Events are listed in reverse order by date

	November 19, 2001: At the Monument Board of Trustees meeting: The Carriages at Jackson Creek preliminary plat, preliminary site plan, and zoning amendment (PRD-4 to PRD-6) were unanimously approved. Formerly proposed as duplex townhouses, this project is now 23 lots of detached single family houses. To preserve views from adjacent houses, all lots in the Carriages will be limited to ranch style houses. Thanks to the sloped terrain, nine of the lots will have walk-out basements. It was reported that the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is expected to withdraw their request for monetary participation in the cost of signals at Baptist and I-25. Questions were raised about the development schedule and maintenance of the trails and open space in the Jackson Creek development. This issue is to be addressed with the Triview Metro District. A motion passed unanimously to deny the request from the Air Force Academy to buy or lease augmentation water from the Town. The motion included the intention to continue to work with the USAFA on water issues. It was decided to use spare funds on the 2nd Street extension project to increase the depth of the asphalt on the temporary connection to the existing 105 bridge, assist CDOT with the cost of the new signals at 105 and 2nd Street, and to add 8' paved shoulders for bike and pedestrian use. The extra width will allow for a center turn lane when warranted by development of the surrounding parcels.
	November 17, 2001: The Gazette reported that funding has been found for renovation of the I-25 interchange at Highway 105 and the extension of Powers Blvd. to InterQuest Parkway. The State Transportation Commission agreed to take money from the state's regional projects and the resurfacing program to fund the roadwork. The 105/I-25 interchange renovation is estimated to cost $29 million.
	November 10, 2001: In a special Saturday meeting, the Monument Board of Trustees approved a contract for construction of the extension of 2nd Street to Highway 105 and voted to proceed for immediate possession of the easements needed for the repair of the Monument Dam. At this meeting, it was also learned that the Wolf Business Park has decided to proceed with the original approved plan rather than the more recent revised and more intense land use plan.
	November 7, 2001: The Gazette reported Governor Owens signed four growth-oriented bills:  HB01S2-1001 changes the state’s annexation law. Download the PDF file (requires Acrobat Reader). HB01S2-1006 requires fast-growing cities and counties to create plans to deal with growth. Download the PDF file (requires Acrobat Reader). HB01S2-1020 creates a dispute resolution process when the plans of adjoining cities and counties conflict. Download the PDF file (requires Acrobat Reader). SB01S2-015 gives small cities and counties the ability to charge impact fees to developers for the cost of providing services. Download the PDF file (requires Acrobat Reader).
	November 6, 2001: At the Coalition's Wal-Mart Committee meeting, it was learned that Pinetree, owners of some parcels in the Regency Park/Jackson Creek development have reportedly approached Wal-Mart headquarters in Arkansas with a proposal for a Wal-Mart store south of Highway 105 and east of I-25.
	November 6, 2001: At a special meeting, the Town of Palmer Lake and the boards of the Tri-Lakes Fire Protection District and the Woodmoor-Monument Fire Protection District approved an agreement to conduct a joint planning study and to restore automatic mutual aid.
	October 23, 2001: The Gazette reported:  "Colorado Springs had the second-highest violent crime rate among Colorado's large population centers in 2000, surpassing even Denver." "Among the state's largest population centers, the Grand Junction area had the lowest rate of violent crimes at about 201 per 100,000 people, followed by Fort Collins-Loveland at 233, Greeley at 350, Denver at 356, Colorado Springs at 391, and Pueblo at 702." "The lowest rate of property crimes among the population centers was 3,352 in Fort Collins-Loveland, followed by Pueblo at 3,668, Grand Junction at 3,709, Colorado Springs at 3,802, Denver at 3,917 and Greeley at 4,131." "The lowest murder rate among those areas was 1.6 in Fort Collins-Loveland, followed by 2.3 in Greeley, 3.6 in Colorado Springs, 3.8 in Denver, 4.1 in Pueblo and 4.9 in Grand Junction."
	October 18, 2001: The Gazette reported that Lewis-Palmer High School enrollment, currently at 1,400, up from 500 in 1980, will overwhelm the present facility by 2006. Various alternatives including building a second high school or expanding the current campus are being considered by the District 38 School Board.
	October 16, 2001: The El Paso County Planning Commission approved (7 yes, 2 no) the Misty Acres Filing #1 Preliminary Plan that calls for 49 half-acres lots for single family houses and five lots for higher densities. Approximately 30 acres remain to be platted in Filing #2. The developer is now anticipating a total of 444 dwelling units (128 single family and 316 multi-family). This exceeds the 407 dwelling units (137 single family and 270 multi-family) approved as part of the Planned Unit Development (PUD) rezoning but less than the 507 dwelling units density approved with the earlier sketch plan. Another PUD rezoning will be required to change the number of dwelling units from 407 to 444.
	October 15, 2001: At the Monument Board of Trustees meeting: Katy Page and Christopher Perry were appointed to fill the two remaining vacancies on the Board created by the September 11th recall election.  Bonnie Butler and Skip Morgan were appointed to the two vacancies on the Monument Planning Commission.  Earlier in the meeting, the Board voted (3 yes, 2 no) to use eminent domain to acquire the easements needed for access to Monument Lake for repairs to the dam and for permanent public access. The vote came following expressions of concern that the proposed negotiated contract to purchase easements for $60,000 contained too many constraints on the Town and too many possibilities for future legal action against the Town by the property owner, Ernie Biggs.  Jackson Creek Filing #4 (9 lots) was approved with conditions.
	October 12, 2001: Fourth Judicial District Court Judge Kirk S. Samelson issued a ruling on the suit brought against El Paso County by the Friends of Black Forest Regional Park to block the proposed extension of Milam Road through the park to provide access to the 161 lot Cathedral Pines project proposed by Kings Deer developer Dan Potter.  "The proposed extension of Milam Road through the park property for access to the King's Deer development ... is prohibited."  In 1999, the County acquired an 80-acre tract of land from the federal government subject to a federal law called the Sisk Act, that allows federal land to be conveyed to state, county or city government only if its use doesn't change. The deed required the County to use the property as a recreational park.  "The court finds that the primary purpose for the proposed Milam Road extension through the park property would be for access to the King's Deer development. As such, the proposed road would not be utilizing the park property for purposes for which the park was being used prior to ... 1999."  The Friends of Black Forest Regional Park may seek $100,000 in legal fees. The King's Deer developer, Dan Potter, and the County are considering possible appeals of the Judge's ruling.
	October 12, 2001: The Baptist Road Rural Transportation Authority (BRRTA) Board passed a motion to authorize up to $20,000 to pay for County construction of a deceleration/right turn lane on westbound Baptist Rd. at Leather Chaps.  While County Commissioner Chuck Brown expressed the view that the Jackson Creek developer should pay for this to accommodate the traffic generated by the development, Monument Trustee Byron Glenn contended that the Town was powerless to compel the developer to implement this important safety measure.  In the end, the BRRTA Board took the action due to concern that this situation has persisted for years and the parties seem to be deadlocked.  The traffic through the intersection currently does not warrant installation of a traffic signal.
	October 4, 2001: At a meeting of El Paso County Fire Chiefs, a resolution was passed to support termination of automatic mutual aid agreements with the Tri-Lakes Fire Protection District.  The action came following a decision September 24th by the Woodmoor-Monument Fire Protection board to terminate their automatic mutual aid agreement with the Tri-Lakes District.  Automatic mutual aid means that surrounding districts automatically dispatch firefighters and equipment when a 911 call is received regarding an incident within the Tri-Lakes District. In the absence of an automatic mutual aid agreement, aid from the other districts will be dispatched only if the Tri-Lakes District specifically requests it.  Termination of automatic mutual aid agreements may result in increased response times and increased fire insurance premiums for homeowners and businesses.  The action by the Woodmoor-Monument FPD Board and at the meeting of fire chiefs was reportedly due to refusal by the Tri-Lakes FPD to participate in joint training exercises and a joint planning study that would look at area-wide needs and the possibilities for combining some of the districts in northern El Paso County.
	October 4, 2001: The Gazette reported that, so far, the list of applicants for the two vacancies on the Monument Board of Trustees is as follows: George Bell, George Brown, Bonnie Butler, Roy Getchell, Katy Page, Christopher Perry, and Douglas Warner. Anyone interested in applying must submit a a letter expressing their interest and describing their background no later than noon on October 12th. Address the letter to Rick Sonnenburg, Town Manager, 166 2nd St., Monument, CO 80132. For further information contact Rick at 481-2954.
