MONTE VISTA— At the Thursday, April 18 regular session meeting of the Monte Vista City Council Mayor Dale Becker read proclamations that will be observed during this week. The city council also heard an update of important items from City Manager Forrest Neuerburg.
Becker began by proclaiming that April 22-26 will be designated as After Schools Professionals Week. This is especially being done for the staff of Monte Vista Kids Connection who provide valuable after-school activities for several of the youth of Monte Vista. During his proclamation Becker stated that, “afterschool professionals have a positive effect on our children, families, community and business”...and that they “deserve appreciation for all that they do for children to enhance their education, promote physical and emotional health, provide a safe environment and expose them to new experiences.” The mayor also requested a round of applause and further expressed his gratitude for Kids Connection Director Anika Velasquez and staff member Jesse Varner who were in attendance.
The second proclamation the mayor approved was instituting the National Day of Prayer within the city of Monte Vista. Becker announced that Thursday, May 2 would be observed as the National Day of Prayer in Monte Vista that will follow this year’s theme of loving one another. In the proclamation Becker affirmed that the Supreme Court had upheld the rights of legislatures to start their business days with prayer and that the Supreme Court does so as well. Therefore the city of Monte Vista will follow suit. The invitation to participate stands for people of all faiths.
Pastor Bob Galey of Calvary Baptist Church addressed the council on behalf of the Ministerial Association of Monte Vista. He thanked them for the proclamation and stated that the observation this year would be held at the United Methodist Church on Thursday, May 2 beginning at 8 a.m. with a prayer breakfast.

City manager
Neuerburg presented important information to the city council regarding city operations. “One of the major steps in the environmental review process for potential properties fitting into the MVURA Affordable Housing and Neighborhood Rehabilitation Program has been completed. The MVURA hired Espinoza Cultural Services LLC from La Jara to complete a historic resource survey and that has been completed. (In addition) there is a hazmat inspection set up for 117 Adams Street which will aid in the process of working with the potential buyers of the property,” he said.
The city manager shared that he had recently met with Alamosa City Manager Heather Brooks and IT Director Jim Belknap. The meeting was to discuss the intergovernmental agreement between the two municipalities regarding information technology services. Updates on this agreement will be provided in the near future.
Neuerburg also requested that some funds that were obtained from the state for opting out of marijuana be returned. He stated that the police department’s participation in LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion) is going very well as a pilot program and as a result has put the city in a bit of a different position than what is required for the funds.
The council also approved Neuerburg’s request to finalize and accept a lease agreement with the Monte Vista Golf Board. Several contentious meetings have been held over the last year, but better communication has resulted. Two city employees will participate in the golf course meeting and be given all information to ensure the lines of open communication remain so. Councilor Kathy Ellithorpe requested that a stipend of $5,000 be given to the golf course to help with their most pressing needs. The lease and stipend were unanimously approved.