Another month has passed and once again it has been a very interesting education of your thoughts and concerns. Thank you to all that have posted and we look forward to hearing more of your opinions.If you are confused about how to post on the blog or feel more comfortable e-mailing me your opinion comments and concerns, please do so and we will post it for you.
E-mail: dustin.mcintyre@yahoo.com Dustin McIntyre, Gateway News and www.gatewaynews.org
*In general, an opinion is a subjective belief, and is the result of emotion or interpretation of facts. An opinion may be supported by an argument, although people may draw opposing opinions from the same set of facts.
589 comments:
1 – 200 of 589 Newer› Newest»Commerce City would be smart to follow the lead of Aurora. blighted the Old ACHS area, blighted Victory Crossings, blighted the Dog Race Track area, blighted certain areas of the north.
I would like to hear what it would hurt?
I disagree. Commerce City did this with Derby, don't see how this helps. True definition of "blight" is in which most buildings are abandoned or in severe disrepair. Does not fit the Derby area.
it opens up roads to grants and get the attention of those who want to develop.
By the way, in case you all dont know. There is a Taco Juniors in Commerce City Core. BEST tacos EVER!
Absolutely NO PROBLEM with Schlumberger utilizing their Property. Glad to have them there.
Council should approve this with no problem. A no brainer!
On July 25th, Sandy Corrothers? gave her opinion on the de-annexation movement of the Northern residents. She was very well spoken but Core City residents don't understand the degree of frustration Northern residents have concerning the lack of Parks and Recreation and services in the Northern Range. Mark Brown talked about completing that 8 mile trail loop up North by 2012, but said, that CC doesn't have the funding available. Which, sounds like the 3.2 million in Park funds is already committed to other projects. The man that wrote the July 5th Hub article deserves some slack as he was just venting the frustrations of thousands of residents in the Northern Range. Jim Benson said it was financially unlikely we could de-annex. Could Jim send his opinion to the Gateway so we all could read it? The Mayor tweeted about how much he enjoyed the water park. Wouldn't it be nice to have a water park and/or senior rec center up North? Go - King Soopers!
I would think Suncor is tired of giving to Derby. Commerce City is no longer a charity case. They need to develop the area. The time has come.
Wes,
Sounds like a campaign promise?
Brighton City Employee Arrested for Theft of Cash...
http://t.co/V81W0u6
brighton story is pretty crazy, you still all want to be part of that?
Brighton Story:
thats only one bad apple. What I am impressed with is the response from Brighton. Although, come 2012 when King Soopers is built and open, I will not be going to Brighton anymore.
Good points Estelle Remington!
too bad about suncor. would have liked to see Derby keep on the roll it was on.
Water Department (South Adams County Water and Sanitation) should have put a location there in Derby Commerce City. That would have stimulant others to come.
GN, a good topic you might want to cover is when will Commerce City final take over the out dated Water Department (South Adams County Water and Sanitation).
Too bad there isn't much interest in CC's government since HOA's and metro districts provide most needs for two of the largest communities in the north.
Please make your neighbors aware of what's at stake in the elections.
We don't need people representing the city that can't manage their own lives and finances.
22 people did come out of the woodwork for the Johnson Seat in CC. There seems to be interest.
Many have already announced. Only one in Brighton announced.
I figure there will be more this coming up week.
I would like to see both Commerce City and Brighton councils to support the 27J mill override when it come out and also Initiative 25.
Ollie (Parent of 2 27J students)
Why not push for a hospital at the old racing dog track in Commerce City? Great location off the highways. Would be a great location.
Would turn that entire area around quickly.
What Tracey wants to do with her discretionary funds speaks directly to who she is as a person. A good heart where the community comes first.
Exactly what we need in state level house.
anyone ever think of what might happen to the little grocery store that is right next door to the planned King Soopers?
Not very nice to push them out, is it? They just started.
Music in the Park scheduled for this Thurs at 6:30 pm in Pioneer Park.
anonymous:
So now are you saying, you don't want a large grocer??
I too have thought about the independent "deli/grocery store"
I have shopped there and hope he does well, but having said that he has a very limited selection.
Maybe he can direct his product to a real specialty, that will do just that, make him special and unique.
Hospitals are not expanding, many are losing money by the buckets. Luthern just did major layoffs and they are the only hospital in their area.
I heard that since we are so close to downtown Denver & all the many hospitals they have, a hospital will never be built here(and contrary to some people's ideas, the city can not make them come)
I agree about Tracey Snyder! I thought it was great that she is willing to donate her funds to the kids in both districts that need help with school supplies and clothes! Nobody else has ever done that with their "funds"! We appreciate her help and know that she has a great heart for struggling families!
I am one of the single mothers that called Mayor Pro Tem Tracey Snyder. I went to the school to get the list for my child and could not believe how much was on it! And then there are the uniforms in addition to the supplies! I called her to find out if there was any help anywhere- not only did she offer to help me personally, but she said she would see if she could help several of us who really need it! Thank you Tracey for taking care of the people you represent! We wont forget it!
Thank You to Tracey Snyder!
We need more people like you in the world!
response to "So now are you saying, you don't want a large grocer??"
I don't live in the North, I live in Commerce City Proper.
I do not like giving huge tax breaks to any business because we are just desperate.
I can't figure out why if the Brighton King Soopers was only 10 minutes away, what the big deal was.
Why didn't council just hold strong and make the city a couple million in tax revenue.
Name a Hospital that is close to that Commerce City/Denver area?
Also, didn't St. Anthony Central just build a new Hospital?
Also, isn't the population going to dictate if Hospitals will be built. Are we not growing by leaps and bounds?
Still think a the old dog racing track in Commerce City would be an ideal place for a Hospital.
