2026-09-22 - City Council

>> Good morning. Welcome to City Council Car Springs, regular City Council meeting for Tuesday, SEPTEMBER 22nd 2026. Will the clerk. >> Please call the roll. Councilmember Casey here, Councilmember

cry version here, Councilmember Donaldson here, Councilmember Gold, Harry m engine. Councilmember line. Why here. Councilmember raining here on some of Risley Williams and present. Please stand for

the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance today. We are joined by and dangers from the Woodman Valley Church. Thank you for being here. >> Would you pray with me? Heavenly father? We honor you this

morning but were gathered to seek the welfare of our city. And lord this morning, even as I've as been here and talking to various people, I keep hearing words like peace civility and order. And so

lord, we come to you, the the king above all kings, the one who sits on the throne above all, Prince apologies and powers and authorities in Dominion's and we look to you GOD, for all of that. We look

to you for peace. We look to you for order and civility. GOD, we look to you for wisdom. Gotta pray that your that your spirit would guide every decision that is made in this council this morning. Got

a thank you for each member of this council. I thank you for their willingness and commitments to make personal sacrifices in order to seek the welfare of the city. Got to ask your blessing on them. i

pray that you would watch over them. Pray that you would watch over their families and GOD. I pray that you would give them wisdom today as they make decisions that would lead to the flourishing of

this great city. Got to ask your blessing on this on the proceedings this morning. And it's in your We pray. And then >> I pledge allegiance to the flag. The United States of America and to the

Republic for which a stance one nation under GOD, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> We will now consider the consent calendar. These items will be kept on as a whole unless a specific

item is called off by Councilmember Citizen wishing to address council. Is there anyone wishing to pull anything off the consent calendar this morning? Seeing none. I need a motion. Motion from

COUNCILMAN Golden, a second from COUNCILMAN Casey on favor say Aye. Moving on to recognitions 5, 8, Will the clerk please read item into the record. >> Community recognition program honoring at-large

resident Joyce Salazar. COUNCILMAN Chris Lee. Thank you. MADAM PRESIDENT. >> Good morning, everyone. And welcome to City Council chambers It's an honor and a pleasure for me to introduce this item in

recognition of his joy Salazar, who has been a long time. Member of the community and and a leader for the southeast part of Colorado Springs. Councilmember Remy, I believe, introduced this. This

recognition several months ago and it's it's definitely an honor for me I guess, follow in his footsteps with with making this recognition. This is a proclamation so we won't be reading the

proclamation. But I did want to make a couple of of notes and comments about Salazar and her work what the reason that I selected her for this honor was really getting to know her a little bit through

the Southeast wrong plan. The adoption of that plan. And it was very evident to what an incredible leader she is and how strongly she has advocated for her community. And so because of that, I felt

like it was an important thing to recognize or she has worked tirelessly for this community over many years through her work with the health Department, Harrison School District, 2, the Panorama Park

Advisory Council, which she was instrumental with and currently in her role as the executive director for Southeast. And What strikes me about Joyce is hurt. Humility. The fact that she never is

seeking the spotlight and never looking for recognition. And that's kind of why I wanted to do this was to to really highlight the quiet, intentional, important work that she's done behind the scenes

for so many years for for this community. She's an inspiration to me. She's the type of leader. I think that we should all strive to be. And the fact that she has done so much over the years for this

community is really important. So with that, thank you, Joyce, for your service to our community again, it's an honor for me to to present this award to you or this recognition to you. I think we've

got a couple of folks in the audience that might want to say couple of words about choice and her work here. So if MADAM PRESIDENT, you entertain that if there are any citizens that would like to

comment. Certainly welcome at this time. >> It just make sure that Green button is on so we can hear you. Thank you. >> And if you don't mind keeping your remarks a little bit short only because MADAM

PRESIDENT will be mad at me if we do. >> It got All right. Well, good morning Council and >> my name is Rene Gonzales, that I am Nia resident pastor later first. >> Ri Southeast. First take you, not

only for recognizing Joyce, but for also recognizing Southeast as the community that she's so strong. Sometimes southeast can feel like the forgotten child of Colorado Springs. But that hasn't stopped

any of from showing up for one another and building the community. This Saturday was a perfect example across southeast. We had many events happening. We had some are and southeast. >> The pbs Kids

Fest a free farmer's market. The fallen firefighters memorial and the Pikes Peak Regional Airshow just to name a few of us are put community was very busy and active, bringing people together. I would

like to also thank MR. Williams and Councilmember Gold for showing up to the summer in Southeast event. Even councilmember cold rolled up her sleeves and help plant one of the new trees there in the

park and brought us all together with the crochet together program. Those things matter when a city council leader comes to our neighborhoods, spends time with residents and presents and participates

in what we are building. We notice and we appreciate it with all that being said, I like to talk about choice because of her. She has taught so many of us that showing matters for our community. I

know from personal experience that through choice and right southeast, I've learned that being a community leader brings a meeting and has and that we don't have all the answers. But we learned to ask

questions, speak up, shot for neighbors and listen. So just a choice while your name is on the a word, I hope you understand and realize that your leadership matters more. There is a residents

throughout Southeast who are more engaged, committed to making our community better. So thank you for recognizing her. >> there anyone else who would like to make a comment? Thank you. Pass to Ben

Anderson, executive director of Solid Rock community Development Corporation. I would be doing this if I didn't idea, friend and colleague in southeast Joyce, I've known her approximate 20 years and

timeless say also some of the things that COUNCILMAN Brian spoke of her resilience or commitment have passion to southeast community evil in many, many individuals kind of transitioned away from the

work. Possibly head of the things to do. Joyce been named diligence. And so we are better in southeast because of her. I know it hasn't been easy for her at times with own family and other things that

you've had to engage in. But I am grateful for her work in Southeast. And I'm also thankful, but her being a diffrent. So thank you, Joyce. You deserve all of this. Oh, good. It's a delight. >> Good

morning. Council members, thank you so much for doing this recognition for Joy Salazar and really for the community as a whole. It really shows how much you guys appreciate the work that many of us

try to do. And it's such I'm Heather McBroom executive director of the Thrive Networks. And I'm excited to be here today because Joyce and bodies to such an incredible woman of faith dedicated to the

community, dedicated to being a good person. She leads with humility. She leads just love for everybody. And I'm so honored to be able to call her friend and colleague can be able to work alongside So

thank you again for recognizing her in all of her great work. >> there anyone else that would like to say a few words? Well, it's yes, Joyce, please. Good morning, Joy. Salazar, thank you. Per to

mostly for this honor. It was very unexpected, but 70 shaded I just have to get thanks to got my father and Jesus emergency. If Because without them, I would not have the heart to >> But I do also

want to acknowledge my family given so much. For me to do this work. It's been 9 years last week that I've been part of fries at with the coalition and now with our nonprofit organizations. I'd also

like to thank and recognize the people that believed in me. And trusted me. To lead. My mentor, Pastor Michelle pickers. Who's here today. She believed in me when I felt no one else did. Still my work

is to see that. Hans abilities and potential and other people. I knew he wasn't going to cry today. Thank you. There's Where's Kanye? Connie Schweizer. Only guy. So amazing shows has to shoot from. It

is not me alone. I accept this trick mission. 4. It is for the people. That have come along It's the people that we serve. It's the leaders. Like Rene Gonzalez who out there. But just need opportunity

to plug n. And so I just want thank everybody here today. My sister-in-law from DeSoto who's here today and also Pastor who to me a long time ago. You have to stop a pastor been it's been 9 years.

It's that I will just say the reason that I cries because it is it just touches me so deeply that you not only recognize me, but you recognize the people of our community because I'm not I'm no

different. Then the people that live in southeast Colorado Springs. And so thank you everything. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for passing the southeastern plan. Thank Chief of staff when

Williams for coming to southeast and meeting with us. And I look forward to meeting every single councilmember and in the future. Thank you. >> But Joyce, thank you again for your tireless dedication

to this community and for that servant leader mindset that you obviously exhibit you are an incredible inspiration to me and many others in the community. So thank you again. And with that, I think

will go down and have a celebratory photo. Amanda. >> Bring it back up to the dias for COUNCILMAN Comments. COUNCILMAN Gold. Thank you. MADAM PRESIDENT. You know, I always like to give credit where

credit is do so. I still need to begin my statements with a thank you to councilmember Remy, thank you for bringing this recognition program too. City Council. It's just such a beautiful way for us to

honor residents. And I'd also like to mention that when we did our first recognition, it was awarded to Allen from Councilmember late David Line. Weber and Allen is an honorary resident of the

Southeast. So now council member Risley has recognized choice and no pressure, MADAM PRESIDENT, but we are. Kind know, southeast wreak here, when it's your turn >> But in all, in all seriousness,

really, we're so fortunate to have someone like Joyce in our community. I did attend summer in southeast and and Joyce dragged me out on the basketball court and she said, Kimberly, you have to

participate in Zumba exercise activity. Yeah, I cannot dance. Joyce Joyce was recording and I was very seeing myself. But but that's the spirit of who choices she can make you comfortable and

uncomfortable moments. She brings her heart. You know, she has a bleeding heart for the southeast and for our city. And we are so fortunate to have someone like that serve. And if I'm really, really

honest, I don't really feel like I should be sitting. Here is the district 4 council member. I feel like choice should be sitting here and there are a number of challenges that prevent citizens like

Joyce, who need a livable wage to serve on council. We need folks like Joyce to be sitting right here, not necessarily me. So I want to acknowledge that. And I do hope that one day we can have you sit

on council, maybe you can win the lottery or something. But truly, Joyce, I appreciate and admire and respect you so so much. Please take today and every day to take all the accolades because you

really deserve it. And I hope you stand in your boldness and conviction and authority because you deserve it. Thank you, Joyce. >> I just want to echo everything everybody had said here today. I won't

repeat all of it for the sake of time. A few things. I do want to point of course. The hard work in the humility that Joyce Putin, but we wouldn't have Panorama Park without Joy Salazar and what a

gift to the southeast. But what a gift to the community because of her dedication and her push. I can tell you how many years years she worked Irish Lee and pushed for that. So I just wanted to point

out some of the things not just the Southeast Froch strong plan, which is great but actually a park, a beautiful, amazing park that we wouldn't have with that choice. Just wanted to citizens to

understand the force behind this woman when she wants to get something done. So who knows what's coming next? We don't know. But just you deserve this award. And with that, we will meet you all. And

whoever is here to celebrate Joyce, down for front for celebratory picture. >> Moving on to item 5 be will the clerk please read item 5, be into the record. >> a resolution recognizing SEPTEMBER. 26

through OCTOBER 4th, this Creek week 2026. COUNCILMAN >> thank you. MADAM PRESIDENT and I I am presenting the resolution recognizing SEPTEMBER. 26 through OCTOBER 4th as Creek Week. And I would love

it. If Emily, if you could put. The image that I asked you to put up on the screen for me. For those of you who don't know, take a look. This is an illustration of the Fountain Creek watershed. And a

watershed basically covers all the land. Where any water source. Comes into a major waterway and then eventually out to the ocean and the found creek watershed is starts Town Creek, which starts at

the top of Pikes Peak, but also Monument Creek, which is up in Palmer, Lake feeds into this watershed. And so as you look at this map and as I read the resolution, I would like for you to think about

where to you live on this map and find if you can see it's little hard to see all those blue van, the lines that come into that major artery which goes down into the Arkansas River, which then goes

all the way out to the Mississippi and down into the Gulf of Mexico and the reason I want you to think about that is you live somewhere near a tributary or some part of the watershed that impacts our

overall water quality and the water that goes down to water. Those cantaloupe that you love every summer from Rocky Ford. >> And so I want you just to be thinking about that as I read this resolution

and then we have Mary Wilson, the outreach coordinator from that Town Creek Watershed District to talk to us about the creek. We clean up and why it's so important and to invite you to participate. So

whereas the city of Colorado Springs is fortunate to have extensive and diverse natural resources such as for us grasslands, right? Pierre, an area's lakes, creeks and a wide variety of open spaces

and whereas the Fountain Creek watershed, including Fountain Creek related wetlands, existing trails and recreational facilities is a unique watershed. That is an important resource, an asset to the

residents and visitors of the Colorado spring of color of the city of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region. Whereas the Town Creek Watershed District is partnering with the city of Colorado

Springs Springs Utilities, El Paso County, Pueblo County, the cities of Manitou Springs Fountain Towns of Monument in Green Mountain Falls, along with numerous community organizations to coordinate

the 13th annual Creek Week. Cleanup, which will encourage the protection restoration and maintenance of the Fountain Creek watershed. Whereas this 9 day litter cleanup effort kicks off in Fountain

Creek Regional Park on SEPTEMBER. 26th and runs through OCTOBER 4th 2026. Through the watershed and we're as Creek week. Programs are and activities are designed to raise awareness about the littering

issue within our watershed and to encourage organizations and individuals to collect litter and debris to make found creek and the watershed cleaner and safer and whereas businesses, churches,

schools, nonprofits, neighborhood associations, groups, service clubs and individuals are encouraged to form a creek crew to clean up Creek Week Project site and Whereas Creek Week litter removal

activities will reduce pollution in our creeks and clogs in our waterways. That can lead to flooding, provide for a safer drinking water supply and enhance well wildlife habitat and property values.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Colorado Springs. That this council recognizes SEPTEMBER. 26 to OCTOBER 4th at 13th annual Creek Week in Colorado Springs and

encourages our citizens to help protect, restore and maintain our waterways by participating in Creek week activities. It is stated and sign Council PRESIDENT Lynette, crook, Iverson and so water is

life. We can't live without it and keeping it clean and protecting our watershed is fundamental. I'm going to ask well and binary to come up. Raise your hand if you've ever participated in a creek

with cleanup. Okay. Not very many hands. We need to get more of you out there. >> And you're going to learn how to do that this year. Mary, please take it away. >> Wonderful. Thank you guys for having

me here this morning. Good morning. Council members do have a presentation. I see a tab for that up there. Do I have a clicker? Is next slide situation? You control the clicker. Okay. Point at the

screen or point of view at the screen. Beautiful. Thank you. All right. We're going to dive into Creek Week 2026. Today. My name is Mary Wilson. I am now watershed outreach coordinator for Fountain

Creek Watershed District. Our executive director Ali Shook since her regards as well. So starting off, we really like to emphasize the mission at Fountain Creek Watershed District. What we do, I'm not

gonna read the whole thing because it's relatively lengthy. But ultimately our mission is to protect and enhance the health of the foul in creek watershed. And luckily, though, that brings many

challenges. It also brings many opportunities to do so as well. And Creek week is a hallmark of how we address that mission. Statement. The district is turning 17 this year. We were established in

state legislature in 2009 and our job to take care of and safeguard this watershed is really important for those who don't know Fountain Creek Watershed is actually the second most studied watershed

in the U.S. With over. 23 plans and studies. Why? Because we have the beautiful, amazing Pikes Peak. And we also have the city of Pueblo in the same watershed. So goes all the way from 14,115 feet

down to 4,690 ish in just 71 Miles. And that extreme change in elevation creates extreme changes in just about everything else. Wildlife plants slopes, precipitation type soil type. You name it. It's

going to change in that very short duration of mileage. So there's a lot of work to be done and a lot of challenges to face, but we're excited to do so. We do have a pretty robust suite of not only

creek restoration projects. 22 are in the watershed 13 of which are ours. But we also have a robust speed of outreach and education programs as well. And we are supported through all of this work by

the 9 member governments spanning the watershed all the way from Palmer Lake to public. So honing in on the outreach and education work that we do, which is where I come into the District Creek Week,

of course, is the hallmark. It's been running for 12 years now and over those 12 years, it's seen 25,000 plus volunteers remove almost 200 tons of trash watershed ride. It is the biggest watershed

wide cleanup in Colorado. But that's not all. We do have a clean up in the spring as well with the Great American cleanup. We work with local ferries through I appreciate alliance and host liquid

lectures struck a collaborative bruise which did just released yesterday. So dollar per pint from that through goes back to supporting the watershed. They also host hydration celebrations for

volunteers to celebrate after their cleanups. If twice a year isn't enough, we do have a newly founded yearlong watershed where your volunteer program among other efforts to protect and safeguard our

watershed like scooped up Hoop native plant promotion through rain Gardens. Pollinator promotion rain barrel sale and presentations. Just like one. So what exactly is Creek week? Well, it's a nine-day

watershed, wide litt and debris, cleanup or collection event and who can get involved. Everyone, anyone and everyone in the watershed, it's it's holistic, inclusive and it is watershed ride truly. So

service groups, of course, looking for those service hours, students years Scout troops, also families, schools, churches, neighborhood organizations and individuals. Why? Why Creek Week? Why make it

