Monte Vista, CO

CITY COUNCIL HONORS SGT. FAITH HINKLEY

City Council has proclaimed Tuesday, Aug. 17 as a day in honor of Sgt. Faith Hinkley, 23, a native Monte Vista resident who died Aug. 7 while fighting in Iraq.

Services for Hinkley will be held Tuesday, Aug. 17 at 1 p.m. at Monte Vista High School. City flags will continue to fly at half-staff through the day.

Text of Proclamation:

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, Faith Hinkley was a native daughter of Monte Vista, and;

WHEREAS, Faith Hinkley, a graduate of Monte Vista High School, served her community in numerous ways, including with her church, the local Rainbow Girls, high school service organizations and in sports, and;

WHEREAS, Faith Hinkley, a Sergeant in the United States Army, volunteered for military service shortly after graduation from high school, and received the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon during her service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and;

WHEREAS, Sgt. Faith Hinkley died fighting for her country in Iraq on Aug. 7, 2010, and;

WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to recognize her many contributions both to her community and country;

NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Monte Vista, Colorado, does hereby proclaim that Tuesday, August 17, 2010 shall be known as Sgt. Faith Hinkley Day.

SIGNED,

Jose “Art” Medina, Mayor

Lt. Gov. Barbara O’Brien to Visit Monte V ista Aug. 17

Members of the community are encouraged to join Lt. Gov. O’Brien on Aug. 17 at 2 p.m. for a community forum at the Central Auditorium.

Lt. Gov. O’Brien will be joined by Susan Kirkpatrick, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), and Don Marostica, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). Kirkpatrick and Marostica serve as co-chairs of the Governor’s Sustainable Main Streets Initiative.

Monte Vista is one of four pilot communities participating in the Sustainable Main Streets Initiative. The community forum will include information on the several efforts being undertaken by the local committee, including the proposed arts center, downtown development and economic blueprint.

Prior to the community forum, Lt. Gov. O’Brien will tour Main Street and receive an update on the community’s progress toward its goals from the Monte Vista Sustainable Main Street Steering Committee.

The Sustainable Main Streets Initiative, which is being led by DOLA, directs state agencies to identify and target specific resources to support community projects, ranging from increasing disaster readiness plans to improving energy efficiency in downtown areas to preserving the cultural integrity of the community’s core.

On April 28, Gov. Bill Ritter launched the Initiative and signed an executive order directing multiple targets for state resources to help communities overcome their unique challenges and achieve long-term stability and prosperity.

In addition to Monte Vista, the other communities are the Five Points Neighborhood in Denver, the Town of Fowler, and the City of Rifle

MAC to host SLV Talent Show in September Auditions set for Sept. 11

The Monte Arts Council is excited to introduce the SLV Talent Show this fall. MAC is recruiting performers for both youth and adult categories for the Sept. 25 show at the Central Auditorium.

Auditions will be held Saturday, Sept. 11 at the Valley Christian Fellowship church at Third Avenue and Broadway in Monte Vista. For information, call Mary Richards at (719) 580-0164.

The youth category will consist of all performers under 14. The adult category will be all performers age 14 and over.

All varieties of talent are encouraged to for this showcase of performers from all over the San Luis Valley. A panel of judges will award prizes for the best performers in each age group.

Call now to reserve your spot at the auditions!

New Item Added to the Police Department Page

The police department has added a Blotter, a partial list of offenses / reports that occur in Monte Vista. You can find this by clicking on the Police Department in the drop down under City Departments.

Voters Approve Land Trade Between City and School District

Voters approved a land trade between the City of Monte Vista and the Monte Vista School District in a mail ballot election Tuesday.

Of 640 ballots cast, 83 percent voted yes and 17 percent voted no.

The decision means the school district will assume ownership of 4 acres of property known as the Adrian Gutierrez Memorial Baseball Field adjacent to Monte Vista High School. School officials plan to construct a new high school on the land, combining recreational uses further into the campus. School officials estimated the exchange would save the school district about $300,000 in construction costs.

The city will now own nearly half an acre at the intersection of Highways 160 and 285, at Bill Metz Elementary School. Plans for the use of that property will soon get underway, with the help of the public.

For more election information, contact City Clerk Rhonda Valdez at (719) 852-2692.