I didn't even know Council had funds to anything with. I would like to know what the council did with these "funds" in the past. Or even what the rest of the council is doing with their "funds" it should be reported in Public Meeting like what Tracey did.
how much does Commerce City Council get in Funds to do whatever they want with?
I challenge all of Commerce City council to public say what they have done with their discretionary funds.
Since they have been on council.
"Water Department (South Adams County Water and Sanitation) should have put a location there in Derby Commerce City. That would have stimulant others to come."
So I guess this was already decided?
That would have been a good move on part of the water district.
I figure in about 5 more years, Commerce City will be taking over the water district.
Commerce City to announce major redevelopment project August 3rd...
Maybe a Boys and Girls Club, Finally!?
Great News! what is it? Nice to be a boys & girls club!
In the past, the city paid for the council members to attend various events & dinners.They were invited as representatives of the city and
many were fund raisers for non-profits.
The change came about, because too many times people would commit to go to something, then not show. Money spent and empty seats were a bad representation of the city and funds.
The decision was made to give the council members an amount to use for the year for such events.
If they did not go, the money for the seat/ticket came from their "account", which seemed to stop most of the problem.
When the funds have not been used some of the council have donated them to non-profits.
Maybe it is an event center in Derby.
To follow up on the anonymous statement of funds for council:
My understanding is the amount for dinners and events came from their accounts "council funds" if they do, or do not go.
Not just if they do not go.
That way the council would more carefully pick the things they would attend.
Am I right GN?
Good topic, but I don't know. You are most likely correct. I will verify today.
Commerce City Urban Renewal Authority will announce the purchase of 65-acre site in the heart of Commerce City. More details this afternoon.
Dusty,
where is this at in Commerce City?
I think it is the area of the Mile High Greyhound Park at 6200 Dahlia Street.
I will verify this also this afternoon.
I have a bunch of questions about the URA (Commerce City).
Dusty, can you make a different section for this topic?
That would be great, if it is the old dog track.
The area has been up for grabs for awhile, at least if the city takes it, there will be some better control as to what goes in there.
Not a casino!
Yes I will. Let me attend the media conference to get more details and then yes I will start a new section.
Congratulations to Commerce City and the Commerce City Urban Renewal Authority! This is great news.
I find it funny how everyone was talking about the old dog track back on Monday. Then all of a sudden this news comes out.
Dusty,
Who is on the URA and what are their terms?
I am confused about this Dog Track thing. The press made it sound like the area will be redeveloped very soon. If it was that great of a site ready for redevelopment so soon why did the owners sell it so cheap? What are the new businesses and what type of housing are going to be built? I am very surprised there is that much interest to build something on that site when the Victory Crossing and Derby can't attract any new business? this doesn't make sense why is it such a great deal - I would like that 4 million to build the park in my neighbor that the City has a had a sign that says "future park" for years now?
Once again cc spits at the residents in the Northern enclave who've taken a gamble moving here.
NOW is the time to really give thought to bringing a vote to dissolve the relationship.
We don't even share the same school district. Given our proximity to DIA, please join me in sending letters to city of Denver and major news outlets expressing interest in becoming part of their city. If we can generate enough interest they will come.
So the City bought something that absolutely no one else was interested in for a good price so the City could control what gets built some day in the very distant future - what is all the fanfare about? Westminster did this with the old mall - why are the most simple things always made out to be groundbreaking and earth shattering? Someday soon the City will claim they invented the formula for ice and then have a press conference about it.
The URA members are the same as the Commerce City Council. They will be renewed as the council changes.
Adams 14 has a 33.27 percent overall proficiency.
Nothing to be proud of. Lots and lots of work needs to be done.
North get king soopers, South gets old run down dog track. Seems pretty even so far. No need to get all upset and split from ole Commerce City yet. Besides, you need to get a lot more interested first.
Bottom line: 1% of people know what is happening and act. 10% know what is happening. 90% are asking, what just happened?
GN reported that Adams County Youth Survey 2010-2011... 67% of youth report no marijuana use in that last 30 days...
That means that 33% have smoked marijuana in the last 30 days! Am I crazy or is that a lot!
Ryland,
Even worse the Commerce City Council want to impose a Excise Tax on Marijuana! Taxing the Children of Adams County! Does the Commerce City Council no like children?!
Archer,
that is for medical marijuana, and a lot of people do not get your attempt at humor. If I were you I would stop.
Discretionary Funds
No one doubts Tracy Synder's "Good Heart" in the giving of her personal funds to help a mother that called her for help with school supplies. But, the offer of giving of her discretionary funds that she doesn't use for city business and getting fellow city council members to give their funds for much needed school supplies seems to disagree with city policy. City Charter Sec. 4.6 b - "The Mayor and Councilman may upon order of the council be paid such necessary bona fide expenses incurred in service in behalf of the city." Charitable giving comes out of ones personal funds and not out of city funds. Each year, the police dept., retail stores, churches and other charitable organizations give to area children that can not afford school supplies. Last year, as I remember, Tracy made a motion that the city would provide car seats out of city funding to area families and then either the fire dept. or the police dept. offered to get car seats for these families. When giving to the area's family material needs that giving needs to come from the heart and out of personal funds not out of city discretionary funds.
Monday, Aug. 8th, Commerce City Council to Discuss Process of Citizen Communications During City Council Meetings...
http://tinyurl.com/3ptvzzp
Look Xcel it can happen!
http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_18620694
Police Activity in Reunion {South Lawn} Area
Yesterday officers responded to a report of a suicidal male with a handgun in the 10000 block of Salida Street.
Officers responding to the area established communications with and a perimeter around the house. In addition, the roadway was blocked to prevent cars and pedestrians from going past the house.
