Monte Vista City Council hears staff reports

MONTE VISTA— The Monte Vista City Council held its first regular meeting of the month on Thursday, Feb. 7. In addition to regular business such as ordinance reviews, and an update on the snow removal policy, the council also heard reports from departmental heads. The city clerk, Kids Connection director and recreation supervisor addressed the city council at this meeting.

City clerk
City Clerk Unita Vance began her report by sharing an internal city newsletter that is a new addition in 2019. It will be used to share information with all of the city staff. Vance also stated that a council review would be shared at the end of each month so the staff will know what decisions have been made and concerns addressed, as well as citizen issues. She invited the council to submit any information they would like to share to be a part of the council’s corner in the newsletter.
The next item on Vance’s agenda was city council representation to certain boards and commissions throughout the city. There were three boards that did not have city council representatives currently on them. Mayor Pro Tem Victor Sigala volunteered to be on the Crane Festival committee; Kathy Lorenz stepped up for the Upper Rio Grande Economic Development Council and Gary Johnson will represent the council on the Colorado Municipal League’s Policy Commission. All councilors and the mayor sit on several boards and commissions.
On Friday, Feb. 22 the meet and greet with council members will kick off, announced Vance. Mayor Dale Becker will be the first elected official to participate. The event has been named the “Monte Vista Mayor Walkabout.” The mayor will walk Adams Street and 160 and will be listening to the businesses in downtown Monte Vista. In March Mayor Pro-Tem Victor Sigala will introduce an activity for him to meet community members.

Kids Connection
Kids Connection Director Anika Valesquez said that membership numbers have remained steady throughout the year. She shared that due to the colder weather recently there has not been as much outdoor time for the children, but that everyone has been coping with that very well.
Valesquez announced Kids Connection is the recipient of several grants including a two-year commitment from the Alcott Foundation in the amount of $70,000. She said all the work she and her team have done to put Kids Connection in a good position is paying off.

Recreation
Recreation Director Jaime Hurtado gave a report that encompassed the months of December and January. Hurtado said that the recreation department is always working diligently to improve and increase the youth and adult program offering. They currently offer youth basketball, soccer, baseball, football, volleyball and cheerleading, and adult basketball and volleyball. They will soon start adult softball, soccer, flag-football and ultimate frisbee. Hurtado said the department also hosts other community events for a healthy and good time such as the Family Skate Night and 5K Fun Run.
The department takes pride in these events that help to prepare youth for a better future, according to Hurtado. He extended thanks to volunteers that help with these events, and to parents that show support and take their children to practices and games. Hurtado invited any interested individuals to give the recreation department a call if they would like to volunteer to support this important community gem.
Hurtado also expressed thanks to his team, Kim and Tony, for accomplishing a great deal and doing their best for all of the programs while working only part-time hours.


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