>> Good morning. I said
council in line come in and
then run back out. So we're
going to go ahead and get
started with that. Work
session this morning. Monday
MAY 12, 2025. Work session
meeting. Did he go? Ok, then
we'll go ahead and call. We'll
call. He'll get to see by the
time we get to him. So the
clerk, please call roll.
Councilmember Bailey.
Councilmember Crow Anderson,
some of Donelson.
>> Here was a member gold
PRESIDENT Councilmember hinge
present Councilmember
Williams. Councilmember line
weather here on some member
raining here. Councilmember
Risley. Present.
>> Do we have any changes to
the agenda? For today? Such
and
>> Seeing none. We'll move on
to the regular meeting
comments. Are there any
changes to the regular meeting
for tomorrow?
>> MADAM PRESIDENT, I it's not
changing. Want to pull some
stuff off consent. Those
things that are quasi judicial
and it's the first hearing to
set only set a date, but
really and I'm not sure every
all the new members understand
this. You're voting on it the
first time and you're proving
it the first time. So. I guess
we'll get to that tomorrow.
>> So to review of the
previous do we have with a
stick or at least read item
for e?
>> Which items are you exactly
pulling council member
Allison, just for the public
to know?
>> We'll have the list with me
today because normally we talk
about all the land use items
shedding for or be b g 4
image.
>> I think or b And that's the
last one.
>> Is Jay quasi judicial? Yes
ordinance. And yeah, that
would be
>> ok? Thank The clerk, please
read item foray into the
record. Preview and previous
meeting minutes. Are there any
changes to meeting minutes
from week? All right. So we'll
go ahead and open with the
clerk. Please read in fight.
I'm fighting couldn't find
into the record by
>> the ribbon Cruz case number
25 0, 0, 5, 0, 6, Ks.
>> All right. When they come
and turn it over to the
attorney.
>> Good morning, Ben Volin,
your city attorney's office.
So from time to time, City
employees MAY be sued for
acting within the course and
actually set up within the
course and scope of their
duties. We often see that for
police officers. And that is
the case here. We bring these
cases to council to, from our
obligation, to defend our city
employees, including police
officers and the peace
officers liability act and the
Colorado Governmental immunity
act. And we do through head
nods or thumbs up. It's a
somewhat informal action to
acknowledge application of
have under the law.
>> Sir, can I have an
acknowledgment comes up or had
not that we work?
>> All Thank you. So the city
attorney, please refrain into
the record. Then Boulder City
attorney's office I will take
a normally I just read this as
fast as I quickly can I can.
But
>> for the benefit of our new
members and take a moment to
explain under the Colorado
Open Meetings Act which the
city has adopted into its
charter. So we follow our own
charter version of it. There
are only certain times and
reasons that we can take the
council into an executive
session where the public's not
allowed. And there's an
enumerated lessors about 6
different reasons. Today.
We're going to take you into
executive session to talk
about 2 different topics.
We're gonna talk about a real
estate acquisition. That's one
of the enumerated items. And
the other is instructions to
negotiators regarding economic
development incentive
agreement. And that's another
rated item that we can go into
closed for is to talk about
something more negotiating so
that we don't have to give our
our thoughts and opinions way.
Okay. So I read this whole
paragraph and then you guys
will vote. It takes two-thirds
of you to really go into a
closed session. In accord with
City Charter article 3,
section 3, Dash 6, td and it's
incorporated, Colorado, Open
meetings Act cra's. 24 6 Dash
4, 0, 2, 4, a b and e.
>> Those are the specific
sections of the Open Meetings
Act. We're using to justify
the closed. City Council in
open session is determine
whether will hold a closed
executive session. The issues
to be addressed, involved
consultation with the city
attorney for legal advice and
discussion regarding
instructions to negotiators
and strategy for real estate
acquisition and instructions
to negotiators regarding an
economic development and the
set of agreements. The
PRESIDENT Council should
uphold the city council
members in the pond. Consent
of two-thirds of the members
present MAY conduct a closed
executive session in the
event. Any city council
members participating
electronically or
telephonically into closed
executive session. Each city
councilmember participating in
a closed executive session
show from Dudley State. For
the record. No other member of
the public not authorized to
participate in a closed
executive session is present
are able to hear the matters
discussed as part of a closed
executive session if consent
of a closed executive session
is not giving the enemy be
discussed in open session or
withdrawn from consideration
so we need to votes because
there are 2 matters. It will
be a yes and yes, sir. Yes.
And the no. And it takes
two-thirds.
>> Clear to you want to go
through the roller. Do.
>> Councilmember Bailey.
Twice. All right. I and I.
Council member crew Everson. I
councilmember Donaldson. I I
councilmember gone.
Councilmember I I.
>> Councilmember line member.
I councilmember Remy.
Councilmember Risley.
>> Yes, and yes. And I can
also confirm that I am alone
and no one else can hear this.
>> Councilmember Williams. And
>> All right. We're going
Carry on the spring. So with
the clerk, please read into
the record. Update from Pikes,
Peak Outdoor Recreation
Alliance.
>> Okay. Here in Colorado, we
love the outdoors. That's who
we are. It's where we
recreate. Hard to imagine a
place this beautiful in that
wasn't a source of pride and
identity for its people. The
of nurture and support our
wildlife communities,
agriculture and the economy
and provide exceptional
recreation experiences to all
Coloradans. And occurs. These
lands and waters of
traditional homelands that
many different tribal nations
and indigenous peoples
continue to play a vital role
in stewarding. Today and into
the future. We can all protect
and care for what we love and
we can help outdoors overcome
pressures from wildfire,
drought and increasing
temperatures as well as
impacts of growth in human
development. That's why
Coloradans across the state
have come together to bring to
life an inspiring vision.
Colorado's outdoor strategy.
It advances shared goals and
their actions to support
conservation recreation in
climate resilience. Strategy
drives partnerships and
collaboration. It will inform
regional and statewide
decision-making spark change
with a host of tools and
resources, including data,
nothing tools and funding
opportunities. We won't be the
future of doors at the chance.
We'll be visionary, proactive
and collaborative. Because we
love Colorado. Learn more at
cpw that state that co dot
U.S. Slash Colorado's outdoor
strategy.
>> All right. Great to be with
you all. I'm Conor Hall I-lead
Colorado's Office of Outdoor
Recreation Industry at the
state. Here. Speaking on
behalf of Governor Polis and
the administration. So thank
you again, so much for having
me this morning. I want to
start by expressing my
appreciation for the
incredible work being done in
the Pikes Peak region to
protect and enhance Colorado's
great outdoors. Special thanks
to key line. Weber and her
team the Pikes Peak after
Recreation alliance pp not
only has shaped the Colorado
after strategy, but they're
actively driving and really
leading the implementation.
That car Rams the outdoors is
deeply a part of who we are.
Connects us to each other, our
history and our future, but
are natural resources face on
Preston and of pressure from
growth, climate change,
wildfire and water scarcity.
That's why we launched the
Colorado strategy. A bold
statewide vision for
conservation recreation in
climate resiliency. And
frankly, the first of its kind
in the country. It was a
pretty bold and ambitious
undertaking. We've been
working on this plan for the
last couple of years. And now
we're hitting that
implementation phase. One of
the pillars of the strategy is
the regional partnerships
initiative which fosters
locally rooted coalitions that
bring together recreation
conservation. In some cases,
agriculture tourism interest
to in advance shared goals for
region. Peoria exemplifies
this approach. And in my
humble opinion, is probably
one of the most successful
regional partnerships in the
state. We've got over 20 now
and ppr has been doing it. I
think a longer than most has
done a really remarkable job
bringing the right
stakeholders to the table. And
Your city Covered Springs has
the opportunity to lead. By
example, with anticipated
growth in this region
exceeding 1 million people by
2049 smart growth and planning
is more important than ever.
Supporting ppr. A means
investing healthy communities,
climate, resilient landscapes
after equity and expanded
recreation opportunities and
the sustainable, thriving
outdoor economy. Together. We
can build on this momentum and
bring to life transformational
projects like the ring. The
peak trail. In the new
recreation vision for Pikes,
Peak America's Mountain. I
strongly forgot I had slides
this whole time said. So this
was a picture from us
launching the strategy here in
the Pikes Peak region a couple
weeks with the governor and
other key partners. And you
can find more on this strategy
on I thought the video summed
it up nicely but again, it
really talks about.
Conservation, recreation and
climate resiliency all come
together. That nexus between
all of those things and how we
planned for the next 10, 2030,
years. As our state continues
to grow as our region's
continue, like Pikes Peak
continue to grow. We also
worked with. Skip around here.
Let me hear the 20 maybe 21
partnerships we have around
the state this point. The
regional partnerships. So
still a few gaps, but
generally speaking pretty good
coverage from the state and
each of these communities for
the past couple years has
been. And with those
coalitions and all those
regional plans, then inform
the overarching statewide
strategy. We also worked great
outdoors, Colorado and cpw to
set aside 50 million dollars
over the course of the next 5
years for the implementation
of this plan. And this is
another region. I another
reason I would strongly
encourage you all to support
ppr in the fullest sense
because they will be really at
the tip of the spear. I, you
know, to take advantage of
this 50 million dollar for
implementation of the
strategy. So with that, I you
know, thank you all for taking
the time today. Thank ppr it
as just a wonderful, wonderful
partner, energy to support
with your voice. Your voice is
your policy and financial
assistance. Thank you.
>> Know where Michael went.
But next video we're ready
for. Let me try and play it
through here. Enough.
>> Thank you for your
patience. You've heard a
little bit about the overall
Colorado's outdoor strategy.
And now we're going to talk to
specifically about what our
regional partnership is
working on. What this update
is about. And that's our
outdoor Pikes Peak initiative.
I'm Becky Line Weber,
executive director of the
Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation
Alliance. So we'll have you go
ahead and play that.
>> There is no place in
America like I
>> He asked or Pikes Peak
Initiative is a locally rooted
state-supported process along
with all of the regional work
we're doing how it's really
setting the foundation, not
just for us to enjoy the
outdoors today, but future
generations.
>> We've also through this
process identified a number of
really specific strategies
that I think it set us for the
future. The opp I process has
made it possible for all of
us. If the same table talk
about how we want to conserve
those places and how we can
forward, you know that
everyone has a different
vision of.
>> With the outdoor should How
do we make sure that we're
bringing everyone to the table
when making decisions about
public lands so that we can
pick the right opportunities.
Find that right balance so
that the quality of our
recreational experiences
>> really can continue into
the future.
>> We want to make that
whatever plan we have is
sustainable and can continue
for this Generation x
generation and is the
spectacle of the wildlife that
call people. It's the outdoors
that really bring people here.
It's the outdoors that people
want to go see outdoors that
are businesses want to be a
part to bring their employees
its the outdoors, which is
greatest asset in our
community. That really puts us
above so many other cities and
communities our size.
>> It is our competitive
advantage. So how can we
preserve of those recreational
experiences? I think it's
important that we all have a
next to one another.
>> Discussed. But we feel that
the important and to converse
about how we can protect this
land that we all have to come
together to really champion
what's important for us. So
that for future generations,
all can experience that's
really special about this
place. This will not be a plan
just this will be a show those
results. This will be a
planned Naik. The Pikes Peak
region better. If you want to
move fast going euro, if you
want to move together. But now
it's time for us to turn the
page and we're going to take
all of that work and think
about how do we operationalize
these things? How do we
implement some of the things
that we've seen are so
important and it's going to
take It's going to take Can
take all of us coming to the
table. Greening putting aside
some of our differences and
thinking about how together
can we make generational
impact. You are outdoors. All
right. Thank you, Michael, for
getting that play. Well.
>> So good morning City
council members, as I
mentioned, Becky Line Weber
with ppe which is short for
Pikes, Peak Outdoor Recreation
Alliance like acronyms around
here. So that's what we go by.
>> As you just saw, this is.
>> Our outdoor Pikes Peak
Initiative. And we've just
completed our draft vision
plan. You each have an
executive summary there and
we're going to just go going
to be some highlights on the
goals and I'm going to go
rather rapidly because this is
the plan and it's a lot and
you don't want me to go
through all this. So I'm gonna
go quickly. But there will be
time for questions at the end.
All right. Will technical
while they're working on that.
Well, we do. They get that
that going to rise can see
that. But this has been in the
works since 2021. Connor
shared with you that we are
one of the Colorado outdoor
regional partnerships. We were
selected the regional
partnership for this region.
And that's Paso County Teller
County and Fremont County. So
3 county area. We started
hours in 2021. At that time we
were one of only 4 regional
partnerships. Now there are 21
across the state of Colorado
and they're hoping to expand
that to really cover the
state. But what's great about
the fact that we're one of the
first, although it's hard
sometimes to setting out and
creating new ground also
create some new opportunities
for us and being one of the
first were also one of the
first to complete our vision
plan or vision plan draft was
released to the public last
week and it will be open for
public comment through JUNE
first. So we're in this
wonderful period of time where
all of the combination of the
last 3 and a half plus years,
it's pulled together and now
we've released it and waiting
for comments from the
community. But at the same
time, we're moving forward.
And as you mentioned, as
Connor mentioned, Go Co and
Colorado Parks and
commissioner for great
Outdoors, Colorado, those of
you that familiar with them,
they have put together an
incredible amount of funding.
This is part of their 5 year
strategic plan. It's
50 million dollars that they
have set aside for regional
partnerships for the next 5
years, 40 million of that is
for implementation. That's
huge. We did not have that
funding before right now. And
the Green hasn't even opened
up yet. It will open up this
summer and it's only
accessible to regional
partnerships to carry out the
work that we have done to
these vision plans. What's
really important about that is
as one of the first to release
their vision plan. We have an
opportunity before all of the
other regional partnerships
catch up to really move
forward. Some of the projects
and initiatives and priorities
that are for our Pikes Peak
region. So we're really
excited about that. Exciting,
but there.
>> I'm sorry. Yes, COUNCILMAN
Thank you. Thank you for being
here. I'm looking forward to
seeing this. Can you just talk
about the source of the
50 million dollars? Yes, it's
the 50 million dollars is from
great outdoors, Colorado. Go
coach and Gold Coast's funding
comes from the lottery. The
Colorado lottery and a big
part of it goes to cpw and
then to their own grant
funding and they fund
community projects. City of
Colorado Springs is taking
advantage of that El Paso
County and taking advantage of
that and they together with
Colorado Parks and wildlife
have together decided to fund
regional partnerships through
this regional partnership.
Thank
>> All right. Looks like we
are. Just about there. Her
mission. I'll just go to this
quickly collaboratively
identified advance priorities
and innovative strategy
strategies to ensure the
resiliency improvement of our
natural and recreational
values. For the Pikes Peak
region. And as I mentioned,
I'm gonna go through those 10
goals and didn't go through
them rather quickly. So the
first one was to convene a
broad based coalition. This is
something often does. Anyway.
We convene a lot of partners
in for the outdoor Pikes Peak
Initiative. You'll probably
recognize a lot of the symbols
on here, but we brought
together a lot of outdoor
partners in the land
management as well as outdoor
conservation. Outdoor
recreation and outdoor
business partners all working
together. Here's just some
pictures of that group work. I
am so grateful for all of the
stakeholders who have stayed
with us over the last few
years for this planning work
you can see in the upper
corner Focus Group past. We
identified some strategies. We
recognized that we needed some
additional expertise. So we
pulled some additional
expertise from the community
to work on that. We also
pulled some visionary groups
together of community leaders
that are not in the outdoor
space but are adjacent and
that the outdoors impacts them
to help lend a hand. So
there's just quite a bit of
stakeholder group that went on
bulls number 2, 3 create
maintain a dynamic, outdoor
Pikes, Peak data hub and
develop a multi here are multi
layered planning mapping tool.
In addition to that, we
created in either decision
support tools such as project
criteria framework. What's so
great about this is this is a
partnership with Uccs and they
are looking at this as a
community investment project
that they will maintain over
time. This data hub is the
first time we've had all of
this data, almost 100 planning
documents across the Pikes
Peak region, socioeconomic
data, recreation data, tourism
data, natural resource data
and mapping all in one place.
Available to help make land
use decisions to help make
project decisions to help us
really inform how we move
forward in areas that affect
the outdoors. Goal number 4
was to evaluate those past
planning efforts. I mentioned
almost 100 plans. We brought
those together from 1984, all
the way up to current day. And
we evaluated those. We did an
assessment of those. And then
we talk to our land managers
and what are the areas there
that you're having challenges
with an implementing? What are
the things that are not
relative anymore? And we
talked through those with
them. Oh, number 5, invite and
assess the needs and
aspirations of land managers
like we just mentioned,
stakeholders and the general
public in 2022, we worked with
the Colorado tourism office to
do an outdoor industry
stakeholder report and we
surveyed and benchmarked and
got aspirations from our
outdoor industry. We also this
probably the biggest part of
our effort to quite a lot of
robust public listing. So we
did 11. Our initial round was
11 listening. Sessions across
the 3 county area. We went
out. We talked to the
community and we heard from
them. What's really important
to them regarding challenges
and opportunities in our
outdoor spaces. But we knew
that there were some gaps
after doing that. And so we
went out and did some pop-up
outreach in different areas.
