Colorado Springs, Colorado — Public Meeting Index

The City Planning Commission held a work session on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 9:00 AM at 30 S. Nevada Ave., Suite 102 in Colorado Springs. The meeting was open to the public in person and by phone. No public comments were taken during this informal meeting. Consent Calendar The consent calendar included four quasi-judicial items (as listed in the agenda): Epic Cropz Conditional Use, Veteran's Villa Zone Change, Valvoline Instant Oil Change Conditional Use, and 411 W Bijou Street Fence Height Variance. No action is recorded from the meeting. Unfinished Business - Kettle Creek – Development Standards Adjustment (DVSA-25-0010): A request to allow a seven-foot front street-loaded garage setback at 2060 Old Ranch Road. - Height Allowances for Accessory Dwelling Units Ordinance (CODE-26-0004): A legislative ordinance amending the UDC for ADU height allowances. New Business - 1022 Race Street Yard Setbacks – Non-use Variances (NVAR-26-0008 and NVAR-26-0009): Two variances for front and rear yard setbacks at 1022 Race Street. Presentations - Colorado Springs New Parks Master Plan (CPC 2752): Presented by Parks Development Manager Lonna Thelen. Note The provided transcript is corrupted and does not contain coherent discussion or votes. The summary above is derived solely from the agenda. No decisions, motions, or public testimony were captured.

This summary is based solely on a single excerpt from the meeting transcript. No agenda, minutes, or other details were available. Discussion Items - A speaker (likely a city staff member or council member) explained their method for annualizing year-to-date financial figures. They stated they took the amount through August, divided it by seven (the number of full months through August), and multiplied by twelve to estimate an annual basis, making it comparable to other full-year data. Key Outcomes - No decisions, votes, or formal outcomes can be inferred from the limited transcript.

The City Council met Tuesday, September 22, 2026, in Council Chambers at City Hall. All nine council members were present at the start. The council approved the consent calendar unanimously, recognized community honorees, passed utility bond and rate measures, dissolved the Old Colorado City Downtown Development Authority on a 5-4 vote, and approved a Valley Hi Golf Course ground lease to First Tee Southern Colorado. Consent Calendar - Approved as a whole with no items pulled. - Second-reading ordinances included: CSU utility lien procedures (Ord. 26-51); business license recodification (Ord. 26-52); sales of goods licensing (Ord. 26-53); adult use business licensing (Ord. 26-54). - First-presentation items included: September 8 meeting minutes; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site protection memorandum of agreement; delinquent stormwater fee certification; Code of Ethics amendments; Internal Audit Charter; and acquisition of 37433 County Road 371 for the Homestake Water Project. Recognitions & Proclamations - Community Recognition - Joyce Salazar: Council honored Southeast Colorado Springs leader Joyce Salazar, executive director of RISE Southeast, for years of advocacy including Panorama Park and the Southeast Strong Plan. Community leaders and council members spoke in tribute. - Creek Week 2026: Council recognized September 26 through October 4 as Creek Week. Mary Wilson of the Fountain Creek Watershed District reported 2025 Creek Week had more than 70 cleanup crews, approximately 1,500 volunteers, and removed about 16.5 tons of litter; more than 50 public events are planned for 2026. The resolution passed 9-0. - Fire Prevention Month: Council supported October 2026 as Fire Prevention Month, with the theme "Charge into Fire Safety. Safe Charging is a Superpower." Fire Marshal Chris Cooper and staff highlighted lithium-ion battery fire risks, the more than 40 significant battery-related incidents in Colorado Springs over five years, and an October 10 smoke alarm installation event at Canterbury Mobile Home Community. The resolution passed 9-0. - Reclaiming Civility: Council and Mayor Yemi Mobolade joined in a proclamation supporting Reclaiming Civility and announced a September 30 Pikes Peak Region Civility Pledge event. Discussion referenced the previous Project Taurus hearing and included a council exchange over the timing of the postponed Project Taurus vote. Mayor's Business - The mayor thanked Local 5 and the Fire Department for the fallen firefighters remembrance, and offered condolences to the families of Captain Patrick Rogaki and Brandon Miniman. Utilities Business - Bond Ordinances (8A/8B): Council approved Ord. 26-49 authorizing up to $225,000,000 in utility system refunding bonds (Series 2026C/2027A/2027B) to refinance Build America Bonds, and