	September 30, 2001: The Gazette reported that, due to $267 million shortfall due to the slowing economy, several major road projects have been put on hold including the improvements to the I-25 interchange at State Highway 105. The Federal Highway Administration called the 105 bridge over I-25 obsolete. From 56,000 vehicles per day ten years ago, the number of vehicles crossing the bridge has risen to 66,800 per day. In 20 years, the number is projected to be 86,800 vehicles. The Gazette reported that "On a recent evening, vehicles waited for 30 minutes to turn onto Highway 105 and head across the Monument Bridge to merge onto the interstate."
	September 27, 2001: Triview Metro District Board meeting:  Wal-Mart The District will prepare the water resource engineering report needed for Wal-Mart's County application even though Goldberg Properties, the Wal-Mart developer, has refused to pay the estimated $15,000 fee up front. A letter of intent from Goldberg was expected that day. In the event the project is not approved by the County, the District and its rate payers in Jackson Creek may have to absorb the cost of the study. The study will take 4 to 6 weeks to complete. That means the project could appear before the County Planning Commission December 19th and the Board of County Commissioners in January 2002. Goldberg has completed negotiations with the landowner. Several other potential sites have been discussed with Goldberg but they remain committed to using the parcel across from King Soopers because of its visibility from I-25 and proximity to the proposed Jackson Creek Parkway, planned to be a major north-south arterial. Someone from the Town of Monument approached Goldberg regarding renewing its suspended application and was rebuffed. Goldberg says it plans to pursue an application with the County. The District's Attorney, Peter Susemihl, will be working with Goldberg to refine the an agreement for a Public Improvement Corporation (PIC) to use a 1.5% retail sales fee from the store to build infrastructure improvements. The Jackson Creek project is preparing a revised zoning map showing the approved projects and latest plans. The Monument Board of Trustees will hold a hearing on the revised zoning map. $2.5 million of additional bonds at 9% interest were approved. Total outstanding debt for the District exceeds $12 million. Water and sewer tap fees stand at $8,550 per house. That was described as $3,000 to $4,000 lower than other local jurisdictions. Classic Homes will redo the trail though the Heights in Jackson Creek. The County Department of Transportation held a meeting Sept. 17th on plans to improve Baptist Road.  The County has agreed to take responsibility for adding a deceleration lane at Leather Chaps.  The area of focus from I-25 toward the west has been reduced from Mitchell Avenue to Old Denver Highway. This ignores problems with the railroad and creek crossings.  Seven alternative conceptual designs for the interchange at Baptist and I-25 have been developed. Some of them show the bridge moved far south and have considerable impact on the Forest Lakes commercial properties. Colorado DOT plans to complete an Environmental and mouse habitat assessment by March 2002. As an aside, Ron Simpson, Triview Manager, said the money for the changes to the 105/I-25 interchange were withdrawn by the Governor as part of the political bickering in connection with the special session. Several projects including the 105 interchange got caught in the cross-fire. CDOT is hoping funding will be restored in the next few weeks but no guarantees. Regarding the issue of whether Lewis-Palmer School District 38 should pay a $100K+ fee to the Baptist Road Rural Transportation Authority, Peter Susemihl noted that the new districts for improvements to Woodman and Meridian roads are structured around mill levies, permit fees, and plan review fees and so schools are exempt from paying any fees directly. Ron Simpson was still in favor of a fee but felt the amount could be negotiated.  There will be budget work session at the October 25th meeting. Topics include reducing dependence on the Denala District, funding the mouse habitat conservation program, and alternative scenarios with and without Wal-Mart.
	September 22, 2001: The Gazette reported that the "Nimda" computer virus struck Colorado state government’s computer systems, and computers at Colorado State University, Front Range Community College’s Larimer Campus, and the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. For info on the Nimda worm and how to protect your on-line privacy and security, see our Links page.
	September 12, 2001: Here is a link to resources for terrorist attack victim assistance: Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance.
	September 12, 2001: The certified results of the September 11th recall election are as follows:  Recalled: Mayor Leon Tenney (321 yes, 220 no) Trustee Lowell W. (Skip) Morgan (298 yes, 233 no) Trustee Kristi Schutz (266 yes, 265 no) [After recount 267 yes, 266 no] Trustee Steve Wilcox (281 yes, 240 no) Not Recalled: Trustee Ed DeLaney (166 yes, 364 no) Trustee Glenda Smith (257 yes, 271 no) Elected: Mayor Betty Konarski Trustee Byron Glenn
	September 9, 2001: Gazette article "Group tries to preserve mesa." Good coverage of this local effort to keep Ben Lomond Mountain near Palmer Lake forever free from sprawl. To help with this effort, attend the Friends of Ben Lomond meeting September 27th.
	September 9, 2001: Gazette article "Reclaiming a quarry" by Deb Acord reported on two quarries operated in Colorado Springs by Castle Concrete, parent company of Transit-Mix Concrete, which has unsuccessfully tried three times to site a concrete batch plant in the Tri-Lakes area.  Queens Quarry, closed in 1989, was on a diamond shaped mountainside above Garden of the Gods. Grass, wildflowers, and nearly 6,000 trees now grow where limestone was removed from the nearly horizontal section of the mountain. The reclamation was done by Castle Concrete, the Colorado Mountain Reclamation Foundation, and hundreds of volunteers. Although the article cites it as a successful example of restoration, many feel the end result is a far cry from the natural state of the mountain. Pikeview Quarry, another construction rock quarry operated by Castle, is on the front face of the Rampart Range above Rockrimmon and Mountain Shadows. Despite attempts at reclaiming sections that are no longer being mined, it remains a mountainside of sharp boulders and ragged cliffs. The latest proposed reclamation effort involves cutting the quarry farther into the mountain so a road can be built and topsoil brought in to support planting of trees, grasses and flowers. That proposal awaits approval from the Pike and San Isabel National Forest district office.
	September 8, 2001: Forest Lakes Residential project is expected to submit the last portions of its application to the County on Monday, September 10th. Following review, the project will be heard by the Planning Commission, possibly as soon as October 16th.
	September 8, 2001: Rocky Mountain News article "Tax foe raises red flag again." Tax critic Douglas Bruce claims November ballot issue violates the state constitution's ban on state debt. The ballot issue, if approved, would permit Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) to borrow up to $115 million to purchase open space.
	September 7, 2001: Gazette article "Democrats plan to change focus for growth limits to smaller bills" reported that Colorado State Senate Democrats agreed to set aside their demands for tough growth limits outside urban boundaries and concentrate on a dozen smaller bills for the special session that begins in two weeks. The legislature has been deadlocked on how to address growth issues. Having dropped demands for strict urban growth boundaries, the Senate Democrats are now focusing on mass transit, revenue sharing among local governments, affordable housing, and enterprise zones to help rural areas that want growth. Supporters of the responsible growth initiative that failed to gain approval in November vowed to have another ballot initiative in 2002 if the results of the upcoming special session are not satisfactory.
	September 7, 2001: Gazette article "County drops vote on tax hike, cites full ballot" by Pam Zubeck reported that El Paso County Commissioners voted unanimously to drop plans to ask voters for an increase in the road and bridge property tax mill levy to help pay for the infrastructure backlog. The commissioners said that amid worsening economic times, there is little public support for the tax increase which would have raised $160 million over 10 years to be shared with the cities and towns within the county. Robert ("Rocky") Scott, president of the Economic Development Corp. (EDC), told the commissioners that roads are priority one according to a recent independent survey funded by the EDC, Springs Chamber of Commerce, Home Builders Association, and the Pikes Peak Association of Realtors.
	September 6, 2001: Gazette article "Judge lets school stay in rec center" reported that 4th Judicial District Judge Kirk Samelson refused to stop Monument Academy Charter classes for grades 5, 7, 8, and 9 being held in the Tri-Lakes Recreation Center. The ruling came despite a pending lawsuit from an adjoining property owner claiming that the school's use of the rec center is a violation of covenants and that the traffic and noise associated with students will drive down lease rates and drive away tenants.
	September 6, 2001: Gazette article "Give wayward bears breathing space, wildlife officials urge" reported that bear sightings this summer are the most in two decades. Bears encounters are also adding up in towns along the southern Front Range. A late frost killed berries and acorns and left the bears scrambling for food to prepare for hibernation. Throngs of onlookers are making it difficult for wildlife officers to herd wayward bears back into the foothills.
	September 5, 2001: Denver Post article "Business takes on growth."  Boulder venture capitalist Brad Feld and others form the Front Range Alliance to tackle sprawl. Their website is http://www.frontrangealliance.com.