Train Depot Project to Close Road Behind Fullenwider Park

The road behind Fullenwider Park downtown will be closed to traffic with a project to relocate a historic train depot to Monte Vista.

The train depot, owned by the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad, will be trucked to its new home on Friday, July 9. Once the depot is in place, a barrier will be placed at the east end of the road to close it off to traffic, near the area commonly known as “malfunction junction.” The railroad will develop the depot site over the next few months, including updating the historic depot, which is currently located in Alamosa.

For more information, contact Community Development Director Alisha Reis at (719) 852-2692

Financial Checkup Finds City in Good Position

A recent study of the city’s finances finds them in a good position, though the current economic conditions will require additional measures to keep the city viable in the future.

“There are several areas where the city is doing very well,” said Christine Harwell, a partner with certified public accounting firm Clifton Gunderson LLP, during a presentation of the study to City Council earlier this month. “Clearly, you have a city staff that takes a lot of care of the city’s finances.”

Clifton Gunderson LLP conducted the checkup as part of a pilot program paid for by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. Monte Vista was one of six communities identified in December to participate.

“This checkup was a good follow up to the troubles of 2003,” said City Manager Don Van Wormer. He said city officials wanted to better understand the city’s financial health and recovery in the years after severe revenue losses occurred with a large business closure in 2003.

The accountants analyzed financial statements for the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. The analysis employed 18 key financial indicators to determine financial trends, any warning signs, and to recommend solutions to solve any problems and to help further strengthen the city’s financial condition. The five-year study period helps identify trends and to develop long-term strategic plans for financial sustainability in the future, Clifton Gunderson’s Harwell said. She cautioned that the current economic circumstances are setting a “new normal” for revenue expectations in the future, that the days of large revenue increases year-to-year are a thing of the past.

Key findings in the study include:

· Good annual budget planning and cost containment have led to a balanced budget each year. The city should prepare long-term projections of cash revenues and expenditures to determine how the city will be able to maintain solvency.

· Revenue sources appear consistent year-to-year, with sales tax revenues comprising about 47 percent of the General Fund. In 2009, sales tax revenue declined by 7 percent, compared with double-digit declines experienced by many communities across the state. Property tax revenues declined by 2.3 percent in 2009 and are expected to continue to fall over the next two years due to the impact of foreclosures, current housing market conditions and the biannual property reassessment that will occur in 2011. The city should evaluate its heavy reliance upon grant funding in order to diversify revenues, as grants significantly contributed to city capital projects during the past five years. In the current economy, grant funding is less reliable than before, Harwell said. Additionally, issues on the November ballot threaten to drive down revenues sharply and may require the city evaluate services for cuts.

· Expenditures held steady, with 43 percent of the General Fund going to public safety, 30 percent to general government, 16 percent to highways and streets, 5 percent to parks/recreation, 4 percent to health and welfare, and 2 percent to economic development.

· The city has built a reserve fund well above standard expectations, meaning that the city has the ability to withstand financial emergencies. The city has nearly 3 months in operational reserves in the General Fund.

· The city should actively consider designating reserve funds for needs such as equipment replacement and large maintenance projects.

Harwell said it was important the City Council had taken the step earlier this year to determine their priorities prior to the budget season for 2011. She recommended that these priorities drive the budget process, with input from the public.

Mayor Jose “Art” Medina said he found the financial checkup useful for the city and would recommend it to other communities.

“It’s nice to know where our finances are and to find out that financially we’re OK,” Medina said. “We take these recommendations seriously and will work for a strong future for our community.”

For more information about the city’s financial condition, contact Finance Director Debbie Phillips at (719) 852-2692.

City to Host Fireworks Friday, July 2

Games, family fun to follow Saturday

The City of Monte Vista will kick off the Fourth of July weekend this Friday, July 2, with fireworks at Ski Hi Park. Fireworks will begin about 9:15 p.m.

A day of family fun will follow on Saturday, July 3, at Chapman Park, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be carnival games, a straw bale maze, tractor barrel rides, clowns, and more.

For more information, call Recreation Director Jay Cochran at (719) 852-2692.

