerr addition: Town
Planner Mike Davenport reviewed the proposal. On Jan. 2, John Kerr submitted a
"petition" requesting the town annex 1.84 acres of land between Second
and Third Streets, from Mitchell Avenue to the railroad tracks. Kerr proposes to
construct a building and move his gift wholesaling business, Present Perfect
Gifts, from Colorado Springs to Monument. He added that the proposal meets
minimum state requirements and the staff recommends the BOT set an annexation
hearing date of April 5. This date allows the Planning Commission to review the
annexation on March 10.
Kerr told the board he has wanted to move his business north
for a long time, but could not find an existing building that met his needs.
Local business owner John Dominowski said he was excited to learn that a new
business would be built just across the railroad tracks from his shopping center
and that he hopes Kerr can add a retail portion soon. Separate motions approving
the requested hearing date and eligibility of the property for annexation passed
unanimously.
Municipal Election
Town Clerk Judy Skrzypek recommended that no write-in votes
be accepted at the April 6 municipal election for the BOT unless an affidavit of
intent had been submitted to the town clerk. Mertz asked if an election had to
be held if the number of candidates was less than or equal to the number of open
seats. Konarski said the vote counts are used to determine which candidates
receive four-year terms (most votes) and which receive two-year terms. Town
Manager Rick Sonnenburg noted that Mertz and Trustee George Case had to be
elected since they were appointed to the board after the last election. The
recommendation was approved unanimously.
Limbach Park Greater Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Grant
The board unanimously approved a supporting resolution that
requests up to $93,800 toward purchase of land contiguous with Limbach Park to
the south and west. The town’s matching funds would be up to $40,200. This
land is currently owned by the railroad. A separate GOCO grant will be sought
for park improvements, after purchase of the land is completed.
Ohter business
The board approved a payment of $7,533.90 to Schmidt
Construction Company for paving repair work done in 2003. The town’s $1,200
share of a $6,000 increase in the cost of expanding the scope of a water reuse
study was approved for payment unanimously. The surrounding four water districts
also contributed $1,200 each.
The liquor license for the Village Inn restaurant on Highway
105 was renewed unanimously.
A proposal to add parks near Lewis-Palmer High School and
Monument Lake to the list of projects the town will seek GOCO funding for was
approved unanimously.
A payment for $24,286.46 to the Triview Metropolitan District
was approved unanimously.
Konarski recommended that board members review a Pikes Peak
Area Council of Government report on its Senior Demographic and Traffic Study.
She recommended the BOT review drilling options and constraints as the U.S.
Forest Service considers allowing oil and gas drilling in the Pike National
Forest directly west of Monument. The review was scheduled for a special session
on March 1.
Davenport described the Parks and Landscape (P&L)
Committee recommendation to allow an alternate member to the committee who did
not reside or work in town. The alternate would vote only if it was needed for a
quorum. Shupp noted that it would be legal as long as the committee remained
advisory only. Konarski asked Davenport to have P&L draft the word change to
implement the policy allowing an alternate member of the committee.
Sonnenburg noted that the town’s water supply had not yet
been approved by the state engineer’s office, and he had no estimate of when
approval was likely to occur. He said the first meeting of the committee in
charge of the town’s 125th anniversary celebration, on July 5, would meet at
6:30 p.m. on Feb. 25 in Town Hall. Discussion of the permanent residence
ordinance was scheduled for March 1 as was presentation of research on the town
taking over ownership of Monument Villas’ private roads. The lowest of three
bids for a new Town Hall recording and public address system was approved
unanimously. Mertz asked that the system be re-bid to include a
speaker/camera/phone interface that would allow trustees to vote at meetings
while out of town. Konarski agreed, tabling the bid approval, while Sonnenburg
seeks new specifications and new bids including the added capability.
At 7:40, the board went into executive session to discuss
negotiations toward providing an unspecified utility service to residents. No
announcements were made after the executive session adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
The next meeting is at Town Hall at 5:30 p.m. on March 1.
By Jim Kendrick
The Monument Board of Trustees (BOT) confronted two
controversial issues at its tense and occasionally testy March 1 meeting that
literally split the board on several votes. In a packed meeting room, where many
citizens spoke on both sides of the issue, the board again failed to come to any
resolution on the first issue: how to craft an ordinance that would codify the
long-established, but never enforced, 1993 master site plan prohibiting
permanent residency at the Lake of the Rockies campground. There are people
currently living at the campground, even though it is closed, and giving it as
their permanent residence when registering to vote in Monument. The second issue
involved three different motions before a final rejection of a request by
Monument Villas residents for the town to take over ownership of the development’s
internal private roads. Trustee George Brown was absent.
Permanent residency
At the Jan. 20 meeting, the BOT approved an amended site plan
for Lake of the Rockies that retained the original language, stating that there
would be only one permanent residence—for the caretaker—on site. A request
to add language to the amended plan that prohibited occupancy by renters on a
permanent basis or during the part of the year when the campground is
"closed" was not approved, because the trustees believed that was a
law enforcement issue.
At the Feb. 2 BOT meeting, Town Attorney Gary Shupp
recommended that the BOT leave the permanent residence issue alone for now,
saying there is no good case law or example of an ordinance from another town or
city that adequately spells out "intent to become a permanent
resident" in general or with regard to an RV park in particular.
At the Feb. 17 BOT meeting, local resident Tim Schutz
complained about the trustees dropping the issue. Shupp was directed to write a
draft ordinance that would adequately define permanent residency, enabling
Monument police to enforce the zoning proscription of no more than one permanent
residence.
At the March 1 meeting, Shupp described his proposed
ordinance as having six sections that provided the trustees with a menu of
options for defining permanent residency. The first section describes the
fundamental concept of residency: "The permanent residence of a person is
the principal or primary home or place of abode of a person … (which) is that
home or place in which a person’s habitation is fixed and to which that
person, whenever absent, has the present intention of returning after a
departure or absence, regardless of the duration of the absence."
The other five sections of the ordinance were offered as
options the board could accept or reject. Shupp added that ultimately a judge
decides whether or not the evidence presented is sufficient to meet the
conditions specified by the ordinance.
Schutz who is an attorney and a neighbor of the campground,
spoke in favor of adopting the ordinance, with revisions. He said the ordinance
should be written so a judge could make a finding regarding permanent residence
without having to determine the person’s intent. He said the first section of
the ordinance was appropriate. Schutz said the other five sections would be
confusing if they implied they were a separate standard that must also be met.
Shupp replied that if a person’s living situation met the conditions of any
one of the other five sections, that would also be sufficient grounds for a
judge to find that permanent residence had been established.
The discussion focused on the minimum number of days of
inhabitance to establish permanent residence. Schutz recommended 30 to 60 days,
rather than 180 days as Shupp proposed. Schutz noted that only 30 days are
required as the minimum to be able to register to vote. He said the campground
is closed from Nov. 1 to April 1, which is approximately 180 days. Shupp
disagreed, saying it was permissible to rent a space at the campground for more
than 30-60 days while the facility is "open."
Trustee Frank Orten asked whether or not the town’s master
plan specified when campgrounds could be open or closed and why the board would
tell a business when it is or should be closed. He asked if Shupp had found any
case law on closing times for other campgrounds; Shupp said no.
Ernie Biggs, owner of Lake of the Rockies, said that the
proposed ordinance was aimed at him and his business. He said people stay at his
campground while their homes are being built, while they are in town for
chemotherapy, or they were working on the rehabilitation of the dam. He added
that there are many people who only have an RV and move from place to place with
the seasons. Biggs then said, "Glenda (Smith) shouldn’t be able to vote
on this because of her feelings and personal vendetta against me." Smith
replied, "And you against me. I will vote." He added that town trailer
parks require a year-long lease, so even though their monthly rate of $180 is
less than the $500 he charges, they can’t afford to rent there. Biggs said,
"I’m not telling Schutz who can use his business." Smith replied,
"When you came here, I supported your business as a campground, not a
trailer park. You step on people’s toes, too." Biggs replied that he
provided $21,000 of tax revenue to the town and $14,000 to Lewis-Palmer High
School last year, among other charitable services by the campground. Konarski
ended the dialog, saying she was tired of the town being in the middle of a
neighborhood squabble. She said the board had to address the policy issue.
After further discussion, Shupp was directed to rewrite the
proposed ordinance avoiding the use of a specific time limit.
Monument Villas
At the Feb. 17 BOT meeting, the homeowners association (HOA)
for Monument Villas townhouses requested that the town take over ownership of
their internal private roads: Villa Grove, Paula Circle, and Elizabeth View.
Town Manager Rick Sonnenburg presented a copious staff report on the history of
private roads in Monument, as directed at the previous BOT meeting. The other
private roads this request might set a precedent for are Raspberry Lane, all the
streets in Monument Meadows Mobile Home Park, Village at Monument alley, and the
unnamed road that wraps around the closed Rite-Aid Pharmacy.
Sonnenburg reported that the Monument Villas private roads
meet all town standards for construction quality, except width of roadway, but
do not meet setback requirements. A car cannot be parked in their single-car
driveways without extending into the roadway. In order to meet code, Monument
Villas would have to build 48 off-street parking places on HOA-owned property.
The staff recommendation was to reject the request.
Konarski noted that she currently lives in the Raspberry Lane
community and fully understood the precedent issue and said it is difficult to
plow with the high density of on-street parking on both sides of the
36-foot-wide roads (the town minimum standard is 50 feet). Public Works
Supervisor Tom Wall noted that in some of these private-road communities,
buildings are built to the edge of the right-of-way with no setback. Several
trustees expressed sympathy for those owners who didn’t understand the
long-term road maintenance costs their HOA would eventually have to absorb.
Others said that was no reason for the town to volunteer for additional road
expenses due to substandard setbacks that increased developer profit and reduced
homeowner taxes.
A motion to table the issue for further review failed in a
3-3 vote. A motion to accept ownership of the private roads failed due to lack
of a second. A motion to not accept ownership of the private roads passed 4-2,
though the trustees agonized over their votes. Konarski cast the deciding vote,
saying the policy should be consistent without exception that public roads meet
all town construction and setback standards.
Jackson Creek Market Village Preliminary Plat
This item was continued, in part because of the developer’s
reassessment of his original plan to use private roads.
Consideration of Joshua Baron’s application for appointment
to the Police Advisory Committee was postponed due to his absence.
The following agenda items all passed unanimously:
-
The request for combined preliminary/final review of a
conditional use of a co-located antenna on an existing tower by Richard
Miller of Pacific Telecom Services.
-
The request for $3,000 for the Palmer Lakes Fireworks
Committee for July Fourth.
-
A resolution to close Second Street and Front Street for
a car show in June by Kathy Spence.
-
Authorization for all disbursements over $5,000 presented
by Treasurer Judy Skrzypek.
-
An increase in the town clerk/treasurer’s
pre-authorization limit to approve employee medical/dental payments by
Skrzypek.
-
Approval of a change order for work being performed on
town well 7 by Wall.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
The next BOT meeting will be held at Town Hall at 6:30 p.m.
on March 15.
By Jim Kendrick
At its special meeting on March 1, the Monument Board of
Trustees discussed a range of options offered by adoption of a countywide
Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), town concerns regarding a proposal for
oil and gas drilling in neighboring Pike National Forest, and an exploratory
annexation proposal for a housing development on the 120-acre Walters property.
Trustee George Brown was absent.
RTA Options
Town Manager Rick Sonnenburg presented several options
prepared by the staff for possible board action before the issue goes to El Paso
County-Colorado Springs voters on Nov. 2. The RTA ballot issue would propose a
countywide one-cent sales tax that would pay for several new county and city
corridor projects, a backlog of overdue road repairs and rebuilding, and
countywide public transportation programs. New road construction would be
allocated 55 percent of the RTA revenue, municipal governments would receive 35
percent to spend on their own road repairs, and 10 percent would go toward
public transportation. After 10 years, the tax would drop to a permanent
0.45-cent county sales tax. New road construction would be managed by the
elected officials from city and county governments serving on the RTA. Road
repair funds would be distributed to participating municipal governments to be
used at their discretion. The Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments
professional staff would oversee the new road construction and manage public
transportation funds.
