[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6079643,"mediaKeyId","2955145-626f20c91d3eef2e3f3dc3f8626a5c14","parentId",2955145,"title","Residents urge return to PPRTA ballot, raise concerns about fireworks and potholes during public comment","audioSeconds",186,"startMs",2815665,"endMs",3002245,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2955145-626f20c91d3eef2e3f3dc3f8626a5c14&start=2815&end=3002","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2955145-626f20c91d3eef2e3f3dc3f8626a5c14/thumbnail_2815665.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6079643/Fountain-City/El-Paso-County/Colorado/Residents-urge-return-to-PPRTA-ballot-raise-concerns-about-fireworks-and-potholes-during-public-comment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6079643-1668ead92052f7aab0ca3d9f0ca58728/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172236&Signature=AzLdlSdNtDOIMdRx45GTt9dBAfMeEKhG3ZRtqHsQ6BtzvLXKdLWtX0ZCppRDEfJflpz~VB-bJj-sMrPE7NLYnVvAeBOV4k2XWl4v6B7mzmtE1RUvWXBgqnb0AfJchWjCpbEirj5sEt4YRT7xxsaryqx~jcyXu1a5LMO1-CRKHac3gQXb~rKhh2JAfn6bim9KIjjWiv-n-TGdznkZAvJevVQY2rDjqO7tA5u8RDW3e7o4BccmGII0uSBBMhoqkf9n4uAIb8-XXkkUozkZaxac~fbZAqgxCArEl2zcfcvHXoKFdntxcQ7gBWSWkRooX7GLx-Gj~-Zc037DHUH7cwoTig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-11T00:58:39.36Z","article","During the public-comment period on April 8, several Fountain residents urged the council to pursue renewed participation in Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA) funding for roads, asked the city to warn residents about illegal fireworks, and encouraged reporting potholes through Citizens Connect.

Steve Foster said he wants the city to bring PPRTA back to voters, arguing that local businesses already pay the tax to PPRTA and that Fountain loses an estimated $1.5–$2 million annually by not participating. \"That's the only way we're gonna get our roads fixed,\" Foster said. He urged the council to restart the public information campaign; the city manager said outreach begun last year will continue.

Foster also asked the city to include information about illegal fireworks and possible fines in utility bills, citing concerns about veterans with PTSD and neighborhood safety. He asked for clearer public messaging as the holiday season approaches.

Council and staff responded with practical steps: staff noted Citizens Connect (the city's reporting app) can be used to report potholes with photos and GPS location; Councilmember Herzberg said the road condition issue remains a council priority and noted plans for an informational campaign. The mayor and staff said they would work on outreach and confirmed plans to continue public education around PPRTA and road funding options.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Fountain City Council Meeting 04/08/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Public commenters pressed the council to pursue rejoining PPRTA for road funding, requested a fireworks information push in utility bills, and urged more outreach about pothole reporting via Citizens Connect; council and staff said outreach materials are forthcoming.","taxTitle","Fountain City, El Paso County, Colorado","taxId",70525,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6079650,"Resident urges clearer responses, says CORA should not be used to avoid constituent communication",278,3079925,3358152,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2955145-626f20c91d3eef2e3f3dc3f8626a5c14&start=3079&end=3358","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2955145-626f20c91d3eef2e3f3dc3f8626a5c14/thumbnail_3079925.jpg","/articles/6079650/Fountain-City/El-Paso-County/Colorado/Resident-urges-clearer-responses-says-CORA-should-not-be-used-to-avoid-constituent-communication","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6079650-88bfcefeb49ca1a17592626b5ade3fe5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172236&Signature=l4Zs~lyD9of15kxaedVyN6MfuEpcKS5I2lucTyFyF6ZcqVTiGCyUFMOPP5~BVFDa~g~TdkV8VwyfgoopnsWD0M7EVbNDd3KipfSSYQbIcJRJrCfJo6833bK~mnXtHRkEWOjj4oyOyMJzL-QPxoS5ASc3YPJy3v5xSajnZ8Gm8-2KePrpMnKJhZuk1~IymVdlqLM9uDma38WkOF2rbp-Jhif0uyW~LOCwK3F8XoRLhglrEFp-Z9cDXTHC4~TJicIk01pP~ljMOwPJULzvqbvNjUb9ZuY-j60vH0reIn4~Hmcd3eIYVkFbpQfDyr2JSHH5CLu-rpeE8GnH1--PdxIl2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Connie Weisenhunt, a Fountain resident, used the public-comment period on April 8 to urge the City Council and staff to respond more consistently to constituent emails and to stop citing the Sunshine Law or CORA as a reason to avoid basic replies.

\"The Sunshine Law, in spirit and in practice, is about transparency,\" Weisenhunt said. \"It was not written to prevent elected officials from communicating with people they represent.\" She told council she had sent multiple emails to departments and council members with little or no acknowledgement and asked the council to seek legal training or clear guidance rather than defaulting to nonresponse.

