Colorado Springs City Council Regular Meeting - June 9, 2026

The Colorado Springs City Council held its regular meeting on June 9, 2026, at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers. All nine council members were present. The meeting covered consent calendar items, recognitions, mayoral business, a rezoning item pulled from consent, and a second reading of an ordinance on daycare centers. Public comments addressed data centers, homelessness, and council pay.

Consent Calendar

• Second Presentation (Final Passage): Ordinance No. 26-21 and 26-22 each requested a supplemental appropriation of up to $162,000 to the Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) Fund to acquire two parcels (each approximately 40 acres) as part of the West CMSP Extension for public open space and trails. Both ordinances were finally passed.
• First Presentation (Approved on Consent):
  • City Council meeting minutes of May 26, 2026, were approved.
  • Resolution 55-26 authorized acquisition of real property from the heirs of Teresa Pallas, Eugene D. Oddone, and Josephine Ida Brenner for the Kelker to South Plant Transmission Project (Colorado Springs Utilities).
  • Ordinance 26-24 (first reading) amended stormwater quality management and discharge control code pertaining to illicit discharges.
  • Ordinance 26-25 (first reading) amended the Unified Development Code (UDC) regarding stormwater permanent control measures.
  • Ordinance 26-27 (first reading) rezoned approximately 5.24 acres at 4535 Marconi Heights from R-E/PF/HS-O and PDZ/PF/HS-O to PF/HS-O (Public Facilities with Hillside Overlay) for the Austin Bluffs Pump Station (District 1), setting a public hearing for July 14, 2026.
• The consent calendar was approved unanimously (9-0).

Recognitions

5A. Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15, 2026) – Councilmember Leinweber presented the resolution. Jason DeBueno (Silver Key President/CEO) spoke about elder abuse risks. Councilmember Henjum shared a personal story of her mother’s financial exploitation. Statistics from the resolution: 1 in 10 older adults at home experience abuse; only 1 in 24 cases reported; in 2025, over 21,000 victims (60+) lost $7.2 billion (36% increase); average loss $38,000; Colorado elder protective services caseload rose 32% over the decade with over 8,000 cases statewide last year. Resolution adopted unanimously (9-0).

5B. Bike to Work Day (June 24, 2026) – Councilmember Leinweber presented. Carol Campbell (coordinator, Mad Woman Marketing) noted 37 breakfast stations. Elaine (Mountain Metro Transit) described bike-bus integration. Councilmember Henjum highlighted protected bike lanes and new signalized crossings in her district. Resolution adopted unanimously (9-0).

5C. Western Wear Days (June 17, July 11, July 14–18) – Councilmember Risley presented. Greg Budwine (Pikes Peak Range Riders) noted the 78th ride and 146 riders planned for the June 17 street breakfast. Laurie Carroll (Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Board President) emphasized that all proceeds since 1946 go to local military families. Kaylee Gripentrog (2026 Girl of the West) detailed rodeo events. Councilmember Williams shared her ranching background; Councilmember Henjum mentioned the Rocky Mountain Regional Gay Rodeo. Resolution adopted unanimously (9-0).

5D. Juneteenth Freedom Day (June 19, 2026) – Councilmember Rainey presented. Speakers included Minister Earl Shaffer Jr. (Pikes Peak Diversity Council), Angela Stevens (NAACP President), Dr. Regina Lewis, and Shirley Martinez (Pikes Peak Diversity Council). They emphasized education, voting rights, and community events (e.g., NAACP breakfast June 19, Southern Colorado Juneteenth at Norris Penrose). Councilmembers noted the work of Opal Lee, the “Godmother of Juneteenth.” Resolution adopted unanimously (9-0).

5E. Appointments to Boards, Commissions, and Committees – Council President Crow-Iverson presented appointments: Downtown Development Authority (B.J. Hibble, Tim Seiber, Patrick Stevens, Troy Coates); Downtown Business Improvement District (Beacra Solo, Jimmy Pesvan Pesmetobe, Michael Brantner, Vlad Benedetti); Fire Board of Appeals (thanked Mr. Sharkey); PPACG Community Advisory Committee (Amanda DeMarco); Planning Commission (Aaron Egbert as voting member; Henry Wright Wisner and Daniel Way as alternatives). Approved unanimously (9-0).

Mayor's Business

Chief of Staff Wayne Williams reported on supervisor training at El Pomar, a May 29 roundtable with landowners near military bases, and partnerships with Pikes Peak Library District.

Items Called Off Consent Calendar

4B.E – Rezoning at 1625 Springcrest Road (Briargate/Voyager) – Councilmember Williams pulled this item, expressing discomfort with moving it to hearing. Councilmember Donelson questioned the process; City Attorney Stefanie Boster and Planning Director Kevin Walker explained the UDC change (adopted 2023) that moved presentation and public hearing to second reading. A motion to approve first reading (setting hearing for July 14) passed 8-1, with Williams dissenting.

Unfinished Business

9A. Day Care Centers Ordinance (Second Reading) – Senior Planner Allison Stocker presented Ordinance 26-23 amending the UDC for adult/child day care centers. No changes since first reading. Councilmember Donelson opposed, fearing large daycares (over 100 children) could alter residential neighborhood character; he offered amendments that failed. The ordinance passed 8-1, with Donelson voting no.

Public Comments & Testimony (One Hour – Items Not on Agenda)

• Ali Lange opposed Project Taurus (large data center), citing noise, heat, water use, and health impacts; requested a moratorium or ban.
• Raul Acosta (small tree service/fire mitigation business owner) inquired about the $20 million Great Opportunity Fund and requested bidding opportunities for small businesses.
• LeRad Niles reported ongoing issues with homeless individuals entering yards and homes in his neighborhood; urged establishment of a homeless camp and curfew.
• Steven Lightfoot claimed Stephen King murdered John Lennon and urged community organizing to break the story.
• Nick Raven advocated for a professional, paid city council; suggested putting a pay measure on the ballot for voters to decide.
• Caleb Miller opposed the data center and the CSU CEO raise; criticized council pay being zero and urged raising it to median wage; also opposed criminalizing sleeping in cars.
• Taylor Gray opposed data centers and the CEO salary; expressed concern over data privacy and urged council to protect citizens' data; noted he drafted an ordinance for council.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar approved unanimously (9-0).
• Four recognitions adopted unanimously (9-0).
• Board and commission appointments approved unanimously (9-0).
• Rezoning for Briargate/Voyager (4B.E) approved on first reading 8-1, setting public hearing for July 14, 2026.
• Daycare ordinance (9A) finally passed 8-1.
• No executive session; meeting adjourned at 11:09 AM.