2026-09-08 - City Council Work Session

Summary

Built from the official minutes (Legistar status Final).

President Crow-Iverson called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM. All nine members present. Adjourned at 11:05 AM.
No changes to the agenda and no regular meeting comments. The August 24 work session minutes were approved by consensus.
Executive session: City Attorney Stefanie Boster asked, on the recommendation of the Civil Action Investigation Committee, for authorization to defend officers named in a civil suit in El Paso County District Court (Case No. 26CV31641). Crow-Iverson polled Council and consensus agreed to authorize the City to represent the officers.
Informational presentation on the Homelessness Response Action Plan; police reported 335 vehicle camps and 28 people cited since the vehicle-living ordinance took effect March 24, 2026.
Four items introduced: Army Corps of Engineers mitigation agreement, delinquent stormwater fee certification (158 parcels), Ethics Code revisions, and the Internal Audit Charter.
Council agreed by consensus to travel requests (National League of Cities Summit in Nashville, November 19 to 21, 2026, and a Huntsville, Alabama trip).

Aimee Cox presented. About 3,000 people are on the voucher waitlist; maximum penalty for illegal camping is 10 days in jail or a 2,500 dollar fine (Shantel Withrow). Lt. Ryan Tepley gave enforcement numbers. Donelson said housing and homelessness should be separate roles; Leinweber asked about data systems and short jail stays; Henjum asked about Safe Parking and HOPE COS drug-use practices. Cox said a dedicated data position will be requested in budget planning.

Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk, presented. Donelson asked about two items: Southern Colorado Railyard Metropolitan Districts Oversight and the Ute Valley Park Rezone (203 acres at 1179 Golden Hills Road). Kevin Walker explained both.

Erin Powers presented the MOA covering all future Section 404 permits. Williams asked why the Corps now requires it; Powers cited federal staffing changes and new interpretations. Signed Resolution 76-26.

Powers presented: 158 parcels 90 days or more past due as of August 31, 2026, with a 200 dollar threshold that is internal policy (Casey).

Caitlin Moldenhauer presented. Questions on 501(c)(3) board service (Donelson, Crow-Iverson), meaning of "participate" (Casey; "direct official action"), spouses (Wayne Williams) and the 175 dollar event ticket limit (Leinweber).

Natalie Lovell presented the charter effective September 22, 2026. Audit Committee has three citizen seats, two three-year terms, staggered. Signed Resolution 77-26.

Gold and Rainey to attend the NLC City Summit (estimated 2,800 to 3,400 dollars); Donelson to travel to Huntsville with the Chamber and EDC. The stipend is 6,000 dollars per Councilmember. Consensus approved all three requests.

Minutes: https://legistar2.granicus.com/coloradosprings/meetings/2026/9/2799_M_City_Council_Work_Session_26-09-08_Meeting_Minutes.pdf
Attachments listed in the minutes: Council memo 26-367 (executive session), Homelessness Response Action Plan brief, Agenda Planner Review 9-8-26, Army Corps MOA and resolution, delinquent stormwater fees ordinance, Ethics Code draft and presentation, Internal Audit Charter resolution and presentation.