	September 5, 2001: Gazette article "Developments on the 'Sprawl of Shame'" by Tom Ragan reported that two housing developments in El Paso County had the dubious distinction of being included on the Top 10 "Sprawl of Shame" list compiled by the Colorado Public Interest Group (CoPIRG). The Cathedral Pines development adjacent to Black Forest Regional Park was included because the proposed primary access is by cutting a road through the park. Also included on the list were a handful of houses built on active landslides on the southwest side of Colorado Springs.  Download CoPIRG's Sprawl of Shame report as a PDF file. You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view or print it. Related item: CoPIRG has prepared a report on the importance and future of clean energy. Download the report as a PDF file.
	September 5, 2001: Gazette article "Voters get choice in school election" by Danielle Nieves and Pam Zubeck reported that  86 candidates will vie for 48 seats. In Lewis-Palmer District 38, incumbent Bob Manning and Elizabeth Hacker are competing for a district seat.
	September 3, 2001: Gazette article "City studies growth fees" by Ed Sealover reported that Colorado Springs is pondering imposition of impact fees.  Currently, new roads, parks and police are largely financed by taxes paid by everyone in Colorado Springs. In recent years, the city has shifted some of the cost of growth to developers, requiring them in some cases to donate land for schools and parks in their subdivisions. Also, new fees for city planning services have been enacted. Impact fees would require developers, and ultimately new homeowners, to pay extra for additional infrastructure required to serve new houses, apartments, stores and offices that replace vacant land.  Top city planner Ira Joseph is preparing a plan under which the fees would be on a per-household basis and offset the cost of police, fire, parks and roads. The proposed impact fees would generate an additional $2,973 per single-family household. Developers now build roads and drainage within the boundaries of the communities they set up. The impact fee revenue would pay for additional projects and personnel outside the new neighborhood. The argument is that such items are needed only because of the growth, so the people in those new homes should pay extra. A March 2001 survey by Denver-based polling firm Ridder/Braden Inc. found that 71 percent of state residents said houses are being built too fast in their communities. Sixty-five percent said the current pace of development benefits a narrow group of developers and related industries. Alternatives to the impact fees include requiring that developers build off-site improvements or imposing an excise tax that would not be constrained only for infrastructure improvements.  Developers argue that they are doing enough already and that impact fees or other charges would make houses less affordable.
	August 31, 2001: Gazette article "Transportation plan may come at cost" by Kyle Henley reported that Governor Owens has proposed a $887 million increase in transportation spending over the next four years. The money would come from cuts in other construction projects such as UCCS building plans. The proposal will be addressed during the special legislative session that begins September 20th. Senate President Stan Matsunaka, D-Loveland, said the proposal doesn't address the state's long-term transportation needs estimated at $62 billion over the next 20 years. Matsunaka has proposed raising the gasoline tax 10 cents per gallon.
	August 31, 2001: Gazette article: "County joins crowd asking for more cash" by Pam Zubeck reported that El Paso County Commissioners voted to submit two issues for the November ballot. The measures will request relief from the Tax Payor Bill of Rights (TABOR) and other revenue caps. Both measures are opposed by TABOR's author, Doug Bruce. The ballot measures request authorization to:  Keep and spend $8.8 million collected in 2000 above TABOR caps. This is $7.2 million in sales excess tax and $1.6 million in interest earnings. The money would be shared with eight cities and towns in the county based on the population of each. If defeated, approximately $43 would be refunded to each of the County's 204,000 property taxpayers. Exempt money the County receives from other governmental entities starting next year. Part of the issue here is that instead of paying road building contractors directly as they used to do, the state now transfers money to counties that, in turn, pay the bills. Had the measure been in place in 2000, the County could have exempted $29.8 million from revenue caps.
	August 31, 2001: Gazette article "Resignation accepted." Monument Academy Charter School Board accepted Principal James Garvin's resignation.
	August 30, 2001: Gazette article "Transit Mix pulls request" by Anslee Willett reported that Transit Mix Concrete Co. withdrew its revised request to build a concrete batch plant in Palmer Lake. The action came after the Palmer Lake Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend denial of the proposal. Concerns voiced by residents included decreased property values and increased noise and traffic.
	August 30, 2001: Gazette article: "Way sought to let non-internet users sign up for no-call list." The Public Utilities Commission is writing rules to implement a no-call list mandated by legislation passed earlier this year. Under the new law, solicitors who make three or more calls a month to numbers on the no-call list could be fined. The PUC plans to set up a toll-free number for people who cannot sign up by sending an e-mail. Many Coloradans have placed their telephone numbers and ZIP codes on an unofficial no-call database. The web site is http://www.coloradonocall.org/  The PUC will decide whether that list can be incorporated into the new program. This service is only for Colorado residents.
	August 30, 2001: Gazette article "Coloradans warned to beware of mail theft" by Jeremy Meyer reported that mail theft has been increasing throughout the state as part of the wave of identify theft. Recommendations:  Don't use mail boxes for outgoing mail Remove incoming mail as soon as possible after it is delivered Report incidents of mail theft or fraud to the Postal Inspection Service at 570-5349.
	August 28, 2001: PBS broadcast "Store Wars" about Ashland, Virginia's struggle over a proposed Wal-Mart. View some of the many interesting items that came out during the program or are posted on their web site.
	August 28, 2001: Gazette article "D-20 bond OK would raise taxes" by Danielle Nieves reported that a $163 million bond issue on the November ballot for Academy School District 20 would be used over four years to build a middle school, four elementary schools, and a high school and improve existing facilities. The property tax increase would add about $19 per $100,000 of assessed value.
	August 28, 2001: Rocky Mountain News: " Light Rail: The little train that shouldn't?" suggests that buses may be a better mass-trans\it solution.
	August 26, 2001: Gazette article "Future water supply a concern" by Barry Noreen cited escalating water use and concerns about adequate supply beyond 2020.  While some conservation measures are being pursued, "There has been a significant drawdown of the groundwater level because of concentrated pumping 'along the I-25 corridor in north El Paso County.'"  The groundwater recharges much more slowly than the rate it is being extracted.  A related item: During the course of the September 19, 2000 County Planning Commission hearing on the Struthers Ranch project, Dana Duthie, Manager of the Donala District that serves Gleneagle, stated that the District may have as little as 30 years and probably no more than 156 years of water available to be pumped.
	August 25, 2001: Gazette item "Trustee candidate drops out of Monument race" reported that Steve Koops, a 7th grade teacher who had planned to run for trustee in the September 11th special recall election, has decided to drop out of the race. It was subsequently learned that some of the signatures on Koops' candidacy petition had been gathered by Dorothy Sibell, wife of former Mayor Si Sibell. Koops signed an affidavit on the petition swearing he had gathered all the signatures. There was not sufficient time before the deadline to circulate another petition. Koops has indicated interest in running for Trustee in the regular election in April 2002.
	August 24, 2001: Gazette article: "3 challenge trustees in Monument recall vote" by Barry Bortnick listed Betty Konarski, former chair of the Monument Planning Commission, as candidate for alternative mayor and alternative trustee candidates Byron Glenn, a civil engineer [and newly appointed Planning Commission member] and Steven Koops, a 7th grade teacher.
	August 23, 2001: Gazette article "Town keeps eyes on road" by Barry Bortnick is about the Monument Board of Trustees' interest in annexing a portion of Baptist road.  The section of interest is from Old Denver Highway on the west to Leather Chaps on the west.  The road is currently owned by the County.  The Town's stated purpose is to enhance public safety, improve police protection, litter cleanup, snow removal, and storm drainage. It would also give the Town more control over road future road improvements such as those included as part of the Wal-Mart proposal.  Traffic on the road is rapidly increasing with expansion of the Jackson Creek development and opening of Creekside Middle School.  Costs for maintenance and improvements to the road are being studied.
	August 20, 2001: It was learned that Transit Mix had withdrawn its application to build a concrete batch plant in Palmer Lake.
	August 15, 2001: After listening to the concerns of numerous residents, the Palmer Lake Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend denial of the proposed Transit Mix concrete batch plant. By letter, Transit Mix had requested another continuance of the Planning Commission hearing. That request for continuance was unanimously denied. Representatives of Transit Mix did not attend the hearing.
	August 10, 2001: The district court judge denied the request for an injunction in the appeal of the recall of Monument Trustees Schutz, Smith, and Wilcox. Baring further action in this case, this means the Monument Mayor and five of the Trustees will be on the ballot for the special recall election September 11th.
	August 9, 2001: The Palmer Lake Town Council voted 5-1 to remove heavy manufacturing as a conditional use in the M-1 (industrial) zone. Any future applications for a concrete batch plant would not comply with the zoning within the Town of Palmer Lake.
	August 6, 2001: After a lengthy hearing, the Monument Board of Trustees approved (7-2) the St. Peter's Catholic Church special use request for a parish education center.
