The City of Salida and her partners are applying for this unique and most likely once in a lifetime opportunity to realize our long term vision of transforming the abandoned railroad yard into a public riverside recreation and natural area in the heart of Salida and to provide legal access to our trails and public lands to the north.

The Salida Siding Trail Project includes the purchase of 14.03 acres of land from the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) for a 1 mile non-motorized trail corridor along the north side of the river, a pedestrian underpass below the tracks, a wildlife friendly fence along the public trail, an upstream pedestrian bridge across the Arkansas River connecting to the City’s Marvin Park, fishing/picnic/seating areas, river bank stabilization, and a parking lot and restroom.

City officials and interested individuals have been working for many years with the UPRR to acquire legal access across and along the Railroad property to alleviate a trespassing issue across the tracks, which are currently inactive.  The City has not, until this point, been financially able to pursue the UPRR’s offer to sell the property.  Fortunately, however, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) introduced a new River Corridors Initiative with funding of up to $32 million for large-scale projects centered around river-based recreation and open space.  The Salida Siding Project concept was accepted by GOCO and the City of Salida has been invited to submit a full application for this initiative by March 16, 2012.

The project will have a significant impact on downtown Salida serving as an attraction for visitors seeking access to the river and the miles of trails adjacent to downtown.  With this project, visitors will now have a substantial and accessible parking lot to use while they spend the morning fishing or hiking and then walk into downtown for lunch.  This recreation amenity in the heart of our downtown will bolster our reputation as a destination with a variety of easily accessible activities including recreation, entertainment and the arts, shopping and dining.

The total project cost is approximately $3.6 million.  The City Council has pledged to financially help the project with Conservation Trust Funds.  Additional funding, as well as in-kind support, is being sought from other partners.

We encourage everyone interested to please come help us significantly improve and enhance the quality, utility and appreciation of the Arkansas River corridor in the heart of Salida.

Dara MacDonald, Community Development Director

Article source: http://cityofsalida.com/2012/02/salida-siding-trail-project-public-meeting/

Pridemore Construction will have G St from Third St to Fourth St closed from February 1st-February 2nd for construction on a new sewer service line. If any concerns arise please call Public Works at 719-539-6257. Thank you for your patiences.

Filed under Public Notices

Article source: http://cityofsalida.com/2012/02/road-closure-2/

The old primary clarifier, trickling filter, and secondary clarifier, which were installed in 1956, were demolished and removed. Excavation walls were soiled and nailed for shoring, so the sides will not cave in. Forming began shortly after all of the excavation was done, rebar has been tied, and 3,140 yards of concrete has been poured so far. New gas lines have been installed as well as a temporary house water line. Dewatering of the sight is performed non-stop to a tune of 50,000 to 400,000 gallons per day.

The project has moved along smoothly. There is a good working relationship between wastewater treatment staff and Moltz Construction, as well as the City’s engineering firm Schmueser Gordon and Meyer with on site engineer Dave Shepherd.

During construction, the plant built in 1985 is treating waste really well. We will see how this goes when the flows increase in the spring, but right now, the plant is working extremely well. Plant staff has been working closely with project manager Ted Senter and job superintendent Chad Carter to make sure we are completely involved in project decisions.

Soon treatment basins that have been poured will need to be leak tested. Equipment – pumps, piping, blowers and fittings – show up at the job sight non-stop. It seems as fast as parts show up, they are being installed.

With construction, some of our services have been temporarily postponed such as dumping of charter buses and RVs. We are still working with septage haulers and trying to keep the septage dump stations functioning. We should be able to continue to dump rafting groovers; we just have to handle them a little differently than we did since access through the site is limited.

Overall, the project is moving along well, and we are excited to see the progress over the following months. Most of all, we are excited to see the new treatment process come together. With the new system, we will be able to put a really good effluent back into the Arkansas River, and being able to remove the nutrients from the effluent is our number one goal. The process that we are putting in will work effectively, and we will keep citizens up to date on construction.

We still have biosolids available for give away from the 2010 season, and we are getting ready to test the 2011 biosolids for give away this year.