9 days? Well, ultimately we want to raise awareness about the Fountain Creek watershed. How amazing it is, how important it is and also where water is coming from and going to coming from Pikes Peak

coming from Monument Creek going all the way to the Arkansas and going all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. We really want to emphasize some of the issues that our community is facing in this watershed

to create a cleaner, safer and more beautiful Fountain Creek watershed. Does it take place? The entire watershed and hopefully those impacts go beyond. Because the impact that we make here has resound

being effects. Tentative MAY have heard of or seen the rubbish garbage patches in the ocean. Those don't happen just from the ocean. A lot of the trash is coming from upstream waterway. Sources. So we

have ahead water or in upstream responsibility to take care of our downstream. Neighbors all the way to those big trash patches in the ocean. Creek. We 2025 was a resounding success. We had over 70

cleanup crews with 1500 volunteers who worked to remove almost 16 and a half tons. Litter and debris, believe or not, since its inception, 13 years ago, Creek week season at bridge of 15 to 25 tons of

trash removed years. So of course, we would love to see this number go down as the years progress and behavior change is going to start with efforts like Creek Week. This Year. Creek Week is going to

take place SEPTEMBER. 26 through OCTOBER 4th. So that's a Saturday through Sunday. It's always the last weekend in SEPTEMBER to the first weekend of OCTOBER. Usually a great time to be out, enjoying

the beautiful fall. Weather will making a difference. So we have over 50 public events to choose from this year to pick a date, pick a location, pick a time and pick it up. A lot of those are in open

spaces. Parks trails America. The beautiful has a location partnered with city's storm water. So it's a fantastic way to get involved. That one will be on Saturday and new this year. We also have

opportunities for stewardship outside of just trash cleanup. So we did partner with nonprofits and other groups to host noxious tweeting, events trail work seat collecting on the Air Force Academy

tree planting up watching open spaces. Well, so those other opportunities are on our website. Www dot found 10 dash Sierra You go to the Creek week 2026 tab. Of course, all of the trash information is

at the top. But if you scroll to the bottom, there are other ways to get involved. You can even doubled it. So what can residents do and how can they get involved? Of course, picking a site picking a

place to go clean up over these 9 days. This fantastic. You can clean multiple cleanups. You can choose one clean up. You can stay for the entire duration of your clean up or you can leave when you

need to. You can even show up day of we have walk-up. We're is available that you just sign. And then pick up a grabber and get to it. So there are 2 ways to get involved. You can be a crew leader, a

crew member crew leaders have a little more responsibility because they're leading crew member volunteers at their site. Most crew leaders have registered at this point. But of course, we'd always

welcome or if you're interested, crew member registration will be open all the way until OCTOBER. 4th. So 2 registers, a crew member. You just sign up for an existing clean up and just show up to

pitch in and make a difference. Ultimately your leadership through this effort matters. You're recognizing the importance of the water shut your community and helping mobilize those community members

through stir chip in volunteerism to show that that is a priority throughout the community, the watershed and beyond just so thank you for connecting this community's this watershed ride for it. And

we look forward to making Creek Week 2026. The most impactful one yet. I welcome any questions anchor Mary. I'm going to hand it back to the PRESIDENT For the rest of this process. But I do want to

say. >> She brought all of us tonight. I'm on the board. So I have all the swag, but I've got a cookbook Hoop ag for dogs and some other good things that I'm gonna leave back here in the back by Sam.

If ybody needs to put bag or other swag, you're welcome to get up. MADAM PRESIDENT, kick it back to you. Now. Bring it back up to the dice. If there's any comments. COUNCILMAN Donaldson. >> Yeah,

thanks, MADAM PRESIDENT. I do have a question. Is it Allie or marry? >> I'm Mary. Sure there is greater. Ali is our executive director. She is actually at another proclamation this morning. So we're

dividing and conquering very good. I feel Concord. Mary. >> So it's it's it's excellent that we go out and clean all this garbage up. Where's it coming from? >> That's an excellent question. Most of

the garbage is being picked up nonpoint source pollution and non point source pollution is tricky because you can't exactly identify the source. It could be trash that blue all the way from Wyoming.

For we now it could be trash out of a car window. It could be trash from a trash can or dumpster that over full most of the time it is going to be windblown. And the biggest thing about a watershed it

was alluded to earlier is that everything drains into the center of the watershed. So that's why trash collection accumulates at the center. Mostly windblown from different sources ending up in the

water at the center. Okay. >> And I appreciate that. I, d c. >> Numerous homeless camps in Colorado Springs with tremendous amount of garbage scattered all through them. And I think that's something

we MAY forget that in our. Desire to be kind. We allow people to live it. And along the waterway and they're destroying And we have high levels of e-coli and the creek also so thank you for being here

today. >> Absolutely. Seeing no other comments. I have a motion from COUNCILMAN Gold in a second from COUNCILMAN Hinge and let's vote. >> And the motion passes 9 to 0. >> So if you up front, it will

take a celebratory picture Moving on to item 5 c will the clerk please read item 5, see into the record. Resolution to support OCTOBER 2026? Is Fire Prevention Month Council Donaldson. >> Yeah,

thanks, MADAM PRESIDENT. I have the opportunity to do the next resolution and what is one of the things we use water for? To put out fires. And that's what we're going to talk about next. Fires. We're

joined by our fire Marshal, Chris Cooper and these other strapping young men and their black uniforms up here in the front row. This resolution is really going to focus on lithium batteries, right?

It's fire prevention month and takes the focus this year. Their job is extremely hard as firemen as it's risky, dangerous from the fire itself. And then all the smoke and smoke from lithium batteries.

Burning is is very harmful to your health, especially the firemen self so. You know, what were the ask out of this is for all of us to make their jobs no less hard than it is to do the right thing

with these lithium batteries. And already this resolution and fire Marshal Cooper. We'll come up. Hopefully we'll introduce. Those are with them here today and then will give us some additional

information. Okay. So here's the resolution. And it is a resolution to support OCTOBER 2026. Is fir Prevention month in the city of Colorado Springs, whereas the city of Colorado Springs, Colorado, is

committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and visiting Colorado Springs. And whereas fire remains a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally and the growing

presence of lithium ion batteries in many household devices introduces unique fire risks. 2 residents and first responders and whereas most of the rechargeable electronics used in homes today,

including smartphones. And I would say everybody in here probably has one in your pocket tablets, laptops, power tools, e-bikes e-scooters and toys are powered by lithium ion batteries which if

misused damaged or improperly charged can overheat. Start a fire or explode and whereas the National Fire Protection Association, reports an increase in battery related fires underscoring the need for

public education on the safe use of lithium-ion batteries. And whereas the way lithium ion battery devices are charged and this is important held or charged can make a difference in helping prevent

home fires. And whereas safe charging. Includes using the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer charging on a hard flat surface watching for warning signs

like devices that are very hot or start to swell unplugging when they're fully charged and charging larger devices like e-bikes outside and away from exits. Right? Because if it catches on fire, hard

to go through the exit and whereas residents are encouraged to understand that safe charging mean smart choices. Every time they plug in and whereas Colorado Springs first responders remain dedicated

to reducing the occurrence of fires through prevention, safety, education and community outreach. And this is the last, whereas and whereas the 2026 Fire Prevention Month theme. And here is the theme

is charge into fire safety. Get charge into fire safety safe charging as a superpower. It serves to remind all residents that safe charging can help reduce the risk of fires in homes and communities.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the city council. The city of Colorado Springs Section one City council hereby recognizes the months of OCTOBER 2026. As Fire Prevention Month and urges all the

people of Colorado Springs to learn about and practice safe charging habits and to support the many public safety activities and efforts of the Colorado Springs Fire Department and stated. Colorado

Springs, Colorado, the 22nd of SEPTEMBER signed by the council PRESIDENT Crowe, Iverson, Allen and also why are city clerk Sarah Johnson right off to the left So and with that, I have finished my

reading of the resolution. I invite Fire Marshal Chris Cooper to the microphone. Let's try this again. MADAM PRESIDENT, PRESIDENT Pro Tem members City Council Chris Cooper, Fire Marshal Councilmember

Donaldson. Thank you for remit drizzle. Lucian chief roles not able to be here today, but he doesn't. Regards. Thank you having this resolution before you. >> Seems like it was just here not too long

ago for this conversation every year we celebrate National Fire Prevention Association, their fire Prevention week because we like to things bigger and better in Qatar Springs. We do fire prevention

month and I speak about some of those opportunities and things that we do during that month. For those who don't enough pa National Fire Prevention Association. He's had fire prevention week since

1922. And those established by PRESIDENT Calvin Coolidge and Houston was first National Fire Prevention week in 1925. And that's the longest running national public Safety campaign. This year's theme

spoke to does charge and the fire safety safe. Charging is a superpower. We really want to speak about the safety of lithium-ion. We'll get to that in a minute. But again, we observe fire official.

Meek is remembrance of the great Chicago fire that occurred OCTOBER 9th in 18 in 18, 71 and in most damage on OCTOBER 9th, that fire the conflagration killed more than 250 people left 100,000 homeless

destroyed more than 17,000 structures. Important burned more than 2000 acres. Surprisingly that was not the most dangerous or disasters or impactful fire burn during that time. Just 250 miles north of

there. There's another conflagration in push to go Wisconsin. And that fire and burned approximately 1.2 million acres killed more 1100 people in that exact cause of that fire remains unknown. We

think about great Chicago fire Folklores the solar is Kyle kicked over a lantern in the That's the area where it started. But I'm not so sure that was the cause. There's others speculation there. But

regardless both those fires rehearsal days, I could ask any chance it was a lithium ion battery. Not then there's there's that discussion of maybe a meteor There's also rumors MAY be a vagrant being

in that barn pushed ego, Wisconsin. They look to potentially slash piles that were being burned off from the lumber industry in that area. Either way, both those fires were obviously very devastating.

So moving on to this year's theme is spoken to. This is the second consecutive year and of kids looked at lithium-ion batteries is a the campaign and the fire service when an insane grows and

significance, we often call for what we call a second alarm many ways for Prevention's second alarm is a clear signal that risk deserve continued detention, education and action. And so when we think

about lithium ion batteries, they've really revolutionize what we do as far as rechargeable power. That is councilmember Donaldson spoke to. They're everywhere. There's probably hundreds in this room

right now between our phones and smartwatches and everything else. There's a lot of power and those devices and there's a global demand for it. That is truly a spark within took night lithium-ion

batteries representing the hidden risks, fire and every home workplace neighborhood. And with bettors are everywhere and so is risk in color springs we've seen and what continues to rise and fires

caused by lithium-ion batteries over the last 5 years, we've responded to over 40 significant incidents involving batteries, including lithium-ion powered devices. But we're aware of countless others

and the Kurd both reported and unreported in area. And most of those fires we're seeing power tool, batteries, micro-mobility devices, scooters and e-bikes and even like vape pens and things like

that. This year's is really focused the manufacturing mean team and charging of these products. We really worry about being compatibility of chargers and how those devices are charged. Many times

people are looking for the cheapest replacement online for those battery means or further charging means or they're just finding the charger laying around their house. It seems to fit the ports, the

use that charge their equipment. And that can be very dangerous because those charging rates are different. And so when we see those batteries being improperly charged, they can lead overheating. What

we call thermal runaway and that can cause fire indoor explosion. And if you've seen your videos, those those really come without notice. From the time battery begins to swell, there's smoke a little

bit to the time of the explosion. There's a very short period of time. This year's message is especially important because many lithium ion battery fires are preventable through every day charging

decisions and of kids. 2026 fire Prevention campaign emphasizes that safe charging means making smart choices. Every time you plug him, that means using the Charger supplied with the device. We're one

proved by the manufacturer charging a hard flat surface and then plug device when fully charged with them, get invited Ico to the podium. D# was going speak about our for prevention programs and what

we'll doing during the month of OCTOBER. Thank you, Farmer show Cooper. Thank you. Members of council the last time I was here, I was relatively new to the fire department and learning my role. >>

when I came before the Dyess and before City Council last time the team was very similar charge into fire safety. Very similar to the risks and hazards of lithium ion batteries. But as far Marshall

Cooper mentioned, the the risks still is very prevalent. And instead instead of introducing an emerging risk, I think it's very fair to say today it is a very real and prevalent risk a risk in hazard

that we have seen even within our own community in residential homes, apartments and even in our schools where we've had significant events over the past year, our very own I MISS Kathy Hochul a part

of our communication outreach section was even featured on Good Morning America last year to highlight one of the the trends on social media regarding TikTok and the damage, the batteries on the

chrome books in schools. And so with with all these emerging rest. It's really important. And I just want to highlight the Charger. Absolutely. Does matter these batteries and they're charging system.

They're designed to work together. So using aftermarket, we're third-party, universal Chargers can be especially dangerous. We especially see that in those micro mobility and e-bikes e-scooters. So

absolutely please do not use those universal Chargers. It's a huge risk. It's a huge concern. These larger battery store, tremendous amounts of power. And we've even seen in some studies to the fire

Safety Research Institute and e-scooter actually catching on fire in the bedroom in less than 30 seconds. So historically where we would say especially now with with fires and homes. You typically

have about 3 minutes to escape their home in a house fire today. Back in the 1980's, you had roughly 17 minutes to escape. And that's just a fact that a lot of our synthetics and polyester zimmah

turtles today are much more. Can seem conceivable by fire. And so the fire risks are very real, however, with lithium-ion batteries. What we find is you actually have less than one minute to escape.

If you have a fully consumed in golf fire. So again, as we begin to see some of these trends emerging risks. The time factor of being able to escape becomes very real. So anything we can do on the

prevention side to mitigate the risk of fire in our homes, especially with these lithium-ion devices is especially important. So the prevention message, Israeli straight forward to use the right

product, used the right charge or charges in the right place and pay attention while it is charging I get my own home safety fire assessment this morning. My kids ask me, what are you doing? I went

through just pour my house apart. Found that we hav52 lithium-ion powered devices in my home. My first thought was my kids are especially spoiled. But the reality is I'm pretty sure I'm a pretty

typical household and a lot of those batteries and devices are are distort away in a box or in a drawer not being used. So it's really important to properly dispose of. Please do not throw them when

your garbage or recycling bin. It presents a lot of risk beyond just our firefighters, but also our our waste disposal collection processing partners that are very into the lane and the removal of

these hazardous materials. And if you do suspect a lithium ion battery is in thermal runaway or has been damaged, you might feel excessive heat see smoke do not attempt to extinguish We've heard

multiple reports. Oftentimes these fires don't get reported to the fire department. They don't call 9-1-1. I heard of a multiple reports already this year where an entire neighborhood came together to

extinguish a fire from e-scooter or e-bike using all their extinguishers in the reality is with these lithium ion battery fires, no amount of water or extinguishers are going properly extinguish or

suppress those fires. So it's really important if you suspect a lithium-ion battery. Latest fire immediately call 9-1-1 escape. Exit alert. Others and make sure you stay safe. So one of the important

things. And lastly, the warning time I mention how we have less time today. Not just the 3 minutes, but was certain fires even less time to escape. But early alert and warning notifications super

important. So smoke alarms continue to be one of the most important things that you can do in your home or in your place of business or any structure to ensure that we have that early warning and

detection. And so. This year, our community education outreach team and in partnership with the American Red Cross, we're going to be Canterbury, Mobile home community and councilmember gold. I

believe that's in your district to do a smoke alarm installation event to ensure that those homes in individuals that need those smoke alarms the most. See them and we do have ongoing programs. We do

supply smoke, alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to the public, especially if they don't have the means of purchases. Purchasing that. So that event will be on OCTOBER 10th. That's a Saturday and we

will be installing smoke. Alarms from 10:00am to 02:00pm. And we know that smoke alarm save lives roughly 3 out of 5 fatalities that occur in home fires, current homes that do not have smoke alarms or

working smoke alarms. So my message is very clear today, use the right product when you're charging user right Charger charged the right place. Pay attention while it is charging and make sure you

have working functioning smoke, alarms in your home and thank you, members of council for the time. Farmers Cooper's or any any further. >> Presentation. No, that wraps up to their there. Any

questions or comments Kansas? COUNCILMAN River? >> Yes, I was well. It's curiosity, really? Was of the impression that. You could use water to try to like smaller devices stuff like that of their

overheating to try to cool them. But I don't I'm no expert, but I'm just That's what thinking. There's a cooling I mean, there's probably different stages for what you MAY or MAY not do to prevent

something that you think. This is something some or something along those lines. What what is recommended like for iPhone versus a scooter or whatever. And even a scooter, it might be that you do. You

drag it out away from your, you know, if you can get out your garage then just let it said, I mean, I what would you advising their challenge with the lithium ion batteries is when they go into

thermal runaway. That is a chemical reaction. That process is very, very, very quickly. >> And you don't know when the failure planted the devices. And so our recommendation, as always, if you see

battery that looks like failure mode. Dicus said, escape the Novak with the structure. Coleman one alert. Others. And leave that device along because you don't want to put yourself at harm trying to

deal with that battery. The fact of the matter is that those are in a sealed a very protected wrapping around that battery and to get the cooling effect that you need to and to get to that can occur.