	August 1, 2001: Gazette article: "County bids to purchase Section 16" by Pam Zubeck reported that El Paso County wants to buy approximately one square mile of land south of Manitou Springs from the State Land Board. The County has leased the land for decades, most recently for $3,500 per year. "The 640-acre tract laced with hiking trails has come to be considered an unofficial park by outdoor enthusiastic." The property is adjacent to land targeted for development by Zydeco, a Santa Fe, NM-based development company. That could drive the purchase price far beyond the appraisal done several years ago of $1.28 million to $3.4 million. The Land Board would order a new appraisal. By using Conservation Trust money from the state lottery, the County says it could afford up to $2.5 million. [Note that some of monies set aside for the purchase of Ben Lomond may be redirected to purchase Section 16.] July 16: New Monument Police Chief Joseph Kissell was sworn in. Read the Palmer Divide.com story.
	July 13: At a special meeting, the audit of the Monument Police Department was released. Read the full text on Palmer Divide.com.
	July 4: The Coalition's booth at the Monument Street Fair was a great success with 855 petition signatures, hundreds of flyers distributed, almost $180 in donations with most of that earmarked for the Friend of Ben Lomond, and 26 new families added to our contact list.
	July: Monument Trustees Schutz, Smith, and Wilcox filed a legal appeal to the recall. Read the Palmer Divide.com story.
	July 2, 2001: At the Monument Board of Trustees meeting, Faye Elbaum was appointed to fill the seat vacated by Nick Leibovitz. The following were appointed as the six members of the Planning Commission: Bob Burgess, Tom Donnellan, Byron Glenn, Joe Martin, David Mertz, and Kathy Spence.
	June 29, 2001: At the Heritage Grant meeting, it was decided to allocated $5,000 to aid fire district consolidation and $45,000 for a regional transportation study.
	June 28, 2001: The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the PUD rezoning for the Misty Acres development. They also approved a request for a special use request for an equine veterinary clinic, stables, and riding academy on the corner of Higby and Happy Landing Drive. This approval came despite considerable opposition from the neighbors.
	June 18, 2001: The Monument Board scheduled the special recall election for Tuesday, September 11th.
	June 11, 2001: Hearing Officer ruled petitions sufficient to proceed to a Monument recall election.
	June 7, 2001: Colorado Springs Independent: Wal-Mart Battle Looms.
	May 24, 2001: The Tri-Lakes Tribune published John Heiser's letter defending the Coalition.
	May 22, 2001: By a vote of 8-1, the County Planning Commission approved the location of an extension of Milam road through a portion of Black Forest Regional Park. A restraining order will prevent construction of the road until a court case brought by the Friends of the Black Forest Park is resolved.
	May 21, 2001: Nick Leibovitz resigned from the Monument Board of Trustees. He has accepted a job in California. The vacancy on the Board will be filled by appointment.
	May 21, 2001: The Monument Board voted to change the start time for their meetings to 6:30 pm.
	May 19, 2001: The Coalition's Community Meeting on Wal-Mart was attended by about 250 people and was covered on TV channels 11, 5/30, and 13. View the presentation on-line or download it.
	May 18, 2001: TK posted on the KOAA web site a concise summary of many of the arguments against the proposed Wal-Mart.
	May 18, 2001: A restraining order was granted preventing construction of an extension of Milam Road through Black Forest Regional Park.
	May 9, 2001: The Colorado Legislature conference committee was unable to develop a satisfactory compromise version of House Bill 1225. The Governor has threatened to call a special session to continue work on a growth management bill.
	May 8, 2001: Colorado Springs TV Channel 11 News reported the results of a study based on 1999 data by the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) at Texas A&M University: Colorado Springs has the Nation's worst traffic among cities of fewer than a half million people. The head of a Colorado Springs economic development agency says road construction hasn't kept up with the City's exploding growth. Additional Study findings:  Colorado Springs' congested traffic results in loss of personal time and $330 per person in wages and fuel costs. The cost of traffic congestion nationwide totaled $78 billion, representing the cost of 4.5 billion hours of extra travel time and 6.8 billion gallons of fuel wasted while sitting in traffic. The 68 urban areas in this report range from New York City down to those with 100,000 population. All of the size categories show more severe congestion that lasts longer and affects more of the transportation network in 1999 than in 1982.  The average delay is 36 hours per person per year up from 11 hours per person per year in 1982. The average rush hour trip takes 32 percent more time than the same trip taken during non-rush hour conditions.  In many of the nation’s most congested corridors there doesn’t seem to be the space, money and public approval to add enough road space to create an acceptable condition. The average annual delay per person climbed from 11 hours in 1982 to 36 hours in 1999. And delay over the same period quintupled in areas with less than 1 million people. The Surface Transportation Policy Project has a companion study which takes the TTI analysis and pairs it with data on the choices available to commuters in different communities to create Congestion Burden Index (CBI) ranking. The CBI is based on the idea that the same level of congestion has greater impact on people's daily lives if they have no choice but to get in their car and suffer through the traffic jams than if they have commuting alternatives which allow them to avoid the direct impacts. Transit use nationwide has grown by 21 percent in the last five years, far outpacing the growth in driving. A variety of public opinion polls show people want more opportunities to take transit, walk, or bicycle, and are less interested in new roads and road widenings. The findings of this analysis indicate that officials seeking to ease the burden of congestion should emphasize providing transportation choice over providing more road space. Of the 68 cities studied, three are in Colorado: Denver has the 12th worst congestion index out of the 68 cities Colorado Springs has the 46th worst congestion index out of the 68 cities Boulder has the 68th worst congestion index out of the 68 cities
	May 7, 2001: At the Monument Board of Trustees meeting: Chaparral Hills homeowners submitted a petition for annexation election. The homeowners are seeking a stronger voice in the political process determining the future development of the area. The desire of the Chaparral Hills residents to take this step was precipitated by the anticipated Wal-Mart proposal reportedly to be submitted to the County Planning Department in the near future. The proposed Wal-Mart would be on a parcel adjacent to Chaparral Hills. The petition will now be reviewed by Town staff and scheduled for consideration by the Board at their next meeting. Supporters and friends of former Police Chief Al Sharon submitted a petition calling for his reinstatement. According to Trustee Skip Morgan, with exception of the last sheet which was added at the meeting, there were approximately 572 signatures of which about 118 were Monument residents. Less than 100 of those are registered Monument voters. This is important because the separate recall petition being circulated requires about 75 signatures of registered Monument voters. That petition was not submitted at the meeting. There was considerable criticism expressed regarding the negative and one-sided reporting of Sharon's firing and the recall effort by the Tri-Lakes Tribune and the Eye on Monument. Trustee Nick Leibovitz said he was ashamed of the media which he said should report and not make the news. Regarding the recall, Trustee Leibovitz stated that he had not seen the people on the recall committee at any of the Board meetings. He then raised questions about the source and accuracy of the information on which the recall effort is based.  Trustee Leibovitz also noted that he would not favor reinstating Al Sharon because that would place the Chief in an "untouchable position".
	May 4, 2001: The Colorado Senate passed House Bill 1225 with numerous amendments including some taken from Senate Bill 148. The House did not concur with the amendments so a conference committee will be convened.
	May 3, 2001: The Tri-Lakes Tribune published John Heiser's letter to the Tribune regarding the proposed recall of the Monument Mayor and five of the Trustees.
	May 2, 2001: The 18th and last in the Senate Majority's series of town hall meeting on growth was held in El Paso County. Colorado Senate President Sam Matsunaka reported that the Senate is developing a compromise bill based on House Bill 1225 and  Senate Bill 148. More than fifteen amendments are scheduled to be debated on May 3rd. Midnight May 9th is the deadline to pass a growth bill this session. View the Senate Majority Caucus' Principles for Responsible Growth.
