Colorado Springs City Council Meeting – May 12, 2026

The Colorado Springs City Council met on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers. Eight members were present, one excused (Councilmember Donelson). The meeting included recognitions, two mayoral appointments, approval of a consent calendar, a first‑reading ordinance amending the Unified Development Code, and an hour of citizen discussion. All votes were 8‑0 except where noted. The meeting adjourned at 11:30 AM.

Consent Calendar

• Ordinance 26‑18 (Second Presentation) – Repealing and reordaining Appendix K (Wildland Urban Interface Requirements) of the Fire Prevention Code. Finally passed.
• Minutes of the April 28, 2026 City Council meeting approved.
• Resolution 38‑26 – Authorizing the use of Possession and Use Agreements and Eminent Domain to acquire property for the Brookside Realignment Project using PPRTA funds. Adopted.
• Resolution 39‑26 – Authorizing the Stormwater Enterprise Manager to execute Memorandums of Agreement with the Department of the Army for the COS Creek Plan Feasibility Study. Adopted.
• First reading of an ordinance rezoning approximately 9.04 acres off Marksheffel Road from MX‑M/AP‑O/APZ‑1 to PK/AP‑O/APZ‑1 (Reagan Ranch Community Park). Public hearing set for May 26, 2026. Approved.

The entire Consent Calendar was approved by a vote of 8‑0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Charles Barber urged residents to prevent hair from going down drains to protect the city’s wastewater system.
• Peter Hernandez (DSA member, speaking as citizen) opposed the proposed large AI data center “Project Torres,” citing water use, heat pollution, and lack of long‑term jobs. He urged the Council (as the Utilities board) to stop the project.
• Gwendolyn Henderson (community liaison for Pikes Peak Southern Leadership Conference) requested that the reprimand issued to Councilmember Gold be reconsidered or revoked. She argued that context and proportionality were not applied equally.
• Nick Raven advocated for higher City Council pay, suggesting the Council refer a pay increase to voters even if leadership opposes it.
• Taylor Gray (District 5 resident) supported Councilmember Gold and opposed the data center. He criticized the secretive nature of the reprimand process and urged transparency.
• Steven Lightfoot made remarks about John Lennon’s murder, Hantavirus, and Stephen King, calling for global leadership.

Council Discussion on Reprimand

During public comment, a heated exchange occurred between Councilmembers regarding the letter of reprimand to Councilmember Gold. Councilmember Leinweber stated the letter was private and Gold posted it on social media, damaging trust. Councilmember Gold replied that a six‑minute conversation before a Utilities board meeting did not allow for dialogue. Councilmember Henjum noted that no letter was offered for Councilmember Donelson’s behavior and called for the Council to work with the Reclaiming Civility group.

Recognitions (Proclamations & Resolutions)

• Mental Health Awareness Month (May 2026) – Councilmember Leinweber read the proclamation. Community leaders spoke about early‑childhood mental health (Liz Denson, Early Connections), hospitality‑worker mental health (Sarah Potter, Big Table), and recovery (Andre Podpolucha, Step Springs). Councilmember Williams highlighted the documentary “Raising America.”
• National Public Works Week (May 17‑23, 2026) – Councilmember Henjum and Public Works Director Rich Mulledy recognized the department’s accomplishments: 78,000 potholes repaired, 3 million transit rides, national accreditation, etc.
• National Wildfire Awareness Month (May 2026) – Councilmember Williams and Fire Marshal Kris Cooper noted ongoing mitigation: 62,000 homes participated, 27,000 acres treated, 11,000 tons of combustibles removed, and $20 million in voter‑approved 2D funding. Councilmember Leinweber highlighted a new partnership with the U.S. Forest Service.
• Memorial Day (May 25, 2026) – Councilmember Casey read the resolution honoring fallen service members, especially five soldiers killed in Mosul, Iraq on April 10, 2009. Veterans’ representatives spoke about remembrance and veteran suicide. Councilmember Rainey called on the community to honor sacrifice and promote unity.

All four recognitions were adopted unanimously (8‑0).

Mayor’s Business

• Appointment of Stefanie Boster as City Attorney – Mayor Mobolade presented the appointment. Council approved (8‑0) and the Mayor administered the oath of office. Boster thanked her family and expressed commitment to public service. Councilmember Henjum thanked outgoing Acting City Attorney Marc Smith for 22 years of service.
• Appointment of Skyler Rorabaugh as Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director – Mayor Mobolade presented the appointment, noting Rorabaugh’s leadership at Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. Council approved (8‑0) and the Mayor administered the oath. Rorabaugh thanked his family and acting Director Kim King.

Items Called Off Consent Calendar

• 4B.E – Ratification of Councilmember Liaisons – Councilmember Henjum pulled the item to explain a change: the El Paso County Board of Health no longer guarantees a seat for a City Council member; interested councilmembers must now apply to the County Commissioners for appointment. Program Administrator Blongshia Lindsay clarified that a seat for City Council remains but the appointment process has changed. The ratification was approved (8‑0).

Discussion Items

• Ordinance Amending Article 5 (Administration and Enforcement) of the Unified Development Code – Presented by Daniel Sexton, Planning Manager. The ordinance clarifies that Planning Commission decisions on zone map amendments are recommendations to Council; allows bifurcation of development plans from conditional uses; includes use‑specific numerical standards in the variance process; and adds expiration periods for certain approvals. The changes aim to increase predictability and reduce costs for applicants. Councilmember Rainey confirmed flexibility remains. Councilmember Casey noted the changes addressed confusion at Planning Commission. The ordinance was approved on first reading (8‑0). A second reading and public hearing will be scheduled.

Key Outcomes & Votes

• Consent Calendar – Approved 8‑0.
• All four proclamations/resolutions – Adopted 8‑0.
• Appointment of City Attorney – Approved 8‑0.
• Appointment of Parks Director – Approved 8‑0.
• Ratification of Council Liaisons – Approved 8‑0.
• UDC Article 5 Amendment (first reading) – Approved 8‑0. Second reading and public hearing set for a future date.
• No executive session was held.
• The reprimand issue remains unresolved; no formal action was taken.