Staff recommendations were:
Option 1: Vote to join the countywide effort, including
Monument in the county-city proposal.
Pros: Town receives about $119,000 per year
initially. Monument is growing faster than the county, so the town’s 35
percent share should quickly grow above this initial amount over the first 10
years.
Cons: The town gets only a third of the $500,000 in
sales tax raised in Monument.
Issue: If every Monument resident votes no, but the
measure passes, residents will be taxed anyway.
Option 2: Same as Option 1 but asks that a project such
as improving Old Denver Highway between the town boundary and Baptist Road be
added to the list of projects.
Option 3: Same as Option 1, but request all the one-cent
tax revenue be returned to the town.
Option 4: Vote to decline to join the countywide effort.
Option 5: Do not vote to join or decline.
Option 6: Vote to form a separate RTA with the town of
Palmer Lake, but reduce the imposed sales tax to one-half cent. Colorado law
requires that a regional transportation authority be formed by a minimum of two
municipal entities.
Pros: Monument and Palmer Lake would each receive
100 percent of the tax revenues they raise. The half-penny tax would probably
have a much higher chance of being approved by the voters.
Cons: Monument would be perceived by the county and
Colorado Springs as not being financially supportive of RTA projects.
Sonnenburg also noted in his staff’s summary document that
Town Attorney Gary Shupp believes there is a strong possibility that although
the RTA measure will probably be on the Nov. 2 ballot, a separate vote would be
required by county voters next year to authorize raising the funds via the sales
tax. Voters in Colorado Springs can vote for both, however, on Nov. 2. This
would delay implementation to Jan. 1, 2006, at the earliest.
Note: There are 50 road improvements targeted by the RTA
proposal; half are in Colorado Springs and the other 25 are in the county. The
top five county priorities are all Baptist Road improvements.
Discussion: Trustee Dave Mertz asked if any other
projects could be added to the list. Trustee Frank Orten said it would not be
useful since the expected revenues are only enough to pay for the already listed
projects, and added projects would be last priority with no funding likely.
Trustee Byron Glenn asked if RTA proposal passage would make
it easier to build a new combined town hall and police station. Sonnenburg noted
that option 6 would produce enough road repair money to free $200,000 per year
from the current road repair budget to be redirected to other priorities. This
would probably be enough money to pay for a new town hall building in 20 to 30
years, depending on the actual cost of the final design and prevailing interest
rates. Sonnenburg noted that his counterpart at Palmer Lake, Della Gins, was
interested in pursuing option 6.
Mertz expressed his displeasure that 65 percent of the
revenue goes to the county for regional projects and not to Monument. Trustee
Glenda Smith observed that the top priority of the Baptist Road corridor
projects could change after the election, as did the top priority of a proposed
road from Woodmen Road to Mitchell Avenue in previous county budgets. Mayor
Betty Konarski concluded the discussion by asking if there was any strong
feeling toward any of the options. There was none.
Pike National Forest gas and oil drilling
The board agreed on providing two comments to the U.S.
Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service. Konarski said she is
concerned about the potentially high salinity of discharged water from the
drilling process. Trustee George Case said he is concerned that there might be a
defoliated "scar" on the side of Mt. Herman like the large quarry that
spoils the view of the Front Range in Colorado Springs.
Walters Annexation presentation
Terry Schooler of Pulte Homes and Jillian McColgan of DTJ
Design presented a conceptual plan for a residential development on the Walters
property. The property is located between the Jackson Creek and Kingswood
communities, just north of the intersection of Baptist Road and Gleneagle Drive.
The purpose of the presentation was to inform the board of their intent and get
feedback on what aspects of their plan should be changed to facilitate
annexation of a purely residential development. Town Planner Mike Davenport
arranged the session so trustees would be better informed to answer citizen
questions about the annexation through an open public process. Schooler’s
proposal calls for Triview Metropolitan District to annex 80 acres of the
Walters property. The other 40 acres are already part of the district.
Davenport said the issue facing the board is that more money
is required to operate and maintain services for residential areas than they
produce in tax revenue.
The board suggested adding a connection to Lyons Tail Drive
in addition to the connections shown at Gleneagle Drive and Walters Creek Drive.
They said they were satisfied with Schooler’s answers to questions regarding
emergency vehicle access and transitions with the eastern edge of neighboring
Jackson Creek. Heavy emphasis was given to realigning the proposed roads to
connect to Lyons Tail, in order to extend the trail from Jackson Creek to Fox
Run Park.
The special meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
By Jim Kendrick
The Monument Parks and Landscape (P&L) Committee reviewed
proposed landscaping plans for the Kerr Addition and Tuscany Hill Market. The
committee provided comments to the developers and will reconsider the plans at
the next meeting on March 9. They also reviewed progress and plans for Limbach
Park and the planned entry signage for downtown Monument that will be placed on
the southeast corner of the intersection of Second Street and Highway 105. All
four members of the board were present.
Site Plan for Kerr Addition
Town Planner Mike Davenport discussed the results of the town
planning staff’s review of John Kerr’s application to the committee. The
review followed a new checklist created by the P&L committee. The Kerr
addition is a parcel of land that is undergoing annexation and rezoning for the
purpose of building a wholesale gift business to be called Present Perfect
Gifts. Kerr has indicated he may add a retail section within the building in the
future. The parcel lies between Mountain Farmer Landscape and Nurseries and
Second Street, immediately west of the railroad tracks with a frontage along
Mitchell Avenue. Kerr purchased this parcel from the railroad. Davenport
characterized the application as a good initial plan for Kerr, who is not an
experienced developer. The following was noted:
-
Missing items to be added to the landscaping plan: a
certification statement, connection points for bicycle paths and trails,
irrigation system notes, a plant schedule/legend, location of wall-mounted
or freestanding lighting, a description of existing vegetation on the
parcel, and notes regarding public land dedication and total area of the
property, landscaping, and open space.
-
Additions requested: a fence or landscaping along the
railroad tracks to screen the loading area and a berm or shrubs for the
parking area along the street. Also requested is a specific depiction of the
four crab apple trees Kerr told staff he would place south of the building
near Second Street.
-
Changes: The culvert that drains the west end of Third
Street under the railroad tracks needs to be larger to prevent flooding.
This existing drainage flows across the north end of the lot, then across
Mitchell Avenue to Monument Lake and Monument Creek. Also, the staff asked
that the location of some trees be moved to improve visibility for motorists
and pedestrians at driveway entries.
Davenport noted that Kerr had eliminated a driveway entrance
along Second Street at the request of the town’s traffic engineering
consultant.
Member Linda Pankratz asked how many tractor-trailer
deliveries were expected at the Second Street delivery point; Davenport said two
or three per week. He added that Kerr expected to have merchandise clearance
sales in the parking lot twice a year. Member Toni Martin requested the plan be
continued until the next meeting so Kerr could respond to the staff’s
requirements. Her motion was approved unanimously.
Tuscany Hill Market
Tony Luca of Paisano LLC is building a retail center with an
Italian restaurant on Lot 1 of Valley Vista Estates Filing No. 3. The structure
will be on the south side of Cipriani Loop and the west side of Knollwood Drive,
about a block south of Highway 105. The approval is administrative since the
overall development plan has been previously approved. Davenport noted that the
overall landscape plan exceeded town requirements and planned to make these
suggestions to Luca, based on the P&L checklist:
-
Missing items to be added: connection points for bicycle
paths and trails, location of wall-mounted or freestanding lighting, and a
description of existing vegetation on the parcel.
-
Additions: planned ground materials for each area of
landscaping, trees on two corners of the building, and flowering shrubs and
perennials for three-season color.
-
Changes: extending the sidewalks.
Pankratz suggested changing the planned Ponderosa pines to
another coniferous type of tree. She noted that there was no landscape architect
listed on the planning documents, which explained the list of comments. The
committee voted unanimously that the plan be continued until the next meeting so
Luca could respond to the staff’s requirements.
Davenport noted that these types of early reviews show that
the town is happy to work with small business owners to help them meet
standards. The new checklist used to evaluate these two proposals appears to be
an effective tool for helping organize applicant planning and town staff and
committee reviews.
There were no committee or staff reports. The committee
discussed changing the requirements for the vacant fifth position on the
committee to allow it to be an alternate position, occupied by someone who is
not a resident or property/business owner, who would only vote if there were not
enough other members present to form a quorum. The position has been open for a
few months. Davenport noted that this change would require Board of Trustee (BOT)
approval. A motion to make this request passed unanimously. Diane Figgins of
Bent Tree attended the meeting and indicated she would apply for an alternate
position if one is created.
The committee also recommended unanimously that the Monument
Board of Trustees seek a Greater Outdoors Colorado grant for about $75,000 to
help pay the purchase price of three parcels south and west of Limbach Park that
are owned by the railroad. Another grant would be sought, after the land is
purchased, to provide needed improvements such as play courts and equipment, a
band shell, a picnic area and shelter, parking, and landscape irrigation.
A contract will be sought for a landscape architect, via a
request for qualifications process, to create a final design for the new
downtown entry sign at Second Street and Highway 105.
The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m. The next meeting will be
held at 6:30 p.m. on March 9 at Town Hall.
Web Site Exclusive: View photos of the
Monument Planning Commission Feb. 11
By John Heiser
At their Feb. 11 meeting, members of the Monument Planning
Commission quickly approved Lawrence Hicks’ application to operate Dad’s
All-American Hot Dogs kiosk-type business in the parking lot of Foxworth-Galbraith.
The commission then discussed several planning issues facing the town.
Kiosk businesses
Mike Davenport, town planner and assistant town manager,
reported that the town has received inquiries about the possibility of a
regulation change to permit a two-step approval of kiosk-type businesses. In the
first step, all but the specific location would be considered. Approval by the
board of trustees would be conditional based on the applicant selecting a
location satisfying a set of requirements. In the second step, the location
would be set and approved administratively without a public hearing.
Wahlborg Annexation
Davenport said an annexation eligibility hearing will be held
March 1. He noted that the processing of the proposal is similar to the Monument
Marketplace in that the board of trustees would approve the general types of
businesses and the layout and then the specific plats would be approved
administratively.
Commissioner Lowell Morgan said, "This is our biggest
annexation since Jackson Creek." Davenport agreed and added, "It is
the last big piece of property on Highway 105."
Earthwork
Bob Mooney, chair of the planning commission, asked what was
being done on the property south of Higby Road and north of the Marketplace.
Mooney said, "It looks like final grade." Davenport said it is cut and
fill dirt storage for the Marketplace. He said, "There are no building
plans. They can’t do anything without coming before the planning
commission."
Wal-Mart
Commissioner Kathy Spence said that based on what was said at
the Marketplace hearings, Wal-Mart would not be appropriate for inclusion in the
Marketplace. Davenport replied, "Wal-Mart is going to the El Paso County
Planning Commission. The town has not been contacted in the past couple of
years; however, one of the pads is big enough for Wal-Mart." Spence said,
"The Marketplace plan [for the 200,000-square-foot pad] didn’t show any
docks. It would be okay for a movie theater. With a Wal-Mart, the crime rate
goes sky high. It would be scary to have that in the area of the high school and
middle school."
Light industrial west of I-25
Davenport reported that the town has received inquiries
regarding possible light industrial and office/warehouse projects adjacent and
west of I-25, north and south of the old part of town. He said some examples of
the types of uses being considered would be sales of manufactured housing or log
homes, RV or boat sales, or indoor storage. He added that a major concern is the
appearance from I-25 and noted that the existing zoning would not allow indoor
storage but would allow outdoor storage as a conditional use. Conditional use
means that public hearings would be required before approval. Davenport
suggested the town might want to change the regulations to disallow outdoor
storage but allow indoor storage as a conditional use.
Mooney said, "I don’t want it to look like a trailer
park like Nevada Avenue in Colorado Springs." Davenport said that by
restricting the types of manufactured housing and the density, and by adding
landscaping, it could look more like conventional housing than a mobile home
park.