Randy Sack, Wastewater Treatment Plant Director

Article source: http://cityofsalida.com/2012/01/wastewater-treatment-plant-update/

The “City of Salida Parks, Recreation, Trails, and Open Space Master Plan” (Master Plan) adopted in 2008 was created to serve as an assessment, vision, and action plan for implementation for existing and future recreation uses in the city. The purpose of the plan was to establish a clear set of goals, policies and objectives that would provide direction to staff and elected officials for enhancement of the community’s parks, trails, open space, recreation programs, services and facilities.

The Master Plan has been successfully used over the past three years to guide improvements and set priorities for the city’s recreation based programs.

The inventory section of the Master Plan identified Centennial Park as “an aging park in an ideal location to serve the tourists and residents alike, it suffers from age and neglect. With proper attention this park could once again be a featured park of the community.” The Hot Springs Aquatic Center was identified as a “focal point” of the community; however, it was noted that its condition has been an issue with the community.

The Master Plan identifies maintenance and improvement of existing facilities as goal number 7. In particular it recommends that a park master plan should be completed prior to any major improvements. ”The focus of Centennial Park should be that of a gateway park for the community; it should be maintained at the highest levels and should provide opportunities for residents and visitors.”

Some of the goals identified for the park include: installation of a new playground (due to age and current playground conditions); renovation or removal of the fitness course (due to age, condition and use); create visual separation between park and recycling area; upgrade site furnishings; improve signage; renovate shelter to be more inviting and interesting.

Goal number 7 also identifies improvements to the Hot Springs Pool as a top priority. It does not however identify what those improvements might be. Many improvements have indeed been made to the Hot Springs Pool over the last several years and records show that those improvements have resulted in increased attendance and revenue.

The Master Plan identifies pursuit of alternative funding to implement improvements. The City of Salida has been very successful in requesting and receiving grant monies. Most recently the City received a Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) grant in the amount of $440,000, which when matched with funds from a lawsuit and general fund dollars allowed for the water line insulation project, renovation of three soaking pools, renovation of two restrooms, destratification fan installation and the airlock entryway for the pool. We will again pursue alternative funds to off-set plan implementation costs.

Additionally, potential traditional funding opportunities were identified as a means to fund improvements. Traditional funding would likely include some sort of debt issuance in the form of bonds or certificates of participation. Other funding opportunities include creation of a special district or increasing property taxes. Most of these funding opportunities would require a vote of the people for implementation and require much more detailed discussions with City Council and the community.

Staff is currently exploring the possibility of Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) funding in the fall 2012 cycle and will be looking at and for other funding options.

Currently identified improvements to the park and pool will no doubt generate more revenue for the pool as well as additional expenses. No improvements come without costs and ultimately City Council will be charged with determining if the added costs will be justified by increased revenue and other economic benefits to the community. The recently remodeled soaking pools, which have been open for 13 weeks have generated approximately $5,000 and have been rented in excess of 360 times. This is a good first blush test of whether people will use the facilities if they are available.

The newly created “Draft Centennial Park Master Plan” identifies several improvements to the pool and park. The draft plan is on display at the pool along with comment cards for written feedback concerning the plan. Other opportunities exist for giving your opinion, which we want and encourage. We will be hosting a public meeting on January 26^th at 5:30 pm in the Annex of the SteamPlant, 220 W Sacket Ave. Staff will present the Draft Centennial Park Master Plan. Following the presentation there will be ample time for citizen participation; written comments will also be accepted. Comments may be emailed to theresa.casey@cityofsalida.com, or to dara.macdonald@cityofsalida.com, or call Theresa Casey at 719-539-6738. If you are unable to attend the community meeting, but would like to see the plan you can find it on our website at www.salidarec.com. Your opinion matters.

Article source: http://cityofsalida.com/2012/01/centennial-park-master-planners-seek-public-input/

“I look forward to serving the community in this capacity, as I love Salida and what it has to offer,” she said.

Filed under Administration, City Government, News

Article source: http://cityofsalida.com/2012/01/city-announces-new-deputy-city-clerk/

Since I last wrote an article, the weather has certainly changed. I want to talk about winter driving tips and safety measures. The first item you should check on is your vehicles readiness for winter driving. Check the tires, as this is a very important issue on slick roads. Make sure you have good tread and appropriate tires for all seasons, new wiper blades so you can keep the windshield clear of ice and debris, and double check the coolant system as heat is necessary to keep the windshield free of snow and ice.