The man voluntarily walked out of the house and was taken into custody without further incident.
Only Estelle would find something wrong with Tracey Snyder trying to help kids get school supplies and uniforms! Estelle, this is low even for you! The Council discressionary funds are usually for Councilmembers to use to attend dinners or activites for the City that are not covered in the Budget. Traceys offer to use some of her money to help the kids means there are other things she will not get to do. But she knows that the kids need the help. She is a single mother, she knows how hard it is! Estelle you need to give her a break and stop trying so hard to find something wrong with every nice thing she tries to do! She is a good leader, and I dont see any other Council member suggesting they help the kids!
Dear Estelle Remmington,
I am the mother who said to this blog that I called Mayor Pro Tem Snyder to ask her for some ideas about how to cover the high cost of school supplies and uniforms. I said in my comments on this blog that "not only did she offer to help me personally", she also decided to go back to Council to see if she could get some additional help. To answer you, yes, she helped me with her own money. And it isnt the first time she has helped people in our community with her own money.
You are wrong in your comments and you are wrong about Tracey. She is kind and generous and has a huge heart. We are tired of watching you talk badly about her! She doesnt deserve it!
Shame shame on you Estelle Remmington! You say that Tracey Snyder's wanting to give car seats last year and school supplies this year somehow is wrong?! Seriously Estelle! Will you stop at nothing to try to make good people look bad? Please do not answer this-we are all in need of a break from your opinions!
Help Children or go on to D.C. to some White House event that means nothing.
You decide.
As for me, I choose Helping Children!
Tracey did the right thing. people need help, you have to do what is right in your heart.
GN, can you post the comments from the council communication on your cover stories?
I find them very interesting.
Request to post comments from Cover Stories "Commerce City Council to Discuss Process of Citizen communications during City Council meetings"
4 comments:
Anonymous said...
Keep it the way it is. You are only asking for trouble if you change it!
Don't let Benson bully his way on this one!
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Archer said...
I say okay to change it as communication is a 2 way street. Council will just have to be disciplined enough to know when to shut up.
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Anonymous said...
No need to get in a fight with residents, when you are blind sided. I say don't play stump the chump. Keep it the way it is now.
Thursday, August 04, 2011
JL Commerce City and Activist said...
Why not let the public talk then, respond back to them the next meeting? There easy solution.
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Commerce City is asking for trouble if they let people come in and blind side them with unexpected issues.
Communication is a 2 way street. Get the information from the people and then take some time to form a plan of action.
I also say, Don't let Benson bully his way on this one, keep it the way it is now.
At the last City Council meeting, Bob Gehler, said that discretionary funds can be used for the "good of Community," so, Tracy can give her funds for School Supplies. It was mentioned that the choice was between a trip to Washington, DC or to community. Over the years as a special ed. teacher, I have given thousands of dollars to my students and purchased yearly (10 yrs.) classroom supplies not covered by private schools and textbooks, expensive readers for students. Given Tracy's position as a council representative that wants to go on to State representative it would seen that a trip to Washington, DC would be important. She could still give out of her own funds, like, we all do.
The Mayor mentioned that council is spending twice the amounts on the North as on the South at this current time. I would be interested in seeing the total amounts of spending on projects North and South since 2007. If, I remember correctly, it will cost millions of dollars to build and yearly maintain a Boys and Girls Club. If, you do not care to read what I write, don't read it.
if cc is spending twice the amount in north, where is it being spent at?
Spending twice the amount in the north from the south? Is that the GID or Commerce City?
I have been reading this blog for a while and I am very disappointed. Most of you who write are so negative and tell us how bad the city is being run. This year you have a chance to impact the city by running for a seat on council and yet only one person has come forward to run for two of the 5 positions. Are you really satisfied in letting the city go backwards by allowing people who got the city to this point to run it again and win with no competition?
Shame on all of you.
still time left. maybe some more will come out.
Brighton has one one for all of their positions, Greeley is canceling their election for lack of interest.
I am surprised that there was 22 for the Johnson seat and only one or two continued on.
Perhaps the process scared them off.
gn,
people are mixing up the topics, can you put General Issues on top.
If, Discretionary funds are no longer used or needed to represent CC at city functions, then, perhaps the time has come to discontinue Discretionary funds, altogether. In this last Gateway News, it gives a financial report on next year's budget and says that "management is working with finance to reduce expenditures request." One would guess these funds would total 9 X hundreds and thousands of dollars.
good point Estelle.
Good idea. You have no idea how much was wasted in the past on empty seats at functions were past council just didn't show up. Waste of money, not to mention embarrassing too.
GN, can you find out how much each council member was allotted for their "funds". I doubt it was a large amount.
I do feel that as a city we need to be represented at functions, but also feel that if a council person doesn't show up when they say they will the amount should be taken from them.
People respond best when they are held responsible.
I will ask for the amount per council member.
I have to say,
I am not that fond of making the commerce city mayor a different position from the council.
I feel like if this does become a ballot question, it will fail.
How it is suppose to work:
Become a council member, then graduate into a mayor. Then get out and let someone else take a turn.
No tax on medical marijuana or ANY marijuana.
Why would you tax those who are already suffering. I don't care about the ones who got a patient card because of headaches.
I am talking about the patients that are in the final stage of cancer.
Seems to be not right.
Even at the reduced 7%.
Any reason why Commerce City Council took off the citizen communication discussion off agenda last night?
When did the mayor as a different position come up again? I believe Ford tried this at the end of his last term and it failed miserably! Dusty, maybe you can research that and report back. this would mean someone could be on Council for 16 consecutive years. The Mayor has no other special powers than the fact they run the meetings - they are the same as all the other Council Members so 8 years is 8 years whether in the Mayor or Council position. Some people just can't let go of the perceived power they THINK they have!
