El Paso County

The board discussed adherence to Sunshine Law policies, held elections for the positions of Chair and Vice-Chair, and reviewed the 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application list and estimated budget. Furthermore, the board reviewed progress on the 2022-2026 Consolidated Plan goals and performed an initial assessment of various project applications across the funding categories of public facilities, infrastructure, housing, and economic development. The board also addressed administrative items including upcoming vacancies and scheduling adjustments for future meetings.

The meeting included a review of the financial status of Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) allocations and expenditures, along with an update on the availability of 2026 funding and the impact of federal continuing resolutions. The board discussed progress on the Needs Assessment report and strategies for distributing the associated survey to the community. Programmatic reports were provided by several subrecipients, covering services such as housing assistance, veterans' support, construction career training, mental health services, and food and utility programs. Additionally, the board addressed administrative updates regarding membership vacancies and held discussions concerning the scheduling of future in-person meetings.

The meeting included program updates for PY2024 projects, noting budget increases for Brothers Redevelopment and extensions for EPC Parks and the Town of Ramah projects. The board discussed the cancellation of the Ellicott Open Door Community Church project and the impact of returning those funds on the county's timeliness report with HUD. A comprehensive overview of open 2025 projects was also presented. For the upcoming 2026 January Open Application Cycle, timelines were explained, including the CDBG Applicants' webinar. The board reviewed the progress on the 2022-2026 Consolidated Plan goals and confirmed the review process for February through April 2026, during which Ms. Howell will serve as temporary presiding officer in the Chair's absence. Other business included plans to expand CDBG outreach and a report on the HUD Region VIII Administrator's visit to Manitou Springs.

The meeting began with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. A key action involved a motion to continue agenda items 5B6 and 5B7 to March 10th, 2026. The board then approved the consent calendar items 5A through 5G (excluding the continued items). A proclamation recognizing National School Choice Week was read and approved, highlighting the importance of educational options for families and community vibrancy. Following guest comments regarding school choice advocacy, commissioners shared personal endorsements for educational freedom. The session concluded with elected officials/liaison reports, specifically a briefing by the Clerk and Recorder on the statewide Core 21 transition, which modernizes the motor vehicle system replacing the legacy 'drives' platform.

The meeting commenced with an invocation by Rabbi Jay Sherwood from Temple Shalom, following a proclamation presented by the County Commissioners in support of the State of Israel. The Commissioners also moved to excuse Commissioner Bremer from attendance. The consent calendar items (5a through 5j1 sub 5) were approved. Under elected official reports, the Clerk and Recorder provided an update on the 2023 coordinated election, detailing ballot intake and processing status, and voter registration procedures. Commissioner Williams reported on a visit to Forge Evolution, an organization that evolved from Teen Court, and discussed her light schedule due to the fifth week. Commissioner Vandorff also visited Forge Evolution, noting their expanded focus on assisting families proactively to prevent children from entering the court system, and reported on guest lecturing at UCCS regarding local government cooperation, and upcoming committee meetings including the Airport Advisory Commission, Peak Vista Community Health Center breakfast, and the Pikes Peer Bust Foundation celebration honoring local military. Commissioner Gonzalez discussed her schedule, including the Board of Health meeting, presenting at the Mayor's Civic Leaders Fellowship with Commissioner Vandorff, the Fountain Valley Senior Center meeting, the Region 16 Opioid Council meeting, and the annual required jail tour. Commissioner Gonzalez also noted the Board's official position against Proposition HH. The Chief Financial Officer led the second day of the 2024 budget hearings focusing on critical needs, with presentations scheduled from the County Treasurer, Sheriff's Office, District Attorney's Office, Coroner, County Attorney, and the Citizens Outreach Group. The County Treasurer provided an update on operating indicators, noting an increase in tax statements due to community growth, a slight dip in delinquent tax notices for the odd year, changes in property tax payment processing trends, and details regarding tax lien sales, including the upcoming mobile home tax lean sale.