Ord. 26-50 authorizing up to $330,000,000 in tax-exempt and $140,000,000 in taxable utility system improvement revenue bonds. Both passed 9-0. - Net Metering Rate Case (8C/8D): Council gave final approval to electric net-metering tariff changes and parallel Utilities Rules and Regulations changes. Both resolutions passed 7-2. Councilmember Henjum voted no because distributed battery storage was not yet in place; Utilities leadership noted current net-metering customers have a five-year grandfathering period and a battery storage program is targeted for early 2027. - Electric Cost Adjustment (8E): Council approved lowering the ECA from 2.33 to 2.11 cents per kilowatt-hour effective October 1, 2026, an approximately 9% decrease. Scott Shirola attributed the decrease in part to about $7 million in benefits from Southwest Power Pool membership; a typical residential bill would decrease about $1.54 per month. The winter on-peak (5-9 p.m.) energy-wise rate also decreases 50% on October 1. Public Comments & Testimony: Old Colorado City DDA - Council heard extensive public comment on Ord. 26-48 to dissolve the Old Colorado City Downtown Development Authority. - Supporters of dissolution argued many residents and property owners were unaware of the 2024 election or did not receive ballots, the DDA would impose charges on properties outside the core, and a business improvement district may be more appropriate. Jariah Walker, executive director of the Urban Renewal Authority, said the URA had funded a BID study rather than a DDA, criticized ballot issuance and turnout figures, and pledged URA help to create a BID. - Opponents of dissolution argued voters legally approved the DDA, the certified election can no longer be challenged, DDA supporters offered to return to the ballot for a mill levy and dissolve if it failed, and a BID and DDA are not mutually exclusive. They said a DDA better suits Old Colorado City's mixed-use historic district, can support private rehabilitation and tax increment financing, and dissolution was proceeding without meaningful engagement with DDA board members. Discussion Items: Old Colorado City DDA - The City Attorney's Office confirmed the 2024 DDA election is beyond the statutory challenge window and that a DDA commitment to dissolve after a failed mill levy would be voluntary unless made binding through an agreement. - Councilmember Williams presented election analysis including 831 ballots issued, 26% turnout, an estimated 55% of would-be taxed voters not receiving ballots, and three buildings accounting for 16 of 74 designated elector forms. DDA attorney Bob Gardner and other supporters disputed the analysis and defended the election process. - Planning Director Kevin Walker, Public Works Director Richard Mulledy, and the URA executive director described existing city and URA investments and ways the city could assist Old Colorado City through a BID or other tools if the DDA were dissolved. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar: Approved unanimously. - Recognitions: Creek Week and Fire Prevention Month resolutions passed 9-0; the Reclaiming Civility proclamation was approved jointly with the mayor. - Utilities: Bond ordinances passed 9-0; net-metering resolutions passed 7-2; ECA decrease approved. - Old Colorado City DDA: Ordinance 26-48 passed 5-4, dissolving the DDA. Voting yes: Casey, Crow Iverson, Rainey, Risley, Williams. Voting no: Donaldson, Gold, Henjum, Lineweber. - Valley Hi / First Tee: Council adopted the resolution finding a community benefit in leasing part of Valley Hi Golf Course to First Tee Southern Colorado for a new building. The motion passed 7-0, with Councilmember Donaldson excused and Councilmember Gold not present.

The Colorado Springs City Council held a special meeting on September 21, 2026, at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers. The sole purpose was to consider entering a closed executive session to discuss a real property interest in Wilson Ranch Park and legal advice regarding sales and use tax refunds for qualified entities. Councilmembers present: Casey, Crow Iverson, Donaldson, Henjam, Lineweber, Rainey, Risley, Williams. Councilmember Gold was excused. After the city attorney read the required statement, the council voted unanimously (8-0) to enter the closed executive session. Key Outcomes - The City Council voted 8-0 to hold a closed executive session as permitted under Colorado Open Meetings Act § 24-6-402(4)(a), (b), and (e) and City Charter § 3-60(d), for consultation with the City Attorney regarding (i) receiving legal advice and determining positions relative to negotiation regarding a real property interest in a portion of Wilson Ranch Park and (ii) receiving legal advice regarding refunds of sales and use tax to qualified entities for construction projects.

