During this week’s Manitou Springs City Council meeting,
Evacuation modeling for disaster preparedness
El Paso County Commissioner Bill Wysong shared news about the county’s new disaster modeling software during public comment.
“The Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management made an announcement on May 13th that they have [gone] under contract for an evacuation modeling software program called Ladris, and that is being disseminated out to a lot of the fire districts,” he said. “The fire districts will be pretty much able to look at that, run models, and the key item is allowing the City to understand what it’s going to take should an emergency arise, to evacuate certain parts, or all of Manitou Springs due to some kind of a disaster event. It was something that I was working with the City for about five years and with the county. I’m just very pleased that this is going to be available.”
Public art approved
The Manitou Springs City Council approved new temporary public art pieces for Art on the Avenue for 2025. The sculptures include “Mr Hare” by Mark Dyke, “My Mental Garden” by Sandy Friedman, “Pink Cyclone” by Annette Coleman, and “Seeds in the Wind” by Jodie Bliss.
Updated Community Wildfire Protection Plan
City Council approved an updated Community Wildfire Protection Plan, improving the original 2019 plan. “This CWPP is a collaborative effort to guide our stewardship management activities, including wild-fire protection,” reads the plan’s introduction. “The activities recommended in this plan are appropriate to meet our objectives and will benefit natural resources and reduce the risk from wildland fire. This plan is voluntary, and where possible, we intend to apply the recommended practices, thus improving our community and increasing public safety.”
First reading of stormwater ordinances
City Council approved the first reading of four new ordinances impacting the city’s stormwater system.
“We’re proposing amendments to the four titles – 6, 13, 14, and 18 of the municipal code – to better address illegal discharges into the city’s stormwater system and waters of the state,” explained Manitou Springs Planning Director Fred Rollenhagen.
There will be a second reading and public hearing on the ordinances during the June 17 regular meeting.
Recreational marijuana tax reduction approved
City Council approved on second reading an ordinance to reduce Manitou Springs’ tax on recreational marijuana from 10% to 5%.
“I’m very thankful of the fact that you guys are taking this so seriously and moving so quickly with it and it’s such a substantial reduction,” said Bill Conkling, owner of the Manitou Springs Maggie’s Farm dispensary.
The new tax rate will go into effect on June 9.