	April 26, 2001: At the Tri-View Metro District Board meeting: If the County Commissioners approve the Wal-Mart project, Tri-View is considering creating a Public Improvement (non-profit) Corporation (PIC). The PIC would receive 3% sales tax from the Wal-Mart store. Tri-View is currently thinking that the PIC could take on responsibility for funding a variety of infrastructure tasks including changes to Baptist Road and development of Jackson Creek Parkway from 105 south to Struthers Ranch. This would open up to development the commercial areas of the Regency Park Development/Zoning Plan plan east of I-25. It was announced that the Carriages at Jackson Creek builder has decided to abandon the PRD-10 rezoning request and build single family houses instead instead of multi-family. This resulted in a net reduction of two units. Due to the increased price for single family houses, the profit to the developer is expected to be about the same. The current Jackson Creek Middle School design calls for 64 irrigation stations for the playing fields and landscaping. 18 acres of Kentucky Blue Grass are planned. This type of lawn is very water intensive. It requires about 36" of water per year. The school is projected to use 90,000 gallons of water per day. If the Tri-View District can get permission from the County Health Department, they plan to bring treated water from the sewage treatment plant to the school site for irrigation.  Current Jackson Creek water consumption per house averages about .6 acre-feet (196,111 gallons) per year or 537 gallons per day. For comparison, the Woodman Hills development in Falcon uses about .3 acre-feet per year per house. The very high rate of consumption in Jackson Creek may be partially explained by the number of new lawns being started and inclusion of the Texaco car wash water consumption in the total. Although consumption figures for the car wash were not disclosed, at a Monument meeting about a year ago, it was reported that the Conoco car wash uses about 500,000 gallons per month.  Due to the terrain and mouse habitat, a $29K sewage lift station was to be used for the Middle School; however, a horizontal drilling technique has been used to create a gravity sewer with about a 1% slope. Unfortunately, there are currently two sags in the alignment of the pipe which must be corrected by the contractor, Corecon. Since the lift station was ordered and partially completed, the termination cost would be about $14.5K.The Tri-View District will determine whether to pay the termination cost or take delivery and try to find another use for the lift station.
	April 23, 2001: The County Planning Department held a Pre-Application Conference with the developer of the proposed Baptist Road Wal-Mart.
	April 23, 2001: The Gazette ran a series of articles on the results of the latest census. A few highlights: Colorado's growth rate during the '90s was 30.6 %. Colorado grew faster than all other states except Nevada and Arizona. Eighty percent of the state's population remains along the 10-county Front Range, from Pueblo to Fort Collins. The population of the Colorado Springs metropolitan area jumped 30 percent in a decade to more than 517,000, meaning the boundaries of local state House and Senate districts stand to change dramatically. The state's population jumped enough that it gained a seventh seat in Congress. In 10 years, U.S. Congressional District 5 (Rep. Joel Hefley) ballooned to become the largest district in the state with 810,423 residents. Because the size of a congressional district should be about 614,466 people, District 5 will have to shrink to make room for the seventh seat. Governor Bill Owens figures that District 5 will lose parts of fast-growing Douglas and Arapahoe counties, areas that could be combined into a new seventh seat. The population of El Paso is 516,929 residents, El Paso County grew by an average of 33 people per day throughout the decade adding 119,915 people. The County is the third largest county behind Denver County (554,636) and Jefferson County (527,056). El Paso County is growing the fastest at 30.2% vs. 18.6% for Denver County and 20.2% for Jefferson County. At the present rate of growth, within the next decade, El Paso County will have the highest population of any County in the state.
	April 18, 2001: The Colorado Senate Public Policy and Planning Committee added more stringent provisions to House Bill 1225 (also known as the "Developer's Bill of Rights") that is the last major piece of growth-related legislation. The Senate-preferred language would require all governments to adopt binding master plans. It also would require regional land-use planning. The Committee delayed further action until next week to give legislators time to work on compromises for amendments.
	April 17: High County News ran an article on vacant superstores. Some highlights: Aurora, one of five Colorado communities with abandoned Wal-Marts, has two, each more than 100,000 sq. ft. "Nationwide, fully half a billion square feet of retail space sits empty - the equivalent of about 4,000 shopping malls." "Wal-Mart is one of the worst offenders. Nearly 400 of its stores, many built less than a decade ago, now sit empty. That's more than 30 million square feet of vacant retail space surrounded by thousands of acres of asphalt -- the refuse of just one corporation. Wal-Mart plans to "relocate" another hundred stores this year as it creates "supercenters" that combine general merchandise and a supermarket under one giant roof." "Rather than becoming victims of the corporate cannibalization game, many cities and towns are taking a different approach. Some have barred construction of new big box stores and zoned new commercial growth into existing developed areas. Others have shifted tax dollars that have long subsidized new roads and sewers for sprawling developments into projects that strengthen downtown businesses."
	April 17, 2001: The County Planning Commission voted (7 yes, 1 no, 1 abstention) to recommend approval of the rezoning of Misty Acres from RR-3 (5 acre parcels and a maximum of 25 dwelling units) to Planned Unit Development with up to 407 dwelling units. The rezoning request will now be scheduled for a hearing by the Board of County Commissioners.
	April 16, 2001: The Monument Board of Trustees voted (4 in favor, 2 opposed, 1 absent) to terminate Police Chief Al Sharon. In accordance with his employment contract with the Town, the Chief could be terminated for "cause" or for "no cause". By exercising the "no cause" clause of his contract the Board precluded a possible lawsuit in which Mr. Sharon might claim the stated causes were insufficient. Read the Palmer Divide.com editorial.
	April 13, 2001: The Baptist Road Rural Transportation Authority (BRRTA) decided to review the fee to be paid by Lewis-Palmer School District 38 for the new middle school. This fee has been estimated as high as $160,000 depending on how one applies the BRRTA fee of $1 per square for industrial and institutional uses. This will be discussed further July 13th.
	April 9, 2001: Growth bill SB 148 was killed in committee in the Colorado House of Representatives. HB 1225 is in committee in the Senate.
	April 4, 2001: The Colorado House of Representatives passed, by a vote of 40 to 25, HB 1225, the so-called "Developer's Bill of Rights". It is viewed by many as encouraging continued and accelerating growth throughout Colorado and making a mockery of growth management. Local Representative Lynn Hefley voted in favor. HB 1225 and SB 148 will now be considered by a conference committee to see if a compromise bill can be developed.
	March 30, 2001: The Gazette reported that Wal-Mart has decided to pursue County approval of its proposed supercenter on Baptist Rd. across from King Soopers. It is apparently abandoning its plan to have the Town of Monument annex the parcel. The Tri-View Metropolitan District that serves Jackson Creek would reportedly provide water and sewer service in exchange for 1.5% of sales at the store. Many in the Town of Monument were under the impression that the Tri-View District would not supply services to the development unless the parcel was annexed to the Town. Goldberg Properties seemed to be under the same impression since they spent several months trying to work out a way to obtain service from the Donala District that serves Gleneagle. Due to the distances involved, it would have cost several million dollars to connect to the Donala system. There may also have been some difficulty in obtaining easements needed for the connections. Problems obtaining utility service seem to have held up the project for many months. Recently, the Tri-View District reappeared as the supplier. Their current position is that there was never any understanding with the Town and there is no reason that they cannot supply service to the parcel. View the latest information on this proposal.
	March 28, 2001: A new statewide poll of Colorado voters reveals concerns among residents about the state's growing population pressures. By a wide margin, Colorado voters see a deterioration in their quality of life because of overdevelopment and overpopulation. The poll was conducted by Ridder/Braden, Inc., a Denver-based polling firm, for Negative Population Growth (NPG), a Washington-based population policy organization, from March 6-11, 2001. The poll surveyed 500 registered voters in Colorado and has a margin of error of 4.38%. Only two percent of voters believe that the state needs to expand its population at all, yet the state is projected to increase its population by 67 percent, from 4.3 million today to 6.4 million in 25 years.  78% believe that "the current pace of development and population growth is overcrowding schools and threatens the quality of education."  82% believe "the current pace of development and population growth is a serious threat to Colorado's natural resources like the Rocky Mountains, our national and state parks, rivers, and open space." 68% say overpopulation is a major problem in Colorado. 72% say that "the current pace of population growth threatens the quality of life in Colorado." Top issues cited as community concerns: Education 29%; Population growth/overcrowding 19%; Traffic congestion 12% (strong majorities say traffic has cut into family time); Sprawl/development 8%. 71% describe the rate of new houses being built in their communities as "much too fast" or "a little too fast." 64% say that "development and sprawl can never be controlled if the state's population continues to grow." Almost seven out of ten voters say that they are spending more time in traffic and less time with family as a result of the current pace of development and resulting traffic congestion. 61% want the federal government to lower immigration levels to reduce the environmental impact and development pressures on communities across the nation. 70% said that the state and federal leaders have a "responsibility to enact policies that reduce development and halt population so that a high quality of life, a health environment, and a sound economy can be maintained."
	March 23, 2001: The Colorado Senate passed SB 148. Although far from perfect, this bill supports some of the Principles for Responsible Growth.
	March 22, 2001: It was reported in the Tribune that the Tri-Lakes YMCA has announced plans to build a full-service facility in the Tri-Lakes area. This proposal is not dependent on tax moneys or participation of the Tri-Lakes Recreation District (creation of which was approved by voters November 7th).
	March 21, 2001: Transit Mix continued the hearing on its application to build a concrete batch plant in Palmer Lake. They are reportedly considering a different parcel in Palmer Lake on the other side of County Line Rd. The parcel now being considered belongs to the Town and would likely be leased to Transit Mix. The revised proposal is expected to come before the Palmer Lake Planning Commission in May.
