Colorado Springs City Council Work Session - June 23, 2025

The Colorado Springs City Council held a work session on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers. Nine members were present, with Councilmember Gold and Councilmember Leinweber attending virtually. The meeting covered several items for introduction, including resolutions on CDL testing, eminent domain, hearing officer appointments, a business improvement district amendment, public art code changes, cemetery fee increases, and a lease for the City Auditorium. Additionally, a policy checkpoint on the Miller Downs at Wyoming Lane annexation was presented. Council discussions included concerns about process, code changes, and historical preservation. The meeting adjourned at 11:22 AM.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes of the June 9, 2025 Work Session were approved by unanimous consent.

Discussion Items

8.A: A Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement for the Renewal of the CDL Third Party Testing Unit License

• Presenter Danielle Delgado described the renewal agreement. There were no council comments.

8.B: A Resolution Authorizing Possession and Use Agreement and Eminent Domain for Academy Boulevard and Chelton Road Projects

• Presenter Gayle Sturdivant explained the need for public improvement and temporary construction easements on property owned by Vande Lay Capital Partners, LLC and BIG CSCO Owner, LLC for two projects. Due to non-responsiveness of one owner after over a year of negotiations, the city is seeking eminent domain. Councilmember Henjum asked about the trail connection across Academy Boulevard. The resolution is scheduled for the July 8 regular meeting.

8.C: An Ordinance Amending City Code Pertaining to Appointment of Hearing Officers

• Presenter Rebecca Greenberg proposed amending Section 409 to allow the City Attorney to appoint hearing officers for any reason required or permitted by law, necessary for the Transit Safety Committee's dispute resolution under federal requirements. Councilmembers Bailey, Rainey, and Williams expressed concerns about lack of council involvement in the process and the breadth of the authority. Lan Rao, Transit Division Manager, provided background on the need for a tiebreaker. The item will go to a regular meeting.

8.D: A Resolution Amending the MW Retail Business Improvement District 2025 Operating Plan

• Presenter Allison Stocker presented the amendment to update the financial plan and allow future bond issuance for public improvements. Councilmember Donelson asked about the PIF collection fee (1.5%), whether the mill levy remains at 10 mills (yes), and whether there is private debt (no, only publicly issued debt). Brendan Desmond, district counsel, answered. The item is scheduled for July 8.

8.E: An Ordinance Amending the Unified Development Code Pertaining to Public Art

• Presenter Daniel Sexton explained the housekeeping ordinance to remove references to the dissolved Public Art Commission and replace review with the Planning Director. Councilmember Donelson expressed concern about removing neighborhood input and substituting art for facade articulation with minimal criteria. Councilmember Henjum suggested using an ad hoc committee. Caitlin Moldenhauer noted the ordinance is needed because the PAC was dissolved. The option to simply remove the exception was discussed. Scheduled for July 8.

8.F: A Resolution Establishing 2026 Cemetery Enterprise Fees

• Presenter Kim King and Cheryl Godbout proposed a new $100 deed transfer fee to generate an estimated $50,000 annually to offset rising expenses and declining revenue due to increased cremations. Councilmember Bailey asked about staffing and historic building maintenance costs. Councilmember Donelson expressed full support. Councilmember Henjum noted the historical significance of the cemeteries. A broader fee increase is planned for next year. Scheduled for July 8.

8.G: A Resolution Finding a Public Purpose in Leasing the City Auditorium to AVA Presents, LLC

• Presenter Ryan Trujillo and Jesse Morreale (AVA Presents) proposed a below fair market value lease offset by in-kind capital improvements to address the building's $17 million capital backlog. Councilmember Risley raised concerns about clarity in maintenance responsibilities in the lease, specifically regarding building-level vs. tenant systems. Councilmember Henjum asked about historic designation and potential grants. Councilmembers Williams, Donelson, and Henjum expressed support. The resolution is scheduled for July 8.

9.A: Informational Presentation for Annexation Policy Checkpoint on Miller Downs at Wyoming Lane

• Presenter Tamara Baxter, Bryan English (CSU), and Noah Bremer (applicant) presented the proposed annexation of a 21-acre enclave with R-Flex Medium zoning for single-family and attached dwellings. Councilmembers asked about utilities (tying into Las Vegas wastewater treatment plant), traffic (no off-site improvements needed), and neighborhood outreach (a December meeting was held). Council gave consensus to move forward with the annexation process.

Councilmember Reports and Open Discussion

• Councilmember Henjum reported on her three-week leadership training program in Boston for state and local government leaders, noting appreciation for city staff and council.
• Councilmember Donelson played a 15-second video from the city-funded Pride Parade showing a participant hailing Satan, noting that the festival received $60,000 from LART funding, while heritage events like the Western Street Breakfast received zero. He expressed concern about the funding allocation.