Manitou Council denies variance, recognizes parks and rec professionals

Council denied the appeal of Planning Commission decisions regarding the boundary adjustment and variances at 360 Via Linda Vista and 370 Via Linda Vista. "Normally when there is a disagreement between two adjacent homeowners or land owners and they can't come to an agreement about a boundary, like where does that fence go or who owns that tree, then the government steps in, mediates, comes up with a decision if the two homeowners can't come to an agreement," said Jane Rosenthal, one of the property owners appealing the decision to Council. "This is the exact opposite. We have two homeowners who are in total agreement about adjusting a boundary in order to basically align with the current use, and we're talking about a small parcel of land. Yes, it sits on 370, but [we're] asking it to be adjusted to be put on 360. I find it somewhat ironic, disappointing, that in this case, rather than the government coming in to sort of help, they've really hindered our agreement, our agreeing for the boundary adjustment."

Council cited the city's Land Use Development Code in their denial. "I also believe that it is important that we support the land use development code and additionally our commissions and their work on these things," said Mayor Pro Tem and mayoral candidate Natalie Johnson. "I believe it is a living document, so I do welcome changes as we move forward, so that then we can make different decisions moving forward if necessary. But at this moment where we are today, I think this is what we've been given and it does not meet what we've been requested to change and to make a different determination."

Mayor John Graham also cited the code, despite previous iterations of Council's use of variances. "This follows a long-standing Manitou tradition where people come in and they ask for forgiveness rather than for permission," he said. "When you do that, you basically say the land use code is really just a nonsensical document because when somebody comes in and says, 'I've already built the house. The house is too tall, but please don't make me tear it down … We found prior City Councils backing down and saying, 'Okay, we were sympathetic.' … And we need to be, I think, a city of laws and consistency and regulation. So I don't think I can support the variance tonight."

Parks and Rec Month proclamation

Council approved a proclamation recognizing July as "Parks and Recreation Month." Launched in 1985, this year marks the 40th anniversary of Parks and Recreation Month. The proclamation celebrates parks and recreation professionals and how they make a lasting impact in the communities they serve. According to the Council memorandum, park and recreation programs are essential to community health and well-being and help cultivate lifelong friendships, memories and family bonds that people hold dear decades later.

"It's really exciting [and] super fitting with our ribbon cutting yesterday for Soda Springs Park phase 2," said Gillian Rossi, the Manitou Springs parks and recreation director, adding, "I know my team is excited that July is parks and rec month … Thank you for your proclamation."

Appointments

Council reappointed Ralph Routon and Kinsey Watts to the Manitou Arts, Culture, and Heritage Board.

Council appointed Erin Handlin to the Historic Preservation Commission.

Executive session on legal conflicts

Council entered into executive session to discuss two legal conflicts facing the city: the Mayor and Council's efforts to dissolve the Metro District and the lawsuit against the city from the Cog Railway.