The latest news...
 Special
District Election Preliminary Results
Photos by Ray McCoy, Life Long Photography, www.lifelongphotography.com.
Below: At Palmer Lake Elementary School April 25, Evan
Tharnish places a ribbon on the tree planted 10 years ago in memory of Josh
Eaton. David Lochridge and Mario Facinelli prepare to decorate the tree for the
3 p.m. ceremony. All three boys are in Mrs. Wilson’s second grade class and
she was also Josh Eaton’s teacher.
Below: At Palmer Lake Elementary School April 25, NeTanya Hart unloads
a pallet of pavers, passing them back to Bertie Nielson of the Home Depot team
of volunteers.
Below: At Palmer Lake Elementary School April 25, 4 year old Alex
Powell, son of Home Depot Assistant Store manager Bret Powell, joins the pavers
relay team breaking-in a new pair of donated gloves.
By Raymond McCoy
Who would have thought that on a cold morning you could get
children, parents, and volunteers together to do a work project? Well, it
happened throughout the Palmer Lake community and at the entrance to Palmer Lake
Elementary School on Friday, April 25.
The activities celebrated Arbor Day and Earth Day, created a
Memorial Garden for Steve Weiss, and brought to a close the remembrance of Josh
Eaton, who would have graduated from high school this year. An evergreen tree
planted by Dee Dee and Hugh Eaton 10 years ago to remember their young son was
embellished with yellow ribbons.
The Project Green Panthers conceived by Shawn Cash
spearheaded the activity of redeveloping the front of the elementary school.
This is a group of youngsters from kindergarten through fifth grade involved in
recycling and environmental education. They eagerly undertook their task with
the tremendous support of Home Depot, which provided 15 volunteers and skids
full of landscaping, patio supplies, and fencing.
While this activity was under way at the school, other
children from all grades canvassed numerous areas around Palmer Lake, proudly
collecting litter.
During a 3 p.m. ceremony to celebrate and recognize all the
accomplishments of the day, several high school seniors who knew and would have
celebrated graduation with Josh Eaton stopped by to place yellow ribbons in his
remembrance.
That day was one of those unique moments when regardless of
the conditions, people coming together in a community can demonstrate just what
is important in their lives and enrich their neighbors and the place they call
home.
The Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District has banned
all outdoor fires, including campfires, trash, brush, and agricultural burning
within the district. This is due to the very dry conditions, low humidity, and
wind.
Exceptions are propane or charcoal barbecue grills and any
other outdoor container approved by the district’s fire marshal. El Paso
County fire bans will override this notice.
For information, contact Fire Marshal Curtis Kauffman,
266-3382.
Board
takes over highway
By Jim Kendrick
Mayor Byron Glenn and Trustees Gail Drumm and Tommie Plank
began new four-year terms on the Monument Board of Trustees (BOT) when they were
sworn in by Town Clerk Scott Meszaros on April 7. Former Planning Commissioner
Rafael Dominguez was also sworn in to start his first term, which will also be
for four years. Each ran uncontested and no election was held.
Dominguez succeeds former Trustee and Mayor Pro-Tem Dave
Mertz, who chose not to run for a second four-year term. Mertz had previously
served as Planning Commission chairman.
Trustees Steve Samuels, Travis Easton, and Tim Miller were
also present.
Town takes ownership of south end of Old Denver Highway
Glenn stated five reasons that the town should accept the
county’s offer to transfer the county’s title to Old Denver Highway
right-of-way:
Full article...
Monument Board of Trustees, April 21: Wakonda
Meadows hearings postponed; Board approves increase in D-38 fees for new
homes
Below: Monument Chief Jake Shirk shows the Board of
Trustees and town staff his department’s new state of the art night vision
camera, which was paid for entirely by a federal grant he had applied for. The
camera has a separate remote viewing screen, allowing police officers to see
what the camera is observing from a distance without betraying their presence at
the scene. Photo by Jim Kendrick.
By Jim Kendrick
The Monument Town Hall board room was filled with folks on
April 21, many from Wakonda Hills who were there to comment on the annexation of
84.5 acres of the Wakonda Meadows development, rezoning to Planned Development
(PD), and the proposed Planned Development (PD) sketch plan. Then Mayor Byron
Glenn announced that applicant Ken Barber of Zonta Partnership LTD had asked at
the last minute that these four hearings be postponed until May 5. The Board of
Trustees unanimously approved the request.
Full article...
Blue
Kona building plan approved
By Jim Kendrick
On April 9, the Monument Planning Commission unanimously
approved the final Planned Development (PD) site plan for the Blue Kona
office/warehouse building, the first of six commercial buildings to be
constructed in the Villani Industrial Park project on Synthes Avenue, east of
Mitchell Avenue, along the railroad tracks.
