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Report to Town Council JULY 2025 Prepared by Madeline VanDenHoek, Town Manager Several employees decorated one of the Public Works trucks and represented the Town of Monument in the Annual 4 of July parade! th ---PAGE BREAK--- Town Manager’s Message Downtown Monument is full of summer sights, sounds, and sensations! Residents, visitors, and staff can be seen enjoying Concerts in the Park, 4 of July activiites, and trasty treats at Lolley’s! th In July, we welcomed Councilmember Chad Smith to the Town Council. He has been actively meeting with departments and familiarizing himself with Town operations and staff. Summer is in full swing, and the Town successfully celebrated Independence Day. This event requires months of planning and coordination across multiple departments, and we are grateful for the hard work that made it both safe and enjoyable. This year, staff volunteers decorated a float and participated in the parade, while the Monument2040 Planning Team hosted a booth at the street fair to gather input for the Comprehensive Plan. In addition to Monument’s festivities, our Police Department also assisted with events in Palmer Lake. I received numerous compliments from citizens and partner organizations praising our staff’s professionalism and dedication. Concerts in the Park continue to draw strong attendance. Unfortunately, the final two weeks of July brought rain, and the July 30th concert had to be canceled. We are exploring options to reschedule in September. Special thanks to our Parks staff, who prepare the venue and handle setup and teardown each week. Their extra efforts are deeply appreciated. We are pleased to share that the El Paso County Commissioners awarded a $100,000 Community Development Block Grant to support the parking lot for the Heart of Monument Park playground. Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2026. Departments have begun planning their 2026 budgets. In August, the Finance Department will collaborate with the Citizens Service Levels Advisory Committee, with the first draft of the budget scheduled for presentation to Council in September. Our Strategic Planning consultant, John has also begun working with staff to develop objectives aligned with Council’s strategic priorities. We expect to present these to Council in October. Efforts are underway to reduce costs by cleaning out rented storage space. Our Records Manager, Kat, has been working closely with departments to implement the Laserfiche software and provide training. Public Works staff have been busy with summer maintenance and projects across stormwater, streets, parks, and fleet. The good weather has allowed for increased activity, and we are thankful for their dedication to keeping our town safe and looking its best. I attended the ribbon cutting for Route Outfitters’ expansion in Downtown Monument. They have closed their Colorado Springs location and are now focusing their business efforts here in Monument. This month, I met with representatives from Triview, the Monument Fire District, El Paso County, Lewis-Palmer School District, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Loop Water Authority, and Palmer Lake administration. I also participated in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy session with PPACG, which included a tour of the UCCS Cybersecurity Center. ---PAGE BREAK--- Events Our summer Concerts in the Park series has been a tremendous success! Attendance continues to grow each week, with enthusiastic crowds and fun staff and Council participation. July’s lineup has included Ashtoz, Mimic, The 719 Band, and Skin & Bones. This year’s 4th of July festivities were once again a highlight for Monument. We welcomed two new bands, El Paso County Outlaw Band and Funkology, to Limbach Park. Both bands brought great energy to the beer garden and overall celebration. Communications We’ve begun developing a new Shop Small/Shop Local campaign designed to strengthen community engagement and support local businesses. The campaign will include a unifying theme, scheduled social media content, community events, and storytelling highlights about local business success and milestones. Clerk’s Office Sylvia completed Year 2 of the Colorado Municipal Clerks Association certification program and successfully clerked her first solo Council meeting on July 7. Jennifer helped coordinate and manage the 4th of July application process. Both Sylvia and Jennifer supported Parks with a recent cemetery interment and scheduled another upcoming interment. Parks reservations remain in high demand and continue to be processed. Director’s Activities Updated and distributed the Councilmember Orientation Manual. Sent strategic planning overview to Councilmember Smith. Trained staff on CivicClerk software (Rey and Brooke for Planning Commission; Jennifer for the Citizens Service Level Advisory Committee). Filed DOLA energy performance grant reports with Suzanne. Collaborated with Madeline and Jennifer to review attorney costs. Participated in Laserfiche