Did anyone out there watch the Council meeting last night? If anyone has even the slightest doubt who should represent Commerce City at the State House they should know now that it is in no way Dominick Moreno! He wants to take away free trash at a time when people are suffering more than ever? Tracey Snyder was the ONLY one to say no to this proposal! She was the only one to say that the extra cost of trash might take food off of peoples tables! Why is she the only one who gets it?!
I was just in shock after watching the Council meeting last night. Not only does this Council, with the exception of one, Mayor Pro Tem Snyder, want to take away free trash, but then Dominick Moreno wants to stop funding elected official retirement? Its only a very small amount, and for him to say that every elected official and every Mayor that ever served our City is "double dipping" is insulting! I am the spouse of one of those past elected officials, and I can tell you that my spouse worked very hard and missed plenty of dinners and family events to serve this City! And the small retirement wasnt much, but it was at least something. Dominick Moreno has shown once again that he is too young and has no idea what real life is like! He will never have my vote again for anything!!
Thank you Tracey Snyder for being the only one on Council to say NO to taking away free trash!!
I want to be as politically correct as possible.
I do NOT think taking away free trash service in Commerce City is the best thing. I was told there is a reason why the city stepped in and gave free trash service a long time ago.
dog tracks for free trash pickup, That was the saying for many, many years.
No dog track, no more free trash pickup.
$15 a month for trash service is high for some who are struggling in south.
Maybe city could cut the recycling program first. I heard stats are only showing about 50% are actually using it.
Commerce City is not in immediate financial crisis but could be a crisis if not controlled.
Needs to cut spending or increase income.
I commend Dominick for the willingness to demonstrate that council will sacrifice for the budget. In terms of trash pickup, CC is the only city around that provides it. Is it worth $1.2M or should that money be put into parks in the north? Many people can afford trash pick up, but the city needs to offer all or none properties. Maybe instead of everyone getting 'free' trash, the city can put in place a rebate program based on income levels. I worry about Tracey's- let's give all these handouts instead of hand ups.
The citizens were promised free trash when Commerce City was just in the south in exchange for keeping the tax revenues from the dog track. Bud has it right! No dog track, no free trash pick up.
Is the mayor being counted as a separate council position going to be on the ballot this year for Commerce City?
If I am thinking correctly, that means someone could be on council for 12 years straight.
how would Commerce City bill the residents for the trash service if they take it away. Will they partner with South Adams Water and billed it that way?
Also, when is Commerce City going to take over the water district?
That should be on the ballot this year.
Tracey giving gov. hand outs? So that makes her a good democrat now?
Everyone is sick of Commerce City always being a charity case.
City needs to STOP the free trash service and let the people pay their way.
OR Commerce City needs to present a ballot measure to raise the sales tax to the level of surrounding cities and then then can afford the free trash service to residents.
Gov. can't do everything for everyone.
I don't mind if Commerce City ends the free trash pickup. $15 is not a lot to ask for. Would the $15 still include the recycling pickup too?
response to "I worry about Tracey's- let's give all these handouts instead of hand ups."
How is slapping the citizens with a fee a hand up?
I thought council did not want to do any fees because it did not get the input from the residents. If they are going to really consider this, why not put a higher tax on the ballot or a new seat tax?
I would be all for a seat tax for trash service. Might as well get something out of Kronke.
if commerce city really does get rid of free trash service and pass the cost onto the people. What happens if the people don't pay? do they stop picking up the trash for those non-payers?
Also, what if you don't want it, is it mandatory will it be (required by law)?
trash issue still needs to be discussed by council. nothing is happening yet.
Tracey is not giving a "hand out", she is just worried that now is not the time to take away free trash and add yet another bill for people at a time when people are stuggling!
This has nothing to do with being a Democrat or Republican. Its about right and wrong.
I think that it is easy for Dominick to say lets stop funding the elected offical retirement, because it takes nothing away from him. His statement that the past Mayors and Councilmembers are "double dipping" is insulting and wrong. Many good people came way before him, in fact some before he was even born. So it takes alot of nerve to sit up there in the house that the past built and insult and take away from those who have served.
I think Dominick's point was that part time employees do not get this benefit, so why do part time elected officials get it? Right or Wrong, he does have a point.
gn,
did mayor ever get apology from Lynn Bartels for her comments on CC?
without free trash pickup, I have no need for commerce city. Brighton provides the education of my children. south Adams protects me against fire and provides paramedic service. My Bushmaster and dog provides home and personal security.
Roads and other infrastructure were provided by the builders, E470 authority, Brighton and Denver.(I never drive through old commerce city).
I see now other CO cities are thinking about getting rid of the secret ballot process. I think Commerce City should at least talk about it too.
GN when is the city manager's house loan due to the City- and the citizens?
What kind of retirement benefits do they get for a part-time job? Who gets that these days? How does that compare to other cities?
What happened to the travel expenses report on Monday nights council meeting.
I thought that was going to be talked about.
Is this just another "sweep under the rug"?
What was spent? Who had the most and how much?
Gateway can you please find out?
Can't wait to drive through cc proper and see ( and smell) the neighborhoods if trash service is taken away... Remember the whole cant have trash cans in sight from the street "law" they passed because a number of Estelle's buddies wouldn't take their garbage cans off the curb or would pile trash at he curb all week long waiting for their trash day? They thought that was. Problem wait until they start stock piling their trash for months in their back yard or burning it in their back yards!!!!!
I believe that the city manager's house loan is due in Sept.
My thought is he will NOT pay it off, trying to push the council to fire him.
I understand he has a clause in the contract that will pay him no matter why he leaves.
The go ahead & "Fire me", that gives him time to find a job.
