Montrose - Daily Press

VAIL — Montrose city staff and council members attending a three-day conference in Vail at tax-payers expense said they were budget-conscious both before and during the event.

On Tuesday, three city staff, the city manager and four of the five council members traveled, mostly separately, to Vail for the 87th annual Colorado Municipal League Conference.

About 600 city officials from across Colorado attend, many with their families. Throughout the three days, seminars, such as "Natural Disasters: Preparation and Response," were held.

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"For me, it's the difference between high school and college ... it's intense and there is training on a lot of topics," council member Erica Lewis Kennedy said.

Kennedy accompanied council member Gail Marvel on the trip, carpooling to save gas, she said. Mayor Jose Abeyta, council member Kathy Ellis, City Manager Mary Watt, city attorney Russ Duree and part-time legal employee John Capa, also attended.

The CML conference is a chance for the legal department to fulfill their required continuing legal credits, Watt said.

With lodging and registration fees, the conference cost the city $3,826, Watt said. Other expenses such as mileage, food and tips won't be available until later. However, Kennedy said her expenses she is turning in is around $88. Ellis said her meals cost about $104. Abeyta said he only ate out once and it cost $30.

On Saturday morning, Montrose attendees returned calls from the Daily Press to validate the importance of the conference. According to 9 News Denver interview with Glendale City Council member LuVerne Davenport, Glendale brought six people to the conference so they could "rotate through the panels and no one would have to go to all of them."

Davenport is quoted, "We goof off," when asked what they did when not in seminars. Davenport did not know she was talking to a reporter or being recorded.

Kennedy and Ellis couldn't comment if that was happening because they were attending seminars.

"I think it is a very valid question, but trust me, it was not a play day," Kennedy said.

Council discussed the conference several times during open city council meeting prior to the event.

"We discussed cost savings," Ellis said.

Council decided that everyone would come home on Friday, so not to book another night's room. They also determined that no money would cover spouses that attended. Ellis' husband, county commissioner Gary Ellis, attended seminars as well for a charge of $50. The city did not pick up his tab.

Abeyta claims it was well worth the money, as it opened up opportunities to meet other officials, network and see how other communities operate.

"We were all aware what our council budget is down to ... and spent accordingly," he said.

Recently, the city implemented two employee furlough days. In January, the budget had to be revised, the first time for the current council members. Vacant positions have not been filled and energy-saving methods have also been put in place to cut down on expenses during hard economic times.

Comments

agree with be real wrote on Jun 26, 2009 6:51 AM:

" i agree with be real. why on earth the Daily press has published all this in the paper is truly odd. seems like they think the way to get readership is to stir things up, even if they aren't real. it makes for a town that is very dysfunctional....it doesn't work pitting people against each other. as far as the # of people going, it's not hard to see that for all the meetings to be attended that is an optimal #, doesn't matter the size of the town. "




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Be Real wrote on Jun 25, 2009 8:56 AM:

" To Dispute...I did see after I blogged that the MDP updated the cost...still a reasonable amount for the conference. Also...I'm not a politician...I'm a pragmatic citizen and not a penny wise and pound foolish citizen such as yourself. You ought to learn to understand that education can be a good investment for our community. "




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Fred T. wrote on Jun 24, 2009 9:24 PM:

" Instead of an ongoing diatribe over conference expenses to help City & County reps do a better job, why not turn your displeasure in the proper direction, namely the fiscally irresponsible idiots that "represent" us in Washington that are spending this country into debt that our great great grandkids will be saddled with! "




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OT wrote on Jun 24, 2009 9:08 PM:

" I'm sure the wages included plenty of overtime as well. "




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Dispute wrote on Jun 24, 2009 4:13 PM:

" Be Real.You must also include the salaries that they were getting paid while not at work. This would include the City Manager and 2 attorneys and you know the attorneys aren't cheap!
I never said that an employee could be added at that cost. You must have your wires crossed. Also I never stated that it wasn't an informative conference but it was poorly timed and financed.
If you agree with their actions than you must be a politician "




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Dispute wrote on Jun 24, 2009 4:01 PM:

" As printed in the MDP today:
Expense Summary City Council (4):
Registration — $950
Lodging — $1,935
Meals/Tips — $296
Mileage — $703
Parking — $10
Total $3,894
Registration — $38
City Manager Total (1): $38
Registration — $418
Lodging — $954
Meals/Tips — $55
City Attorney Total (2): $1,427
Total cost: $5,359 "




