Maybe the City will listen now

Since mid-August I have been telling you and the City that paving Huron with new asphalt before ratifying the seepage problem from Croke reservoir would be a financial mistake. I stated my opposition in my flyer and elsewhere on this log. On the City's web page they have been assuring you the reservoir is not a problem.

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I contacted a former employee who has considerable experience in municipal civil engineering. He has no loyalty to me or a political reason for not rendering a straight-forward honest opinion. I faxed him the geotechnical report relied on by the City. His detailed response will be posted on www.northglenn-watch.org tonight. Here are his warnings concerning the project:

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1) They should not asphalt without reconstructing the existing base.
2) Seepage mitigation and widening the reservoir embankment work should occur first.
3) New asphalt over an existing faulty base is asking for future failures (i.e., deferring maintenance costs).

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Whether I am elected to office or not, I will use all means at my disposal to make sure the City has reliable information before making a final decision.

My Contact Information

If you wish to contact me before the election, please feel free to do so in the manner you choose at your convienence. If elected, the same applies.

The Abdication of Responsibility

I served as a city manager in several cities and one county from the early seventies until 1995. I never experienced a situation where the Mayor and City Council had abdicated their responsibilities as much as the present and former Councils have in Northglenn.

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Our Charter is not much different than those of other cities. The City Manager is the chief administrative officer of the City. The Mayor and Council are required to deal with the administrative services solely through the City Manager. They are also prohibited from directing or interfering with the work of any of his employees. The Charter does not prohibit the Mayor and Council from establishing rules or procedures for the Manager to follow in carrying out his responsibilities. The Mayor and Council are vested with all legislative affairs of the City. (Sections 3.1, 3.10, 6.1a)

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The Manager does not have the right to create new staff positions, hire the grown children of friends, establish the compensation of employees or terminate them without just cause, but this Manager does.

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He should not be allowed to spend $50,000 for any reason without Council approval as often as he pleases but the Mayor made sure this Manager does.

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He should not be allowed to submit a budget where the smallest amount of financial detail for each area is listed as: Personnel Services, Commodities, Contractual Services and Capital. The following is the total financial detail the Council received when considerating the 2006 Police budget: Personnel $5,810,236; Commodities $125,716; Contractual $1,020,522; Capital $37,200. The detail the Council receives for all departments is in the same format and detail as the Police example. It is no wonder the Mayor and Council have to ask him if a item, program or service is budgeted.

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YOU, through your elected representatives should: Determine the level and type of services; know if your staff has your interests foremost; require justification for consultants; establish the priorities of City operations and have a representative that will work for you and not the staff.

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You need residents on the Council which will start setting the agenda because they know the meetings are the end product of their hard work on a daily basis; not the reason they were elected. You already have a frustrated minority on the Council. They could use some help come January First.

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Please review the oldies but goodies in the September and August archives.

City's September Financial Report

The financial report for the period of January 1st through September was released this week. The City reports the General Fund's Sales and Use Tax collections for the year are 3.9% below the same period last year. It also reports the expenditures for Administration are over 8% above the same period last year. The General Fund Administration expenditures thus far this year are $2,755,278 compared to last year's $2,544,158.

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Now for the good news. The total expenditures in the General Fund are over 13.5% lower than last year. Your operating departments are making up for the administrative overhead.

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Here is some truly good news. The revenues from the Marketplace for September are equal to the 2003 record year and ahead of 2004 and 2002.

A Political Groundbreaking

I previously commented on the premature, politically motivated groundbreaking for the movie theater. The following is the entire email I received, less names, I on May 13th of this year. The first is from the former Economic Development Director Stephanie Salazar and the second is from the City Engineer Kurt Kowar. You will find information which has not been revealed by your elected incumbents during their current media blitz. Here it is as sent to me.