Action. Is nearly impossible. And so when our fire crews show up generally that battery failure been completed. But you think electric vehicle the number of cells in that vehicle, if you think about

the battery, that's about the size of a that double a battery, which is pretty familiar to most of us. That is a common size little bit bigger than that of lithium ion battery. The electric vehicle

MAY have 70,000 of those cells in that. And so, you know, when one begins to fail, it begins to heat up the battery nor the cells around it. Then they consecutive. We fail in order. And so our

recommendation is if you see a better that's failing, just get away from it and protect yourself and your family call for the fire department and let us deal with that situation as we can because

there's really not effective way to cool that or to extinguish it. >> The other thing I remember from our talk is is where you actually charge and considering the surrounding materials and stuff in

that area. I mean, obviously not close to gasoline. But I mean, just thinking about you have a wood structure above your chargers right now over. Do you have on How are you charging me? Not was

probably some thought that our residents should think about because these. The, you know, like to power tools. Those batteries to get a lot of abuse. And I actually know of a commercial building that

burned down from a power tool, and so that would be also something that would be considered. >> Charging is very important we talk about the scooters and absolutely charges outside and away from your

house or away from structure. If you're charging batteries in your garage for power tools, so should be on on coastal surface way from anything else. It burns that MAY be in the mill. Your garage with

the vehicles out, you know, and make sure there's no combustibles Never leave those on the charger overnight when those are completed charging take them off. We're all in the habit of charging our

cell phones overnight rate recommend using mag safe charger. Those have built-in shut offs. Most phones. If you're using the proper charging cables and and charters will have safeguards to shut off.

But those can be overridden and certainly, you know, talked or kids don't be charged in the laptops tablets and that are under your pillow or things like that. Those has been a hard flat surface and

away from combustibles when you can ok, thank you. Thank >> COUNCILMAN Hinge him. Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT, I just simply want to thank you, Chris. And fight yes, Ft. >> But I really appreciate

about this party. The resolution is for me. It is the public doing our part. You put yours your lives on the line. Every day we celebrated that just this last weekend. But this is about our

responsibility residents of the community, both for you and reducing the amount of risk that you all face. But also for each other. So I love that aspect of it. And it has changed some of my behaviors

in terms of how a charge. So thank you. Thank you very much. >> Thank you for that is, you know, our tag line for a while from admission program. Usher in the responsibility. And to your point, you

know, we all have responsibility herded the community's only a safe is how engaged their populations. And so the more that we get the word out, the more that people make smart choices, the software is

a communion makes our job a lot easier. So thank you. >> COUNCILMAN Donaldson. >> Thanks, MADAM PRESIDENT and Chris and again pointed out, it's not just the community members, it's even the cows

because the all, we're all burn. But I want to thank you for what I think is a really practical presentation of material here today. I was you know, our guests faces here in the room. People are

interested in this because every one of us has a certain degree of risk in our own homes and idea of things charge overnight. I think a lot of us make that mistake. So if you can unplug it before you

okay before you go to sleep, probably better. But again, thank you to you and your team. Thank you very much. Thank >> So the motion from COUNCILMAN Casey in a second term COUNCILMAN Hinge and let's

vote. >> The motion passes 9 to 0. If you all want to just on front for so that Moving on to item 5 d will the clerk please read item 5 d into the record. Up rock and joint proclamation in support of

reclaiming civility. COUNCILMAN. >> Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT. And good morning to everyone in chamber and everyone who's looking in online. Today's proclamation that I have the honor of sponsoring

and once again, this is a joint proclamation with the mayor's office. It's titled Reclaiming Civility and before getting into this proclamation in reading it, I would like to take the opportunity to

and Vida. Our mayor of Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobile, Adi to provide a few words before reading a proclamation. Thank you, councilmember Remy. Good morning. Colorado Springs. I I want to begin by

thanking council PRESIDENT Lineker. I've us and my colleagues on the day as for the opportunity to stand. Together today. We can all agree. That last Thursday, special hearing project Taurus was a

difficult day for local democracy. Regardless of where you stood on the issue. The room was tense, sometimes chaotic. Emotions were high times, civility gave way to content. What eyewitness and will

we witness made me sad and it's only disappointed not because people disagreed because this agreement is part about democracy. But how we disagree matters. And that is why today feels extremely

timely. Today, the executive and legislative branches of city government. Coming together to put a stake. In the ground and make a shared commitment to tell a story about something fundamental to

democracy, how we treat one another. When we disagree. And then the acknowledge this, that city council, the mayor's office have had our own share of disagreements. We've not always gotten right

either. But civility does not require agreement. In fact, the American experiment has always depended. And people with profound difference is finding a way to share a country governed together and

keep striving towards a more perfect union. History. It's certainly not as story a perfect agreement. Democracy does not require agreement, requires something harder. Learning to disagree and still

remain fellow citizens. And this feels especially men for as we celebrate America's 2.50. And Colorado's one 50. You have heard the phrase that desperate times call for desperate measures. I to reject

that. And I believe that desperate times call for something else because that's when magic measures as a nation of leading great division, distrust content and even dehumanization. Desperate times

call for good leadership. Leadership grounded in courage, empathy and humility. Leadership strong enough to hold conviction without content disagree without dehumanizing and listening without

surrendering what we believe. And I truly believe that local government can be one of the best places, American, a practice that kind of leadership. Because at the local level of the other person at

the other side of the issues, still a neighbor. Literally next door neighbor. I was reminded of this this past Saturday at a neighborhood gathering district. One. As I visited with the neighbors and

name kept coming up. Tommy Tommy. Tommy's she's 93 years young. The widow whose husband served as a aviation pilot and military and the matriarch of the neighborhood. Everyone spoke with her with

tremendous affection. So naturally I had to meet Tommy. I sat down with her and asked her what she thought community really needed right now. Her answer was simple. Mayor, we need to restore kindness.

We need to be generous with each other. We can have different opinions. But that doesn't mean we have to treat each other enemies. You're right. And that is why we're here today. So today we're saying

enough. The culture of content. Which is to instead to affirm the dignity and worth of every person we're choosing good citizenship, which respect for fellow citizens. We choose to remember that our

disagreements do not make enemies. This proclamation. I want to be clear and thank you. Council PRESIDENT. For joining me and I want to clear proclamation will not eliminate this agreement and it

shouldn't. But it can remind us that democracy. Requires something of each of us. The courage to disagree to humility, to listen and the discipline to still treat one another as neighbors. This is how

we would claim civility and this is how we will strike, you know, city and the Marcus e. I am grateful to the leadership. Lisa Brandt and Lori Lender. You can hear from them in a little bit. The co-

founders of the Colorado Springs organization Reclining Civility. And they're on a mission. I want to be clear both branches get an opportunity to join in this proclamation. But this is not even our

initiative. This is a locally led initiative by local residents they want to help restore respectful communication, active, listening and conflict resolution in workplaces. And could, you know,

communities and I do want to invite you all to join us as we sign. That's ability signing pledge. And that ceremony on September 30th. It is now my pleasure honor to turn back over to my colleague

councilmember rainy, who's going to read the proclamation? Thank you. Thank you, MISTER Mayor. And with that being said, go ahead and read. Today's proclamation are reclaiming civility. >> Whereas for

250 years, the American experiment has depended on people with profound difference is finding a way to share a country. Govern together and continue unfinished work of building a more perfect union

and where a# civility is a mindset that recognizes the dignity of others and a set of skills that anyone can learn, practice and grow. And whereas strong families, healthy workplaces, thriving

communities and a healthy democracy depends upon ability to communicate across differences. Listen for understanding. Disagree without devaluing one. Another and resolve conflict constructively. And

whereas the city of Colorado Springs and the City Council of Colorado Springs. Believe our community can become a model city for civility and recognize that restoring civility is not accomplished

through a single event. Our pledge, but through an ongoing commitment to the everyday practices that street and relationships and build trust. And whereas we encourage the people of Colorado Springs

to embrace 5 practices for reclaiming civility. Practice one. See people rightly. I know the inherent dignity of every person, regardless of whether we agree with them, treat others as which has wish

we are to be treated and reject stereotyping, dismissing ridiculing contempt. Number 2 here, people well, listen to understand before seeking to be understood approach. Others with Curiosity

questions, use our words and demeanor to invite connection and seek to understand another person's perspective before presenting our own number 3, engage disagreement honorably. Recognize that

disagreement is not a threat to relationships. Our community, but the hallmark in for feature of our Democratic Republic and all human relationships, practice intellectual humility. Acknowledge that

we MAY be wrong. Have more to learn, represent opposing viewpoints fairly and accurately and reject name, calling misrepresentation inflammatory language and human dehumanization. Number 4, manage

ourselves wisely, resist the pulled of outrage and impulsive reaction recognize our emotions. Consider how words and demeanor effect others pause when emotions run high and intentionally choose a

constructive response rather than our first defensive impose and number 5, strengthen relationships through conflict, address conflict directly respectfully and properly. Involved only those necessary

to resolve it. Whenever possible. Seek face-to-face conversation rather than relying on social media or 3rd parties on our contribution to conflict and approach difficult conversations with humility

and when appropriate a sincere apology now, therefore, I Lynette Crow obvious and PRESIDENT Of Colorado Springs City Council airmen giving Mobileye mayor of Cop City of Colorado Springs hereby

recognize the importance reclaiming civility and encourages all residents, organizations, businesses, schools, community leaders and elected officials to embrace ability as a shared responsibility as

a citizen of Colorado Springs, El Paso County and United States sign the 22nd day of SEPTEMBER 2026. PRESIDENT Lynette Crow, Iverson and mayor of City of Colorado Springs Mayer. Blessing. Yummy.

Mobile. Adi. And with that being said, I do want to take the opportunity to say to both the PRESIDENT Of City Council and to the mayor. Thank you for this joint proclamation. And I would like to take

the opportunity to invite up. Lori and Lisa to provide a couple of words about reclaiming civility. Make sure it's Okay. Mayer. Council PRESIDENT Members of council MAY we offer you a heartfelt thank

you for your leadership. In directing our city towards a more civil. >> Future. All around the country. People are exhausted. They're exhausted by the division. They're exhausted by contempt. They're

exhausted by mistrust. They're exhausted. But in civility. 86% of the population wants something different. They want to reconnect with their neighbors. They want to show respect over to Prince. They

want to disagree better. Not just stop disagreeing. Studies also rebuilt that it takes about 25% any group to change a cultural norm. So if I do my mouth right, we have the numbers. This proclamation

is the beginning of the movement toward that changed. So thank you very much for that. We stay. Nobody has this all figured out. We don't that that's perfect. But this is an invitation to just jump

in. Wherever we are. And commit to improving in our civil practices. So it's not perfection that we're looking for. We are just looking for a commitment and that choice that commitment to make that

improvement will have a massive impact on all of our relationship and hence our quality of life both as individuals and as a community. So. Civility is a choice that everybody on every side issue is

invited to. Thank each of you for serving. This is a hard job. Larry. And I recognize that and we want to be a part of the solution in our community. >> So MARCH 24th, I came up to the u n. We've

given each of you a copy of this book, the Soul of Civility by Alexandra Hudson. It would be a beautiful thing for book clubs and discussions to break out all over El Paso County around this book. We

would see some progress. On SEPTEMBER 30th at the Penrose House pavilion. We are going to gather and we are going to move in a new direction. And I know that some of you are very cynical about this.

Okay. Let's talk about the elephant in the room. Houston, a call. I get it. But the research says that they're loud people on the left loud people on the right. But there's 86% of us in the middle.

And I'll tell you, I am encouraged by what I've seen just this morning. We've got a lot of good people in this community. I'd like to remind you. Of Dr Martin Luther King JR. He had a vision. Where

would we be? Today without his vision? Is it perfect today? Now? But it's better than it was at that point time. Can we all agree on that? So on SEPTEMBER 30, we're going to come together as a

community and we're going to have the mayor and council PRESIDENT And others Pikes Peak region, civility, pledge and some of the things that COUNCILMAN Member rainy outlined will be in this pledge.

It's going to be very simple one-sentence. It's going to be a three-year initiative. The Pioneers, Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. Has an exhibit. We've got a big plan of how to engage our community

and help us to think through how we can be more respectful and honest and loving to one another over difference. Just in closing. I like to remind each of us of the power of one. One person. Making it

good choice like Joyce Salazar. I didn't know Joyce before this morning. That sounds like she's created a ripple effect. All right. And if we each collectively make this kind of choice, we can see.

Culture change in our community and like the mayor has said, it could potentially be model for the rest of the nation. What would that be like? Can you see the vision? Can you have a dream? For what

we could be to reclaim civility in the United States of America. It begins with me. And Larry. And Hugh and all of us together making that choice. So thank you for considering these things. We stand

ready for any comments or questions. COUNCILMAN Gold. Thank you. MADAM PRESIDENT, I'd like to thank you both for the work that you're doing in our community hosted several workshops and that's the any

use for them. >> I found several of them to be very beneficial. I do send my regrets for not being able to attend on SEPTEMBER 30th to have it a conference that I'll be attending out of the city I'm

kind of reluctant to share this but I'm going to just kind semi trucks. Few days ago my car was vandalized you know, the easy thing to do is respond with But when I stepped back in kind of take myself

out of it and take I personally emotions out of it. People don't vandalized cars with the kind of rage that was displayed in the video that I have just for no reason. There's a there's anger and

frustration and vitriol that that people are leading their everyday lives with. I just so happened to be the target for whatever reason we need. We need more kindness. We need more civility. And when

I think about the situation, I actually wish I could have a conversation with this person to stay like what's going on like what's going on in your life? Are you okay? Like how do we get you to a

better place? Because we need to function better and society together because we are not each other's enemy. The more we sit with one another and understand one another with the more we realize we

still in 2026. Has more in common than we have a park. So thank you for the work that you do. I know it can feel like an uphill battle, but it is an uphill battle that we so desperately needs. Thank

you. I don't see any more comments this time. So for me to down COUNCILMAN Donaldson. >> Oh, yes, yes. Was thinking. >> So I want to thank you 2 ladies for being here today. And it was, you know, the

project Taurus or the data center hearing has been brought up. And I would say council's actions can sometimes create an environment where in civility occurs. And at that hearing, we postpone the

vote. To the week right after the APRIL elections. And that is kind of a lame duck period where we will have members of council still sitting here and able to vote on it. You MAY have not run for re-

election or have lost that election. I proposed moving the that vote to before the election. So citizens would know how the representative said voted. But that was, you know, there are 3 of us that

want to do that. The others did not. And I went ahead and supported postponing it till APRIL, not realizing it would land in that two-week period. So that has already created a lot of suspicion and

frustration among voters. The council is playing games. We have a move that next. A vote to a period where there's no accountability for some that will vote. So. I've already called the my colleagues

to move the date all do so again today. And we need to be aware as a council that our actions can talk sometimes feed into that sense of frustration in civility occurs. Thank you. >> COUNCILMAN Line

River. Yeah, I just you know, it's it's it's interesting that that this topic comes up during this conversation because that wasn't us ability conversation. That was a politically driven conversation

and to accuse Council making actions. It's just inappropriate. And it's the fact that he has done it multiple times that it becomes very politically driven. And as we enter into this political season,

my challenge is that we find the best in people. I might not like certain things about a candidate them seek out and try to find things that I do like and really try to elevate that conversation about

how can we improve this city? How can we improve thus situations that we work in play and live and produce and stay competitive. It's a delicate balance as we move forward as we grow growth is change.

