Summary

Colorado Springs City Council (Nov 25, 2025): Adopts 2026 budget, approves TOPS land acquisition, advances graywater prohibition, and passes public-safety and development measures

Colorado SpringsNov 25, 20254 min read

At a glance

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Council convened Nov 25, 2025 in Council Chambers. The body approved the Consent Calendar; adopted the 2026 annual budget and related tax/levy actions; finally passed ordinances on park traffic offenses, police technology surcharge, and municipal court collection; approved acquisition of ~130 acres for the Cheyenne Mountain State Park extension via the TOPS program (with a supplemental appropriation up to $4,150,000 approved on first reading); advanced an ordinance prohibiting graywater use (approved on first reading); adopted multiple rezones/annexations and a Development Review Enterprise fee schedule; and passed several resolutions including honoring former Councilmember Merv Bennett and opposing the State Attorney General’s lawsuit regarding U.S. Space Command relocation. Vote counts are recorded in the minutes.

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Unified Development Airport Overlay Streamside Overlay Planned Development

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City Council

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TransportationBudget & TaxPublic SafetyCommerceEnvironmentalHousingUtilities

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Key decisions

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Consent Calendar approved unanimously, including multiple ordinances (Evergreen Cemetery platting; 2025 tax levy for 2026; 2026 salary structure; water connection code amendments; kennel regulations; several rezones and annexations).
Ordinance creating Article 15 prohibiting the use of graywater within the City approved on first reading (vote 9-0).
Ordinance No. 25-92 amending park traffic offenses finally passed (vote 9-0).
Ordinance No. 25-93 establishing a Police Department technology surcharge (amendment to general penalty) finally passed (vote 6-3).
Ordinance No. 25-94 amending municipal court failure-to-pay provisions finally passed (vote 7-2).
Ordinance No. 25-95 adopting the Annual Budget and appropriating funds for year ending Dec. 31, 2026 finally passed (vote 7-2).
Resolution authorizing acquisition of approximately 130 acres (Cheyenne Mountain State Park extension) via the TOPS program adopted; accompanying ordinance for supplemental TOPS appropriation up to $4,150,000 approved on first reading (votes 9-0).
Resolution approving Intergovernmental Agreement between the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport and Peak Metropolitan District No. 2 for reimbursement of design/construction costs adopted (vote 9-0).
Resolution rescinding Resolution No. 183-24 and establishing Development Review Enterprise building permit fees adopted (vote 9-0).
Resolution opposing the State Attorney General’s lawsuit regarding relocation of U.S. Space Command and reaffirming partnership with U.S. Space Command and the Department of War adopted (vote 7-2).
Appointments to the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority and approval of Old Ranch Metropolitan District bond issuance were approved on the Consent Calendar.
Recognitions and proclamations adopted: Resolution honoring former Councilmember Merv Bennett; Resolution recognizing Nov. 29, 2025 as Small Business Saturday; joint proclamation for Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women Day.

