City Testimonials: "I hope that you have received 500 calls saying THANK YOU for the new playground at Bonforte Park! It is a terrific neighborhood park and we so appreciate the improvements. I walk by every day and see so many children and parents enjoying themselves." -Citizen Comment "The crew from Engine 15A were professional, knowledgeable, courteous, and extremely helpful, not only did this group of professionals represent the Fire Department in a positive light, they also speak to a city government that is responsive and courteous to the public."- Citizen Comment "We've found with projects we're doing, the City seems to be as proactive as they possibly can be." -Real Estate CEO "Grateful for the progress made by CSPD to curb shoplifting." -Business Loss Prevention Manager "Not only was my concern addressed in a professional and timely manner, but Finance Planning & Analysis Manager Leslie Hickey took the time to let me know that changes were on the way. This is the direct opposite of some folks' perception of local government." -Citizen Comment "Thank you very much for fixing the potholes on the round about for Squirrel Tail and Brainard as well as the divot by the water outlet on Squirrel Tail towards Musgrave. Thank you, thank you, thank you!" -Citizen Comment "Accounts Payable Supervisor Patti McFarland was true to her word, she called me back within days to give a status report. Then she called again to update me. Then, she called today to let me know she had been able to contact the unreachable tow company, received an invoice, and would be reimbursing the portion the business manager agreed to pay! I know that it was a sustained effort because I tried for several months and got nowhere. I can't express my overwhelming gratitude to Patti and your office for their work in this matter. We run a service-based business and try to learn from other organizations whenever we can. I will bring up this instance at our weekly meeting as an example of good service to be commended and followed.Thanks to you and Patti for the surprisingly positive experience I had with your office." -Local Small Business Owner "Thanks to Traffic Technician Pete Doyle, his community attitude to work with the residents is commendable. Thank you once again." -Citizen Comment "Streets Operations Manager Bard Lower has provided me superb customer service, above and beyond what could reasonably be expected. I know that this has been a priority for your administration, and I felt it important to let you know that it is working. Mr. Lower and his associates deserve kudos for their proactive, thorough handling of this five-year-old snow plowing issue and I am grateful to you as well for making the City more responsive to citizen requests." -Citizen Comment "As a new resident of Colorado Springs, it’s apparent that the City really does excel in taking care of its residents and treats its citizens more like neighbors and friends than just customers on a long “to-do” list. Thank you for all your exceptional service." -Citizen Comment
You are here: Home / Mayor Bach News / City’s December Media Conference

City’s December Media Conference

December 14, 2012 By

On Friday, December 14th, Mayor Steve Bach, Chief of Staff Laura Neumann, City Clerk Sarah Johnson, Human Resources Director Mike Sullivan, Interim Chief Information Officer Jesse James, and Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Director Karen Palus participated in the monthly Media Conference.

Mayor Steve Bach

Mayor Bach opened the meeting by thanking City Council for approving the 2013 Budget. “This is a balanced budget, that is flat with the 2012 Budget. It restores 3,500 streetlights and evening bus service.  It will allow us to continue watering our 275 acres of neighborhood parks. We will be adding 50 police officers, 25 community service officers, and 30 firefighters. We will be contributing six million dollars to stormwater and streets and our reserves are at an all time high,” said the Mayor.

Next, the Mayor discussed the importance of the recently passed no-solicitation ordinance covering a small, twelve square block portion of Downtown.  Following was a correction to some recent factually inaccurate reporting.  ”I have had no meetings or conversations with the Sierra Club… I have no interest in the Martin Drake site for a baseball stadium…” said Mayor Bach.   “These are issues under the purview of City Council. My interests when it comes to Colorado Springs Utilities is seeing continuing high quality and reliable utilities at the lowest cost to the ratepayers, all while spending ratepayer money wisely,” said the Mayor. To see the video of the Mayor’s full discussion on Utilities issues, please click here http://www.springsgov.com/units/communications/Utils_cut.mov

Chief of Staff Laura Neumann

Chief of Staff Laura Neumann was up next to briefly introduce the upcoming speakers and to thank them for their hard work on the projects they unveiled.

City Clerk Sarah Johnson

City Clerk Sarah Johnson shared information for City Council candidates in the upcoming election.  The City Clerk’s office and the City Attorney’s office will be conducting a Candidate Training Session from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 in Room 102 of the City Administration Building. Training topics will include candidate filing, general election information and the new campaign finance law.  The session will be videotaped and placed on the Clerk’s website for those unable to attend.  On that same day, City Council candidates can begin to circulate nominating petitions.  These petitions must be returned to the City Clerk’s office (Suite 101 in the City Administration Building located at 30 South Nevada Avenue) by 5:00pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2013. 50 valid signatures are required on the nominating petitions.

Human Resources Director Mike Sullivan

Human Resources Director Mike Sullivan discussed the City’s new Student Internship program.  Starting in 2013, the City will hire college students to work part-time in one of the City’s departments. “We have so many talented young people in our community and we’re looking forward to having students bring their talents and fresh ideas to the City while offering them an opportunity to learn more about their local government,” said Sullivan.  Students can look for internship opportunities online beginning in January at www.SpringsGov.com/Intern

Interim Chief Information Officer Jesse James

Next, Interim Chief Information Officer Jesse James gave a presentation on the the City’s new mobile app. “It is designed to provide an easy interface for citizens to report issues within our community,” said James. It can be downloaded at http://www.springsgov.com/Page.aspx?NavID=3473

Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Director Karen Palus

Finally, Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Director Karen Palus concluded the media conference with an important announcement regarding Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain.  Starting on January 1, 2013, the Pikes Peak Highway will be open to unescorted bicyclists year round. “After a successful pilot program in September 2012, we are very excited to open the Pikes Peak Highway to cyclists year round,” said  Palus.“We know avid cyclists from the Pikes Peak Region and around the world will come to experience the challenge and beauty that Pike’s Peak – America’s Mountain has to offer.” More information about the program can be found here www.springsgov.com/pikespeak

 

Share
Filed Under: Mayor Bach News