He went to underserved
communities. We prefer
provided Spanish to English
materials and an interpreter,
military community. Private
landowners, business and
community leaders. Youth. And
we also met with tribal
leaders, not that long ago. We
met with elected officials,
including this body to share
what we were up to him to get
some input. And all of this
data, all this information
that we from local down into a
vision statement, strategies
and action items that we did a
lot voting on to find
consensus and we took these
and we went back out to the
community with more listening
sessions to say, did we get it
right? And again, this was
across the 3 counties, lots of
different community engagement
here. And we also did this to
service. It wasn't just in
public, but also surveys for
those who couldn't online
listening sessions as well as
in person. This 92% of our
in-person folks said yes, they
agree with these recommended
strategies and 100% of our
survey respondents said yes,
number 6 was to recommend a
revised alternative management
funding model. One of the
things we knew going into this
is that on Pikes Peak in
particular, all of the growth
that we're seeing in Colorado
Springs, El Paso County is
funneling into our outdoors
and it's creating a lot of
challenges for land managers.
It's also affecting
recreational experiences. And
so we knew we wanted to look
at the management. See, are
there ways we could do this
better? So we went out and got
16 different models are looked
at 16 models across the U.S.
Of multi-jurisdictional
management. And then we as a
task force, we narrow that
down to 4 and then we narrow
that down to one. And we took
this model, which is a
partnership of all these
multiple jurisdictions, but
using one entity has the lead
to manage the people to manage
the recreation and to create
recreational opportunities and
Colorado parks and wildlife
uniquely fit that as a way to
bring greater resources to the
area and also greater capacity
for existing land managers in
that space. So we looked at
this. We talked to our land
managers quite a bit about
this all together and
individually. There were some
that were like, yeah, let's do
this and others that like will
hold on. I don't know about
this. So it took quite a lot
of conversation and it's still
ongoing with our land
managers. But one of the very
exciting things as Governor
Polis recognized just knew
management model because in
the lower left to see a group
of the land manager
representatives there, they
came together and did a letter
of intent sent that to the
director of Colorado Parks and
Wildlife at the end of 2024.
And in the governor state of
the State address, he
mentioned it. And then in
FEBRUARY he came to Colorado
Springs to celebrate this new
partnership that was forming.
So that's what these pictures
are from. And you can see
several of our Colorado
Springs folks are are involved
in that. So you can see Brett
and Skyler with Pikes Peak
America's Mountain and Travis
with Colorado Springs
Utilities are Forest Service,
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Department. Natural Resources.
A Pasco County. So all of
these folks been working
together on this new
management model. And I'll
talk a little bit more about
that towards the end. Oh,
number 7 was to identify
recreation conservation
priorities and key projects.
So all of continued on. We had
the strategies that we need to
look at. What does that mean?
What are we going to
actionable? What are we going
to take action on? So we
identified through quite a
process. A number of projects
and initiatives to move
forward. Goals. Number 89 kind
of go together, identify
desirable in critical natural
habitat areas and identify
areas for potential recreation
opportunities. And so what we
did is we worked again with
more partnerships, working on
Colorado's Outdoor Strategies
Steering Committee. I learned
that we were working with
Colorado Natural Heritage
Program to create this
conservation summary for the
state of Colorado. We looked
at that conservation summary
and said, why do we do that
for Pikes Peak region? They
said yes, we took their data
and then we went to our local
partners to find out what's
very special about the Pikes
Peak region. That's different
from the state. Together. We
created the Pikes Peak
Conservation summary that lead
into our opportunity of air or
areas of opportunitmap,
which helps us identify areas
to double down on conservation
and areas where recreation
development might be best
suited. Go number 10 is where
we are today. We created a
sustainable recreation
conservation vision plan. And
as I mentioned, we just
released checked. It's open
for public comment through
JUNE. 1st. So which is all of
this mean? This is more than a
milestone. We are at a pivotal
moment. I'm going to share
with you some of the reasons
why. Colorado Springs, El Paso
County in particular are
growing at a rapid pace. Okay.
You guys already know that
this is no big surprise to you
all. Our tourism. In addition,
it has been a growing economic
driver and visitors are drawn
to our outdoors. I've shared
with the prior city council
that with our tourism numbers.
Our long with report, you can
tell that the number one
activity of visitors is going
outside and enjoying our
outdoors beyond visiting with
friends and family and
touring, which is part of the
outdoors. The number one
reason people come here is for
outdoors. So tourism is a big
part of it. We're getting lots
of folks here and we're
growing our population. But
smart growth is important in
our outdoor spaces just as it
is in the city and it requires
thoughtful planning. The good
news is we have a plan now.
We've identified priorities to
grow outdoor amenities while
safeguarding natural resources
and wildlife. We have the
support of the governor who
wants to see a new
collaborative management model
on Pikes Peak that he can
expand elsewhere in Colorado.
And I'm going to share with
you why this is important
right now. We have a deficit
in the state of Colorado, our
budget. So they're looking for
funding wherever they can find
But at the same time, Governor
Polis is putting pressure on
Colorado parks and wildlife to
make this happen in Pikes,
Peak Pikes Peak is known
internationally. It's very
important and he wants to see
this happen. And he's only
here for another 2 years. So
that's part of this moment in
time that we have. We also
have the partners and
relationships and are doubling
down on them. One of the
things that we know is we need
good collaboration. We need
good working relationships
with our partners. We put in
place something called
Adaptive leadership training,
which we're doing over the
course of the year with 30 of
our outdoor partners learning
to work together so that we
tackle some of these complex
challenges that we have in
front of us. We have access to
significant funding resources.
As we mentioned, but it is
highly competitive and it
requires local investment to
date. We've seen the state
invest thoroughly into
regional partnerships, but now
they want to start seeing more
local investment. So we have
to plan. We have partners. We
have state will support and
access to critical funding
opportunities. But now what we
need is your support support
to help bring this vision to
life through local investment
leadership in alignment so we
can ensure Colorado Springs in
the Pikes Peak region remains
a leader, responsible outdoor
recreation conservation
community well-being for
generations to come. As we
look ahead, your support is
essential. But so is
partnership and leadership.
That's where ppe the Pikes
Peak Outdoor Recreation
Alliance comes in. For those
of you who MAY be new to the
council and welcome. I have
met some of you some of you
I've met for short. So it's
great to have you here. But
you're not very familiar,
probably with ppe or e. So I
want to give you just a little
bit of information about who
we are. So we are 5, a one c 3
nonprofit organization we
reformed in 2016 and our
mission is to strengthen the
outdoor wreck industry for the
Pikes Peak region through
leadership and collaboration.
We convene together outdoor
businesses, outdoor nonprofit
organizations and land
management and government
entities. These are our
pillars grow. That's largely
what opiates about Stewart,
our special outdoor
environments, strengthen the
Pikes Peak region's out to
wreck into street. We do that
through. We have an industry
job fair. We meet together
every every month as about 30
outdoor leaders. We also have
an outdoor job board. Number
of things we do their
inspiring greater
participation, outdoor
recreation. And then we
advocate on behalf of the
outdoor industry all the
places. So now I'd love to
have to for board members come
up and share with you just
briefly a little bit more
about ppe or 8. So our board
chair Geoff Mosher and past
year, Toby Gannett will speak
with you for a few moments.
City Council appreciate taking
time this morning to hear
about and staff members from
the city.
>> It's been my pleasure to
serve as the board chair for
couple of years. Now. I'm also
the special projects director
for the city of c#
#
Creek.
And we are committed on the
other side, the west side of
Pikes Peak too, to move
forward with these
initiatives. And I I I'm
pretty the the report is now
out. The governor's support
unit. I'm not sure if if you
understand how exciting this
can be moving forward, we are
ready to make this happen.
We're ready to protect the
mountain. Ready to
strategically plan, how
recreation and conservation
can be done and how to steward
that for generations to come.
So I appreciate Connor coming
from the governor's office
that shows the support from
that level and bakkies
presentation is is exciting
and fun to hear. It's taken a
long time to get where we're
at. And we're at that.
Precipice time to move forward
and make a big leap into what
we can do with the Pikes Peak
region. We did get commitment
from Teller County as well. On
the letter to the governor, a
big portion be isn't our
county. So that's important to
us in c#
#
Creek. C#
#
Creek does financially support
and we have for several years
now we're looking forward to
increasing that support as
this programming and
initiatives can move forward.
So I just want to be a little
bit of background of Pra. We
are a voluntary independent
board. There's 11 members that
are voters. There's 3 x of his
shows El Paso County Conroe
Chamber and edc and El Pomar.
Sorry. I said that wrong. Let
let me go back. Our x
officials come from cpw, Pasco
County and then and then vice
PRESIDENT Government affairs
from the Chamber and edc and
then our help from foundation
representatives as well. So
those are 6. The shelves you
might realize from David's
cameo on the video and Becky's
last name. The David is is the
founder of ppe or e and We
respect we're his plan was
going. He's on an advisory
position, a role with the
board right now. He is a
non-voting member, but he
definitely offers his
expertise. So we appreciate
the time. COUNCILMAN Wine
lovers participation in this
program. So we do look forward
to moving forward. We're
excited about where ppr is
headed. We see it as an
important aspect of the entire
Pikes Peak region. Fremont
Teller and Paso County to move
forward with recreation and
conservation in the Pikes Peak
region. Not just on the
mountain, but all the
communities surrounding it.
You have anything you want
Council members? It's great to
see you again and for the new
members. Welcome to the team
effort of improving Colorado
Springs.
>> My name is Joe and for
those of you who don't know
me, I'm a fellow at the Aspen
Institute. I'm a board
leadership fellow with the
National Association with Corp
of corporate directors and a
former global cherub Orden,
ceo services within to growth
locally here I'm working on
the largest affordable housing
project in the Rocky Mountain
region. I want to give a
little background to this
project in that several years
ago when I was on the board of
the Chamber of Commerce and dc
and serving as interim ceo.
MISTER Lee Byrne came to me
and he said there is a
critical gap in our community
that the chamber and edc is
doing certain roles in terms
of economic and community
development. There's a
Colorado Springs is doing
other activities. But what's
really being missed is the
long-term strategic planning
for outdoors in outdoor
recreation, our region. And
that includes conservation
from those early discussions.
Now, 10 years ago, we have
been working on what you see
today, which is an ambitious
attempts to bring state
dollars to do the long-term
planning strategic planning
for our community in our
outdoors. And that includes
Teller Fremont in El Paso
County. Over the years our
community has had a history of
taking bold initiatives that's
secure a long-term vision all
the way back to General
Palmer. Spencer Penrose,
securing the United States Air
Force Academy, bringing the
Olympic new Olympics to
Colorado Springs and the
national governing bodies in
the Olympic Museum doing the
city for champions projects
doing the southern delivery
system. These were all very
forwardlooking projects that
bull by the horns and led to a
strategic destination where we
are at today. It is not enough
for us to sit on the laurels
of all of those endeavors that
have happened over the past
several decades. We need to
start building. We often call
it city for Champions. 2 point
know it's called cities
initiatives. Our spacious
skies is working at the same
time on a grass roots data.
Driven strategy for the
community. And we're really
looking at what key pillars
does. Our community need to
double down on as we let look
to the next several decades.
This is one of those creek
hypocritical endeavors. Pikes
Peak has long been a sales
attribute for Colorado
Springs. But as we double the
number of people utilizing our
outdoor space. We simply will
not have the resources to
improve it and keep it a
world-class destination. I
frequently use the analogy. We
do not want to become Everest
base camp where trash is been
piled up for generations on
generations. We need to take
the lead in this. And we have
a really, really unique
opportunity, not unlike when
we want add it back in 2012
for the City for Champions,
but we have a unique
opportunity to work with many
state partners really moved
the needle and set not only a
statewide but a national model
for land use recreation
conservation in the Pikes Peak
region. As I look at these key
community pillars, some of
them are health and wellness,
sports tourism, outdoor
recreation for all, not just a
select few. But how do we do
that? And it's getting behind
initiatives like this. As I
look at what's you beat? It is
a Colorado Springs. Sorry, I'm
dating myself. As I look at
where Colorado Springs is
excel, that's bringing people
into the community. Is
bringing people like me who
came to Colorado Springs 34
years ago in fell in love with
this amazing, environment and
stayed here. If that is a key
economic driver for our
community is how amazing our
communities become. And it's
only been increased by covid
where more and more people
have the choice to live
anywhere. And pulled down
salaries from other locations.
Colorado Springs has a unique
opportunity to double down on
being the best place to live
for all of our citizens. The
best place to work in play.
And this is a critical
endeavor. As I've worked with
secretary of transportation in
corporations in different
events economic development.
It is absolutely critical for
us to receive the state
funding to move this needle.
Within that context. They're
going to look very
specifically at philanthropic
corporate and city support for
this endeavor. C#
#
Creek
contributing significantly.
This to this endeavor and
their only a city of 4500. So
we're going to need your help.
That's the bottom line. We're
going to need your help to
build this vision to team with
the Peach. It Cities
Initiative are spacious skies
initiative and make our city
better for everyone who lives
here. Thank you very much. So
I'd like to touch base a
little bit more on eye this pp
or a group.
>> This is a ton of work with
the thing that caught me with
ppe. I when I first joined was
the advisory committee on the
fact that Becky has been able
to bring in stakeholders from
every level government,
private and nonprofit user
groups. It is amazing. Once a
month to sit in a room with
all these folks. So I'm going
to introduce Becky back up
here and also thank our staff
that this is the staff right
here. County and Kristen these
are the 3 that make it all
happen. And it's amazing this
this funding will really help
with some of that Cup asked to
be able expand what we can do
in Peoria. So thank you for
your time and what that can
come back up and close. The
COUNCILMAN Wayne River.
>> Yeah. Just before Becky
comes iPhone be unique to hear
from one of our land managers.
Chris represents the Coral
Springs utilities. And it's
really engaged in this whole
open process.
>> boy, that's really feedback
ice. Water of Chris's. You
come in and just give your
experience of the soapy
process and how csu has been
ball.
>> MADAM Counseling, that's
great question. So from cars,
utility, please introduce
yourself. Thank you, Chris.
Only with cars springs
utilities doesn't put you on
the spot on As a land manager,
we're looking at it from, you
know, utility site. You know,
we have the peak. We have
water resources and
>> and watersheds that we're
responsible for. And part of
this process with ppe or ppi
has been that communication
gap. How can we work together
on those strategies? And those
needs for recreation and come
together with solutions. Not
just solutions for solutions
for everybody so we can do it.
We're charged to do as utility
and what they can do as their
responsibility with opp. I can
really reach out in a sense.
There questions on that?
>> To so many So it's going to
wait until the Keystone. I
thank you.
>> All right. I'm just going
to wrap up quickly and then
will be open for questions. As
you've heard today, we have
the vision, the momentum and
the partnerships to shape a
stronger future for outdoor
recreation in the Pikes Peak
region. When it supports our
economy, protects our
landscapes and improves
quality of life for everyone.
We are at a critical moment in
time. I think you heard that
the next 2 years will be
pretty momentous. And so we're
excited to reach out to you
for just support. And we can
turn this into a reality.
Thank you for your time and
leadership. Welcome your
questions and look forward to
working together. I'm up and
partner. Thank you. Thank you,
Becky and everybody for being
here.
>> I was start with a question
that I have a comment and
another question. You talked
about talked about a lot of
things honing in on the
adaptive leadership work that
you've been doing and embarked
on my question what what would
you say has been the most
successful?
>> Or that you're most proud
of through that adaptive
leadership relationship or
challenge that you have
>> facing. And can you tell us
a little bit about that
success and what you've
learned from that challenge.
And that's such a great
question.
>> And I would say really
working with these land
management entities who all
have their own very specific
responsibilities those that
their focus point. But when
we're trying to look at this
bigger picture, we're trying
to bring them out to look at
where where where can we agree
on our bigger vision? Where
can we collaborate? And
initially we had a lot of
heartburn around that we had
some real challenge is and I
will one was the National
Forest. The Forest Service
really had a real challenge
with, you know, it's largely
on Pikes Peak. It's National
forest and but the resources,
they don't have the people
they don't have and they're
constantly putting up with
these challenges of impacts
that they can't mitigate. And
so they shared in a in a and
management sessions, some of
their challenges. And it was
really an open. Yeah. Yeah.