Morgan noted that access to the areas south of the old part
of town adjacent to I-25 would have to cross the New Santa Fe Trail. Davenport
said, "That is a major issue with the county parks department. They won’t
allow at-grade crossings. As a result, we don’t get too many repeat
inquiries."
Morgan said, "I would expect a lot of resistance from
residents to sales or storage of larger RVs." Referring to a defeated
proposal for a large RV sales and service business west of the high school,
Morgan said, "We would be back to the K&C RV issue."
Several of the commissioners said they would not object to
indoor storage of small boats, snowmobiles, and motorcycles as long as the
building did not block the views. They said the height and character of the
buildings is important. Mooney said, "You don’t want a hodgepodge of
buildings."
Commissioner Jim Thresher said, "Once you let some of
that hodgepodge in, the better developers go elsewhere. You drive the quality
stuff away."
Mooney asked, "Do we have water for any of this?"
Davenport replied that the town operates on a 100-year rule, so up to 1 percent
of the available water can be used each year. He noted that in some areas, they
have been pumping for 60 years. He said that some areas of Douglas County are on
their second or third well and those wells can be 10 times as expensive as the
initial wells. Davenport said the question of where to get renewable water is an
issue up and down the Front Range. He asked, "What happens in 100 years?
Monument is on the rim of the bowl [of the Denver Basin aquifer system]. We
might feel things sooner than others."
Commercial realtor Thorne Davis spoke from the audience
regarding a possible project a client of his is considering for indoor RV
storage and retail space north of Highway 105. He said these buildings would
have a retail look with the use of stucco and stone exteriors. Spence suggested
it might fit better south of Baptist Road in the Forest Lakes commercial area.
Mooney expressed concern about the proximity to residential areas. Davis replied
that his client has built several of these projects and realizes appearance is
important. Davis said they are targeting an upper income demographic for RV
storage. Mooney said, "There is a definite need for it due to covenants. It
would have to be a well-chosen location." Spence added, "I can see a
need, but I wouldn’t approve anything that wouldn’t look very good."
Jackson Creek residents Rory and Mary O’Leary said that
when they moved from California they were attracted to Monument and complimented
the planning commission on its work to preserve the quality of the area.
**********
The Monument Planning Commission meets on the second
Wednesday of each month at Monument Town Hall, 166 2nd Street. The next meeting
will be March 10, with a work session at 5:30 p.m. and meeting at 6:30 p.m. For
additional information, contact Mike Davenport at 481-2954.
By John Heiser
At its regular meeting Feb. 25, the Triview Metropolitan
District Board of Directors discussed several new projects in various stages of
planning. Director Linda Jones attended the meeting and then resigned from the
board because she no longer lives in the district. Due to the timing of her
resignation, the position will be filled by appointment. Aside from directors
Jones, Steve Stephenson, and Martha Gurnick, no other Triview district residents
were present.
Monument development status
Mike Davenport, Monument’s assistant town manager and town
planner, reported that the Board of Trustees hearing on the Jackson Creek Market
Village project east of the King Soopers shopping center has been postponed to
March 15 due to concerns about the design of the internal roads for the
residential portion. With regard to roads, Davenport said the town considers
four issues: (1) Is the road adequate to accommodate the anticipated traffic?
(2) Is there adequate parking provided? (3) Will fire vehicles have adequate
access? and (4) Will snow plows have adequate access?
The Jackson Creek Market Village project has requested
approval of private internal roads. Davenport said, "The timing couldn’t
be worse." He reported that the homeowners association for the Monument
Villas project on Knollwood Drive south of Highway 105 has recently requested
that the town take over maintenance of their private roads. The project was
approved three years ago with private roads that do not meet town standards
Davenport said the latest Jackson Creek Market Village site
plan uses 30-foot road rights-of-way. Although they are wider than originally
proposed, they do not meet Triview’s 50-foot standard or the town’s 60-foot
standard.
Ron Simpson, manager for the Triview district, expressed
concerns about the design of the internal roads and the potential that they
could become a maintenance burden for the district. He asked, "Is this a
precedent we want to set? They need to show us how the roads and sidewalks
work."
Davenport said, "There is a question of the long-term
viability of private road maintenance. …If the roads and utilities don’t
work, then the land use doesn’t work. We don’t have enough information to
know if that plan works. We need a revised plan or the board [of trustees] would
feel they are wasting their time." He said the town would allow the project
to be separated into the residential portion and commercial portion. He noted
the design for the commercial portion is further along and is a higher priority
for the applicant, Miles Grant.
Davenport said Grant is seeking Planned Development (PD)
zoning that is a variant of Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning. He said this
approach merges the variance/waiver process into normal land use processing. The
variances or waivers such as the one to allow private roads are termed
"modifications."
Monument Marketplace
Rick Blevins of Marketplace developer Vision Development,
Inc., reported as follows:
-
The earthwork for the extension of Jackson Creek Parkway
and Leather Chaps Drive is substantially complete.
-
The utilities along Jackson Creek Parkway will be
completed in two weeks.
-
Construction of curb and gutter should start in three
weeks, so paving can begin about April 1. Ideal Concrete was awarded the
curb and gutter contract for $298,000.
-
Electrical Excellence was the low bidder for traffic
controls and streetlights with a bid of $349,825.
-
Construction of the sewer line to serve the Marketplace
has encountered multiple fiber optic cables. Qwest was unable to supply
accurate information on the location of their cables. Due to the number and
location of the cables, the portion of the sewer line along Baptist Road
will have to be installed using directional drill boring rather than
trenching. Chuck Ritter, Nolte and Associates’ engineering consultant for
the district, said the boring will require about 48 hours to complete.
During that time, traffic on Baptist Road will be disrupted. Blevins said
the change will add about $51,000 to the cost of installing the sewer line.
Well A4
Referring to the plan to connect raw (untreated) water from
the new well A4 in the Arapahoe aquifer to the reuse system—rather than
connecting it to the potable water system—Ritter said, "It is a good use
for A4 for the first year." Simpson added, "There is a lot of water
going on the ground for grass. It’s amazing. We used almost 3.3 million
gallons per month for [the landscaping on] Leather Chaps and Lyons Tail."
Ritter said the plan will cost "a bit more than $30,000. We need to get
cranking."
WWTF expansion
The Waste Water Treatment Facility (WWTF) is jointly owned by
the Triview district, the Donala district that serves Gleneagle, and the Forest
Lakes Metropolitan District that currently does not have any users.
Simpson said the expansion of the WWTF has been pushed out at
least a year.
Ritter reported that Stephenson will not be included on the
site visit trip in early March to comparable plants that use the proposed new
process called Sequencing Batch Reaction (SBR). The plants are in Salida,
California (near Sacramento), and Fallon, Nevada (near Reno). Ritter said he and
three people from the Donala Water and Sanitation District will make the trip.
The mouse
Simpson has been looking at properties that could be used as
part of Preble’s meadow jumping mouse habitat conservation plans to satisfy
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) requirements for the Wal-Mart site, the
expansion of Baptist Road, and the extension of Jackson Creek Parkway. He said a
meeting was held with the FWS to discuss the habitat issues related to Jackson
Creek Parkway. He said, "I hope the issue will be resolved before the March
board meeting."
Lyons Tail landscaping
Simpson said installation of rock landscaping in the parking
strips along Lyons Tail is expected to start in a month or two.
Developments
Simpson reported that landowner Greg Anderson has hired
consultants to plan possible developments within the district west of I-25 and
south of Highway 105. He said the land is zoned Planned Industrial District (PID).
The anticipated uses are mostly commercial office/warehouse.
Blevins said the YMCA is starting a capital campaign to fund
construction of a building on the 12-acre site west of Lewis-Palmer High School.
The YMCA obtained the site from the Vision Development in February 2002. Blevins
said that 15-18 percent of the people who presently use the overcrowded
Briargate YMCA are Tri-Lakes residents.
Blevins reported that the owner of a 10-acre parcel north of
the YMCA site is considering building an office building/sports medicine
complex.
He said he expects Lariat Ranch Filing 3 to be submitted to
the town in the next few weeks. It is a 98-lot subdivision. If a proposed church
were included, the number of lots would drop to 85.
Blevins said Vision Development is looking at residential
development north of the Marketplace. Densities would decrease from six houses
to the acre near the Marketplace, to four per acre, and then to two per acre
approaching Higby Road.
Water and sewer
Simpson introduced Mark Moore, one of two town employees
assigned to do operations and maintenance for Triview under the contract between
the district and the town. Moore reported that electrical problems with Water
Treatment Plant A are being investigated.
Moore said low bidder Ace, the contractor selected last month
to implement the Supervisor Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) equipment,
"didn’t realize what they had to do. We are disappointed that they don’t
have the experience with Motorola programming. I don’t have high hopes Ace can
solve the problem." The board authorized Simpson to renegotiate with
alternative contractor Timberline. Simpson said, "We have used Timberline
forever. They have the Motorola franchise." Moore added, "They are
good at what they do." Moore suggested plant tours be offered for
interested residents.
Director Jones resigns
At the end of the meeting, Jones resigned from the board.
Board president Kathy Walters said, "Linda has been a great asset to the
district." Due to the timing of Jones’ resignation, the position will be
filled by appointment rather than being subject to the May 4 election. The
positions to be filled at the election are the ones occupied by Kathy and Gary
Walters, both of whom are term-limited, and Stephenson who was appointed in July
to complete Jim Perry’s term. Gurnick was elected in 2002; her term ends in
2006.
Executive session
The meeting ended with an executive session to discuss water
augmentation exchange issues.
**********
The Triview Metropolitan District Board of Directors normally
meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month, 4:30 p.m., at the district offices,
174 N. Washington St. The next meeting will be held March 24. For further
information, contact the Triview Metropolitan District at 488-6868.
By Kim Makower
Committee Reports
Jeanine Engle reported on a meeting that Trustee Susan Miner
held with owners of businesses along Highway 105. The group addressed the speed
of the traffic through town and concerns about pedestrians crossing the highway.
Twelve people attended, including Bob Radosevich, the town’s roads supervisor.
Miner and Radosevich reviewed past contact with Colorado Department of
Transportation (CDOT). After some discussion, Radosevich was asked to contact
Terry Shippy of CDOT to request painted crosswalks and a flashing light on the
30 mph sign. The proposed locations of the crosswalks are from Centennial
ballfield to the west side of the highway, from Bella Panini to the B&E
Filling Station, from O’Malley’s to Finders Keepers, and from The Depot to
the lake. The group is exploring these options first, hoping the measures will
be enough to slow traffic to the speed limit and allow pedestrians to cross
safely. The group will meet again on the first Tuesday of each month for updates
on this issue and also to discuss the possibility of forming a business owners’
association. The next meeting is scheduled for March 2, 3 p.m., at the Rock
House. All Palmer Lake business owners were encouraged to attend these meetings.
Mayor Nikki McDonald reported that five vacancies exist on
the town council. Nomination petitions are available at the town offices, 54
Valley Crescent. Miner later encouraged residents from the east side of town to
fill some of the vacancies.
Storm Ready presentation
Tom Magnuson of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) described the capabilities and some history of NOAA.
Magnuson said the agency is seeking volunteers to attend a training course to
become weather spotters in Palmer Lake. He also emphasized that there are many
micro-climates in El Paso County that the weather service keeps track of with
weather reporting and forecasts. The Web site is www.crh.noaa.gov.
Homeland Security grant update
Police Chief Dale Smith recommended the town retain Gray
Buckley of JB Robinson and Associates to administer the training made available
through the recent grant of $74,000 from the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security. Buckley, formerly with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, gave a
presentation detailing aspects of the training contemplated by his firm to
fulfill the grant’s requirements. Various scenarios were given that present a
risk to the community, including a long list of threats to the water supply.
Weapons of mass destruction (WMD), hazardous materials contamination, and a
train derailment were also mentioned as threats to the Tri-Lakes area.
