We see that the right thing is not being done at Commerce City City Hall so we have made the decision to tell the story. It’s not a story that has been covered up “per se” by the city, it is more “what they don’t know won’t hurt them”. So all anyone had to do was go to city hall and make a public information request and it is all laid out in black and white if you know what to ask for. We asked and now we want to share with you what we know.
In June of 2007, the city of Commerce City (you) hired a new city manager, Jerry Flannery, who had to move here from Flagstaff, Arizona with his family to accept employment with the city. The city (you) was accommodating of this situation by paying for the moving expenses Flannery and his family incurred including packing, moving, storage costs, unpacking and insurance charges. Also, “actual lodging and meal expenses for him and his family in route from Flagstaff to Commerce City”. An interim housing supplement of $1,500 per month was also paid for up to three months until dual expenses ceased of maintaining the Flannery house in Flagstaff and a new residence in Commerce City. This could be extended if “circumstances justified” is what the contract said.
OK and his base salary for the first year was $160,000, with a monthly car allowance of $835 per month from day one, an early vacation of one week was granted prior to September 2007 with annual leave totaling 256 hours after that and full medical, pension, etc. He is also eligible for annual bonuses based on review by city council. So far so good right? I have done research and city managers do get paid well. Everyone has their own opinion on how well someone is doing their job, but that is not the point of this story.
It is the house. After the three months of housing allowance, the Flannery’s had not sold their house in Flagstaff and wanted to buy a house here, so a series of contracts and promissory notes were made for the city manager by the city (that’s you the taxpayers) with multiple revisions, no payments and until recently no interest.
In June 2007, it was $450,000 cash given to Flannery to buy a home in Reunion, with an interest free loan from the city (you), payable in six months after the date of the loan or the date of the sale of Flannery’s residence in Flagstaff, whichever date shall first occur. On August 2, 2007 a Warranty Deed was recorded in Adams County showing the sale of a house from Shea Homes to Flannery for $450,000, no mortgage or lien recorded. On August 28, 2007 a Deed of Trust was recorded for the same property with Flannery as Grantor and City of Commerce City as Grantee. So February 2, 2008 would have been due date. Nothing happens on February 2, 2008. Nothing.
On April 7, 2008 another amendment, the second amendment is written, voted on by city council and signed now adding interest of 2.9% per annum commencing effective April 7, 2008 to October 7, 2008 or the date of sale of Flannery’s residence in Flagstaff whichever date shall first occur. It also says “provided however on or before thirty days prior to the date of maturity, the city council of Commerce City shall meet with Flannery to determine whether the financial condition of Flannery justifies extension of the date of maturity if Flannery’s residence in Flagstaff has not been sold as of that date”. So due date would now be October 7, 2008.
July 2008 the third amendment is written, voted on by city council and signed, raising Flannery’s base salary to $172,800.
October 7, 2008 the fourth amendment is written, voted on by city council and signed. This one says with accrued interest the amount owed now is $456,525. It also says, “In order to mitigate the economic situation regarding the loan, the maturity of the loan is extended, without accrual of interest, to July 5, 2009, or the date of the sale of Flannery’s residence in Flagstaff, whichever date shall first occur. Provided, however, on or before thirty days prior to the Date of Maturity, the city council of Commerce City shall meet with Flannery to determine whether the financial condition of Flannery justifies extension of the Date of Maturity if Flannery’s residence in Flagstaff, Arizona has not been sold as of that date.” Due date now would be July 5, 2009. Due date comes and due date goes.
Most recent agreement is made on September 1, 2009. This one states briefly the following:
Amount owed is still $456, 525. Due to the unforeseen economic situation that has occurred throughout the United States, Flannery has been unable to sell his former residence and is unable to pay the loan back to Commerce City (you).
WAIT! Rewind here.
Good news is that Flannery actually sold his home on October 5, 2009 for $305,000 for an alleged profit of $39,000. This is taken from the Coconino County website where real estate transactions are made a matter of public record. The alleged profit is based on prior records which show a $266,000 mortgage. House was originally purchased in January 2002 for $216,000. Flannery signed the papers for this house sale in September 2009. Looks like early September. Closing was October 5, 2009. Why is it being said on September 1 that he was unable to sell his house, when he had knowledge he was about to sell his house? We all know you will not have a closing on October 5 and not know on September 1 that the deal is real.
After reading numerous versions of the contract between Flannery and the city (you), over and over a reader of the documents sees that the monies for the house, $450,000, would be paid back to the city (you) at the date of sale of Flannery’s residence in Flagstaff, Arizona, or the date of maturity, whichever date shall first occur.
Well good news and bad news. Good news: the House is sold. Bad news: The City (you) won’t receive any money for it now.
Bad news is that the city (you) will never see a dime of their money back until September 1, 2011 and during all the months from now until then the city (you) will be paying all the insurance and all the property taxes and just paid $72,000 cash to Flannery for what we have no idea as this was paid several months after the closing on the house in Flagstaff. And the house is in Flannery’s name, not the city’s (or you). And this contract is missing entirely the language about - would be paid back to the city (you) at the date of sale of Flannery’s residence in Flagstaff, Arizona, or the date of maturity, whichever date shall first occur. So on September 1, 2009 it appears that the city felt the need to leave the language out about getting paid back, while in Flagstaff the house was in the process of being sold.
The most recent contract says that in July 2007, “Commerce City (you) did not pay Flannery relocation allowance consistent with the market for payment thereof to key management personnel”.
So, “Commerce City shall reimburse Flannery for costs incurred or associated with relocation of Flannery and his family from Flagstaff, Arizona to Commerce City, Colorado in the amount of $72,000. Said amount shall be payable one half on or before October 1, 2009 and one half payable on January 20, 2010.” ($72,000)
Further it states:
“Commerce City (you) shall pay the annual premium for homeowner’s insurance on the Flannery residence” (from September 1, 2009 through September 1, 2011 or until loan is paid is satisfied in full).
“Commerce City (you) shall pay general property taxes for the residence for the period September 1, 2009 through September 1, 2011, or until the loan is satisfied in full."
The loan now starts accruing interest again at a rate of .34 percent per annum. (.34 percent per annum) And now the due date is September 1, 2011.
On Adams County’s website recording real estate transactions, there is another Deed of Trust recorded November 4, 2009 (day after election day?) for the same property naming Grantor as City of Commerce City and Grantee Flannery.
The following is the response from the Commerce City city attorney Robert Gehler about the $72,000. What do you think about his explanation??? No contract ever stated that $450,000 was being offered for a house to recruit him. What is the truth about any of this??? And how does any of this protect the city (you)?