The drainage plan for the Villani parcel was questioned by
Graeme and Martha Aston, owners of the adjacent Electric Propulsion property to
the south. The Astons did not want the stormwater from the proposed Villani
detention pond on the southernmost of the seven Villani lots to be released onto
the northeast corner of their Aston Industrial Park parcel as shown in the
drainage portion of the final Villani Industrial Park site plan.
The commission also unanimously approved an amendment to the
long-approved design guidelines for the Monument Ridge mixed-use development on
the southeast corner of Baptist and Struthers Roads, opposite the King Soopers
center. These minor color and material changes were based on requests for
external appearance changes for the Fairfield Inn and MacDonald’s that are
about to be constructed. The commission then approved changes to these same
requested materials for the individual hotel and restaurant final PD site plans.
Full article...
Group
presents concerns about drilling
By David Futey
At the April 14 meeting, the Palmer Lake Town Council heard
concerns from Chris Amenson, president of Front Range Environmental Resource
Coalition (FRERC), about the proposal submitted to the U.S. Forest Service by
Dyad Petroleum Co. of Midland, Texas, for two exploratory gas wells on Mount
Herman and Mount Raspberry.
Amenson presented the council with an overview of FRERC and
the potential hazards involved should the drilling proceed. FRERC is a volunteer
organization that holds 501(c)3 status and, at the time of the council meeting,
had over 200 members, primarily from the Palmer Lake and Monument communities.
Amenson noted that besides the impact of the drilling
process, known as "fracing," would have on housing developments
adjacent to the area, a broader concern is the possible effects on air and above
and below ground water quality in the region. Amenson stated that the Forest
Service is conducting an environmental assessment review at this time. Once that
report is released, there will be 30 days to respond to the assessment findings.
FRERC has contracted with a firm to perform an independent
study of the drilling proposal and possible environmental effects. This
independent assessment is projected to cost $35,000 to $40,000. Amenson noted
that Colorado communities such as Walsenburg and Leadville have experienced
severe negative environmental impacts from this drilling process.
Two citizens of Palmer Lake also expressed concerns about the
drilling and the possible environmental impact on the community. News Channel 13
(KRDO) was present to cover Amenson’s presentation and follow-up discussion
with the council.
Full article...
Authority expresses concerns about proposed gas drilling
By John Heiser
At the April 16 meeting of the Pikes Peak Regional Water
Authority (PPRWA), Monument Public Works Director Rich Landreth noted that the
town has concerns about Dyad Petroleum’s proposed gas drilling on Mt. Herman.
He said some big issues are potential pollution of Monument
Creek and potential aquifer contamination. He added, "I come from an area
that has a substantial amount of drilling, and I can tell you there are
definitely going to be some impacts." He suggested that once the
environmental assessment has been released, the PPRWA might want to provide
comments.
Phil Steininger, president of the PPRWA and general manager
of the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, noted that the wells are three
times deeper than the Denver Basin aquifers but that there is the possibility of
contamination during drilling.
Full article...
Facing the Yuck Factor: Embracing
Recycled Water
Editor’s note: The Pikes Peak Regional Water Authority
is considering implementing an indirect potable reuse (IPR) system. This article about IPR systems is an abridged version of an article that originally
appeared in the September 17, 2007, issue of High Country News. The full
original article is posted at www.hcn.org/servlets/hcn.Article?article_id=17227.
Abridged article...
Here are this month’s 10 water conservation tips, geared to
your yard, taken from www.wateruseitwisely.com,
"100 Ways to Save Water."
-
We’re more likely to notice leaky faucets indoors, but
don’t forget to check outdoor faucets, pipes, and hoses for leaks.
-
If anything’s leaking, grab a wrench and fix that leaky
faucet. It’s simple, inexpensive, and can save 140 gallons a week.
-
Only water your lawn when needed. You can tell this by
walking across your lawn. If you leave footprints, it’s time to water.
-
Divide your watering cycle into shorter periods to reduce
runoff and allow for better absorption every time you water.
-
Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. Longer grass
shades root systems and holds soil moisture better than a closely clipped
lawn.
-
Use the sprinkler for larger areas of grass. Water small
patches by hand to avoid waste.
-
Direct downspouts and other runoff toward shrubs and
trees, or collect and use for your garden.
-
Install a rain shut-off device on your automatic
sprinklers to eliminate unnecessary watering.
-
Reduce the amount of grass in your yard by planting
shrubs and groundcover with mulching.
-
When watering grass on steep slopes, use a soaker hose to
prevent wasteful runoff.