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BJ wrote on Jun 24, 2009 11:39 AM:

" Actually, now we have to add the additional expenses for the County. Several of them add to the taxpayer expense that came out in an article today.
By the time we add up all the expenses for "not washing dishes or three days"....well maybe they are sticking OUR head in the sand. "




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Be Real wrote on Jun 24, 2009 9:27 AM:

" To Dispute...what was the net total of expenses for this conference...$3800! What employee can be added to the city for this money? Attending a conference on the other hand that can expose our reps to information that can help them avoid mistakes made by other communities or be more efficient on how they handle a similiar community project can save $'s that can actually help keep employment at higher levels and use our tax dollars wisely. Frankly you and others are being penny wise and pound foolish! "




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Gail Marvel wrote on Jun 24, 2009 7:36 AM:

" Hi BJ and Vail…Actually I would go to a CML conference if it were held in Commerce City or Aurora because the program is about training, education and networking. I doubt many folks would classify attending sessions and sitting in windowless classrooms all day as a mini-summer vacation. On second thought, I didn’t have to do laundry or wash dishes for three days…maybe it was a vacation after all! "




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Usualy silent majority. wrote on Jun 24, 2009 6:22 AM:

" What kind of leadership would the City have if they didn"t attend a conference to compare notes with thier peers? Danged if you do, danged if you don,t; but good try Daily Press. Maybe if we all got out more we would have a more positive perspective. Isn"t there an old saying about "sticking your head in the sand" "




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Vail wrote on Jun 23, 2009 9:44 PM:

" None would go, this was simply a mini-summer vacation paid for on the taxpayer dime. "




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BJ wrote on Jun 23, 2009 8:45 PM:

" I wonder how many would go next year if the conference were held in Commerce City or Aurora?? "




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interesting wrote on Jun 23, 2009 5:11 PM:

" interesting how the Daily Press specifically asked for comments on this topic. Stir the pot, as usual. I remember when the gas prices were so high and the newspaper asked readers to help their carriers, the newspaper staff were seen at the Brown Palace for an awards meeting. Who paid for that? Did the newspaper pay for it, or you personally. Just wondering. seems a similar situation, except at least the city government people got some education, which can only help them do the job better. "




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John wrote on Jun 23, 2009 4:51 PM:

" Tired of City Management needs to put her money where her mouth is and stop being an armchair politician. She needs to volunteer for a nonpaying, philanthropic position and then complain. Try being in community service for awhile and see how rosy it is! Walk a mile in their shoes, tired, and then complain! "




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Dispute wrote on Jun 23, 2009 3:23 PM:

" To concerned res- They should explain! They work for us, not the other way around.

To Sparky- As volunteers, they should not receive taxpayer $$$ for CML

To Be Real- Many of us volunteer our time to the community (20+ hours this week alone, and it's only Tues.), but we don't accept tax dollars for it. "




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Erica Lewis Kennedy wrote on Jun 23, 2009 3:17 PM:

" I have a Twitter account. Become a follower to get updates about upcoming City meetings or to ask me a question. Just one more way to stay in touch.

twitter.com/CityCouncilELK "




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concerned res wrote on Jun 23, 2009 11:29 AM:

" This article is the biggest joke that I've read in a long time. It's written for the sole purpose of turning the public against its local government. There sure wasn't much said about the benefits this seminar might have on our community. It's pretty sad when the attendees have to blog in to explain what is really going on. "




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Sparky wrote on Jun 23, 2009 11:13 AM:

" Tired of City Management should stop whining. Serving on the City Council is pretty much a voluntary job. City employees get paid a wage-in reality, the Council members do not. Maybe if "tired" wants to really try a thankless job where people have to pay their own way all of their career she ought to take up teaching. "




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Tired of City Management wrote on Jun 23, 2009 10:33 AM:

" I moved to a place that I seem to hate? That's absurd. This city has great potential, but is being ran like it was 20 years ago. It is time to breathe new life into this place. But, to stay on topic.... Council members know, when they're elected, that the pay is cheap and the work is thankless...so to take tax dollars out of the community, for training a virtually VOLUNTEER position, is ludicrous. I understand that they're giving back to the community more than most, but in this case, they are taking out of the mouths of dedicated employees. "




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waste wrote on Jun 23, 2009 9:53 AM:

