PALMER LAKE, COLORADO
Town Council Meeting - Record of Proceedings

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AUGUST 10, 2006

The Palmer Lake Town Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Parker at 7:07 p.m., August 10, 2006.

Attendees:

Trustees:
Mayor Parker
Allen
Coleman
Finan - excused
Flake
Girlando
Miner

Attorney: Gaddis

Audience: 39

Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Parker

September Planning Commission Liaison – Trustee Girlando (September 13 and 20)
October Planning Commission Liaison – Mayor Parker (Oct 11and 18)
November Planning Commission Liaison – Trustee Allen (Nov 8 and 15)

Item 3: Approval of the Agenda

Trustee Miner made a motionto accept the agenda as presented, seconded by Trustee Coleman. Motion carried unanimously.

Item #4: Consent Items

  1. Approval of Minutes – July 13, 2006
  2. Payment of Bills – July 2006

A discussion was held regarding an Ordinance written in 1889 in which minutes were required to be read. Attorney Gaddis stated the ‘spirit' of the ordinance was being adhered to in that council members receive and read the minutes in advance of the meeting.

Trustee Miner made a motion to approve the consent items as written, seconded by Trustee Girlando. Motion carried unanimously.

Item #5: Committee Reports

Mayor Parker – Mayor's Report

Mayor Parker stated he and Trustee Miner had attended the forum held at the Inn at Palmer Divide on July 21. The forum was sponsored by Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce with a focus on economic development.

Trustee Girlando, Clerk Gray and he attended a Budget Workshop held by the Department of Local Affairs.

Attorney Gaddis and Engineer Gilbert both concluded that the project by Blue Dolphin, Tim Shank, located on South Fork of Shady Lane, met the spirit and intent of the hillside ordinance. The Hillside Ordinance is currently under consideration for revision to indicate that any conservation easement offered by an applicant would still fall under the percentage and other criteria for the hillside without violating any provisions of the State Statute.

Mayor Parker introduced a proposal to place a question on the November ballot asking for citizen approval of a mil levy nearly equal to the mil currently being paid for the 1988 Bond. The 1988 Bond will expire December 2006. The purpose of this issue is to activate D-3 well that was capped due to low flow rates, and run a line to the lake to start reclaiming our namesake. Due to the suddenness of this idea, the Awake the Lake Committee had not been notified in advance. A meeting of council members and committee members was set for August 22, at 6:30 p.m. in the Museum.

Mayor Parker proposed an offsite meeting to discuss aspects of town business. The meeting was set for August 23 at the Lodge at Pinecrest.

Trustee Allen – Roads

Trustee Allen reported millings have been placed on Epworth Highway . After the millings are settled, an oil base will be applied, making Epworth seem like a newly paved road.

Work continues on the South Fork development. Concerned citizens have been involved and their input is appreciated.

Every effort is being made to keep our roads in reasonably good shape in spite of the continuing monsoon rains. The roads department is working at maximum capacity.

Trustee Coleman – Fire

Medical Calls 9
Fire Calls 3
Wildland Calls 8
Traffic Accident 1
Public Assist 0
Public Contact 2
Other 5

Total Calls 28

12 calls were Mutual Aid

Members had the fire station open and trucks on display for the Palmer Lake Library Open House.

Engine 2015 was on display for the Estemere Open House sponsored by the Historical Society.

The department has received a Wildland Grant from the Colorado State Forest Service for nomex pants and shirts.

Engine 2015 will be taken to the Fire Muster in Colorado Springs on August 19.

Trustee Coleman reported he had been given a copy of a proposed agreement authored by Tri-Lakes\Monument Fire Authority changing the current Ambulance Agreement the town holds with Tri-Lakes Fire District to an Emergency Service Agreement with the Authority.

Members of the fire department were in attendance due to concerns with added provisions in the new agreement. Several Trustees and members felt that the proposed agreement is not in the best interest of Palmer Lake .

A discussion was held questioning why the change is necessary, how the document was delivered to the town and why the current chiefs were not part of the preliminary discussions before presenting the document to the Board of approval. Contact will be made with Chief Denboski.

Mayor Parker – Heavy Equipment Show

Pikes Peak Library District has asked for support with a Heavy Equipment program. The Library District holds a Mother-Daughter Tea and would like to support a masculine activity this fall. Town employees would display the town's heavy equipment with the event being held on a Saturday.