One more note about sprinklers. Spring is the time to check
your irrigation controller. The proper settings can save thousands of gallons of
water in your landscaping and save your plants from drowning. Don’t just set
it and forget it. Your watering schedules will change as plants become
established, as the seasons change, and when it rains. For help in programming
your sprinklers, visit www.wateruseitwisely.com/outdoor/controller.shtml.
There’s also a watering guide at the site that can help you determine how to
water your lawn and plants.
For detailed lawn-care tips, visit www.eartheasy.com/grow_lawn_care.htm.
The EarthEasy site also offers lots of information about drip-irrigation
systems, soaker hoses, and rain barrel catchment systems that can be
strategically placed to maximize watering. The site also offers advice on adding
a watering meter to your hose and timers to your sprinklers, to set water use to
required needs ( www.eartheasy.com/live_water_saving.htm
).
Merger with Academy "may be getting too hard to do"
Below: (L to R) Donala President Ed Houle congratulates
Chief Wastewater Operator Mike Poeckes for being named the employee of the
quarter. Photo by John Heiser.
By John Heiser
Following the executive session at the end of the Donala
Water and Sanitation District Board of Directors meeting April 16, Dana Duthie,
Donala’s general manager, reported that the merger with the Academy Water and
Sanitation District "may be getting too hard to do."
In a later communication, Duthie indicated that Donala is
facing significant infrastructure investments over the next seven to nine years,
and covering the cost of additional capacity to serve Academy customers without
a financial contribution from those customers is an unfair burden on Donala’s
customers.
Duthie said Donala has left open the possibility of a service
agreement under which Academy’s customers would pay fees for water and sewer
service provided by Donala.
Full article...
Bill Lowes appointed to two-year board term; two other
seats to be decided in May 6 election
Below: April 23, DWFPD board president Brian Ritz swears in
newly appointed board member Bill Lowes. Photo by Jim Kendrick.
By Jim Kendrick
On April 23, the Donald Wescott Fire Protection District
board filled the vacant seat created when Director Dave Cross resigned. The
resignation came after the deadline for including his seat in the May 6 election
but more than 60 days before the regular board meeting on May 21, when the
elected board could vote for a replacement. Under Colorado statutes, a
replacement must be appointed within 60 days.
Three district constituents asked to be considered for the
appointment: Bill Lowes, Scott Campbell, and Steve Kjonaas. Lowes is a retired
24-year Wescott volunteer firefighter and former board chairman. Campbell, an
information services supervisor for the city of Colorado Springs with expertise
in city fire service information systems, was already a candidate for one of the
two contested four-year seats that will be decided on May 6. Kjonaas is a career
Air Force fireman, who recently retired from Peterson Air Force Base.
After two tie votes (2-2), the board went into executive
session for 25 minutes to discuss how to resolve the tie votes. The board then
unanimously elected Lowes to replace Cross and thanked Campbell and Kjonaas for
volunteering to serve.
Lowes was sworn in by Ritz and voted on issues for the
remainder of the meeting. Lowes’ term expires in May 2010.
Full article...
Election attracts a surprising number of candidates
By Susan Hindman
Although eight candidates are vying for two seats on the
Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District board, four of the candidates are
relatively unknown, creating uncertainty as to why there is an unusually high
interest in those two seats. The four did not appear at the April 23 meeting and
have not been seen at any recent (if any) public meetings. The election is
Tuesday, May 6. One seat is a two-year term, the other a four-year term.
Two of the candidates are current board members, Marlin
"Si" Sibell and Rod Wilson.
Candidate Bob Hansen is a former board member.
Candidate Chip Fleming was a longtime volunteer firefighter
for the district, and he attended this meeting.
The remaining candidates are Rafael Dominguez, Mike Smaldino,
Barbara Kelly, and Roger Lance.
After the meeting, some board members privately expressed
their surprise over the candidates who were unknown to them — especially
considering there have been few controversial issues since residents voted to
merge the Tri-Lakes and Woodmoor-Monument fire districts last year.
Director Harv Simms was a ninth candidate but decided not to
run. He had volunteered to fill the position left vacant when director Hansen
moved out of the Woodmoor district. However, Simms’ name will appear on the
ballot, because his decision to withdraw from the election was made after the
ballots had been printed. He requested that anyone who would have voted for him
cast their vote for Sibell.
Hansen is able to run for a position on the board because his
home is located in the newly merged Tri-Lakes Monument district.
Absentee ballots are available at Station 1 and must be
turned in by election day. Voting will be held at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105.
Candidates will appear on the ballot by the term for which they are running:
 |
Four-year term: Lance, Wilson, Hansen, and Fleming |
|
Two-year term: Dominguez, Smaldino, Sibell, Kelly (and
Simms) |
Full article...