“I have received your request for a description of the basis for payment of $72,000 to the City Manager payable one-half on October 1, 2009 and one-half on January 20, 2010. Since I was present when the City Council decision was made, I can provide the information to you and you can then circulate the information as you deem appropriate. As City Attorney, I do not provide press releases on behalf of the City but I am glad to explain the process the City Council followed in reaching its decision. Initially, it is important to provide the background for the circumstances surrounding the council decision. The intention of the loan was to provide short-term support to an outstanding candidate for city manager at a time when the city was in need of strong executive leadership. Neither the City nor Mr. Flannery expected the real estate market to fail the way it did in 2007. Every extension and addendum to the contract was executed with the singular purpose of protecting the interests of the city while providing Mr. Flannery with compensation that is consistent with industry standards.
In 2006, Jerry Flannery was targeted for consideration as the city manager for Commerce City after an extensive search. As part of the offer to recruit him, the City agreed to loan $450,000 to him for purchase of a home within the city boundaries since obtaining a residence in Commerce City was a requirement of the City Charter. A mortgage in that amount on the home of his choosing was required by Commerce City in order to secure the loan which would become payable in six months. Shortly thereafter, the real estate market failed. The Arizona house could not be sold and both the Arizona house and the Commerce City house decreased in value by 20 to 30 percent. An appraisal of the Commerce City house showed a market value of $365,000 and a loan value of $292,000, leaving a deficit of $164,525 between the mortgage amount and the loan value. After much consideration, it was determined that the only solution was to allow Mr. Flannery to remain in the house and to continue the mortgage on the house which had then increased to $456,525.00 as a result of accrued interest. With those figures in mind, the City Council offered a discount of $72,000 and payment of real estate taxes and insurance for two years. That amount was derived by subtracting from the amount of the loan the loan value of the Commerce City house ($456,525 minus $292,000) resulting in a difference of $164,525. The City proposed to take a loss of one-half that amount and Mr. Flannery would be left to absorb the balance of the loss. The City’s share of the loss totaled approximately $82,000 and consequently a $72,000 proposal plus payment of real estate taxes and insurance for two years was agreed upon.
Because no relocation benefits had been paid other than travel expenses at the time Mr. Flannery made his move to Commerce City, it was felt that absorbing one-half of the loss resulting from the depressed real estate market would be a fair solution to the problem. A review of relocation benefits across the country confirmed that $72,000 in payment for relocation benefits was a reasonable justification for discounting the loan. Mr. Flannery continues to hold a mortgage with the city in the amount of $456,525. Mr. Flannery was given until September 1, 2011 to fully satisfy that obligation. This arrangement protects the interests of the City by transferring all risk as to the future value of the property and how he will get the funds to make the September 1, 2011 payment to Mr. Flannery. Commerce City will not be involved with the loan any further except to receive full payment plus interest by September 1, 2011.”
Feel free to contact me if you have any further questions regarding this matter.
Robert R. Gehler
City Attorney
The city council meeting where the most recent contract was voted on Reba Drotar and Tracey Snyder were absent. Kathy Teter and Jim Benson voted against the contract, Paul Natale, Tony Johnson, Jason McEldowney, Scott Jaquith, and Orval Lewis voted for the contract and giving $72,000 and two more years free in the house. Jadie Carson, Rene Bullock and Dominic Moreno were not yet council members when this contract was given to the city manager.
So what do you think? Deal breaker??? Let us know via our blog or an email or let your city council members know via email or phone or attending a Monday night meeting. All documents and contracts have been scanned and are on our website . Go to our home page and go to the Opinions section. Having trouble viewing them, call us at 720-221-7352. On our home page we have a link to the city’s website for you, where you can get contact information for your council members.
So what do you think? Deal breaker??? Let us know via our blog or an email or let your city council members know via email or phone or attending a Monday night meeting. The next city council meeting will be on March 22nd.
Payment of Relocation Benefits CLICK HERE
Original Employment Agreement CLICK HERE
Revised Employment Agreement CLICK HERE
First Amendment to Contract CLICK HERE
Second Amendment to Contract CLICK HERE
Third Amendment to Contract CLICK HERE
Fourth Amendment to Contract CLICK HERE
Modification of Deed of Trust CLICK HERE
Flagstaff, Arizona House Sale CLICK HERE
Promissory Note CLICK HERE
Original Arizona House Bought for CLICK HERE
222 comments:
1 – 200 of 222 Newer› Newest»I see a witch hunt and am saddened by it!
Why did council agree to this?
What the hell is going on with Commerce City? Is this a city or bank? What happens if something goes wrong with the city manager?!!!! We are so weaved together, we couldn't fire him even if we wanted too. The city is absolutely irresponsible to enter into a ridiculous contract like this one. And now what, in 2011 the city will just amend again? Come on, what a joke. I say we all de-annex from commerce City and annex into Brighton.
WOW what a deal, wish I could get that interest rate on a loan that low, .03%!
Hey Benson I have a new name for the city, Commerce CitiBank
WHAT the Hell in "Relocation" cost 72 GRAND! Where the Hell did he live, FRANCE!
I would like to know why the house on Unity went the builder, from Shea homes to City Manager, back to the City and now Back to City Manager? Also, I would like to know the details of the $72,000 for the relocation agreement
I want to know who wrote this contract. and why did the city attorney let this happen, isn't he looking out for the best interest in the city.
So there it is, UNREAL, $835 a mo./ for a car. That is what I pay for my housing. City is completely out of touch with reality. TOO ENTITLED!
Why is the house in city manager jerry's name now? Did he pay for it? Where I come from you usually have to pay for something or at least get a mortgage before you are just given a house. Anyone?
http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=City_Manager/Salary
Did city council do any research before hiring a city manager? And what good things have we seen in the last 3 years? OH RIGHT, we are getting Walmart. yeah us!
what if the city manager leaves commerce city? is the city now in the business of buying houses? if so, can they buy mine?
good reporting gateway news. Finally a real news story.
could $72,000 cover channel 8? If so, I say we re-relocate the city manager back to AZ. SAVE CH. 8!
I have so many questions I don't even know where to begin? Why didn't the city manager get his own Mort.? like the rest of us. Why is the deed in flannery's name? Why did the city council agree to this? Who originally thought of this? Were we that desperate to get a city manager that we had to offer? 10s of thousands of dollars over the median?
Gateway News, what First Perry, now Jerry?
Damn gateway, what the hell pissed you guys of so bad?
Stupid deal from the very beginning. This reminds me a lot of my dead beat family members, city manager should have rented if he could afford a house. By the way, you should all drive by sometime. It is not really a house but more like his own apartment building.
Interesting links:
http://www.co.adams.co.us/oncoreweb/showdetails.aspx?id=4318796&rn=26&pi=0&ref=search
http://www.co.adams.co.us/oncoreweb/showdetails.aspx?id=3813335&rn=51&pi=1&ref=search
DUMB city council, next time look towards the future. We are now tied to this guy forever.