The City Council held a work session on Monday, September 21, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers. The agenda covered updates on economic development, quarterly finances, a proposed furlough day elimination, Colorado Springs Utilities rate changes, updates to Civil Service Commission rules, a lease extension for the City Auditorium, and a ground lease for First Tee Southern Colorado. Council also heard reports on community events and made a request to reschedule a public hearing. Presentations for General Information - Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC LART Update (20 min): Dani Barger, COO, reported mid-year results for the Lodgers and Auto Rental Tax (LART) contract. The Chamber has secured 55 national trade and local media placements, launched the Source Colorado Springs website, and announced a familiarization tour for meeting planners in October 2026. Councilmember Donaldson asked about negative statewide stories being countered (e.g., businesses fleeing). Barger noted the annual LART funding is $787,500. There were no other questions. Staff and Appointee Reports - Quarterly Financial Report (30 min): CFO Charae McDaniel presented revenue updates. Sales and use tax is estimated $9.2 million over budget for 2026. LART is up 3.09% year-to-date. Retail marijuana tax collections are rising but comparisons are limited. The $9.2M surplus is proposed for: (1) elimination of the November 25, 2026 furlough day ($330,800), and (2) one-time capital expenditures. McDaniel also discussed a $2.275 million stipend from the 911 authority for call takers, creating savings for PD capital projects (roof replacements, parking lot). Council discussed turnover rates: estimated 16.6% total turnover for 2026 (vs. 14.1% in 2025), with higher rates in police and fire. Councilmember Henjum attributed attrition to budget cuts and compensation. For 2027, the budget includes no furlough days, 2% pay-for-performance for civilians, market adjustments for sworn police/fire, and a dedicated pothole crew (3 positions). Councilmember Donaldson questioned the pothole team's dedication. McDaniel said the team would fill over 10% more potholes annually. - Agenda Planner Review (5 min): No questions or changes. Items for Introduction - 7A – Elimination of November 25, 2026 Furlough Day: Chief of Staff Wayne Williams presented a supplemental appropriation ordinance to remove the furlough day and pay employees for that day. Estimated cost: $330,800 from the general fund surplus. Council discussed options for employees who had planned the day off – they may use vacation, personal day, or unpaid time. Councilmember Lineweber advocated giving the day as a paid day off without requiring work. Councilmember Donaldson supported the administration's proposal (work day with optional leave). Councilmember Henjum requested clarification on taking unpaid time even if vacation is available. Williams said they would work with employees. The item will be voted on at a future meeting. - 7B/7C – Colorado Springs Utilities Electric Rate Changes and Rule Changes: Chris Bidlack presented draft Decision & Order and Resolutions for net metering rate changes approved by council direction on August 25, 2026. Councilmember Henjum asked about the cost shift amount: staff testified $38/month (2027 basis) vs. $33 (2025 basis) – both correct due to escalation. She also asked about a battery storage program; staff confirmed a demand-side management program for batteries is planned to be announced by April 1, 2027. Councilmember Donaldson defended the rate changes as necessary to recover costs and reduce subsidies from non-solar customers. The documents will be voted on at the September 22 formal meeting. - 7D – Civil Service Commission Rules Update: Danielle Delgado (Fire HR) presented updated rules to modernize language and align with current practices. Noted one objection from Local 5 regarding a provision allowing the chief to remove candidates from promotional lists at sole discretion. The plan is to withdraw or alter that provision and bring it back before the October 13 vote. The rest of the rules were supported. Councilmember Hinjem asked if police and fire unions were consulted; Delgado confirmed they were. Councilmember Williams requested a special meeting to handle the revision before the vote. - 7E – City Auditorium Lease Amendment (AVA Presents): Kim King requested extending the rent abatement period from June 9, 2026 to April 1, 2027 due to delays in studies, contracting, and construction. The operator, Jesse Morreali, said work is underway with local contractors (CSNA Architects, Fred Fleetmeyer Co.). Councilmember Risley expressed concern about subsidizing a for-profit business and questioned the new timeline. Councilmember Donaldson strongly supported the extension, calling it essential to save a historic building. The Parks Board recommended approval. The item will be voted on at a future meeting (not on consent). - 7F – First Tee Southern