records liaison training and continued to transition permanent records into the system. Edited and formatted the July Council report. Helped plan and facilitate the Strategic Objectives Workshop scheduled for July 29. Audited the ordinance codification process and provided recommendations. Set a goal for a candidate orientation session ahead of the 2026 election and provided a draft curriculum. Met with Councilmember Smith to provide an overview of administrative operations. Worked with Communications to enhance business outreach and spotlights. Participated in 2026 budget planning for Admin, Clerk, Community Development, and Town Council. Reviewed Title 8 updates related to the Home Rule Charter and nuisance code revisions. Administration ---PAGE BREAK--- Information Technology Completed Projects Council Chambers: repositioned digital name plates, set up fingerprint login and email for Councilmember Smith, and resolved brightness issues on name plates. Upgraded several mobile phones. Set up four Samsung tablets for the Planning Department, including Intune app configuration and just-in-time user training. Reconfigured Police Department Ops Office: added two desks with full setup and network connections, installed a new network printer, configured printer software on five PCs, and resolved three faulty data ports with low-voltage support. Ongoing Projects Council Chambers: configuring workstations and camera positions for the Attorney, Town Manager, and Town Clerk; assisting five Councilmembers with fingerprint login. Working on self-service password reset on Office 365 and fingerprint recognition login capabilities for Councilmembers. Working on 2026 budget preparation, including updates to each department’s IT support breakdown spreadsheet shared earlier this year. This breakdown outlines costs for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), mobile devices, RingCentral phone systems, PCs, software, and public service time. Community & Public Engagement Provided 5 hours of IT support at the Town’s 4th of July booth. Delivered a one-hour presentation at Silver Key on July 11, focused on “Top 10 IT Security Awareness Tips for Older Adults. Kicked off the cost allocation plan, fee study, and water rate study with consultants from Willdan. Participated in the revisions to Title 6 and Title 13, both adopted by Town Council on July 7. Prepared documentation for the upcoming Citizens Service Levels Advisory Committee’s first meeting on August 7. Cleared the department’s storage unit, saving the Town $200/month in rental fees. Attended four 3-hour virtual Caselle trainings to increase efficiency and maximize software use. Began compiling the draft 2026 Town Budget after receiving departmental expense submissions and creating revenue projections. Jennifer presented a virtual training session on Strategic Thinking and Decision Making for the Colorado Government Finance Officers Association. Implemented new Title 13 regulation requiring water utility billing to be directed to property owners. Human Resources successfully onboarded the new Senior Planner for the Planning Department. Human Resources continues to pursue training and development opportunities to strengthen employee skillsets. Finance & Human Resources Support Tickets In June, a total of 111 IT support tickets were completed, with the IT Director handling 59%. As of mid-July, 65 tickets have been completed, with the IT Director completing 65%, largely due to increased onsite projects and support tickets and mobile phone management. ---PAGE BREAK--- Planning Administration I’m pleased to welcome Maryam Moradian to the Planning Department team as our new Senior Planner. Maryam is an Iranian American citizen with over twenty years of experience in architecture and urban planning, including her most recent role as Senior Planner for the City of Pittsburgh. She offers a rich and diverse perspective shaped by her work across multiple states and communities. Maryam is excited to contribute to Monument’s long-range planning initiatives and land development services. With her arrival, the Planning Department is now fully staffed and well-positioned to continue advancing the Town’s goals. During the month of July, Brooke issued 23 permits and currently has 29 in review. Along with another heavy permit month, she has also been working with our Community Core representative to streamline the permitting process. Brooke continues to coordinate outreach for the MONUMENT 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which has been very successful so far. With the help of the Town staff, our Steering Committee, Town Council and Planning Commission members, the department has been receiving great feedback from the community and will continue outreach events into the Fall. Business News Monument area residents, Greg and Jill Bland recently developed Ziggi’s Coffee on Jackson Creek Parkway in the Monument Market Place North shopping area, just south of KFC. They were a pleasure to work with throughout the development review and approval process, and we wish