I tried to contact him and he is "out of the office" for two weeks which pretty much brings him to Sept. hmmmm?
The city should get one last round of betting revenue out of the dog track building and start taking bets on if Jerry will attempt to get another extension on his house loan, actually cough up the money and assume the loan or just say I can't afford it/ qualify for it (loan to value of the house has to be HIGH right now on that address )
And some side bets for if/ when he defaults how long before council brings it up( let next group of elected officials take care of it or clean their own house before leaving)!
That would be interesting! Whats line for him to default anyway? I'm taking the under
So disappointed that no one else is running for the council positions, especially mayor.
The word is out that Ford is working with a number of people on "deals" that he will make sure go thru when he becomes mayor.
One includes annexing land in Brightons growth boundaires so he can provide them water (thru his dad on the water board).
Funny these same people are his "supporters" and that they paid for him to go on a trip to India (where many of them are from)
I just see more of the embarrassment that Adams county has faced, in our future.
I believe that the city manager's house loan is due on August 31.
CC Retirement and Golf Benefits
In Nov. of 2005, city council formed a Policy Task Force Committee "to perform an in depth review of current city council policies." (Sept. 29, 2005, CBS News 4 in Denver). As a member of that committee, we developed a new Expense Policy Plan. However, some of us wanted to change the Retirement Policy and Lifelong Golf Club memberships as well. These policies were written and passed by previous city council members and adopted 2002. Certain retired city council members received a set retirement amount each month according to a set of qualifications. I could not find those figures in my library, perhaps, GN could research those amounts. It looked like they would receive the same amounts as if still serving on CC for a lifetime of retirement. Just for an example: Suppose there were 9 eligible council members that received $500 each month or $6,000 per year. In ten years that would amount to $54,000. In my mind that would be double dipping. Because, they no longer are active council members and were paid a fair amount to serve on council. To put this into perspective, I have a $54,000 annuity that will pay about $400 a month as it matures or less depending on the Market. This retirement plan never goes down no matter what happens to the money markets.
On April 2002, council passed #CP-15 which said that for any member serving 5 years on CC they receive a "lifetime membership to Buffalo Run Golf course for golf only and to the Recreation Center (excluding paid programs)." It costs about $70 to Tee off and if one would golf once a week for 6 months that would cost about $1,680, for ten years, that comes to about $16,800 depending on how often one golfs. Now, take that number times 18 to 20 eligible golfers (includes 9 current CC members) or $33, 600 cost per year. Once again, the city taxpayers absorb all increases it costs to play golf ten years down the road. I'd say that CC members retire with a huge benefit package voted in by themselves. (Council Policies 2000-2005).
If, we cut just these two policies we could save the city about $87,600 per year.
Commerce City: MD&A portion of the CAFR has $20 million dollar mistake... a revised document will be noted on the city's website next week.
Post Reporter Lynn Bartels
"Twitter seminar going on right now at DP. A bit of advice newcomers: Never dis @CommerceCityCo. I learned that the hard way."
Not really an apology, but at least it is a start.
I know council members past and present who never use their golf course privileges and never will.
But if Commerce City own the golf course are we not really losing any money on it. Who cares if some council members use it for golfing. At least someone is. Not the best course in the area by a long shot.
I have no idea why someone is saying my buddies leave their trash cans out. In Sept. of 2005, I answered a letter to the editor of the Beacon by Corinne Denham about the trash along city streets and yards and how city council needed to "set standards for the good of the entire community." At that time, we had a population of about 30,000. "As one drives through any new community, one can see expensive homes with unfinished yards or no yards at all and trash all around them. As one drives through city streets one can see trash all over front yards. Houses that have little upkeep and little paint on them. Drive down Quebec Ave. or any city street and look at the tons of trash along Rocky Mountain Arsenal fence, Hwy #2. Look at the bags of trash and discarded furniture along 96th St. up to Tower Rd. That is our true image!" (From personal library.) We can not afford to go back to that image and, yes, there are hundreds of families in the Core City that do not have $15 to collect trash. But, we need to give them a hand up not a hand out!
I heard one of the ladies running for council is Sean Ford's old girlfriend.
Anyone know who it is?
Just wondering.
Mayor Paul Natale will surely go down as the worst mayor that Commerce City ever had. Thank our lucky stars that it is almost over. Please new Mayor, whoever you are or will be, fire the city manager and never do any of the things that Natale did. Please save our city, what little is left of it.
didn't Natale bring us king soopers in the north? can't be that bad of a mayor!
I am all for the taxing of marijuana in Commerce City.
Archer,
Looks like you were right on!
I had know idea. So Commerce City Council is going to tax the children of ACSD#14, at least the 33% of them who did do marijuana in the last 30 days.
http://gatewaynews-schoolnews.blogspot.com/2011/08/achs-psa-most-of-us-dont-smoke-weed.html
do the dealers need to get a business license or just come in and pay the tax to the city clerk or do they go to finance dept?
Will there be a fast lane Fridays to pay the marijuana tax?
Wow! so many questions.
thats right cc council. tax all the kids that are doing marijuana. great stuff.
being serious,
This marijuana issue is all about perception. For me, my perception is that Commerce City is condoning this behavior by taxing it.
It comes off as Commerce City is supporting the 2012 marijuana issue that is coming.
ALL ABOUT PERCEPTION!
I am all for the removing the council from planning board. Makes sense. I will vote yes on this one.
I am not for the mayor being a separate position. Need new ideas all of the time. I will be voting NO on this one.
I am confused by the marijuana question. I don't see how you can tax an illegal activity. But, if the money is going to public safety I will vote yes on in.
The last one, I don't really understand. I think it is just a clean up "makes more sense" thing. I will vote yes on this one.