Colorado Ground Lease: Kim King presented a resolution finding community benefit for leasing a portion of Valley Hi Golf Course to First Tee for a new year-round facility. First Tee offers youth golf programs starting at age 3. The 25-year ground lease (with 25-year renewal) is $1/year plus utilities and maintenance. First Tee will build a $1.2 million facility and donate it to the city at lease end. The program serves diverse youth and never turns a child away for inability to pay. Councilmember Henjum expressed strong support. Councilmember Lineweber asked about PGA grants; First Tee CEO Sandy Johnson said all funding is secured. The item will be voted on at the September 22 meeting. Key Outcomes - The City Council will consider the following items for formal adoption at the September 22, 2026 regular meeting: 7A (furlough elimination ordinance), 7B/7C (Utilities rate case resolutions), 7D (Civil Service Commission rules, with a pending revision), 7E (Auditorium lease amendment), and 7F (First Tee ground lease). - The Civil Service Commission rules update will be revised to address the objection from Local 5 before the October 13 vote; a special meeting may be called. - Councilmember Donaldson requested that the Project Taurus public hearing date be moved from October 13 to a date earlier or later to avoid the appearance of post-election voting. - Councilmember reports highlighted the International Association of Fire Fighters Memorial (over 6,000 attendees), the Pikes Peak Ascent, the Saluting Branches tree care event, and the passing of World War II veteran Ed Beck.

This was a special meeting of the Colorado Springs City Council held on September 17, 2026, at the Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts. The sole agenda item was the appeal of the City Planning Commission's decision to deny prior appeals of the administrative approval of a Major Modification of a Development Plan for Corporate Ridge Filing No. 1, Lot 4 (1565 High Tech Way), known as Project Taurus. The project involves converting an existing 442,468-square-foot former chip fab building into a data center with up to 72 chillers and 60 generators, using approximately 50 megawatts of power and a closed-loop cooling system requiring 200,000 gallons of water once. The meeting lasted from 9:00 AM into the evening, including a lunch break, and featured presentations from city staff, appellants, and the applicant, followed by extensive public comment from over 120 speakers. After deliberation, the council voted 7-2 to postpone the decision to April 13, 2027, to allow for further study of noise, utility impacts, and the development of updated city standards for data centers. Public Comments & Testimony - Supporters (approximately 20+ speakers, including representatives from the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, economic development officials, former city council members, construction industry, and local business owners) argued that the project is a lawful adaptive reuse of an existing industrial site, meets all zoning and code requirements, and will generate significant tax revenue (estimated equivalent to 7.5 new D11 teachers and 15 police officers annually), create hundreds of temporary construction jobs and 60-100 permanent jobs, support national security and military needs, and demonstrate that Colorado Springs is open for business. Many noted that the developer, Raiden, has voluntarily gone beyond code by relocating equipment to reduce noise, adding a 30-foot sound wall, and signing a development agreement with a $1 million remediation bond. - Opponents (approximately 100+ speakers, including residents of the adjacent Chelsea Glen and Kissing Camels neighborhoods, environmental activists, health professionals, veterans, students, and political candidates) raised concerns about health impacts from low-frequency noise (infrasound) not captured by the city's DBA noise standard, potential environmental harm to nearby Garden of the Gods (a National Natural Landmark) and its wildlife (e.g., bighorn sheep), water scarcity in a drought-prone region (arguing indirect water use from power generation is large), increased utility rates (citing a recent large load tariff and federal ratepayer protection bill), property value decreases, and the inconsistency of the administrative approval process. Many called for a moratorium until city codes are updated to address data center-specific issues like DBC noise limits and heat island effects. Several speakers pointed to lawsuits Raiden has filed in other cities and questioned the sufficiency of the $1 million bond and the lack of enforceable teeth in the noise monitoring plan. Discussion Items - City Staff Presentation (Dan Sexton): Provided an overview of the site (zoned Business Park, 22 acres), the timeline (application in March 2026, administrative approval June 11, 2026, five appeals to Planning Commission on July 23, 2026, which were denied with added conditions), and the four review criteria for