Growth is hard. But if we don't change, we will keep up. And then we become less relevant. And we we we lose our nice things. And so there has to be a balance. And so we have to kind of be looking at

the positive stuff about all the different situation, places that we have before us. COUNCILMAN Goal. Thank you. MADAM PRESIDENT. >> You know, this is such an interesting conversation and I'm going

back to the proclamation. One of the that's part of the 5 practices that I think it's so important that we focus on all 5 of them are important. But as I reflect on this moment right now, it's here

people well, listen to understand before seeking to be understood. Asking questions leading with curiosity. So again, this work is just so vital. Keep pushing my friends because it's it's tough from

elected public servants, too. Community members. This work is tough. It is needed. Please, please, please keep pushing. Thank you. Now we will chipped front for so that her picture. So there. Having a

on to item 6 mayors business. Is there any mares business this morning? >> I just want I wanted to. Extend the thanks of and the city. 2. Local, 5 under fire department for the fantastic job they did

hosting our fallen fighters, fallen firefighters. Brent's this week past weekend. It's been mentioned. But I do want to. Special condolences to the family of captain Patrick Crowe, Khaki, who

responded. After the towers attacked. And is on that wall now as well as the family of Brandon Metomen of Puget Sound whose brother is a firefighter with local 5. So just thank you and thank you to

council members who are able to attend either. Through thoughts or through in-person. So thank you. >> Moving on to item 8, a The clerk please read item 8 a and 8 be into the record. >> Ordinance or

$0.26. 49 of the color of the city of color in Springs, Colorado are providing for the refunding of certain outstanding utility system, revenue bonds of the city providing for the issuance and sale of

city. Colorado Springs, Colorado. Utility system refunding Revenue Bonds series 2026 e 2027. Be in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed 225 million payable to the solely out of the city of

Colorado Springs utility system authorizing execution by the city. The paying agent agreement as Green and a bond purchase agreement. Official state, Maryland there, too, and providing other matters

relating ere, too. Be ordinance. 20 success, 50 of the city in Colorado Springs, Colorado, providing for the extension betterment other improvement and equipment of the city of color. As we should

tell the system around him to the issuance and sale city, Colorado Springs, Colorado, utility system improvement, revenue bonds. >> Series 2026 a tax exemption in aggregate principal amount not to

exceed 3 3 million in the city of colors from his Colorado utility system improvement revenue Bonds. >> Series 2026 be taxable. And in aggregate principal amount not to exceed 140 Million. They also,

Leon of the net revenues to be derived from operation the city of Colorado Springs utilities system addressing execution of the city and the paying agent agreement. A bond purchase agreement. Official

statement related there providing other matters relating there, too. Good morning, Adam. >> PRESIDENT Roh Pro tem are easily COUNCILMAN Is Adam Hicks, CHAIRMAN, the Treasury finance manager. Colors

means utilities and it. Just requesting a second reading and final vote on our 2026. See bond ordinance for staff. This would authorize the utilities to if market conditions warrant refinance our

build America bonds with traditional tax exempt fixed rate debt. I have no additional updates since first reading more news at this time. But happy to answer any questions you MAY have. >> I apologize

for now full of the ordinance >> I don't see questions at this time, but I do have a motion from council and a second from COUNCILMAN Donaldson. We need to vote and this is 8 a >> The motion passes 9

to 0. A motion have a motion on 8 be from COUNCILMAN Pine River and a second from COUNCILMAN Remy. I don't see any questions. Let's vote. The motion passes 9 this Thank Issue moving on to item 8 c.

The clerk, please read item 8, see through 8 ee into the record. The resolution, a resolution setting certain electric rates within the service area. Colors, utilities regarding certain changes to

actual rate schedules. >> Ad resolution regarding certain changes to the current street utilities, utilities, rules and regulations, ear resolution setting the electric cost adjustment rate effective

OCTOBER. First 2026. Good morning, Chris Morning. Thank you. >> Chris acting as a chief. You city Attorney's Office utilities Division, first address items, 8 c&a d. AUGUST 25th City Council held a

rate case hearing related to utilities proposed changes to the net metering tariffs in both the electric tariff and utilities, rules and regulations. On AUGUST 25th. He held a complete hearing with

robust citizen comment and discussion following that hearing. I asked initial directions which indicated approval of the proposed changes today. We are before you to ask for that final approval on

those decisions. And with that, we would ask for motions for both 8 c&a d and vote on such and happy to answer any questions you MAY have. >> Have a motion from Councilman Williams. Second from

COUNCILMAN. My number. I didn't see your hand COUNCILMAN Hinton. Thank you. MADAM PRESIDENT >> we will be voting here on the rate case for net metering. I believe there the actual votes and not this

process started over a year ago when we. Heard or a case regarding solar rooftop customers in Colorado Springs. And there was a tremendous amount of opposition to that rate case. I appreciate and want

to thank utilities, utilities, leadership for hearing this council at that time who who actually denied the rape case at that time and spent this last year reaching out to net metering customers to

customers who are not net metering to hear their thoughts and opinions regarding how to move forward in a way that felt equitable all great players. I believe that utilities has done that with due

diligence and and high integrity. And I will say I still cannot vote in favor of this rate case and it really is because and I do understand that there is cost to the utility to the infrastructure, to

have rooftops, solar. There is cost to the system. That is true. We've known that for a very long time we are getting close and heard and had a word word of honor from our ceo that we will be

addressing more of The opportunity to make things equitable for all repairs by looking at distributed energy, battery storage for both net metering customers and non that metering customers. But it's

not in place yet. And I think we've had lots of time to get that going. And many countries and many other states have figured this out. So for that reason, I will not be voting in favor of this rate

case. And we still have many net metering customers who are dissatisfied, some who have learned more and are are fine. And it's it's been a real process. And again, I want to thank our leadership.

Travis, I do appreciate the work that you've done and Tristan and Scott in particular have spent really probably countless hours with me individually as well as with many of our net metering customers

to try and I understand to get this right so I I don't think I have anything else to add. Do want to respect and appreciate the leadership and also respectfully, I cannot vote in favor of this because

we don't have that distributed storage in place. Now. COUNCILMAN Remy. >> Thank you. MADAM PRESIDENT, I do want to take the opportunity also to thank our leadership at utilities and actually a thank

my colleagues. This is not an easy topic and it is definitely one where our residents are seriously concerned. About the current rate that they would be paying and some feel that being a solar

resident penalizes them for wanting to do something good for the environment and to their community, but also for providing energy to the grid. Also but also I've had tremendous amount of

conversations with our cfo. And the one thing I will say about this vote today and how I will be voting is there's been a lot of conversation and discussion about distributed energy book, a battery

storage, something that I believe the Cso ceo of I'm not asking the question, but I believe we're going to start looking at that and trying to get something in place by early next year, correct? Maybe

APRIL time frame, FEBRUARY MARCH timeframe. So just once again, I want to make sure I emphasize that point that early next year around the FEBRUARY MARCH timeframe. We will be looking at providing

that distribute it. Energy and data storage option to solar users. The one thing I will and might be going above and beyond with this comment. But when I do look at our cfo, his hard work, how he's

look at this issue, how he's worked with community members, how he's worked with the board of directors. This council. I think he's one of the most astute professionals that I've met in my career and

that includes my military career. He's probably one of the most astute professionals, a permit. And I don't believe that he would do anything to lead us astray. And I do believe he he does something

that I do of value. And that is looking at all the data points. Now, while I've told him next year, I'll definitely be bright standing on his desk if we're not making any headway on this and trust me,

I definitely don't MISS My words. So I'm hoping and looking forward to making sure that we definitely bring about a resolution to help relieve some of those financial pressures residents. And with

that being said, I will vote yesterday. However, I will state actively engage what utilities leadership in our cfo to make sure that we're bringing about some relief to our residents. Thank you.

Travis Steele. Just wanted to add one comment for the net metering customers who are listen. I just want to minor by there is a 5 year grant period 5 year. >> Grandfather period in that. So as we're

working through this program, you're still on the same. Rachel are now if you choose to enter into the battery storage program, you have that time. I just want to remind everybody there is a 5 year

grandfather, Perry for everybody. It's a current customer. So the timing of the battery program will not impact his current customers. We are still committed to get that done. Burglar in the spring

FEBRUARY MARCH. But just want to remind everybody the 5 year Grand Pier 5, your grandfather period. >> Seeing no more. Comments. I have a motion from council Williams in a second from COUNCILMAN. I

never will vote on a let's vote. 8 c. That's what I said. >> And the motion. Passes. 72. >> Thank you with ad it is the peril changes to the utilities, rules and regulations and have to answer any

questions. You MAY have. >> Does anyone have any questions for Chris? I don't see any questions for just froze once we get through this. Thank you. Let's Roll. Call that my system is frozen. 2. Okay.

If you want to do a roll call vote on 8 d I need a motion. Make the motion that the motion from COUNCILMAN Williams. The second from COUNCILMAN, my number. Councilmember Casey. All right.

Councilmember cry recent. I that's a member Donaldson. I member going ne. Councilmember engine ne. Councilmember line number. I councilmember raining. I councilmember Risley once a member Williams, I

the motion passes. 72. 8 e. All voice motion on a e. On a Marshall a dozen, the presentation. Perfect. Okay. Thank you. PRESIDENT Crow Iverson, PRESIDENT Pro Tem Risley members of Council. My name is

Scott Rolen manager prices and rates for Colorado Springs utilities. >> Today we are requesting approval of a resolution establishing that you see a rate. Effective OCTOBER. 1st. The current rate was

last approved by City council. Her was approved by City Council on MARCH 24th that went into effect APRIL. First at that time we were anticipating that electric cars to adjustment rate to be in effect

for 12 months. But because of benefit that we've seen has we've joined the Southwest Power Pool, an opportunity to buy cheaper energy, as well as sell energy into the market. We're able to. Coming

advance of of that APRIL 2027 timeframe when we were anticipating to come to city Council for for a change to the rate propose a decrease to the dca rate today. In terms of background utilities for

electric service. We really collect revenues to fund our service in 2 primary ways. One is through base rates which fund our system. So if you think of plants, pipes, wires and tubes of electric

service, that sort of infrastructure. Those are funded through base rates and typically set through the annual annual budgeting process. Cost adjustment rates such as the e c a r really reviewed

monthly in can change monthly. But based on the previous direction from utilities board, we did set a rate that we anticipated beaten 20 for months. As I spoke to earlier. The rate that we're

proposing is 2.3, $0.3 per kilowatt hour, which start that as the current rate we're proposing a rate of 2.1 cents per kilowatt hour. That's a little over 9% decrease in the electric rate itself. The

OCTOBER first date that we're proposing is to go into effect, coincides with the transition from our summer season for energy wise rates to our winter season, which begins OCTOBER first as well. And

I'll have a few more comments related to that. And really the base rate aspects of energy wise on a few slides. So really just wanted to highlight again, why we're here today is bringing forward

proposed rate decrease is because of the benefits that we've really seen as we join the Southwest Power Pool really sense in the first 3 months of operating in that organized power market, we realized

proximate Lee 7 million dollars of benefit for our rate payers. All of utilities rates are really pass throughs as a municipal utility. We don't build in profit margin or anything of that nature

really establish rates based on the cost to provide service. But our cost adjustment rates in particular are a pass through in a more expedited fashion. As we see here today with this proposed rate

decrease. We are anticipating that this rate be in effect through the MARCH timeframe course. We will continue to provide regular updates to utilities board, but we anticipate coming back to city

council in the MARCH timeframe of 2027 to evaluate potential changes to art and ca and you see rates at that time. Want to highlight each quarter. Utilities. Prepares a front range comparison about

how our utility services rates compared to those along other e along the front range compared to other utility providers for the electric service, which we're really focusing on today. Our residential

electric bills, approximately 15.7% lower than the front range average. When we look at those other providers along the front range. As we really look at the impact of this proposed rate decrease for

residential customers for really an average typical monthly bill. It is a proximate Leah, one $1.50 for $0.4 decrease on a monthly basis, which is about 1.4% electric bill. If we look at the overall

for service bill, that's about a half a percent decrease. We see similar decreases with the proposed rate decrease on the commercial and industrial bills as well. Want to take a few moments to talk

about bill assistance. We're here today. Proposing a rate decrease. And that's always good news for our customers. But we do recognize that there are customers in our service territory that are

struggling to pay their bills as we prepare to enter the heating season, the low-income energy assistance program becomes available for customers really through that NOVEMBER to APRIL time frame. We

also have local programs such Project Coke to help customers with utility bills but really, I wanted to focus this morning on a couple other options. One being really the energy wise rates themselves

for our electric service that do feature that summer. Winter summer. Seasonal differences meant MADAM PRESIDENT, they could. I just want >> point out that MR. Stroller, Scott energy wise rates. He's

talking about 05:00pm to 09:00pm time when people are have noticed a electricity cause more then and what he's about to explain is we have 3 different. Programs are in that time. We all got moved to

one. But for some most of us, that's the best one. But for some. One of these other options is better. So go ahead, Scott. I just think it's helpful. 5 to 9 is what we're talking about. Gifts. Thank

you, council Donaldson and that all council has heard this presentation several times at this point as it's been briefed to utilities board. Thanks, sure. Cure me up there. >> So our energy wise

rates, the standard energy wise option for residential customers does feature a on peak period. And then off period which comprises most of the hours, approximately 88% of hours are off peak in the

summer. The on peak Price is is higher than the winter Olympic price. But the off the price is the same year round as we begin to move into the winter period. OCTOBER 1st, there's a 50% decrease in

non price from where it is priced in the summer. And that pricing is really intentional to align with our the cost of providing service to customers and it is lower during that summer period when our

capacity is less constrained. But we are as we moved OCTOBER first, the on price does decrease 50% compared to where it is in the summer period. Council in Donelson mentioned, there are 2 other

options available to residential customers. One energy wise plus rate option, which does have the on and off peak pricing windows but also features offpeak saver window from the hours of 09:00am to

one p one pm when energy is the lowest cost. And then in addition for customers that really want a flat rate in MAY have fun memories of their old flat rate for the transition. Energy wise. We do have

a sick, seasonal flat rate available to customers. It does have summer and winter de Frances, but it does not have that on peak period from 5 to 9. So if customers, would like to not not think about

that 5 night on peak window. There is a fix seasonal rate that is flat all through our all hours of the day. >> And Scott, just say that ended with different words. That means your rate is the same.

24 hours a day to you. The 5 to 9 higher rate disappears. But you pay a little bit more all through the day. Then you would have for those 20 hours that aren't 5 to 9. If you stay with this, the rates

we have now it's less expensive. All the other 20 hours. If you go to the fixed rate is going to be more 24 hours a day. But you won't have that 5 to 9 when it really goes up. Thank you, Scott,

correct? And for that thick, seasonal option, that energy charge is also decreasing as we moved OCTOBER 1st, it decreases by approximately 25%. Of course, there's the other. >> Rate components on the

bill such as the day, the charge that you see a charge and that and electric capacity charge as well. To really help customers pick which rate option is best suited for them and their their household.

There is a tool that utilities provides if they log into the my account portal on csu dot org. There's something called the my rate to and it really provides it estimated bill under each of those 3

rate options using the customers meter history, been in their residents for more than 12 months. So that's and option for customers. And then for customers that like the opportunity for Bill savings

on the energy wise rate and the ability to move some energy to the off peak period and save on their bill. But they don't like seeing those higher bills because of the summer pricing. There is a

budget billing option that's available. That really takes your monthly bills. An average a crossed. Provides an average across the 12 months so that you pay flat amount each month regardless of your

particular monthly usage. And that receives more of annual update to that. So with that recommend customers, if they need assistance to color service center 4 for 8, 4800 is always a good resource.

And then likewise, if they're looking for really tips and programs available to help them reduce their energy usage, they can visit csu dot org and find some of those there. With I'm happy to answer

any questions. Question. >> Comment and a question potentially a motion. Thank you for all of us. I know that our goal was one year, in this case, I feel like there's a banker our favor said we should

definitely take advantage of that. Thank you for watching this diligently. Thank you for bringing it forward. And I think we're all very excited about this song. Make a to approve. MADAM PRESIDENT. >>

And I'd like to second that motion. And I would like to point out for those in the room and those watching is online. That this is a small amount and it's it's Ron. A typical bill is going to be like

your electrical go down about dollar and a half. That's a small amount. We know that. But it's something we can do because we understand gasoline is expensive. Everything's expensive. >> Utility bills

are higher right now than they were. Were last summer. But multiple things are about to happen. So this is just one small piece why you're going to notice your bill, your utility bill goes down

starting OCTOBER. 1st, the other is just the weather. We've had a very hot and very dry summer. So. >> Maybe you like customers have use more electricity this year than last year over those months.

And we've used more water. If you have a lawn or you have plans to to water all that. So we're using more of electricity and water that added to our bills. What was the other thing? There's there's

one other thing. There's 3 things are happening simultaneously. There is the time of day rate built in there, too. >> That time of day rate 5 to 9 that special feet and encourage people to use time.

The rest of the day goes down by half starting OCTOBER first is going to get cut in half. So if you're a big electricity user from 5 to 9, you're going to notice a difference. So the weather's gotten

better. We've implemented this small dollar and a half cut small as it is. And the time of day rates go down on OCTOBER. 1st. Now, if you get a bill on OCTOBER 8, mean, that's only one week of the new

rates. And most of that Bill was, you know, the So you'll it MAY take a bit, but you're going to you're going to see a difference. So we're glad that's going to happen. We always want to lower rates

if we can. As Scott pointed out earlier, Colorado Springs Electric is 16% lower than other cities in Colorado because we have to ay by Colorado rules and that's one of the reasons our rates have been

going up. We have to follow the state rules. We can't use gas and coal, especially gas as much as we would like to so. You're going to see improvement. It's been hard for me. And I know for others on

the board. 2. Do what we need to do for your utility to keep your utility healthy as far as reinvesting into the, you know, the the power lines that you see substations, transformers, all that stuff.