We're having that same thing.
We are too. And then one
partner said, well, I think we
can figure this out together
and it was so organic to hear
that and to have the
conversation of them trying to
figure out well, how can we do
this together? It was still
sticky for quite a bit. And I
think a lot of it is trying to
understand each other's
perspectives. The adaptive
leadership training we're
working on right now with all
of those parties helps us do
that. It helps us build trust.
It helps us put aside our
agendas and really think about
we've got complex challenges
yet that there's not. And
there's not an easy road map
to fix these. So how do we
bring storm and figure it out
together? And I think that's
the greatest joy for me right
now is looking back to 2 years
ago where we were and thinking
we're never going to get here
and looking where we are today
and going, wow, we've we've
made so much progress. There's
still a ways to go, but we've
got everybody at table for the
first time looking at this
landscape and figuring out how
to do it together. Thank you,
Becky, for sharing that. And
I've had the.
>> The benefit, the
opportunity seeing most of
that over the last 4 years of
knowing you and what I hear,
you know, essentially what's
happening is everybody has
their own silo. I suppose that
there deeply committed to
agenda. You might call it, but
certainly with good intention
of protecting whatever it is
that they're protecting and
managing. And it does take a
lot of work and a lot of
listening and a lot of ability
and desire to hear those find
that common ground and build
that trust. And I really want
to compliment you, Becky and
your board the leadership and
the vision, including
Councilmember line Weber for
uplifting and and up helping
us all to really recognize
what a profound, probably the
most profound asset that we
have in Colorado Springs is
outdoors. You've done an
exceptional job and in
particular, I want to say one
area where I see that you've a
positive impact is in our own
tourism industry and through
our large tax and I would say
really through very much to
your efforts and the efforts
of your board and have helped
us to prioritize and create a
new pillar within lard that is
focused on the outdoors. And I
think that is helping
hopefully be a part of this
bigger vision, which leads to
my final question, which
there's this 50 million out
there. It's going pass the
state c#
#
Creek pitching
What would it look like? What
does it look like specifically
for the city couil to show
its support of With this
50 million dollars mean
letters. And you know what?
What does it actually look
like? That's a great question.
I met with cpw in cocoa last
week.
>> To talk about this
implementation funding, that's
what the 40 million of the 50
for. It's new to them, too. So
they're still figuring it out.
And we're one of the first set
that cusp of wanting to apply
for it. So we really have
quite the brainstorming
session about, you know, if we
move this project forward,
what does Go Co want to see
Kuz now? One of the changes is
our applications will go to
the Go Co Board of directors
it didn't before. So cpw had
put together a Colorado
outdoor partnership executive
team that would evaluate
applications. Now it's
actually going to Go Co board
because of the science and the
dollar amount. So anyway, we
were talking through and one
of the things they want to
see, although they're not
specific and don't have what
match looks like right now.
They do want to see that local
partners are invested and that
means dollars. So in addition
to absolutely a letter of
support, it will be dollars
that come to the table. How
much that is? It kind of
depends. They're not real
specific to it. I think they
mostly want to see that
everybody is all in that that
this needing to be supported
and that could be through
large. That could be through
another mechanism. I don't
know what that would look like
yet. Well, it won't just be
the study anywhere. Look at
city and will counties have
the big counties that that are
part So, yeah, that's very
important. This council
members all I would just
finally reflects this weekend.
I was outside as hopefully
most of the people in this
room where because it was so
spectacular this weekend.
>> And I've lived here now
again for I think this 35th
year and I've been riding my
bike in Colorado Springs for
all those 35 years. And as I
was out actually up near the
Sioux and the Cheyenne Canyon.
7 falls and so forth. I was
really aware of what a
profound difference it is
making. Now, then it was, you
know, 30 years ago in terms of
number of people, definitely
huge improvements. And also
thinking about how many more
people are enjoying the
spectacular that particular
spot on Sunday and really,
really kind of wondering like
how how do we keep? Making it
a positive experience with so
many people. So with that, I
would say just so appreciate
work that you're doing in them
100% supportive. Thank you so
much. And to comment.
>> Part of what we're looking
at is building some
infrastructure to help move
some of those folks dispersed
recreation so that your
recreation experience is
better. So it's not just the
natural resource and wildlife
impacts that we knew good
trail in place. It impacts but
also recreational experiences.
So yeah, we have to plan now.
We know smart growth is phrase
we calling for here in our
urban core. But it's important
for outdoors well. COUNCILMAN
Williams. Thank you for the
presentation and thank you for
the fact you probably haven't
slept in the last 10 years.
Have a word.
>> brings all those people
together. I'm a that's Those
different pieces of
information on one place I MAY
have missed. That was total
cost that you guys established
for what you're looking to
happen on Pikes, Peak
specifically? No, there's not.
And what we've done. So we're
at we've identified 30
projects and initiatives, some
of them crossover.
>> For example, a regional
trail plan. But we've got
Waldo Canyon and during the
peak. So those will be a part
of that. So there's definitely
crossover in this next phase.
So we're moving from planning
to implementation and we're
standing up and implementation
task force that will be
assessing each of those
projects looking at where
they're at what's their
status, short-term, long-term
and dollars are they use are
already funding committed to
these. And what will that look
like that will help us prepare
for seeking out multiple
funding sources for the and
then based upon breakdown on
the map
>> Kind how it seems like
you've been blessed to go
through this process. Are you
the only ones that can apply
and that 3 county area.
>> So for
>> the 50 million dollars that
is different than other gokal
funding. So Go Co has a lot of
different grant. Well, a
handful of grant programs that
a city, a town can apply for
this. 15 million is only for
regional partnerships, so that
will be accessed through the
regional partnerships
initiative. Those 21 regional
partners, the 40 million is
for implementation. So most of
the partnerships are not to
that stage yet there. And
that's part of this moment in
time. We have a real
opportunity. There's going to
be less competition now and
there will be in coming years.
>> And then have they flashed
that enough to know at the max
amount of the grants can be?
>> They're looking for
implementation funding. They
want the minimum to be
$250,000. They don't have a
maxx yet, but they're thinking
somewhere between 2 to
5 million, it can be a
multi-year ask so it MAY be a
one to 3 year asked that we're
doing when we talk through
this with them last week. They
really want to see the most
impactful most beneficial
projects moving forward into
this other projects, smaller
community projects that have
also been identified. They
want to see those access more
traditional funding or even
cpw state trails grant
funding.
>> And they haven't come up
with that percent match. Just
but haven't. It's referred to
sup from they are building the
plane as they fly it they said
and so was really good,
engaging conversation for us
to share. Or here's the
questions we have Maybe that
will help you in determining
some of these things.
>> In the past, it's they
haven't required a dollar.
It's it's been in kind. And
usually they look at about
10%. But they recognize they
do want dollars for these
large ones. But they also know
10% of a 2 million dollar
grant, for example, pretty
big. So it will probably be a
mix of dollars and in kind.
Kids from a cult. Oh, I guess
that is. That is a good
comment. One of the other
things I didn't mention is
through this process because
go Coen cpw establish regional
partnerships. If somebody in
the Pikes Peak region wants to
apply for a grant with either
Go Co or cpw, they need to
show that it aligns with this
vision plan. They need to
support letter from us that
demonstrates that. And then it
actually is rated higher for
them because it's gone through
our regional partnership. So
that's another role that we
are playing going forward.
It's a value aiding other
grant requests on behalf our
community so that they are
better position to get funded
from go want to MISS The
funding plan.
>> Be distributed. 26 27. So
the they will open the grants
this We will apply in AUGUST.
>> And a decision will be made
by the Go Co Board in
DECEMBER. They have their
quarterly board meetings and
then it will be on the ground
in FEBRUARY or MARCH of 2026,
see you have between now and
then to figure out the
implementation Yes, ma'am.
Thank
>> thank you. MADAM PRESIDENT,
i have a comment of gratitude
rather than a question. I just
want say really thank you to
both you back and to Connor
had the
>> honored meeting Connor few
years ago. And I was really
struck unimpressed by his love
of the outdoors and I just
feel very thankful that we
have such advocates,
especially for conservative
conservation Rabbit. So thank
you both.
>> Thank you. I appreciate
that. And I will echo that the
Office of Outdoor Recreation
industry has been so
supportive of ppr, able very
grateful as well.
>> COUNCILMAN, rainy in then
we need to move on to the next
item.
>> Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
Just one quick question in
regards to very in projects
and the funding that everyone
is going after. And this MAY
be a question more for Connor,
done anything in the
governor's office. Is there a
priority listing of very
specific items within projects
that has more, I guess, focus
then others that the
governor's office is looking
at. Yeah, it's a great
question. Council
>> I would say that. We are
really trying to respect these
different community Of course,
every community is a little
bit different. And every
coalition is a little bit
different in so.
>> You know what? We've kind
of laid out from the
governor's office and dnr
cocoa in rec office is, you
know, we want to see how these
things work together and we
want some sort of balance that
makes sense. But really,
we've, you know, kind of let
each region, you know, tell us
what is most important to
them. And so I think, you
know, get back. You mentioned.
As we absolutely building this
plant a little bit as we're
flying it with this 50 million
dollars. But we want to be
really responsive to
communities and their needs
and their priorities. And so
as long as fits with the plan
and the vision and, you know,
there have around the state,
there's been so much work over
the past couple years. Do you
listening sessions and surveys
to industry and I mean, just
side and that and that plan.
And so really we want that to
guide kind of where funding
flows. But also looking for
that balance. That's a that
was probably a little bit of a
nebulous answer, but that's
come to best. I can probably
give you right now.
>> Thank you so much. And
we're looking forward to the
next 2 years for sure. Keep us
posted that grant and what you
get from it and the more of
your needs. All right. Thank
you so much. All of you.
>> The clerk, please item 6,
be into the record.
>> Pikes Peak Area Council
Governments Pikes Peak
Commission on the team.
Good
morning.
>> Hi, good morning. Thank you
for having me today. I have
presented to the city council
before in introduce yourself
for the record. Yes, yes, my
name is Aaron Marisela. I'm
commissioner on the Pikes Peak
Commission on Aging. And I'm
glad to be here today.
Presenting to the city Council
and grateful to have the
opportunity to present to some
of our new council members for
the first time. So I'm here on
behalf of the Pikes Peak
Commission on Aging. And I'm
joined by commissioner from
commission. Dayton Romero is
here with me as well. He's
also a resident, the city of
Colorado Springs. And Jody
Barker is the director of the
area agency on Aging. He's
here with us as well as
Melissa Martz, who is also
with the area agency on Aging
in the Pikes Peak region. So
I'd like to present to the
council today really has cut
is an introduction of what I
can do for you. As a member of
the Pikes Peak Commission on
Aging. So to get us done just
to set a foundation for the
kind of work that we do, I
want to share broadly about
aging older adult policy
leadership in the landscape in
Colorado. And the way that I
like to talk about it is to
say aging and older adults
because it's not just about
older adults. We don't just
serve people who are retired.
We don't serve people who are
65 plus 50 plus, we do think
about that demographic as it
relates to certain choices
that we might make and certain
needs and opportunities of
specific age groups. But
really, when we talk about
aging, we're talking about
birth to death. We're talking
about what does it look like
for someone to be born in
Colorado Springs? Do they have
the educational resources that
they need from kindergarten
through college? Do they have
housing to be a worker in this
region? Does do the workforce
opportunities allow them to
save for retirement that they
can stay and enjoy all of the
benefits of the Pikes Peak
region that we just heard
about from the previous
presenter. So we do think
about older is the older
adults and what they might
need right now. Really, we're
looking at building the
community and a way that
everybody can have a wonderful
life here. Birth to death. Oh,
okay. So the way that I think
about aging and the
stakeholders in aging or think
about change making in
communities is it's really a
triangle of services between 3
different sectors. It's really
important to have academia,
business and government all in
the table. And we're making
these decisions then in our
region. We have some really
great support. So the
University of Colorado,
Colorado Springs as a member
of an age friendly
university's network, its an
international network, the
United States base is in
Arizona and we have 3
university systems in Colorado
that are part of the age from
the university system. So
they're very good resource for
do we have the right research?
Are we using the right data?
What is the demographics? How
would we talk about economic
policy? So we rely on partners
from the University of
Colorado Springs, not just for
gerontology and health care
research, but we work with the
economic center at the
University of Colorado in
Colorado Springs. We work
applied geography department
to understand housing in older
adults to understand workforce
and education solutions. Terms
of business. It's not just for
profit business. When I say
business, it's all industries.
So how do non profits come to
the table? How do small
businesses come to the table?
Amazon is a huge supporter of
workforce for older adults
nationally and
internationally. And so our
partners in large businesses
like Amazon, Samsung, Best
Buy. How do we rely on large
businesses and the resources
that they can bring for making
sure that we're building a
community where people can
grow up and grow older
together. Well, and then, of
course, government and one of
the beautiful things about the
Pikes Peak region is that we
have people here serving from
the grassroots to the national
level. Looking at how we build
all of these different
networks together to make sure
that we are thinking about
every table that we said that
from kitchen table to the
boardrooms to make sure that
we're collaborating. Well to
build a community of are we
can all grow up well together.
So in Colorado, there are 3
major and it between state and
local. There are 3 major
organizations that serve aging
policy. And so the Colorado
Commission on Aging. Board of
governor appointed leaders and
aging older adult services
from across Colorado. These
members, these commissioners
are appointed by Governor
Polis to serve regionally and
also in specific areas of
expertise. And so in Colorado
Springs, Penney, Whitney
serves as our local partner
for this region. So she's the
local commissioner 4 and the
city of Colorado Springs. I'm
also on the Colorado
Commission on Aging and I
serve the whole state for
policy. So clearly, I do not
do that on my own and is an
incredibly collaborative
process. And I cannot follow
all of the policy that comes
out of the legislative branch
in Colorado by myself. So it
really is looking at, you
workforce, education business.
How do have this policy in all
these different areas that's
important to our state? How
would it impact someone as
they raging here? Luckily we
have the Pikes Peak Commission
on aging that I'm going to be
presenting on in more detail.
I'm here today because I am
appointed by this municipality
to serve on the Pikes Peak
Commission on aging. So I want
you to know that I'm here.
Here to support you, whatever
you need locally. The 3rd
group that is really
influential in policy, an
aging in Colorado. It's called
the Colorado Center for Aging
used to be called the Colorado
senior lobbying. It's been an
business for about 40 years.
It's a 501, c threes. So
that's why we're not called
the Colorado are the senior
lobby anymore because we're
not a lobbying agency. We're
an educational nonprofit and I
serve on the board of the
Colorado Center for Aging as
well. And the mission of that
group is to really connect
citizens to legislative
policy. So we help educate
Area councils of government,
small businesses and
nonprofits how they can engage
better in the legislative
process at the local and state
level. So the Colorado
Commission on Aging. We're
undergoing a big change the
summer. We have our we're
going to have a new set of
subcommittees. The 5 of them
are up there. Age friendly
communities. The micro and
macro economy, workforce and
health care left public policy
of up there because that
subcommittee will sort of be
shifting as we make our
changes in JULY. Currently we
have a mental health
subcommittee and they know
that mental health is that is
priority for the city. Of
course, that is that's a
priority for the city. The
state, the nation. That's a
priority for all living
humans. Today. And I know that
COUNCILMAN Line Weber that you
me have a
>> proclamation tomorrow about
ensuring and we continue to
elevate mental health in this
community. And what I think
very important from the
Colorado Commission on Aging
as the overlap that we have in
this priority as well. So when
I think about what we can do
from the state level to bring
some of resources here, please
just know that the Colorado
Commission on Aging Values
Health for all Coloradans from
birth to death and that what I
try to do serving on the
commission is want to bring
resources that we're working
on at the state. What can we
bring here for resources for
education, for helping to
elevate the work that's
happening locally at the state
level. Aaron, we have a
question from council member
Williams.
>> Thank I have lectured being
new and I use that as long as
possible. Who appoints you for
this? Governor? Polis appoints
to the Colorado Commission on
aging. Okay. So we don't have
a role necessarily. And mares
office doesn't have a role
because directly from the
governor. Yes, for the
Colorado Commission on We also
have the Pikes Peak Commission
on Aging.
>> It's someone earlier today.
I think it was back east that
it's kinda acronym. Soup. And
it is because this is thing
and government So but this
agency and the Colorado
Commission on Aging is
important because the Pikes
Peak Commission Aging was
created loosely around the
framework of the Commission on
Aging at the state level. So
in terms of the work that we
try to do locally, we think
about what's happening at a
state level and how we can
bring those resources here.
And we have 2 commissioners
locally who also starred on
the Colorado Commission on
Aging myself and Penny
Whitney. Okay. Thank you,
COUNCILMAN Donald Air. When we
were first.