Council members and staff responded that Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) and open-meeting rules can create caution among officials; the city attorney said it would be inappropriate to give legal advice in an open forum but that CORA concerns and privacy issues can affect whether staff responds by email. The mayor noted staff had asked the city attorney to reach out to Weisenhunt and confirmed that contact was made.

Weisenhunt asked the council to adopt a culture of engagement: even a brief \"thank you for your message\" reply, she said, would improve transparency and public trust. City officials said they would review the matter and that staff had already contacted her.","Resident Connie Weisenhunt told the council she has repeatedly asked city staff and elected officials for responses to constituent emails and urged the council to clarify CORA/sunshine-law limits so officials do not use them as a reason to avoid replying.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6079655,"Council approves FY2025 supplemental appropriations and carryforwards including road and FEMA projects",649,4885870,5535504,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2955145-626f20c91d3eef2e3f3dc3f8626a5c14&start=4885&end=5535","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2955145-626f20c91d3eef2e3f3dc3f8626a5c14/thumbnail_4885870.jpg","/articles/6079655/Fountain-City/El-Paso-County/Colorado/Council-approves-FY2025-supplemental-appropriations-and-carryforwards-including-road-and-FEMA-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6079655-54a66fec31ce5fa84045414368a361d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172236&Signature=Xkl61ArPVIV3efvKHC1fYCn1LHjwej6nuyTXlkqbfx4C3lOPKSQ0yBCF~n5RVaNCf2LlPJGs~ZELRTXNvE1O1TgpQP~fuyJaqzkQ01po4cuRgsMO-HXw3-pLYZN5T40mR3jDGmftszAQUpkORO33qCLwPp~Sqj7oit7VrCLo7n93YrGrbuJGQR4TGfLg1JWKqrh7uFoVBUH9SNy9V-2lff3esYksTDP9n666jA~JBEgZgNwzOp5TctpliznFWeRHpwIc4~trdr5z4gZGCP05aP8DzVLM~oBKlfF3fj-rzN-ZS2G4DO38IAD-Uscva-Ps58Lo20xlMLnvPyqtIpFdBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fountain City Council on April 8 approved Resolution 25-015 to amend the FY2025 budget and carry forward unspent 2024 capital appropriations into 2025, recording a 7-0 vote in favor.

Staff explained the supplemental and carryforward requests are routine accounting practices that move previously appropriated but unspent funds from 2024 into 2025 so projects can be completed. The general-fund supplemental request reduced the unassigned fund balance by $56,000 to cover building repairs and minor equipment, staff said. \"This is standard practice and considered best practice by governmental accounting standards,\" the presenting staff member said.

Key carryforwards and amounts cited in the staff presentation include: approximately $2,500,000 in general-fund capital (including the Vanley Bridal/FEMA-funded repair), $660,000 for the Link Road rebuild city match (multi-year), roughly $327,000 in the electric fund for underground/overhead repairs delayed by access issues, and $1,800,000 in the drainage fund for Jimmy Camp Creek FEMA-funded repairs. Staff said many of the items are grant-funded and must be spent for their intended purpose. Councilmember Rick moved approval; Councilmember Hinton seconded. The clerk recorded the outcome as \"7 yes, motion carried.\"

Council members asked for updates on specific projects tied to the carryforwards, including the Jimmy Camp Creek repairs and the planned intersection improvements at Ohio and Jimmy Camp (quiet-zone design and rights-of-way work). Public-works staff (Todd) joined by Teams and confirmed appraisals and design work are in progress and that right-of-way and procurement steps remain.

The resolution authorizes the amended appropriations and carryforwards for the general, water, electric and drainage funds as described in the staff exhibits.","Fountain City Council approved Resolution 25-015 to amend the FY2025 appropriations: a $56,000 general fund supplemental, carryforwards of roughly $2.5 million in general-fund capital, $660,000 for Link Road match, $327,000 in electric, and $1.8 million in FEMA-funded drainage work were among items enumerated; vote was 7-0.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6079659,"Council approves sign-code amendments on first reading to allow master sign plans for large developments",424,4431719,4856395,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2955145-626f20c91d3eef2e3f3dc3f8626a5c14&start=4431&end=4856","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2955145-626f20c91d3eef2e3f3dc3f8626a5c14/thumbnail_4431719.jpg","/articles/6079659/Fountain-City/El-Paso-County/Colorado/Council-approves-sign-code-amendments-on-first-reading-to-allow-master-sign-plans-for-large-developments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6079659-0e94d26fd107eefdf559677d0ed4668f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172237&Signature=h0O3J7Rb4yUYN2ExwRpZ1vZh36loALESEe-00Uuw3Xkut-fEQo291bJEhF5lAM9Q8fWLfH66fsvMW0wfovBqHcusO2Tlt5d6KsclzNqIVcjFLOVRoQbyphagRU59Z3XtoywIyrseZOhR~LeSevpRwQUqnlj6HwEmqKkJSqOdjKp86x6W7aZkIvuJI164aYyCmCMAIOwOYS51AwWLiQhcazEHz-2tRuX~0oPQw9Rd2v7l7MpVJcZMiXqfwP-rlqS07LaXaKhMStyLyqv3HNeHclb0W9etFNi-BJ6FqxHa2tP4FKE5NyxDZ5RFqlnYKAcfhMsIXJ80zZorjwNDQuj6Bw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fountain City Council voted 7-0 on April 8 to approve Ordinance 18-10 on first reading, which revises Chapter 17.12 of the Fountain Municipal Code to clarify and expand the city's master sign plan regulations.

