City of Fort Morgan
fOCUS on FORT MORGAN
May 2021
Employee Newsletter
Welcome! MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER
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Steve Glammeyer Welcome to another edition of the “Message from the Manager” and City Employee Newsletter. I hope you enjoyed last month’s edition and learned something new about your Finance Department.
This month, tying into “Building Safety Month," we are pleased to showcase the Building and Planning & Zoning Departments! This team of hardworking professionals labor tirelessly to ensure all development and construction in the City meets the necessary laws and life safety elements required in the City. This team is also responsible for making sure weeds, junk and other unsightly issues are cleaned up as required by the City code, recently adding the Code Compliance Officer to the department. Finally, this department is also responsible for maintenance of City buildings with the Building Maintenance Technician. Whenever you see these guys and gals remember to tell them thank you for what they do!
IN THIS EDITION:
This May also brings to a close a major project for the City, the Recreation Fieldhouse. After years of discussion and planning, a year of design and almost a year of construction, we will open the facility with grand fanfare on May 29th. This nearly 40,000 square foot building features multiple gymnasium spaces, a cardio/weightlifting area, and a group exercise room. The outside features a splash park and accessible playground adding great fun to this area. And did you know, this facility is now an added part of your employment benefits and is free to use for all full-time and part-time employees?! So, stop by the Armory anytime after May 1st to get your pass. And please plan to join us on May 29th, starting at Noon for grand opening events and tours. Again, I hope you enjoy the information included in this month’s edition. I look forward to showcasing more departments and projects in the coming months. And THANK YOU for all you do!
Steve
Message from the Manager...2 May Wellness...3 Department Spotlight...4 Welcome New Employees...6 Events...8
Fieldhouse Open House Invitation...9 2
FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - May 2021
Pssst - Did you know? Spinach and Kale are heart-healthy super veggies
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MAY WELLNESS I AM HEALTHY CHALLENGE Try out 30 healthy habits in 30 days!
MENTAL HEALTH MONTH Take advantage of the warm weather and get outside this spring.
Healthy habits can be intimidating, so
Explore our new Twamore Trails, north
take it one day at a time. Every small
of the Rainbow Bridge, or enjoy 9 holes
step brings you closer to your goals.
at the beautiful Quail Dunes Golf Course.
For the month of May, complete one
Get out of town for a road trip! There are
suggested behavior a day for 30 days
numerous scenic sites within driving
to fulfill the challenge. The instruction
distance of Fort Morgan.
form and log will be separate attachments
Whatever your passion, spring is a great
included in the newsletter email. Contact
time to get out and be active!
wellness@cityoffortmorgan.com with any questions.
Why is being outside so good for your mental health? Being outdoors can lift your mood and lower anxiety. Studies suggest that when in nature, people may experience a
Veggie Pita Pizza
more positive mood and better cognitive function. Memory improves, as does the
To make no cook pizza sauce: In a mixing bowl, add all the ingredients listed for pizza sauce – tomato sauce, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic paste, sugar. Mix well and set aside. This can be made ahead of time and even frozen.
ability to focus. Some people also
To make Veggie Pita Bread Pizza (Oven): Line a baking tray with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 400° Fahrenheit. Spread 2 tbsp pizza sauce on each pita bread, followed by a half cup of mozzarella cheese (or as much needed). Add toppings: red onions, red and green bell peppers, mushrooms, corn and black olives, jalapeños, and tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, oregano, and red chili flakes (optional). Transfer to the lined baking sheet and bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown. Remove from the oven and let rest on the tray for another 5 mins. Slice into 4 triangles and serve immediately.
this is a continuous stretch of time or
To make Veggie Pita Bread Pizza (Air-fryer): Follow exact steps as the oven method to get the pizza ready and then transfer to the air fryer and bake at 370° F for 5-7 mins or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown. Slice into 4 triangles and serve immediately.
experience a boost in creativity. Research points to 120 minutes a week as the ideal minimum. It doesn't matter if not. The benefits appear to be the same even if the 120 minutes occur in smaller blocks of time over the week. Next time you find yourself with a free Saturday afternoon – get outside! No matter the weather, you may find you feel better by the time you return indoors.
FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - May 2021
Pssst - Did you know? A brisk 30-minute walk could equate to as many as 2,000 - 3,000 steps! 10,000 steps per day is recommended for weight-loss and general health
DEPARTMENT PROFILE nadroJ leahciM-- .neppah ti ekam srehto ,neppah dluow ti hsiw emos ,neppah ot ti tnaw elpoep emoS 4
BUILDING AND PLANNING & ZONING DEPARTMENTS AND BUILDING MAINTENANCE
what
Our
we do
The building department ensures that new construction is built to code to
why
The department takes pride in
protect citizens from disasters by requiring sturdy construction to prevent
knowing they contribute to the
building collapse, to hold up in severe weather related events, for fire
safety of the citizens in the
protection and for everyday use. If you look around the building you are in: walls, foundation, electrical outlets and lighting, plumbing, heating and cooling, fire protection, all have a set of corresponding building codes that outline
city. The overall consensus among employees is that working with and getting to
fundamental safety standards that the building inspectors are responsible for checking. The inspectors’ knowledge spans every aspect of the building, from the foundation to the roof and everything in between. The department works together to register contractors, issue permits, explain codes and requirements
know the people in the community is the best part of their job.
to contractors/citizens and schedule inspections. The Planning and Zoning Department works in conjunction with the Planning Commission on the City’s comprehensive plan. Responsibility includes all planning-related activities and long-range development of the City; land planning in regard to zoning, permitting and site planning; the formulation of plans and policies to meet the social, economic, and physical needs of our community; and the development of strategies to make these plans work.
OUR TEAM
Pictured from left to right: Mike Hosier, Building Inspector; Dustin Heid, Code Compliance Officer; Mike Kirkendall, Chief Building Official; Andrea Hill, Building Permit Technician; Brenda Guggenmos, Administrative Assistant; Brent Nation, Utilities and Public Works Director; Collette Brost, Administrative Assistant; Sam Schantz, Building Maintenance Technician
FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - May 2021
Pssst - Did you know? Drinking water has numerous benefits! It helps regulate blood pressure, helps the body remove waste, keeps skin bright, and may act as a natural appetite suppressant
DEPARTMENT PROFILE BUILDING AND PLANNING & ZONING DEPARTMENTS AND BUILDING MAINTENANCE
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funF
A C T S !
The City of Fort Morgan has issued approximately 9,996 permits in the last 10 years. The most requested permit in the City of Fort Morgan is a Roofing permit, followed by a Concrete permit. The City of Fort Morgan just starting using a new online permitting system. MyGov allows homeowners and Contractors to apply for permits and contractor licenses online, from the comfort of their own homes, any time of the day. Check out the Building Department website for more information or a link to apply. The city limits of Fort Morgan consists of 12 separate zoning districts, with the purpose being to protect the property values and secure the orderly development of the community with not all uses allowed in every district, each having a list of things that are a use by right. Some uses not allowed in a district are allowed by special use, having to go through a process for approval of such, with variances granted only in proper cases or the zoning purpose is thwarted. There are also Zoning District Standards for each zoning district, which include certain setbacks be maintained. New commercial/business development is required to go through the Site Plan process prior to building plan review to issue a permit to build. Major subdivisions must go through a three step process before a plat is recorded with lots that can be sold or developed, which includes Sketch Plan, Preliminary Plat and Final Plat.
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FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - May 2021
Pssst - Did you know? The mental health benefits of meditation include better focus and concentration, improved self-awareness and self-esteem, and lower levels of stress and anxiety
TIM FRICKE Tim's employment background includes automotive and mechanical repair, a craft he enjoys doing at home and one he is currently teaching his son. He Tim started working full-time for the City on April 5th in the
likes hotrods, although he doesn’t currently own one.
Parks Department as a General Maintenance Worker. His duties include maintaining the City parks, skate parks,
He grew up in western Nebraska, then moved to Las Vegas for about 6
shelters, recreation facilities, nature areas and landscape
years before moving to Fort Morgan in 1994. He is married with an 8 year-
throughout the City.
old son. When he is not working, he and his family enjoy traveling, hiking and biking.