Buckley emphasized the need for better coordination among
various federal, state, and local organizations. He said these agencies rarely
work together and must be coordinated to prepare for a response to a terrorist
act. Buckley added that the exercises would stress informing, preparing, and
coordinating the area’s response to a disaster. Trustee Brent Sumner stated,
"We need to make sure that we have the right people here" in the event
of a problem. Smith ended the presentation by emphasizing the need to develop a
regional response to a WMD event that would augment, and not replace, the
participating town’s emergency response plans.
Business license applications
Palmer Lake Shotokan Karate: David Leasure and Tim Fal
have conducted karate classes in the town hall for 18 years, mainly training
children of elementary and middle school ages. This membership-based
organization will charge $25 per month and have an insurance policy of $2
million. Miner commented that she was glad to see karate continue in Palmer
Lake.
Hair by Jane: Jane Barrow is opening a hair salon at
104-B Highway 105.
Hair by Laura: Laura Clibon will offer hair and skin
products and salon services, also at 104-B Highway 105.
Living Foods Bon Appetit: Josif Bob Oldja presented his
idea for a raw whole foods business that would deliver books and foods to
Tri-Lakes residents. His interest grew from his personal battle with cancer and
the success he derived from a raw food diet. The business would be located in
the residential area next to Pinecrest Event Center. Since Oldja stated his
intent to not have customers come to his house, a potential issue with parking
became moot. The trustees were clearly moved by Oldja’s story, and McDonald
echoed the sentiment of all the trustees by bidding him farewell with a
"God Bless You."
Marshall Clark Photography: Marshall and Amy Clark were
congratulated by the trustees for the design and appearance of their new studio
at 88 Highway 105. They were welcomed into the Palmer Lake business community,
but were cautioned by Miner to "check the town’s sign ordinance"
prior to spending a lot of money for signage.
Proposed modular home
Michael Brennan requested a change in land use from a
commercial zone to a residence. He presented his plan to construct a modular
home on a permanent foundation at 0 Lower Glenway, an 8,500-square-foot lot
surrounded by houses. Trustee Ed Kinney voiced his opposition to the plan,
saying the trustees were "piecemealing" the town’s master plan.
Miner agreed, noting that the town has few commercially zoned parcels. Others
thought the residential use made sense, since it is surrounded by homes. In
addition, commercial parking requirements and the 25-foot required setback would
restrict its use for a commercial building. One residential appraiser cautioned
the board that a modular would not hold value very well and suggested the
builder make the house conform in design to the neighborhood. The council
requested that Brennan submit architectural drawings of the final product.
Paintball
Resident Gary Atkins introduced his group of concerned
residents. McDonald made reference to pending legal action by the town against
Fusion Extreme Gaming by saying "Until this is out of the courts, we cannot
say anything." Resident Max Oliver claimed that he was being denied the
enjoyment of his property due to noise coming from the paintball gaming area. He
said the noise is louder than the state highway or the dozens of trains in close
proximity to his house. Atkins and the others urged the trustees to deny the
renewal of Fusion Extreme’s business license when it comes up in 2004. The
outdoor facility has been closed since the fall, and the business is currently
concentrating on indoor computer gaming and computer education and repair
services.
Pikes Peak Regional Building Department fee schedule
Trustee Randy Jones said, "We have a choice as a town as
to who looks over us," referring to a new business that would provide
building inspection services. He was not supportive of the Pikes Peak Regional
Building Department because of his past experience with them.
McDonald commented that the town’s tax revenue is low and
needs to increase. "So that Palmer Lake doesn’t die, we need a tax
[transfer tax on property sales] like California has," she said. Trustee
Chuck Cornell disagreed and suggested that the town explore other options for
increasing revenue. "I resented this tax as a resident of Washington,"
he said. McDonald insisted that the "only way to get extra tax is through
the sale of a home."
All business license applications were approved. Mayor Nikki
McDonald read a proclamation of Sertoma Freedom Week, Feb. 15-21. Ted Bauman of
Monument Hill Sertoma introduced Creekside Middle School eighth grader Jordann
Zbylski who read her essay, "What freedom means to me." She was one of
nine winners of Sertoma’s February Freedom Essay Contest
Ed Kinney announced he would not run for reelection in April.
There are five open seats, including the Mayor’s. Chuck Cornell and Randy
Jones are the only trustees who will stay on the council. Cindy Allen is term
limited, so cannot run again.
The council approved the following:
-
Vacation of a utility easement, between lots 7 and 8,
Block 2 of Lakeview Heights Subdivision Filing No. 2.
-
The request for conditional use for a single family
residence in a CC zone, Lot 3, Block 1 in Moroni Subdivision Filing No. 1, 0
Lower Glenway passed 6 to 1, Ed Kinney dissenting.
-
The contract for JP Robinson Associates for the first
phase of the Homeland Security Grant.
-
Ordinance 1-2004, changing the Town Marshal to Town Chief
of Police.
-
The Pikes Peak Regional Building 2004 fee schedule.
-
Regional Floodplain Administra-tion agreement.
-
Release of subdivision bond performance for Willow Creek.
-
Resolution by motion appointing the town clerk as the
election official.
-
Resolution 1-2004, ballot questions 1 and 2, retaining of
excess overage for 2004 and 2005.
The Palmer Lake Liquor Licensing Authority approved a special
events liquor license for the Fire Engine Fund Casino Night.
By Jaqui Parker
The meeting of the Palmer Lake Committee for Community
Awareness (PLCCA) on Feb. 26 was attended by 14 people. The committee considered
asking the heads of various town departments–Administration, Fire, Water,
Roads, and Police–to speak at future PLCCA meetings to give the members an
understanding of their job functions. The group also discussed a survey Susan
Miner developed that asks the citizens of Palmer Lake for their ideas on how the
community should evolve. Three versions of the survey have been developed, and
at least one form of the survey has been distributed to some citizens in the
past.
Discussion regarding the best way for neighborhood
representatives to stay informed about events and issues in Palmer Lake resulted
in the following recommendations: attend town council workshops and meetings,
attend planning commission workshops and meetings, read Our Community News, read
the bulletin board at the post office and Town Hall, attend board of adjustment
meetings, and attend economic development meetings.
The committee discussed the upcoming municipal election.
There are four vacant trustee positions to be filled, plus the position of
mayor. The board of adjustment has two open positions. Candidates must file a
petition that includes the signatures of 10 registered voters by March 5.
Committee members considered handing out flyers explaining the mission of the
PLCCA and obtaining phone numbers and/or e-mail addresses from those who would
like more information. Regulations regarding such activity (e.g., must be 100
feet from election site) were discussed.
Town Clerk Della Gins agreed to provide a short synopsis of
the function of each of the town’s departments to give PLCCA members an
overview of town government. The next meeting will be March 25, 7 p.m., at the
Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. For more information, contact Jaqui
Parker at 487-7434 or frostio@adelphia.net.
By Jim Kendrick
The Donald Wescott Fire Protection District Board (DWFPD)
voted unanimously to terminate primary fire and ambulance service, effective
April 1, to the 13-square-mile area south of County Line Road and east of
Highway 83 that voted to oppose inclusion by the district on Nov. 4, 2003. The
board also announced significant progress is being made in merger discussions
with Woodmoor/Monument Fire Protection District (W/MFPD.) Board member Brian
Ritz was excused due to participation in training as an instructor at Fort
Carson.
Termination of Services
In the "Dear Homeowner" letter the board approved,
DWFPD will tell property owners: "As a result of that election, the Board
of Directors of [DWFPD] has determined that without tax revenues from the
affected area, the District can no longer provide fire protection service and
emergency medical service to that area. As of April 1, 2004, the area of El Paso
County which includes your property will receive services for fire protection
and medical response only under mutual aid agreements between special fire
districts providing service to the northern area of the county."
Chief Bill Sheldon noted that as a result of the board’s
decision, some of these property owners have been notified by their insurance
companies that their fire policies would be canceled. About two-thirds of the
property owners who received the letter have petitioned for inclusion in the
Tri-Lakes Fire Protection District (TLFPD). See the TLFPD Board article for more
details.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Dennis Feltz reported that he is now meeting with
Sheldon one week before the board meetings to review expenditures and income.
His report that January activity was in line with projected figures was approved
unanimously.
Policy and Procedures Manual Update
Sheldon said the only section not yet finalized refers to the
policy on use-or-lose vacation and sick pay. He recommended that full carryover
of the unused pay be allowed in 2004 and 2005 until a final policy is set.
Sheldon will inform all staff members that the current accrual policy is
temporary only; that they will gather data for the next one to two years to
arrive at a final policy; and that full carryover is a possibility if vacation
and sick leave are used wisely. The final draft of the policy and procedures
manual is being reviewed by the district’s attorney, Peter Obernesser, and
will be published as soon as his review and corrections are complete. The motion
to temporarily retain full carryover of unused vacation and sick pay passed
unanimously.
ISO Compliance Inspection
The three-day Insurance Services Organization (ISO)
inspection began on Feb. 17. Departments are inspected every 15 years by the ISO
to help regional insurance providers assess their policy risks and to help
districts verify the quality of their services. Questionnaires are sent out
every five years in the interim to determine if conditions have changed
sufficiently to warrant a physical inspection before the end of the 15-year
cycle. Mainly, the ISO inspector will run extensive fire hydrant flow rate tests
throughout the district and will verify regional equipment and manpower
statistics listed in automatic and mutual aid agreements. The inspector also
checks records on maintenance and operation of department equipment, as well as
training documentation for all personnel.
Sheldon noted that ISO standards now require that if
buildings next to a hydrant have wood shake roofs, the "measured flow
rate" is reduced by a 500-gallon-per-minute penalty/deduction. This
reduction, a nationwide standard, reflects the additional amount of water and
time it takes to extinguish burning wood shakes compared to that required to
extinguish a burning roof covered with fire-resistant composite shingles. The
district was penalized for those areas with existing homes having wood shake
roofs. The current county policy of requiring homeowners to replace shake roofs
with fire resistant shingles or tiles will eventually eliminate this penalty.
The overall penalty will not be known until the final report is received.
The district will not receive results of this inspection for
six to eight months. The district currently has an ISO rating of 6 for hydranted
areas and 9 for rural areas. The goal is to lower the 6 rating to a 5. This
could be achieved with a continuing program of hydrant maintenance and upgrade
in conjunction with the digging of new wells by Donala Water and Sanitation
District initiated over the last two years. An ISO rating of 10 means that there
is no dedicated fire service and often leads to cancellation of fire insurance
policies.
Chief’s Report
Sheldon reported that he would be spending between $1,200 and
$1,500 on replacement tools and hose sections for the department’s engines. He
praised the dedication of the entire staff in preparing for the ISO inspection.
Director Joe Potter asked Sheldon about funding for the weapons of mass
destruction (WMD) training. Sheldon said that the Palmer Lake Police Department
had received $74,000 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that will be
used for command and control simulation exercises for supervisors from several
fire and emergency agencies in the county. The purpose of the exercises is to
test the communications and notifications procedures that have been developed
for responding to WMD threats and incidents. Since the last board meeting, a
decision was made to add a small field operations exercise involving a few
emergency vehicles and personnel in an area along the railroad tracks in Palmer
Lake.
National Incident Management System (NIMS)
The board voted unanimously to adopt this new national
standard that replaces the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS)
system. Assistant Chief Vinnie Burns noted that all regional fire departments
would be consistent on incident command terminology and that adoption would
improve the district’s chances of successfully competing for federal grants.
Before NFIRS is phased out completely, there will be an interim period where all
emergency response reporting is done in both systems.
Merger Update
DWFPD Board President Bill Lowes said that DWFPD had been
invited as an observer in the discussions between American Medical Response
(AMR) ambulance service and W/MFPD. Discussions culminated in the initiation of
round-the-clock AMR service at the Woodmoor Drive station for the next six
months. AMR is providing this at no cost to W/MFPD, as they do now with DWFPD.
The service area runs from Northgate Road on the south to Greenland Road on the
north. The W/MFPD AMR ambulance will now provide a backup to the Larkspur Fire
District as well. Although in Douglas County, Larkspur is a member of the North
Group, an informal association of fire departments from the north end of El Paso
County. Lowes added that merger talks would resume after the ISO inspection.