NOTICE OF MAIL BALLOT SPECIAL ELECTION

FOR THE CITY OF MONTE VISTA

To Whom It May Concern and particularly to the electors of the City of Monte Vista, Colorado:

Notice is Hereby given that a Mail Ballot Special Election shall be held on Tuesday, July 13, 2010, from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. The election is being conducted as a mail ballot election. Mail ballots will be mailed to the eligible electors on June 23, 2010.

The mailing address and drop-off for the return of mail ballots is as follows:

City Clerk City Hall

4 Chico Camino

Monte Vista, CO. 81144

The office is open Monday through Thursday, between the hours of 7:30 am and 5:00 pm and Friday 7:30 am to noon and from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on Election Day July 13, 2010.

If you are an eligible elector and do not receive a ballot, or have spoiled your ballot, you may request a ballot or replacement by contacting the Designated Election Official.

City of Monte Vista Ballot Question

_________________________________

Purchase and Sale of City Property

_________________________________

Shall the City of Monte Vista transfer title to that real estate generally known as “Wallace Park” and lying upon the north side of Prospect Avenue, Immediately west of the Monte Vista High School, to Monte Vista Consolidated School District #8, and composing approximately 4.623 sq. ft., in order to allow the school district to construct school buildings upon said park and obtain, in exchange, a certain area of the Bill Metz Elementary School playground, located upon the southwest corner of the intersection of U.S. Highway 160 and Broadway Street in the City of Monte Vista and composing approximately 0.409 sq. acres.?

¿Podrá La Cuidad de Monte Vista transferir el título de los bienes inmuebles conocido como “Wallace Park” y atravesado al lado norte de la avenida Prospect, inmediatamente oeste de La Escuela Secundaria de Monte Vista , al Distrito #8 de La Escuela Consolidada de Monte Vista, y estando compuesto aproximadamente 4,623 pies cuadrados, para permitir el distrito de escuela a construir edificios de escuela en el dicho parque y obtener, en cambio, cierto área en el patio de recreo de La Escuela Primaria de Bill Metz, localizado atravesado a la esquina suroeste de la intersección de la Carretera U.S. 160 y La Calle Broadway en La Cuidad de Monte Vista y estando compuesto aproximadamente 0.409 acres cuadrados?

YES (Sí)

NO (No)

Rhonda Valdez, City Clerk

Designated Election Official

4 Chico Camino

Monte Vista, Co. 81144 (719)852-2692 ext 106

Published in: Monte Vista Journal

Published on: June 16, 2010

City to Start Mosquito Spraying June 10

MONTE VISTA – Weather permitting, Public Works crews will begin spraying Thursday, June 10, against mosquitoes.

Crews will spray each Thursday through the summer, between 5 p.m. and 2 a.m. Spraying occurs within the city limits only.

Mosquito season generally runs May to September, with July and August being peak months.

Residents can assist city mosquito control efforts by eliminating standing water within their yards and regularly changing water in things like pools and bird baths.

For more information about the city mosquito control program, contact Public Works Director Randy Martinez at (719) 852-2692.

For tips on mosquito bite prevention, visit www.fightthebitecolorado.com.

Housing Survey Now Underway

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOUSING SURVEY NOW UNDERWAY

Seeks Select Residents’ Input Regarding Housing Conditions and Costs
MONTE VISTA, Colorado (May 20, 2010) - The City of Monte Vista is conducting a
Housing Survey as part of a Housing Study to analyze housing conditions and costs in
town. A select number of Monte Vista residents have been chosen to participate in the
survey. Residents will be notified of their selection via a letter from Mayor Jose “Art”
Medina, which should arrive in mailboxes around May 24th. The survey is anonymous,
takes only a few minutes to complete and all responses are confidential.
Only one member of each selected household needs to respond and the easiest way to
do this is via the Internet. To take the survey click HERE. Selected
participants will have received a Survey ID number inside their letter and by entering
this ID number & completing the survey, they will be entered into a drawing for a $50
Safeway gift card.
Selected residents who do not complete the Internet survey in 14 days will receive a
paper copy of the survey in the mail. Those without a home computer or access to the
Internet may take the survey using public computers at the Carnegie Public Library at
120 Jefferson St. in Monte Vista.
According to Mayor Medina, “Your survey answers will help our community make
decisions that affect you, your neighbors and our economy. The information gained
from this study will help us effectively plan for our future housing and community
needs.”
Mayor Medina strongly encouraged participation by adding, “Your participation is
important and unique because only a small number of people have been randomly
chosen to complete the questionnaire. Please help us by responding promptly.”
Contact:
Renee Gallegos, Community Strategies Institute
reneecgallegos@gmail.com
(303) 915-7430