Most important, I will vote YES on the 27J mill levy!!!!!!!!!!!!
Answer to discretionary funds
Each Commerce City council member receives $1,500 in discretionary funds each year.
GN,
there is a new candidate for ward 4.
All seats will be a race, except for mayor position.
any takers?
CC has never had a female mayor, hint hint.
I am voting YES on the Mayor as a separate position.
WHY? Because we have two really good experienced people who were never mayor that could be. Those people are Kathy Teter and Tracey Snyder.
The mayor position is not something to take lightly.
This needs to be someone who has the experience to lead. That comes only one way, NOT education, but the act of being on council.
I read that you "graduate" into a mayor and that is the perfect way to describe it.
If this does go to the people. Please think about it, don't let others influence you.
It will be a good thing for Commerce City.
the ballot questions were talked about during the council meeting, don't you guys watch it on TV?
How can CC tax something that is illegal?
why Not a auto theft tax too?
Lets start at 10% of the total value of the car.
Natale didn't bring us Kings - Shea Properties and King Soopers brought us Kings, Many of you are very confused about the Mayor's position - in the Charter it says "titular" and that means the figure head IN NAME ONLY! It is a formality - The City Manager runs the City just like every other City in the whole State except Denver. Mayor separate - I don't think so - 16 consecutive years in office is not a good idea for any government. VOTE NO ON BALLOT QUESTION CONCERNING TERM LIMITS FOR MAYOR! Ford tried this 4-6 years ago and we voted it down overwhelmingly - let's all do it again.
I don't think the City can afford to fire Flannery - his contract probably gives him God only knows what kind of severance and for all we know gives him the house with it! I hope this new Council looks hard at Mr. Flannery and his hoard of overpaid "assistants. Maybe the existing Council will "do the right thing" in respect to Mr. Flannery before they all depart into the sunset - only they can chose whether it will be as a hero or a lame duck - we all know where Natale will fall on this - Quack Quack!
looks like they are coming out for school board. why not commerce city council?
If doing the "right thing" in your opinion is firing him. That too could cost us money.He probably has contractual protection.
Don't think Tracey is interested in running for mayor. She is interested in the CO state house.
Tracey said that she would have loved to have run for Mayor, but under the current City Charter she cannot, as she is term limited. It too bad because I think she would have been a great "first female" Mayor! She has served in the Mayor position many times, and does a great job!
I am glad she is running for the State House because its the only way she can continue to serve the City since she is term limited.
There are alot of people that I know that think that she will do a great job.
I would like to extend an invitation to all candidate for both the Adams 14 BOE and the seats on City Council to the Monaco Neighborhood BBQ. You are free to pass out your materials, collect signatures and meet and greet the members of our community.
August 19th, 20ll 5 to 7 PM
Uriquides-Centennial Park, just north of Monaco Elementary, 7635 Monaco Street.
Larry Quintana
Communication Director (MNIC)
still time left to run for mayor of Commerce City. If you have been sitting on the fence, as I know some of you have. This is the time to act.
Trash Fee
Currently, CC gets 2.2 million for property taxes. It costs the city 2.6 million to pay to collect city trash for about 13,000+ units. Personally, we recycle about 95% of our trash and 50% of the city does not recycle. The suggestion was that if we charged a trash fee of $15 per household it would free up 2.6 million in expenses for other much needed infrastructure. Since, sales and use taxes are going down it makes sense to look around for other resources. We don't mind paying $15 a month and still benefit from recycling. This is out of the voters hands city council will make this decision as only council can charge fees. Has anyone considered, if, Tracy becomes a State representative how many free programs she will vote for using up taxpayer money desperately needed to run the State. Right now, CC desperately needs that 2.6 million for other things up North. From my library, it would cost over 2 million to build a Boys and Girls Club and about 1 to 2 million a year to maintain this program. All, out of taxpayer's pocket including those $500,000 a year payments for the next ten years for six Soccer fields we can't use.
Ford did try and push through a separate position for Mayor that would allow council members to serve 16 years or more and they also wanted to raise council stipend by 150% to $2,000 a month. Look for a salary increase if Sean Ford is elected Mayor. If, we discontinue council's retirement fund and discretionary funds we can save over $45,000 a year. We need some good people to run for Mayor.
Tracey would have made a Great Mayor. She is very young. Maybe someday she will be the first female mayor of Commerce City!
Dusty,
Any idea if there will be a candidates forum this year?
Regarding a Candidates Forum...
Community Enterprise is working with the Commerce City and Janet Union to hold one sometime in the middle of October. Slated for October 13th.
This will be held at the Commerce City civic center and should be on Channel 8.
The format would be a one to one, and then questions asked by the general public.
More details will be released as the date comes closer.
GREAT NEWS about candidate forum!
Mexican music on 72 in commerce city on sat. Was way too loud. Wonder how many complaints the city got?
should mayor be a separate seat?
YES! Otherwise we get what we are in now.
NO ONE from council is stepping up.
Why not?
Shouldn't the mayor ideally come from someone who is already on council currently?
That is why I am saying YES on mayor being a separate seat!
11 people going for Commerce City Council positions>?
NOT TOO BAD!
Nice turnout.
All are races except for mayor.
Still some time left!
District Attorney Term Limits and Commerce City Mayor Term Limits on the same ballot?
How is this going to play out?
Estelle, obviously you haven't lived in CC for a long time.
There were for years (and still are) many families who could not afford for trash removal.
The council many years ago decided to pay for the service(like Denver and a few other cities) so that the yards and alleys would not be constantly littered with trash.
It help immensely to improve the neighgorhoods.
So there you have it.
Maybe recycling ( paid by the city) needs to stop, but if the trash removal stops then we will really have a problem.