Side note: Brighton does not have any "deputy" managers.
Gateway: When are you going to report the salaries/car allowances of them?
Why is city in housing contracts? Didn't the city think before getting into such a deal? How did they think this was going to all pan out?
city pays 450,000 for house, today worth $413,000, Hate to be the person who lost out.......oh wait that is me!
If you do not see your comment right away please be patient and do not re-post, they will all be posted eventually.
gatway news I have lost no more respect for you guys. this piece is nothing more then scarring business away thanks ALOT
Looks like Commerce City Neighborhood Services is going to be visiting the Gateway House for some compliance checking!!!
This make me sick to my stomach that we the taxpayers have to give the city manager 72,000 for what? The hit he took on the house in AZ?
Why are we protecting one of the highest paid guys who live in our city from the economic downturn?
I seriously can not believe this.
The documents at the end of the article are great backup for the facts given.
well done
I like how some of the documents say (destroy 2016) on the top of them
good story, but I like Blog Gate better.
Whoever said this is a witch hunt, are you kidding? Obviously whoever you are, you do not care about the citizens, residents, taxpayers, children, senior citizens of Commerce City. This is the truth and everyone should know the truth about our elected and appointed officials. In this economy the city does not look too smart spending over half a million dollars on one person obviously just to insulate them alone from reality. The taxpayers should demand all the money back right now.
From Gateway News. All the information used in this story was taken from two sources, a public information request made to City of Commerce City requesting Jerry Flannery's contracts in their entirety regarding his salary and house and the Adams County website regarding the real estate transactions for that house. Anyone at any time could do the same thing. It cost us $10. Everyone reading this can certainly form their own opionion about this issue. The job of the newspaper is to inform. This is nothing but the truth.
Anyone from city council willing to talk about this??? Who voted for this and who voted against it??? What were you thinking??? Why so many revisions??? WHY so much money for relocation expenses TWO years after this infamous move??? Any response from the city??? And I don't know but I think the city attorney would be the only one to write contracts for the city.
Someone PLEASE tell me that I read this wrong. The city is paying for the taxes and the insurance on this house! Guess that's fair since the city OWNS it!! So why isn't it in the city's name pray tell?
Your reporting has a familiar feel.
Beaconesc. Lets tear apart our city, for our own satifaction.
Obviously you are mad at them and now willing to hurt us all.
Thanks!!
WHOA!!! Thanks Gateway, the salary is fine, car allowance is a little high; it would have been cheaper to give him a city fleet vehicle. Why pay the note for him and his spouse? Did I see 72K to move paid by us?? WTF.. I understand giving him time to sale but we should not have extended his original agreements. Most of us can't get full value when selling and take a loss so that's a mind numbing decision. Are we paying the taxes on his Reunion home? OK, I’ve vented: Did Jerry do anything for the city to assuage our concerns? I really don’t want to believe some were suffering from rectal-cranial inversion when approving. Thanks to those who whined this was some good information to know.
C_City voter
what a mess. agree, we are so tied to city manager now, we will never be able to get rid of him. Good report Gateway.
I am sure the whole council didn't vote on this, anyone know who did not?
I would like to remind the city of something: you are a city, not a business. I am just saying.
so the plan is to have flannery sell house in arizona and pay back the city, I don't think the city will ever get the money back. arizona housing market is not the best in the US as of now. Maybe it can rebound in about 10 to 15 years, until then, I guess flannery will be the city manager, hope he does a good job.
hey council, city manager is your employee, not your friend.
COmmerce City Manger in overpaid? Have you seen COmmerce City? Give the guy a break?
If you all hate Commerce City so much, move to Brighton!
I got a better Idea, lets all annex into Brighton. Then I will not have to feel so bad spending tax money in a different city!
You'll all see, as soon as we get the Walmart, we will be in Paradise!
too bad it could not have been a target, with target you get barnes and noble, movie place, sit down eating places. With Wal Mart, you get fast food, and friendly smokers.
RIGHT ON, nothing says Paradise like a nice big Walmart.
A neighboring city is doing much better then us, they own their own water, they do not have a marketing team, they do not have 3 city managers, and to top it off they actually use their city channel 8.
So is this why council never wanted to do anything with channel 8, because the citizens might actually see what is going on. I am sure they have to vote on this in open session.
How come the Commerce City Beacon and/or the Gateway News report on this earlier?
Council has some explaining to do!
I have heard from a reliable source that Council member Reba Drotar and Jason McEldowney had a lot to do with these outrageous contracts.
$72,000 for the decrease in value in house in AZ or for Decrease in house in Reunion or one big ass moving truck?
Flannery should be the happiest guy in Commerce City History
I hope you all know that the city of Brighton has their problems too! They are not the perfect city!
Gateway News you have gone too far. all you do is cause trouble for this city
I thought this was the "positive" paper.
This smells like a revenge move on the papers part.
This contract has been done for awhile, I can't believe they paper didn't already know, so I ask.
Why now?
City manager of Aurora makes 178ish (500 car allowance) with population of 300,000. City manager of Commerce Citibank makes 172ish (800 car allowance) with population of 40,000?
Lets see hmmmmm
Per citizen: Aurora pays: $0.61, Commerce City pays: $4.55
61 cents vs. 4 dollars and 55 cents. something to think about.
ps-Aurora owns it water too, cc does not.
$835 a month for a car for what 3 years now? That means he has received around 30 grand, so is the car paid off now? Or is that for gas and oil changes, you know those maintenance bills can be a real bitch.
City of Commerce City should cash payroll checks too!
I love the new name: Commerce Citibank, they should cash payroll checks.
Who gives loans with less then a % interest
when is walmart coming again?
So I guess nearing Sept 1 2011 we will seeing a 5th Amendment? Why does the Commerce City manager get protection from the economic situation, where is my economic protection. How unfair is that?
I guess this is what happens when you keep screwing someone over and over again.
Reba and Jason need to explain how they got to this numbers,
Was Douglas in on this as the agent?
why cant flannery take on a second on the reunion house and pay back the city now?
I don't see how they city can release the documents about the contracts to the gateway, but then talk about it in closed session.
Deal Breaker article should be on gatewaynews.org crime page
Seriously, $72,000 should have gone towards the city's legal notices and rec advertising in the Commerce City Beacon and The Gateway News print editions.
hey gateway, what about the deputy city managers? do they get house deals too? or just highly paid and kick ass car allowances?
If should be noted that past council member who are no longer with the city had a hand in this.
I would like to make a request to the city on ask3c, but can not figure out how.
So I will leave it here,
I am requesting the the council not make any more Amendments to the city managers contract. 4 is enough.