I want to address some winter driving tips, which hopefully will help each of us stay safe. I believe most of these ideas tips are common sense. When the roadways get packed with snow and ice, it only makes sense you will need to slow down as your traction is reduced. Stopping distances can become a lot greater on snowy and icy roads. So, it is very important that you have good tires, reduce your speed on icy conditions and stay calm if you do slip and slide. If you do lock up the wheels on ice your traction is reduced even more and you will lose control of your vehicle.

Your driving style is very important at any time but especially on winter roadways. The best advice is to keep your driving smooth. Do not over react. Most of the accidents in town are the result of overreaction once the vehicle looses control on the icy road – braking suddenly or turning the steering wheel too fast. There are three things that you do while you’re driving- steering, accelerating and braking. It is important that you separate these three actions, only doing one at a time. As you steer in to a turn do not accelerate or brake. If you are braking do not turn the steering wheel.

The last item I will cover is preparedness, especially if you are driving longer distances in the winter time. Keep your fuel tank at least half full, carry blankets, water, snack items and if possible a cell phone. Check your spare tire to see if it is in good order. Be sure to call 511 for the latest road conditions or go to cotrip.org and click on road conditions to get the latest road information in the state.

Our department would like to thank all the citizens of Salida for your continued support. Have a safe and enjoyable winter. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 539-6880.

Chief Terry Clark

Filed under News

Article source: http://cityofsalida.com/2012/01/chief-gives-winter-driving-tips/

The City has a full-time job opportunity for a detail-oriented accountant with strong customer service skills. This position is in charge of accounts payable; processes payments, general ledger entries and financial reports; reconciles accounts; maintains records and assists with a variety of accounting and administrative duties; acts at Deputy Registrar for southern Chaffee County, issuing birth and death certificates; assists customers at City Hall.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position with medical, dental and retirement benefits. The working hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; promptness is important. Job duties may occasionally require longer hours; however, overtime is expected to be managed to a minimum. The small office setting requires a strong work ethic where all employees are expected to cross train and assist others as needed to cover staff absences and busy periods.

Please read the full job description for more details about the position and qualifications.

Starting salary range is $28,480 to $35,600 ($13.69 to $17.12 per hour). Pay is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Email a cover letter with your resume and job application to jobs@cityofsalida.com.

The position will remain open until we find the right candidate. EOE.

Filed under Administration, Jobs, News

Article source: http://cityofsalida.com/2012/01/job-opening-for-accountant-i/

With cold weather, we have experienced some frozen water meters. Not only are they an inconvenience for the property owner, they cause issues for Public Works. Over the years, we have searched for causes and solutions. Unfortunately, we have not found a solution that eliminates the problem. We have looked at everything from different types of insulation to doing away with the meter pits altogether and having the water meter in or under people’s houses.

The one common factor that we have found that causes meters to freeze is the lack of use.   This can happen if a property owner is gone for a length of time. The longer someone is gone, the more likely that the water meter will freeze. We have also noticed that for those property owners that do not use much water, they have a tendency to freeze.

In an effort to address the freezing problem, the Public Works Department offers a free service to turn off the water and remove the meter for property owners leaving for an extended time. We will then come back out and restore water service once the property owner returns. We ask that those using this free service do so during our normal hours of operation; Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

For those that choose to use this service, we ask that once they request the water service be restored, they are present at the home or have someone with access to the home to be present when the water is turned back on.  We do this as a protection for the property owner, so we can ensure there is not a leak inside the home.

Another thing people can do to protect themselves from freezing meters during periods of extremely cold weather is to leave a small stream of water running. The City does not offer any type of a credit for property owners that do this.  We understand that this can be costly, but it does offer a solution to prevent frozen meters.

It is also important that people are aware of the hours in which we will come out and thaw frozen water meters.  Those hours are as follows:  Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Those people that discover they have a frozen meter after the above hours will be placed on the next day’s service schedule.  All frozen meter service calls are addressed in the order they are received.

Rob Vance, Public Works Director

Filed under News, Public Works

Article source: http://cityofsalida.com/2012/01/tips-for-frozen-meters/

City of Salida Recreation seeks an enthusiastic, self-directed individual for the position of Front Desk Coordinator. Responsibilities include serving as the initial contact for the Aquatics Center, opening and closing of the facility, daily cash banks and deposits and supervision of staff. Up to 25 hours/week. Starting salary is $13.69/hour. Job description and applications available at the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center.

