Colorado Springs City Council Meeting - November 25, 2025

The regular City Council meeting convened on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 16:00 UTC with all nine council members present. The meeting featured unanimous approvals for recognitions and resolutions, including honors for former Councilmember Merv Bennett, Small Business Saturday, and a proclamation against violence toward women. Significant deliberations occurred regarding gray water regulations, police technology surcharges, and the acquisition of 130 acres for Cheyenne Mountain State Park expansion, resulting in several key votes. The session concluded with public comments regarding pedestrian safety improvements and homelessness resources, followed by a clarification on a prior legislative vote regarding Charlie Kirk.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar was approved unanimously without any items pulled off for discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Max Wisner (Resident of Nevada Avenue): Expressed strong concern regarding pedestrian safety on Nevada Avenue. Wisner argued that the lack of crosswalks at specific intersections makes walking to downtown and Colorado College dangerous and requested the installation of marked crosswalks to encourage community interaction and ensure safety.
• Wally Waller (Mental Health Professional): Urgently requested that the city enter into a memorandum of understanding to establish a continuum of care for homeless individuals suffering from mental illness and substance abuse. Waller argued that with freezing temperatures approaching, there is an immediate need to move people from the streets to shelter to prevent life-threatening injuries and deaths.
• Michelle Weisblatt: Expressed strong opposition to the council's previous establishment of a one-day "Charlie Kirk Day." She argued that honoring Kirk sends a destructive message to the LGBTQ+, Jewish, Muslim, and female communities given his documented views on transgender rights, replacement theory, anti-Semitism, and restrictions on women's careers. She urged the council to reconsider such recognition to align with the city's diverse and inclusive values.

Discussion Items

• Gray Water Adoption (Item 8A): City Utilities presented a proposed ordinance to prohibit the use of gray water. Jennifer Bishop and Lawrence Wenson explained that while the city currently reuses water centrally, a new state law would shift toward an "opt-out" model allowing decentralized gray water systems unless prohibited. Councilmember Risley and others highlighted that the Regional Building Department lacks the staff and funding to inspect these complex systems, and Councilmember Gold noted the potential for increased housing costs. Consequently, staff recommended and council members supported an opt-out to buy time for further evaluation of water rights, backflow prevention, and regulatory frameworks.
• Police Technology Surcharge (Item 9B & 9C): Chief Financial Officer Shari McDaniel presented ordinances to establish a police technology surcharge and amend failure-to-pay procedures. McDaniel stated explicitly that 100% of proceeds would be applied strictly to police technology systems for criminal response, investigation, and documentation. She confirmed a direct budgetary link between the surcharge and a $1.5 million increase in the police department's 2026 technology contract.
• Cheyenne Mountain State Park Extension (Item 10A & 10B): The Parks Department presented a plan to acquire 130 acres to extend Cheyenne Mountain State Park, partnering with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and the Trust for Public Lands. Councilmember Williams expressed continued support for the acquisition but maintained his position that parking and infrastructure must remain on flat, accessible land to ensure public safety and avoid neighborhood disruption. Councilman Rainey emphasized the importance of the successful coordination with military installations (Shine Mountain Space Force Station and Fort Carson) to prevent mission interference.
• Building Permit Fees (Item 10D): City Planning Director Kevin Walker presented a resolution to adjust development review enterprise fees by an estimated 16% to balance revenues and expenses following a reorganization and cost reduction in the previous year. Walker explained the fees are calibrated to the hours spent on residential alterations, hillside residential, and sign code administration. He also noted a commitment to future transparency and a potential split of the enterprise into two distinct units in 2027.
• Space Command Litigation (Item 10E): Councilmember Rainey proposed a resolution opposing the Colorado Attorney General's lawsuit against the U.S. President regarding the relocation of U.S. Space Command. Councilmembers Bailey and Lineweber expressed full support for the resolution, arguing that litigation is counterproductive to national security goals that require collaboration rather than confrontation. Councilmember Gold expressed support for the goal of collaboration but noted with concern that the item was introduced late in the process without prior internal council review.
• City of Lights Parade Safety (Mayor's Business): Mayor Southers confirmed that the Festival of Lights Parade would proceed as usual despite ongoing construction on Tejon Street. He stated that the city would secure construction materials to ensure sidewalk safety and offer free parking in downtown garages to mitigate traffic issues.
• Airport Promotion: Director of Aviation Alex Kovach provided an overview of the Colorado Springs Airport's holiday offerings, emphasizing competitive parking rates and direct flight availability compared to Denver, urging residents to support the local airport.
• Charlie Kirk Resolution Clarification: Following public comments, Councilmember Donaldson sought clarification on the previously passed resolution regarding Charlie Kirk. He confirmed unanimously that the designation was for a single day only, not an annual recurring observance.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously.
• Resolution 5A (Merv Bennett): Unanimously approved to honor the life and service of former Councilmember Merv Bennett (Motion: N to Zero). Speakers unanimously expressed full support, describing him as a gentleman, a mentor, and a model of civility.
• Resolution 5B (Small Business Saturday): Unanimously approved to recognize November 29, 2025, as Small Business Saturday. Councilman Williams highlighted free parking dates for downtown and Old Colorado City to support local businesses.
• Proclamation 5C (Zonta Day): Proclaimed November 25, 2025, as Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women's Day. City officials emphasized the critical need for community support, noting that Tessa served 17,000 individuals and answered 10,895 calls in 2025.
• Ordinance 25-XX (Gray Water): Unanimously approved (Passes 9-0) to prohibit gray water reuse within the city limits via an ordinance opt-out. This decision allows the city to avoid automatic adoption of state requirements until a comprehensive long-term strategy is developed.
• Ordinance 25-92 (Park Traffic Offenses): Unanimously approved (Passes 9-0) to amend park traffic motorized use definitions.
• Ordinance 25-93 (Police Tech Surcharge): Approved by a vote of 6-3. The motion passed with support from Councilmembers Hinge, Gold, Rainey, and others.
• Ordinance 25-94 (Failure to Pay): Approved by a vote of 7-2.
• Ordinance 25-95 (2026 Budget): Approved by a vote of 7-2.
• Ordinance 25-96/Resolution 10A (TOPS Acquisition): Unanimously approved (Passes 9-0) to authorize the acquisition of 130 acres for the Cheyenne Mountain State Park extension and appropriate up to $4.15 million from the TOPS fund.
• Resolution 10D (Building Fees): Unanimously approved (Passes 9-0) to adopt the new fee schedule for the Development Review Enterprise.
• Resolution 10E (Space Command Lawsuit): Approved by a vote of 7-2. The council formally opposes the state AG's lawsuit and urges collaboration with federal leaders regarding the U.S. Space Command. Councilmembers Gold and Rainey cast the only no votes or abstentions depending on the count, with Gold noting the procedural lack of review.
• Resolution 183-24 Rescinded (One-Day Honor): Clarified that the honor for Charlie Kirk is a one-time designation only, not an annual holiday.