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Re: parking garage and 56' strip of land:We are currently working out the details to these two issues. Please keep in mind that nothing is final at this point. However, Council Members may certainly know where we are as follows. 1. The parking garage has gone through several design iterations. Depending on how the final 120th Avenue site plan lays out, including the density of the site and tenanting, the garage size and design will continue to be fluid. The current pricing for garages ranges from $10,000 - $12,000 per space. One design reflected 866 spaces, while a more recent design showed 340 spaces. The City will be working with the developer to discuss how to cover the cost of the structure as we work toward a final redevelopment agreement. 2. Negotiations are currently underway with the Metro Office Building to negotiate acquisition of the 56' strip. I would categorize the discussion as cooperative between the City and the building owners. Please let me know if you have any more questions. I hope this helps. Stephanie

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Re: sewer and electricity for theatre site: We had a meeting with Century and Opus/Goldberg today regarding these matters and other items. 1. The sewer improvements will be included with the work to be done by the General Contractor for Century Theatres. This is a minimal job and it makes sense both from a timing and Logistics stand point for one site utilities contractor to perform all the utility work. We will take part in a cost share for our portion of the work as stated in the Lease Agreement. Lee is currently putting together some documentation for this cost sharing agreement. 2. The exact location of the sign for Century Theatre has not been determined therefore its hard to run electric service to an unknown location. In addition, Opus/Goldberg will be exploring with Century the possibility of a joint use sign. As these details are worked out we will dial in the actual location for the sign and alignment for the electrical service to that sign. 3. Current schedule right now as dictated by Century Theatres would provide for a 20% Building/Civil Plan set submittal beginning on June 10th that will kick us off into detailed design. Design and Review is slated for completion sometime in December with Century having a groundbreaking sometime in January or February. Opus/Goldberg will be somewhat behind Century in their Design, Review, and Construction and their schedule will be dictated by Tenant Schedule Requirements. At this point in time the City is well coordinated with Opus/Goldberg and Century in movement forward of both projects in a timely and organized manner. If anyone has additional questions please feel free to redirect them to myself, Stephanie Salazaar, or Jerry Starling. Thanks Kurt

A mug shot to go with all the words

I do smile but not when my wife, Judy, is aiming. If you would like to meet her, head up to the Safeway at 128th and Zuni. She is the one who practices superior customer service in the checkstand. (P.S. She likes working the weekends)

Thanks for the visit.
Gene

An innovative Idea for the Future

Starting in January, I would like to establish an ongoing web page, Web log or some other vehicle on the internet for the exchange of ideas, comments and suggestions from registered users concerning City operations. It would supplement the other means of communication between residents and their elected representatives. Open communication, for all to see, would also allay some of the feelings which may have been expressed concerning secrecy in government.

Incumbents' Flyer

Readers of the Sentinel already know from my letters, Robin Tichy has been the Mayor's spokesperson for negative comments since you learned about the SUV. The latest flyer is from both of them and the City staff, not just Robin; as you can tell.
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I would like to address some of the errors in the flyer which I have not already posted on this web log. I am also only going to address factual items rather than their or my opinion.
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Page Two: Over $12 million of the fund balance was used and only a small portion was used for one time improvements. Check pages four and five. Make sure not to include the Overpass.
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"Every dollar of cash reserve is a dollar not invested in the City." Did you catch the word "in"? If it is not invested in one of the investments allowed by State law as required, there is some mismanagement of funds and a loss in interest.
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The year end fund balance per their own budget is 34%; not 40% as claimed.
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Page Three: They claim nearly $2 million in street work for 2002-2005. Since they canceled street overlays and sealers in 2004 and 2005, the dates should be 2002 and 2003. I previously posted the fact work was not done in 2004 and 2005 as detailed in their budget.
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Page Four: Where you see NURA as a participant, you should know the General Fund only provided a small minority of the funds.
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Page Five: Once again the time frame should read 2002 - 2003 except for the items NURA was instructed to spend.
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Page Six: The reorganization was arranged by a consultant for $200,000.
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Page Seven: At the meeting on CORA with the City Attorney we were informed MOST of the requests the City has received were from out of the city law firms and other agencies. The City Clerk repeated this to the Council in a public meeting. The statement that locals, including myself, were the source of the "claimed" costs is totally false.
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The Mayor's vehicle saved the City money? She even admitted that she needed a vehicle of that size for her family obligations. Was she expecting us to pay mileage for her 24 hours use? Unless that is their assumption, how can they justify the claim?
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Page Eight: The fact is, the money Robin received was your tax dollars and not grants from other governments. Plain and simple: she lied. Instead of denying the official public records, she should have admitted the conflict and moved on.
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The persons distributing the committee flyer are KNOWN according to State law and on file with the City Clerk. The notification was presented to the City Clerk in August.