Station 3 Expansion
Bids for the expansion should be received no later than the
end of March. Board member Kevin Gould, a professional architect, said he has
notified the county of short- and long-term approvals that will be required.
Only a minor amendment to the site development plan is needed. He reported that
engineering consultant firm Oberring and Wurth that built the original buildings
confirmed there will be no problem with the required 15-foot setback or
easements. Trees located in the new expansion footprint will be moved to another
location on the property in the revised landscape plan.
Goals for 2004
This agenda item was unanimously deferred to the next
meeting.
Audit for 2003
The board voted unanimously to retain auditing consultant
Hanson & Company that has worked with the district’s finances for more
than five years.
Special District Board Election
Ginette Ritz, DWFPD election official, reported that the
Special District Election will be held on May 4 at Antelope Trails Elementary
School, 15280 Jessie Drive.
Lowes will be leaving office due to term limitation. The
terms of Potter, Gould, and Ritz are expiring.
Although not discussed at the board meeting, Sheldon said
afterward that ice training on the Gleneagle golf course was scheduled for Feb.
22. Nationally certified Water Extraction Instructor Ed Miller from Alpine
Divers LLC conducted this session as he did in January. Participation in the
course included 20 members of DWFPD, and one member of American Medical Response
(AMR).
Executive Session
The board held a short executive session to receive legal
advice from Obernesser. No decisions were announced. The meeting adjourned at
8:30 pm.
By John Heiser
At its meeting Feb. 19, the Tri-Lakes Fire Protection
District Board of Directors approved inclusion of parcels totaling about 3,600
acres east of Highway 83. Director and district treasurer John Hildebrandt was
on vacation. Director and district vice president Oscar Gillespie was absent due
to illness.
Inclusion hearings
Board president Charlie Pocock said, "The inclusions
were somewhat precipitated by an article in OCN reporting that the Donald
Wescott Fire Protection District is abandoning the eastern area." He added
that some insurance companies notified property owners that if they were not
included in a fire district within 30 days, their insurance would be terminated.
Final hearings were then held on the following petitions for
inclusion:
-
Approximately 800 acres near Walden III owned by Matthew
Dunston and Gene W. Dunston
-
A 40-acre property owned by Jeff and Judi Havens
-
A 40-acre property owned by James and Jeannie Muth
-
A 40-acre property owned by Rhonda Thompson
-
Approximately 2,700 acres owned by Norm Younger
The inclusion petitions, totaling about 3,600 acres, were
unanimously approved.
The district also held initial hearings on a 32-acre parcel
on Walker Road owned by Carl Cover and Walden III filings 3 (34 lots) and 4 (18
lots). All three of these petitions for inclusion were signed by 100 percent of
the property owners. A special meeting was scheduled for Feb. 26 to hold the
final hearings on those petitions.
Chief’s report
Chief Robert Denboske reported that during January, the
district responded to 75 calls, a 14 percent increase from the same period last
year. Those calls were as follows: 34 medical, 14 fire, 17 traffic accidents,
seven public assists, and three hazardous materials. Thirty-three people were
transported to area hospitals. The district has 74 people assigned, including
the five board members.
The chief reported that the district is starting to use EVS
in Castle Rock instead of Transwest in Commerce City to do maintenance on the
firefighting vehicles. He said the rate schedule is the same and it is more
convenient.
Denboske said district personnel logged 3,700 training hours
during 2003 with:
-
33 people state certified in hazardous material awareness
-
18 people state certified in hazardous material
operations
-
30 people state certified as Fire Fighter I
-
14 people state certified as Fire Fighter II
-
1 person state certified as a First Responder
Denboske said, "I am quite proud of what we have
accomplished." Pocock added, "We have made great strides toward the
objectives we set last July."
The board unanimously approved Denboske’s suggestion that
the district donate two spare SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) units to
the Monument Police Department for use during meth lab investigations.
EMS Report
Ron Thompson, assistant chief and Emergency Medical Services
(EMS) Coordinator, reported that the district has submitted an application for a
state EMS grant for a 4x4 ambulance to replace ambulance 3, a replacement cot
for ambulance 2, and two Striker stair-chairs to aid transporting patients down
flights of stairs. Thompson reported that the training on 12 lead EKG has been a
great class. He thanked the board for providing the TV/VCR and Powerpoint
projector that have been very helpful during training.
Thompson said eight members of the Tri-Lakes district and
three members of the Black Forest Fire Protection District were certified for
ice rescue at the class at Fox Run Park Feb. 7. He reported that Larry Dunn has
been certified as an EMT, and Bryan Jack has been certified as an EMT-Paramedic.
Thompson noted that the department now has 29 EMT-Basic, five EMT-Intermediate,
five EMT-Paramedic, one First Responder, and two nurses. He said the revised
ambulance contract with the Town of Palmer Lake has been signed.
Station 2
Rick Barnes, board member and architect for Station 2,
reported that the construction contract for the station will be ready for
bidding in a few days, with bids closing March 15. He said he anticipates four
bidders and one alternate. Groundbreaking is scheduled for the end of March.
Barnes said that any changes required for county administrative approval of the
site plan will be incorporated during the bid period.
The meeting ended with an executive session to discuss
strategy for negotiations.
**********
The Tri-Lakes Fire Protection District board normally meets
at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the district firehouse, 18650
Highway 105 (near the bowling alley). The next meeting is scheduled for March
18. For more information, call Chief Denboske at 481-2312. The Tri-Lakes
district web site is www.tri-lakesfire.com.
By Jim Kendrick
The terms of three Woodmoor/Monument Fire Protection District
(W/MFPD) board members— President Bob Browning and members Si Sibell and Tom
Conroy—are expiring in May. Browning solicited nominations at the Feb. 23
board meeting for the special district election to be held on May 4. Browning
said he would not be running for re-election; Sibell and Conroy will. The board
also voted to begin a volunteer program to supplement the full-time personnel on
staff. An advertisement for the new volunteer positions can be found in this
edition of OCN. All members of the board were present.
Browning noted that all nominations had to be submitted by
close of business on Feb. 27. Rod Wilson, a W/MFPD resident and volunteer at the
Tri-Lakes Fire Protection District, attended the meeting and obtained and
submitted a Self-Nomination and Acceptance form afterward. The three candidates
with the most votes will be the new board members.
Treasurer’s report
The quint fire truck’s loan balance of $281,342.55 was paid
off in full on Feb. 7, leaving the district free of debt. The quint is the
largest of the district’s trucks, with five capabilities: hoses, pump, water
tender (400 gallons), portable ladders for upper stories, and a 75-foot aerial
ladder. The treasurer’s report was accepted unanimously.
Chief’s report
Chief David Youtsey reported that on Feb. 21, 42 candidates
had taken the written test for placement on the new hire list. The 14 candidates
with the highest scores would be invited to take the physical agility test on
Feb. 28.
The annual physical inventory of items valued over $350 was
completed. It was agreed that the report should show the lifespan of items and
the expected replacement dates for items with predictable life cycles, to help
manage the inventory.
Youtsey asked if the board wanted to reconsider its decision
to sell the 1997 Tahoe that had served as the chief’s vehicle. This vehicle
was recently replaced by a 2004 Tahoe. Youtsey suggested keeping the 1997
vehicle for use by the assistant chief and the fire marshal. Board members
agreed that the fire marshal could use the department’s brush truck for
driving to inspections and other related meetings. There was no motion to
reconsider the decision, so the vehicle will be sold by sealed bid.
From Feb. 9 to Feb. 20, the new AMR ambulance made a total of
11 responses, resulting in eight transports. There were seven responses within
the district, resulting in six transports, and four responses to calls from
outside the district that led to two transports.
The district had 49 calls in January: five structure fires,
28 medical, eight traffic accidents, one hazardous materials, two public
assistance, and five other.
Youtsey provided information to board members comparing three
sample health plans that might be offered to employees. These plans were from
Woodmoor/Monument, the Colorado Springs Fire Department, and the Cimarron Hills
Fire Department, which is similar in size. The cost of each of the plans is an 8
percent of base salary contribution from the employee and the district to the
Fireman and Police Protective Association.
Youtsey provided board members with a copy of the AMR
ambulance operation plan. During discussion of the plan, it was noted that AMR,
a private company, dispatches its ambulances separately from the countywide
emergency vehicle dispatching system operated by the El Paso County Sheriff’s
Department. This means that, on occasion, the AMR vehicle could be dispatched
several seconds sooner than fire vehicles. There was some concern that if AMR
responded to a different system than W/MFPD, it might create some difficulties,
since the paramedic on board would be from W/MFPD and the driver/emergency
medical technician (EMT) would be from AMR. It was agreed that the two could
properly coordinate how they would respond to AMR dispatch directions and
coordinate with fire truck personnel. The board also reviewed the procedures for
dispatch of the AMR ambulance outside the district. The boundaries for dispatch
outside the district are Northgate Road (on the south), Highway 83 (east), I-25
mile marker 168 (north), and Palmer Lake (west).
A new organizational chart reflecting the new positions of
Assistant Chief Jim Rackl, the AMR driver/EMT, and a W/MFPD ambulance Fire
Fighter II/paramedic was accepted unanimously.
The new small business annual inspection program was reviewed
and accepted unanimously. The long-term goal is to conduct 60 inspections per
year for the 180 businesses in the district, resulting in a three-year interval
between inspections. In the intervening years, owners would be asked to conduct
a self-inspection and report the results and the corrections to the district
within 30 days, or the district would schedule an on-site inspection. While
there are plans to have a consultant perform many of these fire inspections, the
policy will be that if the business owner prefers that the district perform the
inspection, the district will be glad to do so. The position of district fire
marshal may not be a full-time duty under this program and may expire at the end
of June.
Youtsey provided the board with a draft of a revised job
description for the chief’s position to reflect changes suggested by board
members. Youtsey said it was patterned after the job description for the chief
of the Colorado Springs Fire Department. Board member Bob Harvey suggested that
the draft be tabled to provide board members time to review the longer, more
involved format. His motion passed unanimously.
Youtsey noted that there are some remaining difficulties in
determining how much of the proceeds of the district’s Old Hire Pension
account with Fire and Police Protective Association (FPPA) could be used for
paying current Social Security and retirement benefits versus current fire
operational expenses. The ambiguity is due to incomplete FPPA pension records
for the period from 1974 to 1991. Treasurer Russ Broshous suggested dedicating
the entire amount, about $350,000, to paying benefits so there could be no
question about relative distributions. The board agreed unanimously.
Conroy noted that the stopwatch times for dispatch during the
month of January showed that the department exceeded its goal of arriving at an
emergency in less than six minutes in over 90 percent of its calls. This
represents a 30 to 50 percent reduction in response times for the three district
shifts in the past 18 months. He said all members of the department should be
very proud of this achievement. The board agreed unanimously. Harvey and Rackl
suggested that stopwatch times be recorded on an occasional basis in the future,
because the sheriff’s office log would be the times of record from a legal
standpoint. Browning directed the operational personnel to propose an internal
program that would effectively monitor response times to sustain these high
standards. The board concurred unanimously.
Joint Working Group Updates
Conroy said that significant progress was being made on
merger talks with Donald Wescott Fire Protection District and Palmer Lake
Volunteer Fire Department. Broshous said that decisions would need to be made on
how to adjust mill levies in these two districts and that the taxpayers may have
to vote on a mill levy increase.
The board went into executive session at 9:20 a.m. to discuss
these upcoming negotiations. There were no announcements made after the
executive session adjourned at 10 a.m.
The next board meeting will be held at 8 a.m. on March 22.
By Jim Kendrick
Candidates for full-time and part-time positions with the
Woodmoor/Monument Fire Protection District (W/MFPD) took what they hoped would
be their first step up the ladder of a paid firefighter career by taking a
written exam on Feb. 21. Those scoring in the top 14 were then scheduled for the
physical agility test on Feb. 28. A hiring list will be prepared based on those
results. Every applicant to W/MFPD was considered, 98 in all; however, only
those 49 with the required prerequisite certifications were invited to take the
written test. .