them the best of success. As many have reported, Planet Fitness is remodeling and planning to move into the former Staples store at the Monument Market Place Shopping Center. The date of its grand opening has not been shared with the Planning Department. Monument 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update On July 21, the Planning Commission and Town Council, during a joint study session, were presented with the Monument 2040 Existing Conditions Report. The Report is a comprehensive collection of important data and information that will serve as the foundation in the development of the Town's long-range plan, Monument 2040, addressing critical areas such as housing, economic development, stormwater management, parks, and a special focus on the downtown area. A copy of the report can be found at www.monument2040.com. While Phase One is complete, continue to learn about Monument 2040 and share your thoughts under the Town of Monument Tent at Summer Concert Wednesdays, Farmers Market Saturdays, Art Hop Fridays, National Night Out (Aug 9) and other events! Phase Two, “Envision”, will provide the Monument community opportunities to explore different land use strategies and planning scenarios through a series of hands-on workshops and visioning sessions. Maps Coordinated and recorded the Old Denver Road Annexation Plat. Continued building out processing, automation and task management procedures. Created a cemetery location map, a Parks Department lawn care map, and a July 4 Festival operations map for the Police and Public Works departments. th ---PAGE BREAK--- Police Personnel Amy Stalnaker, our Records Specialist, has completed extensive training in partnership with a Records Specialist from the Fountain Police Department. This hands-on training has enhanced her knowledge of law enforcement records procedures and compliance. Officer Hileigh Leseberg has successfully advanced to Phase Two of the Field Training Program. After completing her observation period in Phase One, she is now actively handling calls for service, operating a patrol vehicle, and communicating via radio. She is showing strong progress in her development. Projects, Training, and Community Outreach The Monument Police Department coordinated and executed a highly successful 4th of July Parade with assistance from partner agencies. The event was incident-free and received positive feedback from the public, with several compliments extended to officers throughout the day. All officers completed their annual active shooter response training. This year’s program included four hours of classroom instruction and five hours of reality-based scenario training, ensuring preparedness for critical incidents. Community Resource Officer Reifel secured basketballs and soccer balls donated by Scheels for the Play MoTown project. Each patrol vehicle is now equipped with a sports ball to hand out to children during interactions, strengthening community relationships. Code Enforcement Code Enforcement received multiple residential complaints related to overgrown grass and weeds. Public Safety Aides followed up with all properties, resulting in full compliance. Proactive Sunday patrols have been conducted to monitor for violations of construction hour regulations. No violations have been observed. Thanks to the department's year-long educational outreach to contractors and developers, violations have significantly decreased. Continued compliance reflects the success of this proactive strategy. Current Planning On July 7, Town Council approved a land transfer and intergovernmental agreement with El Paso County to facilitate the rerouting of Old Denver Road across two sections of the Santa Fe Trail. The new Old Denver Road will make way for a new residential neighborhood, creating greater separation between the new Conexus commercial development and the existing neighborhood to the west. Council considered establishing a new Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District, a land use designation providing commercial opportunities serving their adjacent residential neighborhoods. Council appointed John Parr as the Planning Commission’s newest member, replacing Chad Smith who earlier was appointed to Council. On July 21, Council was presented with a long list of state mandated regulations affecting our municipality’s ability to make certain land use decisions. The mandates require that the Town amend its various codes and standards in compliance with these new mandates. On July 9, the Planning Commission welcomed Commissor Parr and voted Commissioners Egley and Peterson as Chair and Vice Chair. They also held a public hearing for a PUD amendment for Native Sun Construction’s new office complex on Woodcarver Road, south of UPS. The Commission’s recommendation to approve is scheduled to be heard by Town Council on August 4. The Planning Department continues to facilitate the review of five Planned Unit Development applications, two Site Plan applications, and two Final Plat applications. Additionally, the Department is preparing to issue