>> Yeah, I'm just curious. You
know, you talked about 18 and
mental health to me, it seems
like we're kind of in an
epidemic.
>> Moment we're all timers
disease and
>> dementia and all these
types of things seem to be
accelerating more than I've
ever. I think I've ever heard
of that before. And I don't
know if it's just because I'm
getting older that I'm
becoming more and more aware
of this. But is that is that
really true? And and how? How
are you addressing? That
acceleration? If I'm if I'm
accurate.
>> Yeah, I from what I know
and I'm not an expert in
Alzheimer's. From what I know
broadly, I can say that is
kind of 2 parts. One is that
we didn't use to include
academic, academia, like we do
today and how we treated older
adults and changes that happen
in our cognitive ability as we
age. So we used to just say,
oh, you know, you're older
now. So whatever, we didn't
give it a name, we didn't have
experts and that the various.
Specific ways that our
cognition can change. As we
get older. So I think that
we're just better at naming
specifically what's happening.
Terms if it is accelerating. I
could definitely connect you
with the best research, the
best research and the best
resources in the state work
very closely with the
Alzheimer's Association of the
state level as well. And one
of the reasons that it's
really important to have that
Triangle of sector
collaboration is because
research is updated all the
time and we're constantly and
learning new things. And so
for us at the government level
to know what's going on to
provide the right resources.
You know, people attention,
policymakers at the table it's
important to know what
direction we're going so that
we know for going and a good
direction or if we need to
offer a little bit more
support here. There. So answer
your question. Yeah, I mean
that that's actually what I
was trying to do try to
understand it more. I thought
with you here, I can something
new.
>> it's just an area that I
think I just I'm constantly
trying to get better
information And so I was
hopeful that you're this one
of these organizations would
be kind of likes looking at
that are considering that are
because I haven't really
gotten it. It is that mixture
are we just identifying it
more actual accelerating as
fun trying to understand.
Yeah, I'm the Alzheimer's
Association is the best
resource for understanding
very specifically focused
data.
>> On that and down to even
what's happening in Colorado,
specifically because different
parts of the country, you
know, the way that we age
throughout our life, the way
that our brains develop
throughout our life, it can
even go all the way back to
you know what resources do we
have for mothers while they
are carrying their babies? Are
they getting the right
nutrients that they need to
start brain development early.
So okay. Thank Yeah, of
course. Johnson and Johnson.
>> Yeah, thanks, MADAM
PRESIDENT. Thank you, Erin,
for the presentation you
pointed out that it's the
governor who points to the
Colorado Commission on Aging.
But who is it? That points to
the Pikes Peak Commission on
Aging?
>> So the city Council in
Colorado Springs appoints
member from this municipality.
So every governing
municipality in the Pikes Peak
region. So El Paso County
Teller County in Park County.
The governments that are a
part of the Pikes Peak Area
Council of governments, those
entities appoint a person to
the commission on aging.
>> And how many are there? How
many commissioners are under
on Peach ph Junior and or ppa?
Is 18.
>> Thank you, MR. Donaldson
Johnny Barker with I'm the
director of the area see on
aging here in Carson brings
their total 20 members of ppc
Jim Board, 13 1 from each
municipality and then the
additional members are from El
Paso County in the Cotton, the
city of Colorado Springs for
Total, 20 members of ppa, c j.
>> In Mississippi pa cg board,
Jodi. But I'm talking about
the Commission on Aging. So
the Commission Aging, we will
we actually have a mix of at
large.
>> Members as well as those
appointed to the to the board
from the municipalities. We
are short members right now
appointed we'd love more right
now. It's about.
>> 6 appointed members.
Something like that. You know,
we're about 6 appointed. And
so we definitely have room for
more. Additional members are
at large.
>> Appointed air. And that's
I'm trying to figure out is
that the mayor is at City
Council. I don't remember
voting on it.
>> But your house, it was City
council's last She's no longer
on she's no longer in the city
Council.
>> So Michelle Teller of you
on Yes, yes, she appointed
Okay. We'll sort that out.
That's I don't think one count
City Council person can well
that. It came from what I
understand. It came through a
vote. All right. That means
maybe it's not. It's not that
member of vote for the whole
council. Yeah, I just don't
remember. But hey, my dad had
Alzheimer's. So you never
could be a sign right there.
>> And I will say for
Councilmember Line Weber, a
couple of risk factors as your
former, you know, physician
assistant here.
>> The biggest risk factor for
Alzheimer's is age. The older
you get the higher your odds
are we live longer now in
western societies. So our
risks are going up. And then
we have high levels of chronic
disease like diabetes and
things like that, which are
also big risk factors. So that
that's part of the answer to
it. And then there maybe you
can talk about this. I'm
interested everything you're
saying. But I think we need
people to focus h#
#
o#
elderly.
>> not so much children and
schools and all that stuff. I
understand that's part of
life.
>> But had 2 parents die. My
mother died just in JANUARY
and there are unique
challenges people in their
80's. People with Alzheimer's.
And we do need commission
focused on the elderly. So is
it a 95% of our work is on the
elderly and we if we learn
something that makes us look
back in life like head trauma
can can lead to Alzheimer's,
you know, and you're used to
getting hit in the head,
boxing, whatever. Is that
accurate or is it? Nope, were
spread over the whole
continuum. We focus equally on
children, adults.
>> know that that is that is
accurate even alcohol abuse
can lead to Alzheimer's
disease. Sure, it That was
just the example. Jodi, what's
the breakdown on your
emphasis? Is that 90% on what
we would call senior citizens?
Is it spread I I speak to
that.
>> So and the way that I think
about serving aging and why I
serve aging commissions.
>> At the local state and
national level because I think
when when we've truly
understand you know, I like to
say needs and opportunities
because getting older is not
just been a need. It getting
older does not just mean
terrible things are happening
to us. There are lots of
wonderful things about
transitions in life there. A
lot of opportunities for every
every age and every stage.
However. When we're looking at
an older adult and they are
not doing well. We couldn't
reverse engineer what we're
doing in our communities to
help make things better. If
all of our older adults are
struggling with housing, why
is that? Is that because we
didn't have financial
resources that they needed? Is
it because they didn't have
education that they needed? Is
it because they didn't
understand how to save for
retirement? Did they not have
good avenues to save for
retirement? So while we want
to support older adults today
and make sure that when people
are older that they should be
supported, we can feed that
information back into
communities so that we can
design better communities so
that, you know, when I'm when
I'm 80, the I have a good life
when I'm 80. Because if we
wait until we're 65 to help
people who are 65. It's too
late at that weekend. A lot of
the struggles that we have
later in life build up over
time because we have planned.
Well, when we're younger, it
does not make sense.
>> I I understand what you're
saying. I don't know if I
would agree with it when
you're 85 years old, you will
have unique problems that are
unique to 85 year-olds move.
Thing that's going to make.
Well, I want to let you just
finished with your
presentation. And then rather
than going off on the
discussion. But I hope we're
really focusing on. And I know
we do on tpa c transportation
for elderly to their
appointments is critical
dealing with isolation and of
the elderly while they feel
isolated or how does that come
about? What can we do to help
is critical. Looking back to
what we could have done so
that they would never have
been in that situation. Is
interesting and academically
really good project to do. But
we need to really focus on
helping people today because
there are lots of them out
there who are suffering and
will. And a lot of it has to
do with just socioeconomic
status. You have more money,
you can pay for a lot of good
stuff. If you don't, you
can't. And we need to focus on
those folks and help And so,
yeah, I mean, just to rest
your presentation. So please,
can you can MADAM PRESIDENT
would like that?
>> So something that I would
like to highlight from the
Colorado Commission on Aging
is that we have a multi sector
plan on aging. That will
released in JULY of this year.
And we're one of few states
that have a multi sector plan
on aging and it's open for
public comment through the
rest of MAY on Thursday this
week at 11:00am. We're
bringing Christine Burrows,
who's the Colorado senior
specialist on aging. At the
reports to Governor Polis.
She's undersea dhs. She's
coming to help them are at
11:00am and we are convening a
group of leaders in Colorado
Springs to talk about what we
need in the Pikes Peak region.
What we need in the multi
sector plan on aging. Now I
will be there. Penny Whitney
will be there. We she and I
can give our opinions on it.
But we need everybody because
we don't know about
everything. I'm not an expert
in Alzheimer's, but I want
people who are experts in
Alzheimer's to be there. I'm
not an expert in
transportation by want
transportation experts there.
We need people to come and
tell us what they need us,
that we can give people what
they need. COUNCILMAN Grainy.
>> Thank you. MADAM PRESIDENT,
just one quick question in the
previous part of your
presentation, you mention
academia. Is there any
universities that you're
currently partnered with?
>> And so color at University
of Colorado, Colorado Springs
is an age friendly university
in our city. If you're asking
me purse, are you asking me
personally or the Pikes Peak
Commission on Aging? The pike?
She Yes, definitely. I would
say that for our region. The
University of Colorado,
Colorado Springs is a great
partner. I also know that we
have a lot of people in our
community closely Pikes, Peak
State College. And Colorado
College has close partnerships
with people who are leaders in
the Asian community in general
and I would love it if every
university locally was a part
of the work talking about
aging. Thank So very briefly,
the Colorado Center for Aging.
If anyone would like to get
involved, we have a meeting
every Monday during
legislative session from 9.30,
to 10:30am, on zoom. And that
is where we really focus on
state level policy for aging.
So the Pikes Peak Commission
on Aging. Our purpose is to
advise and recommend to the
ppc Board of directors on
Matters regarding aging policy
in our region. So what? But I
like to think that we do at
the Pikes Peak Commission on
Aging. What I try to do
appointed by the city Council.
I do work in community
designed for older adults in
aging in this region. And so
if someone who lives here has
a question about what it's
like to grow up or grow older.
I like to know where I can
refer them. So they have a
question about Alzheimer's. I
can refer them to the
Alzheimer's Association. If
they have a question about
housing, I can refer them to
housing work community boards.
Whatever's going on with that
in Colorado Springs. I can
refer them to work for us
resources and also if this
board, if the council in
Colorado Springs has questions
about what's going on in
community, that I can help you
connect with a larger answer.
i try to keep a broad
understanding of what's going
on. What are the problems so
that every time you have a
question, you don't have to
serve a the whole community.
Every time we have a question
about housing, you don't have
to do a brand new survey of
housing for older adults.
That's why we stay partnered
with Uccs. That's why we stay
partnered with state level
organizations that have that
information at the ready. So
at the Commission on Aging,
the Pikes Peak region, we
paved the runway for aging.
Well, we offer our expertise
to help shape policy and how
how the community is built
that we can all age. Well in
our region. So again, we have
for a pipeline to local voices
and local voices. We set the
tone for aging and older adult
policy and conversations
regionally and something that
I think is very important is
that there are not a lot of
local commissions on aging in
the state of Colorado. There's
a handful. It's important that
we have one here. It's
important that we have a
commission on aging at the
state level. Not every state
has that not every state has a
multi sector plan on aging. So
our governor's office believes
that this is worth the
investment we're not rolling
in cash, but even having.
Person appointed to get the
commissioners together at a
state level to give us her
time. You know, 5 hours a
month is a lot of time for
someone who works at the state
and she gives us at least that
much if not more. And the
people who serve on the
commission here as well. It's
all volunteer. And the fact
that we have the aaa here and
that they are giving resources
human hours to bring us
together and giving us a
building where we can meet.
It's important. It tells the
people who live here that this
region cares about older
adults and thing how are
growing older here and that
there are problems here as we
get older that we have
resources we can share. Not a
lot of government departments
in the country, not a lot of
city governments have a
Department of aging. The city
of Colorado Springs does not
have a Department of Aging. So
the city of Colorado Springs
does not have a person who's
completely focusing on that
call.
>> Is it would be ok if I
continue a couple more slides.
5 minutes.
>> And there's a lack of local
and national funding and the
funding that we used to have
nationally as brat were at
risk of losing that in terms
of paid workers in our region
who are serving the issues of
aging. COUNCILMAN Donald
saying you said, you know,
it's a problem there. Problems
right now. We're losing paid
individuals who are solving
those problems. Currently. So
I want you all to know that
commissioners are your
dedicated volunteers. We're
the people who are doing the
work specifically for older
adults. Everybody every week,
every month. So as we're
losing money for organizations
and individuals are paid to
make sure the older adults
have a ride to a doctor's
appointment. Are the people in
this community who are helping
with our volunteer time to
make sure that it's happening.
So we want I want you to know
who we are. Want you to know
the Pikes Peak Council
government is and they get
this thing to go forward. We
can skip through the slide.
This just some highlights of
things that we've done and
future priorities were working
on tech initiatives. Fraud
prevention data dashboard so
that it's easier for people to
stay connected to the work.
Engagement opportunities for
councilmembers. What you
should know that legislative
support is always appreciated
to understand what policy at
national state and local level
is coming down and you're
encouraged to attend town
halls and caregiver forms as
they come up. But again, our
ask of council members here
today is please. I just want
you to know that we're here
volunteering our time and we
we are really and truly losing
paid service and paid support
that is going to help older
adults get what they need in
our region. So join us for
community Sessions. Reach out
to us any time we would love
to help serve on municipal
workgroups anything that you
need if you need a voice for
aging, what are the problems?
How can we keep older adults?
Well connected in our
communities. Please call. Send
us your questions. We're here
to help. COUNCILMAN Into thank
you all the Clich. Aaron.
Thank you for coming. Jodi
Dayton.
>> Melissa, thank you for
coming. Really appreciate the
work that you're doing. I want
to clarify pretty certain that
the city of Colorado Springs
has an age friendly
designation. That true?
>> So the city of Colorado
Springs through innovations in
aging was part of air. Create
aarp is age friendly cities
and communities network until
of last year. When innovations
in aging closed. So at that
time, the
>> partnership with the aarp
paused. I know that there's a
group of volunteers so
innovations and aging was paid
was paid by the city. It was a
public private partnership
almost exclusively serving
really community. And so now
there's a group of volunteers
who are rebuilding that work
in rebuilding the energy. And
I don't know where they are in
terms of regaining that
designation with aarp. But
there is yeah, there's a group
volunteers who are starting to
breathe life back into that.
Thank you. And I know dollars
were very much associated with
that designation and budgets
and and
>> revenue being what it is
unfortunate. And that.
>> was just going to say that.
I think it really speaks to
how our community members care
that even when we don't have.
You know that funded
organization that's working on
it, that there are still
pieces of it that are moving
forward.
>> So just a couple of
comments and one I do want to
acknowledge I know our our
fire department, the community
Health Division has an aging
place program that's kind of
on pause right now. Hopefully
will be getting up again soon
because there are those
services are very, very
helpful in terms of helping
people to age in place. Also
just reiterate after fellow
council members who are
interested and I think you've
got this Thursday coming up
that helped them are the
opportunity to have input on
on this plan and multi-sector
approaches is very important
and our voices are important.
So with that one final, thank
Mentioned a few things that
council can do, but short
revenue investment at this
point policy wise, what what
would be what would be a
mindset or something that you
would ask of this city council
in supporting age friendly
see.
>> Yeah. And I would say that.
>> Can get to really, really
high level and say that it
should be aging in all policy.
You know, I like to look
downstream if we are not
making good policy for for
workforce, if we're not making
a policy for education even to
kindergarten, then we don't
have a good policy for people
being able to grow up and grow
older here in the Pikes Peak
region. That being said and
there are issues right now for
older adults. I think that the
Colorado Center for Aging is a
really good resource to see
what's happening at the state
level because the state has a
that is funding issues. This
care funding is just hard kind
of across the board. I know
that locally thing then, you
know, finding the right money
to put in the right places.
It's hard. And so finding
collaboration of what are we
doing for housing? What are we
doing for parks? What are we
doing for infrastructure in
general and what does that
mean for for aging? I don't
know if we will get very aging
specific policy pass right now
as so. There are so many
pressing issues and
priorities, but their way is
to make sure that the way that
things are worded in crafted
is inclusive of the needs of
older adults as well. And
that's where the commission on
aging locally can be very
helpful. You know, passing
legislation by the Commission
on Aging in the Pikes Peak
region in saying are we
missing anything here the way
that this is worded? Will this
have a really negative impact
older adults? One of the
things that that is going to
have a negative impact on
older adults as if we're not
focusing on digital access,
making sure that we have
broadband to rural community
is in or out. But right around
Colorado Springs, if older
adults don't have access to
the Internet, they're not
going to have access to
transportation. They're not
going to have access to health
care as our community becomes
much more digitally, engaged.
So it's all of those pieces
broadly more than a specific
policy piece. Thank Yeah,
Karen, thank you so much for
your presentation. In this
week you'll get 3 new members
on ppa cg that can help you
take it from Thank Appreciate
>> The clerk please read in
item 6 e into the record.