Stella
I have a request, FIRE THE 2 DEPUTY CITY MANAGERS or explain in detail what exactly the hell they actually do
I would like the gateway to do a complete story and ask the current council members what their response is and post it here.
hey gateway,
More details would be nice, why only $72,000. Why not make it a cool 80 grand, where did these numbers come from.
Why only .03% interest, why not 4% to 6% interest, what about a statement from the city?
Pens to houses, looks like commerce city is moving on up.
Our last city manager had a fleet car.
City paid the insurance, mantainence & gas.
That also left the city holding the responsibilty of his bad habits (which included drinking and driving).
Not to say that Flannery does (drink and drive) but when the car is his, the insurance is his and all costa are now his, the city is better protected.
I see a lot of complaining, but no solutions. Do we fire them all and start from scratch like we did 3 years ago? Like others have said, we are too tied down now. We can't do anything until 2011 so Commerce City, do what we always do, Grin and bear it.
Jackie, Long Time Resident
Just because Commerce City is a little bit better off then some other cities, does not mean you can get into ridiculous situations like this one.
This is just a flash in the pan. It is just like the pen thing, it will go away after a while, we will still have the staff we have now, they will still be bring home huge paychecks, we will all still be shopping in Brighton.
Okay I am getting confused here, the house is sold and it use to be that was part of the contract, but now the final agreement says that it is not, WHAT HAPPENED?
This is getting complicated, House No Longer a Deal Breaker because.....someone please finish the sentence.
I see, the trail, still confused, why was language held out, why did city manager talk the money after house was sold? What is that 72,000 for again?
Why the hell are we paying the insurance and the house?
2 things, was house language left off the final agreement because house was already in the process of being sold?
why can't we have the city manager pay all the insurance and taxes?
i get so mad when I read this. Where is my bail out?
what a mess.
If we are paying someone 170,000 plus a year, why do then have to pay the insurance and taxes on his resident. As far as I see, it is his house now, it should be his expense.
good stuff gateway
Gateway News, can you get a statement from the city of Commerce City?
There is a lot more to this story. who the key players are is being left out. I need the whole story it order to make sense of this whole mess.
why was this all done right before the new council was seated, not fair for them to inherit a mess.
Had to re-read this one.
Only one question needs to be asked here, Why is house part left out of the revised contract.
REQUEST 11937 from ASK3C
I want to have a breakdown of amount of $72,000 for the public
to review
Please Send to: sans@housemail.com
As soon as I get anything I will post.
Sans
Dusty,
can you get a statement from city council?
I got this from askC3 about streaming and Ch.8: a little vague but hey its something
Dear Derrick,
Good morning,
The city will begin streaming city council meetings on the internet on April 5.
Additional details as to where to find the streaming will be forwarded as they become available.
The city is exploring ways to partner with other organizations using a number of our communications tools. The goal is to get information to the community in a
timely manner that is convenient for residents and cost effective for all the partners involved. The use of Channel 8 is one of the tools we are exploring.
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions or would
like more information. I can be reached at 303-289-3719 or kmccarl@c3gov.com
Regards,
Kim McCarl
Communications Manager
sounds like a template.
key word, cost effective
Dustie McIntyre,
Can you get the council to respond to this?
I dont get you gateway news, why do you all of a sudden want to bring negative attention to the city. this has been on going for months and you guys never reported on it then, why all of a sudden now?
do you realize what you are single-handling doing by release this? I will tell you, you are bring much needed negative light to our city.
this will be the typical situation:
News breaks a story about something not right, people get all upset for about 2 days, 3 tops, the city keeps silent and waits for the wash over, they story fades, and we move one.
Seen this before so many times.
I expect the highest paid employee in Commerce City to also be the hardest working. However, that is not the case. I would ask the Gateway to request copies of Mr. Flannery's electronic work calendar. One may be suprised (or not) to learn how LITTLE Mr. Flannery is actually at City Hall. Is this good for our city?
It seems that there is nothing illegal or any violation of a contract as presented in either Gateway story. Perhaps it is a little sneaky if the city council was not informed that the sale of the AZ house was pending but certainly not unethical or illegal.
A very simple solution would be to have the city manager get his own loan for the Reunion house. It would certainly be a great public relations move by the city manager and the city. It should certainly satisfy any of the complaints already voiced on the issue.
I would really like to know, what that 72,000 dollars is for, was it for a recover from a decrease of value for the AZ house or the CO house? Was it for a moving truck?
I really need to know, just to know who I should be upset at.
Archer, Commerce City
reading some of the comments,
i really hope that the language in the final contract was changed because the city manager know that he might have a pending sale on his house.
if so i want to to resign or be terminated along with anyone else who knew about this.
I would like bob gehler explain himself too. I would like this to happen after the city starts its live streaming.
gateway have you asked for the explanation of why the 72 THOUSAND dollars was given after the sale of the house in arizona?
The Gateway News has asked for the details of the monies paid.
The following is the request sent to Commerce City:
Dear Kim, Nanette, Tom, Jerry, Paul and Bob,
As you are probably aware, we have had numerous requests regarding a detailed description of why City Manager Flannery was paid $72,000 in cash in September 2009 and January 2010. Citizens have said that they prefer to receive information directly from the city and that they would appreciate that personal touch of hearing directly from the city. If you could please respond with a press release in your own words so the story is complete. We look forward to continuing to work with you to keep our citizens informed about the activities taking place in Commerce City. We truly value you as our partner and will continue to support you in your efforts.
Regards,
Kathy McIntyre
Editor, Gateway News
Yes lets keep bringing us out into a dirty image.
I imagine there is a lot more to "the rest of the story", that would make a clearer view of this.
I am afraid that all of this DIRT, is going to make potential business RUN from us.
Thanks GATEWAY!!
I tried to get information from my council member rep and he wanted to met me in person.
I wanted to get his response in writing to share with everyone. Besides, I do not want the city to know where I live just in case they send neighborhood services my way1
Sans
city says communication is one of their priorities, why cant they answer the question about the $72,000 given to Jerry Flannery.
I would like to see an article about the city manager in that piece of crappy publication city lights or I guess it is called Commerce City News. the one that is half Spanish.
I would like to remind the city that communication was on the top of their list of important things for the citizens.
why is the city so silent, they should of had a statement about this right away. Don't we have a PR/Marketing TEAM!
And by the way, how hard is it to point a camera at city council and stream city meetings. With what this staff is getting paid, they should be bending over backwards to do a good job.
I see more Press Release coming about of Brighton and they only have one PR/Marketing person.
So Stupid!
Yuri
good job gateway! thanks for asking for explanation.
Your new biggest fan!
Take Back Commerce City!
email your council member!
