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

Colorado Springs Continues Parks Irrigation System Upgrades

March 30, 2012 By

                                                        

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Julie Smith

Communications Specialist

(719) 385-5256

NEWS RELEASE

March 30, 2012

 COLORADO SPRINGS CONTINUING EFFORT TO UPGRADE PARKS IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

The City of Colorado Springs Parks Maintenance Division, with funding from Colorado Springs Utilities, is continuing an on-going project to upgrade irrigation systems throughout all City parks. Since 2010, Colorado Springs Utilities has put $750,000 into upgrading the irrigation systems in 55 parks with plans to upgrade another 20 parks in 2012.  These upgrades include park retrofits, rain sensors, the installation of ‘smart’ irrigation controllers, and new system installations.  New sprinkler heads and controllers have shown a 20% increase in efficiency.

Every park with an irrigation system (156) now has a rain sensor.  Six parks have entirely brand new, efficient systems. Over 60 water conservation audits have already been completed, and audits on all parks will be finished by the end of 2013. 

“More efficient water usage leads to healthier grass that stands up better to weeds and everyday park use,” says Kurt Schroeder, Manager of Parks Operations and Development. “It creates a more beautiful park system and saves the City money on maintenance such as re-seeding costs.”

The improvements will help the City park system for years into the future and currently as the warm, dry weather has prompted Parks staff to turn on the irrigation systems approximately one month earlier than usual.  Early watering is an important step to help protect the 300 acres of over-seeding done last year with one-time funding promised at Mayor Bach’s inauguration.

“The additional over-seeding that was done in 2011 was a success and the grass took well in many of our parks that needed it,” says Schroeder.  “By turning our water on now, we are working to ensure that all of our parks are green and healthy this summer.  Hopefully we’ll get some help from Mother Nature as well.”

The Mayor’s Parks Solutions Team has placed a high priority on water management and it is expected that recommendations regarding such will play a major part in the final report.  The Solutions Team is scheduled to give a report to City Council on April 23.

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Filed Under: Colorado Springs Utilities, Mayor Bach News, Parks, Press Releases Tagged With: , ,

Mayor Bach Signs Revised Line of Credit Documents

February 2, 2012 By

CONTACT:

Cindy Aubrey

Chief Communications Officer

(719) 385-5254

NEWS RELEASE                                                                             

February 2, 2012                                                                                                                                     

 

Mayor Bach signed Utilities line of credit documents today

In his role as Chief Executive Officer of the City of Colorado Springs, Mayor Steve Bach has signed revised documents for Colorado Springs Utilities’ lines of credit. The Mayor requested a review of the lines of credit, while also asking that the process be competitively bid. After consultation with Colorado Springs Utilities’ management as well as a legal review and amendments, the Mayor was willing to sign the documents.  

“This was a business decision made by the City Council in its capacity as the Utilities Board. I signed the documents after the language in the documents was changed to ensure that The City of Colorado Springs has no contingent liability for this indebtedness,” said Mayor Bach.

Today the documents signed renewed a $50 million line of credit and created a new $25 million line of credit. With two previous $25 million lines of credit, this brings the total line of credit for Colorado Springs Utilities to $125 million.

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

Mayor Bach Meets with Colorado Springs Media Revised

January 13, 2012 By

(Post revised to include City Charter source)

Thanks to those who attended our first media conference of 2012. These conferences are created to provide access, deliver updates on key issues and answer questions from local media.

During my early months in office, I initiated one-on-one and one-on-two informal discussions with council members – still some felt that they were not in the overall conversation.  Taking a page from Denver Mayor Hancock’s handbook, I have invited all members of council to join me for an informal collaboration, in a workshop setting, to build dialogue and generate ideas. This is working really well in Denver. All ten elected officials will be in the room at the same time. The first of these meetings will be Wednesday, January 18th, from 10-11:30am. This session is open to the public, but there will be no public comments heard.

There are a few key issues you should know, but first, I would like to thank City Council regarding their efforts on Memorial Hospital, the City’s second biggest asset. When I made the recommendation last August to explore all options for MHS, I knew it would require work and commitment.  It’s been a tough road and they’ve accomplished a lot.

Did you know Colorado Springs Utilities has a $125 Million line of credit? I was recently asked to sign a document to renew that line of credit, on short notice without a briefing or discussion on the terms and conditions. But since it’s never wise to sign a document without knowing what you’re agreeing to, Steve Cox and Chris Melcher, our City Attorney, did some research for me and here’s what we’ve learned:

Colorado Springs Utilities has had a line of credit in place the past four years that’s never been used. It costs about $140,000/year in fees. So we’ve paid approximately $540,000 in fees to a bank for something that’s never been used.

Also, it obligates and encumbers the “full faith and credit” of the City of Colorado Springs. Why is this? I believe it’s prudent for the Mayor to delve into something like this to get answers. While it’s standard practice for financial institutions to ask for a guarantee on a line of credit, is it right for us to provide this kind of guarantee? It’s fiscally responsible to evaluate these types of commitments rather than do what we’ve always done.

We’re at a critical step right now regarding Memorial Hospital. It’s time for the rubber to meet the road and the details are critical. Memorial reports to City Council, but the Mayor is required to see that all contracts are faithfully performed. While I have no legal authority over Memorial, the public does expect me to weigh in. We need to look at the key terms and conditions and have a community conversation about how we spend the proceeds. It’s important for me to be involved in that conversation, so I’ll send a letter to Council to reiterate key points, but won’t get into the weeds.

It’s also time to look at the Big Picture. El Paso County has asked us to provide comments on their Strategic Plan. The City Charter, Article 3-10 (C) states that Council shall maintain a strategic plan which prioritizes goals for the City Council and establish measurable outcomes. Likewise, the City Charter also states, Article 4-40 (b) (1) the Mayor shall maintain and submit to the citizens a strategic plan that prioritizes goals for the City and establishes measurable outcomes.  The strategic plan shall include the comprehensive and a five year capitol improvement plan for municipal needs.  The plan process shall consider public input. The plan and goals shall be used in the development of the municipal administrative budget. The Mayor shall provide for an annual “State of the City” report to the citizens on progress in meeting the strategic plan.  

Regarding questions on the status of a few pending cases, the Terri Velasquez case is a legal matter and our City Attorney’s office is trying to bring it to a close. As you may know, I brought in outside Counsel and there were 25 people interviewed which took 100 hours or more. I expect it to conclude in a matter of weeks. With the VNI case, Interim Police Chief Pete Carey, Sheriff Terry Maketa and I have asked the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to lead an independent investigation. The report is due in a few weeks, so we’re getting close.

And you should know how delighted I am with the performance of Interim Police Chief, Pete Carey. He’s been in this position for three months and has the support of the force and great respect in the community. I’ll be making a decision within the next few weeks whether we should begin a nationwide search or ask Chief Carey to fill the position.

Lastly, I made a commitment when I ran for the Mayor’s office to rebuild trust, harness the power of great ideas and create cutting-edge solutions.  Working hard, using all communication vehicles we can, we will continue to work at connecting with the community and will launch the first of our town hall meetings on February 1st.

I want to be available. We’re making progress. We’ll continue to get better!

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