MEET OUR NEW EMPLOYEES WELCOME TO THE CITY! Building Department, Code Compliance Officer Parks Department, General Maintenance
DUSTIN HEID My name is Dustin Heid and I recently began my
I have been hired to fill the role as a “code
employment with the City of Fort Morgan on
compliance officer” for the Planning and Zoning
April 5th. I have had no previous titles with
Department. My duties include but are not limited
other departments in the city.
to: property compliance, refuse, inoperable vehicles, weeds, snow, drainage, building code
I have been a resident of Morgan County for 20
compliance, permit issuance/verification, right of
years. I was employed by the county for the
way/alley maintenance, and liquor code
last 16 years as a sheriff’s deputy and building
compliance.
inspector. Previous to that I lived in Greeley where I was employed in HVAC trades.
My personal hobbies typically revolve around my
I moved to Colorado in 1987 and practically
family. I sincerely enjoy spending time with them and
grew up in North Park.
take an interest in whatever they are involved in.
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FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - May 2021
Pssst - Did you know? Music can enhance the function of neural networks, lower blood pressure and reduce stress
SANDY SCHNEIDER-ENGLE Who says history doesn’t repeat itself? Sandy Schneider-Engle joined the City staff on April 19th as the Economic Development Specialist. In her role, she is responsible for developing and implementing the economic development strategic plan and serves as the City’s point of contact for strategies and programs related to economic development. She will work closely with Steve Glammeyer and other members of our team on various programs related to business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts.
Before a 19-year long career as a healthcare
In college, Sandy dreamed of being a Broadway star, first
marketing director where she executed digital
majoring in theatre, before realizing she desired a more
and traditional communication campaigns,
stable occupation. She graduated from the University of
recruited medical professionals, and performed
Northern Colorado in Greeley with a bachelor’s degree in
various community outreach initiatives, Sandy
journalism and a master’s degree in communication.
served as a municipal economic development
Her love of the arts still remains, and she often can be
professional (City Progress Director) for more
found in her art studio creating collages, painting pictures,
than eight years for Fort Morgan. Exciting
or snapping photos. A life-long learner, she is completing
projects during her municipal tenure included
an associate’s degree in multi-media/graphic design.
the establishment of a film commission office
She is an avid reader and enjoys running/walking. Non-
that aided in the production of "Dumb and
profit and civic organizations have always held a special
Dumber"; the occupancy of an industrial park
place in her heart, and she continues to contribute her
with manufacturing plants supplying hundreds of
time and energy to advance their missions through
jobs to the community; and attainment of several
volunteer work.
grants to make improvements to community infrastructure.
MEET OUR NEW EMPLOYEES WELCOME TO THE CITY! Library / Museum, Library Circulation Assistant City Manager's Office, Economic Development Specialist
BECKY THIEL My name is Becky Thiel and I started with the City on April 21st as a part-time library circulation assistant. I am responsible for helping patrons with any library needs (finding books, ordering books from another library, assistance with the computer, ensuring book shelves are maintained and orderly, pulling books to hold for Fort Morgan library patrons or to send to another library for their patrons, checking books in and out and retrieving books from the outside book drop).
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Personal hobbies or interests: I enjoy working with plants and flowers don't really know much about them but have pretty good luck. I enjoy being outside when possible, often taking our dog to the dog park. And I love reading - which makes this job a perfect fit!
FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - May 2021
Pssst - Did you know? The Recreation Department has outdoor equipment you can borrow. Call to inquire (970) 542-3921
Youth Sports resiaK .J yrneH-- .tpurretni t'nod ,flesti rof skaeps krow ruoy nehW
Registration Ends May 7, Baseball May 24, Tennis Camp Registration Opens May 8, Day Camps
Community May 15, FMHS Graduation Parade May 29, Fieldhouse Opening May 29, Pool Opening
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 1, Swimming Lessons Start
City Park May 2, MCC Jazz Ensemble May 4, FMHS Choir May 5, FMHS Band and Orchestra May 21, FMHS EOY Picnic May 22, MCC/CASE Avourneen June 3, TNL The Jazz Section
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FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - May 2021
Pssst - Did you know? Long-term effects of laughter may include an improved immune system, increased personal satisfaction and improvement in mood
THE CITY OF FORT MORGAN
FIELDHOUSE
You're Invited!
Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 1239 E. Kiowa Ave., Fort Morgan, CO 80701 Open House Masonic Grand Lodge Cornerstone Dedication Ceremony Dedication Speakers & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Open Gym urday, Sat
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Noon - 1:00 pm 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
May 29th
FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - May 2021
Pssst - Did you know? Regular physical activity makes your heart stronger. If your heart can work less to pump, the force on your arteries decreases, lowering your blood pressure