major modifications. Staff concluded the project met all code requirements, including noise (DBA only) via a third-party consultant, and that a development agreement and sound monitoring plan with a $1 million bond provided additional safeguards. Staff noted the city's noise ordinance does not regulate low-frequency sound (DBC) and that there is no regulatory framework for heat island effect or air quality beyond state purview. - Appellant Presentation (Kate Kent, Dr. John Forshee, video testimony from Jamie Banks and Peter Wilson): Argued that the administrative approval was procedurally flawed because the original permit was not properly identified (citing inconsistencies in documents), that the noise study used inadequate metrics (DBA only ignores harmful low-frequency hum and tones), and that the comparative impact analysis required by code was never performed. They presented expert testimony on health risks from infrasound (cardiovascular, sleep disruption, cognitive effects) and showed that sound walls are ineffective against low frequencies. They requested the council reverse or remand the decision. - Applicant Presentation (Jason Green, Raiden, and counsel Caitlin Quander): Stressed that the project is an adaptive reuse of an existing building, uses a closed-loop cooling system (minimal water after initial fill), and that all generators and chillers will be enclosed and acoustically mitigated (generators in 45-foot walls, chillers in 33-foot walls). They claimed the sound study shows noise levels of 41 dBA day/34 dBA night at property line, well below city limits, and that the same study included DBC at community request. They highlighted voluntary community engagements, changes made in response to concerns (e.g., moving generator yard), and the development agreement that includes a 10-year monitoring plan and $1 million bond. Their legal counsel argued that the administrative approval was correct because the original development plan was administratively approved, the criteria were met, and the project is consistent with Plan COS which explicitly names data centers as desirable in the Garden of the Gods corridor. - Council Deliberation: Several council members expressed concerns about the adequacy of noise protections, especially regarding low-frequency sound (DBC), the procedural question of who had authority to approve (original vs. last approval), and the need for updated city standards. Councilmember Rainey moved to postpone for six to eight months to allow for a large load tariff study, further noise analysis, and development of data center standards. Councilmember Donaldson attempted to amend the postponement date to March 5, 2027 (before the next election), but that amendment failed 3-6. The original motion to postpone to April 13, 2027, passed 7-2. Key Outcomes - Motion to Postpone to April 13, 2027: Passed 7-2. Councilmembers Rainey and Risley voted in favor; Donaldson and Henjam voted against (the latter favored immediate action). This decision delays a final ruling on the appeal until after the April 2027 municipal election. - Earlier Motion to Postpone to March 5, 2027: Failed 3-6. - Pending Actions: The council directed city staff to work with utilities to conduct a large load study and to begin a process to codify updated standards for data centers, including potential noise limits for low-frequency sound (DBC), community benefit requirements, and other mitigations. The applicant's approved development plan remains in effect pending the final council decision, but no construction can commence without utility agreements and permits. Note: The meeting experienced multiple disruptions, leading to the removal of several audience members by Colorado Springs Police. The city attorney clarified that the hearing was de novo, allowing council to consider new evidence beyond the Planning Commission record.

The provided transcript is not a city council or board meeting but rather a promotional video or public service announcement aired on Springs TV. It includes messages from the Mayor and various community updates. No discussion items, votes, or public testimony are present. Announcements - A segment describes the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to track local properties required to pay the city's stormwater fee, which funds critical infrastructure projects for rain-related safety. - Viewers are encouraged to stay connected via social media or the city website and to include multiple addresses when signing up for services. - A promotional message for the Reach Well app states it provides emergency alerts in over 130 languages. - Mayor Yenny delivers a wildfire preparedness message, advising residents to sign up for emergency alerts and prepare a family go bag. - An additional message promotes choosing happiness and avoiding unkind words, ending with a note about controversial speech. Key Outcomes - No decisions, votes, or official actions were taken. The content is purely informational and promotional.

