Author: Daniel Chac
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Utilities employee blows whistle on communications plan
A Colorado Springs Utilities employee is blowing the whistle on the billion-dollar city enterprise, claiming it initiated a plan to “counter comments and actions” from Mayor Steve Bach, City Council members and the public regarding the future of the downtown power plant and other utility issues, according to a letter obtained by The Gazette. Utilities…
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Utilities board approves budget, cash for scrubbers
After a big buildup that put the future of a controversial emissions control technology at the coal-fired power plant downtown in question, the Colorado Springs Utilities Board on Monday approved the city-owned utility’s $1 billion spending plan for next year.The board, which is in effect composed of the City Council, voted 6-1 to approve the…
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Proposed budget will be stage for debate on plant technology
When Colorado Springs Utilities requests approval Monday of its $1 billion spending plan for 2013, a debate about whether to continue to install a $73.5 million emissions control technology at the coal-fired power plant downtown will be front and center.Three Utilities Board members — Angela Dougan, Tim Leigh and Brandy Williams — said they intend…
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Bach uneasy about proposed codes adding costs to rebuilding
Mayor Steve Bach said Thursday he is uneasy about supporting a new fire code that would force residents who lost their homes in the Waldo Canyon fire to incur additional costs to rebuild. “I’m not comfortable supporting an ordinance requiring people whose homes have been destroyed to meet new building standards if they’re going to…
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Ideas abundant at discussion of Drake Power Plant
A wide-ranging discussion Wednesday about the future of the Martin Drake Power Plant revealed a variety of opinions about the imposing downtown facility. Leave it alone. Cover it up with a tent or recruit some “artsy people” to make it pretty. Decommission it to showcase Pikes Peak and Colorado Springs’ natural beauty. A key question…
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Council outlaws panhandling, solicitation downtown
The City Council gave preliminary approval Tuesday to an ordinance that outlaws panhandling and other forms of solicitation in a 12-square block in downtown Colorado Springs. The ordinance, scheduled for second reading and final approval Nov. 27, is expected to be on the books and subject to enforcement Dec. 2. “CSPD will be working very…
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Study: 2 Martin Drake generators should be retired
Two coal-fired power generators at the Martin Drake Power Plant downtown are among hundreds across the United States that are “ripe for retirement and should be considered for closure,” according to a study by the advocacy group Union of Concerned Scientists. The study, issued Tuesday by the group, was provided to the media by the…
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Council to hear panhandling ordinance Tuesday
A proposed ordinance to outlaw panhandling in downtown Colorado Springs could be in place before the holiday shopping season. After lingering for weeks, the proposed no-solicitation zone will be up for a City Council vote Tuesday. The council will hear public testimony beforehand. The council had scheduled the proposal only for discussion but moved it…
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Former fire chief remains on city payroll as consultant
When Steve Cox announced his retirement in July after nearly 32 years with the city of Colorado Springs, he mentioned the possibility of doing consulting work for Mayor Steve Bach on big projects. On that same day, Cox signed a separation agreement with the city that included a provision to “remain reasonably available to respond…
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City plans $3.4 million payout for molestation claims
The city of Colorado Springs plans to pay $3.4 million to settle claims involving a former policeman who was convicted last month of sexually molesting middle school boys. City Attorney Chris Melcher will ask the City Council on Nov. 13 to approve an ordinance for a $3.4 million supplemental appropriation to settle claims relating to…