Filed under Jobs, Recreation

Article source: http://cityofsalida.com/2012/01/recreation-and-aquatics-job-opening/

For example, backyard chickens were against city codes, and a single citizen approached the city and successfully changed the policy.  In another case, two citizens petitioned the City to alter zoning so that someone could not build or remodel a house in a manner that didn’t fit in with the existing character of the homes on the same block. The final guidelines were based simply on mass and scale after a long and often excruciating process, but the applicants stuck with it for two years and accomplished what they were seeking through a compromise that a hundred neighbors could live with.

I felt like those defending their property rights eventually agreed that deep down it was a good idea, and most of them were okay with the end result.  Of course some didn’t agree with it at all, but their comments were clearly considered in the final result. The point is – a lot of folks were paying attention. There was recently a controversial duplex built in a neighborhood without this ordinance, and it would be interesting to survey that neighborhood on their feelings about such an ordinance now.

When I watch our Federal “representation,” I am overcome with the sense of helplessness. I could go and complain, rant and holler and give whatever input I might have, but I know it will never be considered.  They will just continue to “represent” their “constituents,” whoever they are. They think that no one is paying attention. The sad thing is they are mostly right.  Congress has not represented my interests for two decades now; therefore, I register as an unaffiliated because both parties claim to represent me. However, in actuality, neither do. I vow to pay attention to my constituents.

Mr. Rahe recently invited me to speak to his fourth grade government classes at Longfellow. I spent about a half hour in each of the three classes discussing government, elections, budgets, levels, boards, commissions, special districts (which they asked me about), and, most of all, the importance of paying attention.

I was also able to convey how 3 cents on the dollar can add up to 5 million dollars, and that it’s probably pretty important to pay attention to how your City Council decides to spend it. When I demonstrated how we lose those 3 cents when people spend their money out of town, the look on their faces told me they clearly got it. So, if your children deride you for shopping on the I-25 corridor, make sure you let me know about it.  I will be happy that they were paying attention.

Salida Mayor Don Stephens

Article source: http://cityofsalida.com/2011/12/local-participation-leads-to-change/

In addition to the routine maintenance of streets, parks and facilities that the Public Works department undertakes every day, a rebuild of west Sackett was completed in 2011.  This brings the City to a total of just over 19 miles of street overlays, chip seal and rebuilds since 2006.  Public Works also managed to apply 8,700 pounds of crack seal to streets this year.

Efforts continue to replace street signs to comply with current Federal regulations.  In 2011, public works replaced regulatory signs (stop signs, yield signs, etc.) and plans to replace all street name signs throughout the City in 2012.

Over a million dollars is budgeted for street improvements in 2012 including completion of East Sackett and North C Streets, Phase II of the Hwy 50 streetscape project and engineering for a rebuild of H Street planned for construction in 2013.  The Milk Run Trail will be constructed in early 2012 extending the Monarch Spur Trail to Starbuck Dairy Subdivision, Wal Mart and Highway 50.

The City continues to explore the hot springs source in Poncha Springs.  In 2011, the City used grant funding to conduct a thermo gradient study.  Results of the study were positive enough that the City is pursuing magnetotelluric testing of the site in early 2012.  Read more about this project and study results at www.cityofsalida.com under Projects.

The hot soaking pools were reopened this fall after many years of inactivity.  With the new insulated line, incoming water temperatures are ranging from 113 – 118 degrees, more than 12 – 15 degrees warmer than in recent years.  These improvements, paid for largely with grant funding from the State of Colorado, have improved the pool for citizens and visitors.

Other improvements at the pool this year include two remodeled, ADA compliant restrooms, seven destratification fans to reduce condensation, an airlock entry to control air temperatures at the front door and bringing the parking lot up to ADA standards.  In addition, Salida Recreation welcomed Maggie Murdoch in 2011 as the Recreation Coordinator.

A new liner was installed at the water galleries reservoir this year.  New chlorination equipment was installed in the system and the backwash pond was cleaned in 2011.  These improvements help to secure the quality of our drinking water and stop water loss that has been occurring in recent years.

The big news in wastewater this year is the construction of the new treatment facility currently underway.  The project, awarded to Moltz Construction, is funded through a combination of state and federal grants and a low-interest loan from the USDA.  The project will continue through 2012 with completion expected in early 2013.