" A complete and total waste of tax dollars in hard economic times no matter how you try to justify it. Sadly, not only city staff attended, but a county commissioner as well. Thanks for WASTING OUR TAX DOLLARS. "




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Be Real wrote on Jun 23, 2009 9:37 AM:

" Montrose is a great community in many ways and while making sure that our representatives are spending tax dollars wisely is an obligation of every citizen it is amazing to me how badly many in the community speak of these volunteers. Who of you out there in blogland work for $275 a month! These representatives put in countless hours with the goal of helping to benefit their community...what are any of you doing that you can talk badly about these councilors the way you have. Shame on you people who how showing how small your minds and hearts are. "




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Jim Anderson wrote on Jun 22, 2009 9:07 PM:

" Erica: Thank you for all you and the other
council members do for Montrose. I have concerns that I have addressed with coucil involving the use of taxpayers money for those who believe in self dealing at the public expense. I also know from experiece that the time and money spent to educate council members
is a good thing. What one does not know can be costly. Thank you for your service to our community. Jim "




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PCB wrote on Jun 22, 2009 8:20 PM:

" I agree "tired". This city is great but the management of it stinks. Their day in the sun will become cloudy soon enough. "




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New Here wrote on Jun 22, 2009 4:53 PM:

" So, City Council members make $275 a month?! Why would anyone work that hard for that little money? Oh, wait, you want to help the community you live in, what a concept! The people that have an issue with the expense, I wonder how much time they put in for this town?
Ridiculous. "




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To Tired of city mngmnt wrote on Jun 22, 2009 4:13 PM:

" I'll bet money that Gail has been involved in this city Longer than you've been alive. and she will be long after you have realised your poor decision to move to a place you seem to hate.
ERW "




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Tired of City Management wrote on Jun 22, 2009 3:18 PM:

" Erica- My concern is tax dollars being spent for people who are working a 2 year term when City employees, who are trying to make lifetime careers out of their jobs, are spending money out of their own pockets for training that is REQUIRED for certifications for their jobs. All they hear from management is that times are tough and we all need to tighten our belts, but then get slapped in the face when their "bosses" use tax dollars for THEIR training. I'm not questioning the councils integrity, just their judgment. "




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wondering wrote on Jun 22, 2009 2:41 PM:

" wondering why anyone would run for an office in this town with the animosity demonstrated toward city council members and the county commisioners--on this blog and in the newspaper. I am grateful the people we elect go to these meetings, knowing they can be a great resource. thanks guys for trying to do the best job you can. ignor the ugly talk. "




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Erica Lewis Kennedy wrote on Jun 22, 2009 2:00 PM:

" These comments were meant to shed light on what I was doing with taxpayer money last week. I have had a lot of out of pocket expenses to serve the people. I am trying to illustrate that I take my position very seriously and do not abuse the system nor receive "perks." "




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Erica Lewis Kennedy wrote on Jun 22, 2009 1:44 PM:

" When I served as Mayor I averaged 30 hours per week of direct work on the community's behalf some weeks I put in more than 50 hours. As a council member I put in around 20 hours per week. I do a lot of outside research, track other communities and issues. Our next Council meeting is July 2 and under Council reports we will be making presentations about what we learned. (Thank you if you are STILL reading) "




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Erica Lewis Kennedy wrote on Jun 22, 2009 1:43 PM:

" City Councilors are paid $275 per month before taxes to serve. I keep detailed spreadsheets on costs (as I am a business person) to serve this community I spend more than $3500 a year - this does not include my time. Between gas expenses, travel to meetings, cell phone, personal computer and paper usage (these expenses are not reimbursed) my family gives up a lot in my hope that I can help us all move forward. (Keep reading) "




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Erica Lewis Kennedy wrote on Jun 22, 2009 1:43 PM:

" The CML conference is set up so that at most times there are four different training tracks running at once - the classes are not repeated. Attorneys attend different tracks and earn credits needed to maintain their licenses. Below is a sample of the courses I attended: How to Grow Your Network; The Most Common Special Districts and how they impact Municipal Government; Liquor Licensing; Revenue Sharing Perks and Pitfalls; Maintaining Your Infrastructure in a Tight Economy; the annual business meeting; Emerging Issues; Revitalizing Rural Downtowns; Closing General Session. (Keep reading) "




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Erica Lewis Kennedy wrote on Jun 22, 2009 1:42 PM:

