11 Years Ago
While searching for the start time of last night's State of the City meeting, I stumbled across the YouTube video of City Manager Mike Bestor's 2015 State of the City address. Mike was retiring that year after 18 years in that job.
I watched it as an interesting moment in Golden history, but I had forgotten how very funny he is. I wish he had moved on to a career in stand-up (maybe we could get him for next year's Comedy Festival). Highly recommended viewing.
He listed the progress the City had made during his tenure:
- Successful renewal of Golden's historic downtown
- Water reserves that make us "practically drought-proof"
- Solid financial shape with virtually no unfunded liabilities
- Infrastructure in great shape
- Held off the beltway that other cities wanted to route through Golden
- Built a golf course, a community center, and a kayak course
- Established a creek management program that prohibited glass, alcohol, and unleashed dogs
He also introduced his team, one by one, providing characteristic insights into their management accomplishments and styles
- Communications Manager Karlyn Tilley (6 years with the City)
Who surprised him by putting him on the cover of the Informer - Police Chief Bill Kilpatrick (26 years)
Saved a child from the raging waters of Clear Creek
Voted National Best-Dressed Police Chief 8 years in a row - Planning Director Steve Glueck (25 years)
He's like watching a blender without a top
Sometimes the voices in his head come up with awesome ideas—it's like getting two employees for the price of one - Parks & Rec Director Rob Tarullo (11 years)
Got a grant to build a trail out to Tony Grampsas park
Was put in charge of making the vending machines "healthy," which he accomplished by putting magnifying glass on the front of the machines, so Halloween-sized candy bars appear to be full-sized - Finance Director Jeff Hanson (13 years)
Might be getting soft - he's actually listening to budget requests before saying no - City Clear Susan Brooks (36 years)
Has attended almost every City Council meeting in that time - Fire Chief John Bales (15 years)
Effective use of volunteer firefighters from other towns, who like working in Golden because we get a wide variety of calls (including swift water) and we have great equipment - Human Resources Teresa Reilly (19 years)
Great succession program with lots of training for emerging leaders - Mike's Administrative Assistant Denise Hecht (15 years)
She's great for accepting the blame for everything Mike does - Public Works Director Dan Hartman (27 years)
About to rebuild the Hwy 6 and 19th Street intersection...which will back up traffic from Boulder to Denver ("why do you think I'm retiring?")
He praised the City's 200 full time and 300 part time employees, who were so dedicated to the mission of making Golden a great place to live, work, and play.
