New Year’s is traditionally a time to reflect on where we’ve been and contemplate where we are going. In that spirit, I want to share some city highlights for 2018 and provide a preview of 2019.
Public Works oversaw a number of significant projects in 2018, from replacing water lines on North Dolores Road to the installation of medians and ADA-compliant ramps, and the resurfacing of alleys from Ash to Chestnut streets.
Trees removed due to sidewalk damage were replaced, and long-anticipated gateways signs at the north and south entrances to town were installed – they were even decorated for the holidays, cheerily welcoming visitors and residents.
The city’s Water Conservation Plan was updated. It was a sobering experience, laying the groundwork for discussions on how the city might plan for the future with regard to water.
In 2019, water will be an important area of focus for Public Works. A preliminary engineering report on the water system is scheduled along with a leak survey and water rate study.
The Water Conservation Plan was sent to the state for approval, and staff has begun focusing attention on water conservation – what the city is doing and how citizens can do their part. To raise citizen awareness, the city is looking into offering a portal so that individual water usage can be tracked with an app – yes, there is an app for this too!
The eastern gateway sign will be installed this year, and the water dock station will be relocated from City Park to a spot off U.S. Highway 160, southeast of the kennel.
The city will be replacing water lines, installing curbs and gutters and laying down asphalt on the Aspen Loop off Park Street – an inconvenience for residents but improved curb appeal and reduced dust for the neighborhood!
Planning and Building had a busy 2018 wrapping up several big construction projects, including the fire department, a new memory care facility and the hospital addition, which included a new ambulance barn, patient wing and professional offices.
New commercial construction for 2018 was around 72,00 square feet. Wow! Staff issued 162 building permits – 21 of which were residential – amounting to about $7.5 million.
The Bridge broke ground on its new facility, and staff has begun conversations with the Housing Authority on an affordable housing complex to be built on 3.3 acres of the old high school site on the east side of the property.
This year, Planning and Building will be unveiling and requesting citizen input on the new Land Use Code. In addition, staff is working on a proposal to incentivize development of underdeveloped areas within the city limits. Through the waiver or lowering of city fees, it is hoped that local builders and developers will take advantage of the program to build entry-level housing. A win-win for all, it would reduce construction costs and increase construction jobs in the community while building out empty lots that have become eyesores, thus improving curb appeal and raising property values for surrounding neighbors.
The rec center got a new HVAC system in 2018, and the community garden located on the south side of the building was enlarged with the installation of a new pergola sponsored by Kinder Morgan. Staff worked with Connect One Design to gather citizen input at well-attended community meetings and through an online survey and to refine the design for the new neighborhood park that will occupy the site of the old high school.
In September, Cortez hosted Southwest Rural Philanthropy Days. Much of the event was held at the rec center, drawing high praise from participants.
A major project for Parks and Rec in 2019 will be securing partial funding for and beginning Phase I of the new park.
Last year, the city completed the installation of broadband fiber ringing the city, and City Council commissioned a feasibility study and survey to determine cost and citizen interest in having the city take fiber to every home and business in the community. A pilot program was launched with the city becoming a provider on our network to gather information and determine what it would take to do this citywide.
It was a success, but the information gathered suggested we continue to think out of the box in addressing this issue. The result was consensus that it would be reasonable and responsible for the city to consider a public/private partnership. Cortez issued a Request for Proposal at the end of 2018 to explore this possibility. We’ve received much interest, and staff will be meeting early in the year with those applicants who show the most promise.
One bit of wisdom that comes with age is that while one may think that the only way to achieve a goal is to hold true to one’s original course, age has taught me this is not always the case.
While we still dream of providing the citizens of Cortez with high speed, reliable, affordable internet, we’re reassessing the best way to get there.
Happy New Year!
Karen Sheek is the mayor of Cortez, a position elected by City Council members. Reach her at ksheek@cityofcortez.com or during her office hours from 12:30-1:30 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesday of the month.