2 minute read
Town’s finance department receives multiple awards
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Parker’s nance department has received three awards from the Government Finance O cer Association, which represents public-sector nancial professionals across the United States and Canada.
“We get these awards by being diligent,” said Mayor Je Toborg. “We get these awards by proving what we do everyday and we get these awards through being competitive.” e department was recognized by the council in a special presentation on July 17. e department also received an award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting for a second year and the Distinguished Budget Presentation award for a 19th year after satisfying nationally recognized guidelines for e ective budget presentations.
For 35 years, the town has received the Certi cate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
“ is is a testament to the quality of our nancial statements that we’re maintaining the integrity and honesty of our nancial transitions and reporting them appropriately,” said Mary Lou Brown, director of nance and IT.
“ e guidelines are designed to assess how well our budget serves as
In a presentation of nancial statements made by Jamie Essenmacher, a partner at Plante Moran PLLC, the town has a “very clean bill of health.” Regarding the town’s audit, Essenmacher said there were no ndings
$2.2 million in unspent ARPA (American Recovery Act) funds and recorded as a liability until they are spent, so not part of that year-end fund balance,” said Essenmecher. In other business, the town partnership with Town Manager Michelle Kivela to provide leadership, organizational operations. Serving as a liaison and partner to town-wide issues, Lawson will also oversee the Greater Parker Foundation, the Cultural and Parks, Recreation and Open Space Departments.
Council votes against golf carts on roads
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Driving a golf cart on public roads will not be allowed after town council shot down the idea after residents suggested it.
With only councilmembers Anne Barrington and Laura Hefta voting to approve the ordinance to amend chapter 7.03 of the municipal code by adding a new section, the ordinance failed.
e proposed section would have allowed the use of golf carts on town roadways, not on trails, parklands and sidewalks.
Parker police Chief Jim Tsurapas noted there has been an increase in golf carts on public roadways and the proposed change would put guidelines in place on when and where the vehicles would be allowed and the required safety equipment to get a permit.
While Colorado law allows towns to authorize and regulate golf carts and other o -highway vehicles on roadways, a majority of the council felt a proposed plan was not enough to ensure the safety of the public.
Joshua Rivero expressed his concern that there would be people tempted to not take the time to get licensed and that underaged drivers could use carts.
Mayor Pro Tem John Diak also had concerns.
“It sounds great but nobody’s gonna follow that,” Diak said of proposed guidelines.
e town’s municipal code has not generally allowed the use of golf cars or o -highway vehicles, such as ATV’s, on town roadways, sidewalks or trails.
Town council did approve two updates to sections of the Parker Municipal Code concerning restrictions on use of certain vehicles, including motorized vehicles.
Updates to section 7.03.020 of the Parker Municipal Code will clarify information related to the permitting process for the use of certain motorized vehicles.
e update also clari es certain uses of golf cars and other motorized vehicles for the town to perform work in addition to the issuance of permits for authorized uses for people and organizations.
Also, updates section 12.02.100 of the municipal code which will clarify information related to the permitting process of certain motorized vehicles on any of the town’s trails or park land.
Either the chief of Parker police or the Parks, Recreation and Open Space director are authorized to issue valid permits.