In order to take the written tests, applicants needed
Firefighter I (FFI) and Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B)
certification. FFI certification is typically earned from agencies accredited by
the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). The IFSAC FFI
certification is nationally recognized. While the Colorado Division of Fire
Safety allows this certification to be voluntary, W/MFPD requires candidates to
have it before taking the entry-level written test. In addition, candidates who
have an EMT certificate from another state would be required to get a Colorado
certificate prior to being hired.
To obtain this prerequisite FFI certification, candidates
must pass a written test, a practical, participate in a live burn training
session, and take hazardous materials (haz-mat) awareness training. Courses for
certification are held throughout the year at Tri-Lakes region fire districts as
well as some other county fire departments. Courses are also offered at Pikes
Peak Community College, where college credits toward a degree in fire science
can be earned as well. Though not required, four W/MFPD firefighters have earned
this degree.
Candidates came from many towns across the state to take the
test; over half of the 42 candidates were from Monument and Colorado Springs. W/MFPD
uses the nationally recognized test from I/O Solutions, Inc., an independent
consultant testing company. W/MFPD has I/O Solutions grade the tests to ensure
objectivity. W/MFPD does not currently have volunteer firefighters, but began
advertising for them on Feb. 23 (see the ad in this issue).
Interviews of the fully qualified candidates will be
scheduled. Current plans are for these entry-level interviews to be conducted by
Chief David Youtsey, Assistant Chief James Rackl, and the three department
captains. Should there be an opening, offers will be made to those highest
ranked on the hire list.
There were 31 candidates who passed, scoring above 75
percent, on the comprehensive test that consisted of 165 questions and took 150
minutes Those who passed the written test with one of the top 14 scores,
including the MI candidate, were then scheduled for the physical agility test on
Feb. 28. All 14 took the agility test and nine passed. These nine were placed on
the hire list. Testing is the same for full-time and part-time employees.
By Jim Kendrick
At the Feb. 23 board meeting, Woodmoor/Monument Fire
Protection District (W/MFPD) President Bob Browning expressed satisfaction with
the first two weeks of operation of the department’s public-private
partnership with American Medical Response (AMR). Since Feb. 9, AMR has been
providing 24-hour paramedic-staffed Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance
service, enabling faster ambulance transport to the citizens of Woodmoor-Monument
and adjoining communities in northern El Paso and southern Douglas Counties.
This is AMR’s second such ambulance partnership in northern El Paso County.
The additional AMR ambulance is housed at the Woodmoor Fire
Station under a "shared staffing and equipment model" for a six-month
"proof of concept" period. At the end of six months, the partners will
evaluate the arrangement and may implement a longer-term model. AMR currently
provides primary ambulance service for northern El Paso County from the Donald
Wescott Fire Protection District (DWFPD) station 3 in Gleneagle, and will
continue to do so.
The new service
The new AMR ambulance is a modular Type I ambulance equipped
with four-wheel-drive and enhanced global-positioning system (GPS) and
in-vehicle mapping technologies. The ambulance carries $37,000 worth of
specialized equipment and standard medical supplies. The unit is jointly staffed
round the clock by an AMR emergency medical technician (EMT) and a W/MFPD
paramedic. Conversely, the EMT on Wescott’s ambulance is provided by DWFPD and
AMR provides the paramedic.
The ambulance responds to all 9-1-1 emergency calls, provides
medical support for firefighters during structure fires, and responds to mutual
aid requests from neighboring jurisdictions. W/MFPD estimates that its ambulance
would respond to about 600 calls over a full year. AMR is the contracted
ambulance provider for El Paso County. Last year, its 24 paramedic ambulances
responded to more than 44,000 calls for service in the county.
What this all means for W/MFPD residents
In the past, a medical emergency at, for example, Safeway on
Highway 105 would have resulted in a fire engine response from the Woodmoor
Station and a transport by the AMR ambulance from Wescott’s station in
Gleneagle. Immediate medical treatment would have been provided by the paramedic
and EMT on the responding W/MFPD fire truck, and the patient would have been
stabilized for transport when the Wescott ambulance had arrived. The new system
reduces the likelihood of transport delay for emergencies within the W/MFPD
since the paramedic and EMT now arrive in the newly added AMR ambulance instead
of in the Woodmoor/Monument fire truck.
In addition, because there is no automatic or mutual aid
agreement for ambulance service between W/MFPD or DWFPD and TLFPD, the ambulance
at the Tri-Lakes station would not go to Safeway as the primary responder, even
though it is closer. However, for a secondary call within the W/MFPD, the
closest fire department and the closest available ambulance will now respond as
backups. Under the old arrangement, the secondary ambulance might come from as
far away as Black Forest and Colorado Springs. The AMR ambulance at the Woodmoor
station also provides a closer backup than Wescott’s to TLFPD, Palmer Lake,
and Larkspur for certain emergency locations, as well as providing additional
backup to Black Forest. AMR uses its global positioning system to determine
which of its ambulances is closest to a secondary emergency in making the
deployment decision. The Colorado Springs ambulances also have GPS installed.
The methods used to pay for vehicles and personnel for fire
and medical emergency vehicles in the four fire departments in the Tri-Lakes
region varies a great deal. Nonetheless, emergency services continue to improve
as the area grows.
By Tommie Plank
The school board approved a new school calendar that will be
in effect for the next two years. Classes for the 2004-2005 school year will
begin Aug. 29, and the last day of classes will be May 26. Thanksgiving vacation
was reduced from all of Thanksgiving week to Wednesday through Friday only of
that week. Spring break is scheduled for the week of March 21.
District 38 has moved closer to becoming its own Special
Education Administrative Unit, changing its full membership status with the
Pikes Peak Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) to that of
associate member. Last month, BOCES voted to approve the district’s request
for the change in its membership level. A petition will now be sent to the
Colorado Department of Education for final approval. If granted, the new
membership status is expected to take effect July 1.
The board approved a pilot study for a tuition-based full-day
kindergarten in some of the district’s six elementary schools. The program
offering is contingent on a minimum of 15 all-day kindergarten students per
class. The state funds kindergarten students at half the cost of a full-time
student, and the cost to parents for the other half day is expected to be $13
per student per day. There will be no change in the traditional half-day
kindergarten program.
The board extended Superintendent Dave Dilley’s contract
for one year, reinstating a three-year contract effective July 1, 2004. Each
board member expressed appreciation for Dilley’s leadership, work with the
board, outstanding skills, and love of children. He was also commended for the
smooth transition in taking over from retired superintendent Ted Bauman.
Dr. Pete Heinz reported on the February meeting of the
District Advisory Accountability Committee (DAAC), during which the Kilmer
educational goals and improvement plan were reviewed and given a favorable
assessment. The next meeting of the DAAC will be March 9 at the Lewis-Palmer
Middle School.
The district is continuing to pursue the Professional
Learning Communities concept. The Administrative Council presented draft vision
statements relating to collective commitments in curriculum/assessment, focus on
students, professional growth, and communication. The board will review these
drafts and will work on a vision statement for communications and interactions
with the community.
A new Title I District Parental Involvement Policy was
approved on its second reading. This policy is one of the many requirements of
the No Child Left Behind Act.
An executive session was held to discuss land acquisitions
and personnel issues. The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be
7 p.m. March 18 in the newly renovated administration building.
By Chris Pollard
The primary news for the February meeting was the
announcement that the Wahlborg property next to Highway 105 was being proposed
for annexation into the Town of Monument. This property is currently used for
cattle grazing and is situated in the area between North and South Woodmoor. It
is not clear what will eventually be built there but it will most likely be a
mix of commercial and other buildings but it will almost certainly not be large
lot residential as it is not planned for that.
The major part of the same meeting was devoted to electing
board members to particular positions with some of the returning members
changing positions. After little discussion John Ottino, the previous Vice
President was elected president of the board. Outgoing president Susan Cooley
moved over to become Director of Public Safety. Susan Shields, a local realtor,
who is new to the board was elected Vice President. Not unexpectedly, Mike
Varnet, also new to the board and the current finance officer for the Pikes Peak
Library District, was elected to the position of Treasurer replacing Bryan
Clark. The other new member of the board, Allan McMullen, who is also a realtor,
was elected to the position of Director of Common Areas.
At the end of the meeting McMullen presented a proposal for a
walking or running trail as an extension of the current trail in a common area
between Woodmoor Drive and Top of the Moor Drive. A map
is presented in the graphic showing the current trail as a solid line and the
proposed extensions as dashed lines.
Big news of the March meeting was that Mike Smith is going to
step down as a board member in charge of the Architectural Control Committee in
May. Mike recommended he be replaced by a current committee member Ron
Yamiolkoski who had done a lot of work on the Walter’s Commons development
proposal. He has also started work on a revised set of rules for multi-family
housing.
The free chipping program for Woodmoor residents will begin
on May 15 and be located by the Woodmoor/Monument Fire Protection District
building every Saturday and Sunday. Operation of the program will continue until
grant money runs out. The district and members of the emergency response team
will run the chipper. Other volunteers will collect information from homeowners
to satisfy the requirements of the grant program. They may, additionally, be
asking for donations to help fund the program in future years.
John Ottino, in line with his stated goal of more community
involvement, suggested that a Community Blood Drive might be something that
could be started. Most members of the board were supportive of the proposal and
it was also suggested that it might be coordinated with the fire district and
their open house.
John also gave an update on the Walters Commons development.
The Walters family are still going forward with the conservation easement for
the adjacent open space. On March 11th the development plans for the housing
will be submitted for approval in front of the Board of County Commissioners.
One new concern is that, as part of that proposal, there is some discussion of
turning Cloverleaf Road into a cul de sac. Several members of the board were
concerned that this might make traffic worse in other areas, forcing more
vehicles onto Furrow Road.
New Woodmoor signs are finally in place, though a few have
been held back until road construction has been completed at proposed sites.
McMullen, Director of Open Areas, had made some progress in
finding out what the County’s position was on WIA’s proposal to build a
trail along the middle of the Fairplay median. The County was of the opinion
that this was a non-conforming use and McMullen felt that they would probably
want to be completely indemnified as a result. He felt that if the trail were on
the side of the road then the County would not have the same issues. He had,
however, looked at some alternative proposals. A bike path along the side of the
road would require widening of the road along most of its length and also
introduce the need for regular maintenance. The County had immediately made the
point that it had no money to do this, but mentioned in passing that it would be
able to stripe the road. This idea was received enthusiastically by the other
members of the board so McMullen will look into striping the road with 12-foot
wide lanes so that there would be a reserved area on the shoulder. He had also
started to look into the possibility of other trails beside that proposed in the
earlier meeting
Your Feb. 7 report on the "Community Summit on
Transportation Jan. 14" repeated a misstatement I’m sure was made to the
crowd by members of the Chamber of Commerce or other growth industry
representatives. It’s important to set the record straight. The fact is, rapid
growth in El Paso County is and will continue to be due primarily to
in-migration, not to birth rate from existing residents. According to the U.S.
Census, of the 516,929 county population in 2000, 365,500 (71 percent) were born
in another state. U.S. Census data also shows 7 percent of our 2002 county
population had moved into the county during the previous year. That’s about
37,345, while only 8,557 were born here that year.
In-migration is and will continue to be the largest
contributing factor to rapid population growth in our county. Pro-growth
interests continually distort the numbers in an effort to make the average
citizen feel guilty about advocating slower growth. No need. Procreation of the
locals is not what’s clogging our freeways and depleting our water supply.
Dave Gardner
It has always been my belief this country of ours operates
under the rule of law rather than the rule of men. Being given the
responsibility of enforcing the law carries with it the responsibility of doing
so in accordance with a law’s intent rather than its "letter." When
this concept is abandoned, the rule of law rapidly deteriorates into rule by men—the
first step toward tyranny.
As a resident of the Monument area for over 20 years, I
suddenly find myself the recipient of two Monument Police Department–issued
4-point/$75 nit-picking traffic violations within a recent two-month period.
This makes a grand total of about half a dozen equally absurd citations acquired
during my 60-plus years of driving experience, which includes not only in this
country but also in Europe and Asia.