land development permits for seven projects; details are outlined in the Development Projects story map and shared at Development Review Projects I Monument, CO. ---PAGE BREAK--- Facilities Partnered with Veregy to replace lighting across all Town facilities. Installed roof flashing on the Chamber of Commerce building. Addressed A/C issues in Town Hall’s IT room by installing a temporary portable unit until a permanent solution is acquired. Also inspected the Finance Department’s A/C system. Repaired airlines at the Public Works shop located at 506 Jefferson Street. Relocated the Finance Director to a new office, repurposed the vacated office into a new second-floor conference room. The previous conference room space is now an expanded employee break room. Performed maintenance on the front double doors at Town Hall. Installed wiring and mounted name plates in the Town Council Chamber. Relocated the administrative office, repaired blinds, and mounted a TV in the operations room in the Police Department. Diagnosed and repaired the solar charger in the PD Conex. Assisted Parks with the installation and removal of ArtSite public art displays. Engineering Conducted stormwater inspections across multiple areas, including Highway 105, Jackson Creek Parkway, and Mitchell Road near the railroad tracks. Oversaw manhole placement as part of the Falcon Commerce Center project. Provided ongoing monitoring and guidance to contractors throughout town, ensuring projects progressed efficiently and challenges were addressed Public Works ---PAGE BREAK--- Parks Conducted trash removal, mowing, and trimming townwide to include the areas around Town Hall, Safeway, the bulk fill station, and Jackson Creek Parkway. Mowed native areas and mowed and trimmed six miles of road verge along Old Denver Highway. Performed opening and closing of burial sites. Repaired and maintained walking paths by adding "Breeze" material following recent rains. Tilled fall zones at all Town playgrounds, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits for safety. Continued weekly mowing and maintenance of irrigated parks. Worked with Police and Streets Departments to set up and take down Jersey barriers and concrete blocks for the 4th of July parade route. Provided weekly setup and takedown of equipment for Concerts in the Park. Removed and disposed of the old shed along the Monument Lake pathway. Secured a $100,000 Community Development Block Grant to build ADA parking near Downtown and the Heart of Monument Playpark. Construction is planned for Spring 2026. Fleet Supported the 4th of July celebration by preparing and maintaining equipment and vehicles for Public Works and Police Department use and participated in the parade. Performed regular maintenance on the street sweeper, mowers, and other heavy equipment. Continued repairs and maintenance on Town fleet vehicles. Replaced the valve body in Public Works truck W3. Repaired Police Department vehicles 2141 and 2191. For unit 2141, replaced the fuel pump, changed oil, rotated tires, and installed a new air filter. ---PAGE BREAK--- Water Installed a dedicated bacteriological sampling station at Willow Springs to streamline water quality testing and reduce the cross-contamination risk. Updated and revised the annual Consumer Confidence Report to ensure regulatory compliance and accurate public information. Assisted an outside contractor with a stalled water service tap installation on Avenue. Responded to a potential water leak in the QED area to minimizing service disruptions and water loss. Excavated a water main, installed a new tap using the “wet tap” technique, and ran a new service line to a sample station and an irrigation line at Monument Lake. Installed a dedicated sample line at Well 8 to improve access for water quality monitoring. Responded to a late-night emergency at Monument Meadows, isolated and repaired a line in waist-deep water to prevent further damage. Responded to an emergency call for service of a property owner hearing water flowing under the residence. Water operators determined the quickest resolution would be to isolate the water line from the home’s crawl space rather than attempting to locate the curb-stop valve in the front yard. After obtaining property owner permission, water operators entered the crawl space and quickly isolated the leak. Completed high-density polyethylene pipe fusion training, increasing internal capacity for future pipe installations and repairs. Repaired a water main break on Jefferson Street, quickly restoring service and stabilizing system pressure. Excavated and repaired a valve on Beacon Lite Road, replacing a broken operating nut on a 12-inch valve. Streets Collaborated with Parks and Police to set up and dismantle barricades and cones for the 4th of July parade. Repainted and restriped parking lots, including those at the Chamber of Commerce, Town Hall, the Coffee Cup, and Front Street. Repainting handicap stalls at the Chamber of Commerce and Town Hall. Began re-patching Adams Street, with additional patching throughout town to follow.