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Greetings! I hope that 2008 was a good year for you and I hope that 2009 will be filled with wonderful opportunities and happy times. Trying to remain positive during an economic downturn can be difficult but it can also help us focus on what is really necessary. We have all been impacted by the recession in one way or another. Here is a briefing of what has been going on at the City of Northglenn and what is coming up next. City Manager – Late last year City Council unanimously appointed William Simmons as the new Northglenn City Manager. As posted previously on our City’s website, “Simmons brings extensive experience and knowledge in local government as he has served as the city manager of Louisville, Colorado, for 12 years and the town manager of Dillon, Colorado for 10 years. Additional experience in local government includes an appointment as the assistant city administrator in Brush, Colorado, and as a city planner in Connecticut and Virginia. Simmons’ past work experience has given him the opportunity to gain a true understanding of the day-to-day operations of local government in a variety of cities throughout the region. Simmons holds a master’s degree in geography from the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio, and a bachelor’s degree in education from Salem State College in Massachusetts. Simmons is married and has an 11-year-old daughter.” He has been a great fit for our community. Budget shortfall – Due to the economic downturn and City Council’s policy to maintain a 25% fund balance the City must start implementing cost saving measures to maintain core services, catch up with the deferred maintenance issues, and plan for future replacement of our infrastructure. Currently, budget cuts are being planned. Staff is transitioning to brace the upcoming months by adjusting their departmental budgets, not refilling non-key vacant positions, and looking for additional ways to cut expenditures to save money. In addition to these measures, City Council has implemented a hiring and salary freeze. There will be a great deal of discussion over the course of the year about other ways to reduce spending. By midyear staff will begin preparing the 2010 budget for adoption this fall. Additional cost saving measures will be incorporated into the next several years of budgets. Water rates – City Council will be making a decision to adjust water rates in the near future. A comprehensive water study was done last year and staff has come forward with several recommendations. City Council directed staff to return with two options for a final decision. A uniform rate and an adjusted tiered rate will be considered at a future council meeting. The Council debated on two of four choices. Since it was somewhat divided, direction was given to bring back the two of most interest with additional information. There are pros and cons to both choices and considerable thought will go into making the best choice. I will keep you posted. Comprehensive Plan – Last year and into this year, the City of Northglenn is looking to update a Master Plan to plan for the City’s future. Here is the information that is posted on the City’s website about the Comprehensive Plan: “What is a Comprehensive Plan? The Comprehensive Plan is the blueprint for future growth, land use, and development of Northglenn and is the basic foundation for local planning. It lays out a community’s vision and priorities, and describes where, how, and in some cases, when, development will occur. The plan guides long-range decision making involving physical development and any city action that is expected to influence development. The purpose of the plan is to provide the guidance necessary for city leaders to make informed and rational decisions to balance their development goals with the need to provide a quality living environment for existing and future residents. Why do we need a Comprehensive Plan? A Comprehensive Plan aids in policy building to ensure orderly growth and to protect the public’s best interest. There are many functions of a Comprehensive Plan, including the creation of a collective vision that reflects the intentions and will of the community to decide its future. In addition, the plan assists the city in proactively preparing for the future by guiding development in a fiscally-responsible manner and to coordinate public infrastructure investments to ensure adequate provision of public facilities and services. The plan will lay out recommendations regarding a variety of topics that include land use, housing, economic development, parks, recreation, open space and transportation and corridor plans. The plan will contain goals, objectives, policies and guidelines for growth and redevelopment. How long does it take to complete? The plan is created with community input and professional planning analysis by staff. The planning process started in 2008 and will continue throughout 2009. For more information, contact Travis Reynolds at 303-450-8836 or treynolds@northglenn.org. This is a lengthy process and we require a great deal of public input. To date, there has not been very much public participation. I cannot begin to stress to residents that your input is needed! This is a process that affects our entire community. What do you want your community to be like? Here are some of the topics that deal with Ward 1 alone: Creating a transition zone west of the Industrial Park, Fox Run Open Spaces, and the realignment of 112th Avenue. There is a great deal more being discussed at these meetings. Please contact Travis Reynolds (above) to get the schedule for the meetings or check back on the City’s website for future dates and times. Thank you for taking the time to read this update. Lastly, I would like to invite you to come join us in celebrating Northglenn’s 40th Birthday. In honor of the date, we will be planting four blue spruce trees in E. B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park. Cake and ice cream will be served at the Ponderosa Pavilion. In the event of inclement weather, please join us at the Northglenn Senior Center in the recreation center across from the park, Saturday, April 18th, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. As always, if you ever have any questions please feel free to call me at 720-872-8265 or spaiz@northglenn.org. Sincerely, Sheri L. Paiz Mayor Pro Tem/Ward 1 Councilmember |
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