Colorado Springs City Council Work Session on Homelessness Action Plan, Ethics, and Travel – September 8, 2026

The City Council Work Session was called to order at 9:00 AM with all nine members present. The meeting covered a detailed presentation on the Homelessness Response Action Plan, routine approvals, several ordinance and resolution introductions, and authorization of out-of-state travel for councilmembers.

Consent Calendar

• Meeting Minutes: Approved the minutes of the August 24, 2026 Work Session by consensus of City Council.
• Executive Session Authorization: By consensus, Council authorized representation of officers in Thomas Wade vs. Troy Bauer et al. (El Paso County District Court Case No. 26CV31641), following the recommendation of the Civil Action Investigation Committee.

Discussion Items

• Homelessness Response Action Plan (Item 7A):

  • Aimee Cox, Chief Housing and Homelessness Officer, presented the 61-action, five-year plan across six priorities, with three phases: foundation, expansion, transformation. She emphasized that the city’s greatest contribution is leadership and coordination, as the department distributed about $1 million for homelessness response in 2025.
  • Councilmember Leinweber questioned data integration across departments. Ms. Cox acknowledged that departments use separate systems and that a dedicated data position is requested in the upcoming budget.
  • Councilmember Henjum expressed appreciation for Ms. Cox’s leadership and asked about the Safe Parking program. Ms. Cox noted insurance and zoning challenges and described a pilot diversion program with Catholic Charities using limited funds.
  • Councilmember Donelson argued that the combined housing and homelessness role should be split, asserting that homelessness is not solely a housing cost problem but involves mental health and addiction.
  • Lt. Ryan Tepley (Homeless Operations Team, CSPD) reported enforcement of the sleeping-in-vehicle ordinance: 335 vehicle contacts and 28 citations since March 24, 2026, with no families with young children cited. Shantel Withrow (City Attorney’s Office) confirmed the court system has not been overwhelmed.
  • Councilmember Leinweber inquired about housing vouchers (approximately 3,000 on waitlist), maximum penalties for illegal camping (10 days jail/$2,500 fine), and the release of individuals after two hours (truth in sentencing or bond). Councilmember Donelson emphasized the importance of enforcement.

• Agenda Planner Review (Item 7B):

  • Councilmember Donelson requested clarification on two items: approval of the city as managing authority for Southern Colorado Railyard Metropolitan Districts (Kevin Walker explained the transition from county to city) and a zone change at Ute Valley Park (rezoning to Public Park for gifted land). Both were noted.

• Stormwater Items (Items 8A and 8B):

  • Erin Powers, Stormwater Enterprise Manager, introduced a resolution authorizing a Memorandum of Agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to cover all future 404 permits for wetland mitigation (due to federal staffing changes requiring MOAs). An ordinance to certify delinquent stormwater fees was also presented: as of August 31, 2026, 158 parcels are 90+ days past due, totaling approximately $116,000. The $200 and 90-day threshold is an internal policy. Both items were placed on consent for the September 22 regular meeting.

• Code of Ethics Amendments (Item 8C):

  • Caitlin Moldenhauer (City Attorney’s Office) presented proposed changes, including increasing the gift exception to $75, replacing “participate” with “direct official action,” and allowing elected officials to vote on matters involving 501(c)(3) boards they serve on (unless a substantial interest exists). Councilmember Donelson expressed discomfort with the 501(c)(3) provision, citing appearance of impropriety. Councilmember Casey sought clarification on “influence” vs. “participate.” Chief of Staff Wayne Williams asked about applicability to spouses; Ms. Moldenhauer confirmed the code only governs city covered persons. Councilmember Leinweber asked about aggregate ticket costs for a member and spouse exceeding $175; Ms. Moldenhauer noted it falls under reasonable cost and frequency.

• Internal Audit Charter (Item 8D):

  • City Auditor Natalie Lovell presented an updated charter aligned with 2024 global internal audit standards. She noted the audit committee has three citizen members (limited to two three-year terms) and two council members. The charter defines roles of council, auditor, and audit committee. She proposed revisiting audit committee ordinance changes in 2027. The resolution adopting the charter was placed on consent for September 22.

Key Outcomes

• Travel Authorizations: By consensus, Council approved:
  • Councilmember Gold and Councilmember Rainey to attend the National League of Cities City Summit in Nashville, TN, November 19–21, 2026 (estimated cost $2,800–$3,400).
  • Councilmember Donelson to travel to Huntsville, AL with the Chamber of Commerce and EDC (funding shortfall noted; Council President stated funds may be transferred from other members via email).
• Items 8A, 8B, and 8D were placed on the consent agenda for the September 22 regular council meeting.
• Item 8C (Ethics Code) will return for further consideration following council feedback.
• Council adjourned at 11:05 AM.