From the number of citizens in the town’s courtroom every
month, it’s apparent to me, and I’m sure many others, that traffic law
enforcement in the Monument area is now accomplished under the rule of men. It
is beyond belief the writers of our laws intended that a double yellow line
would prevent passing a slow-moving vehicle, such as a front-end loader, when it
is perfectly safe to do so. Likewise that they intended some huge difference be
made between entering an intersection marked by a stop sign at a crawl, rather
than coming to a dead stop, etc., etc.
This is protecting the public’s safety? There is obviously
little or no intention within the local police department to interpret and
enforce our laws in accordance with their intent rather than their letter.
"We the people," whose taxes pay the police department’s operating
expenses, are now the victims of a few men in blue uniforms sporting badges who
are overzealously employing government power. No longer are we allowed to
exercise any common sense when driving our automobiles. They know what’s best
for us! That’s the rule of men! Tyranny.
The father of our country is credited with having said:
"Government is not reason, it is not eloquence; it is force. Like fire, it
is a dangerous servant and a fearsome master." Citizens beware!
Wm. R. Lamdin
Another round of local elections is near. Though I cannot
speak to all local elections, I will give you a few interesting points to
remember when you are considering whom to vote for. In the Monument town
elections, held on the first Tuesday of April this year, you may want to
remember how some of those candidates handled critical issues during the last
two years.
Mayor Betty Konarski, Trustee Byron Glenn, and Trustee Frank
Orten gave away some valuable lakefront property last year to a local business
owner, Ernie Biggs, as part of a deal to gain access to Monument Lake. The
previous administration valued the property to be taken at $77,000. Not only did
Biggs get all this money, but he only gave a portion of the property to the town
and received as a bonus 300 feet of lakefront property owned by the town since
1937. In addition, this same group forgave over $1,000 in a legitimate water
bill for a nonresident when he was in dispute with his renter concerning
responsibility. For this, he stated that he was Mayor Konarski’s biggest fan.
Other deals for the favored few were done, but space prevents their listing
here. Maybe if you are a voter, you should ask about them.
In 2003, for the fifth consecutive year, the Triview
Metropolitan District increased its indebtedness without a vote of the residents
that some people think is required under the TABOR part of the state
Constitution. This board, which has described itself as the "developer’s
friend," does not want these poor, underprivileged business owners to pay
their fair share to mitigate changes in traffic volumes and other impacts that
their proposals cause. Triview charges less than two-thirds the impact fees for
water and sanitation that the rest of the town pays. Their clever lawyer found
some loophole so that the traffic impact fees, which the rest of the town pays,
are not paid in Triview’s Jackson Creek. Supposedly, the $15 million increase
of indebtedness done in 2003 was to pay for the Jackson Creek Parkway extension
south of Higby Road and north of Baptist Road. The developer was going to pay,
but reneged. Triview said no problem, we will increase our indebtedness to
almost $35 million and we won’t bother the residents with such trivia, since
it will only add some $50,000 of debt per house. Rather than demand
accountability from Triview, the government of the town of Monument wants to
make deals with them.
Finally, the great Wal-Mart mess is rearing its ugly head
again on the too small site on Baptist Road opposite the King Soopers shopping
center. Remember that Triview is enabling this project by providing water and
sewer service. The county has promised that they will spend scarce county
dollars on a bridge south of the site, but we all know the county has plenty of
money that they can use to subsidize private development in this manner. The
county will also change the zoning, in clear violation of the Chaparral Hills
covenants. The site is only 35 acres and is too small, so some rather steep
slopes are needed on the northeast corner of the site, possibly cutting into the
Baptist Road right-of-way—but no matter. Those residents east of the site in
Gleneagle and Jackson Creek do not care to have a trail link-up with the Santa
Fe Trail across the interstate.
Where does the town of Monument fit in with a development
that has been said by some to ruin the town’s tax base, since this site is not
within the town? The town has three separate approvals it must give: 1) the
Baptist Road Rural Transportation Authority must approve, 2) the town must
approve all development along Baptist Road per the intergovernmental agreement
with Triview, and 3) the access road south of the traffic light along Jackson
Creek Parkway is solely within the town boundaries. Why are not Mayor Konarski
and these trustees looking after the town’s interests?
Leon Tenney
Whenever there is a building, development, or other
construction project that is in any way controversial or large in size, it is
common to hold a neighborhood meeting. There are two ways of doing this.
If you are really interested in getting people’s opinions,
digging deep into the subject, and really listening to what they have to say,
you start out by giving a few weeks’ notice so people can prepare and do some
research. You also invite a wide selection of people. You hold the meeting in a
hall and have informed presenters with backup staff and representatives of
related agencies to answer questions. The presentation is given, and then
questions are answered and presumably somebody takes notes. This was the way
with the Walters townhome development proposal for the area in Woodmoor near the
Lewis-Palmer High School.
Apparently, Wal-Mart decided to take a leaf out of the
Colorado Department of Transportation’s book: Instead of having a
"meeting" they had a sort of poster session on March 2. People could
walk in anytime and were supposed to look at a series of charts and plans and
make informed comments about what is supposed to happen. And they didn’t give
people much notice—barely a few days.
I asked about the look of the store and wondered why it wasn’t
the same as that of some other communities that have managed to negotiate with
real architecture other than concrete block. The response I got was, "It’s
the upgrade version." The person standing at the poster didn’t seem too
interested in discussing any other possibilities or even acknowledging their
existence.
The picture of the store showed the usual uninspired standard
Wal-Mart building, but what it didn’t show was any sort of 3-D vision of how
it would actually look on the site. Careful dissection of the grading plan shows
block walls over 20 feet tall, but any picture that showed them was noticeably
missing.
Nowhere was it possible to make written comments, and nobody
seemed to be taking notes. I presume this qualifies them to say, "We held a
meeting and we took comments." All I know is I much preferred the idea of
leaving the site as it was shown in the aerial photograph—with rolling hills,
trees, and bushes—rather than with the bulldozed and concrete block wall
terracing that’s proposed.
Is this called progress? Surely there are better ways and
better places to build these things.
It wasn’t a meeting, though; it was more a
divide-and-conquer session—"Better they don’t get together as a group
and figure out what is really going on."
Chris Pollard
By Judith Pettibone
Writing. It seems you either love it or hate it. You may
admire the finely tuned sentence as long as someone else does the tuning. Still,
writing is an everyday fact of life. You might be perking the next New York
Times’ bestseller, writing a letter to the local editor, composing a letter of
praise for your daughter’s favorite teacher’s file, or crafting a love note
for the upcoming Valentine’s Day. You may write for your job. No matter what
form writing takes in your life, we all need to write effectively. And with
remarkably few exceptions, we can each become a better writer. Here are a few
writers on writing.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
By Stephen King, $14.95
Until this book, which I am currently reading for a third
time, I had never read a single sentence by Stephen King. I hate things that go
bump in the night. However, with On Writing I became a fan. Not a fan of
King’s specific books, but a fan of this man as a writer. He writes well. I
knew I was a book-snob because I thought that since his genre was not my genre,
he probably wasn’t a very good writer. I changed my mind after the first few
sentences. King has a passion for his craft and is not the least bit shy about
sharing this love. The book begins with his childhood – first writing
experiences, first published story, first book. The second half he calls
"Toolbox," where he dishes out all kinds of advice ("NO
ADVERBS") and talks about the discipline of writing. Note: King was writing
this book when he was hit by a car and severely injured. He will move and
inspire you by his courageous return to the page.
The Book on Writing: The Ultimate Guide to Writing Well
By Paula LaRocque, $18.95
"Want to write well? Then read this book every few
months," says the author of The Dictionary of Concise Writing. LaRocque has
been a writing coach and assistant managing editor of the Dallas Morning News.
She has designed a book around three sections: essential guidelines for good
writing, how to tell a story, and a concise handbook of writing mechanics. There
is a good deal of practical advice packed into this small volume, which is also
a national Book Sense selection.
Sin and Syntax: How to Craft Wickedly Effective Prose
By Constance Hale, $12.95
Does writing well need to be redefined in this electronic
age? Do you need to be zippier, more focused, or more hip? Since no one writes
like the Bard any longer, we know that style evolves. Hale, former editor of Wired.
believes that those "prissy" rules of grammar continue to have a place
in a world where e-mails may have undecipherable acronyms, few if any
paragraphs, and rare capital letters. Hale says it best: "We’ll look at
English as a robust, swarthy tongue, capable of surviving tumult and thriving on
innovation." This is a well-designed book, with an up-to-date attitude and
a pleasurable use of the "modern" English language. And what a great
title!
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing & Life
By Anne Lamott, $12.95
Author Anne Lamott (Traveling Mercies) decided to
write about writing and gave herself a national best seller. Writing advice and
a good laugh do not always land on the same page, but they do in this book.
Lamott is laugh-out-loud funny. The title comes from her brother’s panic over
an elementary school project about birds. Her writer-dad watched him struggle
and finally came to him and said, "Just do it bird by bird, buddy, bird by
bird." We can all relate to her sweet story and will probably relate to her
wise and witty writing advice. No formal grammar, just how to get started, where
to go when you are stuck, how to write dialogue, the usefulness of writer’s
groups and much more. It is not hard to imagine Lamott as a friend—an author
friend you could visit over and over again.
Words Fail Me: What Everyone Who Writes Should Know about
Writing
By Patricia O’Conner, $12.00
While you might groan at O’Conner’s chapter titles, you
will also admit to their cleverness. For example, how about "Give Me a
Break: Thinking in Paragraphs" or "Pompous Circumstances: Hold the
Baloney," and finally, "Grammar Moses: Thou Shalt Not Embarrass
Thyself." And so it goes for 30 chapters filled with practical and
no-nonsense writing advice. As you might guess, O’Conner has a breezy,
readable style. The best reason to read this book, or any of the books reviewed
here, is from O’Conner’s book: "Our words do not do justice to our
ideas." And who wants that?
Slanguage: A Cool, Fresh, Phat, and Shagadelic Guide to All
Kinds of Slang
By mike ellis (Capitals are not Phat), $12.00
From the author of Philly Funics: Yuze Can Speak
Philadelphian, comes this fun and funny book. Just when you despaired of
losing your cool (as in hip), this book comes to the rescue. It’s divided into
many useful sections: slang, state-by-state, on television, by the decade, and,
of course, spoken by teens. Think how helpful it might be to have a guide to
interpret a spouse’s geographic idiosyncrasies. To wit: In Pittsburgh, a
"roller" is a ruler!
The Dimwit’s Dictionary: 5,000 Overused Words & Phrases
and Alternatives
By Joseph Epstein, $19.95
A book like this can make one cringe at the overused words in
one’s own spoken or written vocabulary. It’s a bit like weeding in the early
spring when you can’t tell what’s a weed and what is a seedling, but once
you know it’s a weed, you have to dig it out! So, too, for hackneyed words,
trite phrases, and, as Epstein says, "moribund metaphors."
Quit Your Day Job: How to Sleep Late, Do What You Enjoy and
Make a Ton of Money as a Writer!
By Jim Denney, $14.95
Surely he jests! And in some respects he does. However, at
incredible odds, this author does make his living free-lancing. He works
extremely hard and shares his well-thought out and meticulous plan for anyone to
copy. Warning: this is not an approach for hobby writers but there are good tips
for anyone who wants to make money writing.
**********
"My Fair Lady" is filled with laments about words—from
Higgins’ "Why Can’t the English Teach Their Children How to Speak"
to Eliza’s "Words, words, I’m so sick of words." We might also
bemoan the state of our written language after picking up the newspaper or
reading an online piece. Since we can’t improve other folks’ writing, we can
at least work on our own. Perhaps one of these books might make each of us a
more effective writer.
Until next month, happy reading (and writing)!
By Judith Pettibone
So elegant. She walks into the gym in her sweatpants,
sneakers, T-shirt and silk scarf. Her hair is in an upsweep. She walks with some
difficulty, as if her hips are partially fused. I imagine her name is something
old world like Sabine or elegant like Kathryn. Yes, Kathryn. A diminutive Kate
Hepburn with all that considerable class.
