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 / September Mayor’s Counsel Meeting

September Mayor’s Counsel Meeting

September 20, 2012 By

On Wednesday, September 19th, Mayor Bach met with Council Members Scott Hente, Jan Martin, Merv Bennett, Angela Dougan, and Bernie Herpin for the monthly Mayor’s Counsel meeting.  Agenda topics included: the City’s Parking Enterprise, CDOT, Economic Vitality Accommodations, City-sponsored event planning, Quality of Life indicators, and homelessness.

Opening the meeting was a discussion on possibly selling the City’s Parking Enterprise; a topic brought to the table by Council President Scott Hente.  The Mayor expressed a preference to have the voters make any final decision when it comes to the Parking Enterprise, but agreed that it should be brought up for further discussion, with more interested parties present, at a future Informal Meeting of City Council.

Next, the Mayor discussed CDOT funding for Colorado Springs.  On a recent trip to Denver with the Pikes Region Mayors Caucus, the Mayor met with CDOT leadership regarding the fact that, given that we are supposed to receive 9.48% of funds from them, we only receive 4%.  This is a problem that needs to be addressed soon.

On the subject of Economic Vitality Accommodations, the Mayor introduced his limited-time,  jump-start strategy to encourage primary employers to hire and expand in Colorado Springs.  These incentives on City property and sales and use tax are designed to encourage employment, particularly in the hard-hit region of Southeast Colorado Springs, near the Airport.  The Economic Vitality Accommodations are subject to approval by City Council.

In the realm of City-sponsored events, the Mayor wants to see a three year plan with events happening throughout the year, rather than having a cluster during the summer months.  He also invited two members of City Council to become more involved in the ongoing event planning process.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on Quality of Life indicators and homelessness.  With the City population aging at a rate more than two and a half times the national average, the Mayor expressed concern with providing services to that older population moving forward.  The suicide rate was also mentioned as higher than the national average. Council Members Hente and Dougan expressed an interest in helping on that front, particularly with military members in town.  The Mayor mentioned that he is working with his wife Suzi and Councilman Merv Bennett on an action plan to help the homeless.

The Mayor finished with a small preview of the forthcoming 2013 Budget Proposal saying that there will be money to increase the size and strength of the Police and Fire Academies.

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