Our utilities in the top percent in the United States for reliability. Because we're doing the right things. Where was it? Something just broke somewhere in another utility maybe was down southwest

Pueblo and they dump sewage into the river right? And that hasn't happened up here because we its it's not inexpensive, but we do the right thing. So, you know, I think citizens was exactly patient. I

saw a red, a lot of bad stuff on social media. But I think citizens for getting to this point, you're going to see those electric bills come down. Now. So I've seconded the motion. Thank you, Scott.

>> 7 motion from COUNCILMAN Williams in a second from COUNCILMAN Donald son. If there are no other comments since or computers or froze, not seeing any let's vote. Councilmember Casey. Councilmember

Crow Anderson, by some member Donaldson. I councilmember gold. I councilmember hinge Councilmember line, whatever. Hi councilmember rainy. I councilmember Risley Councilmember Williams. I. >> We are

back in session. Will the clerk please read item into the record? >> in a summer, 26 dash, 48 in the city of Colorado Springs and dissolving the old Colorado City. Downtown Development Authority. >>

We have some technology issues going on here. So I'm going since I do have the public comment list I'm gonna start. Well, they work on those with public comment and I'm in a start with public comment

and support. Please limit your comments to 3 minutes when I call your name. Chuck Murphy. And can you make sure the green button is on so we can hear you down. Should be a green button. There you go.

Thank Thank you. And thank you for being here for your time and attention for me today. >> I'm so grateful for what you do to help our city. Of which just a little background. My family is my dad was

born here. He would be here today, but he's 91 eater. 91 day before yesterday. >> Foreign cars springs and and my mom's side of the family were homesteaders in Denver that we got here as quick as we

could. So. I would I wild and I'm a product of the West side. When I was 10, my family started a business on the Westside at what's called Adam's crossing, which is the far west boundary of Colorado

Springs. And I grew up there for 38 years. My family operated the Garden of the Gods Campground. And over the years we've done a lot of my dad is family and company have done a lot to help. Colorado

Springs remain have a lot of history here. So where my family was large and begin been supporting the dda downtown in the business improvement district. And we think it's been a fabulous thing and had

full. Ownership. People wanted that. And it's important that you have that type of support in order to have success. So what we have today is something that we have 3 parcels of property still on the

West side and we were one of the commercial people that never got the chance to vote. I just think that it's not fair. And the eu should go ahead and support and is all this dda. And relook at what

really needs to be done with the full support of the people that will participate in that. And that's a property owners and the business owners. Thank you so much for your time and attention and what

you do for our community. >> COUNCILMAN MR. Murphy, I'm sorry. I do have a question for you. Thank you. Yeah, thank Sorry. So you didn't receive Is there any building on your properties? Yes, there

are. >> 2 buildings on 3 properties. So k that we own and then we have partnerships that have 3 more buildings. But I'm not talking about that. And and you never received the now. Okay. Thank Yeah, we

don't live there. We rent those out to people. Okay. Thank you. I'm sorry. Any other questions about that? Thank you so much. Thank you. >> Next step we have Lissa Bath Salinas. Good Morning. City

Council. You've already heard what had to say. So I didn't want to take too much of your time, but we still feel that we should be represented. I thought it was completed, but apparently it was not.

So we would like you to. But to dissolve the occ, da keep a smart farm given you know, on the West Side community. But we're very far west. And that's all I really have to say is that you've already

heard from United won't take too much of your time today. My husband is next on the list because we are open. Are Mecca, Motel is open. We have guests and there's really no one there watching the

place. But he's next. And he does it Parkinson's. So it MAY affect his voice in this movement that he'll he'll be brief. Thank you. Next step we have Gary Salinas. Good morning. Salinas. >> I know you

just heard everything I've sent you letters. Sent me letters. And I'm just here to see say should be. Does all That's all I have to say. Questions. >> I don't see me. But thank you for coming Next

step. We have Christine worked. Yes, Chris Hagan. We're even looking at me for 2 and a half years. >> This how long this has been going on. And you've got tons and tons of input. And I think it's been

express or any today. The real issue is that. This has never come together. That wanted apparently. Did not interact enough to my opinion with everyone else to make this a solid project. There was a

reference to downtown Tne da being a whole project. This never felt to me like it ever was. So I also urge you to vote to disband this dd a potential not waste more time. These people need help from

the city. The city wants to come forward and help this group of people who want to do something. And it's just time I believe 2 actually. Get to a point where we do helped him. This limbo has served

basically as far as I can tell, no one. Thank you very much. Next step we have Megan Morris. Good morning. Members of City Council first. Thank you for the time and sacrifice they give to our

community. Chosen to represent the people of the city and I genuinely appreciate that service. COUNCILWOMAN Williams before I continue. I want to address something that you said at a previous meeting.

You said in case any of you weren't. >> Gordon to actually read through dda is. Let me explain it. I was disheartened by that comment. It felt dismissive towards those of us who have taken the time to

show up and advocate for our community. And I assure you, I have read up on dda is and it wasn't out of boredom. It was out of passion for my community between running a small business being a mom, a

spouse and coming before City Council for the 3rd time to fight for something that voters already approved. Believe me, I'm not word. I'm here because I care deeply about acc. COUNCILWOMAN

COUNCILWOMAN Williams, your district spoke. Voters were given a ballot and asked whether they wanted to dda and occ and they voted yes. There are times when we need our elected representatives to lead

us and speak for us. But this isn't that time. In this case, voters have already spoken directly through the ballot. In a 2025 k rcc interview. You were asked how you would handle a citizen led

initiatives. The past, even if you disagreed with that. In yourords, COUNCILWOMAN Williams, you said if a citizen led initiative is placed on the ballot and passes, I would work with the city's

attorney's office and my fellow elected officials to best understand how to incorporate the new initiative into the existing city framework. I am asking you to honor your words. Your district voted

the measure passed. Now we're asking you to work with us to make it successful. 14 year-old son. He's a freshman in high school this year and he's learning about American government right now. We

recently asked me the people voted for something on ballot and passed. How can a representative turn around and stop it? And honestly, I struggled to answer him. I want him to believe his future vote

matters that showing up matters the participating in his community matters. And I want to go home tonight and tell him that our democratic process was respected. That voters spoke that the

representatives listened and their petition participation mattered. Occ voters have spoken, business owners and residents have continued showing up because we believe in the future of her. Our

historic district. COUNCILWOMAN Williams, you said you would work to incorporate a voter approved initiative into the city framework. We're asking you to do exactly that. Work with us. Help us give

the dda the opportunity to succeed rather than dissolving at now. Thank you. Timothy Trail. Good morning. >> I might get a little rough. My name is Tim Trial. I season with my wife. We're pretty new

and I'm 100% disabled. Veteran. Little bit dizzy today. Sorry about that. When the things that stuck out to me last time we were here. Was that I heard some of the people genuinely listen to us in MAY

said things like we hearing any support and and those kind of things. And I really appreciated I think that I'm pretty new and and I've talked to some of the people in the community and I didn't

understand the da's the bid very well. And so I'm really excited that that I've into it really heavily now on. Understand a little better. And I can tell you what our needs are little better now. I

think. So. A big air, both useful tools, of course, but they're not the a big typically is strongest at ongoing services and cleanliness and safety and maintenance and beautification and the existing

events. Those are important. But in old Colorado City, many of those needs are already met. Most all of them are actually our streets are beautiful and they're clean most of the time. And if they're

not, we clean it up to you. We walk around and clean things up. Rather than street maintenance and beautification which are already in place. The da is different because it is the time for long-term

reinvestment redevelopment and revitalization. Undercover aug Colorado law. We can some of the Texans and commit which is not much. To capture future growth in property and sales tax revenue and

reinvest back into the district that makes tv especially valuable for capital needs, building repairs, rehabilitation. We're not interested in bulldozers coming down on that garbage that selling us

now. We get together and we really need on things. And we really talk about these things. Hard for me to look up at the time. O'Connor see is not a blank slate. It's a historic business district with

older buildings. A lot of small businesses, tourism, uphill, so forth and so on. Our challenges we're talking about are simply not keeping sidewalks clean. We're repairing hole in the road. Like I

said last time we have businesses that are struggling and we have empty buildings and boarded-up buildings need to be renovated and need to be processed so that we can have more investment. And of

course, we know. And all you guys now to research that. The more we fix something up and the more we make things desirable, that the better things are the cleaner things are and the more we can draw

more people in. Kind of run out of But I really appreciate it. Thank you for your time. I appreciate all you guys so much. Any questions. >> I don't see me at this time. Thank you. Appreciate it. Next

step we have Adam Stepan. >> Good morning. President president pro tem members of council. My name is Adam Step and I'm a former resident of Oak Road. City, a business owner, a commercial property

owner and PRESIDENT Of Ocado City Associates. The chair of the old crowded city develop downtown development authority. Extremely proud of the West side for showing up repeatedly and engaging in this

process. But I am disappointed we're here today. I continually hear from people supporting the dissolution of that this is about occ. But my experience has been very different. As the chair of occ

dda. I would expect to be one of the people directly involved in a conversation about whether the dda is the right tool for all crowded city. I find out about it one day before it goes on the agenda

and 3 days before it is voted on. Also conveniently when I am out of the country. Not one person leading this dissolution effort has come to me to have that conversation. They haven't come to my

fellow board members either. The only person I've had substantial have conversation with was dry walker. And that was because I reached out to him and asked him to have coffee at the end of that

conversation, we agreed to disagree. I told I would never presume to tell him how the Urban Renewal Authority should operate or how it should approach development. Elsewhere in Colorado Springs, I

consider him more knowledgeable than I am about those issues across the broader city. But I also believe my experience gives me important knowledge about the needs of all collar city and the Colorado

Avenue corridor. I've lived operating a business there. I own commercial property there. And for years through my nonprofit leadership, I work directly with residents, business owners, property owners

to understand their concerns and help manage the growth and sustainability of occ. And most importantly, I've listened. Because collaboration and community feedback or how you make a lasting progress.

That's why it concerns me that dissolution effort has moved forward without meaningful engagement with the people who actually live work and invest in old Colorado City. And yes, I understand that

some council members have reached out to people who not engaged in the original voting process and who now have concerns about paying an assessment. They have not yet been required to pay. Those

properties will have an opportunity to participate in this process next year at dda remains in place and it goes back to the ballot for an 11 attacks. That lack of engagement is. Why question whether

the process is really about understanding what occ needs. Council, if this decision is truly about what is best for occ, then I ask you consider not just who is asking for the dissolution, but whether

this process is adequately. Listen to the people who know this community working at own property in it and have spent several years investing in its future. Thank you. >> Next step we have Jim

Richardson. >> Council, thank you again for letting me speak. This is the second time in Bennett, the speeding. I am a resident of Old Colorado My address is 24. 0, 9, West Colorado Avenue. I just

want to reiterate what I stated the last time is it. >> We have spent. We got the green light from the city Council to move forward with a vote. >> To see if there was a dd a and if the dda would be

the problem appropriate the vehicle to Colorado City. Degree of the city council gave green line and then we went ahead. And spent over $70,000 to go through a study and what would be the very best

vehicle. And they looked at everything. They looked it not only dda. They look at bids so forth and it was decided. Put to the vote of the people that the dea would be the best vehicle to move

forward. So what I'm asking is listen to the people. Give us a chance to move forward. There still has to be in Mill Levy vote. So really not asking for anything right now. We're just asking this to

go forward to a mill. Let me vote. And then the citizen saying can also vote yes or no one with they want to have done. That's all I'm asking time. I'm really hoping that you will not. Vote to

dissolve the dda. >> Next step we have Melanie Richardson. Good morning. Thank you for. Your attention. I'm a resident living in old Colorado City. >> My grandmother came here in 1921. For her

husband's health reasons. My mother was born here and of course, endless. I moved 2. When I came back to Carmen Springs, I moved to this particular part, the city not only for its historical value.

But for it's unique potential. A cultural center. For things like the film festival. Occ theater's season. The Jazz Festival a holiday market. Where there's live music seiter. Building on the

historical richness of the district could be with things like an underground tour of the tunnels. A walking tour of Districts Braunfels the Women's Chris Christian Temperance Union facilities. But we

can't move forward. Without taking that first step. And I want that. So 2 other residents. It was voted in. So please don't fear the future, embrace it. Give the sec dda a chance that against. >> This

motion on the table to dissolve it. >> Next step we have Andrea Werner. Ryan, Lloyd. >> Good morning. I'm Ryan Moye Diane on the Otcbb a board also the owner and founder Deco architecture. And office

the 28th in Colorado Live just a block outside of the dda boundary. I just wanted to talk about the overall district that's proposed. I've worked. Almost 20 a lot downtown within da tiff. They did a

new it's made a lot of my projects happen. And I have a lot of clients. It downtown, they didn't to network to the >> The >> district that we're talking about an acc. I just think This boundary and

the opportunities so it's a lot of talk about reduce the scale. Create a bid just oc c 3 blocks, whatever exists is that Cindy and everyone here agrees that that's just not enough. So we look to the

larger district and we How that can be occ downtown development. So we think about the lane reduction in street patients going on right now and the opportunities there. We think about the potential of

what can be developed near. I-25 we look at what's already happening at 8th Avenue. The synergy with Gold Hill Mesa, what they can tie into it, Colorado, 21st Midland Trail corridor downtown, lets the

we'd like to develop Midland Trail, make a beautiful and safe. The potentials of the goodwill say the Red shopping center. These are all part of the larger district and with the dda come to sing all

that we can really make something truly great. As we all know, downtown is improving and beautiful he sees beautiful that could use some help. And we have a lot of tourists and visitors that travel

that corridor. So to have a big gap between 24th and 25th isn't getting improved seems problematic to me and one other thing today forgotten. Yeah, didn't really see. This is a district. Do you really

see this as a lot of potential to really improve that corridor? Improve guest, visitor and local experience. And if we reduce that, Reid is the potential live. How much you can help by creating been

said of dda. I think it really does hurt a helper to nutty really make something great. Just have we think about cities like Fort Collins in Old Town. And they've done a great job. The federal

buildings and adding new buildings. We want to do the same we'd love it.F you consider keep around for a while. Thank you. >> Next step we have Cassity said check. >> not good community speaking

someone do my best here. And read from this. That has the timing is present in the world. Thanks. Council members. My name is Cassidy said said check. I previously served for many years as PRESIDENT.

Cca ccp. >> But I'm also here is a business owner. I along with several others worked for years to find the best tool to ensure occ had a sustainable funding mechanism to support the future. Through

careful consideration and community outreach. Apparently not enough, but we will get there. >> We arrived at the creation of the old Colorado City. Dd it. I want to address some of the key points kuz

the of concern brought forth by dry Walker. About both the election and the suggestion that we simply replace it with a bit. Voters were asked separate questions and they were given this and they gave

separate answers. They approved the creation of the dda one. 23 to 90. They rejected the 5 known Texan. A neat one. 16. Both answers deserve to be respected, exist, but the text is this isn't ignoring

the election. It's following it. As far as regarding turnout. Approximately 26% of the people issued ballots participated in the special election for perspective. Colors Springs JUNE 2025. Citywide

special election had a turnout of approximately 24.5%. Low turnout doesn't by itself. Make a certified election invalid. Now to nearly 2 years later were questioning the election. Largely by counting

person instant qualified. Electors person was don't vote. People I also want to remind council of how we got here. Real quick. The dda was not chosen on a whim the process included community service,

multiple rounds of stakeholder engagement, analysis of residents, businesses and properties. >> And meetings with nearly every city department. A big should and eta were all considered. The dda was

recommended because it could address the full range of priorities identified for Old Colorado City and provide access to tools including tip that support long-term reinvestment. And those boundaries

were not drones simply around few blocks that already thrive. We intentionally looks be on the commercial court because the future of old Colorado City cannot be measured. The on the commercial

measured by the 6 blocks of Colorado Avenue. The area surrounding the court matter to the goal was to help economic vitality spread outward rather than stopping word already exists. A bid is

different. More limited tool. Even downtown Colorado Springs uses a bid within its dda. Please do not dismantle this. Give us another chance. That's all we're asking. And I know with proper education

in time we will get It found Thank >> Next step we have. Johnson seeding time to Dave Valen court. Alex Johnson r e okay. And you're seeing time so don't quite 6 minutes. >> Good Members City Council,

thank you so much for having us here again. My name is Dave Allen Court. I live on the West Side in district 3, but my first house to Bancroft Park 10 years ago and they serve in the organization,

Westside Neighbors. I also run a small consulting firm which gives you the flexibility and the privilege to be here. When many working residents that I know simply can't. I'm here again, speaking in

my personal capacity as a resident because I strongly oppose dissolving the oc c d d a and watching this process unfold has me really questioning a lot of the decisions and motives going on here. Here

is feels really uncomfortable that to talk about that. But I feel like what I have to say today needs to be said. So I recognize that serving on council is not easy. Last week's data center meeting

made that very clear at times it was ugly, personal and completely unnecessary. And I appreciate you all for the work that you continue to do. It's certainly failed. Many of the values of the city

civility proclamation that I was able to hear this morning. But I also know that public office comes of scrutiny. People question your judgment, your relationships whose interests represented in this

building and that scrutiny as part of representative government, sometimes governing means making a hard uncomfortable decision knowing that people be upset and owning that. Compared with project

Taurus. This decision is not complicated. Nearly 2 years after this body. Cynthia to the ballot. We're here still debating its fundamental merits. If the bid was the better tool, maybe it still is.