The Salida Fire Department continued providing their regular high level of service in 2011.  Through November of this year, the department had responded to over 1,000 EMS and fire calls in and around the City and was deployed to seven wildland fires in 2011.  Staff put in 1,132 hours of training and maintaining certifications.

The City expects to place an order for a new rescue engine in 2012.  A grant is pending which would fund most of the expense of the new engine if awarded.

Salida police have been very effective in 2011 maintaining a clearance rate of around 90%.  When faced with an unusual case of a bank robbery in downtown, the police acted swiftly to respond and resolved the case the same day without further incident.

This year has seen many staff changes both at City Hall and several other departments.  The City has embraced this change and been fortunate to select talented individuals to fill open positions.  New faces and fresh enthusiasm are helping to invigorate the organization as we continue to evolve into a leaner, more efficient organization.

I hope you join us in our enthusiasm for this City and in wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

Dara MacDonald, Interim City Administrator

Article source: http://cityofsalida.com/2011/12/salida-celebrates-change-and-success-in-2011/

Department:  Administration                                                           Exempt

Job Title:  Deputy City Clerk                                                          Job level:        6

Date job description last revised:  December 2011

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Key member of city staff with primary responsibility for managing city records, preparing council meeting agendas and packets, meeting minutes, publication of legal notices, maintaining the city’s public calendar, processing liquor and medical marijuana licenses and organizing elections along with other general office duties.

REPORTING ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to the City Administrator. This position is responsible for interdepartmental coordination to prepare for city council meetings. Provides information and support to all department heads related to city records, licenses and meetings of the city council.

Coordinates with County Clerk on all City Elections, including review of petitions for initiatives, referendums and recall.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or peripheral duties that may be required.  The City of Salida retains the right to modify or change the duties or essential and additional functions of the job at any time.

The Deputy City Clerk has the responsibility for the following:

• Coordinates with Department Heads and City Attorney to prepare meeting agenda and packets for meetings and work sessions of the City Council. Attends evening meetings and keeps official record of proceedings of the Council meetings.
• Maintains public meeting calendar and posts public notices and meeting schedules for the City Council.
• Manages the process to issue City licenses for arborists, liquor and medical marijuana including application review, background checks, scheduling inspections, obtaining required approvals based upon requirements and collecting fees.
• Ensures compliance with records retention policy and processes open records requests.
• Regularly updates the website. Includes properly adding reference documents, writing and posting informational articles, maintaining information about elected officials and other general updates / maintenance.
• Coordinates all City elections with County Clerk, including reviewing petitions for initiatives, referendums and recall. Meets all deadlines required by the Colorado Statutes.
• Ensures codification of all ordinances.
• Ensure all documents approved by Council (Ordinances, Resolutions, Agreements) are properly signed, distributed and filed.
• Provide public assistance at the counter and by telephone to answer questions and provide information.
• All responsibilities outlined in the Colorado State Statues and the City Code.
• Other duties and special projects as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Detail and deadline orientation and strong customer service skills, including ability to resolve or diffuse citizen issues and seek solutions.

Knowledgeable of the broad scope of City activities in order to direct customers to the proper person for information when needed.

Must possess:

• Capability to read and understand legal requirements such as the Colorado Revised Statutes, State Liquor Codes and the Salida Municipal Code.
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Proficiency in a variety of computer software packages including the Microsoft business suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook), Acrobat Writer and Internet / website navigation. WordPress experience a plus.
• Strong customer service focus and solutions orientation.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High school education or equivalent with three to five years work experience. Municipal Clerk Certification and liquor licensing certification must be obtained if not currently held.

Previous government experience desired.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND PHYSICAL CONDITIONS;

The majority of this position’s duties are performed in an office environment which requires sitting for extended periods, moving to various areas in the office and standing at a customer counter for lengthy periods of time. In addition, the following attributes are required:

·         The visual and physical ability to work on computers for substantial amounts of time.

·         Ability to travel to other City properties and to local vendors and banks.

·         Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.

Hours are Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Also requires attendance at evening meetings of the city council and occasional special meetings.

The small office setting requires a strong work ethic where all employees are expected to cross train and assist others as needed to cover staff absences and busy periods.

Article source: http://cityofsalida.com/2011/12/city-clerk-job-opening/