Demand a written explanation of the actions they have taken!
Questions I have,
1. why do we need 3 city managers, this is not a county or even a big city
2. was any part of the money paid to city manager ($72,000) for a repayment for a decrease in value of any of the houses in the contract.
3. now that the house is sold, will we the taxpayers see any money?
4. Why was the house language taken out of the last agreement?
5. Why do we have to pay the taxes and insurance on that house in Reunion?
6. Why are we paying our city manager so much money? Does he deserve this with 2 little helpers?
7. After a quick research, the City manager is getting a car allowance that might be the highest in the state, maybe even the country. WHY?
8. why is the city manager only paying the .03% interest, if this is for a home, why not 5 to 6%, city bank account is not his personal bank account, right?
9. With a Marketing team (not just one person) why is the city not responding to this article?
10. All the money wasted on top shelf staff, how many houses could have been saved of citizens in desperate situations in Commerce City
WHY ARE WE THE TAX PAYERS GIVING GOOD DEALS AND PROTECTING ONE OF THE HIGHEST PAID CITIZENS IN CITY FROM THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN!
Gateway News,
As I always tell you: You know you have hit the right story when you get no response!
Great Job!
Keep it up!
Cant give my name for obvious reasons
yeah commerce citibank,
why no response at all?
Where there is smoke, there is fire! Check out the city manager's "friends" that he has hired. High salaries, hiring for positions not legally posted, pay raises for these "friends" while the rest of city staff gets no raise. Seems mighty suspicious!
word on the street is that there maybe some upset employees at the city that are happy this is all coming out now finally.
3 tier manager gov. the top guy should get 90K and 2 below should get 60 to 70K. What Commerce City is paying is unreal.
Too bad is is all tied up in contracts.
Word on the street is there is another reason the Gateway is going after Flannery and upper staff.
Has anyone looked at his expense reports? I wonder what else we are paying for.
good morning all this is Paul. What I am writing now is my personal feelings and DO NOT represent the thoughts of the city or council. If you want to be mad at someone over these statements let it be me.
I believe we hired the absolutely best person we could for our city manager. I do not believe anyone else could have brought us to this point. You can disagree with this statement and that is your right.
let me start by saying I am extremely disappointed with the flavor of this stream. everytime I write, I identify myself. I am disappointed that people would think the city would ever retaliate against a citizen for asking questions. that may have been the way in the past (I am unsure if it was or not) but it is not the way we do business now.
This "deal" as some of you see it was not signed in haste or without much hand wringing. It is interesting that the council person who brought this forward, who is no longer on council, has never been mentioned or tarnished by this site.
the council was presented with the worst economic times in quite a while. We were presented with the choice of foreclosing on our city manager's house or coming up with something that would not hurt either the city or the city manager.
the $72,000 was the total of a number of items to try and rectify previous underevaluations in the contract for the city manager. We did not just pick this number out of a hat. The low percentage rate was what the city receives on any funds we keep in the bank. Our intention was never to become a bank.
It has been extremely easy for those who were not here at ther time or who are looking from the outside to say we should have done this or that.
As far as the statement referring to a council person requesting to meet with a citizen, I did that because it is my belief that several of the names listed are either the same person or names to keep their identities secret. It is also my belief that some of the people writing are holdovers from the "old days" when this city had somewhat of a negative reputation for council. We can never go back there.
I have always been available to talk to anyone as long as they stay civil.
I would hope that people in our city would become more involved in the everyday parts of the city. Try to build our city up rather then only being involved when it is something you disagree with. It is important to express your feelings and disappointment but let us also help bring our city forward.
Thank you for reading
Paul
to all
I have been Mayor for 2.5 years and have seen the great strides we have made. I have not been as disappointed as I am now. There is a small contingent of people who want to take this city back to where we came from as far as governing goes.
We have a great city, we have great people, and we are finally headed in the direction where our city is being recognized for the good and positive things we are accomplishing. We now have a place regionally, nationally and internationally. I have been so proud of our citizens for standing tall and pushing our city forward. It is only through our citizens that we have become who we are.
I want to thank all those citizens who have stepped forward to assist our city in a positive way. I want to extend a hand to those who are trying to tear our city down, and ask you to come forward and help us move forward to become the best city we can be.
Dear Commerce City Mayor,
I would like to say thank you for responding to the citizens.
I have always known you as a guy not afraid to face the music, no matter how bad it can get.
Erin NW
I think I see what is going on here. How can we blame he city manager for something that city council did. You are all wondering why council is not responding, has anyone ever thought that maybe they can't because they are the ones to blame. Who thought of these deals in the first place?
Can't fire the city manager because he took a good deal, can we?
Mayor,
I am confused, How is Commerce City not a bank? if you are giving money to someone to bail them out, how is that any different?
Hyde, Commerce City
What house was going to foreclosed on? the one in Arizona or the one here in commerce city? I thought one in commerce city was the paid for in cash?
Confused in Reunion, and just to play it safe, I will not give my name, I do own a house here and do not want any backlash. Once again, just playing it safe ;)
I heard from city that The Gateway News is upset at city and this is just a way yo get back at them.
I can see this quickly getting out of control and questions just being ignored. I will get everyone back on track again.
Questions I have,
1. why do we need 3 city managers, this is not a county or even a big city
2. was any part of the money paid to city manager ($72,000) for a repayment for a decrease in value of any of the houses in the contract.
3. now that the house is sold, will we the taxpayers see any money?
4. Why was the house language taken out of the last agreement?
5. Why do we have to pay the taxes and insurance on that house in Reunion?
6. Why are we paying our city manager so much money? Does he deserve this with 2 little helpers?
7. After a quick research, the City manager is getting a car allowance that might be the highest in the state, maybe even the country. WHY?
8. why is the city manager only paying the .03% interest, if this is for a home, why not 5 to 6%, city bank account is not his personal bank account, right?
9. With a Marketing team (not just one person) why is the city not responding to this article?
10. All the money wasted on top shelf staff, how many houses could have been saved of citizens in desperate situations in Commerce City
WHY ARE WE THE TAX PAYERS GIVING GOOD DEALS AND PROTECTING ONE OF THE HIGHEST PAID CITIZENS IN CITY FROM THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN!
at least the mayor tried to answer the questions of this whole mess.
Why is Reba Drotar not ever named in this?
council came up with the contracts, or at least voted on them. whoever drafted them should be the one to blame.
but I really don't like paying the taxes and insurance on the house in reunion.
and I don't like the idea of paying $800 for car allowance.
Gateway News is just bitter/
say whatever you want, questions still not answered.
how are we on the international level? the stadium? sorry you can't take credit for that.
name one thing flannery has done for this city that was not already put in motion by others years ago, I challenge you.
