Colorado Springs City Council Regular Meeting - October 14, 2025

The Colorado Springs City Council met on October 14, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 6:37 PM. The meeting included recognitions, a contentious public hearing on Colorado Springs Utilities' 2026 rate case, and two annexation proposals. Key outcomes included the adoption of Arts Month and a resolution honoring Charlie Kirk (passed 5-4), the rejection of net metering changes from the rate case (council consensus voted 5-4 against), and unanimous approval of the remaining rate case elements, utility budget, and sources of funds. Two annexations—North Gate Boulevard Addition No. 10 (0.33 acres) and Miller Downs at Wyoming Lane (21.37 acres)—were both approved 8-0-1. Citizen discussion addressed the closure of Meadows Park Community Center and concerns over AI data acquisition.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (9-0) the following items:
  • City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of September 23, 2025.
  • Resolution authorizing property acquisition for the Tutt Boulevard Extension using PPRTA funds.
  • Resolution approving amended service plan for Bradley Ranch Metropolitan District.
  • Resolution approving debt issuance by Ellston Park Metropolitan District (up to $4,000,000).
  • Ordinance on first reading to rezone 4.09 acres at Austin Bluffs Parkway (public hearing set for October 28, 2025).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Net Metering Rate Case (9A): More than 50 citizens spoke in opposition to the proposed net metering changes, arguing the demand charge was punitive, discriminatory, and a retroactive penalty. Many identified as solar customers who invested $10,000–$30,000 based on prior policies. Speakers included representatives from Solar United Neighbors, Colorado Solar and Storage Association (COSSA), and individual homeowners. They raised legal concerns, claimed the cost-shift calculation was flawed, and requested grandfathering or a slower transition.
• Meadows Park Community Center (Citizen Discussion): Former city employees Kirstien Anderson and Karen Fleming spoke against the closure, emphasizing the center's role as a lifeline for seniors and low-income families. They disputed the city's reported usage numbers, stating the center served far more than 60 people per month.
• Other citizen comments: Alycia Rendon thanked council for Medicaid assistance; Derek Shetrone raised concerns about AI data acquisition and Flock Safety cameras; Lawrence Clark praised Councilmember Donelson's defense of free speech.

Discussion Items

• Recognitions:
  • Arts Month (5A): Councilmember Henjum presented a resolution recognizing October 2025 as Arts Month. Scott Levy, Board Chair of the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region, highlighted the economic and cultural impact of the arts. The resolution passed 9-0.
  • Charlie Kirk Remembrance (5B): Councilmember Williams introduced a resolution honoring the U.S. Senate's designation of October 14, 2025, as National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk. Councilmember Donelson moved to table, citing concerns about politicization and lack of public comment; the motion failed 4-5 (Donelson, Gold, Henjum, Rainey Jr. in favor). After debate, the resolution passed 5-4 (Bailey, Crow-Iverson, Leinweber, Risley, Williams in favor; Donelson, Gold, Henjum, Rainey Jr. against). Several council members expressed that the resolution should focus on condemning political violence without naming a polarizing figure.
• Utilities Business – 2026 Rate Case (9A): The public hearing spanned several hours. Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) staff presented the proposed rate changes, including net metering rate redesign with a demand charge. The proposal aimed to address a $5.5 million annual cost shift from net metering customers (9,000 customers) to other residential customers. CSU estimated initial median increase of $50/month (later revised to $25/month after averaging peak demand). Public testimony overwhelmingly opposed the net metering changes. Council extensively questioned CSU about methodology, legal basis, and customer communication. Councilmembers Henjum and Williams expressed frustration with the timeline and lack of prior engagement. Councilmember Bailey argued the problem needed immediate action. Ultimately, council voted by consensus (5 thumbs down, 4 thumbs up) to remove the net metering proposals from the rate case. The remaining rate case elements (large load rate schedule, military wheeling, URR changes, transmission tariff, PURPA standards) were accepted by consensus. The rate case will move to formal vote on October 28 without net metering.
• Utilities Budget and Sources of Funds (9B, 9C): CSU's 2026 operating budget and $2.289 billion sources of funds were approved on first reading (votes 9-0 each).
• Annexations:
  • North Gate Boulevard Addition No. 10 (11A/11B): A 0.33-acre sliver of city-owned right-of-way along North Gate Boulevard. Planning staff and CSU confirmed compliance. Approved 8-0-1 (Councilmember Leinweber excused).
  • Miller Downs at Wyoming Lane (11C-11F): Proposed annexation of 21.37 acres for up to 110 residential units (single-family attached and detached). Planning Commission voted 9-0 in favor. CSU estimated $2.3–$3.5 million in utility infrastructure costs. Applicant described neighborhood engagement, including reduction of 30 units and 35-foot height limit to address traffic and visual concerns. No public comment in support or opposition. Approved 8-0-1 on all four component items.
• General Improvement District Budgets (14A, 15A): Set November 10, 2025, as public hearing date for the 2026 budgets of Briargate GID 2021 ($2,083,911) and Marketplace at Austin Bluffs GID ($402,425). Both approved 8-0-1.

Key Outcomes

• Arts Month Resolution: Adopted 9-0.
• Charlie Kirk Remembrance Resolution: Adopted 5-4 (against: Donelson, Gold, Henjum, Rainey Jr.).
• City Council Appointments to Boards and Commissions: Approved 9-0.
• Net Metering Changes (part of 2026 Rate Case): Rejected by council consensus (5-4 thumbs down); will not appear in final rate case vote on October 28.
• Remaining 2026 Rate Case Elements: Accepted by council consensus; formal vote scheduled October 28.
• Colorado Springs Utilities 2026 Budget: Approved on first reading 9-0.
• Colorado Springs Utilities 2026 Sources of Funds ($2,289,384,501): Approved on first reading 9-0.
• North Gate Boulevard Addition No. 10 Annexation: Resolution adopted 8-0-1; ordinance approved on first reading 8-0-1.
• Miller Downs at Wyoming Lane Annexation: All four items (annexation resolution, annexation ordinance, zoning, land use plan) approved 8-0-1.
• Briargate GID 2021 Public Hearing Date: Set for November 10, 2025, approved 8-0-1.
• Marketplace at Austin Bluffs GID Public Hearing Date: Set for November 10, 2025, approved 8-0-1.
• Adjournment: 6:37 PM.