What a productive and exciting year 2022 has been! It is with pleasure that I would like to announce that for the first time in the city’s recent history, we are nearly at full staffing with only four positions left open.
With the current job markets in the region and nation at large, this is an amazing accomplishment that we, as a community, can be proud of.
City staffers are excelling in every department, bringing changes to procedures and programs that will have long-term benefits for Manitou Springs. One example of this is the introduction of robust recreational programs to our Parks and Recreation Department.
Registration for our soccer teams ended in March, creating a total of five teams with a combined 52 players. Registration is now open for summer baseball as well, with options available for anybody aged pre-K to 15 years old. More information is available at www.manitouspringsgov.com/708/Recreation if you’re interested.
You asked, and we listened! Another great program that I would like to highlight is the introduction of 50 free residential parking credits for every Manitou household. This was the most frequent mobility-specific request in our 2021 Community Survey.
In short, this allows every Manitou household to get 50 free hours of parking downtown and at local parks — all you have to do is sign up! Stay tuned for more information on this program being announced in the near future, as it launches May 15.
The 2022 Community Survey is open, with responses due 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, May 10. Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey; it is a great resource for the city to reference for decision-making and temperature checks on what areas need improvement. The survey is available on our website, or hard copies are available in City Hall, 606 Manitou Ave.
Manitou Springs is extremely susceptible to wildfire — and our recent dry, windy weather increases the potential for extreme fire danger. Look after yourself and your neighbors: Make sure to avoid any type of burning besides a gas grill, properly dispose of cigarette butts and avoid using machinery that creates sparks.
Anytime the National Weather Service issues a red flag warning, we go into Stage 2 Fire Restrictions (no burning). To receive alerts for red flag warnings, please download our emergency notifications system PeakAlerts by visiting bit.ly/MSEvacAlerts.
Additionally, be sure to perform basic wildfire mitigation steps on your property. If you have any questions, or would like the Manitou Springs Fire Department to do a FREE site assessment and provide recommendations for mitigation, please call the MSFD’s business line at 685-1444.
You can bring the yard waste that this mitigation creates to the Chipper Days we host twice a year. Our most recent one was on April 23, and was the best turnout we have ever seen — 87 loads! Our next scheduled Chipper Day is Sept. 24, so mark your calendars!
Lastly, I would like to highlight some of the great work that our staffers have completed in 2022, as of March 31.
Public Information and Engagement:
• Seven community meetings
• 24 press releases
• 54,000 people reached on Facebook
City Clerks’ Office
• Eight liquor licenses processed
• 14 City Council agendas/packets prepared
Judicial
• 62 arraignments
• Four trials
Finance
• 5,468 utility bills mailed
• 126 water/sewer work orders
• 76 business licenses issued
Neighborhood Services
• 56 inspections
• 22 new cases on SeeClickFix
Parking & Mobility
• 430 Residential Parking Permits issued
• 144 parking lot permits issued
• 372 hours walking the street
Parks and Recreation
• 4,065 pool patrons
Planning
• 84 property improvement permits processed
• Three historic preservation applications received
Fire Department
• 257 calls
Police Department
• 2,140 calls
• 70 hours walking the street
• 249 case reports
Public Works
• 202 work orders closed
• 1,062 snow removal hours
• 13,308 linear feet of preventative maintenance on water/sewer system
• 37 potholes filled
All in all, the city is as productive, efficient and dedicated as ever. As always, my door is always open to meet with any of you to discuss any compliments, complaints or topics that come to mind. Contact me at dhowell@manitouspringsco.gov or 719-960-7809.