	March 19, 2001: Monument Board gave preliminary plat approval for 8 town homes near 3rd and Woodworth and 44 lots and 81,000 sq. ft. of commercial at Old Denver Highway south of Ranchero Valley Way. The latter development is a "new urbanism" design that combines residential, commercial, and recreational facilities within one complex to reduce travel needs.
	February 21, 2001: The Colorado House of Representatives defeated HB 1150, the so-called "Anti-SLAPP Suit Bill", which would have afforded additional legal protections and remedies to citizens who express concerns about developments. SLAPP stands for Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation. The loss came on the third reading after a last-minute lobbying blitz by the Home Builders Association and State Chamber of Commerce. Local Representative Lynn Hefley voted in favor.
	February 24, 2001: At the Comprehensive Plan Workshop, Monument Mayor Leon Tenney reported:  The population in Monument has doubled in the past two years.  Population growth in the Tri-Lakes area is 8% to 9% per year. That is roughly three times as fast as the rate of growth for all of El Paso County. The Highway 105 bridge over I-25 is rated one of the 10 worst in the state in terms of traffic load. Rework of the bridge and interchange will begin in the Fall of 2001.
	February 21, 2000: The Colorado House of Representatives defeated HB 1150, the so-called "Anti-SLAPP Suit Bill", which would have afforded additional legal protections and remedies to citizens who express concerns about developments. SLAPP stands for Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation. The loss came on the third reading after a last-minute lobbying blitz by the Home Builders Association and State Chamber of Commerce. Local Representative Lynn Hefley voted in favor of the bill.
	February 20, 2001: The Monument Home Rule Charter Commission has completed its update of the proposed Charter and has submitted it to the Monument Board of Trustees. The revised Charter showing insertions and deletions may be viewed at the Monument Home Rule Charter web site.
	February 9, 2001: Local Representative Joel Hefley's U.S House of Representatives committee and subcommittee appointments were announced:  Member of the Resources Committee and Chair of its Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands which oversees the National Park System; Bureau of Land Management; Land, Water, and Conservation Fund; and the Historic Preservation Program. Member of the Armed Services Committee and its Procurement Subcommittee and Military Installations and Facilities Subcommittee. Chair of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.
	February 7, 2001: Beth Courrau was elected President of the Woodmoor Improvement Association. Paul Lambert was elected Vice President.
	January 31, 2001: It was reported that the Town of Monument prevailed in the suit brought by Transit Mix based on the April 3, 2000 rejection of the Transit Mix application to build a concrete batch plant on North Washington St. in Monument.
	January 18, 2001: Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the Struthers Ranch Sketch Plan.
	January 11, 2001: Governor Owens delivered his State of the State address. A key topic was the need to pass legislation to address growth issues.
	January 2001: Comparing September 2000 to September 1999, overall employment in El Paso County increased 3.0% while employment in construction increased 9.8%, the strongest year since 1997.
	January 2001: The Colorado Division of Housing reported that while the average wage along the Front Range increased 56% during the 1990s, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment rose 88% and the median price for a single-family house increased 101%.
	During 2001, the Town of Monument reported plans to repair the Monument Dam, extend Second Street east to Highway 105, and extend Beacon Lite south to Old Denver Highway. The total cost for the three projects will exceed $3 million. The repairs to the Dam are estimated at about $2.2 million. This cost will be split with the County. The Second Street extension is estimated at about $700,000. The Beacon Lite extension is estimated at about $300,000.
	December 28, 2000: The Tri-Lakes Recreation District (Tri-Rec) Board approved a budget with $11,335 earmarked for a future ballot issue seeking tax revenue to support the District. YMCA involvement in a Tri-Rec recreation facility will reportedly not be included in that planned ballot issue. The Y has indicated they are still pursuing construction of a YMCA facility in the Tri-Lakes area.
	December 28, 2000: The results of the census were reported: The population of Colorado grew from 3,294,394 in 1990 to 4,301,261 in 2000. The rate of growth was 33% in those 10 years. That makes Colorado the third fastest growing state. Since the number of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives is fixed at 435, each representative will now represent 645,977 people. Consequently, the number of representatives will be adjusted as follows:  Arizona, Florida, Georgia, and Texas will gain two. California, Colorado, Nevada, and North Carolina each will gain one. Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin each will lose two. This will give Colorado a total of seven seats.
	December 21, 2000: The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the Intergovernmental Agreement with the Town of Monument for repair and rehabilitation of the Monument Dam.
	December 21, 2000: The extension of Powers Boulevard north from Woodman to Research Parkway was completed at a cost of $6.7 million. In the next phase, Powers is planned to be extended north to connect to I-25 near Northgate.
	December 14, 2000: The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the following Tri-Lakes area items:  Brookmoor Office Park rezoning Chisholm Trail rezoning and preliminary plan for 27 lots on 21.24 acres at the terminus of Chisholm Trail in Doewood Estates Knollwood Center rezoning Misty Acres sketch plan. This item was approved despite substantial opposition from residents.
	December 13, 2000: Gazette reported that the Colorado Legislature is preparing to consider growth bills.
	December 11, 2000: Between 5 pm and 7 pm, Colorado Springs Utilities recorded a new all-time peak electricity load of 743 megawatts. This is the second new usage record reached in 2000. The prior one was set on August 2nd when the load reach 723 megawatts. That exceeded the prior record of 683 megawatts reached on December 8, 1999. The latest peak load of 743 megawatts is an 8.8% increase over the 1999 figure. If that rate of increase continues, peak usage will double in about 8 years.
	December 4, 2000: Monument Board of Trustees voted unanimously to deny Valley Ridge Patio Homes request for plat approval. The proposal was for 41 dwellings, duplexes and single family houses, on a 10 acre parcel south of the intersection of Santa Fe Avenue and Old Denver Highway. The proposal included dedication of 3.5 acres as open space. Concerns included drainage, water availability and usage, potential damage to Preble's mouse habitat, and the final mix of duplexes and houses.
	December 1, 2000: Baptist Road Rural Transportation Authority (BRRTA) meeting:  Speaking as a member of the Jackson Creek community, Monument Trustee Nick Liebovitz stressed the importance of improving sight distances and lane alignments at the intersection of Leather Chaps and Baptist Road. The County Dept. of Transportation was asked to analyze the situation and develop recommendations. The County Dept. of Transportation reported that the Request for Proposals for the Baptist Road Corridor Study and Preliminary Design will be issued next January or February. The study and design effort will cover east and west of I-25. By mid-year, the project should identify spot improvements that need immediate attention such as the Leather Chaps intersection. Struthers Ranch and Forest Lakes Residential are included in the BRRTA area. During 2001-2002, Hodgen Rd. will be extended from Highway 83 west to connect to Baptist Rd. at Roller Coaster Rd. Due to the passage of Amendment 23 on School Funding, delays in some transportation projects are expected.  Retained earnings as of September 30th were reported as $308K.  A 2001 budget was approved showing $115K income from permit fees (e.g., $500 per house in Jackson Creek), $12.5K management fee expense, $150K for engineering design expense, $100K as a contingency for construction. An audit is being conducted by J.W. Simmons and Associates regarding BRRTA permit fee collection. It was noted that Lewis-Palmer District 38 owes $50K in permit fees for Jackson Creek Middle School which is scheduled to open in August 2001. Previously paid permit fees were also reported as follows: King Soopers $110K, Texaco $18.5K, First Bank $5.4K. If approved, Wal-Mart would pay a BRRTA permit fee of about $230K.
	November 29, 2000: Reported in Commissioner Jeri Howell's Column in the El Paso County News:  There are over 310,000 registered voters in El Paso County.  For the Nov. 7th election, the County received 73,405 requests for absentee ballots. 95% (69,141) of the absentee ballots were returned of which 942 were disqualified because of submission errors.
	November 21, 2000: County Planning Commission recommended approval of the Struthers Ranch Sketch Plan with conditions and notations that include requirements that:  Any residential lots on the north boundary shall be a minimum size of one (1) acre and shall include at least a one hundred (100) foot setback from the common property line with Chaparral Hills Subdivision. No access through platted road easements in Chaparral Hills shall be allowed. Residential lots in on the north side of the drainage swale ( Phase II ) shall be at least one-half (1/2) acre in size.
	November 9, 2000: Scott Russell was appointed to the Palmer Lake Town Council succeeding Regina Cottke.
	November 9, 2000: Palmer Lake Town Council adopted Ordinance 17-2000 amending many parts of the Zoning Ordinance. Copies available at the Palmer Lake Town Office, 54 Valley Crescent.