P.S. Why do you constantly go after T Snyder?
Why on earth can't some of you get that the mayor is the same as any other Council member - that's why the time is counted against the term. The ONLY differences is the mayor is called mayor not council member and they run the meetings - as a parliamentarian not as the one in charge. Tracy or Kathy should have ran against Natale if they wanted to be mayor just like Natale ran for it after only 4 years on Council.
I believe apathy is doing well in our city.
People have forgotten that
Ford wanted NASCA, helped some council members and staff to hide expenditures & indiscretions.
There was a "I'll watch your back, you watch mine" mentality. That way no one would "rat" out the other and loads of stuff "slipped by"
Transparency was not even a thought.
Too bad no one else will run for the office of mayor.
I would, but am way too old.
The I'll watch your back, you watch mine was more the city manager and police chief. not the council. Unless there is something I don't know.
10 to 11 people and only one for cc mayor?
C'mon cc lets get out act together!
Commerce City Mayor as a separate position failed in the past and it will fail again. I don't know what Jadie Carson if thinking.
Commerce City missing out on NASCAR will go down as the biggest mistake the the history of the city. That is a fact!
Mayor is the LEADER of the city. It is very much a completely different concept.
If not, then why do they have special little organizations such as "The Metro Mayors Caucus" (http://www.metromayors.org/)
Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government, a leader.
Not just the same as any other Council member.
I am voting for this. It only lost by the smallest percent last time around. This time it will pass.
Estelle, Estelle....
Check your homework facts again please... Although I agree paying for soccer fields we can't access and city programs are charged for was ridiculous, I believe that $500,000 payment was a one time construction gift from the city to Stan the man kronke not a recurring annual commitment ;)
The comment in jest of your buddies who will leave their trash out in their back yards was a refference to the 18% ( or whatever number you come up with this week) of commerce city dwellers that are illegals ( can't tell where your true intentions are with these people you want to create a committee to "investigate" to "help" or research or ????)
Hello I am new to the blog referred to here by someone that stated our city manager has a pending deadline to pay off a house that we the taxpayers have been paying for, for 4 years including his reunion rec center fees taxes and hoa fees?
They said I could find the details of his whole scandal on " the blog" and I had no clue what that was ...
They also said something about $800 car allowance and $72,000 bonuses he received for something related to selling his house he was living in prior to accepting a job here?
Anyone know where I can find out the truth on the whole story of this guy's contracts and benefits and when his deadline is?
Thanks in advance I see some references to deadlines and house deals but can't find the actual details
Really?
mayorpaulcc: We had a 17 million dollar surplus four years ago.It is now $22million during the worst financial times in decades.Let's get it right!
Then why cutting the budget?
If Commerce City has such a high surplus, then we should be able to keep free trash service?
$22 million dollars extra. That is GREAT NEWS! wait...
Commerce City has Surplus or the settlement from Sunor?
If that is true (22 mill surplus). And I don't doubt it is, I have NO PROBLEM with URA buying the Dog Track.
GN,
Can you ask City Staff if the Number Paul Natale is publishing is correct?
I guarantee Brighton does not have 22 million dollars in surplus!
To Anonymous looking for city manager deal.
My advice is to contact the Mayor of Commerce City Paul Natale or Council Member Jason McEldowney, to get it from the horse's mouth.
Ask about the 72 thousand dollar (relocation fee?), A loss on a house in AZ that the tax payers NEEDED to cover, because he is a great at his job.
Ask what the city manager original bought the house for in AZ and what he finally sold it for. Ask about the selling time line too.
After you get your answers, if you could explain it all to us. I think many would be very appreciative.
9 news link: http://bcove.me/9o8bpbc3
Also, 7 news, Denver Post, Westword, and Commerce City Sentinel covered it.
I don't think there are any real numbers of how many in Commerce City are illegal. How would anyone know?
From Commerce City's website:
The City's overall financial position increased during calendar year 2010 by $12,475,992.
Interesting, also from Commerce City website:
"Urban Renewal Authority - Members of the City Council serve as the governing body of this Authority. The abjective of the Authority is the acquisition, clearance, rehabilitation, conservation, development, or
redevelopment of slum and blighted areas within the City.
Commerce City has 5 million is surplus from 4 years ago? Hey that is good news. We are headed in the right direction. Not bad for the economic times!
Commerce City Elected Officials Retirement Plan (remember they are part time)
City is to provide a monthly cash benefit of twenty dollars per month for each year of service for Council members who have served more than five years,and have attained their sixtieth birth date.
This needs to end ASAP. Let the 9 who currently get it, keep it. Cut it off from here on out.
mayorpaulcc: We had a 17 million dollar surplus four years ago.It is now $22million during the worst financial times in decades.Let's get it right!
So please keep the free trash service. Please don't pass the cost onto the residents.
It would really help all of us, that since the city is fairing the economic downturn storm so well, you could help us who are not by NOT passing a fee onto us.
If any of you look at the actual revenues of commerce city, you will see that we are doing pretty damn well.
I agree, BOTTOM LINE, things are not so bad in Commerce City. We will all be okay.
Hater will be haters, let them hate and ignore them.
Really do wish someone else would try running for mayor.
"We had a 17 million dollar surplus four years ago.It is now $22million"
SURPLUS! All right, can we finally build the rec center in the north?
Today is first day of school for many. Please drive carefully.
Marcus and others.
The surplus shows smart spending.
It is a different concept from most governments and family budgets.
It plans for the future, rather than spending every dime and more.
Our city has not had to cut peoples jobs.
I believe they are looking at trash etc. to make sure they don't strain or over spend the budget.
Lets not be stupid and depleat our savings. You never know what costs may come up.