" Yes, taxpayer money was used to help educate me so that I can do the best job to serve the people. With that in mind, I decided the direct benefits to the City of Montrose and its residents for me to attend CML for the education and training provided outweighed the costs. (Keep reading) "




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Erica Lewis Kennedy wrote on Jun 22, 2009 1:42 PM:

" I am a small business owner. Since I was attending this conference I had to close my business for the week. Since I have a small child, I had to pay for one full week of full-day childcare (not a regular expense). I personally saw a revenue loss and expenses out of my own pocket of more than $1,200 to attend. (Keep reading) "




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Erica Lewis Kennedy wrote on Jun 22, 2009 1:42 PM:

" As a taxpayer myself I think it is very important to be accountable for every dollar spent. Before deciding to go to CML there were several important facts to consider. I attended the conference, I did not bring my family with me and I carpooled to save on costs. (Please keep reading) "




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Jane wrote on Jun 22, 2009 1:17 PM:

" Gail. It is YOUR responsibility as an elected offical to learn on your own time and dime. Us taxpayers shouldn't be paying for your education. Haven't you ever heard of Google? Or Youtube videos? Or Go To Meeting? There is plenty of information and resources out there without having to go to a conference. "




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Tired of City Management wrote on Jun 22, 2009 12:23 PM:

" Hi Gail, again. As you stated, you and the others are in a position that has an expiration date of 2 years. So, it is safe to assume that, you and the others will have no ties to the City after that term. The employees, on the other hand, have chosen to make careers out of their positions and now have to pay for it out of their own pockets. How about instead of making justifications for your actions, you and the others prioritize the future of our city and its employees. "




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Tired of City Management wrote on Jun 22, 2009 12:05 PM:

" Hi Gail! The problem is that you and the other Council members and management spent TAXPAYER dollars on info you could have gotten from research, videos and books. City employees have been forced to take days off w/o pay. They can no longer attend REQUIRED conferences for State mandated training units and certifications. THEY have to pay, out of their own pockets, for REQUIRED testing and conferences. It is a shame that the employee has to cut back/abolish their training, but Council and management gets another free ride at the taxpayers expense! "




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Lou wrote on Jun 21, 2009 9:13 PM:

" I sure hope they learned to cut staff and trim expenses instead of creating more bureaucracy. Sales tax revenue is down and the city is out at a "conference" "




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Gail Marvel wrote on Jun 21, 2009 8:39 PM:

" Hi Michael. With elections, the face of City Council changes every two years. Those who are newly elected need all the education they can get. Some of my sessions at the CML Conference were: NetWORTHing, Renewable energy financing strategies, Legal short shots, Being successful in the current bond market, Water: Conserving now, planning for the future, Understanding new media: Web 2.0 and citizen outreach. Nice little getaway…I never left the conference center. "




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Rocky wrote on Jun 21, 2009 8:27 PM:

" It would have been cheaper for them to have went to a Rockies Ball game. Why is the Chairman of the County Commissioners attending this? Guess we now know why Ellis's food bill was much higher then the others. "




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Be Real wrote on Jun 21, 2009 5:01 PM:

" C'mon people...a council and city staff that gets insulated because they don't ever attend outside conferences to get perspective tend to apply old solutions to new problems the city will face. If the city is to handle effectively the challenges they face not only today but those of tomorrow...attending and participating in conferences like referenced are important. It becomes an investment for the communities welfare. It doesn't sound to me like undue expenses were incurred with this event and something learned at the conference could save future city jobs etc... "




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Michael wrote on Jun 21, 2009 2:47 PM:

" these conferences are the same conferences they have every year with a few updates. just a nice little getaway . i'm curious what new info they learned while there. budgeting this conference out would have been better than furloughs!!! "




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bj wrote on Jun 21, 2009 9:39 AM:

" Some took their families...who paid for that?
Taxpayers lose services. These people just gain perks. "




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MountRose wrote on Jun 21, 2009 8:21 AM:

" Hmmm.. Let's see: Economy in Montrose is in the dumps, people can't get jobs, numerous foreclosures, Main Street is a ghost town.... Let's go to Vail for a "conference" at the taxpayers expense. "




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JoeM wrote on Jun 21, 2009 7:38 AM:

" Haven't they heard of web conferences? Saves time, gas, lodging and lots of money. "




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CommonSense wrote on Jun 20, 2009 9:56 PM:

" This is another example of how the city wastes OUR tax dollars. "




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