\"This item before you is an amendment to Title 17 of the municipal code which pertains to zoning, specific to the section of commercial master sign plans,\" said Christy Martinez of the city planning department. The amendment narrows the applicability of master sign plans to large, multi-tenant projects and provides detailed design standards and review criteria, staff said.

Under the revised code, a master sign plan would be available for multi-tenant commercial, industrial or mixed-use developments that exceed 35 acres, and for standalone buildings larger than 200,000 square feet. The draft also preserves flexibility for tenants while aiming to reduce visual clutter and coordinate sign design. The ordinance allows up to a 25% alteration to some design standards (excluding the consolidated complex sign area).

Councilmember Estes moved approval on first reading; Councilmember Herzberg seconded. The clerk recorded the vote as \"7 yes, motion carried.\" Martinez told council the change retains existing allowances for temporary signage such as banners and was modeled on practices in other municipalities.

As a first-reading approval the ordinance will return for a second reading and final vote at a later meeting.","Council approved Ordinance 18-10 on first reading to revise Fountain's master sign plan rules for large multi-tenant developments, setting thresholds, design standards and review criteria; the measure passed 7-0 on first reading.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6079663,"Fountain council approves new tennis and pickleball courts at Aga Park",674,3752345,4427120,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2955145-626f20c91d3eef2e3f3dc3f8626a5c14&start=3752&end=4427","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2955145-626f20c91d3eef2e3f3dc3f8626a5c14/thumbnail_3752345.jpg","/articles/6079663/Fountain-City/El-Paso-County/Colorado/Fountain-council-approves-new-tennis-and-pickleball-courts-at-Aga-Park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6079663-655006f87446a2018b49d26f1a72aba9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172236&Signature=WOT6QUXDUhStXW8pFD3Fuh3gt9aVyMmqvIszd7-eTTlIB0j3YHouX1oy9rKOfr~0mmbRXG3flXrzihF2dHYtI9Aww0GTyjRghJOsV8F4Ww1v4IvxEmWnPYd1ADZBxRnVqpCGRG6uTpWqtu0bG9xSB7rQ2ALwK3WGJv-hKYdS6-nGoEnTRCw58SeYYfTy9bDKw5mTnozuL22hy-ma-Cctv96CzumyhiVQixjru-FxbM8WurdwqfFKOZfTb4QR9i32V6bjPV-ODD9oJtkft9NEb~XfV93kjOXoBNOExxkL3Rp~qFXdanW9WQ5rBT-oOvak9Y42nPesRRcuRjPKSE2Lxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fountain City Council on April 8 approved Resolution 25-014 authorizing B and M Construction to design and build new tennis and cable-tension pickleball courts at Aga Park by a 7-0 vote.

Council approved a project budget capped at $300,000 after staff said the existing courts have drainage and structural problems that make replacement more cost-effective than repair. \"We noticed some serious issues with the existing pickleball courts,\" said Mr. McCormick, a city staff member presenting the item. He cited drainage because \"the concrete slab ... sets below grade,\" existing cracks that may require slab replacement and space constraints that prevent a regulation playing area.

The project will place the new courts on the east side of the current water treatment facility in Aga Park, a location staff said avoids underground utilities and the tall elm trees that currently litter the court with debris. City staff told council the contractor's schedule sets an official completion date of July 17, 2025, though the contractor expects to finish earlier if weather allows.

Mr. McCormick said the city solicited bids after the 2024 budget cycle and that one prior 2023 estimate for similar courts had been about $5.5 million; the current low responsible bid from B and M Construction came in at the $300,000 funding level. Councilmember Hinton moved to approve the resolution; Councilmember Herzberg seconded. The clerk recorded the outcome as \"7 yes, motion carried.\"

Council members clarified that the existing trees around the old courts will remain to provide shade, that the new courts will not be lighted, and that the old tennis-court concrete pad may be converted to additional picnic seating to preserve open grass space for families and children. Staff said they will place signage along the utility fence to prevent access to the water-treatment area from players retrieving balls.

The approval completes the contract award and authorizes staff to proceed with design and construction under the contract terms in the resolution.","The City Council voted 7-0 to award B and M Construction a $300,000 contract to build new tennis and cable-tension pickleball courts at Aga Park, moving the courts to an open field east of the water treatment facility with a projected completion date of July 17, 2025.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents urge return to PPRTA ballot, raise concerns about fireworks and potholes during public comment

Resident urges clearer responses, says CORA should not be used to avoid constituent communication

Council approves FY2025 supplemental appropriations and carryforwards including road and FEMA projects

Council approves sign-code amendments on first reading to allow master sign plans for large developments

Fountain council approves new tennis and pickleball courts at Aga Park