In the know,
you are right again, you are NOT in the know.
The "watch my back" did include a couple of people on council.
Those that, by keeping quiet, got to get meals on the city credit card and bring their entire families on city "business" trips.
Plus limousines and other perks.
By covering for the city manager's issues, the city manager covered the perks.
FYI - Mayor as separate position did not lose by a slim margin- it lost by about 66 percent against - 33 percent for - get your facts straight. read the Charter - Mayor - titular -figure head in NAME ONLY - it is ceremonial at best. City surplus is due to a one time only tax settlement from Suncor of about 15 million. the City budget for services is higher than the amount of money it brings in - you need a big surplus for emergencies. We could save money for services by trimming the City Manager staff, salaries and car allowances that are outrageous and ridiculous wen compared to other cities in the area bigger and smaller than us. Anonymous - don't just check up on the City Manager House - don't forget this guy did a $50,000 + office remodel when he arrived on an office in a BRAND NEW BUILDING, oh yeah and then there is the Federal Discrimination lawsuit filed against him as well- he is a real prize. Last thing , if i recall the City is paying Kronke 5 million for the fields the City don't own - so I think it will be many years of payments. Dusty maybe you can research that for us - actually research all of my claims and you will see they are generally very accurate - I go to council meetings and I read minutes of the meetings and the agendas - all the accurate information is there if you just spend a little time looking for it.
If CC got a big surplus, good! lets save it. as far as free trash service. That needs to end and end now! People can pitch in! Gov. can't pay for you forever!
CC needs to stop the free service, setup a fee schedule, and pass an ordinance that says residents can not Store or stockpile their trash on their property!
Anonymous "watch my back" is REALLY in the know. Great stuff!
15 mill. for suncor settlement.
Okay, so is that part of the 22 mill. surplus the mayor is talking about?
If so, when was the dispute with suncor? My point is that money should really be reflected the year the dispute with suncor started.
Not fair to take credit for money today that should have been paid to the city years ago, right?
If we are taking credit for this now, as "look we are much better today then four years ago."
That is just wrong.
Enough said.
Whoa! I do not think people are suppose to be talking about Suncor settlement amounts!
Commerce City is paying Kronke 5 million for the fields the City don't own?
Whole stadium thing is looking more and more like a big mistake.
ps, I learn so much from here! great comments.
Thanks to Kristine Sumner for a great event in So. Lawn on Sat.
She will make a great council member.
Dustie, I want to endorse a candidate that is running in my ward. Can you start a new section for candidate endorsements?
Adams School District #14
There was a big deal about getting rid of Sue Chandler (superintendent). The all of a sudden it just went away.
My concern would be that when the new school board gets on they will try to get rid of her again.
Why this getting rid of Sue such a big deal for some.
I have heard everything from it being a Hispanic thing to philosophy of teaching.
Bottom Line, is that the CSAPs did go up, why try to fix something if it is not broke.
I really hope 27J gets their mill levy passed this year. ACSD14 will be looking at one in the near future too.
To "FYI - Mayor as separate position did not lose by a slim margin- it lost by about 66 percent against - 33 percent for - get your facts straight."
November 7th, 2006 Ballot Question 2A:
Shall the home rule charter of the City of Commerce City be amended to amend Section 4.1 to provide that the mayor shall,
for purposes of term limits as provided in Section 11 of Article 18 of the Colorado constitution, be considered a position
separate and apart from other members of the city council?
YES: 3012 49.62%
NO: 3058 50.38%
http://www.northglenn.org/WEB-PDF/noticeofelection.pdf
http://co.adams.co.us/index.cfm?d=standard&b=1&c=9&s=243&p=799#COMMERCE%20CITY%202A
I find it interesting that the only thing the haters can find is the supposed "deal" with the city manager over his moving and house expenses.This was pushed by a council person who is no longer there. Does no one remember the negative press on the police chief cover up, the DUI arrests, the pen purchases that the last mayor said were ok, the out of state trips for family members, the credit card purchases not for city business, etc? And you want to re elect this guy. What are you thinking?
no one is running. if he is such a bad guy, why is there not a emergency to get a candidate to run like last time?
which DUI? there was a couple for Commerce City manager.
July 2001 and November 7, 2006
too bad the third term failed. otherwise we would have a whole bunch of people running.
Is there a Olive Garden going in near the Prairie Center?
Also,
Heard the mayor position was really only for ribbon cutting ceremonies.
If, residents would watch Channel 8 City Council meetings and take notes we would all be on the same page. I wish citizens could get copies of Tinklenburg's Budgets and graphs. On the graph that showed expenses and revenues it showed around 2006.6 months that a huge amount of money was paid on debts of the city. I'm sure that was Pioneer Park at about 3 to 7 million and six Soccer fields at 5 million to be paid off @ $500,000 for these next ten years. This agreement was reached at a summer retreat by council vote. Tinklenburg said that 14% of our population is living below poverty levels or about 1,918 households below poverty levels out of 13,700 units getting trash collection. I would like to give these people a hand up by getting area Food Banks, churches and charitable organizations involved in their welfare. It is against Colorado law to give tax payer's money to illegal immigration. (2006)
Tracy Snyder pushed for these projects for the Core City and is now pushing for a Boys and Girls Club for another 2 to 7 million building costs. Plus, the half-million dollar deal for CM with the knowledge of that 15 million Suncor tax settlement. This is a one time cash settlement and this money has long been promised to the North and it is time for a Rec/Civic Center and permanent police station and holding facility in the North. We will not get this opportunity for the next ten years because we will be paying off these other debts. I do not pick on Tracy, I pick on her spending and voting record which is public knowledge.
I take it that Commerce City has no more "Suncor" ($15 million) deals on the back burner?
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