A Question of Ethics

Some of Robin Tichy's flyers were delivered by off duty City employees; fact. They have every right to do so and I am not faulting them. I do know Robin contacted employees and asked for their help. What would you do if your employer made such a request?

MY PRIORITIES AND GOALS

PRESERVING OUR COMMUNITY
Restore the General Fund year-end balance to a level which will provide us with insurance against future economic down turns and emergencies.
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Establish a monitoring and assistance process to make sure our number one source of revenues and convenience, our commercial areas, will survive the new competition to the north.
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Establish a process to preserve our neighborhoods and home values by maintaining public property, such as streets, and assisting home owners maintain and enhance their homes.
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Fight against the superfluous spending of money on perks, fads, gadgets and consultants.
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Champion the elimination of cost inefficient programs which no longer serve a public purpose.
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IMPROVING OUR COMMUNITY AND CITY OPERATIONS
Reopen the doors to city hall by requiring timely public notice on all items before any policy making discussions occur at Council or committee meeting.
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The City does not exist to provide employment opportunities. The staff should be evaluated each year to determine if they have the talents and expertise necessary to meeting the demands of the future. Those who are arrogant and rude to the public and fellow employees should be asked to make a career adjustment. The extensive use of consultants should be discontinued.
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The budget procedure used by the City Manager is so generalized, causing the Council to ask him if specific items are budgeted. Because the Council is responsible for $50 million dollars per year, they should have an itemized budget in an understandable format which can be quickly searched.
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The Council must take control of the purse strings. Until I made the request for the bills, neither it nor its Finance Committee even bothered to look at the list of the bills being paid monthly.
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Require the Neighborhood Development Corp. to submit an audit and workable program before it makes any more promises to the community and/or receives additional tax dollars.
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THE BOTTOM LINE
Spend less and spend wisely. Don't spend just because you did so in the past. Justify.
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Allow NURA to keep the business community viable and strong instead of directing it to buy property and make street improvements for the City. Improve streets and other city property before it becomes a bumpy eyesore. Require Members to provide public notice to the Council before they travel out-of-state at the taxpayers' expense. Use existing Federal CDBG money to enhance the housing stock instead of building fences along selected streets. That is what the General Fund is for.
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Just because a program or service exists, it doesn't mean it must continue. Council members should not be allowed to make non-emergency policy decisions if they were not placed on the required public agenda in advance. Hire and retain employees based on their qualifications. If a consultant has to do a City employee's job, it might be time for them to consider another employer. If a budget doesn't tell you and members of the Council where the money is going, it is not an acceptable budget.

City Staff Election Activities

If you check the city's web page you will find a link on the left to all activities. There you can find a program scheduled for November 15th entitled Come See What's Next. You can learn about all the wonderful plans they have for next year. But what good is this information after the election? You might have received a flyer changing the date of the event to next Monday, October 24th. Now that's consistent with one other election activity in particular.

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The ground breaking for the theater was a major promotion and a big lie. Would you have a ground breaking for a new home with the construction plans less than 30% completed? How about if you had yet to arrange for the underground utilities? And, what if you had none of the required permits?