Speed Limit Increased on North Broadway

Speed Limit on North Broadway Increased to 35 mph

MONTE VISTA – The speed limit on North Broadway north of the railroad tracks has increased to 35 mph from 25 mph, according to the Monte Vista Police Department.

New speed limit signs have been posted.

For more information, contact the Monte Vista Police Department at 852-5111.

National Police Week, May 9 -15

National Police Week—May 9-15, 2010

Each May during National Police Week the nation pauses to recognize the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement.

Established in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy and a joint resolution of Congress, National Police Week pays special tribute to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. Ceremonies are held in Washington, DC, and in communities across the country.

Monte Vista Police Chief Rick Needham points out that one of the community’s own is on the list and will be honored both locally and in Kansas where he lived and served before moving to Monte Vista.

Monte Vista Assistant Police Chief Guy Everett O’Neal died in the line of duty on October 23, 1953

Anit-Graffiti Program

Graffiti Program Cleans 8 Properties

MONTE VISTA – Eight properties were cleaned of graffiti Saturday as part of a City program working with property owners to reduce this type of vandalism in the community.

Crews of volunteers from the local Probation Department conducted the work. The City’s Code Enforcement Official Steve Earls scheduled the cleanup, gaining permission from owners of the impacted properties. The Anti-Graffiti Program is a joint effort between the City’s Code Enforcement and Police Departments, working with the public. According to city code, property owners are responsible for graffiti removal on their property. Owners can enter the program in order to receive assistance in graffiti removal.

For more information, to report graffiti, or to enter your property into the program, contact the Monte Vista Police Department at 852-5111. Give the address/location of the graffiti, business or residential property owners name, your name and telephone number so that City personnel can contact you if further information is needed.

City Seeks Summer Help for Gardens and Sports Leagues

City Seeks Summer Help for Gardens, Sports Leagues

MONTE VISTA – The Recreation Department is looking for volunteers to assist in the care of the City’s garden beds. There are currently eleven beds throughout town. There are a couple of beds in need of care, including the island off of Fullenwider Park as well as the island in front of Safeway. Volunteers would assist in the planting, weeding and pruning of the flowers provided by the Parks Department. If you or someone you know is interested in aiding in the beautification of Monte Vista, contact Recreation Supervisor Amber Garcia at (719) 852-2692 or e-mail amberg@ci.monte-vista.co.us.

The Recreation Department is also looking for summer sports officials, including baseball, girl’s softball and adult softball umpires. Officials start at $13 per game and will be working Monday through Thursday. Apply with Recreation Supervisor Amber Garcia at City Hall. For more information call (719) 852-2692 or email amberg@ci.monte-vista.co.us.

City Council Agenda Request

If you would like to be put on the City Council Agenda please click here for the form and procedure.

Chicken Policy Meeting

Planning Commission to Discuss Chicken Policy Tuesday

MONTE VISTA – The Planning & Zoning Commission on Tuesday, May 4 will discuss a potential policy change that would allow chickens to be raised in residential areas.

The discussion will take place during the Planning & Zoning Commission’s regular meeting at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 4 Chico Camino. The Planning & Zoning Commission will consider comments already submitted by the public, as well as any residents wishing to speak on the subject at the meeting.

Currently, the Monte Vista Zoning Code allows chickens in rural and large-lot residential districts. A proposal under consideration is to extend the allowance to all residential districts throughout the city, by permit. Roosters would continue to be prohibited.

After considering all public comment as well as other research, the Planning & Zoning Commission will decide whether to forward a recommendation to City Council.

For more information, contact Community Development Director Alisha Reis at 852-2692.

City Stepping Up Enforcement Against Illegal Dumping

MONTE VISTA – The City has received several complaints of illegal dumping into ditches throughout the community of such items as bottles, tin cans, paper, boxes, building and construction material, grass clippings, leaves, and tree clippings. This is a violation of the city code, and the Code Enforcement Official will be stepping up enforcement beginning this month.