Some folks think if 2 d 8 dda is their problem. If the election was fought. Or if the boundaries didn't make sense. I have a question. Where was all of this 2 years ago? Councilmember Williams, I know

you were 9 counsel them. Scio I also know you serve on the downtown dda and a juror I walker who had not had the opportunity speak has consistently spent has been consistent with the idea that maybe

the West I would be better served by ad counter to I know the consultant's recommendations. I also respect Chelsea who runs the downtown partnership and that she made similar perspective. I trust

respect her position and not hear dismissed that idea. Frustrates me. And the many residents that I've spoken to since the dissolution came forward is that one council repeatedly asked this td a

legitimate questions. Believe da's answered them boundaries streamlined funding levee. Back to the voters that. Don't take on. And if the voters reject a levee again, they've agreed to support

council's role in the solution to solution. To me that creates a remarkably straightforward test. Don't dissolve the dda today. Give the voters a real opportunity to decide whether they're willing to

fund what they created with more education and information and they had back in 2024. All touch back on the fact that we keep hearing that a bid might be better if that's true. Have another question.

Where is the resolution or ordinance to formally support creating one? Councilmember Williams again, what has been done creating a bid or helping support creating a bit over the last year waiting on

the dda creating one takes real work. I've looked into this with sent way too much time going down rabbit holes. You get a new property research. You've got to put a petition together. There's a

budget. Outreach turns were the property owners and businesses saying that we support a bid is not the same as putting resources behind one. And can we also stop pretending that abate and dda are

incompatible? Is there not bid would bring something valuable to occ. Bring it on. Show us the plan, dissolving the dda is become a prerequisite for something that doesn't require it. The public and

particularly the board of the dda deserves understand why. It's not adding up. And this is where politics really matters here. You've been doing your homework and that's what we expect. But residents

are paying patterns. The project Taurus was deferred to APRIL 13th one week after the municipal election, which includes all 3 at large seats and at least one district seat. It wasn't the original

date propose. And I know you guys get it. Optics matter. Timing that vote during an era lame-duck window or attempting to Russia dissolution forward while the d d as board chair was on summer

vacation, something the sponsoring councilmember new does not look good. Add that to a council. It sees no issue with unlimited campaign contributions even after the state put reasonable limits in

place. I know home rule. But citizens are entitled to understand who finances campaigns who employs elected officials and what institutional relationships exist and the way those relationships and

evaluating government decisions. We know that this council is run largely by developers that those are funding the campaigns and some degree paychecks. But when dda board so mdta board made up of

largely small property owners and local businesses, not a major development interests faces a council that scenes unusually determined dismantle it. People are asking a lot of questions. The dda is

address the boundaries, funding debt and what happens if the levee fails. So please help us understand if you're going to move forward. What's the real reason if the bid is the alternative? Be brave?

Do the work. But for the plan but don't give residents lip service and another date certain that explaining what will happen between now and then time is a public resource. And at some point governing

means representing the interests of your constituents in making a decision. The city in the West side are paying attention with the election. Coming up in APRIL, residents are watching very closely.

You've asked great questions. The responded. I don't see what political capital anyone has here gains by dissolving So please on your decision and put this to a vote. >> vote against dissolving dda.

Thank you all. >> Next step we have Kelsey. >> good morning, MADAM PRESIDENT and members of council, thank you so much for hearing us today. My name is Kelsey Willow and I am part of the Colorado

retook election here in Old Colorado City, which and I'm also a member of the board. I work with 3 businesses that have invested this community for years. Blue since 2018 stolen Bo since 2020 and

squash blossom since 2023 for me, the dda is isn't an abstract policy question. This is our street, our businesses, our customers, our neighbors, and our community. I spend every day working to bring

people into old Colorado City, support our businesses and remind people why this historic district is worth showing up for. Here's what I've watched happen. Westside stakeholders raise their own money

and hired a consultant that consultant recommended that the da. Council referred it to the ballot and voters approved it. The board wasn't fully appointed until DECEMBER and organized in JANUARY. Then

just months later. With 2 business days, notice the volunteers learned the council voted to dissolve it. You cannot delay the start and then blame the board for not having years of results. That's not

accountability. That's moving the goalpost. This board is made up of small business owners, property owners and neighbors volunteering their time to carry out what voters asked for. And when council

raised concerns, they responded. They've we've offered and streamline to streamline the boundaries, which we did. Take them a levee back to the voters, avoid taking on debt and support dissolution. If

the levee fails. I've heard the argument that a bit might be better but a bit can exist alongside da dissolving the dda isn't required to create one starting over. Also means asking the same

businesses and property owners who have already invested their time and money into this process to do it all over again. Small businesses do not have endless time, money, energy or resources to keep

starting over. No one does it. Old Colorado City is one of the things that makes Colorado Springs special. It's historic. It draws visitors and most importantly, it is still real community filled with

locally owned businesses that are working incredibly hard to thrive. Not just survive. The voters asked for this. I'm asking council to give it a fair chance if council has concerns clear and

measurable expectations, give the board 6 months to meet them, hold them accountable for those expectations. But please do not dismantle something before. It has truly had the opportunity to begin.

Respect the voters give the dda a chance. Thank you. Thank you. >> Next step we have can't Hutchinson? >> And thank you for this opportunity to speak. My name is Khan Hutchinson and I am the owner of

a small gift shop in old Colorado City where have been in business for 8 years. I also live just off Colorado, Ave the West side for years. And my daughter attends elementary school there. I love the

unique character of all Colorado City and I want to see the neighborhood supported and cared for 4 weeks ago. I spoke to you about how important the dda is to the small business owners of the

neighborhood and i stand by everything. I said them today. I want to touch on something I've heard coming up repeatedly from those aiming to dissolve the dda, whether it is equivalent or better than

da for us. This is not a new question in 2024. City council was presented with an analysis of 3 different tools. A bid, a general improvement district and the tda. The conclusion was that the dda was

the most appropriate tool for us. So why are we here having this discussion again after we spent tens of thousands of dollars having an election to get the dda forms. But going back to the da, why did

we all agree 2 years ago that it was the best Well, first of all, Colorado City is not simply a commercial strip. It's not just those 3, 4, 5, blocks. It's a mixed use neighborhood. A bit is limited

to commercial properties. Residential property cannot be included. Dda on the other hand, can include residents, property owners and lessees that allows a mixed use part town to participate more

broadly in both its governance and its financing. Second, the financing tools are different as opposed to the bed which only assess as businesses. And we don't think we'll raise as much money to fund

the necessary paid staff. We need to cc the dda can potentially capture future growth in property taxes, sales tax revenues and reinvest that growth back into occ this week. The burden for

improvements doesn't all fall on owners and businesses. And by capturing sales tax. Even our visitors participate in our funding too. Finally, these tools don't have to be mutually exclusive. As

you've heard a few times to snow a bit can overlap with the dda. You do not have to dissolve rda for us to explore the idea of a bit. The bigger question here is what functions, financing, tools and

representation would be lost if the dda were to be dissolved today and what would actually replace them. Right now. A potential bid is just an idea that would require money to develop money to run

another election and it might not even pass. The dda is a fact. It exists already. We already voted on this until there is an actual bit entity in front of us to dissolve the dda now would be to leave

us with nothing. There is no cost to you to support the dda. There are sufficient safeguards in place for this body to provide the necessary oversight as we move forward just because to the da's in a

city is rare does not make it back. This is a unique city that needs unique solutions. The second dda does not hurt the city and the structure of da is the right choice for our neighborhood. Please

give us a chance and vote against a solution. Thank you for your time. Can Marcus. Thank you for this opportunity to speak in front of AUGUST body. >> Many of you MAY recognize me. My face is been on

the. The cabin in old Colorado City for a number of years. And beer doesn't wrecked. Give me any credit. Then. Of no use up here. But the thing is, is that. We want people know what is happening. And

what will happen to them. I unfortunately live in old Colorado City. Unfortunate MAY not be proper term, it's one of those things where. I didn't find out about this until last week. I didn't have all

of the time to really understand what was going on. And I don't remember in ballot with any of this on it. I would just like for everybody to. Take a step back. Good. Look at things to understand what

is going to happen. To the people. That live in the area. And what will happen if this passes. >> Next step we have nice. You Ruiz. >> I'm sorry. I don't have a proper speech like everyone else, I

just come up say I was not aware of this at all. Not a ballot that nothing. >> My neighbor told me other people said, hey, are you going vote on this We're trying to charges more money. Obviously

nobody wants pay more money into something. They're not even aware. I would just like. To be better like when elections come around, people come knock on my door able for this, for for this person.

I'm hearing that not a single person. Come to my My daughter. He was not aware of my wife. Not aware of it. My other neighbor was not aware. So I'm I'm just like wondering going you know, like what?

What is this whole? And then why why has nobody really engaging with the residents? Colorado Avenue? I also have a home in Colorado. And I'm not trying to. Just very unaware what's going on. And I

just feel like nobody's really informing the residents and I walked around the block and has to several neighbors. You know, don't what's going So that's that's all I want to say. >> Have a question

for you from council in line with her. Could you tell me your address 16? 25 West Colorado Avenue. So you're on Colorado. Had about a historical home because >> one, it was beautiful. It's the West

Side electric. I will cause, you know, everything's although there. So I thought, oh, he's a great house. 19. 0, 3, So I thought that home. Seems like they're trying to redevelop stuff and that's

great. I was in a wheelchair for 3 years and I went to the city to get, I say, prepared, they raise my taxes every year after that sidewalk never get repaired. As a matter of fact, they shaved off one

corner and the site was still busted up. So it's me hear from people. They're trying to charge us more. When they can't even maintain what we currently Rallies are horrible and who feel like we're

offering when we go through our >> Potholes are huge. So that again, that we just want to be more aware of. What's what's happening, somebody too, if this is ing to happen? I very election. We have

people knocking on asking for votes. Why was this not a thing? Why we have to find out? From random person? All right. Thank you. Thank you. >> Next up, we have Seth Harris. >> Good morning. My name

is Harris. I reported on the dda with banks, people it and want to be very upfront about that. I would not usually choose to speak to something like this. Having reported on it myself. But I've been

sitting here morning. Thinking about the proclamation this morning on civility. I was there on on Thursday. Incredibly unimpressed with the those in the audience who are making a great deal of noise.

I think they really hurt their own cause that day. I think in civility within. These conversations does tend to hurt the cause that we think we are supporting. And on that count, you know, when I was

reporting on it, I didn't know any of these folks prior to that. I not met a single one of them. I think they've been engaged and interested. They're trying to do something. To try to support their

community. I think that's like with whether or not we agree with how doing it. I think that's unquestionable. And a question. Though, the civility. Trying to undo. The popular election. Unilaterally.

When they are offering. They're offering. Go back to the bout. Be better about getting information out there. I mean, there is no question any time you're creating a a that election is strange. The

designated electors, all of these things. Mean, the amount of information that needs to get out there and you are all on. City council. I think you understand how a civil engagement usually goes. It's

problematic. It's challenging. And a lot of the time people don't show up to it. So you know that there some people who didn't show up to it in 2024. Should serve as no surprise. I think this is

exactly how these sorts of elections usually go. There's nothing unusual about this one, particularly. In Inglewood. They also didn't pass their mills. Well, they did pass their dda. They went back to

the ballot. They got the bills passed in there. Happy in fine. So I would say for the, you know, for the sake of civility. But then have another chance to talk to the people. Colorado City to talk to

the other business owners there to make sure that there is engagement. Let them go back to that ballot. If they fail. So be it. The volunteer to dissolve. That seems like the better part of civility

to me. And I hope to you to See what happens in a few minutes. Thank you. >> Thank you. I will now bring it back up to that just to the diocese. For Councilmember comments and questions. COUNCILMAN

Williams are tablets are working. So you can just raise your hand when someone's finished. Ask the question. COUNCILMAN Williams. And that spirit of and to suspend, you know, wonderful. >> Almost 3

hours that we've got going here. So thank you very much for that. How try to address us much as I can I get to the list. Thank you for all coming in. Sharing your thoughts and opinions. Obviously all

the way around they pointed it out because they get help on my look. I wasn't here 2 years ago. So I think that's one of hard things. With with turnover and the fact that we have term limits and

people come and people go so I wasn't here and 2024. But as I have been here have stated repeatedly, I believe this is the wrong tool for old Colorado City. And I know that you wondering why a bit

hasn't been presented. There have been lots of conversations about inventors, even conversations happening about how to help on the bed. I look forward to conversations with people and all the

Colorado City depending upon how this pope goes to put in to be quite honest, Dave, people have said if this fails, I'm not interested in the bin and and we're not going to have a conversation. I'm

still going to be here when people are ready. If again, I don't know how that's going to go today. We're going to see how the next, you know. How many minutes plays out. But I'm willing to work on

that. One of the things that I've heard a lot about all of Colorado City, I think just because of the fact that I think inherently they all know once they were their own city as now that they're part

of a bigger city, the kind of feel left out I appreciated when Ryan came for his interview and he said all of our street lights are out. You know, the great do something about that. So I called the

city and I called cars brings you La t's and and we got it done. And I think this is really just going to lend itself to bigger and broader conversations. We have heard from people that weren't aware

of this. And I think that's part of this issue as well. I'm not relying on myself and my homework as far as the tools and the right answers. So I have reached out to other people having here 15 years

ago. I know a lot of people that work on duty and other tools and I know we have a lot of honorable mentions and Kavanaugh curfew would be so kind as to and your expert who says too, the different

tools and the options kind of your thoughts around this given I think you've been planning for. Most of my life, which I really love and appreciate all of your expertise that you bring to the table.

But this wasn't. A decision necessarily mean a wracking. My I didn't approach this, you know, all by my lonesome. So I just want everybody to know that this has become a bigger, broar conversation. >>

And PRESIDENT Kevin Walker to play You asked me to sort outlined the 2. The options that released to have been discussed once a one has be it. Primarily 3 differences. The first is in a dga going to

be adm bid. You're not allowed to have residential properties. That is true. The second is the financing tools. Available? The da has a. Tax increment financing as tool. Ad has both of them have no

levees as a possible tool, the da is limited to 5, knows the ad is not limited. It's it's limited by only its service plan. The ad also has the ability to render Public improvement fee. And that you

see that around town every once in a while in b, I d and so that has the. That has the ability to raise. Capital much more. Much more quickly. Not only just in the b, I just in the Levy, but also in

this bill. So that's an and a tool that be id has that is not available to the da. The 3rd is that the dda has the ability. To finance and fund private improvements, especially buildings. You the da

is not it is able to do that to be it is not. So you would have some kinds of. Facilities, maybe an upgrade to the fire system. More new windows or those kinds of things that dda could grant dollars

too, the b, it would not be able to fund that. The idea is primarily in world of public infrastructure, including parking, including Streetscape Street. Way finding all kinds of different sorts of

things. Both of them have the ability to manage events marketing. So there's no difference in those 2. So gives you kind of a quick overview of the differences between the 2. Night counsel. My number.

