Council of Neighbors and Organizations

May 5, 2009

Welcome

President Dave Munger opened the meeting at approximately 7:00 PM and welcomed all members and guests. All attendees introduced themselves and their area of representation. 

CSFD, CSPD, and OEM Presentations

Wildfire and resident evacuation

Deputy Chief Brown welcomed CONO and all visitors. The CSFD, CSPD, and OEM city of Colorado Springs, provided a presented addressing emergency evacuation, the Emergency Notification system (ENX), living in the Wildland Urban Interface of Colorado Springs, and an overview of City operations in a major evacuation. Additional information can be found on the city’s website at www.springsgov.com/CSFD/ and look for the emergency planning tips. The City, periodically, holds training classes on public safety issued.

Circulation of Sign-In Sheets

Sign-in sheets were circulated for neighborhood representative signature. 

Validation of Quorum

18 full members were present at the meeting

Approval of the Minutes

Approval of 7 April 2009 Minutes

• Motion: Steve Vogt Second: Marj Webster
• Vote (Yes-No-Abstain): 17-0-0

Treasurer’s Report – Dave Munger for Susanne Barr

Association balance – $2,620.53

51 paid CONO members

Citizen Advisory Councils for CSPD

Marjorie Smith & Welling Clark briefed the membership on the CSPD citizen Advisory Committee, its interaction with neighborhoods. They encouraged each NOA to have a representative on the CAC. All CACs have openings.

Wildlife Management Forum, Review, and Follow-up

Dave Munger & Larry Bagley updated the membership on the 25 April 2009 forum on wildlife management. The topics covered coyote, deer, bear, mountain lion issues; approximately 40 people attended the forum. The WL forum will be held annually. The city does not have but needs a wildlife management plan. Also, the DOW will come into your neighborhood to make presentations/provide QA information

Motion: Executive Board to move forward with City to create a Wildlife management plan (to have broad focus but initially will address the coyote problem). This effort will ultimately include wild dogs, skunks, foxes, deer, and other dangerous/nuisance animals.

• Motion: Larry Bagley Second: Bruce Lane
• Vote (Yes-No-Abstain): 18-0-0

Updates

Zoning Procedures

Dave Munger and Rick Hoover discussed the zoning procedures effort and how it will streamline as well as tighten procedures. The HBA & City are agreeable to in-fill vs. green field development which is good for existing neighborhoods. 

Rawles Open Space

Marj Webster briefed the membership on the surprising Council development vote in favor of neighborhood. The Council found that the development was neither compatible nor harmonious. Council should not approve any development if it not compatible and harmonious with the surrounding neighborhood; that council should defend all property owners’ rights (developer and existing residence).

Sign Committee

Dave Munger & Francine Hansen notified the membership that the sign committee has been put temporarily on hold. Street signs for historic districts are being looked into by the City. 

Truck Routes

Dave Munger provided an update. The study bottom-line is the proposed patterns are an adjustment; not a major change. The neighborhoods should experience very slight changes in traffic patterns if any.

CTAB

Tom Harold informed the memberships that a Bicycle Committee to be established for the City of Colorado Springs and it will report to CTAB.

Neighborhood Roundtable

Historic Preservation Alliance, Pat Doyle: Briefed the membership on the Historic Preservation Alliance and its mission to promote & encourage historic preservation. 

Mid Palmer Park Blvd, Charles Barber: Mark Louderman and Glenn Gusftoson made presentations at his HOA meeting.

Mountain Shadows, Francine Hansen: Discussed the City permit waiver on Mountain shadows events in their park.

Park Hill, Marjorie Smith: Discussed the issue of farm animals in urban areas/neighborhoods. There is a difference between service animals and farm animals. This shall be a topic at the next CONO meeting.

Georgetown Square , Smoking patio across Academy issue with outdoor smoke and drinking

Mesa, Richard Serby: Discussed the renewed interest of members in participating in NOA efforts. 29.7% of the membership are interested in running for the board.

Deerfield Hills, Doug Jones: His neighborhood will be honoring former Councilwoman Radford and & new Councilmember Herpin.

Guest, Mary Ann Tebedo: Discussed how to run a meeting. She offered her services in helping NOAs to run elections, rules, running meetings, and teach parliamentary procedures.

Guest, Walter Lawson: Discussed the issue on City park infrastructure and specifically the lack of watering. He provided cost information and encouraged everyone to contact Paul Butcher. The will be a Parks Dept briefing on 14 May. This will be discussed at the 20 May CSU board meeting.

OWN, Welling Clark: Discussed the SD 11 opposition to the School Finance Transparency Act. Also, he noted that over a contentious Westside development issue, Planning Dept staff stopped notifying OWN and started contacting residence individually.

Old North End, Dave Munger: Discussed the upcoming North End parade, picnic, and the Fire Station #2 dedication. The ONEN has taken over some of the median watering to prevent trees from dying.

Meeting adjourned: 9:38 PM

Attendance List