The coming months will be a busy time for the City of Salida. Following is a short list of some of the more costly projects undertaken by the city. They will offer the citizens much needed improvements while employing local industry. First off, You might have noticed that Salida Public Works crews are out filling cracks in preparation for the chip seal project planned for this summer. The funds for the street maintenance and repair are a direct result of the voters approval of Ballot Initiative 2A. About $600,000 will go to this project. Due to the volatile cost swings of the petroleum based product used for all road jobs, the city will wait to commit further funds to street work until actual material costs are determined.
By July 1 the process for the bidding of Phase 1 and 2 of the improvement of the Highway 50 corridor will begin. The project is funded over 2009 and 2010 with a total cost of $700,000. City staff deserve enormous credit in getting this project funded as the application process was lengthy and time consuming. Their hard work is not yet done because, while the Project is funded with federal dollars, the city has management responsibility. Local contractors should note that you have to be a CDOT approved contractor to bid on this project. Public Works Director Rob Vance can point an interested contractor in the right direction to gain CDOT approval status.
Work has begun on the conversion of the old hospital into a Community Services Complex. This is a joint effort between the City of Salida and Chaffee County. Both the county and the city are committed to having as much of the work done by local firms as possible. DSI has been selected as the general contractor. Ron Mazzeo has been on board for some time as architect. The costly heating, ventilation and air conditioning project will mostly be done by local contractors with oversight by the energy performance contractor ENNOVATE.
Approximately $400,000 in improvements will be made to the water plant. These funds are largely allocated to get the high zone water tank on line. Also, last winter the reservoir roof was weather damaged. It has been temporarily patched but if not fixed it could cause a problem with our water quality. It will go to bid in August and should cost about $300,000.
Salida’s elected officials and staff are fully aware of the global financial crisis. We plan on staying in a positive position while watching costs and revenue very closely. The Finance Director has been directed to give monthly financial reports, rather than the normal quarterly reports, so major trends can be caught quickly allowing us to modify expenditures accordingly. City Administrator Jack Lewis has requested all Department Supervisors to have a 5% cost reduction plan complete within a month with the intention of reducing our reaction time should the financial situation worsen.
I see our strong commitment to hiring qualified local contractors as Salida’s own local stimulus plan. I strongly disagree with those who say now is not the time to ask much of anyone. I see this moment as an opportunity for Salida and Chaffee County. By maintaining our city and responsibly investing in it’s future we will be poised to come out of the financial crisis in a stronger position. We can only do this by avoiding the fear that keeps us from working together as a community. Fear is divisive and destructive. By emphasizing our common views and goals, by reaffirming our desire to be a part of the community as a whole, each of us, as a member of Salida and Chaffee County, can help the entire area to continue to thrive as the gem it truly is.
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