The Colorado Springs City Planning Commission held a public hearing on September 9, 2026, beginning at approximately 9:15 AM and adjourning at 12:20 PM. The meeting included annual appointments, a consent calendar, and two major agenda items: a zone change and land use plan for Wagner Equipment (22.37 acres at East Platte Avenue and Wooden Road) and a zone change and land use plan modification for Lowell Commons (1.20 acres at East Las Animas Street). The commission also postponed two items. Consent Calendar - Items 6A, 6B, and 6C (Cherokee Metro District Water Tank zone amendment, Creek Bend zone amendment, Creek Bend land use plan) were approved unanimously without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony Wagner Equipment (Items 9A/9B) - No public comments were received in favor or opposition. Lowell Commons (Items 9C/9D) - Leila Gibson Green (in favor): Expressed support for the project’s livability, walkability, and affordable housing, emphasizing the need for amenities within a 10–20 minute walk. - Connie Bador (opposition): Resident of adjacent Wyndham Apartments; concerned about a 6-story building causing loss of sunlight, increased noise, traffic on Los Animas Street, and insufficient on-street parking. Stated the project's density has grown from earlier proposals. - Chris Sukach (opposition): Resident at 201 East Las Animas; questioned the increase from 15 to 184 dwelling units per acre and the height differential with existing 4-story buildings. Expressed general support for development but concerns over density. - Tyler Lee O'Connor (opposition): Resident of Poet's Loft; raised concerns about traffic accidents, parking adequacy (1:1 ratio insufficient for households with two cars), building height inconsistency with the historic Lowell School, and the project being more urban than the existing neighborhood. - Kimberly Repke (opposition): Resident of Poet's Loft; questioned whether developers will contribute to neighborhood maintenance (parks, lighting) and highlighted that on-street parking is already fully used by businesses. Discussion Items Annual Appointments - Commissioners unanimously appointed Nadine Hensler as Chair, Ryan Case as Vice Chair, and Jennifer Cecil as the new representative to the Downtown Review Board (pending city council approval). Postponements - Item 4A: Kettle Creek development standards adjustment – postponed to a date certain (unanimous). - Item 4B: Height allowances for accessory dwelling units ordinance – postponed (unanimous). Wagner Equipment Zone Map Amendment and Land Use Plan (Items 9A/9B) - Proposal: Rezone 22.37 acres from Business Park and Light Industrial (with conditions of record) to Light Industrial, and establish a land use plan for heavy vehicle sales, rental, and repair. The site is located southeast of East Platte Avenue and Wooden Road. - Staff Presentation (Allison Stocker): The property is currently vacant; the rezoning will allow Wagner Equipment (a Caterpillar distributor) to develop a facility. Staff found the application complies with PlanCOS and review criteria. No public comments were received. The traffic impact study and streamside overlay will be addressed at development plan stage. - Applicant Presentation (Bill Gooman, William Gooman & Associates): Wagner Equipment plans a facility for heavy equipment sales and repair, with an eventual workforce of 100–120 full-time employees. The site has good access to Powers Boulevard and is adjacent to existing industrial uses. The proposal is supported by the city’s economic development division. - Commissioner Questions: Clarified acreage (23.37 acres), traffic study timing, and the removal of conditions of record. Commissioner Cecil raised a concern about potential data center uses but did not pursue amendments. - Vote: Motion to recommend approval to city council passed unanimously. Lowell Commons Zone Map Amendment and Land Use Plan Modification (Items 9C/9D) - Proposal: Rezone 1.20 acres (three lots at 202, 251, and 252 East Las Animas Street) from PDZ (15 dwelling units/acre, 60 ft height) to PDZ (184 dwelling units/acre, 65 ft height, 950 sq ft commercial), and modify the Lowell Neighborhood Land Use Plan to remove these parcels from the Poets Loft subdivision concept. - Staff Presentation (Bill Gray): The site is the last undeveloped parcel in the Lowell neighborhood. The proposed 220 residential units (one-bedroom apartments) would be in a 5–6 story building with structured parking. Staff recommended conditions: maximum building height 65 feet/6 stories, remove lodging references, delete height bonus table, and require adherence to Lowell neighborhood architectural design standards. The traffic impact study found existing street system adequate, with recommendations for queue lanes. - Applicant Presentation (John Olson, Urban Landscapes; Toby Gannett, developer): The project is part of a three-phase affordable housing initiative. The financing relies on HUD 221(d)(4) deeply affordable loan, targeting 70–110% AMI (workforce housing for teachers, nurses, junior military officers). Parking will be structured (approximately 80% of units) with paid parking. The developer has subsidized the Lowell neighborhood association for 20 years and plans to continue. - Commissioner Questions and Debate: Extensive discussion on density, parking ratio, building height, and compatibility with the neighborhood. Commissioner Engel and Robbins expressed concerns that the density (184 du/ac) is far higher than any existing parcel in the neighborhood and would be detrimental to public welfare. Commissioner Cecil, Willoughby, Case, Hensler, and Eggbert supported the project, citing consistency with PlanCOS, need for workforce housing downtown, and manageable impacts subject to conditions. - Vote: Motion to recommend approval to city council with conditions passed 5–4. Commissioners Hensler, Willoughby, Cecil, Case, and Eggbert voted in favor; Commissioners Robbins, Clemens, Engel, and Tuciano opposed. Key Outcomes - Annual appointments: Nadine Hensler (Chair), Ryan Case (Vice Chair), Jennifer Cecil (Downtown Review Board representative) – all approved. - Postponements: Kettle Creek DSA and ADU height ordinance postponed unanimously. - Wagner Equipment (9A/9B): Recommended to city council for approval – unanimous. - Lowell Commons (9C/9D): Recommended to city council for approval with five conditions (building height 65 ft/6 stories, remove lodging references, revise parking reductions, delete height bonus, attach architectural design guidelines) – approved 5–4. - Next steps: Both items will be heard by Colorado Springs City Council in future meetings. The commission noted that appeals from the city council decision would be possible but not from the planning commission recommendation.