From Kathy at the Gateway News:
Can someone from the city or city council just PLEASE answer the 10 questions that are being asked. I am really becoming more concerned that we cannot get answers. Answer the actual questions, please place blame where blame is due, make sure it is factual and can be documented, and then fix the issue by getting the taxpayers their money back so it can be used for something else. We have been told in contract after contract that we would get paid when the Arizona house was sold, its sold so we want our money back and explain the $72,000 since there was no loss on the Arizona house. This is simple. Don't make it such a big deal. Thank you so much!
all BS aside,
is city disputing the article, Deal Breaker (while city sleeps)?
I LOVE the Mayor's response.
mayor, why not address the specifics of the matter?
why give him a deal like this?
ANy truth to the rumor that commercd city is bad mouthing the gateway news for this article? just what i heard
I for one HAVE talked to a city council member and this is not as bad as everyone is making it out to be.
I'm confused, why would the house be in foreclosure. According to Adams County, the City of Commerce City paid cash for it.
Why would it be Foreclose?
From Mayor of Commerce City:
"We were presented with the choice of foreclosing on our city manager's house or coming up with something that would not hurt either the city or the city manager.
the $72,000 was the total of a number of items to try and rectify previous underevaluations in the contract for the city manager."
Questions:
A. If Flannery makes 172,000 a year why wold he be in Foreclosure?
B. I need a lot more explanation on what rectify previous undervaluations means. I maybe under educated, but I do not understand what this means.
ACTION REGARDING EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS FOR THE CITY MANAGER
City Attorney Bob Gehler stated that during executive session the employment agreement for the City Manager was discussed. The key provisions of the contract are: the city will pay a relocation allowance of $72,000, the loan of $456,000 will be deferred for two years, and interest on the loan will be paid at the rate the city receives on its short-term investments. Real estate taxes and insurance on the Commerce City residence will be paid by the City as provided in the agreement.
In response to Council's request, Mr. Gehler separated the relocation agreement from the employment contract and would require two separate actions.
Council members McEldowney and Jaquith moved and seconded to accept the employment agreement as re-clarified with the removal of the housing accommodation language.
VOICE VOTE: Unanimous; all present affirmed
Council members Jaquith and Johnson moved and seconded to accept the relocation benefits package as negotiated with City Manager Jerry Flannery.
ROLL CAL VOTE: 5 aye, 2 nay (Benson, Teter)
DROTAR AND SNYDER ABSENT
original city meeting notes of the jerry deal,
http://commercecity.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=1488
NOTE: Drotar and Snyder absent, Teter and Benson said NAY
Art Hunt, your info just shows part of the truth.
I was told by several council members that Ms Drotar was the LEAD person on Mr Flannery's contract plan and pushed specific portions.
Of course she wasn't present for the final vote, then she can say "I never supported that"
I would say that if the city council members don't have enough time to answer the citizens, they should resign. I know a lot of the candidates that came in second place have a lot of time to do their jobs.
thanks to Jim Benson and Kathy Teter for voting no of this insane agreement with the city manager.
now that the house is sold in coconino county, I would think that the city would get our money back, right?
I strongly believe that cities should not get into deals like this, with staff members.
I admit I do not follow council that closely, I just found out who voted for the agreement so I know who I need to be upset at.
I was surprised to see that Council Person Reba Drotar was not even present at the meeting, but others say she was the architect of the whole deal with Jason MacEldowney.
Why would she lead the entire thing and then not show up to vote on it?
I do not understand.
i just found out many, if not all of the city council is in Washington DC for a conference.
That's not fair, it is like a weekend long executive session to talk about the whole manager thing. NOT FAIR! Bad timing on the Gateway News part, still glad you did it.
i think it is hard for a lot of us to really understand the who is who in the city council. I am with Art Hunt, I was surprised to see Reba Drotar not even voting after others have named her as the key player in all of this.
DROTAR WITH SOME OTHER CITIZENS PUSHED THIS HARD!
Mr. Mayor, what do you mean by "underevaluations"? Mr. Flannery's salary was at or above what other city managers were making and his car allowance was clearly above what other city's are paying. Your excuse doesn't make any sense.
To the people saying Drotar and McEldowny pushed this: Aren't there 9 people on council? Are the others just pushovers? That doesn't make me feel any better.
I agree with Paul about the same person leaving comments under different names with pretty much the same thought. Easily identifiable by the individual’s style of writing and anti mayor connotation.
Paul Natale’s response was great to see but it was opinion as a citizen. I think most of want to hear from “THE CITY”.
Here are some of my questions:
How did we as a city benefit from the 72K?
I understand recruiting talent and it costs; Have we seen tangible change with Jerry?
What are some of his deliverables and did he and his teams meet them last year?
Where’s the equity in the city paying property taxes and the Reunion luxury tax on his property?
Do we pay his HOA and rec fees?
Sorry for being tacky but I find the 72k a hard pill/bill to swallow.
I have no hidden agenda and a Paul Natale supporter and think we’ve come a long way from back room good ole boy deals preceding him
C_City voter
geez, i be not as smart as some of yous, what does undervaluation mean?
very good questions! I bet we do pay his HOA and Recreation fees.
first comment is that this is a "witch hunt"
Last time I checked witches dont screw cities out of houses and cars. they ride broom sticks and those dont cost 800 dollars
I have received your request for a description of the basis for payment of $72,000 to the City Manager payable one-half on October 1, 2009 and one-half on January 20, 2010. Since I was present when the City Council decision was made, I can provide the information to you and you can then circulate the information as you deem appropriate. As City Attorney, I do not provide press releases on behalf of the City but I am glad to explain the process the City Council followed in reaching its decision.
Initially, it is important to provide the background for the circumstances surrounding the council decision. The intention of the loan was to provide short-term support to an outstanding candidate for city manager at a time when the city was in need of strong executive leadership. Neither the City nor Mr. Flannery expected the real estate market to fail the way it did in 2007. Every extension and addendum to the contract was executed with the singular purpose of protecting the interests of the city while providing Mr. Flannery with compensation that is consistent with industry standards.
In 2006, Jerry Flannery was targeted for consideration as the city manager for Commerce City after an extensive search. As part of the offer to recruit him, the City agreed to loan $450,000 to him for purchase of a home within the city boundaries since obtaining a residence in Commerce City was a requirement of the City Charter. A mortgage in that amount on the home of his choosing was required by Commerce City in order to secure the loan which would become payable in six months.
Shortly thereafter, the real estate market failed. The Arizona house could not be sold and both the Arizona house and the Commerce City house decreased in value by 20 to 30 percent. An appraisal of the Commerce City house showed a market value of $365,000 and a loan value of $292,000, leaving a deficit of $164,525 between the mortgage amount and the loan value. After much consideration, it was determined that the only solution was to allow Mr. Flannery to remain in the house and to continue the mortgage on the house which had then increased to $456,525.00 as a result of accrued interest.