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Meeting information

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City Council

Nov 25, 2025, 12:00 AMCouncil Chambersscheduled

Agenda

How to Watch the Meeting
Coloradosprings.gov/springstv | Facebook Live: Colorado Springs City Council Facebook Page @coscity Council | SPRINGS TV - Comcast Channel 18 / 880 (HD) - Stratus IQ Channel 76 / 99 (Streaming)
How to Comment on Agenda Items
Before the meeting, you may email general comments for items not on the agenda or comments regarding agenda items to: allcouncil@coloradosprings.gov
Estimated agenda item times are provided for planning purposes and do not constitute notice of a specific time for any item. Items may take more or less time than estimated. City Council may amend the order of items.
Call to Order and Roll Call
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Changes to Agenda/Postponements
Consent Calendar
These items will be acted upon as a whole, unless a specific item is called for discussion by a Councilmember or a citizen wishing to address the City Council. (Any items called up for separate consideration shall be acted upon following the Mayor's Business.)
Second Presentation:
Ordinance No. 25-84 Platting Block 205 and Block 244 in Evergreen Cemetery Presenter: Kimberly King, Assistant Director - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Cheryl Godbout, Operations Manager - Cemetery Enterprise
Ordinance No. 25-85 Making and Certifying the 2025 Tax Levy for Taxes Payable in 2026 at 3.009 Mills (comprised of a general operating mill levy of 4.279 mills and a temporary tax credit of 1.270 mills) Upon Each Dollar of Assessed Valuation of All Taxable Property and a Tax Credit of 3.009 Mills Upon Each Dollar of Assessed Valuation of All Taxable Business Personal Property Within the Corporate Limits of the City of Colorado Springs Presenter: Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer
Ordinance No. 25-86 Repealing Ordinance No. 24-102 and Adopting the City of Colorado Springs - 2026 Salary Structure for Civilian and Sworn Municipal Employees Presenter: Myra Romero, Chief Human Resources and Risk Office Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer
Ordinance No. 25-87 Amending Part 4 (Connection and Installation of System) of Article 4 (Water Code) of Chapter 12 (Utilities) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, pertaining to connection to Colorado Springs Utilities' Water System. Presenter: Travas Deal, Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Springs Utilities
Ordinance No. 25-88 amending Chapter 7 (the "Unified Development Code" or "UDC") of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, pertaining to animal kennels. (Legislative) Related Files: CODE-25-0004 Located in All Council Districts Presenter: Austin Cooper, Senior Planner, City Planning Department Kevin Walker, Planning Director, City Planning Department
Ordinance No. 25-89 amending the zoning map of the City of Colorado Springs pertaining to approximately 6.07 acres located northeast of Stetson Hills Boulevard and Last Chance Drive from PDZ/AP-O/SS-O (Planned Development Zone District with Airport and Streamside Overlays) to PK/AP-O (Public Park with Airport Overlay). (Quasi-Judicial) (Second Reading and Public Hearing) Related Files: N/A Located in Council District 6 Presenter: Austin Cooper, Senior Planner, City Planning Department Kevin Walker, Planning Director, City Planning Department
An Ordinance No. 25-90 amending the zoning map of the City of Colorado Springs pertaining to approximately 3.41 acres located northeast of Dublin Boulevard and Vincent Drive from PF/SS-O/AF-O (Public Facilities with Streamside and United States Air Force Academy Overlays) to MX-M/SS-O/AF-O (Mixed-Use Medium Scale with Streamside and United States Air Force Academy Overlays). (Quasi-Judicial) (Second Reading and Public Hearing). Related Files: N/A Located in Council District 1 Presenter: Austin Cooper, Senior Planner, City Planning Department Kevin Walker, Planning Director, City Planning Department
Ordinance No. 25-91 to amend the zoning map of the City of Colorado Springs pertaining to 14,553 square feet located at 35 East Ramona Avenue from R-5/SS-O (Multi-Family High with Streamside Overlay) to MX-M/CR/SS-O (Mixed-Use Medium Scale with Conditions of Record and Streamside Overlay). (Quasi-Judicial) (Second Reading and Public Hearing) Related Files: None Council District # 3 Presenter: William Gray, Senior Planner, City Planning Department Kevin Walker, Planning Director, City Planning Department
Ordinance No. 25-96 annexing the area known as Woodmen Road Addition No. 3 located northeast of the West Woodmen Road and Cedar Valley Lane intersection consisting of 0.11 acres. (Legislative) Associated Files: ANEX-24-0014 Council District: Upon Annexation District 1 Presenter: Chris Sullivan, Senior Planner, City Planning Department Kevin Walker, Director, City Planning Department
Ordinance No. 25-97 annexing the area known as Peach Addition No. 1 located southeast of North Powers Boulevard and Research Parkway intersection off Tutt Boulevard consisting of 42.43 acres. (Legislative) Associated Files: ANEX-24-0012, ZONE-24-0024, LUPL-24-0017 Council District: Upon Annexation District 2 Presenter: Chris Sullivan, Senior Planner, City Planning Department Kevin Walker, Planning Director, City Planning Department
Ordinance No. 25-98 establishing a R-Flex Low/AP-O/SS-O (Residential Flex Low Scale with Airport and Streamside Overlays) zone district for 42.43 acres located southeast of North Powers Boulevard and Research Parkway intersection off Tutt Boulevard. (Legislative) Associated Files: ANEX-24-0012, ZONE-24-0024, LUPL-24-0017 Council District: Upon Annexation District 2 Presenter: Chris Sullivan, Senior Planner, City Planning Department Kevin Walker, Planning Director, City Planning Department
First Presentation:
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 10, 2025 Presenter: Sarah B. Johnson, City Clerk
Resolution Approving the Issuance of Debt by the Old Ranch Metropolitan District of Privately Placed Revenue Bond, Series 2025, in the Estimated Principal Aggregate Amount of $40,000,000. Related Items: N/A Located in Council District 2 Presenter: Allison Stocker, Senior Planner, City Planning Department Kevin Walker, Planning Director, City Planning Department
Appointments to the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority Presenter: Lynette Crow-Iverson, Council President and Councilmember At-Large
Recognitions
A Resolution honoring the life and service of former Councilmember Merv Bennett Presenter: Brian Risley, Council President Pro Tem and Councilmember At Large
A Resolution recognizing November 29, 2025 as Small Business Saturday Presenter: David Leinweber, Councilmember At Large
A Joint Proclamation Proclaiming November 25, 2025 as Zonta Says NO To Violence Against Women Day Presenter: Brandy Williams, Councilmember District 3 Jamie Fabos, Chief of Staff
Mayor's Business
Updates from the Mayor’s Office Representative Presenter: Jamie Fabos, Chief of Staff
Items Called Off Consent Calendar
Utilities Business
Ordinance No. 25-99 Creating a new Article 15 (Prohibition Against the Use of Graywater Within the City) of Chapter 6 (Neighborhood Vitality/Community Health) Prohibiting the Use of Graywater within the City Presenter: Lauren Swenson, Environmental Services Manager, Colorado Springs Utilities Jenny Bishop, Engineer IV, Water Resource Planning, Colorado Springs Utilities Travas Deal, Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Springs Utilities
Unfinished Business
Ordinance No. 25-92 amending section 101 (Vehicular Traffic Limited) of Article 27 (Park Traffic Offenses) of chapter 10 (Motor Vehicle and Traffic) vehicular traffic limited of the code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, pertaining to park traffic offenses. Presenter: Britt I. Haley, Director, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department Eric Becker, Maintenance and Operations Manager, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department
Ordinance No. 25-93 Amending Section 201 (General Penalty) of Part 2 (General Penalty) of Article 1 (Administration) of Chapter 1 (Administration, Personnel And Finance) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, pertaining to a Police Department Technology Surcharge Presenter: Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer Deputy Chief John Koch, Colorado Springs Police Department Frederick Stein, Senior Attorney, City Attorney's Office
Ordinance No. 25-94 Amending Section 106 (Failure to Pay Fine) of Article 3 (Procedures) of Chapter 11 (Municipal Court) of The Code of The City Of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, Pertaining to Failure to Pay Fines, Costs, and Surcharges. Presenter: Commander John Koch, Colorado Springs Police Department Frederick Stein, Public Safety Attorney, City Attorney's Office
Ordinance No. 25-95 Adopting the Annual Budget and Appropriating Funds for the Several Purposes Named in Said Budget for the Year Ending December 31, 2026 Presenter: Charae McDaniel, Chief Financial Officer
New Business
A Resolution Authorizing the Acquisition of Approximately 130 Acres, Identified as the CMSP Extension, through the Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) Program Presenter: Britt Haley, Director, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department Lonna Thelen, Program Manager, Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) Program David Deitemeyer, Senior Program Administrator, Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) Program
An Ordinance Amending Budget Ordinance No. 24-104 (2025 Budget Appropriation Ordinance) for a Supplemental Appropriation to the Trails, Open Space and Parks Fund up to $4,150,000 to Complete the Acquisition of approximately 130 Acres of Property, identified as the Cheyenne Mountain State Park Extension for the Purpose of Public Open Space and Trails Presenter: Britt Haley, Director, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department Lonna Thelen, Program Manager, Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) Program David Deitemeyer, Senior Program Administrator, Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) Program
A Resolution Approving the Intergovernmental Agreement by and between the City of Colorado Springs, on behalf of its enterprise the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, and the Peak Metropolitan District No. 2 related to the reimbursement of design and construction costs. Presenter: Alex Kovacs, Director of Aviation - Colorado Springs Municipal Airport
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado rescinding Resolution No. 183-24 and establishing fees and charges associated with the building permit applications for the Development Review Enterprise. (Legislative) Presenter: Daniel Sexton, Planning Manager, City Planning Department Kevin Walker, Planning Director, City Planning Department
A Resolution Of The City Council of The City of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Opposing The State Attorney General’s Lawsuit Against The United States President Regarding The Relocation of U.S. Space Command and Reaffirming Colorado Springs’ Commitment To Partnership with United States Space Command and The Department Of War Presenter: Roland Rainey, District 6 Councilmember
Public Hearing
Added Item Agenda
One Hour of Citizen Discussion for Items not on Today's Agenda per City Council Rules
Executive Session
Adjourn
Approval of the Consent Agenda
President Pro Tem Risley and Councilmember Rainey attended the meeting virtually.

Colorado Springs City Council (Nov 25, 2025): Adopts 2026 budget, approves TOPS land acquisition, advances graywater prohibition, and passes public-safety and development measures

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