>> spring sports cooler 2024
year in Lodgers and rental tax
contract. Update to City
Council.
Good morning.
>> Good morning for the
record. And Jamie Davis, chief
of staff. I am not Sports Corp
as you are aware, but there
was a thumbs-up designation
but 2 weeks ago asking for.
Presentation on some of
changes that have been made to
lurk. So out of respect for
your time, I will ask if you
still want the entire
presentation or if you prefer
just questions. I'm open to
whatever is easiest for you
guys.
>> MADAM PRESIDENT, since we
had a lot of our last work
session. I think it's worth
going through this
presentation. Sure.
>> Happy to do so. And I can
click myself. Okay. Excellent.
Okay. When previous council
was seeded, we did brief them
on some recommended changes to
really be inside process the
operations of how we grant
funds from our alert tax,
which is lodging, an auto
rental tax as attacks
primarily paid by people who
visit our community and they
pay that to their hotel bill
or through their auto rental
bill. So the reason we decided
to take a look at this is we
wanted to allow the for
contracting agencies to
provide expertise which in
within the pillar of tourism
in which they represent. And
we wanted to be a little more
nimble and that to do a better
job. Checking on kp eyes to
make sure that they tax
dollars that we were investing
were really bringing a benefit
to our community. And you see
the quote at the bottom there
that is pulled directly from
the large ordinance and the
purpose that ordinance and
this taxes to a track visitors
and enhance the economy of the
city in the Pikes Peak region.
And we heard loud and clear
from the previous council that
it was important that these
dollars were being used to
really fulfill that goal. And
finally, we true a lot of work
and a lot of study we realized
we could do a better job
having a more comprehensive
strategy for tourism in our
city. That would continue to
refill that fund and honor the
purpose that I just read. So
again, lard powered by
tourism. This is the logo.
This is something that got
great deal of discussion. We
know of people don't know what
is. And again, mentioned
Alphabet soup. This is a great
example. Art is a tourism tax
does not typically paid for by
you and I and all of you know
that. But I see that for the
benefit of anyone watching
today. This has been a long,
long conversation. Back in
1968. As when Clark was past
and a 2% tax on a percent on
rental car. There been a
couple amendments. There have
been movements to make it show
better adherence to kp ice
that really not a lot of
action. And that is why we
took the sat the such a
priority this year. We think
it's really great opportunity.
And you can see from chair
even speaking about it back
over a decade ago. What kind
of started this process that
I'm here today to update you
on is and in 2022, contracts
were signed with 4 agencies.
Chamber edc visits us copper
in sports. Kurt, to manage
these different colors of
tourism. In 2024, they got
about 10 million dollars and
publications from event
organizers who are hoping to
be funded by the city. We are
able to distribute it at about
3 million to showing that the
need does out paced the
availability of funding. We
have. So again in 2024 we
brought together 16 people
from throughout the tourism
community hired a consultant
from the previously from the
tourism office at the state
and she help us walk through a
process where we did
interviews locally study best
practices and ultimately came
up with we thought were good
recommendations. But the
question for council
Donaldson, thank you, Jamie.
Can we just go back? I want to
see what Fred Beach had to say
about her heritage events.
>> I don't think they're
specifically about heritage
events.
>> is week that there are a
number of events. The city is
grandfathered in for automatic
funding. Which really isn't
true. We think that the should
be changed and we think that
those events should be making
reports to you. Goal is to
have a council for funds they
received rather than continue
with an outdated policy.
>> events were not guaranteed
automatic funding
>> at all, as we've seen you
even this year, many of them
got 0 funding.
>> From from Ward.
>> But he he thinks it should
be changed. What it was really
supposed to do was was
expedite their application
process of nothing really
changed. They just had the
kids turn in a short form
essentially and still. I for
funding. So I just wanted to
see what he said. Thank you.
>> ok, so finally, just to
just kind of speed up, we did
present this at a lunch with
the previous council and you
ended up passing resolution
which made some of the changes
by resolution to the structure
of how we actually hand out
plans for a Again, he's just
kind of a visual of how this
went forward. Without going
through the entire report that
came out of that process. We
did find some highlights that
we thought were really
important. One is that our
city is unique in the way that
we use these tourist dollars
and community event. She was
not able to find any other
community in the nation that
uses this funding for events.
Doesn't mean it's a bad thing.
That just means that we are
different. Again, the city has
not increased this tax since
1978, we rank one 44th out of
150 cities as far as being
among the lowest. However, in
contrast, our tourist economy
similar to that of Washington,
D.C.. As I mentioned, we could
do a better job having a more
comprehensive strategy. And
we're excited about that
opportunity. And again, most
cities utilized alert for
capital projects and a single
terrorism organization.
Whereas we have reliance on
independent organizations. We
hope we can do built some
better alignment so that they
can all share sufficient So
this is where we to have. One
question, of becomes question
about that previous slide.
>> Other cities do news alert,
funding the funds. Community
events or even things like the
left off where the the
>> Western Street breakfast.
>> mean.
>> But I suspect they do fund
those things. Some other ways
that right. And what what
source today use for that?
>> Yeah, you're touching on
the fact that we we are a
lower budget city. I know some
cities like Denver haven't
Hurts Arts district that they
used to fund cultural events
like this. You don't have that
some tax different things. And
then some cities use lard for
things that have absolutely
nothing to do with terrorism.
You could argue like homeless
services. So it really runs
the gamut. And but the 2 did
identify that actually having
this this application process
and directing money directly
to from the tourism tax is
unusual.
>> Attorney think if we didn't
use large if if we Locklear in
4. Big ticket items are parks,
maybe even our police because
if u want tourist, it's nice
to for them to have a safe
environment. Our audit, our
city on which is neglected.
What can we use to help with
was some of the things that
Colorado Springs is very
closely identified with. The
the race up the mountains, the
the one left off. That wasn't
really identified This is a
way other cities are doing
similar things to what you're
doing. They just don't use
lore.
>> It was not identified in
and the report, but it has
been a vibrant conversation
and we were successful just
this past year getting a great
deal of private investment
firm corporations for the
Veterans Day Parade which did
receive some pending. But we
were happy to see air defense
community, especially step out
kind of follow a sponsorship
model where they got
advertising in exchange for
helping to fund those events.
And so I think that's
something that we really want
to investigate more.
>> Yeah, I just think we'll
have hard time replicating
that for all the events are
funded by lard if and it's not
being a considered, if that
would alert was to go away for
those events. But thank you.
>> So what is the goal of
changing the way are? Spend
this money? One is to create a
working model that provides
value to the residents and
ultimately serves the mission,
is again on boat there at the
bottom and to elevate the
officials and the lure
committee and to be at a
strategic level will
ultimately increase the number
of people who come here and
spend their dollars. Kp eyes.
We heard that loud and clear
that you wanted us to be very
true to the kp eyes and then
these operational changes
today. We will admit it's a
very small portion of the city
budget tree million dollars.
However, it is. As you know,
one of the most talked about
sections of our budget.
Simplifying the way spend this
money. We have 4 agencies who
are names to be in charge of
each of the pillars of
terrorism, arts and culture
with copper, sports and
entertainment. With sports,
Kurt Business in General
Tourism Chamber and edc and
visits U.S. Outdoor recreation
last because it is one that is
not a contracting agency. But
and this year we do recognize
it as a very important sector
of our tourism industry. We
have a group of people from
the parks board who will help
judge those applications of
events and make
recommendations on what they
believe are the most
beneficial. This is just a
visual on what we're trying to
do. I like to say it's
reversed and an earring a can
comprehend of tourism strategy
by leaning on the expertise of
the individuals agencies in
each pillar. And we think by
letting select the events that
they believe will bring the
most benefit to the city that
will lead up to having tourism
strategy that really combines
all for to best maximize the
dollars that come in. So
actual changes that were voted
on APRIL 8th. The final
meeting before a new council
members took their seats. Now
we did change the makeup of
the community. That committee.
That was the only legislative
action that needed to be
changed. But we now have 4
members from lodging, one from
rental car to citizens and the
contracting agencies who will
still be there to provide
their expertise, do not have a
vote. And it was important to
us that one contract agencies
are applying for funding. They
don't also get to vote that
felt like a conflict of
interest and they were more
than happy to take ex officio
role. Coming back. Right there
we go. So the way it actually
works in practice right now,
the alert Locacion, I believe
is out on the street. And that
the applicants really will see
it pretty much the same They
will submit their applications
that will go into city council
staff like usual council staff
will buy their best judgment,
decide which color of tourism.
Each event falls into and they
will send those off to 4
pillar organizations. That
will be one data point. The
number applications we get
from each pillar that will not
be the only data point, but we
will at this point once those
are all and decide what
percentage of the available
funding should go to each of
the 4 pillars for easy math
say it's 25% to sports. 25%
arts, cetera. And that will be
kind of the key strategic
decision. We will change that
every year. And we wanted to
have that. Flexibility knowing
that this is new. And we
certainly want to be able to
change it year over year. And
then select committee will
bless those distribution
amounts and they will be
granted to the color
organizations who will grant
to the events. The reason
that's important is last year,
I believe we had 80 contracts
and look our cfo which are
managed by someone part time
in our office. We admit that.
And the auditor help to see
that we can do a better job,
making sure we were really
tracking those kpa. We noted,
it's important to this body as
it is to the mayor and and
from that discovery came the
recommendation from the
committee the liaisons that we
need to have one person. He
was really beholden to
tracking the performance of
the events to ensure they were
hitting the kp ice. And then
using each of those that kick
a data rather than having
council going and be expected
to track down performance of
80 events, which is
unrealistic. We will have the
contract agencies do that for
us. Johnson Johnson. Yeah.
Thank you
>> I don't know that you'll
know this Cheney, but maybe
Emily will izlar application
period still open. Someone
sent me something yesterday.
So it was closed. They just
opened. When does a close? So
it closes on the 28th of MAY.
>> Of MAY. Okay. Just got some
good news there. COUNCILMAN
Tension.
>> Yeah, I just wanted to
reiterate, we just last
Thursday, the large committee
held a a a session for
grantees to learn about the
application process. Walk them
to in great detail. Give them
the overview of these changes.
But and there will be another
online session coming up very
soon. So I think all grantees
have been informed and
understand what the process
is. Again, not really much
change for the grant here for
the potential grand tea for
the So that session went very
well. There was good questions
and looking forward seeing new
place.
>> And PRESIDENT. I could.
Jamie, on the previous slide,
I think it was. It says that.
Council administration.
Proposed percentage based
distribution of 4 pillars data
Bob law. Are we proposing it?
Are we setting it because it
looks like then. The large
committee decides.
>> I don't think it takes a
formal legislative actions so
that language is a little bit
mushy. I think we think that
the leaves on select committee
together would kind of come to
an agreement on what we think
the best percentages are.
>> Well, we've had differences
in opinion before like the
committee saw one saying
council thought another. So I
think it should be really
clear who's going to set
those? Bucket so much is going
to go. Each of these 4
categories. Especially if it's
not if you're if it's not
clear you 100%, I think we
need to iron that out before.
>> We
>> set this up. Vote on its
center.
>> I could jump jump in book.
Upshur 8. Want to was just
going to mention, you know, we
get down to the appropriations
part of this. Just important.
Remember, the council only has
top line budget authority over
this. So I think this is an
attempt to be collaborative
with the mayor's office and
and come up with these
decisions jointly, but
ultimately the it. The big
Bucket Appropriation is
council's only financial
authority.
>> Well, understand that. We
do have authority over the law
or committee as far if the law
or committee. I believe it
still is works for City
Council. Correct?
>> So if we say, hey, we want
you to use these for
percentages, you know,
whatever that is. 25 25 25.
That would be easy. But if it
was different and allure Comey
thought, well, you know, we
would really like to have more
for the arts. You guys to put
a lot into outdoor. Where is
that going to break? I know
the mayor could then changes
at the end. The mayor could
move things around.
>> At maybe some clarity
because when we come through
the budget process in the
supply in budget,
appropriation. You'll see,
though, budget.
>> And we will.
>> Because out of clergy. When
we do the law or budget, we do
state those amounts.
>> For the.
>> And the contracted entities
to do that.
>> Again, we approved the
funding level. That's what's
in the budget. Appropriation.
But we do. We will state in
the budget document certainly
the amounts to go to each of
the 4 pillar entities.
>> That sounds like a
suggestion that budget
appropriation would be the
best time to have counsel
review those percentages as
recommended by committee.
>> I think to provide some
clarity from Anderson, you
state your name for that. They
can leave some ceo cargo Space
Ports Corporation. The idea is
that the percentages will be
based on the number of
applications that come in that
are signed each pillar. So,
for example, if there's
overwhelming amount of
applications for the arts that
might affect the percentages
or if there's an overall
warming amount of sports and
then the idea would be that
the tourists, the 4 groups
could weed out. Some really
are the ones that don't hit
the qualifications so that
when it when City Council in
the committee does make the
recommendations, it's based on
those numbers. So it would
fluctuate every year based
upon the number of
applications that provides
clarity.
>> Well, I mean, the problem I
see there then council really
has no role at all because
what you're going to do is
say, hey, we got a whole lot
of applications for the arts
and we haven't even review to
see which ones are actually
get funded. We're going to put
a whole lot of money. And the
art bucket. Correct? That's
that's what you're describing.
>> And I think that that is
the charge of the Light
committee with the 2 council
liaison too to make logical
decisions on that
appropriation. If I'm
understanding correctly.
>> But so. But then so council
really isn't going to have a
role or we say, hey, this year
or are we think we should have
a? And I'm sorry I see a lot
of smiling as or something
going on. No, Okay. Here's
what will happen on council is
will not or heads and will go
along with us and we really
won't have a role in it
anymore. Right now council
does have a role. Eat with
you. I guess. Meeting
privately has problems too. I
guess. Go ahead and continue
with the presentation, please.
And and it's the end all
perhaps have some more
questions. It seems kind of
odd that the way we're going
to do this as we're just going
to how many applications we
get and then we'll put the
money in each bucket based on
how many applications we get.
That's not really strategic.
That's reactive to what we
receive in applications.
>> I think that is one data
point. The number the need the
need is one data point. That
doesn't mean that we have to
say we're going to fund.
Dave's fun run that that might
not. To your point, that might
not meet the cable network
they support. So you're right.
Yes, we do not want to fund
every event just because they
applied. We do want to have
the critic live saying does
this actually meet the needs?
And I think kind of to
Meghan's point we will have
years there are larger needs
in one pillar. Good example is
the U.S. Senior open. We know
that's gonna bring 15 million
dollars in economic impact.
That's not never your event.
This is a strange year in
which we expect more money
would go to sports because of
that event next year. Maybe
there's a massive arts
festival coming here. And that
would mean that we will have
have the flexibility to the
higher percentage to the arts.
But to your point, know, not
just fine arts This and 10
sports events of that.
>> especially for the for the
new folks up here on council.
This is just 25% of alert
money on average, 75% of it
already goes to these for
organizations that goes to the
organizations themselves. Now
we're talking about what do we
do with the 25% that we're
going to use for these
different events in our city
like the balloon left off the
Western Street breakfast. How
much money do we want to put
for our events?
>> How much do we want to put
for outdoor events? How much
do we want to put for where
the other 2 categories?
>> General tourism and
outdoors and now I think I sit
outdoors that.
>> And yeah, I I thought the
idea was we were going to be
kind of strategic and say,
hey, we want to drive more
towards. Outdoors. So we're
going to put a bigger we're
going to consciously put a lot
of money in that bucket. But
it sounds like what? Is being
discussed doesn't sound like
it is what being discussed
here as we're going to see
what applications come in and
we're just going to move the
money to cover cover that.
>> And that is
>> different than what I had
understood up to this point.
So I'm glad we're doing this
today because it's showing
some things which I don't
think we're clear before. And
and council should be
conscious of what we're going
to agree to or not agree to.
Ken Smith in 2.
>> Yes, thank you, MADAM
PRESIDENT so I I do want to be
really clear. I think that we
are being strategic and
actually you can see in the
3rd bullet point here, it's
not just how many applications
that's one of many data
points. It's about being
strategic and city Council
absolutely has representation.
We have 2 liaisons PRESIDENT
Myself and I need to these
committees. You have to
members like committee members
who are a part of that
conversation. So there's no
reason that city Council can't
and isn't actually going to be
a part the determination of
these buckets of money. And of
course, in the very at the
approval in the budget will
have input. So I think this
has been mischaracterized
entirely and I believe that we
have been working very hard at
making this more strategic and
feel very supportive of it.
PRESIDENT Cro Iverson, I
believe would agree with me.