The City is working with the Lariat Ditch Co. to address the issue. With the help of the ditch company and Monte Vista residents, we can keep the ditches trash free.

To report dumping or for more information, contact Code Enforcement Official Steve Earls at (719) 852-2692 or stevee@ci.monte-vista.co.us.

City Appoints New Police Chief

The City of Monte Vista has appointed former Alamosa Police Sgt. Rick Needham as Chief of Police.

Needham has been acting head of the Monte Vista Police Department since Nov. 30. He won out over three other finalists from Montrose, Ellis, Kan., and Reno, Nev. after interviews in late February with City Manager Don Van Wormer, as well as a panel of law enforcement professionals and a local resident. Needham replaces former Chief Jim Gallegos, who retired in late November after 29 years with the Monte Vista Police Department.

“I look forward to the challenges ahead and to the opportunity to serve the citizens of the city of Monte Vista in developing a partnership to meet the needs of everyone in the community,” Needham said. “The Monte Vista Police Department has an awesome group of men and women dedicated to service to this community. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with them over the past three months, and I look forward to the future working with them.”

Needham will oversee all operations for the department, including 10 sworn officers.

Needham served with the Alamosa Police Department for 26 years, most recently for the past 10 years as sergeant assigned to investigations. He has also been an instructor since 2005 at the Southern Colorado Peace Officer Training Academy at Trinidad State Junior College in Alamosa. Needham holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Adams State College. He gained law enforcement training at Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs, as well as numerous continuing education courses. Needham is vice president and a founding member of the Colorado Drug Investigator’s Association.

“There were four highly qualified candidates, each of whom could do the job,” Van Wormer said. “It was a tough decision and, in the end, I decided Mr. Needham would be the best person to lead the Monte Vista Police Department.”

Spring Soccer

Spring Soccer Registration

Reminder: Snow must be cleared within 24 hours

With winter upon us, residents and business owners should remember to clear snow from walks within 24 hours of snow fall.

The city code requires clear pathways for pedestrians following storms. The city Code Enforcement Official will be monitoring sidewalks for safety and will issue warnings and, if necessary, citations to those who fail to clear snow.

Residents who are unable to clear snow because of ability, illness, or an absence from home should seek help from local volunteer groups, family, friends or neighbors.

For more information, contact Code Enforcement Official Steve Earls at (719) 852-2692.

Volunteers Needed for City Planning, Zoning Boards

The city is seeking volunteers to serve as members on boards relating to land use issues in the community. Several vacancies will occur at the end of 2009.

Members are needed for the following groups:

· Board of Adjustment, one 3-year regular term and one 3-year alternate term. The Board of Adjustment hears appeals related to land use, including variances from the city code. Terms will expire Dec. 31, 2012. Members of this board must be city residents. The board meets at 6 p.m. on the first Monday of each month, as needed.

· Planning and Zoning Commission, one 2-year term and one 1-year term. The Planning and Zoning Commission considers and makes recommendations to City Council regarding land use applications, such as rezoning requests, subdivision plats and special review use applications. Terms will expire Dec. 31, 2010 and Dec. 31, 2011. The one-year term is a vacancy that will be served out. Members of this board are not required to be residents of the city but must have interests here, such as property or business ownership. The commission meets at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month and sometimes for study sessions on the third Tuesday of the month.

Interested? Contact Community Development Director Alisha Reis at (719) 852-2692.

Winter Water Allowance has ENDED effective March 15

Winter water allowance ends March 15

Base water rates include 5,000 gallons from mid-March to mid-December

MONTE VISTA – Residents should now stop their efforts for the season of trickling water through their faucets. The practice was encouraged from December through March in order to combat frozen water lines and pipes. The City had allowed water customers to use 15,000 gallons of water per month for this effort, at no additional charge. The season is now over for that effort.

From mid-March to mid-December, the water allowance drops to 5,000 gallons at no additional charge. After 5,000 gallons, customers will be charged the usual rate per 1,000 gallons of additional water use.Meter reading will begin March 15.

For more information about water rates, contact the City Utility Department at (719) 852-2692.