Colorado Springs Urban Renewal Authority Board Meeting Minutes Final
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
11:00 – 1:00 p.m.
This meeting was a hybrid meeting held in person and through a zoom teleconference.
Item 1 – Call to Order and Roll Call
Chair John Olson called the meeting to order at 11:02 a.m. In attendance at the meeting were Commissioners: Tom Bailey, Mike DeGrant, Gary Feffer, Sam Friesema, Cecilia Harry, Maureen Juran, Parth Melpakam, John Olson, Wynne Palermo, Anthony Perez, Bob Riefstahl, Mart Tremmel, and Bill Wysong.
Item 2 – Introduction of new Board Member Tom Bailey
Jariah Walker introduced the new CSURA Board Member Tom Bailey. Commissioner Bailey is the City Council representative that replaces Randy Helms. Everyone introduced themselves with a brief personal history.
Item 3 – Approval of April 23, 2025, Meeting Minutes
A motion was made by Commissioner Mark Tremmel, seconded by Commissioner Parth Melpakam to approve the CSURA meeting minutes of April 23, 2025. The motion passed 13 – 0 by Commissioners: Tom Bailey, Mike DeGrant, Gary Feffer, Sam Friesema, Cecilia Harry, Maureen Juran, Parth Melpakam, John Olson, Wynne Palermo, Anthony Perez, Bob Riefstahl, Mart Tremmel, and Bill Wysong.
Item 4 – Approval of the CSURA Financial Report and Claims as of April 30, 2025
Carrie Bartow, CLA reviewed the financial report and claims as of April 30, 2025, as providedin the agenda packet.
A motion was made by Commissioner Maureen Juran, seconded by Commissioner ParthMelpakam to accept the financial report and approve the claims as of April 30, 2025. Themotion passed 13 – 0 by Commissioners: Tom Bailey, Mike DeGrant, Gary Feffer, SamFriesema, Cecilia Harry, Maureen Juran, Parth Melpakam, John Olson, Wynne Palermo,Anthony Perez, Bob Riefstahl, Mart Tremmel, and Bill Wysong.
Item 5 – Citizen Discussion
None
Item 6 – Clean and Safe Program
Jariah Walker introduced Hannah Parsons, Interim CEO of the Downtown Partnership. Hannah introduced the former deputy police chief and downtown business owner Pat Rigdon. Pat Rigdon will become the head of safety with the Clean and Safe pilot’s initiative. The Clean and Safe program aims to create an enhanced Downtown experience. The program’s five focus areas are parking, security, cleanup efforts, homelessness response and business support. The Downtown Partnership is seeking financial support from the different entities to help fund the program. Chair John Olson asked the board if they are willing to provide support for the program.
A motion was made by Commissioners Maureen Juran, seconded by Commissioner Bob Riefstahl to move forward at the June 25th board meeting with a budget amendment of $100,000 that would appropriate the funds to support the Clean and Safe pilot program.
The motion passed 13 – 0 by Commissioners: Tom Bailey, Mike DeGrant, Gary Feffer, Sam Friesema, Cecilia Harry, Maureen Juran, Parth Melpakam, John Olson, Wynne Palermo, Anthony Perez, Bob Riefstahl, Mart Tremmel, and Bill Wysong.
Commissioner John Olson entered the meeting.
Item 7 – YMCA Gas Station Demo Update
Boyd Williams, from the downtown YMCA gave an update on the demolition of the gas station at Nevada and Platte that the YMCA owns. They are seeking $150,000 from the URA to help with the cost of the demolition. Jariah Walker, Executive Director, will explore different options and report back to the board at a future meeting.
Item 8 – Odyseey @ Weber Studies
Chair John Olson recused himself from the discussion. Sarah Dunmire, Senior Associate from EPS gave a power pointe presentation on the project.
A motion was made by Commissioner Wynne Palermo, seconded by Commissioner Bob Riefstahl to grant permission for the Executive Director to notice the taxing entities with the required statutory reports to begin the negotiations with them on this project moving forward. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 9 – Strategic Plan Update – EPS
The draft Strategic Plan update was briefly given by Sarah Dunmire, Senior Associate, from(EPS) Economic & Planning Systems. Sarah stated that the budget section was the area ofmost concern. The comments should be submitted by the end of the week. The full updateswill be completed in time for the July meeting.
Item 10 – Executive Director Report
Due to time constraints, Jariah Walker stated the May Executive Director report is presented in the agenda packet for their review. Jariah also advised the board that the lawsuit against the board had been dropped.
Item 11 – Non-Agenda Item
Item 12 – Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:05 p.m
The next regular CSURA board meeting is scheduled for June 25, 2025. The board meeting will be held in the Pikes Peak Conference Room at City Hall at 107 N. Nevada Avenue. The board meeting will be a hybrid meeting held both in person and through Zoom teleconference. If you cannot attend in person, please use the Zoom link listed at the top of the agenda. Copies of the Board agendas, minutes and audio recordings are posted on the Colorado Springs Urban Renewal Authority website: www.csura.org