The City Council met on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 1:02 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting lasted until 3:54 PM and covered a wide range of items including consent calendar approvals, recognitions, utilities code amendments, zoning changes for the Banning Lewis Ranch master plan, and public comments. Key decisions included approving a Day of Remembrance resolution for September 11, 2026, unanimously supporting Suicide Prevention Month, passing a light industrial rezone for Buckingham Drive (8–2), and postponing the dissolution of the Old Colorado City Downtown Development Authority to September 22. All Banning Lewis Ranch Village B2 and Village C zoning and development actions passed unanimously. Recognitions - Resolution Honoring September 11, 2026 as a Day of Remembrance (Item 5.A): Councilmember Ken Casey read the resolution noting the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Councilmember Dave Donelson shared personal reflections. Adopted 9–0. - Joint Proclamation Recognizing September 2026 as Suicide Prevention Month (Item 5.B): Councilmember David Leinweber and Mayor Yemi Mobolade read the proclamation. Several community partners spoke. Councilmember Nancy Henjum promoted the Race Against Suicide on September 20. Proclamation adopted unanimously. - City Council Appointments to Boards, Commissions, and Committees (Item 5.C): Reappointed Jim Godfrey to the Audit Committee and elevated John Wint from alternate to full member of the Historic Preservation Board. Approved 9–0. Consent Calendar - Approved final passage of Ordinance 26-39 (Briargate Center BID Board vacancies), Ordinance 26-46 (Claims Management amendments), and Ordinance 26-47 (Workers’ Compensation amendments). - Approved minutes from the September 24, 2026 special meeting and the August 25, 2026 regular meeting (the latter was later called off and amended). - Approved first reading of Ordinance 26-49 (Utilities System Refunding Revenue Bonds up to $225,000,000), Ordinance 26-50 (Utilities System Improvement Revenue Bonds – Series 2026A up to $330,000,000 and Series 2026B up to $140,000,000), and Resolution 73-26 (supporting the COS Creek Plan Feasibility Study with GOCO). - All consent items passed 9–0 after Councilmember Williams requested Item 4B.B be pulled for separate consideration. Public Comments & Testimony - Kyle McGuffey (14-year-old student) spoke in opposition to Project Taurus (data center), alleging discrepancies in CSU’s statements on power contracts and a whistleblower complaint about withheld text messages. Urged council to investigate before a September 17 hearing. - Caleb Miller criticized the city’s approach to homelessness, stating that over 400 churches in Colorado Springs could each house four people to solve the issue, and questioned the city’s use of prayer while not fully addressing homelessness. - Steve Lightfoot claimed that Stephen King killed John Lennon and made various allegations about media and government conspiracies. Discussion Items - Mayor’s Business (Item 6): Chief of Staff Wayne Williams announced events for 9/11, the Colorado Springs Airport being nominated for best small airport, CDOT safety improvements at Flying Horse, ADA settlement compliance, the Park System Master Plan for public comment, the Mayor’s Cup raising $40,000 for youth homelessness, and upcoming swearing-in and groundbreaking ceremonies. - Item 7 – Items Called Off Consent Calendar: Councilmember Williams requested amendment to the August 25, 2026 minutes regarding the OCC DDA board. The minutes were approved as amended 9–0. - Utilities Business – Ordinance on Liens (Item 8.A): Patrick Malone presented a change to expand lien authority from water/wastewater to include electric and gas