Monument receives an “A” this year for “Accomplishments”. 2009 was a record year for unveilings, ribbon-cuttings, and simply getting it done. On the whole, the Town of Monument fared well despite a brutal economy. By the end of the year, our budget balanced and we were able to hold our own as we went into 2010.
The accomplishments that stood out the most were those that are most visible; a New Town Hall and Police Station opened for business. Additionally, the new building became a showplace for local art as Tri-Lakes Views placed its first outdoor sculptures in the gardens around Town Hall. Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts placed art from its members throughout the inside of the building. The Palmer Lake Historical Society donated a beautiful bronze sculpture created by Ronny Walker as well as a historical diptych painted by Lindsay Ray, both of which can be viewed in the lobby area.
The improvements to Third Street were completed in 2009, with only the landscaping left to complete this spring. In addition to the new roadway; sidewalks, ramps, and streetlights were installed to promote pedestrian traffic in our downtown.
Speaking of pedestrian traffic downtown, the Concerts in the Park series received the Governor’s award for the best event in the State. Many thanks to all the committed folks who created the event and have maintained it for the past 6 years.
Once again, the Monument Police Department held a Citizen’s Police Academy, which continues to receive accolades. The program was implemented by Chief Shirk, and its popularity has resulted in a waiting list for the next academy. The Police Department also headed up Santa on Patrol again this year. Along with assistance from Palmer Lake and the Tri-Lakes/Monument Fire Protection District, the volunteers gave out 10 bicycles and over 1,000 toys to children in the Tri-Lakes region.
In a joint effort between the Town of Monument and El Paso County, the Baptist Road Rural Transportation Authority opened the new Baptist Road interchange over I-25. The project was completed to address safety, capacity, future traffic dangerous ramps, and inadequate utility infrastructure. In addition to the new eight-lane bridge, with improvements extending to Jackson Creek Parkway, new signals were installed and a new concrete culvert was constructed to handle storm water from Jackson Creek. The completion of this project is what can be accomplished when local governments work together for the betterment of our community.
We also completed the initial efforts for our Town’s website. While it is a “work in progress”, I do hope that you find it useful, with the over-reaching intent to provide more information to the community we serve. We’ve also made the most of the downturn in the development industry, with the Planning Department improving our parks and open space ordinances, as well as completing updates to our development standards.
While I think it’s important to make you aware of these accomplishments, I also want to make you aware of some of the issues I believe to be important for 2010. I believe a fundamental concept in our economy is that our ability to produce is derived from the quality and amount of our resources. To that end, I will continue to work to bring our water interests into a broad-based dialogue within the region. While our water supply is adequate, I want to begin to plan for our future generations today.
I also find it important to sustain our local businesses, especially in the current economic climate. We have already begun work on some small initiatives, but we need to work together to further those efforts and prepare a long range plan.
In 2009 we had some changes on the Board of Trustees as well. Former Mayor Byron Glenn left his position in July to take a job in Alaska. Trustee Steven Samuels left the Board in May to take a job in Virginia, and Trustee Timothy Miller left the Board in September to follow a calling in youth ministry. Those individuals and their collaborative ideas will be missed. As I stepped into the position of Mayor, Jeffrey Kaiser, Stan Gringrich and Rick Squires filled the vacant Trustee positions. I appreciate their willingness to serve and I look forward to working with the entire Board and each of you as we shape our future together.
God Bless,
Mayor Travis Easton
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