With those figures in mind, the City Council offered a discount of $72,000 and payment of real estate taxes and insurance for two years. That amount was derived by subtracting from the amount of the loan the loan value of the Commerce City house ($456,525 minus $292,000) resulting in a difference of $164,525. The City proposed to take a loss of one-half that amount and Mr. Flannery would be left to absorb the balance of the loss. The City’s share of the loss totaled approximately $82,000 and consequently a $72,000 proposal plus payment of real estate taxes and insurance for two years was agreed upon.
Because no relocation benefits had been paid other than travel expenses at the time Mr. Flannery made his move to Commerce City , it was felt that absorbing one-half of the loss resulting from the depressed real estate market would be a fair solution to the problem. A review of relocation benefits across the country confirmed that $72,000 in payment for relocation benefits was a reasonable justification for discounting the loan.
Mr. Flannery continues to hold a mortgage with the city in the amount of $456,525. Mr. Flannery was given until September 1, 2011 to fully satisfy that obligation. This arrangement protects the interests of the City by transferring all risk as to the future value of the property and how he will get the funds to make the September 1, 2011 payment to Mr. Flannery. Commerce City will not be involved with the loan any further except to receive full payment plus interest by September 1, 2011.
first off, The city is well above the industry standards. I would like to know where the city got the "standards" from?
Second, the mayor said the city is not a bank, but yet they are giving out a "mortgage"? I thought the house was paid in full by city and then loaned out to the city manager.
What a mess Commerce Citibank has gotten itself into.
I am glad the city lawyer has responded, still think it should have been the ones who actually did it AKA city council members.
City council (particularly Jason McElodowney and Paul Natale) refuses to give me a written response because I will not give them my real name because I am afraid of back lash from the city Neighborhood services.
Sans
Sans@housemail.com
City mayor: "Our intention was never to become a bank."
City Attorney: "Mr. Flannery continues to hold a mortgage with the city in the amount of $456,525."
You guy are sounding STUPID!
Sans,
You are a smart guy, As soon as I posted with my real name, I had a pro-city guy research my name and complain that I did not own a house in the city. I happen to rent.
So the mayor can say whatever the hell he wants. People are out there checking to see if your name can be matched up with a house in the city and for why?????? Well, I guess one possibility is they could have neighborhood services pay us all a visit.
Rick Towns
towns@post.com
records show the Reunion house is at 413,000 not the 365,000
Arizona house was original 216,000 and sold at 305,000
What is going on?
Reunion House: http://www.gis.co.adams.co.us/quicksearch/doreport.aspx?pid=0172309206010
Arizona House: http://www.gatewaynews.org/pdf/AZ.pdf
isn't the short term support the city manager $170,000 pay check, oh and his $800 car fee.
Do we pay for his haircuts too?
I thought the city house was paid in full by the city of Commerce City?
Why is it being devalued now, the city manager is not even paying on it until 2011
Further Explanation needed
I don't believe this, but we did help bail out one of the richest guys in Commerce City.
I hear council is in DC, Maybe they can ask for some grant money to bail out Highly Paid City Staff.
Oh right, we already did that.
Screw this, I say we take back the house and make it a City N. Rec Center. God knows it is big enough
Bob Gehler says, With those figures in mind, the City Council offered a discount of $72,000 and payment of real estate taxes and insurance for two years. That amount was derived by subtracting from the amount of the loan the loan value of the Commerce City house ($456,525 minus $292,000) resulting in a difference of $164,525.
How is this any different then a government bail out?
I get it now!
The city manager was too big to fail!
new commerce city slogan:
quality bailouts for the rich in our community
Was Mr. Flannery required to use the $72,000 to pay down the loan with the city? If not, won't we be in the same position in 2011 - a house with a loan value below what Mr. Flannery owes the city? Will we split the difference again? Is the only security for this loan the house? If it is, how will we ever be able to recover the full loan amount?
As a person who is a friend and also as a person who voted for Council member, Ward I Dominick Moreno, I would like everyone to know that he did not vote on this matter. It was all done prior to him being on the Commerce City Council.
Mayor says: "The low percentage rate .34% was what the city receives on any funds we keep in the bank."
Isn't or shouldn't Commerce City switch to at least a Tier VIII Money Market at Pioneer Bank at 1.01%!
https://www.pioneersb.com/rates.asp
Mayor says: "We were presented with the choice of foreclosing on our city manager's house or coming up with something that would not hurt either the city or the city manager."
Aren't we talking about the guy who is in control of all of the city's money? I don't feel very good about this whole situation.
Why couldn't the city get him into a more affordable house?
you really have to do some research, but only ones left on council that actually voted yes on this is Paul Natale, Jason McEldowney, and Tony Johnson.
Only 3 out of the 9!
Mr Clowns, you have proven you are qualified for your position of local complainer and whiner. I am tired of all the b---hing.
I have a little different view. I think the comments are great.
I guess it always goes back to the famous saying:
Don't like it? Don't let it happen.
Looks like in the beginning the city made the mistake of looking way too DESPERATE!
18 months we will have a new council and most likely a new city manager.
I have a bit of a different view. Knowing the cities past history of city managers and knowing how very costly it is to go through the hiring process. They probably weighed both factors.
Spend thousands to go through the hiring process (yes some of you will say just do it in house) to get a qualified person, or spend the money and keep the person who is already understanding the city.
I find it likely a lot more was involved in this that what is on paper.
I don't like the deal, but knowing some of the council "players" they walked. What was their original reason for this whole plan??
To all the Commerce City Council.
What is the mayor talking about when he says previous underevaluations?
Is this the houses in Arizona or Reunion or is this both?
If so, with the Gateway News report shouldn't it now re-reevaluated?
mayor says we now have a place regionally, nationally and internationally.
just now? what about all the work the past councils did? what exactly are you taking credit for?
i would like to remind you that the last mile high music festival failed from the last one. i am so confused.
Anonymous for real reassons
mayor says, I am extremely disappointed with the flavor of this stream.
Well Mr. Mayor I am extremely disappointed with the way you are spend the city's money
regarding the .34% rate for the city manager, the mayor published that: "The low percentage rate was what the city receives on any funds we keep in the bank."
This can not be true. I am sure he just misspoke. The city must have money in CDs and higher interest rate accounts, right?
Please have council address this during the live stream.
I am sure the city does have money in higher interest bearing accounts. And the city council if they had any brains, who have taken the highest interest rate and passed that onto the city manager. Remember, we the city can't touch that money until Sept of 2011!
Dear anonymous for real reasons.
