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Colorado senators receive wildfire support recommendations Report centers on collaborative decisionmaking, investing in preparedness By Rob Carrigan
rcarrigan@colorado communitymedia.com Colorado U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner received recommendations from a report Bennet commissioned over a year ago. The report, presented at a Fire and Forestry Summit Saturday in Colorado Springs, suggests steps the federal government can take to better support Colorado’s wildfire mitigation efforts. The senators were presented with those recommendations by more than 40 fire and forestry experts from across the state who worked to compile the report. El Paso County Commissioner Sallie Clark, representatives from the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, Colorado State University, the Colorado Water Congress, County Commissioners from across the Front Range and West Slope, and other members of the forestry, conservation, and wildfire prevention community all contributed to the development of findings. Following the summit Bennet
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U.S. Senator Michael Bennet was joined by Senator Cory Gardner at a Fire and Forestry Summit to receive recommendations from a report Bennet commissioned on steps the federal government can take to better support Colorado’s wildfire mitigation efforts. Photos by Rob Carrigan toured the Navigators Glen Eyrie property to highlight the post-fire flood mitigation efforts in El Paso County. The Navigators have spent more than $7 million on such efforts. “Colorado has a vast and deep knowledge of forest health and fire mitigation. It’s based on real-world experience and the federal government should tap into it,” Bennet said. “Our office commissioned this report to hear firsthand from the experts on the ground about what the federal government can do to improve the health of our forests and prevent wildfires. The recommendations we received today will help us develop effective, collaborative policy to help deal with the growing threat of wildfire. We are thankful to everyone who contributed to this important conversation and came out today.” “Preventing wildfires when possible and preparing for when they
do occur is everyone’s job,” Gardner said. “It’s critical for officials from the local level to the federal government to be on the same page, and today’s summit was an important step in ensuring that they are. We must continue to be diligent in our efforts to prevent these incredibly damaging natural disasters and their equally destructive effects.” In March 2014, Bennet convened a large group of Colorado leaders in forestry and fire mitigation to discuss ways the federal government can best work to support collaborative, on the ground fire protection and forest health efforts. The group spent a day with Senator Bennet and USDA Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Robert Bonnie, discussing their real-world experiences working in Colorado forests and communities. Fire continues on Page 0
U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, Navigators’ Derek Strickler and El Paso County Commissioner Sallie Clark tour Glen Eyrie after the Fire and Forestry Summit.
Though it has been described as looking like the border regions at the edge of Jurassic Park, Glen Eyrie’s specially-designed screen captures debris for removal, before it causes damage downstream.
Progress made in town manager search Executive recruiter to provide candidates for consideration By Jennifer Cunningham Contributing writer
Six trustees met during special session in late April to make a selection on the recruiting firm responsible for attracting and providing new town manager candidates. Of the five companies submitting proposals, Waters & Company, out of Addison, Texas, was chosen. Mayor Dominguez and trustee Elliott interviewed the company via conference call, ultimately offering the contract. When asked why this company was selected, Elliot said, “They have experience in Colorado, their timeline made sense, and the number of qualified candidates they will give us is higher.” Waters & Company is an executive recruitment firm that, according to their website, “has extensive experience in professional man-
agement and executive and seniorlevel recruitments.” They were the firm responsible for recruiting Castle Rock’s latest town manager. Waters & Company Senior Vice President Chuck Rohre met with five trustees and four town staff, during a special meeting May 9, to discuss specific candidate requirements. He requested information on several key areas. The first pertained to Monument’s selling points. Applicants need to understand what Monument has to offer. A strong school district, lots of recreational activities, climate and a strong sense of community were some of the trustee inputs. Rohre also asked for the town’s major concerns and priority issues. On top of the list was the comprehensive plan. While a consultant has been hired to assist in the effort, with the recent departure of Morgan Hester, assistant planner, the timeline may be extended. Economic development, water issues and experience in fundraising and grants were also listed of top importance.
The core reason for the meeting focused on qualifications trustees would like to see in the proposed pool of candidates. There was some debate over private versus public sector experience. Chief Shirk voiced concerns with sole private sector experience, stating their focus would be more profit and widget-driven, and not understating the town provides a service. Eventually, all came to a consensus that a mix of the two, leaning slightly more to the public arena, was preferable. Rohre, based on his extensive experience in hiring governmental administrators, agreed municipality experience was highly beneficial. “In my 20-plus years of search experience, seldom have I seen someone become totally successful without a governmental background,” he stated. Town Manager Pam Smith also recommended the candidate have a strong understanding of Colorado’s unique laws, namely TABOR and water. An ability to communicate, collaborate with outside organizations and communities, and
openness to guidance were also listed as key qualifiers. Educational requirements were briefly discussed, being identified as a bachelor’s degree or higher, or an equivalent mix of education and experience. While the town had determined a salary range between $70,000 and $90,000, Rohre indicated, that to be competitive and attract the strongest candidates, the range should be no less than $100,000 to $115,000. Relocation assistance will also be offered. A specific timeline was not laid out, but Rohre stated it could take 90 to 100 days to have someone in place. This is contingent on the availability of the selected candidate and whether they are under contract with a current position. Rohre anticipates up to 80 applications from which Waters & Company will select for proposal to the trustees. According to Colorado Revised Statutes, a list of the final candidates must be made public at least 14 days prior to selection. Final interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of July 20.