>> On Colorado Avenue, could you explain terms of different zonings of residential versus commercial? This is kind of a mixed use area. Someone could buy a residential property that's always been

residential and turn into a law office. Is that correct? What is what's the difference about Colorado Avenue or is it similar to, you know, some development and Breyer, >> I think the difference is

primarily the age of structures and the fact that they have a variety of mixed use is so there certainly are. Rather relatively random. Business residential business residential, a mix of uses. And

depending on the zoning, you can take a residential property and turn it into a business. With some depends on what the businesses and what the zoning is about, whether you you need to come to the

city for zoning application or something similar. >> Well, that's a question that came to mind is I think this area is a place where not particularly difficult to do that because I've seen a number of

times a residential building turns into, you know, Dennis officer turns into. >> You know, retail boutique or or whatever. >> You know, several different uses. And sometimes it's gets co was sometimes

there's the back half as residents on the front half is, you know, they have a small business or something. So I think I don't, I guess I'm just trying to think through like the zoning stuff that I

think this is a little bit different in that like a mixed use area. Oh, for sure. >> I mean, this is a 3 mile long. >> Stretch along Colorado Avenue o Colorado see 6 blocks it depending on how look at

it. But what you're talking about is it is just over a long distance. A lot of different kind of land uses. And a lot of mixed zoning. I think that's one of the concerns I have had about. The dda is

the size and the scope of that of that map. The linkage between uses that are close to downtown or the highway on Colorado Avenue versus Colorado City vs closer to and and trying to create one

community out of that, especially when you have. Changing uses. This is a is a concern I've had since the beginning of this. >> But I think some of that already exists because there's boutique stores

that are not Colorado city that for sure, you on its the block that a gentleman just told us about where he lives as a resident. There's a, you know, a couple teacher stores actually there. So guess

pointing out is that this is a little bit different than just a neighborhood. It's it's it's got a lot of mixed use throughout it. And there's actually been some adjustments to the street and public

works and really reducing the lanes to to one lane each way for discreet traffic control because there's so much of a mixed type environment that's taking place. Definitely a lot of changes. All

right. Thank you. >> attention. I think, Kevin, you can I don't need He's Dave. Oh, okay. Yes, okay. Please carry on. >> Thank you. I just wanted there's been a lot talk around the election and I just

wanted to kind of clarify, like for the record what elections mean and how do we lean into those? And so I want to ask the city attorney a couple of questions, if possible, if that's okay, first of

all. Does a city attorney office identified any legal defect in the 2024 election? That would justify or require dissolution? Trip across the sea. Journeys office >> The election. Would have had to

have been challenge within a certain timeframe per statute, 10 to 20 days, depending well, which election provision you're looking at. We're long past the time. So there is a no basis on which shows

the election at this point. >> My next question, thank you for ordinance. 26 31 sites that the dda was approved by the qualified electors. Does that finding still stand? >> Qualified electors is

defined term. The statute refer basically to let's seize property owners and certain business owners within the district. >> That >> the they voted for its that the majority of those qualified

electors voted for The dda per the results. >> That statement stance. >> And it. >> Is there any remaining avenue? To contest the 2024 results or has that contest list of when some window just closed?

>> To my knowledge that windows closed. I cannot think another way challenge it. There MAY be some novel legal argument, but going on. So elections matter you don't need to answer this question. But

politicians have questions elections before. Correct? Just had to say it. Okay. 2 more questions. We've heard from the dda and their commitment to dissolve. If they they can't get little bit a Paso

Kim, the dda commitment to dissolve after a failed 2026. Be made binding. Or is it only voluntary? It's largely volunteer. They could pass. A resolution or and pour into into some type of agreement

with the city to that effect. And in with the agreement, the city would have the potential to. Possibly enforce that. But in general, the resolution and the >> bringing something forward. City Council

asking for just let be voluntary. >> So really, if it was to fail and then they chose to reverse and live up to their commitment. We're going to be right back here talking again. But we'll be talking

again after a second election. So I think that's kind of important state. Lastly, can the council approved a plan of development while deferring the tif? Start date. The tif is part of the plan

development. So whatever you approved within that with Garza tif would how that is handled. >> If you amend the plan development, you have a later start date for that. If you can do that, okay. I

think those are important elements. Thank you very much. >> That's all my questions. I just wanted to get on the record. I do have a question for a representative from the dda board. >> Beyond you

mentioned the Goodyear Building. >> But beyond the Goodyear Building, for example, what sites do you expect to be possibly Future development or what timeline do you? What are some other ideas I just

want I need to kind of understand, like, is it just me? Good. You're building is kind of an easy target. >> The Goodwill building, yes. And the Ryens Floyd's point but I spoke about the last time I

presented to you all. I showed him at that. Ryan had created that outlined the variability along Colorado Avenue and how development looks its revitalization. There's and projects, if you will, just,

you know. Right around just past 30th. There's a small motel that has been boarded up for the past 3 or 4 years. And it's been on the market for sale. No one wants to do it because it loses money

projects crowded city. The narrative is like to lose money, but that is an example. Yes, goodwill building low hanging fruit development project, you will. But who's going to do that project was going

to buy that for a half a million dollars and invest a million dollars proper into it and turn it into a profit project answer your question. i mean, that's just one of But I just want to expand that.

There are this isn't. I I think there's a feeling that this is a historical neighborhood that needs to be preserved. >> And so we can't have redevelopment because we're going to disrupt the historical

nature. But I wanted you to be able to expand that. That's actually not entirely true, correct. And I personally in Austin, Texas, revitalize and rehabilitated over 100 million dollars with a

historical property and preserved. It just has to. I've always said that historical preservation is a liability, not an asset. It requires our support. Our servitude to make it a viable project for

someone who is in the business of capitalism and for profit. So I think the variability lies and that it lies as the small rehab project that is a motel. And it lies in a very large multi use multi

story redevelopment project that is the goodwill building and everything in between and even Ryan and I proposed and had conversations with city planning and utilities to talk about the viability

during the Colorado Roadway Avenue project of delivering fire suppression services, at least a fire line and a riser to each of the buildings that were willing to pay some sort of assessment and

possibility that the dda, if funded at the time. Could subsidize that right? So that that's like something that you don't even see side project. But it does say blocks from burning down. >> You talked

last time about trimming the boundaries particularly to kind of remove some of the residential components. Have you looked at and done that Tribune yet? Dana fight, how many mixed use there is how

many actually support commercial use? >> I will say our focus has been on this effort. But it is our intention to analyze the boundaries and come up with what the levy boundary will look like. I also

want to say that in that same resolution that we proposed. The intent of that was to draft in the ordinance that we would be legally required to unilaterally dissolve. It was not to be construed as

voluntary. The intent is for us to legally be buying did to that decision. Bob, ineeded elaborate on that. But but my understanding is that they can be written into an ordinance and it MAY need to be

an additional ordinance. But the city would draft that. We would agree to that before going to the Mill Levy. >> All right. Well, I didn't know if you had. Gotten to at that place yet. So I just

wanted to ask that question because I'm still a little bit like up in the air tight, just very top level that that our focus was really what we resolve to was at a minimum keeping it along Colorado

Avenue corridor. >> And nothing out lying of that. No additional notes. All right. That's all my questions. Thank you thank you. COUNCILMAN >> thank you. MADAM PRESIDENT, I want to focus some

questions specifically on. Who see ballots and who who didn't. We know we heard to a check Murphy come here and mention that he did receive ballots and my understanding is that a lot depends on who

owns the property who lives there. There's a variety of different definitions of who can vote. And for a particular parcel. I don't know if this is acceptable or not. Maybe it needs to be Trevor, but

I do see an attorney here from Spencer Fane who I believe this the from actually ran the election. And I don't know if that attorney can speak to. That election. And he's not looking up. So I'm

guessing he would rather not do that. That's Trevor, if you wouldn't mind. >> are. >> He's not here for Spencer Fane. Okay. That's fine. I made an assumption that see what happens when you make

assumptions. Fine. >> please, please. >> Help elucidate because we received a memo from Joya Walker and we received rebuttal organization affiliated with with the West side on each of these points,

which I thought was actually pretty compelling in its point by point rebuttal of MR. Walker's comment. But I what I'm really trying to understand is and we heard actually some people say, hey, I

didn't know about this, but we don't no, exactly because we've looked at the map and it gets really funky in this property. You know, they got a ballot and this one, they didn't. But why is it because

you know who who lives there? So could you please just walk for rock? Walk me through. Why there's confusion about did I get to vote on this or not? >> Travis, the city attorney's I cannot answer the

practical side of to see you not run the election. I didn't have a hand in that Spencer Fane did. As you pointed out, that was the that wasn't the attorneys hired by the basically the ddh be formed

and the started consulting those that working at the time. I believe they were contingent on the dda being formed in the no levee actually passing actually get paid. So I believe the election was

essentially performed free charge at this point. >> The >> ballots go out to registered electors or qualified electors per the statute. Again, lessee certain property owners and certain business

owners within the district. It's a defined term and it explains how folks are selected. Basically, they are then sent a ballot and they return that ballot. Certain businesses will need to designate

person to speak for that business. They like not double dip. Can't be both. You can't both at Lessee and a business owner believe and they spent their votes within a certain time period. Election

official. Calculates those votes and then on tabulate them and makes finding on. Voted for voted against. But again, I'm sorry. I cannot speak to the practical side of why some people MAY not receive

2000. So something done. >> Would it be fair to say? And this is sort of my working assumption that someone could live in a property that looks as though it's on a map but not meet the actual criteria

of the statute and not have received a ballot themselves and been able to vote. Is that accurate? >> That is per the boundaries. There are certain properties that MAY be on Colorado that were that are

not actually part the dda it kind of goes in and out based on. I believe there were people that they spoke to people in. Some people indicated early on that they didn't want to be part of it. So they

weren't included things like that. So, yes, it's quite possible that they think they MAY be part of va, but they aren't >> So nature the map and it's a it's an election that impacts. >> Very, very few

people overall in the population. And you read something in the news. I mean, there's a lot of reasons that it could be confusing that I didn't get to vote in this election and and without going

through. Each of the whatever it was, 600, whatever it Parcells, it's it's hard to know, correct. Okay. Well, I think I'm I'm assuming we probably want to get 2 votes this sooner than later. But I

guess my my thoughts are on this particular matter that I really don't understand. Where it originated and why it's so urgent that we dissolve this tda right now without the opportunity to go back as

the dda board has requested for one more vote before do and and a green to dissolve if it doesn't pass a second time, the voters did vote on it. Did pass. I think for that reason alone and we've heard

a lot of testimony here for for keeping it. And certainly some understandably opposed. But I think it's it's APRIL by the end of APRIL gets on the ballot. We will know if they can get their mill levy

or not. And then move forward with other alternatives for all Colorado City, which is truly remarkable part of our city. And I'm grateful for it. So I will be voting against something. The dda. >> So

here's some real concerns for me from the information that we recently received. Only 45% of the ballots went out. The turnout was 26% of 831 ballots issued the 55% of the voters of the dda. That

would with tax never received a ballot at all against the full electorate. The real turnout is closer to 11 to 12%. 16 of the 74 designated electorate forms. Roughly 21% came from just 3 buildings. 3

buildings got one 5th of the district's voting power. The presentation that we were given of record said commercial owners and business Leaseholders would get a say it said boundaries would include

city property only and then the county was folded in. The consultant told us that the da's request was only stakeholders Vo and most of the stakeholders never even received a ballot. I think we should

acknowledge the only the portion of past what we should not, we should acknowledge not only the portion of past, but the portion that failed. We didn't even receive vote enough to swing to majors that

pass 3 votes or fewer. We had a gentleman who came here last week. Reese did not receive a ballot. Lived in the area. Turns out he actually lived in the county. So how many of those county votes? I

mean, he said he would have voted know if he would have got the ballot would have that even just one more shrinking the map. Now admits that the first map was incorrect. And opens the city to an

arbitrary and capricious challenge because some of the owners are being removed while others weren't. These are my biggest concerns with going back. The first one was failed, failed miserably. I mean,

not just on the short numbers, but just this information that came directly from the attorney who ran. This election. The this is data from them. This isn't something we made up. This is something

that came directly from the voters. We've got every single ballot. We've got voted. And 2, if if you dig more into it again, 55 p percent of the voters never received a ballot. So this council agree

that the real turnout was closer to 11 to 12%. It wasn't 26%. So we just really need to consider those numbers could you come up and talk a little bit more about some of the data that you received?

Those are just my analysis. But I believe you have a lot more broken down in there. The I didn't get to that I think is more important. I just didn't get to all of Good afternoon Council dry Walker

executive director of the Colorado Springs Urban Renewal Authority. >> I think. I think you summed actually a lot of that data, you know, pretty well you know, going back, you know, when we were

looking at. With should be a tv or not, there's there's already stings on the record with me saying, you know what what do you Arias? >> And some of the implications this actually has at a greater

level with our current dda as well as levels of within the state statute. If this is to occur. So I've already of already mentioned that some won't dive into it. I do want to talk a little bit,

though. You know, when we were I kept hearing people not getting these ballots. And so that was really the genesis. You know, that was actually a little bit surprised at the core request. Hadn't

already been done to be quite frank. So I ended up calling up my attorney, the brutal authorities. Attorney and one you know, we had worked with Spencer Fane before and and honestly in the Kohl's,

very great attorney that we've worked with many, many times. And so we figure will be reach out to her and be able to get this data. And we'll put that out into that, you know, out into the public in

with you all to be able to determine just what the heck happened because I was even confused about what happened I also went back to look at that presentation that was given by the consultants. And,

you know, I do want to make it clear. It was said a couple times we we paid for funding in the you was one of the funders of this. We paid for funding for a business improvement district. We did not

pay for funding dda and we would have never supported doing dda because it does carry greater ramifications that have already gone over many of the other people that paid for the study works also did

not support a dd. A Gold Hill Mesa supported the bid. We had a landscape architect who support the bed. Some of the city department's supported to bed in. So this was a little bit of a curve ball at

the 11th hour when all of a sudden it was we want to do it. E d a in end. I think everyone will admit always made that clear from the get-go. Why that issue existed. So we went back to the Blue looked

up at those slides that were presented. It was 425 businesses, 350 commercial properties and 700 registered voters. And that was, you know, in sting and actually COUNCILMAN Dallas. And you've brought

this up a couple of times. But you had some inner in in arresting kind of banter with the consultant, you know, regarding how many people were showing up to the focus groups and you were greatly

concerned of, you know, saying we want to make sure that as many people understand that this election is happening and what it actually is and when we do back into it and you started breaking down

these numbers, it started coming out even more so that this really should be a bit. You know, running a heat map, you can see that 85% of the people to vote in this election are really within a four-

block radius within that occ area. And so once we started diving into that, we started thinking a little bit about, well, you know, where's this? Go from here? Like, how do we how do we figure out

opportunity to still help occ which I grew up in Oklahoma City, Western High School or West Junior high and then quad-core not a high school. How do we help them? Still, you know, do something. And,

you know, Kevin Walker, even amidst all the data center staff and Ali know how that man standing, I'm sure they'll have to tell you all that. But he's more trying to build out new maps. New ways. You

know, how could a public improvement fee work and how can we create something that everybody is invested in? You know, when occ has come up to talk about. What they wanted to see, you know, in this

area, they've all been really district related business improvement, district related functions. You know, when we talk about means including the son safe marketing promotion, business support, all

those things come from that. Ironically, I did Susan Edmonson. I actually both aided the doubt the downtown Denver Development Authority when they were we doing that in 2024, they had reached out to

us for our expertise. Now, Susan, of course, was was much stronger expert in da's than even I was. But one of the things I wanted to point out is that everybody and not election, everybody got about

it. And if they didn't get a ballot, they were given clear instructions. Just like you would see with, you know, Blue book or something like that on the tape or election of what the dda was, how they

could get a ballot. How you know what qualified them to get to get one. And that was that was unilaterally all throughout the entire area with heat. When we look at this and when you look at 216

ballots coming in and only 831 issued when it's clear they had almost double that by their own record. You know what they ultimately presented to you all to put on the ballot. I it doesn't surprise me

that you have people that truly have no idea like one of the gentleman that spoke. They have no idea that this is even exists. And what's what's interesting is the only way that they will know as they

have to go to their tax record in the school down and they see, oh, my gosh, I'm in a d d a you don't COUNCILMAN Line Webber's a lot similar. You know, you've got a business on in on Colorado Avenue

yourself. Imagine not getting about it all or even knowing about it. And then all of a sudden you realize shoot, I'm I'm in this thing and I had no idea what was going the only other factor I want to

bring up to was just with the residential units. You know, there was a lot of well, we talk about the business is first and then finish up. There was a lot of businesses and Kevin kind of laid it out.