	November 7, 2000: County Election Results. Short summary: Amendment 21 (Taxcut 2000) failed (37% YES, 63% NO) Amendment 24 (Responsible Growth) failed (30% YES, 70% NO) Tri-Lakes Recreation District Board members were elected and the District was created (58% YES, 42% NO) and excluded from TABOR (53% YES, 47% NO) but was denied mill levy funding (35% YES, 65% NO) and the ability to increase indebtedness (40% YES, 60% NO). The Monument Home Rule Charter failed (49% YES, 51% NO).
	October 27, 2000: The Forest Lakes Residential development withdrew their application for annexation to the Town of Monument. They will now presumably pursue the development in the County.
	October 26, 2000: El Paso Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the Struthers Ranch request for waiver of 300 year water availability regulation. This cleared the way for submission of a development plan for up to 125 dwelling units.
	October 17, 2000: El Paso County Planning Commission recommendations (which are now forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners):  Approval of the rezoning request for the Brookmoor Office Park.  Approval of the sketch plan for the Misty Acres development near Doewood Estates east of Monument Hill Road and south of County Line Road. Approval of the Final Plat for the Mountain Dance development at Highway 83 and Hodgen Road.
	October 12, 2000: Palmer Lake Town Council decisions:  Lifted water restrictions based on reduced demand and temporary arrangement to purchase water for $10 per acre foot from the Woodmoor district. Approved (3-2) Mission Training International planned unit development of three story building with 8,000 square foot footprint.  Approved conditional use for a bed and breakfast at South Valley Crescent and Middle Glenway next to the sanitation district office. Passed resolutions opposing Amendment 21 (Taxcut 2000) and Amendment 24 (Responsible Growth).
	October 12, 2000: The repaired and extended Monument Arch was installed on the new pedestals spanning 3rd St.
	October 2, 2000: Monument Board discussed moving the Town Yard and expanding or moving Town Hall and the Police Station.
	October 2, 2000: Monument Board approved $76,730 contract with Community Matters to serve as consultant to the Comprehensive Plan update effort.
	September 26, 2000: Nikki McDonald was elected Mayor of Palmer Lake.
	September 19, 2000: El Paso County Planning Commission recommendations (which are now forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners): Approval of the rezoning request for the Knollwood Center.  Approval of the 27 lot Chisholm Subdivision near Doewood connecting the two segments of Chisholm Trail Rd. Denial of the Struthers Ranch (due south of Chaparral Hills) request for a waiver from the County's 300 year water availability rule. During the course of this hearing, Dana Duthie of the Donala District stated that the District may have as little as 30 years and probably no more than 156 years of water available to be pumped. Denial of the variance of use requested by Floyd and Sandra Rogers to operate a five guestroom bed and breakfast on a residential PUD (planned unit development) parcel on Highway 105 near Roller Coaster Rd.
	September 18, 2000: The leaking valve in the Monument dam has been closed.
	September 18, 2000: In response to pleas from supporters, the Monument Board approved an extension to November 30 for completion of the skateboard park.
	September 6, 2000: Storm drainage and parking issues delayed completion of Monument Public Works Committee review of the Valley Ridge Patio Homes proposal adjacent to John Laing Homes.
	September 5, 2000: Tom Wall joined Monument staff as Public Works Superintendent.
	September 5, 2000: Actions of the Monument Board of Trustees: After missing the latest (Labor Day) deadline, support for the Monument Skateboard Park project was withdrawn. The firm Community Matters was appointed as consultant to Monument Comprehensive Plan Committee. An emergency ordinance was passed making the entire Town a "Committed Area" under the proposed Responsible Growth Initiative. The proposed Forest Lakes three piece annexation west of I-25 and south of Baptist Rd. was declared eligible for public hearing to be held Wednesday, November 1st, 6 pm.
	August 21, 2000: Near-term repairs to the leaking valve in the Monument Dam are being considered.
	August 21, 2000: Monument Dam change design is two weeks ahead of schedule. Bids are expected to open December 6th.
	August 21, 2000: The latest plan is to repair rather than replace the Monument Arch.
	August 19, 2000: Ken Hammer with 30 years of city government experience joined the Town of Monument as Assistant Town Manager/Planner.
	August 18, 2000: Colorado Dept. of Transportation announced plans to start work on the I-25/Highway 105 Interchange Phase I in March 2001.
	August 16, 2000: The Carriages at Jackson Creek developer says he will request an opinion from the Monument Town Attorney regarding the ordinance requirement for public roads.
	August 11, 2000: Denver Post article: More than two dozen Denver area mayors sign the 'Mile High Compact' to guide responsible growth over the next 20 years.
	August 11, 2000: Denver Post article: Coloradans for Responsible Growth Initiative to be on the November ballot.
	August 11, 2000: Baptist Road Rural Transportation Authority preparing for an engineering contract for the preliminary design of the road expansion.
	August 10, 2000: The Coalition learned that the Trans-Colorado Concrete and Wal-Mart proposals have been placed on hold by the applicants.
	August 9, 2000: Gazette story: Monument Lake is drying up, fish are dying.
	August 8, 2000: Primary Election Results Some Highlights: County Commission Dist. 2: Tom Huffman 53% vs. Betty Beedy 47% County Commission Dist. 3: Chuck Brown 51% vs. Rich Brenner 49% County Commission Dist. 4: Jeri Howells 58% vs. Michael Hudgins 42% Senate Dist. 10: Ron May 51% vs. Doug Bruce 49%.
	August 3: Palmer Lake Town Council actions: Increased water tap fees from $7,000 to $10,000. Tightened restrictions on watering 6-8 am weekdays: Even-numbered houses water on even-numbered days, odd-numbered houses water on odd-numbered days. Approved expansion of the plan for the Inn at Palmer Divide on Highway 105 to include 39 rooms, a swimming pool, and tennis courts.  Passed 90 day moratorium on conditional use permits.  Appointed Randy Jones as Council member to complete Nikki McDonald's term.
	July 31, 2000: Monument Charter Commission completed the proposed Charter to be placed before the voters in November.
	July 25, 2000: Due to opposition and the covenant requirement for property owner approval, the Monument Abundant Life Church announced at a meeting with Chaparral Hills property owners that the Church no longer plans to build on the five acre parcel zoned RR-2 at the southwest corner of Leather Chaps and Baptist Rd. Abundant Life may arrange to purchase or share the existing Lutheran Church on Baptist Rd.
	July 24, 2000: Denver Post columnist: Doug Bruce's Taxcut 2000 Initiative would bankrupt districts. Follow-up columns: July 31: Responding to Critics, August 7: Misrepresentation by Proponents.
	July 19, 2000: The Woodmoor Improvement Association voted to oppose removing the chain blocking Doewood. Regarding the Knollwood Center proposal, residents cited concerns about traffic and tree removal.
	July 17, 2000: Monument Moratorium expired.
	July 17, 2000: Second Public Hearing held on the Monument Home Rule Charter.
	July 13, 2000: The Palmer Lake Town Council discussed requesting that CDOT lower the speed limit on portions of Highway 105.
	July 8, 2000: Palmer Lake adopted water restriction. Until further notice, no weekend outside usage and no lawn watering on weekdays between 9 am and 7 pm. No fountains or washing of vehicles, sidewalks, or buildings. July 12th Gazette story on the Palmer Lake Water situation.
	July 7, 2000: Gazette story reported that Manitou Springs voter approval will be required for annexations greater than 3 acres.
	July 4, 2000: The Coalition had a booth at the Monument Street Fair and collected about 350 signatures on the concrete plant petition, more than 400 signatures on the Wal-Mart petition, and about 60 signatures on the Coloradans for Responsible Growth ballot initiative petition. We also added over 50 families to our phone and e-mail lists. Many thanks to all the volunteers who made this a great success.
	June 30, 2000: Gazette story of cooperative effort to widen Woodman Road.
	June 26, 2000: The Monument Public Works Committee started reviewing the Trans-Colorado Concrete batch plant application. Due to the number of unresolved issues, the Committee did not take any action. Review of the TCC proposal will continue at the July and/or August meetings. Here are some of the issues raised: Width of the proposed right-of-way (ROW) on North Washington St.: By Town ordinance, ROWs on arterials, which North Washington St. would be since it intersects a State Highway, must be 100'. The TCC plan shows 60', which is the requirement for residential streets.  Sight distance at North Washington St. and Highway 105: At the request of the Town, GMS Engineering measured the sight distance to the west and found it to be 561' to the center line of Highway 105, 589' to the center of the eastbound lane, and 618' to the southern edge of the pavement. This means there is less than the 595' sight distance required to pull multi-unit trucks onto a 35 mph State Highway. The existing Monument Comprehensive Plan states that Highway 105 should be widened to two lanes in each direction. In that case, the sight distance requirement would increase from 595' to 700'. There were also issues with obsolescence of the traffic study; waste water handling; easements for storm drainage and utilities; nuisance dust; and whether the new set-asides and fees for taps and drainage would apply to the TCC application.
