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

News from Mayor Bach’s April Media Meeting

April 11, 2012 By

Mayor Steve Bach opened his April Media Meeting by naming a few of the inspiring people who made Colorado Springs a great city, including Spencer Penrose, General William Palmer, Zebulon Pike, the Tutts and the Loo Family.

One of his greatest inspirations was W.S. Stratton, a carpenter by trade who used the money he earned to prospect for gold each summer. He didn’t give up easily and year after year he’d try again. He finally struck $2 Million in paydirt with the Independence Mine, which he eventually sold for $10 Million in 1899. Winfield Scott Stratton was a generous person who donated land for City Hall, the Post Office, a major park and the Courthouse which now houses the Pioneer Museum.

Mayor Bach thanked Stephannie Finley for her service as she moves from the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce to her new position at UCCS. Stephannie was instrumental in proposing the Solutions Teams among other problem solving ideas. Mayor Bach said, “We couldn’t have made it without you, Stephannie!”

Then he stressed his three areas of focus: Jobs, Transforming City Government and Building Community.

“We want to make Colorado Springs the most business and citizen friendly city in the US – a best-in-class-city,” he said.

“The majority – about 70% – of our costs are in the people who make this city operate. I’m especially proud of our Executive Leadership Team – Fire Chief Rich Brown, Police Chief Pete Carey, Steve Cox Chief of Economic Vitality & Innovation, Chief of Staff Laura Neumann and Chris Melcher City Attorney.”

He said the City has eliminated 38 positions this year and have 95 vacancies. Approximately 820 acres of parkland are being watered including those that were reseeded last year. We’ve also outsourced 100% for weed control and we’re mowing all our parks.

The Mayor said, “Our City is on the move. Council is working hard and I’m optimistic about where we’re headed. Thanks to Council Members Merv Bennett and Tim Leigh for being here today. I appreciate that City Council confirmed unanimously the fine people selected for three positions on our team.”

Laura Neumann, Chief of Staff, then announced the three new appointments:

  • Helen Migchelbrink, Director of Public Works/City Engineer
  • Kathleen Krager, Transportation Manager
  • Kyle Campbell, Interim Director of Planning

In closing, the Mayor said, “Our key goal is to better empower City employees to do their jobs with as little red tape as possible.”

 UPCOMING EVENTS:

-Mayor’s Counsel meeting will be held on April 18th at Fire Station 18 at 10am

-Mayor’s Second Town Hall Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 2nd at the Southeast YMCA from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Topics will include Great Streets, Streetscapes, CAPS program and will include public input about the budget.

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