>> Yeah. In fact, the reason
that that we did it this way
was for more accountability
because when we did the 60% of
the 80 contracts fulfilling
their obligations and it will
hold each one of these
organizations. The 4 they will
be held accountable for these
dollars being spent and we're
holding them tighter to the
kpi switches, driving heads
and that's it tourism rental
cars. That ideas. Heads hotels
and rental cars. Donaldson. It
actually is kind of the
opposite. There is more
oversight in my opinion and
they still will be coming to
council twice a year and
updating us exactly they're
finding them on. But if you
recall copper last week,
>> their presentation changed
quite a bit from all the
presentations in the past
where they really are
happening, too, drive tourism
with those dollars. And
they've actually made it a
kpi, which in the past they
have not had to reserve kpi.
So from my point of view happy
to sit down with you any time
ago, great actually tightened
up a little bit more for me,
which is exactly what it
needed. Counts. Think you just
want to add to Thank you.
PRESIDENT Pro tem excuse
PRESIDENT Person.
>> Agree in terms of increase
accountability. And the thing
I would say you and I could
commit to making sure that
given that this you know, we
are slightly shifting the
process this year. We can make
sure that every step of the
way we report back on each of
these meetings and the
discussions to this council,
you know, at lunch or or in
one-on-one conversations or
whatever is the best way. So
that everybody is very, very
clear about how the division
of the dollar among the 4
pillars happens.
>> Also a Donaldson. Yeah.
Thank you. I'm not
characterizing it or
mischaracterizing it. I'm
repeating what I'm being told
and what I'm being told.
>> Is what has been said here
is that, well, we'll see what
comes in and we can all
appropriate money.
>> Based on where those
applications are. That's not
really strategic. What you're
talking about is
accountability for once. The
money is awarded to an event
we're going to actually check
a few things.
>> That's great. But but
that's a whole different thing
when I'm talking about is
these 4 buckets. But the 25%
that we actually hand out to
different events. I thought
the idea was we were going to
we would have control over
narrowing down certain areas
and expanding others doesn't
sound like we're going to do
that. We're just going to see
what comes in and then the
really the committee, a large
committee will well, the 4
organizations who received the
75% to begin with. We'll kind
of decide how much do we need
in each of these buckets? If
council wants to handle that
over so therefore
organizations, we can do that
and we're kind of looks like
on track to do that. But
that's not that's not
strategic. That's just handing
it over to someone else to
decide what's going to go into
these 4 buckets. Wow,
strategic. We said, ok, 10% in
cultural. That's it. 50% is
going into outdoors. And we've
we've heard some presentations
and that's our decision. And
then split up the other. You
know, 2020 whatever it is. But
what what's being described in
if council wants to do it will
be that will be the votes to
do. That is just to kind of
what the applications flow and
and the money flows wherever
the applications are rather
than locking in certain
percentages. 2 expand the
outdoor events or expand. We
don't really have heritage
events. But anymore looks
like. I think you get what I'm
saying.
>> So there is a rigorous
application in the first place
and they do have to certain
criteria to even be accepted
for installers and the
applicants to come through a
legislative staff. And Michael
and his team will be the ones
getting them with the
committee.
>> Just to reiterate the
process and then they will
determine which of these
applications that have met the
rigorous criteria for.
>> kp eyes in the first place
and then they will determine
to your point if there's
something in there that says
we're looking for a grant like
the U.S. Open did 2 years
prior in. We went marketing in
one year and then we actually
many to fulfill the U.S. Open
the second Fact, specifically
what I think. You are
referring to in this and I
think it could be probably
explained. With that senior as
an example meeting, if there
was like a huge event coming
in 2 years from now. But
they're giving us a year. Get
a grant for marketing in the
coming. That's that's what I
think you are referring to
when you said we will
determine if bucket needs more
money in the future in other
brackets, I don't think that
was well said in this power
play. But I think that better
explains it. For as an exit.
As that example, COUNCILMAN
Williams.
>> I'm try to fox this up.
>> City Council could have a
goal. 25 25 25 just starting
out. That's not the right
answer.
>> Problem with this is we
don't control the world. We
can't control who wants to
come to Colorado Springs. We
can't control what bucket
there in and we can't control
how it changes from year to
year. So I think there could
be aspirational goal. But at
the end of the day, somebody
comes and that's something we
never even heard of.
>> We MAY not know a bucket to
put it in and I think they
want the flexibility to do
that. So maybe it could be
like a gift and and basically
same in a perfect world and
perfect year. This what the
buckets are going to look
like. But if somebody comes
d the group agrees that they
two-thirds of the bucket to
have that flexibility. I think
that's well said.
>> Okay. Think we went through
this again at the end of the
year, one of the checks and
balances on each the pillar
organizations, which
distributing those funds.
>> So they will come in. The
overall question we will ask
is did. Sports Kercher used as
an example? Did sports car
bring in this many thousands
of people to our city in 2025?
Using their event funding and
that is the top line number
that matters. I think, too.
Our state's budget. The
administrator is the proposed
position that would help us do
a much better job tracking
these kp eyes. Like we said,
80 contracts has a lot to keep
track of. And we want to make
sure that we are counting
those people and tracking this
kpi so that we know if we're
being that effective stewards
of those money. Currently,
those that job will if past
housed at the sports court
starting JULY 1st, it is a
one-year pilot. I want to
thank and recognize Sports
Corp are stepping up. They've
done a lot of work actually in
the last couple months funded
by sports court to get a lark
rolling to include training up
a person to understand how the
process works. Helping to set
kpi is with all 4 agencies
that were ready to roll and
come that date. Finally, i
just we working very hard to
communicate, especially with
the applicants. I think this
is a little bit inside
baseball and important to this
group. Maybe not as
interesting to the public but
definitely important. Again,
the checks and balances will
be checking up. Those kpi is
making sure they're performing
each year and no, we're not
talking about an increase to a
tax at this time. That is it.
When the pension.
>> Thank you. No questions.
Thank you, Jamie. For the
presentation. I do just want
to say again, I think the law
or committee, the 2 liaisons
this last 2 years, really
especially the last year have
been working extremely hard.
The committee on really
evaluating our process. What
works in the service of the
city in the service of
generating more dollars for
the city to tourism through
the tax itself. I'm very proud
of the work we've done and
would say that I'm sure it
will continue to evolve over
these next number of years.
And we will see what works.
What doesn't work be nimble
and flexible. And I too want
to thank those sportscore for
taking this on and 4. For the
agreement that we we really do
need a large administrator.
It's very, very important to
the accountability. And I
think this just improves that
program. And while we are
raising the tax now, I will
say this is in the hopes for a
cat tax that hasn't been
increased since 1978 actually
was at 68. I don't know when
it started. I think 1968.
That's a lot of years. It's
almost as old as and And it's
it's time for us to not be
number one. 44 on the on the
list, given the needs, we have
what we heard about the
outdoors today. We have some
some growing up to do and this
is our opportunity. Thanks.
Other
>> Yeah, thank you.
>> The administrator position
House that one of the 4
>> agencies who we.
>> Award a contract to who
will events.
>> I'll just say a look. That
strikes me as a little odd
that we would put this
position over there rather
than
>> in a city office somewhere
since they're really doing
accountability functions and
making sure that. These kpi at
that the events are doing what
they're supposed to do. So.
Just say that today, I will
talk with others on council.
See if others share that
concern. I would ask if we
look at where it could be in
the this. Position which is
supposed to oversee this and
make sure that people are
playing by the rules and that
there's no that that person is
not in a position where they
feel they develop friendships.
They feel like they need to
need to. You know, kind of a
not be as accurate is that is
they might be in their
reporting. So. We'll Thank
you.
>> And I just want to
reiterate that this position
is also subject to audit.
>> Florida Department.
>> Yes, we have had that
discussion. We do want to have
an m o and Natalie has been
kind enough to work with us on
what those kind of rules look
like. That person will be
responsible for. Tracking the
kp eyes of the events. Davison
run, for example, where their
10,000 people to finish line.
Yes or now for each of the 4
contract agencies.
>> In this slide, we jump
right over this page. It had
the celery on there for that
position. Can we put the
slides back up? It was near
the last one.
>> It $80,000 a year and I put
each ares analysis of the
position where they placed it
as if it were city position. I
will say the reason we did not
house that the city was
concern from the previous
council of Growing government.
And that's where we thought it
would be better to be a
contracted out position.
Again, this is a one-year
pilot. We could certainly talk
about moving in years to come.
But Sports Corp was also ready
to move on this. I will humbly
say that other organizations
move quite a bit quicker than
government. And I say that as
the government nerd myself, so
Sports Corp was ready to move
on this and I'm willing to
make the investment. And so
that is like a place that this
year. Very small type. So the
last bullet talks about the
salary schedule placement and
they placed it between
contracting specialist in
program. Administrator. With
program administrator being
the overriding recommendation
for hr. You can see that's a
79 k midpoint and we have
placed bet.
>> And has someone been
identified for that position
already? Many don't speak. And
how is it advertised or how is
that person found?
>> Megan again with the Sports
Corp. Great question.
>> The the Sports Corp is this
has been a very fluid process
change and
>> we are very much under the
understanding that we do not
have a contract yet with the
city for this. That likely if
if we move forward will be
JULY 1st, we as an
organization foes it was
really important. For the end
user. The people applying for
the grants that they have one
point of contact contact
between now and through the
whole process. And so we
didn't want to wait until JULY
1st. So this Ports Corporation
has hired someone that will
serve if this is approved, the
intent is that that person
will. Officially take over
once the contract is signed.
In the meantime, however, this
person has been hired. The
Sports Corp is fronting the
money is not is. Putting forth
the money to pay this person
from start date until contract
is set with the city because
we felt it was vitally
important for the end user to
have one point of contract.
So, yes, someone has been
hired by the Colorado Springs
Sports Corporation that. All
working under the intent that
that person would become the
alert administrator for this
particular process and they
were hired. We feel like very
confident in our organization.
Not only is this person come
from a grant background, but
we have expertise within call
within our organization. We
feel like to really handle
grant making and grant
administration. So we're
excited about the process. Our
goal is that when the auditor
does this audit 2 years from
now that, you know, all every
event has turned in their
final report that we don't
have 60 outstanding and that
we're following up with people
in that were saying your final
report is due. We have really
high expectations to do this
job really, really well for
the city of Colorado Springs.
Does that answer most of your
question or did I MISS Some of
the points?
>> All I'll talk with the with
auditor about that. Are you
going to be refunded for those
2 months? Absolutely This is
Sports Corp was that we did
this on behalf of being a
partner with the city.
>> Our intent was never to ask
for. Our intent was. Colorado
Springs. Are able and ready
and want to put our foot
forward and to do it to the
best of our ability. The
Sports Corp is very
comfortable paying the salary
of this person until a
contract is signed. So that
will never be asked and we
will start date will be the
start date of the contract,
which if approved, believe is
JULY might potentially JULY
first. And that's that in our
opinion, we just we feel like
that. We didn't want to have
to do a pass off to the end
user from maybe Michael or,
you know, it's gets Ochopee
did not have one point a perk
like so the first be answering
questions from all people pine
for the grants.
>> And just to be clear, then
is Will they be working with
organizations that are
applying right now? Are they
coming through our office? Are
they going through Sports Corp
or
>> the application isn't docu
sign through the city and as
it stands right now, Michael
gets them and then
administrator will be making
sure that the applications are
complete. That's another thing
that gets missed rate. At some
point. It's asked for budget
and they might not turn it in.
So they're having eyes on it.
They can reach back out to the
grant applicant to say like,
hey, as a reminder, please
submit this with it. And they
they're working very closely
transition process with
Michael and the staff on
exactly how that will let out.
That will look. Is that
anything else?
>> All right. Thank you, Amy.
Just Williams.
>> PRESIDENT Some. I think
this is an incident where
instance are we cannot move at
the speed of government
because we would MISS The
window. So thank you for
stepping As with most things
in life, if they're happening
faster, not as pretty as we
want them to be. That
sometimes we're gonna make it.
Can I ask if anyone objected,
what's happening with the
sports car house and this
person hurt. We would have
heard from any of the 3
entities by now. I think other
3 entities are very much in
support of making So I think
everybody up here should know
that if there are objections
to what's happening between
now and JULY first, we heard
about it by now. Thank you.
>> you clear to me to read
item 6 e in the record.
>> Are we just various Didier
to do or that? Okay they both
spent thank you.
>> back again then I will
start over. Megan Leaf them
ceo of the Colorado Springs
Sports Corporation. Just to
clarify right now, we are
reporting on our 2024.
>> Contract with the city of
Colorado Springs and our kp
Eyes in regards to our
contracts. So again, this is
this is moving backwards to
2024, what Davis is handing
out right now is what I to as
our final report.
>> And as well as our current
kp eyes as our contract stance
to date and the reporting that
we have done in regards to our
>> I know. Welcome some new
council members. Thank you for
your service to our city. I
know most of you, but I am
going to give a really quick
rundown of who we are and what
we do. Okay. Sports Corp
one-on-one really quickly, we
have 4 pillars. We were
originally established in the
late 1970's to help relocate
the United States Olympic
Committee from New York City
to Colorado Springs. We will
stay and always will be very
passionate about the Olympic
movement here in Colorado
Springs, the Olympic Museum.
The 25 national governing
bodies that are here. As well
as the name Olympic City usa.
Kind of all things Olympics
will go into that a little bit
more sports tourism. That is
our second pillar. That is why
we are here today that really
feel like that is our service
to the city of Colorado
Springs, bringing more events
in to town. And I will go
through that here in a minute.
3rd pillar is event
management. When you're an 8
to 10 major events in our
city. And it's awesome and
it's so fun. It is a lot of
hard work. We're the ones up
at 2 in the morning. Closing
down roads and turning
generators on. But when you
get to the amount of people
that come to some of these
events, we're really
passionate and proud to bring
a lot of these to Colorado
Springs and then we are
piloting some after-school
sport programming with
Colorado Springs District 11,
which I'll go. I won't go into
too much today to save time.
So our Olympic pillar, I
talked about that a little
bit. But basically any time
there's an Olympic year, we
put on free in conjunction
with the Olympic Museum for
the community we serve on the
Olympic City. Usa Task force.
We attend quarterly and Judy
meetings, one of the biggest
things that crosses over with
sports tourism as we work with
the national governing bodies.
As I mentioned, we have 25 of
the 52 here in Colorado
Springs, which is phenomenal.
The next condensed city has 3.
So that shows you that we
really do stand alone in being
Olympic City. Usa. We work on
Mgb retention. We work on mgb
relocation and we work with
the national governing bodies
that are here to try to bring
events here. For example, usa
Weightlifting is holding their
national championship. You're
in 2025. We have 7 affiliated
and gb events in Colorado
Springs this year that Davis
will talk about in a little
bit as far as of sports
tourism we are the conduit
that puts together official
bids. So when things are
needed to be put out to bring
events into town, we would be
the entity that helps pull all
of those together. We
represent basically the city
of Colorado Springs at
conferences every year trying
to bring outside events into
Colorado Springs. So we it's a
10 sports eta teams conference
and he says, we help support
the Colorado Springs Sports
Authority media engagement to
the sports sector. For
example, just to Davis my
passing these out, this was
just on Friday to give an
example of a bid the our Mac,
which is the Rocky Mountain
Athletic Conference, asked for
a bid to host a and see a
girls Championship wrestling
championship. We want that in
Colorado Springs. We don't
want that anywhere else. So
just to work on Friday alone,
we put together the bid to try
to bring that into Colorado
Springs. We are constantly
trying to bring outside events
here and using the venues and
facilities that we can to
bring in sports tourism. I
talked about this a little
bit, but these are the events
that we put on every year.
Most notably lit by cars they
were to lift off the Pikes
Peak Regional Air Show. We're
really excited this year will
be the first year that are are
hosting Colorado senior games
and actually are friends of
the Pikes Peak area of 8 are
supporting the event as well.
So we really pride ourselves
and offering a lot of
different events to our city.
We're proud to to bring those
together in the final report,
which is the magazine type
thing that you have. That is a
list of all of our events and
our ally of that fence that we
put on in Colorado Springs. So
that's data and numbers,
economic impact. The hotel
room nights. Everything you
would want to know about any
particular event that we own
and operate is in that
Hackett. And with going to
briefly skip over our
after-school sport program.
It's awesome and great. But I
know everyone behind schedule.
So Davis, I will turn this
over to you. Any questions for
making before she comes out
of. I don't have any right
Thank All right. So thank you
so much. COUNCILMAN Davis
Davis the senior director of
sports tourism in Olympic
engagement for the Car Springs
Sports Corporation.
>> So as mentioned, Megan
mentioned, I the oversea, the
sports tourism, Paul Pillar
for the car Spring Sports
Corp. So talking as part of
sports tourism is one of the
largest components of our our
contract or contracts as a
contract entity for the city.