Photos by David Futey.
Below: (L-R) Fred Turner expresses his appreciation to
Fire Paramedic Janaka Branden, Battalion Chief Greg Lovato, Lt. Eric Brown, and
Firefighters Marcus Matthynssens, Jason Kelsey for their efforts in saving his
life from a cardiac arrest. (not pictured David Heier)
Below: After presenting Meritorious Unit Awards,
Battalion Chief Greg Lovato is pictured with (L-R) driver engineer Tony Tafoya,
firefighter Mark Vanlandingham, and firefighter Rudi Gillette. These
firefighters, along Lt. Chris Sobin (not pictured), rescued Stacy Quartararo and
her two sons from a townhouse fire.
Below: ( L-R) Battalion Chief Mike Dooley and Beverly
Dooley accept the award for L.W. Dooley, who was inducted into Local 4319 of the
International Association of Firefighters as an honorary member.
Below: LaVern Kauffman (C) was inducted into Local
4319 of the International Association of Firefighters as an honorary member.
Kauffman is flanked by his son and Fire Marshal Curtis Kauffman (L) and wife,
Esther Kauffman (R).
By David Futey
"Firemen never die, they just burn forever in the hearts
of the people whose lives they saved." This quote, from Susan Diane
Murphree, certainly rang true when the Monument Firefighters Association (MFA)
gathered to honor past firefighters for their service to the Monument community
and present firefighters for actions taken in recent emergencies. The event,
emceed by MFA union representative Jody Thorpe, brought together not only those
being honored but also those the firefighters assisted in two recent and
unrelated emergencies.
Full article...
Board continues implementing policy governance
Photo by John Heiser
Click here on the photos to zoom in
Below: Steve Waldmann introduces some of the winners of the
chess tournament.
Below: Phyllis Robinette, a kindergarten teacher at Palmer
Lake Elementary School, received a commendation for achieving certification as a
National Board Certified Teacher.
Below: (Clockwise from the left) Superintendent Ray
Blanch: Jon Hutchison, band director at Creekside Middle School; Kirsta Lopez,
language arts teacher at Lewis-Palmer Middle School; and Jessica Quinn, first
grade teacher at Palmer Lake Elementary School; Deb Chittenden, Director of
Professional Learning; board members Mark Pfoff, Jeff Cantlebary, John Mann, Dee
Dee Eaton, and Gail Wilson. Hutchinson, Lopez, and Quinn are completing their
first year as teachers in the district.
By John Heiser
The Lewis-Palmer District 38 School Board has adopted the
policy governance model. As part of implementing policy governance, at the
school board meeting April 17, the board members engaged in a conversation with
teachers Jon Hutchison, band director at Creekside Middle School; Kirsta Lopez,
language arts teacher at Lewis-Palmer Middle School; and Jessica Quinn, first
grade teacher at Palmer Lake Elementary School. Hutchinson, Lopez, and Quinn are
completing their first year as teachers in the district.
The teachers responded to such questions as, "What
expectations did you have for your students this year?" and "What help
or assistance do you need from the district in order to better perform your
job?" The teachers generally expressed satisfaction with the educational
environment at the district. Lopez said, "I don’t think I could have
asked for a better situation for my first year of teaching." The teachers
had concerns about the effect of potential budget cuts if voters do not pass a
mill levy override in November.
Full article...
Palmer Lake Park Master Plan update presented
By Jim Kendrick
The El Paso County Parks Department updates its master plan
every five years. The process started for the Palmer Lake regional
recreational area with a public Internet survey in August 2007. Since then,
county Parks Director Tim Wolken, Planning Manager Neil Katz, and their staff
have been working with the Town of Palmer Lake and several stakeholder
committees to develop the Palmer Lake Master Plan, which was presented at Town
Hall on April 30 for public review and comment. (See http://adm.elpasoco.com/Parks/Facilities.htm
for detailed information on each of the county’s regional facilities.)
Full article...
Below: State Rep. Douglas Bruce at the meeting on TABOR
April 26. Photo by Gene Taylor.
By Susan Hindman
State Rep. Douglas Bruce and Wade Buchanan, president of the
Bell Policy Center, a Colorado nonprofit public policy research and advocacy
group, debated the merits of TABOR (the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights) at a
program organized by students at Pikes Peak Community College on April 26.
Around 60 students and members of the community attended.
TABOR, a state constitutional amendment crafted by Bruce and
passed in 1992, requires voter approval for any tax increases and limits
increases in state spending to inflation plus population growth — whether it’s
a lean year or a boom year. Limiting the government, Bruce says, "is what
freedom is all about." The Bell Policy Center calls TABOR the most
restrictive tax limitation in the country.
Full article...
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