Trustee Flake made a motion authorizing the overtime necessay to support the Heavy Equipment Program as proposed by the Library District, seconded by Trustee Miner. Motion carried Unanimously.

Mayor Parker (for Trustee Finan) – Police

Total Calls 165 down from 172 (same month –last year)

Custody Arrest 9
Cases 34
Traffic Citations 62
Traf\Dog Warnings 43
Dog Citations: 1

Trustee Flake – Parks and Recreation

Two bids have been received for re-roofing the fire station. Both bids are comparable in product. The difference in price being approximately $2,000.

Trustee Flake made a motion to approve the authority for Trustee Flake to go forward with the selection of a contractor, seconded by Trustee Miner. Motion carried unanimously.

Trustee Flake introduced Tyler Flake, senior at Lewis-Palmer High School . Tyler explained he was asking for support for the kickoff fundraiser for the football team by offering the ‘Gold Card'; a discount card for local businesses. The team raises approximately $25,000per year. This money is used for uniforms, pads, etc.

The Police Office and Library\Museum Buildings have had the trim repainted green. This project was accomplished by the Little Log Church Youth Group and Julie Lokken.

Brian Williams has completed an Eagle Scout Project by giving the Gazebo in Centennial Park a facelift.

Thank you to all involved.

Trustee Girlando – Water

Trustee Girlando reported: South Valley Line - last of the tie-overs are done and a couple of hydrants need to be placed. We are waiting on an opening with ASAP to re-asphalt.

Operating Fund: Revenue: $257,874 % of yearly budget: 52
  Expenses: $279,683 % of yearly budget: 56
Capital Improvement Fund: Beginning balance 2006: $216,392    
  Revenue to June 2006 49,894    
  Expenditures to June 30, 2006: 40,349    
  Fund balance June 30, 2006: $225,937    

Trustee Miner – Economic and Community Development

Trustee Miner expanded on the subjects discussed at the Forum held on July 21. 25 community decisions makers from neighboring communities, utilities companies, our local school board, and local citizens all had significant input to help improve the economics and perceptions of Palmer Lake .

The Assessment Study and Branding Study is on a forward track. Meeting dates will be published as soon as possible.

Bob Miner – Fountain Creek Watershed (by Susan Miner)

The Fountain Creek Watershed group will be meeting to study the study.

Awake the Lake – Jeff Hulsmann

Jeff thanked Mayor Parker for the proposed alternative use of Well D-3. An out of cycle meeting of the Awake the Lake Committee will be set for August 22, as mentioned above.

Trustee Flake stated that until there was a plan in place to fill the lake, El Paso County is reluctant to offer any help in devising a master plan for the land around the lake.

Break: 8:15 pm to 8:25 pm

Trustee Allen referenced the ISO Rate study that was done by Tri-Lakes\Monument Fire Authority. The Authority had asked for hydrants to be tested in Forest View Estates. The request was denied by Palmer Lake .

Ann Pettanari, Brookside , asked for clarification on the following:

  1. How much notice was given for the testing of the hydrants?
    Mayor Parker responded contact had been made with the water department at 4:30 Monday afternoon asking for testing to take place at approximately 9:00 am Tuesday morning.
  2. Who made the decision to turn them down?
    Mayor Parker responded he spoke with the Town's Water Supervisor who stated that with the nature of the Town's water system it was not in the best interest of the Town as a whole to allow the testing. That all hydrants in Forest View were functional. Mayor Parker called Battalion Chief Jack, who indicated to Mayor Parker that it was acceptable to not test the hydrants in question.
  3. What is the recourse?
    This question sparked a repeat of the discussion previously held. Trustee Miner stated that the outcome was that there would be no adverse effect on any ratings within Palmer Lake.
  4. Importance of ISO Rating?
    Mayor Parker responded that it is his understanding the ISO Rating study being conducted on behalf of Tri-Lakes\Monument Fire Authority would not have any bearing on the ratings currently in place for the Town of Palmer Lake. The hydrants in Palmer Lake are used for flushing of lines. The water department and fire department know which hydrants need attention. Any structure fires in the North End are supported by tenders; water is not drawn directly from the hydrants to be used on fires but is run through the tenders.