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Some incumbents are running scared and for good reason. Believe only what I tell you I am going to do; not what I have done. It is a great political maneuver also known as bait and switch.

New Council Members

Whether you choose to vote for me or not, the following candidates will be a great asset in returning common sense to your City government:

Jim Miller- Ward One

Susan Clyne -Ward Three

Mary Ellen Kettlekamp- Ward Four

Mary Ann Gillespie -Ward Four

Campaign Law Violation

In August I filed a request under Colorado State Law for a copy of Kathy Novak's list of donors for the 2001 campaign. The City Clerk informed me all were destroyed in accordance with law after three years. She did however give a copy of a filing due in November 2002. As she explained it, an annual filing is due if money remains in the campaign bank account. Novak did show over $360 remaining.

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According to the document I received, the Mayor filed the report due in 2002 on May 26, 2005, as initialed by the City Clerk. State law provides for a $50 per day penalty that a report is late. (907 days)

What Am I For?

You should have received a general flyer addressing several failings in the current City leadership. Prior to its distribution you should have received one from me detailing my background as a manager and some examples of things I would like to accomplish. I will be adding to it in a couple of days. But, first I would like to summarize my reasons for running.
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I want a City government which is seen but not heard. One which provides you with the services you expect. One which does not intrude into your daily life. One which has earned your trust and confidence. One which is fiscally conservative with your money. One which you can brag about to all you meet. Finally for now, one which has the ability and savings to protect you from future natural and economic disasters. I do care!
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I have not accepted any contributions. I have used over one thousand dollars of my savings to ask for your support and vote. I have put my money where my heart is. Thank you for considering me.

A Citizen's Idea

While walking the streets this morning one resident suggested an inexpensive new facility that the City could provide. She suggested it would be a real nice service to many residents if we had a dumping station for RV's and other camping vehicles. I like the idea. I don't have a personal need for such a facility currently, but it is a good idea that I will pursue.

A Senior's Question

I want to thank the individuals who asked me about my opinion of the needs of seniors. I'm sixty-three and will be taking an early retirement on Thanksgiving. I am very sensitive to my own future as well yours.

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In the campaign on the January recreation center expansion I and others were critical of the massive debt which was proposed as well as the total consumption of the Urban Renewal Authority's revenues for twenty years. In the inside of the flyer, I brought out the fact the present senior center had been designated as a multi-purpose room. I was very opposed to the change. We needed a space we could call our community home with amenities designed for our needs.

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I have been a strong proponent of moving forward with some rehabilitation of the recreation center. Because the Council dropped the ball after the election, I appeared before them in June and proposed they join with us in conducting an accurate and valid survey of the residents on the building's future. They have refused and are now evaluating the staff's proposals; not ours. The staff is proposing a project costing $13 million plus financing costs.

Northglenn Watch

An informal committee of Northglenn residents is documenting what we believe are issues which you should consider in casting your ballot.

I challenged the City Council at tonight's meeting concerning the 2006 budget which will be discussed next Thursday night the 20th. Here is the challenge:

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How many positions are being reorganized; cut from one area and moved to another?

How much is in the budget for across the board wage increases?

How much is in it for promotions?

How much is in it for consultants?

How much for new rolling stock?

How much to stop the seepage from Croke reservoir from damaging Huron?

Excluding the City Attorney, you have $3.4 million in the General Fund for contractual services. What is it for?

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The answers to these and other questions, in dollars, are not in the budget for you to see. "Budgeting for Outcomes" (The Manager's Business Plan) means you, the elected officials, don't know the outcome of your decision; only the staff knows.

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Do something about it.

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Ask to see a copy of the draft 2006 budget at City Hall and see for yourself why I challenged the Mayor and Council to do their job.