I know for a fact that the past mayor never attend metropolitan meetings, much less anything of a national or international venue.
I believe that you are one of the people who would never admit we as a city have gained a much better standing in the metro area in the past couple of years.
Everyone has some type of agenda, just don't pretend you are being honest.
p.s. the music festival was successful. Less known groups but still successful, I know I went to both.
As a voting citizen I expect my elected official to act a certain way and do what is right and have the tax payers money be accounted for and used properly. By the council approving on numerous agreements with this current city manager regarding his housing in Reunion and Arizona you have broken the act of doing what is right and using the bank account of the city is a very irresponsible way. By your actions, the city now has its hands tied to the point of if anything does happen with the city manager and we would have to terminate, we would be losing out more now then we already have thus so far.
Secondly, during the meeting of March 8th, 2010 the Commerce City council made the decision to go into Executive Session for the following reasons; (Executive session under C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(f)(I) for the purpose of providing background information and explaining the provisions of the city manager s employment contract to new council members.)
I strongly think that what you did was illegal, unless the city manager requested that the matter be held behind closed doors, and in the case he did, why? In the state of Colorado Executive Session are limited to a certain criteria. How is your reason for going into the Executive Session during the meeting on March 8th relate in any shape of form to the following requirements? (See below entitled EXECUTIVE SESSIONS ARE LIMITED TO:) As we have all seen and heard in the past with the Jim Benson Executive Sessions, just because your City Attorney says it is okay, does not make it so. I am formally requesting that the recordings of the Exectuive Session held on March 8th, 2010 be released to the public.
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS ARE LIMITED TO:
• Matters which state or federal law require be kept confidential, including confidential records. Local public body must give specific citation of the statute or rules which apply.
• Security arrangements.
• Property matters:
State Public Body: To discuss purchase of property or sale at competitive bidding if premature disclosure would give an unfair competitive or bargaining advantage. A donor of property to a university or college may request that the gift be discussed in executive session. Local Public Body: To purchase, acquire, lease, transfer or sell any real, personal or other property interest. A closed door session cannot be held to conceal the fact that a member has a
personal interest in the transaction.
• Attorney conference:
State Public Body: To receive legal advice from an attorney on pending or imminent court actions. College and university boards can also meet with an attorney to discuss specific legal questions.
Local Public Body: To receive legal advice from an attorney on specific legal questions. An attorney being present does not by itself justify an executive session nor does legal questions as a topic if the body s attorney is not present.
• Negotiations:
State Public Body: To determine positions in negotiations with employees or employee organizations, develop strategy or receive reports and instruct negotiators. Local Public Body: To determine positions on matters that may be subject to negotiations, to develop strategy and instruct negotiators.
• Personnel:
State Public Body: Meeting open unless individual requests closure. Higher education boards are allowed to discuss personnel and student matters in executive
session unless the individual requests an open meeting. Local Public Body: Meeting may be closed except if the individuals ask that it be open.
C. Archer, Commerce City Resident
I got a deal you can't refuse
“When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.” -Thomas Jefferson
Here is the deal… the time has come to ‘take back Commerce City’ aka TBCC
Here is who we are… a small group of citizens from the south? a large group of citizens north? or maybe just citizens that want their city back?
Here is what you will see from us… questions being asked, a strong push for a formal official government response that the entire public can view. A demand for what is fair and the relentless practice of government accountability.
Here is what you will hear… council trying to get us to come to council and give our names and addresses. You will hear that this group is nothing and should be ignored. You will hear that we are nothing but trouble makers and we are trying to bring the city backwards. You will hear that we are backed by the unions. You will hear that we have a hidden agenda.
Here is what you will NOT see… you will see no flashy campaigns, you will see no political action group, you will see no outrageous claims, you will see NO RECALL ATTEMPTS, you will see no signs on the side of the roads, and you will see nothing related to tea, coffee or any other beverage.
Here is the truth…we need to move the city forward and not at the current snail paced rate. We need to stop the emotional driven way of running government. We need to grew up as a city. We need to act like a real city. And lastly, we need to do what is right, fair and has everyone’s well-being in mind.
We welcome ALL opinions and ALL questions. We will contact the city, newspapers and anyone we can to get information. To prevent being copied, all communication will be via our email: takebackcc@gmail.com
We are simple, we are willing to be educated, we only want what is positive, fair, justified, right, and we are ready to take back Commerce City.
Gateway News,
I still do not understand where that $72,000 is for? Do you have any idea?
I read a comment that Brighton has problems too.
Yes they do, they are right next to Commerce City.
I love your response gateway:
"Citizens have said that they prefer to receive information directly from the city and that they would appreciate that personal touch of hearing directly from the city."
I think I speak for all the citizens, we have all been touched ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!
No response from the city council!
What are they going to say! We gave the city manager a bunch of money for something that we just made up?
72 grand for hit he took on house in AZ, yet AZ house was sold for profit!
Reunion House valued at $365,000 by City Attorney, yet Adams Cty says it is worth $413,000
further, Shea homes has it as $396,000
city attorney says "With those figures in mind, the City Council offered a discount of $72,000"
discount? then why give him cash now, why not wait until Sept. 2011 and give him a real "discount"?
CC council = the keystone council
bottom line I do not like any politician bailing out a guy who makes 170 grand a year. how do you sleep at night knowing that many citizens in your city are hardly making it and you give some over paid clown 72,000 dollars. What the hell is wrong with you guys?
I see a lot of people pissed on here and they have the right to be.
City Council is reckless, foolish and completely out of touch with the people you represent.
"Due to the unforeseen economic situation that has occurred throughout the United States, Flannery has been unable to sell his former residence..."
WELCOME TO THE CLUB FLANNERY! WHAT MAKES YOU SO DAMN SPECIAL?
to all citizens who are thinking of going to city council meeting and getting any kind of an answer.
Don't waste your time. The new format is that you can complain, but the council no longer has the right to respond back to you.
All the mayor does is brush it off to the city manager.
I suggest you email your council member directly. Get it in writing and post any official response you may get.
GOALS FROM COMMERCE CITY COUNCIL RETREAT (WHILE THEY WRITE OUT CHECKS FOR $72,000 TO CITY MGR FOR NO REASON THAT MAKES ANY SENSE!) GOTTA LOVE THE FIRST ONE, FINANCIAL STABILITY??? FOR WHO???
1. Financial stability
2. Economic development
3. Communication
4. Public safety
5. Transportation and transit
infrastructure investment
6. Restructured council meetings
7. Community planning and
development
8. Constructive relationships (local,
regional, national, international)
9. Parks, trails and recreation
10. Public health, wellness and
quality of life
11. Environmental sustainability
12. Legislative/ lobbying
13. Youth initiatives
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