This area is is wide. You know, it is a long, long, long stretch in a lot of those businesses had no idea that this was occurring. But also you have a lot of residential units. We're being asked to

tax themselves to be able to support really a smaller district area within the oc c core. And when you look at how many residents votes voted, initial looking about like one 7th, you know, of the

ultimate qualified electors. So, you know, it presents itself a lot of challenges and a lot of problems. I think it was done too quick. You know, no doubt about it. Not everyone did get a ballot. And

I do think that there's a path for us to be able to work together to get a business improvement district to get up if in place and actually draw more funding to this district, then they would have

ever received even with the dda because frankly, there is no that that whole area you can still use the you worry for a project. So you don't have to have a dda to create f we could pledge into a

business improvement district for them issue debt. We could put the Tiffin to whatever public improvements at the oc c Core one. It is part is the part of those negotiations so to me, it's not. And I

think a lot of most these people are great people. I mean, you know, I think that's that all goes without you know, without having say anything else. I think they're wonderful. And I know they want to

do things in this district to take it to the next level. It's just a matter of what is the right tool and who really, actually new what was going on here? That's it. So try and win it. Follow up on

what Down Court had said that will we help them? If this fails, will we helphem? This isn't the end of the road for them. They're going to need some help. What is your come in as the eu are 8 to help

them. If that's the road, it goes down. >> You've got absolutely. I come in with the you are in and buy. I'm sure she would mind me saying are named Chelsea would make this commitment as well because

she told me she would do it. But we've been not only help fund moving through a business improvement district. Now, granted, we have a board. So we have to still present that to them to get the final

answer. But we've already funded once might make them sign something, you know, or or have some agreement that would go to a business improvement district, the work through that, you know, and we want

to help them succeed. We want to figure out a way to make this work. But we just want to make sure that everybody's really having a say in this. And it's not just some people. >> Have a question for

Kevin Walker. We heard your presentation. I do consider you one of the experts in these difficult taxing financing. Increment tools that we have been doing a long time. Having said that, I I believe

what you sais. It's probably the best way forward. However, o'Connor, city is part a Colorado Springs. It still is in the realm of what u n I n and Rich. Who's next in the audience doesn't support.

How would you be able to support them to answer misspelling, MR. Fallon Courts question is, well, what can what can your department do to help them knowing you are the expert in this field? >> Well,

we can assist certain Kevin Walker City planning director. We can certainly assist with a lot of the background work in terms of mapping and identifying parcels and property owners and those sorts of

things. I can also provide my expertise in terms of trying to work from the core out and trying to identify what proper boundaries would be. The possibility of be id with the Metro District overlay.

The that could create a governmental agreement between the 2 that could make sure that the residences are involved as well. There's just a variety of different alternatives that we can that we can

apply. But I certainly Willing and able to. Lend assistance. >> a priest MR. Richmond lady. I know again, they are part of the city and you've been working in that area with the parking enterprise and

different things. Can what? What can your departments, which oversee a big department to do and what are you doing to help? Because, again, they are part of Colorado Springs. We go to separate that.

Stepchild. Definitely not process of. Can you help us with that so that we can you can help me better understand how the city as a whole, not just your e not just the planning department, but your

whole department, which is very big, can help. >> Absolutely Richard and the public works director for the city. Good afternoon. What we have a number of ways that we can open that we've been make it

quick. Spent a long afternoon and morning for you. But the first is the parking enterprise which is been we put utilize the parking enterprise to do a lot of great investment in the area. And I did

pull some numbers just to give us an idea of that type of investment in the level of that parking enterprise over the last 5 years has put in about 2.1 million dollars in investments in the area. So

those are improving parking the parking lot. Repaving parking lots. There 1.2 million dollar wall that we constructed one of the parking lots that was that well was failing. We've done streetscape

improvements. We've put signage as part of the parking enterprise done. A lot of ada improvements actually associated with those areas. And so we will continue to do that. The parking enterprise is

also working with city engineering. Other public works departments on the upcoming Colorado Avenue Project that project is a 14 and a half million dollar investment in improving traffic safety

pedestrian safety. Right now we're in phase one. So I think people are like, what are these, you know, what are what are the structures out there? But so the party will continue to do that. Helping

actually with that streetscape improvements in a certain section of that area. So those those improvements similar to tell you, hone help, you know, develop a more friendly business environment and

bring people in the area. So one more thing the parking enterprise does and will continue to do is subsidize route 3, which is a partnership with transit to bring a free bus rides from downtown all

the way up through man, So that helps bring people from downtown until call the city help create that vibrant business opportunity. So the bar your prize, that's the first. So I kind of mentioned

Mount Metro Transit working with that for. For the route 3 and other transit improvements. City engineering. Like I said, we're doing Colorado Avenue right now. We're the first phase next year will

actually start the construction of the permanent improvements. City engineering will also working can conduct in conjunction with parks on trail improvement in the next year. That's going to be

somewhere around 300 to $500,000 improvement to the minute rail connections that will continue to do that. I know I'm covering a lot of information, but I just want to kind of give you a breath of

what we are able to do. The last one I want to touch on was. Roadway improvement to see and to see maintenance. I actually had some numbers pulled. And so for the last 10 years, we've put about 2.5

million dollars in roadway and sidewalk improvements in the area. We built about 300 new pedestrian ramps. We've done 8 miles covering gutter about 119,000 square feet of sidewalk improvements. I'm

going to talk to the gentleman about the sidewalk here in a minute. I have a card for him. So we will continue to do that actually into c 3, which is the next 10 years. I pulled the data and there's

approximately 23 unique roads within that area that will be resurfaced. Repaved and a total 45 road Mason Road by segments. So that just gives you an idea of of what we have done we to and what we

will do on top of that one last thing we will continue 2 focus on traffic and pedestrian safety improvements. Todd and the traffic engineering has a several projects that are planned as part of a

citywide traffic safety improvement program that we're running right now. So hopefully that it's your question. That was a lot. >> That didn't thank you very much for that information. I think it's

really important that we hear. I mean, I didn't know some of those things. I think just educating people that they are part of the city. Have car springs end. I know every department does want to make

sure that. They're safe infrastructure, essential functions of government is exactly what we do. So I really appreciate your intentionality on that part of the city as well and making sure that those

get done, whether people recognize it or not, it's good to hear. So thank you so much for comment. Thank you very much. Our tablets are still down. So council Donaldson. >> Yeah, thank you, MADAM

PRESIDENT. Was a lot I would pretty much characterized his accusations about the ballots earlier. Would like to call MR. Gardner who represents the dea, the oc c d a >> and and just see if he Mr Step

and would like to address some of that. >> And then other thoughts that they >> Of Thank Thank you, MADAM. PRESIDENT, members of Council. When I was contacted by MISTER Step in and asked to assist.

She should be the question of its dissolution. The proposed a solution that was just a few days out. I didn't know that my. Expert who says. That election observer international election observer

would. Apparently the skill. It has become. Yeah. Thank you for the question. COUNCILMAN. It has become quite the vogue in this country has wrecked, you indicated by the reaction COUNCILMAN Line

Webber's question about integrity of elections become quite the vote when it doesn't turn out like a like. To begin to discredit. And so. As this process has developed, I was astounded. Disappointed.

To learn by. Conscientious public official that there was a memo being prepared on Friday. Discredit this election. As playing an inordinate role in the. Decision here. 2 year-old election that was

properly certified by reputable designated election official waa large and reputable firm. That does a lot of authority work. And with respect to those who come and say I didn't get my ballot. I have,

as you know, been involved Elections and political work for 35 years. But when people come to me and say that and that's about the 10th 10,000 time, I've heard that. I certainly take it. Those.

Representations at face value and wonder and and want to investigate what happened. But I have investigated sometimes found out that. Ballot went to their house and they didn't recognize door. It got

by them or whatever. I don't know what happened. All we have. Are these records and those records need to be analyzed by someone who understands elections who the electors or are how the ballots go

out. How they're counted. All of that note. Fortunately, when. Council was given a memo that. Discredited. This election. Late on a Friday, early on a Saturday. I don't which fortunately there was

someone that was not me. But there was someone who had the time the ability. And the skill set to set in and lies. The records. And the memo. Which in my view, if you look at the rebuttal that was

sent to you. You will see that that memo is fully discredited. And a public official. Who sent that memo. Vetting it with. Qualified election. Representatives officials, courts. City attorney. Others.

Ought to be question about. The motivation for that, the judgment of that and so forth. But let me. Let me review let me review. MR. Jay Walker. Said about balance and so forth. You have to

understand. In the U.S. Authority elections, those of you. Have served on the special district board understand some of the ins and outs. If you're trying to see what parcels receive ballots. That's

the wrong thing. Parcells don't get ballots. Qualified. Electors get ballots. Who live on. But work on in the case of of a development authority a business on a partial, get a ballot. The property is

not a voter. So when you say, well, we didn't get these on the property in. I don't think you want me to spend the next 2 hours. So I will abbreviate the U.S. Just say that I was appalled. At the memo

and how. It came to conclusions without knowledge of the electoral system. The idea? Now about about the 17 parcels I don't know why the boy has been passed on and cast on the. The dda proponents

themselves. That was astounding to me. It went through Watsa lawyers, including your own. If you. Take the votes from those 17 parcels, they don't change the outcome by any means. Of the formation of

o Colorado city I was really. I was really appalled by Assertion. In the memo that 128 ballots went to the West Guide. Tears address. I'm I'm shocked. Because when I heard that it was mentioned to me,

I mean, it was said, well, of course. And you might think that's about policy. And you might think that, you know, what has this country come to that people with no fixed address essentially can use

Westside kids and registers elect doors. But folks. That's what the United States Constitution and Constitution of Colorado. Requires. So to put that in your memo that, hey. This was a this was a bad

election. Because they sent. Ballots. To registered voters. I think I'll stop there. You all received the rebuttal. What is appalled me even more? And I think I do have it. I it because that struck me

when I received the. >> The memo initially and then we received a rebuttal, which I would suspect some of my colleagues have had a chance to read. >> But it would have been improper not to send the

ballots to that address. Correct? It would have been illegal who'd raking along if they hadn't sent the ballots there. >> Well, absolutely. And then the election would hav in fact, been. A bad

election. Discredit will election. And in the information we received yesterday, only 6 ballots were returned. >> So it didn't make a difference. Anyway. It's 6 that approved by 30 some or whatever

was. >> Other than perhaps COUNCILMAN, those 6 people who register to the West Care which side cares address. Residents of the West Side. Residents of that of that authority boundary and had a right

to vote and got to vote. So of the other 120, we don't know MAY no longer be there. MAY simply have not cared. I don't know. But yes, you're exactly right. Had those not been shown. It would have been

illegal. Election and that way. Most disturbing to me has been. The advocacy. By the executive director of Urban Renewal Authority for the dissolution. I recognize that both MR. Walker and MR. Walker,

think it should have been a bid. My clients would say to you if you do the boundaries of a bid. And you do the assessment. It will be so high to produce the revenue that's needed. It's not

practicable. Not heard that from the opponents. I've heard. See she dda people say that several several times the business improvement district does not work for them. That shows a d a. We could argue

the merits of that pro pro and con. What they have. It is what was adopted election that was certified by the designated election officer. And if it were challenged in court. Today, the judge would

say too late. Long past the time. I think what is worth? Recognizing is that. The folks who have justified in front of you today for she she dda want to preserve the character. Of their neighborhood.

Colorado City. The folks, but at least some of them have the lead. The charge. For dissolution. Our competitors. For the traction, current financing, money. And the competitors for the Ducks,

increment financing, money. And I. I called several board members of the nra and said, do you know? That is just your board position a couple moved very well and the couple had no idea. But I did here

and all of that. Well. You know, we have to be really careful about these other. Other development. Tons of authorities and districts. Because of Bill 1348. Which got passed in 2015, then requires the

urban Renewal Authority to have representation from other taxing authorities that are within their boundaries. And that began to become clear to me that. You know, they as a competitor. Okay. But

recognize that when you make your to your vote, recognize that when you make a decision, they are choosing between downtown development ahority that will preserve the character of the neighborhood and

the authority which In order to use its. Instruments and tools. And I think there. Near as I can tell, are some. Ideas out there way out there? To do that. Would require declaration of a blighted

neighborhood. And the use of eminent domain taking property. From the property owners. Choose those. And the neighborhood who want to preserve it. Or do we listen to the challenges and arguments for

dissolution from those? With level what? And put something else there. I will set their MADAM PRESIDENT. Thank you thank you for your courtesy and ask that you vote no on the ordinance. And if I

could, MADAM PRESIDENT, MR. Garner. >> Is it accurate that the memo which came to counsel I donors Friday, I think was d# was not sense by the same party. The Senate to us, which I believe was dry.

Walker. >> It wasn't sent to the dda wasn't sent to use as representative. So you could look at the accusations in it and >> and make a good faith response to try to explain it. >> That's absolutely

correct. COUNCILMAN, it was only by the the sense of fairness of the college and just public official to send it to us and said what you have to say to this. How how do you respond? We even have an

opportunity to do down into Missouri as a former elected official. As a a practicing attorney is someone engaged public policy issues that that was astounding to Thank you. And I asked for know that.

>> And MADAM PRESIDENT, I'll just finish up with my my comments here. I was surprised that that memo wasn't sent to the to the dda so they could respond. We think there was something wrong with the

election. As MR. Gardner's pointed out. You know, too late, we we could have objected when it was within that 10 day period where ever it was. But I think underhanded to send that to one side and not

the other and have an influence us or attempt to. Go back just to this was an election. And it's a vet. It's an election which was validated. It stands. >> And the citizens and business owners that

voted voted to establish a d a. And now they're simply asking they're volunteering to dissolve themselves. Just give them a chance. >> 2. Go to the voters and have the voters. If we feel like this was

such a tricky saying and all the voters wouldn't really want this will, then we'll certainly shoot down. The mill Levy, won't they? So why not give them a chance to go appeal to the voters for the

establishment of that. No levee. If the worry is, well, you it's not legal for, you know, they can't legally forced themselves switch my vote at that point. And although to dissolve them, if if the no

levee fails. Has been the talk about, well, this is to da's in one city and oh, my gosh, that's extraordinarily rare. Well, this is a unique situation to where this year this was a separate city. And

so it would make sense here. We talked about this last time. I'm repeating what I said weeks ago. We have a unique history here. Colorado City was its own city was here before Colorado Springs. 2 d

a's would make sense. The voters approved that once. It does seem very strange. The amount of effort gone into. Overturning this vote of the people. I will. I will not support this. I will vote no

again, I think for the 3rd time. I think that some of the information that's come to light today makes even it should make it even more difficult to vote. Yes, to dissolve dda I peeled my colleagues

to vote no. >> COUNCILMAN Gold. >> Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT, I'd like to give a few acknowledgements. I want to acknowledge the folks who came here to so that in support of dissolving the dda

because I think it's really hard to speak up when you know that many of your peers, what the opposite of what you want. So I just really applaud your courage. I'd also like to acknowledge those

business owners who came here yet again, shutting down your business yet again to advocate for this. And it's. Quite remarkable to me that not only this is a consistent pattern for you that did that.

But you're willing to sacrifice monetary income coming in today and other days and you're willing to vote to tax yourself because you believe in a greater future for occ. And I think that's really

quite remarkable. So I just really want commend you for that. You know, something that strikes me is what cast said, who I know has left the room. Bush said low voter, low turnout doesn't invalidate

an election. And in this case, it really I maintain it really feels like that you all need more time and there's more people who would like to be engaged. We heard from some folks who said that they

didn't receive the information and it just seems like you guys need more time. I maintain that. Really hope that council supports. Has supports not dissolving the dda and that's how I'll be voting

today. So, you know, regardless of outcome, I really commend all of you for for showing up in advocating for what you believe Thank you. I don't see any other. COUNCILMAN Comments. I have a motion

from COUNCILMAN. >> Williams and the second from COUNCILMAN Remy. To vote on to dissolve the old car city, downtown development authority. >> Let's do we have to take Feustel? Okay. Call the roll. >>

Councilmember Casey Eye Council member crew Iverson. Councilmember Donaldson a councilmember gold ne engine. Line member nay. Councilmember rainy. Councilmember risley. I. Councilmember Williams.

She's made the motion passes on a 5 4 >> Moving on to item Will the clerk please read item into the record >> 10 a resolution finding a community benefit in the leasing fortune of Valley. Hi Golf

course to life skills for the use of Colorado Springs dba. First he southern Colorado. >> Good afternoon. Good afternoon. Thank you much us. And I would ask for a 5 minute recess. Can It's just

pushed. >> This really will take only about 10 minutes and then we will break for lunch. >> What about citizen comment? >> We'll come back for that. All right. What I need use the rest on >> To great

>> It depends on when we're finished with >> His >> An hour and a half. If I were you, I would come back in an hour and >> maybe you'll be early. But you won't be late. >> Because only a last. Just

stay with I go ahead. >> Okay. Thank you again. My name is Kim. Can the assistant director for Parks, Recreation, Cultural Services. This is a follow-up to our presentation that we made yesterday

below fair market ground lease in our partnership with first he southern Colorado in order to construct a new building in Valley. Hi Golf course. I have Sandy Johnson who is the ceo for first. He

southern Colorado here as well as well as Jerry Clayton operations manager. Happy to report sent or answer any questions you MAY have. >> City council members with that need another presentation. I

would make a motion to adopt things. Have a motion from COUNCILMAN Ca and the second from. COUNCILMAN Line Weber. Let's vote. Councilmember Casey. Councilmember Crow Iverson. I councilmember

Donaldson. >> 6 q's Councilmember gold, Councilmember Hendrum. I. Councilmember line councilmember raining. I