At the June 17 Cripple Creek City Council meeting, council sadly accepted the resignations of City Administrator Frank Salvato and Councilman Jared Bowman.

Salvato’s resignation was anticipated; he was moving back to Texas following the sale of his home. Salvato is credited for his initiation and involvement in several projects for the city that continue to move forward.

“(Salvato) was the best administrator Cripple Creek has ever had,” Mayor Annie Durham said. “He was absolutely key in the planning for construction of the (A Place for Kids Day Care Center), application for the city to move forward with the city’s Main Street designation and instrumental in the beautification and revitalization of downtown Cripple Creek.

“He brought so much knowledge and wisdom to the city. He will be very deeply missed by small business owners, staff and casino association members saying he was the best administrator they ever worked with.”

At Salvato’s recommendation, the city has hired Steve Rabe as interim administrator. Rabe has served as administrator in 17 prior interim positions and well as former administrator for Canon City, and comes highly recommended. He also served as the City of Victor’s interim administrator prior to the hiring of Bobby Tech.

“They could not have made a better interim choice for administrator,” Tech said.

Ward 5 council position open for letters of interest accepted through July 13

Eligible Cripple Creek registered voters residing in Ward 5 interested in serving on the city council have an opportunity to apply for appointment to the position.

Council member Jared Bowman stepped down from his seat at the June 17 council meeting; he and his wife Jordan, are moving out of state.

“The city currently has a vacant seat for Ward 5. City council will be appointing the new council member, and we are opening up this opportunity to all eligible residents,” Durham said. “We are currently accepting letters of interest through July 13.”

Community members interested in being considered for appointment need to submit a letter of interest via email to the city clerk at cityclerk@cripple-creek.co.us or in person at City Hall, 337 Bennett Ave.

Only residents who are registered voters and have “resided” in Ward 5 for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to the date of appointment are eligible for appointment to fill the vacancy.

Interested applicants should plan to attend a work session at 4 p.m. at Cripple Creek City Hall on Aug. 5 for a public interview with a final decision at the Aug. 5 regular meeting.

Interested applicants can view the Ward Map at https://www.cityofcripplecreek.com/government/page/public-notices. The map indicates the boundary for Ward 4 and Ward 5. For those unsure of their ward residency, call the Teller County Clerk and Recorder’s Office at 719-689-2951 to confirm.

“I will say that while serving on city council is not always easy, it is most definitely worth it,” Durham said. “This has been one of the greatest opportunities of my life to serve my community, and I sincerely hope you consider applying.”