Colorado Springs City Council Regular Meeting - August 26, 2025

The Colorado Springs City Council held its regular meeting on August 26, 2025, beginning at 9:00 AM. The meeting included recognitions for retiring city employees, a proclamation for Sober Week, a controversial discussion on removing the CPA requirement for the city auditor, several land-use items, and public comments on ICE enforcement and other topics.

Recognitions

• Sober Week Proclamation (Item 5A): Councilmember Lineweber introduced a resolution recognizing September 8–13, 2025 as Sober Week in Colorado Springs. Representatives from the restaurant industry and Homeward Pikes Peak spoke in support. Councilmember Gold shared a personal story of sobriety. The resolution passed 9–0.
• Phyllis Goss (Item 5B): Recognized for 36 years of service as a Records Supervisor with CSPD. Her achievements included facilitating NCIC audits, creating a new hire wellness class, and mentoring staff. The resolution passed 9–0.
• Brian Cates (Item 5C): Recognized for 30 years of service with Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, including his work at Meadows Park Community Center and the collaborative community partnership model. He announced he will become a high school counselor. The resolution passed 9–0.

Consent Calendar

• Item 4AB (Ordinance 25-70, annexation) was pulled from the consent calendar by Councilman Risley for recusal. The remaining consent items were approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Right-of-Way Vacation (Item 9A): Ordinance 25-68 to vacate portions of Holly Avenue and First Street (approx. 2.13 acres) for the Broadmoor to manage traffic and parking. The applicant, Chris Lieber of NES, and Broadmoor CEO Jack DeMaley outlined the need for better control of loading docks and parking. Neighborhood concerns were addressed by plat notes prohibiting future vehicular or pedestrian connections to residential streets. The World Figure Skating Museum supported the vacation. Public comment included one resident who expressed support after the restrictive language was added. The item passed 9–0.
• City Auditor CPA Requirement (Item 9B): Ordinance 25-69 to remove the requirement that the city auditor be a Colorado CPA and to allow alternative certifications. Chief HR Officer Myra Romero presented the rationale. Councilman Lineweber made a main motion to approve the ordinance as originally drafted (removing CPA requirement). Councilwoman Henjum moved an amendment to add a requirement for the current auditor, Natalie Lovell, to obtain the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation within two years. After debate, the amendment passed 5–4 (Bailey, Donaldson, Rainey, Williams opposed). A motion by Councilman Donaldson to postpone indefinitely and refer to an impartial body failed 3–6. The main motion (as amended) then passed on a 5–4 roll call vote, requiring a third reading. A motion to allow public comment during this item failed 2–7.
• Annexation and Zoning (Items 4AB and 9C): Ordinance 25-70 annexed 14.12 acres southeast of Stetson Hills Boulevard and North Marksheffel Road, with zoning established as MXM APO (mixed-use medium scale with airport overlay). Senior planner Chris Sullivan presented. No questions or public comment. Both passed 7–0 (Councilman Risley recused).
• Metropolitan Districts (Item 10A): Resolution approving a consolidated service plan for Contrarian Airport Metropolitan Districts 1–6, located northwest of Drennan Road and South Marksheffel Road. Public comment was heard from Corey Arcares (CFO of Harrison School District 2) and a student board representative, advocating for the area to be zoned to Harrison District 2. The resolution passed 9–0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Citizens’ Comments: Several residents spoke about ICE enforcement tactics, urging the council to pass a resolution requiring ICE agents to wear visible identification and display badge numbers. Speakers included Julie Shea (on pet ownership verification), Veronica Baker (update on Pikes Peak Library District), Dina Cam, Sean Maddox, Don Klinger, Naomi Rockefeller, Zuri Horowitz, Carol Hoffman, and Erica Carpenter. Councilmembers acknowledged the concerns but noted limited legal authority over federal agents. One resident (Lawrence Clark) argued for balancing accountability with the dangers agents face. Another speaker (Steve Lightfoot) raised unrelated conspiracy theories.

Key Outcomes

• Sober Week Proclamation approved 9–0.
• Retirement recognitions for Phyllis Goss and Brian Cates approved 9–0 each.
• Right-of-way vacation (Holly Ave/First St) approved 9–0.
• City auditor ordinance (removing CPA, adding CIA requirement) passed on second reading 5–4; will require a third reading.
• Annexation and zoning (PTAA Edition No. 1) approved 7–0.
• Metropolitan districts consolidated service plan approved 9–0.
• Council liaison assignments ratified.
• The meeting adjourned after citizens' comments.