Item #6: Sign Permit Request: Classic Catering by Anne & Company
Anne Jones – 780 Highway 105
Planning Commission recommended approval of the Sign Request by Anne Jones

Trustee Flake made a motion to approve the Sign Request by Anne & Company, seconded by Trustee Girlando. Motion carried unanimously.

Item #7: Request for a Change to a PUD – Inn at Palmer Divide – Al Fritts

Mr. Fritts stated council had previously approved him to proceed with the subdivision process. The town engineer had reviewed and approved the detention ponds, one located on property owned by MTI, the second located on land to be retained by the Inn at Palmer Divide. Easements were submitted to Attorney Gaddis for review.

Trustee Allen made a motion to approve the Replat (Subdivision) with the condition of the Town Attorney providing final approval regarding the easement agreements, easements to be contained on the document, and providing those comments to the town and Mr. Fritts, seconded by Trustee Flake. 5 Ayes, 1 Nay, Motion carried.

Item #8: Request for a Minor Subdivision and a Conditional Use for a Single Family.
0 Valley Crescent – Kreig Campbell
Creating 2 lots – one to be commercial and one to be single family

Mr. Campbell apologized for having changed his plans from the previously approved project for the referenced property. The property has changed ownership, Mr. Campbell being the current owner of record.

Trustee Coleman recused himself as the surveyor of record.

Mr. Campbell stated he had already submitted his plans for the single family to the town office for approval. Drainage issues have been addressed to protect the property to the north.

Trustee Miner made a motion to approve te Replat (minor subdivision) and Conditional Use for a single Family Residence at 9 Valley Crescent , Lot 1, seconded by Trustee Allen. Motion carried unanimously.

Trustee Allen reminded Mr. Campbell that if his commercial project would include a mixed use (commercial with residential) he would need to apply for a conditional use. That commercial would need to comply with parking and drainage.

Item #9: El Paso County Water Authority Contract 2006
El Paso County Water Authority By-laws 2006

Attorney Gaddis stated he and Town Engineer Gilbert had reviewed the contract and found it to be acceptable for approval.

Trustee Miner made a motion to approve the renewal of the El Paso County Water Authority Contract 2006, seconded by Trustee Girlando. 5 Ayes, 1 Nay Motion carried.

Item #10: Public Input

Jennifer Parmer, 191 Shady Lane , stated the town needed an administrator due to lack to response to calls placed by her and approximately 15 other people whom she is representing.

Discussion followed:
Who were the '15 other people' being represented. No answer was given.
What calls were not answered. Could not specify.

Trustee Flake referenced an Ordinance adopted in 1988 giving the town authority to hire a town administrator. Attorney Gaddis stated that the town had hired an administrator, but the results were not satisfactory. He felt that the town would never have the revenue to hire a qualified administrator, that towns in Colorado of similar size have rapid turn over in administrators after having made numerous mistakes due to lack of insight into the nature of each entity. Mayor Parker stated that if there is a problem with an employee or with operations of the town he was responsible as Mayor and that citizens should call him, that the Mayor and Trustee's are responsible for overseeing the operations of the town and have confidence in the employees for the day to day operations.

Diane Kokes, 195 Glenway, questioned the increase in police arrest and if the members of the community are being treated differently under the new chief? Mayor Parker responded the police committee would look into the current trend.

Gary Farmer, 191 Shady Lane , asked for information regarding the South Fork of Shady Lane project. Mayor Parker responded contact had been made with Engineer Gilbert, that the developer could disturb up to 40% with the actual amount of disturbed area being 38%. The conservation easement is outside of the area of computation of the hillside. Attorney Gaddis repeated that the Hillside Ordinance was currently being amended to take care of any future conservation easements.

Janice Reese, 521 Highway 105, stated she would be happy when the Inn project would finally be completed. She then asked about the possibility of lighting similar to the north side of the Inn being placed on the newly created lot to the south? Mayor Parker stated he was looking into the town's lighting ordinance to see if it needed to be strengthened. Mr. Fritts is currently looking into alternate designs for the current parking lot lights.

Trustee Miner made a motion to adjourn at 9:55 pm, seconded by Trustee Girlando. Motion carried unanmously.

Approved as written or amended this 14 th day of September, 2006.

Max Parker, Mayor
Della Gray, Town Clerk

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