Colorado Springs Historic Preservation Board Meeting - November 3, 2025

The Colorado Springs Historic Preservation Board convened on November 3, 2025, with four members present (Members Music, Baumgartner, Fitzsimmons, Potter, and Briebaum). The meeting focused on administrative announcements, a report of acceptability for a private property renovation, and the review of the board's 2026 work plan. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to annual ethics training and discussion regarding community outreach strategies.

Consent Calendar

• Item HPST 25-0010 (2017 Wood Avenue): The board pulled this item from the consent calendar for full discussion. The project involves replacing an existing, deteriorated pergola with a covered outdoor patio, paver areas, and slider doors at the rear of the property. Staff confirmed the work falls within a non-historic 2000s addition and meets all code criteria. Two emails and three phone calls of support were received with no opposition.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Applicant Position: The applicant expressed full support for the project as a necessary replacement for a rotten pergola, noting the design improves the space without impacting the historic character of the home or being visible from the alley or front.
• Board Member Concerns: Board members did not express opposition to the project's merits but raised specific technical observations regarding the rendering of a downspout location and grass placement. Board Member Bierbaum humorously noted the project was not a "fixer-upper" or flip, affirming the owner's intent to remain in the home.

Discussion Items

• Ethics Training: City Attorney provided annual ethics training, emphasizing that verbal advisory opinions do not hold legal weight; only written opinions provide a defense against violations. The training covered strict prohibitions on gifts (with a $75 annual exception) and conflicts of interest, mandating recusal for both actual conflicts and those creating an "appearance of impropriety."
• 2026 Work Plan Review: Staff presented three goals: continuing the historic resources survey, updating the historic preservation ordinance, and maintaining standard review duties. Board members expressed support but noted the heavy workload relative to limited staff time.
  • Board Member Position (Judy): Expressed strong support for the goals but advised that Bill (staff) does not have nearly enough time to execute them alone.
  • Board Member Position (General): Agreed with the need for quarterly timelines and accountability to avoid ambiguity, specifically regarding the ordinance update and community outreach.
• Community Outreach Strategy: Several members suggested collaborating with local entities like the Pioneer Museum and reviewing outreach models from smaller jurisdictions (e.g., Cortez, Trinidad) to inspire grassroots efforts, rather than solely relying on staff to initiate education.

Key Outcomes

• Approval: The motion to approve the Report of Acceptability for 2017 Wood Avenue passed unanimously (5-0) with Board Members Music, Baumgartner, Fitzsimmons, Potter, and Briebaum voting in favor.
• Administrative Action: The board deferred approval of the October 6, 2025 minutes to the next meeting due to a lack of quorum. The November 13, 2025 date was corrected for the 10-day appeal deadline.
• Strategic Direction: The board agreed to the 2026 work plan goals but requested that staff refine the timeline to include quarterly milestones and that the board explore forming committees to share the burden of community education and outreach.
• Training: The board confirmed that absent members will receive the ethics training recording and that annual ethics training is a mandatory requirement.