Aug 14, 2025 — Stormwater Enterprise

Bulletin for August 14, 2025

Featured Speaker: Caroline Schmitz & Jeff Bessie

Colorado Springs Stormwater Enterprise — Projects, Lawsuits, and City Infrastructure

OPENING

The meeting began with a prayer led by Marty and the Pledge of Allegiance led by JB.

"Make the world a better place by being more mindful of your children, thoughtful of the elderly, charitable to those less fortunate, and open to opposing views."

— Leonard B. Keller, United States Army Medal of Honor

GUEST INTRODUCTIONS

Mitchell Colzer, Pete's youngest son, was introduced — a Marine who moved back to Colorado Springs in 2021. Doug Bishop from Nebraska, who grew up on a wheat farm and has lived in Colorado Springs for five to seven years, was also welcomed.

CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS

• World War II Aviation Museum: Eric escorted a WWII veteran to the National WWII Aviation Museum, which is planning a 200,000 sq ft expansion and hopes to acquire a B-17. The museum is ranked 7th in the U.S.

• Becky's Update: Becky will be splitting time between Colorado Springs and Cleveland but will remain a club member.

• Financial Wisdom from Walt: Walt shared advice on knowing your net worth, assets, liabilities, and income statements. Financial literacy and focus are key to personal success.

• Board Meeting: Scheduled August 26, 2025 at 4:30 PM at Waypoint Bank, hosted by Bob.

• Sheriff's Event: An event at the Blue Barn on August 14 from 5–8 PM (Eric forgot to register, but members were welcome).

KEYNOTE: COLORADO SPRINGS STORMWATER ENTERPRISE

Caroline Schmitz (Engineer II) and Jeff Bessie (Water Quality Program Manager) from the City of Colorado Springs presented the city's comprehensive stormwater enterprise program.

Program Overview

The city operates under an MS4 permit — a federal stormwater management permit that requires education, enforcement, and capital improvements. The program won second place nationally from the EPA for best stormwater management, despite previous litigation.

Active Projects and Infrastructure

• Heart Vista Project: Goal is to restore the natural channel, not create a retention pond. Several flood-prone homes were purchased and demolished to widen the channel.

• Cottonwood Powers Creek: Covers 4,000 linear creek feet with concrete drop structures, grade control, and vegetation.

• North Nevada/Stone Ave: Installs new stormwater pipes and drains, requiring utility coordination and gas line relocation.

• Sieford Channel: Now features turnarounds, sculpted concrete drop structures, and community accessibility improvements.

• 37 projects completed over the past 10 years. A $300 million backlog of priority-one work remains.

Funding and Legal Context

The program operates under a consent decree from a previous EPA lawsuit that ends in 2034, with ongoing fees required. Annual required spending is $16.5 million. Many projects rely on FEMA grants (90% FEMA / 10% local match). Stricter enforcement is now in effect — starting without a permit results in triple fines.

Water Rights

Water flow from Austin Bluffs ultimately reaches John Martin Reservoir and the Gulf. Water rights in Colorado are complex, with senior and junior rights dating back to the 1870s.

"The earth, the air, the land, and the water are not an inheritance from our forefathers but on loan from our children."

— Mahatma Gandhi

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