	June 26, 2000: At a joint meeting of County and Monument Town officials, it was reported that the cost to repair the Monument Dam is projected at $1.8M. The dam was damaged by roots from willow trees. The state declared it unsafe in 1997. Dredging the active pool to increase the depth by 2' to 5' and improve capacity and recreational uses would cost about $300K additional. The plan is for the County to provide $1M and for the Colorado Water Conservation Board to provide a low interest (about 5%) loan to cover the remaining costs. Work would probably start in 2001 and complete in 2002.
	June 23, 2000: Denver Post article reported that residents in Aurora filed a lawsuit to block development by Goldberg Properties of the approved Wal-Mart Supercenter, Home Depot, etc.
	June 22, 2000: Denver Post article reported that a Federal jury awarded $500,000 to ten former Loveland Wal-Mart employees in discrimination lawsuit.
	June 21, 2000: The Palmer Lake Planning Commission recommended a 90 day moratorium on approval of conditional uses in industrial zones.
	June 17, 2000: The Monument Board of Trustees approved planning process checklists.
	June 12, 2000: Gary Shupp, Attorney for the Town of Monument, filed a response to the Transit Mix lawsuit. He cited 19 points under affirmative defenses. A final ruling is expected in October or November.
	June 9, 2000: The Monument Board of Trustees approved an increase in development land set-asides for parks, schools, etc. from 10% to 20% (Ordinance #13-2000). The developer's ability to transfer water resource credits off-site was eliminated (Ordinance #14-2000). Tap fees were increased from $6,800 to $9,000 per single family equivalent (Ordinance #15-2000). Drainage fees in keeping with corresponding El Paso County fees were mandated at $14,454 per impervious acre (Ordinance #16-2000). Reactivated the Police Advisory Committee and added reviews by this Committee, the Public Works Committee, and the Parks and Landscape Committee to the planning/development review process preceding hearing by the Planning Commission.
	June 9, 2000: The Palmer Lake Board of Trustees appointed Trustee Nikki McDonald to serve as Mayor until a special election can be held September 26th. Palmer Lake Mayor Dale Marriott, elected April 4th, resigned May 11th and reportedly will move to Missouri. Mayor Pro-Tem Cindy Allen had been reluctantly serving as Mayor since Marriott's resignation.
	June 8, 2000: Longmont approved 90 day moratorium.
	June 5, 2000: The Monument Board passed Ordinance #9-2000 increasing the minimum width of sidewalks to five feet. Also, Mark Hansen was appointed to the Monument Planning Commission and new Monument Trustee Nick Leibovitz was appointed as the ex officio member of the Monument Police Advisory Committee.
	June 2, 2000: Palmer Lake adopted a fire ban.
	June 1, 2000: Nick Leibovitz, who lives in Jackson Creek, was appointed to the Monument Board of Trustees to fill the position vacated when Leon Tenney was elected Mayor.
	May 24, 2000: The Baptist Road Wal-Mart proposal was reviewed by the Monument Parks and Landscape Committee and approved with conditions.
	May 23, 2000: The Baptist Road Wal-Mart proposal was reviewed by the Monument Public Works Committee but a decision was postponed.
	May 22, 2000: Denver Post article: Status of County mouse habitat conservation plan
	May 17, 2000: Denver Post article: Aurora, Colorado Wal-Mart Approved After Concessions by Goldberg. Concessions include prohibiting late-night deliveries, installing a sound wall between existing homes and the store, and using garages instead of outdoor loading docks.
	May 11, 2000: Decommissioned the Coalition's backup web site.
	May 3, 2000: Transit Mix and William Simpson (owner of the parcel on which Transit Mix wanted to build) filed suit against the Town of Monument in connection with denial of their application to build a concrete batch plant on North Washington St. near Highway 105, not far from Safeway. The suit was filed in district court on the last day before the 30 day statute of limitation ran out. The suit names the Town of Monument and the Board of Trustees and calls for unconditional approval of the application and compensation for temporary or permanent taking or damaging of property rights and actual and exemplary damages and fees.
	May 2, 2000: Results for the Monument Sanitation Board election: 111 votes were cast; Four-Year Term: John Bailey (12 votes), Darwin Dimmick (84 votes - elected), Suzanne D'Innocenzo (19 votes), James Dominowski (23 votes), Larrie McKesson (76 votes - elected), Ray Smith (disqualified), James Sykes (9 votes), Leon Tenney (76 votes - elected), Dutch VanKekerix (19 votes); Two-Year Term: Connie DeFelice (85 votes - elected). These results were all in line with the recommendations developed by Sanitation District members of the Coalition.
	April 27, 2000: House Bill 00-1365 granting ownership of the Monument Dam to the Town of Monument was passed unanimously by both houses of the Colorado Legislature. A big issue now will be adjudication of the rights to the water in the Lake.
	April 20, 2000: The Coalition delivered to the Wal-Mart representative a cover letter and petitions with signatures of 573 residents opposed to the proposed Wal-Mart.
	April 17, 2000: The newly elected Monument Board of Trustees passed Ordinance 4-2000 calling for a 90 day moratorium on approval of new developments. Determination of the applicability of the Moratorium to projects already in the planning pipeline is being made on a project-by-project basis by Gary Shupp, Monument Town Attorney. He has determined that the Wal-Mart proposal will not be heard by the Monument Planning Commission on Wednesday, May 3rd. The hearing will be rescheduled for after the July 17th expiration of the Moratorium. Read the agenda for the April 17th meeting. Read the minutes of the April 17th meeting.
	April 4, 2000: Results of the Monument election: 287 votes were cast; Mayor: Leon Tenney (173- elected), Si Sibell (104 votes); Trustees: Kristi Schutz (201 - elected), Steve Wilcox (185 - elected), Glenda Smith (179 - elected), Skip Morgan (151 - elected), Betty Konarski (123), John Bailey (99), Dutch VanKekerix (82); Home Rule approved (202 for, 50 against); Home Rule Charter Commission members elected: Ed Delaney, Faye Elbaum, Mark Hansen, Doug Jones, Skip Morgan, Pattie Powell, Ray Powell, Mike Wicklund, and Steve Wilcox. These results were all in line with the recommendations developed by Monument members of the Coalition.
	April 3, 2000: Based on advice of the Monument Town Attorney, James Folkestad, the Transit Mix application was reconsidered. A motion to approve with additional conditions failed 4 to 3. A motion to deny with additional findings of fact passed 4 to 3. In both cases, Mayor Sibell and the Trustees voted as they had February 28th. Read the agenda for the April 3rd meeting. Read the minutes of the April 3rd meeting.
	April 3, 2000: Due to outages at the main web site, backup web site users.codenet.net/eon3 was introduced.
	March 27, 2000: The Wal-Mart developer, Goldberg Properties, was informed of the Coalition's March 23rd letter and elected to remove the item from the Planning Commission agenda.
	March 23, 2000: The Coalition submitted a letter stating that insufficient notice had been provided of the March 27th Wal-Mart meeting.
	March 15, 2000: The Monument Planning Commission hearing on Wal-Mart was cancelled due to snow. It was subsequently rescheduled March 27th.
	March 14, 2000: Jim Colvin, the Coalition's attorney, submitted a letter discussing legal issues associated with the February 28th hearing.
	March 7, 2000: The main web site www.CoalitionTLC.org was introduced.
	February 28, 2000: A motion to approve the Transit Mix proposal failed 4 to 3. Mayor Si Sibell and Trustees John Bailey and Dutch VanKekerix voted in favor. Trustees Ed Delaney, Kristi Schutz, Glenda Smith, and Leon Tenney voted against the motion. Community attendance was estimated at about 300. Read the minutes of the February 28th meeting.
	December 20, 2000: The Transit Mix application was scheduled to be heard by the Monument Board of Trustees. An estimated 150 residents attended. The hearing on Transit Mix was cancelled since the Town Hall hearing room could accommodate only 56 people and no other arrangements had been made.
	November 17, 1999: The Transit Mix application was approved 4 to1 by the Monument Planning Commission.
	November 1999: The ad hoc concrete plant protest group was named The Coalition of Tri-Lakes Communities.
	September 1999: An ad hoc group led by Frank Bittinger of Wakonda Hills held a rally at the Falcon Inn to enlist community involvement in opposing proposals to build two concrete batch plants on North Washington Street in Monument.