for unpaid utility bills. Stated the average residential disconnect is $580; liens are intended for large commercial customers (two currently applicable). Renee Congdon provided legal background. Councilmember Donelson noted it protects smaller ratepayers. Approved on first reading 9–0. - Unfinished Business – Buckingham Rezone (Item 9.A): Ordinance 26-38 to rezone 7.79 acres at Buckingham Drive from Business Park to Light Industrial (with data centers restricted). Passed 8–2; Councilmembers Donelson and Gold voted no, citing preference for business park zoning. - Unfinished Business – OCC DDA Dissolution (Item 9.B): Emily Evans introduced the second reading. Council voted 6–3 to allow public comment (Donelson, Gold, Henjum, Leinweber, Rainey, Williams in favor; Casey, Crow-Iverson, Risley opposed). After hearing Adam Stepan (OCC DDA Chair) describe plans for a 5-mill ballot question in November 2027 and automatic dissolution if it fails, Councilmember Williams moved to postpone to September 22, 2026 to allow additional public comment. Motion passed 9–0. - New Business – Dissolve Council Engagement Program (Item 10.A): Blongshia Lindsay presented Resolution to repeal Resolution 30-14. Councilmember Gold noted the former chair was unable to attend. Adopted 9–0. - New Business – Business License Code Scrubs (Items 10.B, 10.C, 10.D): Lee McRae presented three ordinances repealing and reordaining Articles 1, 3, and 4 of Chapter 2 (Business Licensing, Liquor Regulation and Taxation). Approved on first reading 9–0 each. - Public Hearing – Use Variance for Coffee Shop (Item 11.A): Ryan Tefertiller presented a use variance for a coffee shop at 16 E. Platte Avenue (R-5 zone). Applicant Mike Maylin (Woodmen Valley Chapel) stated the coffee shop would serve public and church community, expected opening early spring 2027. Councilmember Leinweber disclosed membership but no financial benefit. Approved 9–0. - Public Hearing – Banning Lewis Ranch Village B2 (Items 11.B–11.G): Tamara Baxter and Don Ryan presented a series of zoning, concept plan, and right-of-way vacation actions for 511 acres north of Tamlin Road. Includes up to 2,547 homes, 15+ acres parks, 25-acre school site, 9.2-acre commercial MX-M zone. No public comment. All six items approved 9–0. - Public Hearing – Banning Lewis Ranch Village C (Items 11.H–11.Q): Tamara Baxter and Don Ryan presented a land use plan, two zone map amendments (R-Flex Medium and MX-M), six development standards adjustments (density 3-16 du/ac, minimum lot 1,000 sf, encroachments, setbacks, porches), and a right-of-way vacation for 658 acres. Includes 2,558 homes, two school sites, fire station, 60+ acres parks and trails, 35-acre community park. No public comment. All ten items approved 9–0. Key Outcomes - Resolutions and Proclamations: Day of Remembrance and Suicide Prevention Month adopted unanimously. - Appointments: Audit Committee and Historic Preservation Board appointments approved 9–0. - Consent Calendar: Final passage of three ordinances and approval of minutes (with one item pulled and amended). - Utilities Liens Ordinance (Item 8.A): First reading approved 9–0; expands lien authority to electric and gas. - Buckingham Rezone (Item 9.A): Ordinance 26-38 finally passed 8–2. - OCC DDA Dissolution (Item 9.B): Postponed to September 22, 2026 by unanimous vote. - Council Engagement Program (Item 10.A): Dissolved by resolution 9–0. - Business License Code Changes (Items 10.B–10.D): First readings approved 9–0 each. - Use Variance for Coffee Shop (Item 11.A): Approved 9–0. - Banning Lewis Ranch Village B2 (Items 11.B–11.G): All seven actions approved 9–0. - Banning Lewis Ranch Village C (Items 11.H–11.Q): All ten actions approved 9–0. - Public Comments: Three citizens spoke; no council action taken.