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

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.

# # #

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

Mayor Bach Selects Urban Renewal Authority Board Positions

February 22, 2012 By

CONTACT:

Cindy Aubrey

Chief Communications Officer

(719) 385-5254

NEWS RELEASE                                                                             

February 22, 2012                                                                                         

Mayor Bach makes selections for Colorado Springs

Urban Renewal Authority Board

Mayor Steve Bach announced today the selection of David Neville, Jim Raughton, Robert Shonkwiler and Wynne Palermo, to fill the open positions on the Colorado Springs Urban Renewal Authority Board. 

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.

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 the Chair of Mayor Bach’s Transit Solutions Team. 

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.                                                                   

“The four people we have selected bring tremendous expertise, fresh ideas and proven community leadership which will be invaluable in moving Urban Renewal Authority forward. It is also gratifying to have so many citizens step forward, offering to serve our City. We now have a pool of talented prospects for other future leadership positions,” said Mayor Bach.

Mayor Bach’s selections will now go to City Council for confirmation.  The five-year terms will begin on April 1, 2012.  The list of applicants’ names is attached. Their resumes are available on CD at the City Communications Office.

###  

Share
Filed Under: Press Releases Tagged With: , ,

Mayor Initiates Inspection of Urban Renewal Authority

February 15, 2012 By

 

 

 

NEWS RELEASE

 For Immediate Release: Feb. 15, 2012                   Contact: Cindy Aubrey, (719) 385-5254                                                                         

Mayor Bach initiates inspection of the Urban Renewal Authority

Mayor Steve Bach announced today that he has directed Chief of Staff, Laura Neumann, to conduct an inspection on his behalf of Colorado Springs Urban Renewal Authority (CSURA) financial accounts, records and operating files. 

In a letter sent today to Mr. Michael Collins, Chairman of CSURA, Bach requested CSURA’s cooperation with this inspection. 

The authority for this inspection is found in the Colorado Springs Municipal Code.  Section 1.2.308 provides in relevant part that the Mayor “shall have charge and supervision over all accounts and records of the City, and all boards or groups required to keep or make accounts…and may inspect or cause to be inspected all records or accounts required to be kept in any of the offices or departments of the City, and cause proper accounts and records to be kept and proper reports to be made.”  See also, Section 1.2.302 (“ACT AS DEPARTMENT HEAD: The Mayor shall have and exercise the power and authority to perform the duties of the director or manager of any department, division, office, agency or municipal enterprise given or prescribed by this Code or by any ordinance, resolution or contract of the City.” (quoted in relevant part)). 

CSURA was established by the City of Colorado Springs City Council in 1970 through the approval of Ordinance No. 3995, and consists of a board appointed by the Mayor and approved by City Council Members.  As such, its accounts and records fall under the mayor’s purview under Section 1.2.308.

Share
Filed Under: Press Releases Tagged With: , ,