So I just want to go over. Our
kpi is free. All just so have
an idea. He's kp eyes are
listed based each category and
white paper document received,
which is our 2024 2024
contract the report. So first,
it is event management
promotion. This really is
talking about as a
professional. That management
company, Sports Corp will
spearhead organization and
management of various events
driving economic vitality in
the region. The second I can
find this one key development.
So through community
development, the Sports Corp
will work to bring city inning
and civic leaders together
with some of the nation's
premier sporting
organizations, including the
U.S. Opc and other
international sports
organizations. The 3rd.
>> Is.
>> special community
initiatives. So that's that we
will work retain and attract
support. Local state, national
sports organizations and
businesses. So this is that
retention and severe attention
sports organization, attention
or attraction to to our city.
Forces, fiscal management,
accountability. Obviously we
have to be good stewards of
the funding that we get. That
one at relatively simple. And
then the last is ongoing
advocacy, which is that's a
critical component to
positioning organization as a
leader in sports sector. So
through this, are charged with
being out in the community
speaking on behalf of both the
Sports Corp Olympic City usa.
Any of the organizations that
we that live in an Olympic
City usa are called it home.
So jumping into the events
that we brought into color
springs in 2024, this is a
little bit of a snapshot of
some of them that we worked
with, you know, these range
from and should related events
to Colorado High School State
Association events. One of our
tasks last year that we
started to really started up.
And then in 2025, is one of
our largest goals is to to
have as many Chasse a state
championships as possible in
Car Springs, High school state
championships bring 10's of
thousands of attendees and
typically overnight attendees
into the city for pretty I
think what most people's lives
and I know it when I was in
high school, all the state
championships are played
Denver and sell. This is a
great opportunity for us to
not only bring athletic events
to the city, really, Colorado,
based athletic events, the
city, couple of a call
interesting ones. You see JULY
13, 14 last year, the World
Wake Association, even though
we are car springs, we do
actually have really good
water prospect for
wakeboarding. So this has
actually been to event that's
has been a phenomenal
partnership with the Parks
Department has the worldwide
association has worked with
our parks department to ensure
that the a new era cations
system that will be going into
prospect It will actually be
able to accommodate the votes
they get used for these types
of large events in the future.
So they provided some some
free consulting, too. Can
occur over there as they they
work through that. And you
know, just some other ones
into the Things like the usa
Wrestling King of the
mountain. This is one of the
assailant, wrestling's largest
regional championships that
they host. And so we're always
excited to to work with them
to make that event as
accessible as possible. So
looking at 2024, the events
that the Sports Corp either a
bit on had any sort of
financial incentive to bring
provided a financial incentive
to bring to cars springs. That
was 43 events. Total 31,000
athletes. So that was a 49%
increase from the events that
we brought in 2023. We cross
the 100,000 spectator market,
these events for the first
time. So it was a 32% increase
from 2023. And then the hotel
room nights or really where
obviously the number that we
are excited night during my
mid your presentation to all I
give you my estimates and a
happy to say that we met our
goals in this and some of you
might ask why, like a 320%
increase from 2023. My hotel
room nights. That is because
we with the formulas ation of
the sports Commission side of
our business and in 2024, was
really the first year that the
sports court went out there
and thoroughly pitch car
springs as a destination for
sports and sports tourism
events with the resources that
we are provided through sport
eta, which essentially is the
trade Association for sports
commissions, other conferences
like teams, which is the
travel event and management
support. We get the
opportunity to get have
one-on-one meetings with these
events, rights holders that
are trying to place their
events all around the country
and they're very transparent
about the economic impact and
the hotel room night impact
that they have. And so really
made a concerted effort make
sure that we're talking to
organizations that it's
bringing a diverse array of of
sporting events to the city.
But at the same time, we want
to make sure that they're
going to be giving back and
putting those heads. And
that's obviously day travelers
to cars springs are huge
aspect of this is a detour of
tourism. But the people that
are here in town, but once
again, the people that are
going to be contributing on
dollar by dollar on average
are going to be higher dollar
are going to be those who are
staying at hotels. So that's
really why have been going
after the U.S.. But So looking
into 2025, I mentioned we have
a couple of goals because we
want to beat those numbers
that previously just that.
Particularly with 2025, we
want to impact the national
governing bodies that call Car
Springs home. Megan mentioned
we have 25 in gb used that car
springs here, including that
we have a number venues that
haven't necessarily been
activated for national
championships. As much as I
think they could so you'll
these are some of them have
passed. The largest was U.S.
Figure skating, synchronize
skating, national
championships. But getting
into the summer usa
Weightlifting will be hosting
their national championships
at Robson Arena, which is
obviously a city for
champions. The new and then
usa Cycling will be hosting 3
of their track national
championships. This was all 3
of these will be taking place
at the Velodrome at Memorial
Park. And we're incredibly
excited to the gold room. The
national teams have been
training there, but there So
community aspect of it bring
people in to see championship.
So the Masters and para
cycling championships and the
nearly track nationals will
well also be occurring this
year. And then in the latter
part of the year, usa
Wrestling bring back their
king and queen of the
mountain. And then earlier
this year we hosted the First
U.S. Association of Blind
Athletes. You Blind Soccer
national team They were in the
news last week because just
moved to cars springs there as
an athlete program. So they
have 10 athletes are going to
be living here in Olympic
City. Usa. They're gold ball
team now has a permanent
facility at the training
center and they're also going
to bring their blind soccer
were able to find them a venue
some great partners in the
city so they can host their
international competitions.
Some other major sporting
events that Sports worked
either. And on operational
roles recently that will take
place in 2025. They are back
with wrestling championship.
Just happens. This is the but
for the 26 27. That's the bit
that we pass that to you. We
hosted their very first our
mac Women's wrestling
championship, actually only
division, 2 school, our
division to conference in the
country that has women's
wrestling hopefully ncaa just
approved women's dressing as a
division. One sports that
there will be a lot more
excitement around it. So we
wanted to be on the the head
of So that's when it comes
time to betting on future ncaa
Division. One woman's
wrestling championships. We
have shown our our ability to
do so. But this summer, us
senior open, you say
pickleball Golden ticket to be
a very large pickleball event.
There are 3 of these. You have
to go through here to get to
the national championship and
then one of the ones that I
know has been discussed a lot
and the sports group has a
very large operational role in
his Department of Defense
Warrior Games. And this is
host of the number of times
during Car Springs, but not
since 2018. And so most of
this will take place on the
campus of Colorado College and
the partment offense really
want to have a great core.
Event downtown area of Color
Springs. So we've great
partners with both the
Department of Defense and Car
College map and then towards
the end of the year, DECEMBER,
11th through 14th. Hopefully
there's no snow, division, 2
men's and women's soccer
national championships will be
at Weidner Field. Another one
of the city for champions
venues. This is a great events
we hosted in 22. And we are
lucky enough to receive it due
to the success of it in 2022.
South. I mentioned to you all
the our push to get as many
state championships as
possible. And I'm happy say
that we have increased year
over about 2, additional 2 per
year of color. High school
state championships. We asked
sign a three-year contract for
girls and boys. Soccer here at
Weidner Field. That's
typically or historically was
one of the larger state
championships that took place
at Dick's Sporting Goods Park
in Commerce City. And so this
is all divisions, boys and
girls from the fall spring and
south. Our next step, I
guarantee of the main are both
basketball players. So we are
actively working to try to get
the basketball. That's a hard
bargain south. And then
lastly, just to give you all
just a view of what this
Sports Corp events are for
this year, you we are going to
busy throughout the entire
year all the way through
DECEMBER 10th just will call
out the Pikes Peak Sports
Economy report for a number
years. It really has been
since 2018 that we haven't had
full economic development
report of what is the impact
of the sports and tourism,
sports, tourism and sports
economy and car springs. And
so we are partnering with Uccs
College of Business and
there's going to be full what
you would classify as a sort
of like chambers, state of the
city kind of report of what is
the economic status and the
impact for Sports Chi Minh
City South. Thank you very
much. Appreciate Will just for
the record one, I was in high
school and I tell you when
that we didn't have our state
basketball.
>> Playoffs in Colorado
Springs at. Couple gyms
downtown. Also at their first
county. Did you win?
>> remember all of I love
competition.
>> And the certainly you deal
with that every day,
particularly when you're
competing against other cities
counties places and things
like that for all these
different sports events. You
know, to really elevate this
if we could dream beg and I
give you like one wish.
>> What is it? What is it that
we don't That keeps us from
being more competitive?
>> I can't take that. Thank
you for that Some question.
What's great about the City
for Champions Project is we
have these these glowy flashy
but news that we can get
things at right ropes in Reno,
whitener. You name it. But but
the nuts and bolts of
something that our city is
really lacking is a massive
indoor or outdoor sports
complex. We can't bet on very
many volleyball, vents
basketball against fence.
Those things that bring in
just those When you see those
people just turn and
restaurants and hotels because
they're all there running
around for basketball
tournament. So it into outdoor
sports complex, even baseball
on softball. We do have some
fields, kind that would have
to piece together pretty large
tournaments. But I would say
that is by far the biggest
need. And I don't quote me on
this. But for my basic
research, we didn't don't
think that there's a market
our size, our city, our size.
That doesn't have one. So that
is answer to that question.
>> Yeah. Hear from a lot of
hotels whenever they approach
about new business, they
always say. Winter winter. But
and so, yeah, I think you're
right. I think the sports
complex that would enhance our
winter travel would be a good
Absolutely. Thank In one
example to that. So like on
the soccer front, one of our
largest events that we brought
in town last last year was
from a group called Ali
Tournament, said it's the
development player's league.
It was private 15,000 room
nights and that's on the very,
very small and of what they
do. And so it was 2000 girl
soccer players from 97% of
which for were out of state.
Each one of them came with
about 3 4 family members and
state a place of the Air Force
Academy for Scouting is
completely maxed out on fields
and they have max, like about
18 soccer fields. So that's a
small event that takes place.
And so that's likes kind of a
cap of what we can even start
to have a conversation with
right now.
>> I just hear their
questions. Thank you so much.
Thank you Thank To the clerk.
Please read and 60 into the
record. This is our last item.
So we're just going to keep
going for lunch.
>> Colorado Springs Chamber
and edc 2024 year in Lodgers
on a rental. Our contract
update to City Council.
>> Good Afternoon Council. My
name is Danny Bowling. I'm the
chief operating officer at the
Collar Springs Chamber and edc
and I will be brief. So I
don't keep you between lunch.
Thank you for having me. And
welcome to our new council
members. It's great to have
you here. I like to start off
with our lard presentation to
just pull excerpt from our
contract, whereas by
attracting visitors promoting
business tourism and
supporting economic
development activities, this
program will fulfill the
purposes of the alert. Thanks
slide there for the benefit of
our new council members. Just
one quick slide on the chamber
edc. So our mission is to
achieve economic prosperity
for our region and act as a
catalyst for business,
innovation and growth. What
drives us is we holistically
support. Business is through
economic development.
Government affairs, small
business development and
membership services. We are
the front door for businesses
to access, influence,
resources and knowledge. And
we lead on regional business
initiatives event, execution,
convening decision makers and
uniting the region to win
globally. We are proud to host
our partner organizations. The
Pikes Peak has a network and
the Colorado and like Speak
Small Business Development
Center. So back to our kp
Eyes, the first one is to
conduct a perception study.
This was completed in several
phases in 2023. This product
was important because this
helps drive the entire program
of the plan of the rest of our
work. And for a new council
members, I would be happy to
share some of the results with
you at another time. But at a
high level, the biggest
findings were that, you know,
on a positive, we didn't have
a negative perception. We just
had on awareness, perception.
Coral Springs is known for our
beautiful outdoors and a great
vacation destination. But it's
not known for our career
opportunities in a place to
join the workforce. And you
can have a great business
year. In terms of earned
media. We received 12 national
placements last year that were
a direct result of our
proactive pitching. And again,
based off the perception
study, we are really focusing
on those business topics. So
some of the examples you can
see on the screen are stories
about chips and microchips
microchip. Our Coral Springs
being named a top city for
tech talent for growth and
emphasizing our strong
aerospace and defense
community and the benefit of
earned media is that we are
learning these results and
adding credibility to our
name. This is paying for
advertising but having
journalists and reporters
either visit the community and
we teach them and tell them
why they should cover this
great topic and they produce
and sometimes it is. It's
either in person or we host
them here or and sometimes
it's it's yeah, phone. But the
benefit of this again is the
authenticity and the
credibility that we're
learning through media
strategy. In terms of digital
are paid search and are paid
social. All of our industry
benchmarks have been exceeded.
We're very proud of that. The
click through rate on Google
Adwords. These are things like
cost of living Colorado
Springs jobs in Colorado
Springs and strategic key
words that we know that talent
and business decision makers
are looking at when they're
looking to consider Coral
Springs as a place to do
business and then also on
Social. We're on Facebook and
LinkedIn. And you can see that
we've exceeded those
benchmarks as well. In terms
of online presence. This is
U.S. Marketing the region our
website and we again are proud
to have exceeded these kp eyes
benchmarks. So you can see
that we've done well on
visits.
>> And time spent. But really
the important pieces are the
conversions. It's great that
you visit our website and
browse. But what are you doing
when you get there? So?
>> The 2 conversions we've
identified our job use and
cost of living calculator. So
I'm job views. We want to
display an advertisement to
say grow your cyber security
career in Colorado Springs.
And when they click on it to
click through to the job you
week on past success, same
with cost of living. If if
somebody is clicking through
to measure the cost of living
calculator, they're analyzing
and taking that next step and
considering moving here. In
terms of blogs are Kpi is to
publish 2 blocks per month.
And this has been achieved. We
post these on our website and
again recovery industry
information. You know,
speaking to talent that's
considering moving here and
talking to those business
decision makers, the other
main benefit of logs is to
keep your content fresh on
website. As you all know and
keep our sco nice and happy.
So all of those blocks and
keywords are helping to
fulfill that goal as well. In
terms of ongoing outreach.
This is us again proactively
going out and marketing the
region through relationships,
building relationships to site
selectors. Those consultants
who are advising businesses on
where they should decide to
relocate or expand so that the
first kpi was to host of a
family or a familiarization
tour in Colorado Springs. We
hope to last year in the first
part of the year, one with
John with cbre and then again
later in JUNE with site
selectors from Deloitte. Our
team, our economic development
team has an entire calendar of
change shows and conferences
that they that they go out to.
This is them that we like to
say they're hunting and
gathering. They're going out
and they're making sure the
Colorado Springs is fresh on
people's minds when they're
looking at places to relocate
and expand to. So some of the
visuals you have here is our
economic development team in
action and meeting with a site
selectors. On space symposium.
I didn't brief this in the my
presentation here. Would you
like me to go through it or in
the interest of time? I can
go. I can skip as well. Go
there, ok, super. So with
space symposium, we know that
this is kind of our Super Bowl
of Florida Springs. We're
attracting 12 to 15,000
visitors that are all focused
on aerospace and defense and
cyber security. And our top
key industry. So the chamber
and edc wants to take
advantage and leverage the
audience and take that
campaign to the next level. So
in 2024, was our second year
And of course, we just did it
again. And 25 but we're proud
to be the leader of this
campaign. Its takeoff in
Colorado Springs. Hashtag
welcome to our orbit. So were
blanketing the community as
much as we can with the funds
that we have to get this
message out there. So when
people are in town for that,
that captive audience this
year for that week, we're
seeing this messaging
throughout and we're tying it
all the way through to our
booth. But we want them to let
you know what the second that
they get Sacar Springs. They
can see this messaging and
hear this strum bn the story
being told. So go through a
few of those. So I started
with a Springs airport. We
know that, you know, get them
all day right when they get
here that we started with our
Ashley, all of the visuals in
the campaign feature ash.
That's doing it. Enjoying
iconic experiences in Colorado
Springs. So we're able to have
some fun with it, too. So you
can see here. We have been
camping here with some
messaging. And then we have
window clings why you exit the
plane and each of the clings
features a stat on the sector,
whether it's how how many
employers are here all the way
to how many hiking trails
there are. Because we know
that that that is all the
total package of what we have
to offer. We also worked with
Chamber and edc member on
billboards because we know
that people travel through tia
and we want them to see our
messaging along the way to. So
again, some more of the
messaging has been included.