I’m working out and so is she. As I do leg lifts with ankle
weights, she passes by and smiles at me. She is beautiful. Movie star beautiful.
She says, "That looks very hard but most effective."
I answer, "Mostly hard."
She laughs and says with a softly accented voice, "Maybe
you just need some music."
She moves on to the rest of the equipment. I hope I am not
being rude but watching her is a bit like witnessing a dance unfold. Each move
is slow and most deliberate. She struggles some but manages to do all she
intends. And she has on that scarf.
At one point she is next to me, and her husband stops by.
Maybe his name is Mike or Jim. He’s wearing a plain white T-shirt, jeans with
a leather belt and work shoes and is, appropriately enough, working out. He says
to her, "Hi, champ."
At fifty-something and still parenting a teenager, I stop
myself from thinking how dear they are together. For before I know it, I might
be so regarded, and I can’t decide if it is complimentary or condescending.
Maybe I will figure that out … maybe not … but I do know I am looking for
role models. All women may apply, ageless women preferred.
A dear friend forwarded an e-mail to me from her 80-year-old
mother. Her mother is also elegant and beautiful and has just moved into a
retirement community from her home of 30 years. Before her first meal in the
dining room, one of the residents escorted her from table to table and said by
way of introduction, "Dorothy is moving in, and isn’t she a honey?"
My friend P.S.’d me with: "I sure hope I’m a honey
when I’m 80."
I e-mailed back: "Honey or champ" … either way.
The first organizational meeting of the committee to plan
Monument’s 125th birthday celebration was held Feb. 25. The 12 members present
agreed that the celebration should be a community-wide event. Although the
actual anniversary date is in June, the committee felt it would be advantageous
to combine the event with the Fourth of July activities in the Tri-Lakes area.
This year, the holiday falls on a Sunday; the fireworks and Palmer Lake
activities are planned for that day, while the parade and Street Fair will be
held on Monday, July 5. The committee agreed that the birthday celebration would
be on Saturday, July 3, making for a three-day weekend of activities in the
Tri-Lakes area.
Several events were proposed, and committee members agreed to
research them and report back at the second meeting on March 3. A pancake
breakfast, street carnival with games, museum display of historic Monument
artifacts, historic Monument walks, music and food throughout the day, and a
potato bake with an evening concert are a sampling of the activities planned.
Proceeds from the various events will go to the building fund of Tri-Lakes
Cares.
Society
Begins a New Season
By Leon Tenney
The Palmer Lake Historical Society held its annual potluck
dinner on Jan. 15 in the Palmer Lake Town Hall. This year’s theme was Cowboy
Chuckwagon, and while the theme changes each year, the quality and style of food
is the same. Sam DeFelice, outgoing president, was the master of ceremonies for
this gala event. More than 50 members of society made an appearance, bringing
dishes of delicious food.
Our first old-timer to talk about the past was Ida May Noe,
who had worked over 25 years in the Douglas County Clerk’s office. She was
there before and after the tragic courthouse fire. It happened Saturday morning
at 2 a.m. on March 11, 1978. Ida May locked the building that Friday evening at
5:15 p.m., after some late hunters got their licenses. Much of the early life in
the community revolved around that building–marriages, divorces, deaths, and
business licenses. She told us of some of the history of that building, built in
1879 when the county seat was moved from Franktown to Castle Rock.
Sharon Ruth was the next to speak, and she seemed like a
comparative youngster when she told us of growing up in Palmer Lake during the
1960s. She remembered grade school teacher Grace Best taking kids on field trips
by train to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. She also recalled some antics on Halloween,
and since this is a family paper, we will omit the details. She remembered
Palmer Lake as a "quiet little town, without much traffic."
Finally, Levi ("Pee Wee") Cordova reminisced about
growing up in the town before World War II. Pee Wee got his nickname when he was
part of the local college sports program, popularly known as Air Force Falcon
football. He recalled many memories of his running buddies Arnie Lavelett and
Ethel Engel, who were also present. He related that everybody had a garden in
town. People did not have to lock their doors, and no one much cared if you
picked apples from a neighbor’s tree, since they were picking yours. Cordova
recalled the intense stillness before the first train whistle blew and echoed
through the valleys.
Society honored Gil Campbell, the only surviving charter
member; he helped start this society back in the 1950s. Virgil Watkins was
honored as a two-term president of the Society. He then conducted the annual
election, which resulted in a new board consisting of: Leon Tenney, president;
Jodi Watkins, vice-president; Daryl Lundquist, secretary; Mike Wicklund,
treasurer; Paula Whittier, refreshments chairperson; Sandy Russell, booksales
coordinator; Tom Allen, our locally connected politician; and Victor Vaile, our
link with the past, who is the grand-nephew of Lucretia Vaile. In addition, many
local society matrons were present: Doris and Chris Otto, Vera Cooper, Ethel
Engel, and Susan Davis. The winner of the Best-Dressed Mountain Man Award was
Virgil Watkins; the Best-Dressed Western Gal was Sharon Jarnagan.
Society Hosts John Fielder
By Leon Tenney
The Palmer Lake Historical Society hosted John Fielder, the
nationally known photographer, on Feb.19 in the Palmer Lake Town Hall. In spite
of a snowstorm, over 100 stalwarts attended.
Fielder did not describe all 165 scenic locales depicted in
his latest book, John Fielder’s Best of Colorado, but he chose a few nuggets
to share with us. He stated that he had traveled about a billion miles around
Colorado in the last 30 years. His deep appreciation of Colorado’s natural
beauty occasionally leads him to express some anti-sprawl views. But even this
roomful of El Paso County Republicans could forgive him, since it was obvious
that John loved his work and the natural splendor of our fine state.
I cannot do justice to the beautiful photographs (you must
buy the book for that), but I will relate some of the hints and techniques
Fielder shared with us on composing and taking landscape photos. First, you must
realize that photos are two-dimensional and the landscape is 3-D. One way to
bring depth to a photo is to include a linear feature going off into the
horizon, like a road or trail. He also recommended putting dominant features in
the photo one-third into the field. Fielder likes complimentary colors in
photos, which set off the beauty. In nature, you can generally find two sets of
complimentary or contrasting colors, either red on green or yellow on blue–for
example, red flowers against green grass or yellowing trees against a blue sky.
Fielder recommended twilight, either morning or evening, for getting the best
color in your photos.
After the presentation, Fielder autographed his
books,contributing 40 percent of that night’s sales to the Palmer Lake
Historical Society. Next month, the Society hosts Jeanne Varnell, who has
written about famous women in Colorado. See you all there.
On March 6, Antelope Trails Elementary will host its
annual spring carnival at the school from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There will be
game booths, a cake walk, face painting, an inflatable slide and bounce house, a
magic show, a basket raffle, and a variety of food. Antelope Trails is located
at 15280 Jessie Drive in Gleneagle. For more information, call Antelope Trails
at 234-4100.
Central Colorado Wilderness Coalition (CCWC) is forming small
teams for indoor natural resource data collection related to potential
wilderness areas. Training, task checklists, and forms for data recording will
be provided. Please consider helping with this short-term, but important
research. For details, check the CCWC Web site at www.ccwcwilderness.org, come
to the March 11 CCWC meeting, 7 to 9 p.m., at Beidleman Environmental
Center, 740 W. Caramillo St., Colorado Springs or contact John Stansfield, (303)
660-5849 or jorcstan@bewellnet.com.
The Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring its annual
dinner and silent auction on March 13 at the USAFA Officers Club. The
theme is Caribbean, complete with mai tais and piña coladas with tiny
umbrellas. Guest emcee Captain Dan from "K-Lite" (KKLI, 106.3 FM) will
add a bit of splash to the party, and a special disc jockey will play dance
tunes from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Dinner and a silent auction will round out the event.
Dress is, of course, Caribbean (or business casual). Chamber members and
nonmembers are invited. For more information, call 481-3282.
The Palmer Divide Quiltmakers (PDQ) and Monument Hill Branch
Library will hold their third annual celebration of National Quilting Day on March
14 at the library, 1706 Lake Woodmoor Drive, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The
event will include hand-quilting demonstrations by PDQ members from 1:30 to 4:30
p.m. Nationally known quilter and certified quilt judge Barbara Broshous will
present a lecture, "What Makes a Winner," at 2:30. In addition,
several activities are planned for children. There will be a storyteller at 1:30
and a class for children to make a "paper quilt" at 2. Quilts made by
PDQ members will be on exhibit at the library March 2-28. The purpose of the day
is to share quilting knowledge and talents with others. Everyone is welcome to
stop in the library to help celebrate and to enjoy the quilt exhibit. For
information, call the library at 488-2370.
Brush up on the rules of the road and earn discounts on your
insurance by taking AARP’s 55 Alive Driver Safety Program. Students must
attend both classes, on March 15 and 16, noon to 4 p.m. Advance
registration and a $10 fee are required. Classes fill up, so register early.
Classes will be held at Monument Branch Library, 1706 Lake Woodmoor Dr. For
information, call 488-2370.
Adelphia cable channel 17, the Library Channel, will air
Tri-Lakes Today, a 30-minute public affairs program featuring news and
information about the Tri-Lakes area, on March 16, 17, and 18 at 1, 3, 5,
7, and 11 p.m. Tri-Lakes Today normally airs the third weekend of each month.
The NTRP-E Tournament, beginning April 1, allows you
to play singles, doubles, and mixed doubles at the National Tennis Rating
Program (NTRP) level (2.5-5.0). It is fun, flexible and available statewide
through the Colorado Tennis Association’s statewide network of Community
Tennis Associations. Sign up and be paired with a player at your level. Then
coordinate a place and time to play, usually during a two-week time frame.
Report your scores by e-mail and advance to the next round, where the process
repeats. If you win your bracket of eight, you’ll be invited to a playoff in
Colorado Springs on June 5 and 6. Registration fee is $9.95. Registration and
information is now available at www.palmerlaketennis.com. Or for more
information call the tournament director, Donna O’Steen-Mixon at 444-0331, or
Kim Makower at 487-9184.
Trained AARP volunteers will be available every Monday and
Thursday until April 15 from noon to 3 p.m. to answer questions and to
assist filers in completing their federal and state income tax returns. On
Mondays, they will be at the Monument Town Hall; on Thursdays they will be at
Tri-Lakes Cares’ new location near the Presbyterian Church in Monument.
Volunteers will assist taxpayers in claiming any Earned Income Credit, Child Tax
Credit, and/or Education Credits the taxpayer might be entitled to and in
preparing the following forms: Schedules A, B, C-EZ, EIC, D, R, and SE, as well
as forms 2441, 8812, and 8863. Taxpayers with more complicated returns should
seek the advice of a paid professional. Filers are asked to bring their W-2s,
1099s, and other materials needed to complete their 2003 return, plus a copy of
their 2002 tax return. For more information, call Jim Taylor at 488-1317.
The Tri-Lakes Women’s Club is sponsoring the 28th Annual
Pine Forest Antiques Show and Sale on April 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and April
18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is held at Lewis-Palmer High School in
Monument, located off I-25, exit 158 or 161. All proceeds benefit community
schools and services. Tickets are $5 for adults (13 and over). Visit
www.tlwc.net for more information. Interested dealers can contact Minch Antique
Show Management, LLC, 204 North Link Lane, #1, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524,
(970) 484-1242.
After launching a highly successful art show last year,
TriLakes Views is back with another event. TriLakes Views 2004 is a juried art
show that will be on display throughout the month of June in the TriLakes
Center for the Arts (the historic Kaiser Frazer building in Palmer Lake).
This year’s show will feature artists from all art media
and again have a special place for juniors. Scholarships have been set aside to
offset the student’s entry fees. Cash prizes will go to winners in Best of
Show, Best Painting, Best Photography, Best ThreeDimensional Art, and Judges
Awards in Adult and Junior Divisions.
Applications for entries are now being accepted; the deadline
is May 15. For further information on how to submit art for the show or
to purchase tickets to the gala opening, contact Sandra Kinchen at 4810475, or
visit the Web site at tri-lakesviews.org.
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