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

Mayor Bach Asks for Special Council Session on McEvoy Severance

April 30, 2012 By
On Saturday, April 28, 2012, Mayor Steve Bach sent the following email to City Council President Scott Hente.
 
Scott,

This is to respectfully ask that you contact James Moore immediately to request a hold on executing the McEvoy severance agreement. Also, this is to respectfully ask that you hold a special session of City Council early next week to vote on giving the MHS Board current direction on this matter.

The planned 18-months …severance for Dr. McEvoy is not consistent with the 6 months specified in his employment agreement nor is it consistent with Council’s longstanding policy limiting severance for senior managers for the general municipal government to not more than 6 months.

In the event the MHS Board does not promptly comply with Council’s directive after your vote, then I respectfully suggest that Council terminate the entire Board, substitute Council as the Board and reduce the severance to no more than 6 months.

It is essential to the success of our City that Council and I do everything possible to rebuild citizens’ trust in our municipal government. Council’s swift, resolute action on this matter is important toward that end. While I understand that MHS reports through it’s Board to Council, not to the Mayor, my thanks to your colleagues and you for considering my counsel.

Steve Bach
Mayor

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Filed Under: Colorado Springs City Council, Leadership, Memorial Hospital Tagged With: , ,

Next Mayor Counsel Meeting Announced

March 15, 2012 By

CONTACT:

Cindy Aubrey

Chief Communications Officer

(719) 385-5254

MEDIA ADVISORY                                                                          

March 15, 2012                                                                                              

Mayor’s Counsel Meeting to be held March 21

The next Mayor’s Counsel meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 21, from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Sand Creek Police Substation (4125 Center Park Drive). The Mayor’s Counsel meetings are held monthly to provide an opportunity for the Mayor and City Council to discuss relevant topics.

When the agenda is finalized, it will be posted at the City Clerk’s office and distributed to media. The meetings are open to the public for observation, but no public comment period is held.

 

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Filed Under: Mayor Bach News, Press Releases Tagged With: ,

City Council Confirms Urban Renewal Authority Board Selections

February 28, 2012 By

 FOR MORE INFORMATION

Laura Benjamin

Communications Specialist

719-385-5484 

NEWS RELEASE

February 28, 2012

City Council Confirms Mayor Bach’s Urban Renewal Authority Board Selections

On February 28, 2012, Colorado Springs City Council confirmed Mayor Bach’s four selections to serve on the Urban Renewal Authority Board. Council voted unanimously for David Neville, Wynne Palermo and Jim Raughton. Robert Shonkwiler’s confirmation was six to one with the dissenting vote cast by Val Snider. Board members begin five-year terms on April 1, 2012.

David Neville is a Colorado Springs real estate attorney with Kraemer Kendall Benson Rupp Deen, LLC.  Neville also worked for Hogan Lovells in their Business, Finance and Tax Practice Group. The former Naval officer and Northwestern graduate is also a member of the Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs.

Wynne Palermo, a licensed Colorado Springs REALTOR® since 1982, is the CEO and President of her own firm.  A Certified International Property Specialist, (CIPS) Mrs. Palermo has also served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Pikes Peak Association of REALTORS® and Colorado Association of REALTORS®.  Her related volunteer work includes developing a partnership with the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Corporation & Housing and Building Association known as the Quality Community Group. She also developed the Volunteer REALTOR® Program at Ft. Carson.

Jim Raughton’s resume lists urban planning in Aurora, Lakewood, Boulder and Lyons. A planner in private practice for Gathers-Devilbiss Architects and Planners, he was also a member of the Denver Planning Board. Once a consultant in traffic engineering for the City of Boulder, Mr. Raughton also served as the Vice President of the Colorado Community College System. Raughton owns Golden Square LLC, a real estate development company in Colorado Springs.

Robert Shonkwiler’s experience spans forty years in Boulder with planning and developing urban infill of business properties, residential condominiums, residential subdivisions, density transfer and conservation easement protections. Instrumental in the creation of the Pearl Street Mall, Mr. Shonkwiler also served as the Chairman of the Board of Boulder’s Downtown Management Commission.  He was the founding Chair of the Front Range Community College System. He also is a member of the Colorado Springs Planning Commission and Chair of Mayor Bach’s Transit Solutions Team.

“The four people confirmed by City Council today bring a wealth of experience, innovative ideas and tested leadership which will be invaluable to the Urban Renewal Authority. We appreciate all who have stepped forward and offered to serve our City,” said Mayor Bach.

# # #

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Filed Under: Mayor Bach News, Press Releases Tagged With: , ,

Contact Colorado Springs City Council on Budget

October 24, 2011 By

U R G E N T – Please Contact City Council Now

Dear Citizens:

Please take a moment now to contact Colorado Springs City Council members regarding my proposed 2012 General Fund and Public Safety Tax Budget.  

Here is a link to the email address for all members: allcouncil@springsgov.com.   Or, you can reach out by phone or email to each member individually.  Here is a link to the Council Directory.

When you contact Council members, please ask them to adopt my fiscally responsible budget without change.  Next year is a critical first step in achieving financial sustainability for our City.

We can transform our government to be smarter and leaner, while delivering consistent quality service and retaining great employees.  Please make a difference in the direction of our City for decades to come by weighing in with City Council today.

Steve Bach

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Filed Under: Mayor Bach News Tagged With: , ,

City Council Decision on Memorial Health System

August 24, 2011 By

City Council Decision on Memorial Health System Summarized

Yesterday’s Council decision regarding Memorial Health System was preceded by complex and wide-ranging presentations.  Please see the summary below which clarifies yesterday’s actions.

 What did Council decide to do?  In a 7 – 2 vote, Council members decided to add an item to the November ballot that would allow voters to repeal a 1949 ordinance that requires City Council to implement a tax to pay for any operating deficit of Memorial Health System.  Council also voted to seek “RFP’s” or Requests for Proposals, from interested groups to lease and operate Memorial Health System, to be completed by the end of 2011.

Why is the Council considering the operations of Memorial Health System?  The current operating model, which features City Council oversight, will not provide sufficient flexibility for future success.  Local advisory groups have suggested business models to ensure the long-term success of Memorial Health System.  Memorial executives have lobbied for a model that would set up a locally controlled non-profit to run the organization. Council considered this item as a step toward a new business model for Memorial.

What was the mayor’s position?  “Memorial Hospital is the second largest asset the City owns.  This is a big decision and all options should be considered.  Only one proposal has been investigated. A fair, open and comprehensive process, allowing all qualified parties to propose, must take place,” Bach said.  “Furthermore, all future financial risk and liability must be eliminated for the taxpayers.  PERA must be the sole responsibility of the future health system operator not the taxpayer.  A fair return on investment must be provided to the citizens/owners. Voters should make the decision about the future of Memorial Hospital.”

What will happen next?  The referred item will appear on the Nov. 1 ballot for voter consideration.  The City will also begin a Request for Proposal process to encourage interested organizations to submit proposals for leasing and operating Memorial Health System.  Accepted bids will be considered by a Council task force, the Mayor’s office and representatives of the Regional Leadership Forum.  Any winning bid would be presented for voter approval.

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Filed Under: Press Releases Tagged With: , , ,