Greeley residents were anxious to ask the new council about improvements they plan on making.
One resident addressed the council regarding the ever-present gang and drug activity. Police Chief Jerry Garner responded by saying they have plans in the works that he could not disclose at the time. He added that crime has continually been on the decline.
Another resident praised the council and the city for all their hard work in the past, but also said said she wants to see positive changes and is done with the embarrassment of the last council.
Other than the hopeful wishes from these residents, the excitement of a new council has started to fade. Council member Donna Sapienza said she was not nervous. They are ready to get to work.
Mayor Tom Norton was sworn in at a special meeting last night. He was not in attendance tonight due to attending a seminar at Harvard University in Cambridge.
Mayor Pro-tem and Councilmember John Gates took Norton’s place tonight. He was unanimously voted Mayor Pro-tem at the special meeting last night.
Over all, the new council seems to take issues a little more slow and steady than the previous council. This meeting would have been shorter if the last council were still in place due to their usual speed through agenda items. This could change with time and experience.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
A New Beginning
The swearing-in ceremony of the new Greeley City Council was an exciting beginning for some, “I am excited to serve the city of Greeley at this capacity,” said new council member Sandy Elder, but an emotional end for others.
Don Feldhaus of Ward III began the transitional meeting by reminiscing of his years as a member of the council. “I have spent eight years as a council member. In that time, I have seen three mayors, eleven council members, two city managers, and numerous Tribune reporters,” said Feldhaus. On a more serious note, he thanked the city workers and commended the growth that has happened in the community. His fond memories of the council touched the hearts of many people there, including me, and I have no association with the council at all. When City Manager, Roy Otto, recognized Feldhaus, he said he could not have asked to work with a better person and that Feldhaus is a much respected man. This was proven when he received a standing ovation after accepting his plaque. The room filled with a rush of gratitude for a man that has put so much hard work into this city.
Carrol Martin was next to take the floor. He gave advice for the next council including giving the city staff pay raises and lowering taxes. Otto may have said it best when he said Martin takes a no non-sense, businessman approach to issues. Martin ended by saying, “It has been a real privilege to serve this city.”
Ed Phillipsen added that it was also a privilege for him to serve the city of Greeley. He said he could not have asked for a better, more professional or more dedicated group of people. Phillipsen extended an offer to help the new council members in any way.
While all the council members were sad to leave, they certainly left a legacy. “I don’t want to draw an end to these eight years,” Feldhaus said when asked to motion the adjournment.
Once the new council members were seating, Mayor Ed Clark welcomed them and asked for their remarks. Clark will remain mayor until the votes for the mayoral race can be recounted. It is said to be done by this Friday. The new mayor will be sworn in at a special city council meeting on Monday, Nov. 16 in order to resume regular city council meetings by Tuesday.“I support the new mayor, whoever he is,” said Elder. She is the new At-Large representative.
John Gates is the new Ward III representative. He is also a Greeley City Council legacy; his dad served on the council from 1971 until 1975. “I am honored to be elected,” said Gates.
Mike Finn was appointed to the position of Ward IV representative this summer when Pam Shaddock resigned to work for Senator Mike Udall. He ran for the position this term and won by a slight margin. “I encourage everyone to get involved in the city because we’re doing this together,” said Finn.
Don Feldhaus of Ward III began the transitional meeting by reminiscing of his years as a member of the council. “I have spent eight years as a council member. In that time, I have seen three mayors, eleven council members, two city managers, and numerous Tribune reporters,” said Feldhaus. On a more serious note, he thanked the city workers and commended the growth that has happened in the community. His fond memories of the council touched the hearts of many people there, including me, and I have no association with the council at all. When City Manager, Roy Otto, recognized Feldhaus, he said he could not have asked to work with a better person and that Feldhaus is a much respected man. This was proven when he received a standing ovation after accepting his plaque. The room filled with a rush of gratitude for a man that has put so much hard work into this city.
Carrol Martin was next to take the floor. He gave advice for the next council including giving the city staff pay raises and lowering taxes. Otto may have said it best when he said Martin takes a no non-sense, businessman approach to issues. Martin ended by saying, “It has been a real privilege to serve this city.”
Ed Phillipsen added that it was also a privilege for him to serve the city of Greeley. He said he could not have asked for a better, more professional or more dedicated group of people. Phillipsen extended an offer to help the new council members in any way.
While all the council members were sad to leave, they certainly left a legacy. “I don’t want to draw an end to these eight years,” Feldhaus said when asked to motion the adjournment.
Once the new council members were seating, Mayor Ed Clark welcomed them and asked for their remarks. Clark will remain mayor until the votes for the mayoral race can be recounted. It is said to be done by this Friday. The new mayor will be sworn in at a special city council meeting on Monday, Nov. 16 in order to resume regular city council meetings by Tuesday.“I support the new mayor, whoever he is,” said Elder. She is the new At-Large representative.
John Gates is the new Ward III representative. He is also a Greeley City Council legacy; his dad served on the council from 1971 until 1975. “I am honored to be elected,” said Gates.
Mike Finn was appointed to the position of Ward IV representative this summer when Pam Shaddock resigned to work for Senator Mike Udall. He ran for the position this term and won by a slight margin. “I encourage everyone to get involved in the city because we’re doing this together,” said Finn.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The Moment We Have Been Waiting For
The moment JMC 312 students have been waiting for all semester has finally arrived: Greeley City Council Election Day.
We spent the evening at the Greeley Tribune office, watching the events unfold. A buzz of excitement hung in the air. The night began with a writer’s meeting where everyone received their assignment. Then, we sat and waited in anticipation. Conversations all over the office revolved around the outcome. Election result Web site pages were refreshed frequently. We took part in the Tribune’s Live Election Chat while we, some-what patiently, waited for the results.
The real excitement started when the results began to filter in. Mayor candidate Tom Norton was winning by a land slide at first, but as the night came to a close, he only won by .2 percent. If opposing candidate, Ed Phillipsen, wants a recount, he will have to pay for the procedure. The rest of the election results are as follows:
Ward II: Donna Sapienza
Ward III: John Gates
Ward IV: Mike Finn
At Large: Sandra M. Elder
Greeley residents have elected their officials and should be pleased with the results, as this looks to be a fine council, indeed. As to whether or not there will be a re-count for mayor, stay updated at the Greeley Tribune Web site.
We spent the evening at the Greeley Tribune office, watching the events unfold. A buzz of excitement hung in the air. The night began with a writer’s meeting where everyone received their assignment. Then, we sat and waited in anticipation. Conversations all over the office revolved around the outcome. Election result Web site pages were refreshed frequently. We took part in the Tribune’s Live Election Chat while we, some-what patiently, waited for the results.
The real excitement started when the results began to filter in. Mayor candidate Tom Norton was winning by a land slide at first, but as the night came to a close, he only won by .2 percent. If opposing candidate, Ed Phillipsen, wants a recount, he will have to pay for the procedure. The rest of the election results are as follows:
Ward II: Donna Sapienza
Ward III: John Gates
Ward IV: Mike Finn
At Large: Sandra M. Elder
Greeley residents have elected their officials and should be pleased with the results, as this looks to be a fine council, indeed. As to whether or not there will be a re-count for mayor, stay updated at the Greeley Tribune Web site.
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