Water Ballot Deception

At tonight's Council meeting I challenged them to stop the deception. I read a small part of the ballot issue you approved in 1994, as follows: "With the first $260,000 of the total proceeds of the city's sales and use tax, accommodation tax, non-federal grants, fees and other revenues to be used to reduce the capital charge paid by residential customers of the Northglenn water and sewer system."

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Several members of the Council, and Robin Tichy in particular, have been speaking against the ballot issue which prevents the Council from using the revenue for purposes which are not water or sewer related. She is opposing the ballot because the General Fund is subsidizing the Water Fund.

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It is not! When the City receives the sales taxes it chooses to deposit it in the General Fund rather than splitting it out at that time. Yes, the $260,000 which you authorized for the capital charge is not going directly to the Water Fund. The transfer is made after it is receipted into the General Fund. No Subsidy!

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The Mayor, some of the Council members and their chosen candidates are going even further. We are opposed to the ballot issue because we want to have the flexibility to use it for other purposes if needed. Sorry, no deal here.

Sentinel Owner's Endorsements

Surprise, the Sentinel endorsed the incumbents and those they encouraged to run. With all of the problems we have had in getting letters to the editor in the paper, uncut, it was not surprise. Scott Perriman, owner, has made his opinion known. If you are concerned about the state of the City, you now know which of the candidates will serve your best interests.

The Incumbents' Advantage

Incumbents always have an advantage in seeking re-election; as they should. The exposure during their current term and associated press coverage is a great asset. In Northglenn, the advantage goes a little further.
Some of the incumbents have been able to orchestrate favorable articles on the City web page, in the City newsletter, the Connection, in the Neighborly News and in the mass media. Another advantage is the ability to stage events such as the very premature ground breaking for the theater. Normally, ground breakings do not occur until all of the needed permits and approvals have cleared all procedural obstacles. This is true unless the incumbent needs to create an image for you.
Lastly, there is nothing better than having a new public relations consulting firm on the City payroll. You can afford it and feel it's well worth it, right?

2006 General Fund Capital Improvement Plan

In the September 9th posting I detailed the entire 2005 General Fund’s Capital Improvement Budget and pointed out not one of the projects was constructed. Below you see a direct and complete quote from the proposed 2006 budget currently before the City Council. In comparing the two, you will see the three projects from the 2005 budget at higher funding levels. The $400,000 for the overlays (chip and seals) and repairs might compensate for $Zero this year.

GENERAL FUND CIP BUDGET

Jacobucci Land Purchase $186,700

Street Overlay & Concrete Repair Program $400,000

West 112th Ave Widening $600,000

Community Center Drive Improvements $400,000

Huron & 104th Intersection $300,000

Huron Street Overlay (Kennedy to 104th) 250,000

Huron Street Overlay (Kennedy to 112th) $200,000

School Flashers $20,000

FISS Financial Management System $164,000

TOTAL $2,520,700

The city staff has verified that Croke reservoir is encroaching into the sub-base of Huron. There is no money budgeted to correct this problem during 2006 in the plan submitted to the Council. Would the Mayor and City Council actually install new asphalt on Huron south of Kennedy without fixing the sub-base? That’s the plan!

Let’s use the Huron overlay money to resolve the conflict between the reservoir and the street. I’ve seen too many examples of a new asphalt installation only to be followed by a street excavation due a lack of planning and common sense.

Eight Million For What?

In my flyer I quote the Audit Repot for the year 2004. The report also reports on General Fund revenues and expenditures for 2003. The revenues amounted to $19,655,726 and the expenditures amounted to $27,746,671. Why did the Mayor, Council majority and Manager spend $8,090,945 more than they received? What was so important? Where can we see the benefits?

Where are the thistles thriving?

In the previous message I expressed a concern about the City Hall staff, in particular, leaving their desks to supplement the activities of the employees who tend to the parks and open spaces.

Perhaps they should start with the entrance to the Police Department and Council Chambers at City Hall. Some of these hardy plants are now over a foot tall and they are not hidden as you can see.