Page 5 - MAR 2019 proof 7 - The Castle Pines Connection

Municipal News5
Article and photos by Terri Wiebold
“...By any objective standard, the state of our city is magni cent,” were among City of Castle Pines Mayor Tera Radlo ’s opening comments at the City’s rst-ever State of the City address on February 19.
Surrounded by friends, colleagues, city and county o cials and regional partners, Radlo acknowledged those who serve and have served the community. “Together we are building one of the most livable and aesthetically beautiful cities in America – one in which people and families thrive, businesses grow, new development pays for itself and adds value, and our municipal government is small, independent, responsive and e ective,” she said.
Highlights of the morning breakfast presentation included a comprehensive video recap and timeline of the City’s “story,” as well as highlights of the City’s accomplishments and vision moving forward.
“This year we allocated two-and-a-half times what we did last year on city street maintenance and repair; I am proud of that,” said Radlo . “However, even with the increase in funding this year and revenue potential from becoming a Home Rule City, street funding is a challenge that will require consistent focus.”
Another priority for the mayor and city council is strong, productive relationships with its community and regional partners, the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) in particular. “Our relationship with the District is stronger than ever,” said Radlo . “I love that we have a collaborative relationship and that our collective boards have our citizens and our community in mind,” she said. CPNMD President David McEntire echoed that appreciation at the CPNMD meeting later that evening: “We appreciate you showing your support, mentioning the hard work being put into simplifying and maximizing the economies and e ciencies that we both need in our organizations, if not in our city,” he stated.
A brief Q &A session allowed citizens the opportunity to ask questions of Radlo and City Manager Michael Penny. Inquiries pertained to water, street maintenance and repair, wildlife in the city, and commercial occupancy and vacancies (Safeway in particular). Short video responses to several of the questions have been posted to The Castle Pines Connection Facebook page at www.facebook.com/theconnection. A video of the State of City presentation has been posted to the City’s website at https://www.castlepinesgov.com/stateofthecity.
Radlo closed the address, “I am proud to stand here today and tell you that we are only just beginning to realize our full potential. There are great things ahead for the City of Castle Pines.”
Information and photo provided by CPNMD
The Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) welcomes Christopher Lewis to serve on its board of directors. Lewis will serve out the remaining term (May 2020) that was vacated last month by
the resignation of former director Norman Froman.
Board Director Christopher Lewis
Director Lewis’ military experience spans decades. He is a decorated Commander (Select) in the U.S. Navy Reserve and served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1988 to 1996.
Among his educational credentials, Director Lewis earned a BS in Electrical Engineering in 1991 from the New York Institute
of Technology, an MBA from Ashland University in 1998 and a Command and Sta Graduate Diploma from the Naval War College in 2013.
“I am a staunch supporter of [the District’s] desire and intent to secure our community’s water future wisely and at less cost than
the plan that voters previously rejected – twice – in the 2000s,” stated Lewis during his appointment acceptance. “To the constituents in our community, I do not take this appointment lightly. I commit to acting in our best interest in executing my duciary duty with honesty and objectivity. Thank you all; I appreciate this appointment and I am honored to join the board.”
Lewis works as a Director of Construction at Charter Communications where he oversees implementation of construction tools and facilitates collaboration between eld construction and cross-functional partners in the delivery of services and production for customers.
He and his wife and family live in the StoneCroft neighborhood of Castle Pines.
Did You Know?
The City of Castle Pines
has hired a new events planner. Welcome to Jolene Richardson who will help organize fun events for our community. Check the E Guide calendar for upcoming dates for the Spring Egg Hunt in April; Pizza in the Park in May and August; Movie at The Ridge in June and July; and PumpkinFEST in October.