We worked with our partners at
downtown partnership to
activate some of the light
pole banners again with some
of the artwork you can see
with that shots doing
different things. And Florida
Springs and the Pikes Peak
region. And our partners at
the broad more were gracious
and allowed us to put in room
collateral and every single
one of the hotel rooms. We
know that everyone staying
there is participating in
space symposium. And again,
you can see some of the stats
and the facts and figures that
are important to those
business decision makers as
they're in town and they can
consider moving their business
here. He's also served as I
handouts as well for those
working the trade show. Pop up
banners again. We're kind of
marketing pieces that added to
the campaign. And the fun
things like pins and stickers
and swag items for the
Additionally, in addition to
the to the broad more we had
other participating hotels
that played our video in the
lobby or in their rooms. And
you can see those on the
screen. We had Mayor Yemi with
provide a welcome video at the
airport and we plenty of
social media tool kits and geo
fencing and lots of placements
on digital 2 years. All of
which pointed to a landing
page about are highly skilled
and educated workforce. And
then last but not least. We
appreciate our partners at the
city and the county for
helping us with street cleanup
like to clean up our house.
And we have guests visit s.
But the most important part is
that all of this led towards
our booth and our economic
development teen left the 2024
show with 24 leads he has kind
of lacking since reporting on
last when I'm up here again in
6 months, all I'll share how
we did in 2025. Final Kpi is
are we are the official
producer of the Car Springs
relocation guide. And this is
produced in the spring. So
this was 5 released and
distributed last MARCH, 2
talent acquisition leaders,
military bases, community
partners, real estate brokers
and so forth. And we are proud
have this guy be available for
free. So if you or anybody in
your business is, I know
you're you have a lot of
business outside of here. Need
any of those 4 prospect of
talent that's looking to visit
or relocate. We're happy to
provide those. And we also
have a retainer with me and or
gallery to help with our
callers. Spring stock footage
we just need does marketing
assets to be able to tell the
story in use on our website,
social digital and so forth.
The last thing I would like to
share is that in 2025 or
launching will we have
launched a brand new program
called Source Colorado Springs
and this initiative is we have
a full-time employee who is
going to focus 100% on our
storytelling on our national
pr and really taking those
findings from the perception
study. And our goal is to
counter those and shape that
perception. We are also going
to focus on support with
business conferences. We see
there's a gap there. We know
there's so many aespace and
defense and cybersecurity
conferences out there. Why
can't we recruit those and
have spending nights and
filling rooms in Colorado
Springs? Don't have to take
any questions. COUNCILMAN,
Okay, thank you.
>> And thanks for the
presentation, Danny. It the
first kpi you win over conduct
a perception study. How often
do we do to?
>> We're doing it every 3
years. We had just on the one
and we're going to do it again
in 3 years and 3 years against
one was done 23. Summer of 26?
Yep.
>> The kpi where they come
from. Can you remind me?
>> Sure. Yeah. The kpi Zara
from us. We will work with the
with stray and team We
outlined those with our
contract was set. And then
each year we have an
opportunity to at it or if
there's a new initiative that
we're being measured against,
that we provide those
according to the calendar.
>> Ands. You said you didn't
win. The contract was set as
the 5 year contract. Yes or
set win.
>> See 2021 And I think 21
Fort 22 through 27.
>> sorry. Initially we had a
two-year contract and I
believe this the 3 year 5 year
contract started, I believe in
20 3. I'm gonna say 3, 4, 5,
6, 7. Yes, 2023 to 2027.
>> And the kpi is are set in
that contract. But they get
adjusted that right, right. We
worked together in 2023 to set
that contract to set those
initial kp eyes.
>> We work with the contract
used to determine what would
be the best kp eyes for the
contract. And then each year
we have an ability to review
those so that something is no
longer relevant, are valid or
if there's something new, a
new initiative that we want
to, including those kp eyes.
We do that annually. When we
read extend the contract.
>> And who specifically is
that reviews it and sets the
kp eyes with with a contract
that entity? Is it? Sri
McDaniel, chief financial
officer is at the law or
committee who is it's the
chief financial officer. And
where would we see the well,
and as we just saw them right
here, but are they available
for citizens are council
members to go. What are those
kpi is on to see Yes, they're
touched the contract and that
would be found where?
>> With the contract and that
provided to city council a
number of times. I think
Michael has those as well. Ok,
is it online somewhere in our
No, we don't post that any
city contract on Monday. Don't
believe. Okay. All right.
Thank you, Thank. Thank Care
summit, rainy. Thank you for
being in your presentation.
You mention.
>> 24 economic development
leads coming out of the space
symposium. Can you give a
little deeper understanding of
what those leads mean for you?
All, especially a significant
number like that? Are you
looking at just against
companies that are currently
not business partners with the
chamber? What does that mean
was great question. Council
Brady, thank you.
>> I will give the high level.
But let me follow up with you
with some more specifics. Are
economic development team a
definition of what a qualified
lead is. So it is not just
anyone say no. I think close
friends is amazing. I want to
move there. There's definitely
criteria that that makes it a
qualified lead. But I would
have to follow up with you on
that. So I can you know that
over if that's okay.
>> Now, appreciate that. And
think actually, if you can get
that to entire council, that
would be great. Yes, do
>> I don't see other
questions. Thank you. Thank
you. PRESIDENT Haven't we take
a pause for a minute and just
get reaction. We have to about
30 minutes.
>> Left, do you want to just
keep going through to lunch
even take 5 minutes? Just or
just keep going? I'm sorry you
can help. Okay.
>> Power through our through
ok clerk, we you're eating in
item 8.80, 70. Does anybody
have any questions or changes
to the agenda plan or the
current agenda planner for?
It's a date. That's 70.
>> And the share of questions
that I have the tape Okay.
Yeah. So if you could read
introduction for a
>> and b, get together
separate account, read them
together. Please do resolution
authorizing the acquisition of
approximately 5.7 5 acres
property identified as the
convert this to park extension
through the Parkland
dedication ordinance program
MAY be an ordinance amending
budget ordinance. 24 Dash, one
of 4, 2025 Budget
Appropriation on its for
supplemental appropriation to
then Peel Deo Fund in the
amount of $40 to be used for
the purchase of 5 points acre
property from Paso County
School District 20. Good
morning, Glenn.
>> Good morning. Lena feeling
design and development manager
for the Parks, Recreation and
Cultural Services Department.
Good to meet some of you this
morning and thank you for
taking my item before lunch. I
appreciate it. When it's just
give you a quick overview of
peeled you for those of you
that are new sense for
Parkland dedication, ordinance
pm Vo pld ordinances house
within our planning
department. And that's where
we get either our land for
parks in their neighborhood or
community or our fees that go
into a kitty that we're able
to use later for acquisitions.
And so to me, due at a summit
on the comes in workers
planning department to ensure
that we're getting landed
possible. And if not, we put
fees into a bucket interred to
purchase land later, which is
why I'm here today because
requesting an acquisition with
those funds that we've put
into cat. Great, okay. So just
going into the location today,
we are north of Woodmen road
east of powers and west of
black forest. Wondering into
an existing park that we have
is called us to park and the
highlighted area with a star
over it. That's the area that
we're looking to purchase for
an extension of Comer Vista
Park. Just to let you know
about this area around here to
the North East and west of the
existing Parker single-family
homes. As you'll as you cross
over temple or between tot
empowers there is an existing
multi-family development
that's beginning. But is
intended to continue to the
south and then to the south of
the start area, you'll
townhome development and
further south. Some
multifamily that becomes
important as a coach. And my
next slide. So as these came
in for development, they came
in with 3 master-planned
areas. The first discusses
power with 3 to 6 months or
plant. That's where we
received existing park site
repeal to the kieschnick wire
months at that same time, the
school district District 20
also received the saint for
their school district over
time. They have to term that
they no longer need that land
for development. And so they
came to the parks department
to determine if we wanted to
purchase that land. We very
interested in that part
because felt it met some of
the needs, but we weren't able
to fulfill in this area. So as
we look to power would to
master plan. As I mentioned,
that is developing as
multifamily. It was originally
primarily propose for
commercial development. So
when that Masterplan came
through, we did not receive
any park sites in that area
because again, that the
commercial development, it
does not require, you know, so
overtime us begin to develop
residential Lee. But those
have come in incrementally and
over time, we have not
received a large enough
development require that 3.5
acre of neighborhood park that
we typically see. The same
thing has been happening at
the ridge. It what would meant
to the south where we've been
seeing what was previously
proposed to be commercial
turning into multifamily
developments as well. So
because of those 2
developments, not originally
proposing Parkland with their
science. We are looking at a
deficit in our neighborhood
park requirement for that
area. However, the good news
is they have also been paying
into that bucket of funds that
we are able to use to purchase
land. So we're looking a total
combine acres up from the
existing park and the new
proposed saint of 10.9 1 acres
and what we are proposing to
see for a total need for
neighborhood park in this
area. It's about 12 to 13.5
acres. So although we're quite
to number that we need, we are
definitely working towards
that number and getting
additional park area for this
as presidents. We also look at
a distance for walkability
between a quarter mile and a
half mile and you'll see from
So we have a question from
men, pension.
>> Thank you, Donna. How short
are we? So so this addition
will will get us close. But
but what what would be short
in specifically in one area?
>> So from the neighborhood
park perspective, we're about
an acre to an acre. Have short
thing is that we don't exactly
know how many developments for
residential units will come
in. So it's an approximation
right now. So we're getting
much closer, but we're still a
little bit short. Okay. Thank
you. So just looking at map
here, you'll see that quarter
to half a mile walking
distance for most of those
residents in this area will be
met. So we feel that it's a
great area to adding
additional neighborhood park
space. And it's important to
see that they would not cross
over and the major streets.
That's all within that area
that they could walk to. Just
giving you a bit of a visual
on what this site looks like.
The area coming the left side
of the screen is the existing
park. Sorry. The proposing to
purchase as you cross over
kind of in upper right hand
side, you'll see the existing
Parker. So it is a relatively
flat site that is good for
Park development. Existing
Cumber Vista Park is
developed. That's just to the
north of the site. It has an
existing Parker play area for
children as well as walkable
paths. And then it also has an
area for a basketball baseball
softball. Ntioned at the
beginning, we do have those
fees upfront able to acquire
the Parkland coming into
different buckets. We have
buckets for Neighborhood Park
acquisition as well as
Community Park acquisition.
Property specifically is
within The Woodlands Park
area, part of town. And so we
are looking to pull from that
bucket to pull to purchase
property. So currently as
manager and $55,008 is a
balance. We're looking at a
purchase price of 10 791,000,
$740 with $3,000 in closing
costs, which would still give
us remaining balance of
160,000, $268 in that bucket.
Just didn't want to mention
that. The community park
bucket can be used
specifically only for Comey
parks. That's throughout town.
But we can't cross those
community Park and
neighborhood Park areas and
then putting feedback it is to
be used for and that we
purchase in order to plot.
Quick timeline for you. We
were previously before our
parks. But Pfizer reborn redid
receiving unanimous approval
from them very supportive of
park land purchases for
neighborhood parks. We are
here today at the council work
session. This propose to be on
the MAY 27 and JUNE 10th.
Regular sessions for your
votes. And then we're hoping
to close late JUNE early JULY.
Council and engine. Thank you.
Can go back. A slide wanted if
you would refresh my
restrictions.
>> So with that remaining, so
really this is about
purchasing the land. Can any
of those peeled funds then be
used to develop that part of
the park or is that a
different budget that you have
to draw from? So there are
multiple options that we can
use these buckets from,
however, primary purchase. And
what we do typically see to do
with them is to purchase land
in order to improve our levels
of service and those areas.
>> There are alternative
compliance opportunities that
we can look at potential
construction. But that is
secondary component of it. We
did bring before you one of
those options that we just
recently did with the Great
partners. We did use some of
those funds every receiving
from a nearby development to
develop about 20 year-old
Parkland that we had not been
able to develop.
>> Right. So I think it
highlights this is a super
important step. There's
there's still a lot of balance
there. A lot of part Parkland
to be purchased and then the
development of it is
unfortunately. Potentially
take quite a bit longer.
>> Correct. This is one of the
difficult pieces for us. We
are typically able acquire
land, however, the
development. Very it's a
little bit more difficult and
does take a lot of time from
our planning part part of the
Parks Department yet.
>> just highlighting that for
those listening and existing
parks, even that need
maintenance attention and all
areas and it's tough. It's
tough. We need to find some
solutions for some more funds
for especially about support.
>> So I will be before you
with a motion for the
supplemental appropriation as
well as a resolution to
authorize the acquisition of
the property. With that, I'm
happy answer any questions. I
don't see any more at this
Thank you. You Oh, I'm sorry,
Brian. Era counseling? Risley
has a question. I'm saying
it's your hand.
>> things I was just curious
how the purchase price was
established.
>> Sure, that's a great
questions. So we did receive
contact from the school
districts. They did propose
sale price to us. We then work
through our real estate office
to follow our procedures in
order to get present on the
property that appraisal did
supports the contracted price
if they offer to us. So then
we entered into contract.
>> Thank you. I think that's
it.
Move to item 10. Is Do we
have any councilmember reports
this morning? COUNCILMAN
Thompson?
>> thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT,
I do want to just point out
too. Welcome. Both important
things. One, I was on Cody
Willow. Lane during one of the
concerts at the ampas here,
this ether concert. And it's
still very loud up I wouldn't
want to live there. I would
want to be in one of those
homes trying to sleep when the
concerts are going on. And
I've heard. It was very loud
with the Dwight Yoakam
concert. Also so I say that so
the citizens know there is
concern on City Council for
what's what's happening in
those neighborhoods around the
embassy there. And number 2,
there was a great grand
opening on Saturday.
COUNCILMAN And I were there at
interim. Rockrimmon library,
Karla Powers and others have
done a great job I want to
Christ the King Lutheran
Church. They have kind of
giving them some. Well. I
think actually running it only
sing him some space in there
to create that interim
library. It's not a ppl the
library day. They close that.
But if you live over it's very
nice. It's great place for
elderly folks who want to be
with others and not not
isolated. Well, like we talked
about earlier today, there's
there's an area for kids.
They've done a fantastic job
over there. So I want to
acknowledge that there are
also some. So a lot of fire
promotions over the last week.
There were police retirements
over the last few weeks. I
want to recognize all those
individuals to thank you.
>> Some that thank you.
PRESIDENT All narrow down my
7, to 2 and also actually
acknowledge that Councilmember
Brandon Williams was at the
rockrimmon opening as well.
But I I want to actually a
neighborhood groups that
reached out and been in
communication with on the Rock
Island trail and concerns
about trash and fire hazards
and so forth we met we walked
the trail yesterday, Saturday,
Friday, like a member of a
recently with members of
Richards, rubbish Roundup. And
with the toss and that
neighborhood group will be, I
believe, forming a group and
also looking forward to. And I
know the city is is working on
coordinating multiple
neighborhood groups all over
the 200 square miles of our
city to address trash pickup
and clean up. And it was it
was just really awesome. And
our our new fire marshals
going to walk the trail as
well with some folks who are
concerned about fire. So thank
you to Chris Cooper and then
lastly, just the one body and
t held a we are still
neighbors and a reminder
kickoff for letting people
know that the Juneteenth
celebration will be at Citadel
Mall this year. And that was a
very uplifting and exciting to
bring that activation to the
mall. And it was really,
really lovely. It was done in
a really lovely way, kind of
blessing space and reminding
people about accountability
and responsibility and
celebrating importantly and
celebrating Juneteenth.
Thanks. COUNCILMAN Bailey. I
just want to pass an
invitation COUNCILMAN
Donaldson. The next time is up
in my neighborhood to stop by
>> we can have a long
conversation about all the
great reasons to live in
Northgate leave it at that.
Ultimately river.
>> Yeah, I wanted to point out
that we last week with small
business week for our city and
I've been attending for over a
dozen years. And I've never
seen a week with so much
excitement. Every single event
sold out. Some of them had
standing room. People there.
Our business community was
engaged and really excited.
Anyway, it was overall for the
whole week. Just very
exciting. Just packed with
businesses looking for a great
opportunity. So I just wanted
to point that out that it was
a tremendous week for small
business.
>> Tense when Donaldson. Yes,
thanks as want to clarify that
since a comment was made about
my comments that is a great
neighborhood to live in. I
mean, wouldn't want to live
there during a concert and try
to get any sleep is what I
meant or put your kids to bed
or I've had pilots tell me
that they don't feel like
they're well rested the next
day because they can sleep. So
that's what I'm talking about.
Not the neighborhood in
general, the noise pollution,
which they have to deal with
during the concerts.
COUNCILMAN Daily.
>> just wanted again to
respond to that, that it's
great place to live all the
time. I talked a lot of people
are there and actually do get
some sleep and enjoy the
concerts. What some people
call noise not the same
definition for everyone. And I
know that the city has some
standards and that the city is
working to make sure that
those standards are met. We'll
talk more about I'm sure in
the future.
>> Okay. So I don't see any
more COUNCILMAN Update for
this council work session on 5