Colorado Springs City Council Work Session - July 21, 2025

The Colorado Springs City Council held a work session on Monday, July 21, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:50 AM in City Hall. The meeting included presentations from the Salvation Army Family Hope Center, Careers in Construction Colorado, and Visit COS, as well as introductions of two ordinances and an executive session. All nine council members were present, with Councilmembers Leinweber and Williams attending virtually.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The minutes of the July 7, 2025, Work Session were approved by consensus.
• Authorization to Defend City Employee: In the open executive session (Item 10A), City Council unanimously authorized the City to defend a city employee in the case Kenneth Kohler v. Kristopher Czajkowski (No. 25-cv-01589-NYW-MDB), as recommended by the Civil Action Investigation Committee.

Presentations for General Information

Salvation Army – Family Hope Center (FHC)

• Presenters: Major Steve Ball (El Paso County Coordinator) and Sandra Haley (Lead Case Manager) presented an overview of the FHC, a low-barrier emergency shelter serving families in the Pikes Peak region.
• Key Statistics: In 2024, the FHC served 277 families (434 adults, 528 children), provided 33,000 bed nights and 34,000 meals, and successfully housed 176 families (64% success rate). The facility is the only low-barrier shelter in the region. The annual cost for the shelter is $1.5 million (approximately $46 per bed night).
• Funding Gap: The FHC faces a budget shortfall of $800,000 to $1 million for fiscal year October 2025 – September 2026. Approximately 61% of funding comes from donations and in-kind contributions. The City has provided $150,000 annually (excluding COVID-era funds), and the City’s Housing and Homelessness Response Department anticipates a $200,000 contribution for the coming year. Federal HUD grant agreements have been delayed.
• Council Positions:
  • Councilmember Donelson stated the City should contribute an additional $200,000 from the General Fund, calling the service critical.
  • Councilmember Henjum suggested the FHC present to El Paso County and recommended greater collaboration with other agencies.
  • Councilmember Leinweber inquired about federal grants and funding comparisons with other shelters (Springs Rescue Mission receives ~$350,000, The Place receives $100,000–$150,000).
  • Councilmember Risley expressed support for the City’s investment, viewing it as an early intervention.
  • Councilmember Rainey asked about the donation breakdown and future scenarios.

Careers in Construction Colorado (CiCC)

• Presenters: Glenn Hard (Director of Recruitment & Retention) and Renee Zentz (CEO) provided an overview of the program, which educates, empowers, and employs high school students in construction trades.
• Key Statistics: Statewide, CiCC has enrolled over 15,000 students, awarded nearly 10,000 pre-apprenticeship certificates, and placed over 2,000 students in jobs. In the Pikes Peak region, 21 high schools participate, with 1,332 enrolled and 1,166 employed locally last year. The program’s annual budget is $2.2 million ($700 per student). Funding sources: 50% grants/individuals, 25% government, 25% industry.
• Council Positions:
  • Councilmember Rainey asked about retention data (one in three graduates work in the industry at six months).
  • Councilmember Leinweber asked about barriers to enrollment (no barriers, no prerequisites).
  • Councilmember Henjum asked about expansion beyond construction (CiCC focuses on construction but supports other industries through model sharing).
  • Councilmember Donelson commended the program for offering alternative career paths.

Visit COS – Resident Sentiment Survey and Destination Master Plan

• Presenters: Doug Price (President/CEO) and Amy Long (Chief Development Officer) presented findings from the 2024 Resident Sentiment Survey and the updated Destination Master Plan (2025–2028).
• Key Statistics: 25.5 million visitors in 2024 brought $3.1 billion to the region. Visitation increased 2.7% and spending 5.7%. Average length of stay increased from 2.2 to 2.7 nights. 60% of residents agree positive impacts of tourism outweigh negatives; 78% see tourism enhancing economic opportunity; 65% support a tourism tax; 80% support educating visitors on responsible travel.
• Master Plan Imperatives: (1) secure additional promotional funding (including a potential LART tax increase); (2) grow overnight visitation in off-season; (3) advance stewardship and collaboration with tourism sector entities.
• Council Positions:
  • Councilmember Henjum requested closer city collaboration on LART planning, noting the city may not be ready for a 2026 ballot.
  • Councilmember Leinweber supported a LART increase, stating visitors are “getting a free ride” and that tourism growth is the path out of financial challenges.
  • Councilmember Williams echoed support for growing the economy rather than cutting.
  • Councilmember Donelson asked about state funding potential if the Hosmer Visitor Center becomes a Colorado Welcome Center.
  • Councilmember Leinweber requested a future presentation on how Colorado Springs competes with other tourism economies.

Items for Introduction

Ordinance Removing CPA Requirement for City Auditor (Item 7A)

• Presenter: Myra Romero (Chief Human Resources and Risk Officer) introduced an ordinance to remove the requirement that the City Auditor be a Colorado Certified Public Accountant (CPA). After study, it was determined that the role of internal auditor does not require a CPA per industry standards; the credential is now recommended as a preferred qualification. Natalie Lovell, the current City Auditor, was appointed in March 2025 with a condition to obtain a CPA within two years.
• Council Positions:
  • Councilmember Henjum supported the change, noting CPAs are on staff and leadership does not require certification.
  • Councilmember Risley and Councilmember Leinweber praised Ms. Lovell’s leadership and supported the ordinance.
  • Councilmember Donelson expressed caution, noting past auditors held CPAs and that removing the requirement could affect fairness in hiring.
  • Councilmember Bailey called the requirement outdated.
  • Ms. Lovell argued the role has evolved beyond technical accounting and that many top cities do not require a CPA for the auditor.
• Next Step: The ordinance is scheduled for a vote at the August 5, 2025 City Council meeting.

Ordinance on Battery-Charged Electric Fencing and Security Detection Fencing (Item 7B)

• Presenter: Johnny Malpica (Senior Comprehensive Planner) presented an amendment to the Unified Development Code to permit battery-charged electric fencing and security detection fencing in commercial and industrial zones, in response to state legislation (HB25-1060). The fencing must be surrounded by a non-electrified perimeter fence, with signs every 30 feet. No council comments were made; the item is scheduled for a vote.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes of July 7, 2025, Work Session: Approved by consensus.
• Authorization to Defend City Employee: Unanimously approved in open executive session.
• Closed Executive Session: Council voted unanimously (two-thirds or more required) to enter a closed session to discuss an Intergovernmental Agreement for facilities acquisition related to Peak Innovation Park. The closed session was conducted electronically; participating members affirmed no unauthorized persons were present.
• Ordinance Introduction: Both the city auditor and fencing ordinances were introduced and will be voted on at future meetings.
• Next Steps: The Salvation Army will continue discussions with the city on funding; Visit COS will provide additional data on tourism competitiveness; the Housing and Homelessness Response officer will present to council on broader funding challenges. Councilman Donelson’s proposal for an additional $200,000 for the Family Hope Center may be considered in future budget discussions.