Colorado Springs City Council Meeting – June 10, 2025

The

Colorado Springs City Council met on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, with eight members present and Councilmember Henjam excused. The meeting included proclamations and recognitions, appointments to a citizen advisory committee, two public hearings, and citizens' discussion. Most votes were unanimous, with one 7–1 vote on a zoning hearing date.

Proclamations and Recognitions

• Juneteenth Freedom Day (5A): A joint proclamation recognized June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth Freedom Day. Councilmember Rainey spoke about his personal connection to the history; Chief of Staff Jamie Fables read the proclamation on behalf of Mayor Yemi, who is recovering. Community speakers from the Pikes Peak Diversity Council, African American Historical Study, NAACP, and a longtime organizer celebrated the event, urged community unity, and promoted June 19 celebrations across the city.
• Western Wear Days (5B): A resolution recognized June 18, July 5, and July 8–12, 2025, as Western Wear Days, promoting the Western Street Breakfast, Pikes Peak or Bust Parade, and NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. Councilmember Williams read the resolution. Range Riders and rodeo representatives described the events, volunteer efforts, and military support. The motion passed 8–0.
• Elder Abuse Awareness Day (5C): A resolution recognized June 15, 2025, as Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Councilmember Gold read the resolution. Speakers from Adult Protective Services and the Pikes Peak Agency on Aging described their work, noting APS has investigated over 1,000 cases and that ombudsmen serve more than 100 long-term care facilities. The motion passed 8–0.
• Maria Montoya (5D): A resolution thanked Community Service Officer Maria Montoya for 31 years of city service, including 13 years as a legal assistant and work as a police service representative and CSO. Police Commander Shannon Snugs read the resolution. The motion passed 8–0.
• James Keller (5E): A resolution thanked Evidence Technician James Keller for 36 years of service, including post-9/11 fundraising that sent $300,000 to New York City families and providing bicycles for Hurricane Katrina victims. Police Commander Patrick David read the resolution. Councilmembers offered thanks and retirement wishes. The motion passed 8–0.

Appointments

• LART Advisory Committee (5F): After interviews on May 23, 2025, Council appointed Jenna Hill and Gus Krim to two new citizen-at-large positions and Curtis Bova as the hotel/motel representative. Council noted the committee now has nine voting and six ex officio members, all appointed by council. The motion passed 8–0.

Public Hearings

• Use Variance – Child Daycare Center (11A): The Council held a public hearing on a use variance to allow a large child daycare center in an RE single-family estate zone at 2380 Montebello Drive West. Staff said the former YMCA property currently houses Revolution Church; child care had been an approved conditional use from the 1980s until 2020. Applicant Kevin Ross explained plans for an after-school and summer program for up to 150 elementary-age children, using existing classrooms, gymnasium, pool, and adjacent Garden Ranch Park. He cited community need: only 15% of District 11 children have access to after-school care and 28% of local families with children are led by single parents. No public comments were offered. Councilmembers questioned the applicant about the hardship, zoning history, and outside play limits. The Council approved the variance 8–0.
• Zoning Map Amendment – 1133 South Royer Street (11B): On first reading, Council considered an ordinance changing 6.18 acres from General Industrial to a Plan Development zone with 180,000 square feet maximum and 80-foot height limit. City Planning Director Kevin Walker said the public hearing is set for June 24, 2025. Councilmember Donaldson noted the proposal involves a privately owned battery storage facility and is a significant use for the city. The motion to set the hearing date passed 7–1.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Del Burnett: Thanked Council for fostering entrepreneurship and presented copies of his book One Million Dreams Colorado Springs. Several councilmembers praised his work and small-business advocacy.
• Lorad Nellis: Described 17 years of code enforcement and police problems near 1808 West Vermijo Avenue in Old Colorado City, including repeated violations, slow response times, unlicensed vehicles, unruly tenants, and homeless encampments. Councilmembers and the chief of staff offered to follow up with code enforcement and asked him to return in one month with an update.
• David Tone: Offered a religious prophecy claiming the cause of the Black Forest wildfire and urging attention to judgment; no council questions were asked.
• Carla Powers: Reported success at the small community library "Reading at the Rocks," asked Council not to appoint Kennyuki to the Pikes Peak Library District Board, and recommended Councilmember Dave Donaldson as the library liaison.

Key Outcomes

• Recognized Juneteenth Freedom Day, Western Wear Days, and Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
• Recognized Maria Montoya and James Keller for 31 and 36 years of service, respectively.
• Appointed Jenna Hill, Gus Krim, and Curtis Bova to the LART Advisory Committee.
• Approved the child daycare center use variance at 2380 Montebello Drive West by an 8–0 vote.
• Set a June 24, 2025, public hearing for the South Royer Street zoning map amendment by a 7–1 vote.