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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20131080.tiffRECORD OF PROCEEDINGS MINUTES BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WELD COUNTY, COLORADO MAY 1,2013 The Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, met in regular session in full conformity with the laws of the State of Colorado at the regular place of meeting in the Weld County Administration Building, Greeley, Colorado, May 1, 2013, at the hour of 9:00 a.m. El ROLL CALL: The meeting was called to order by the Chair and on roll call the following members were present, constituting a quorum of the members thereof: Commissioner William F. Garcia, Chair Commissioner Douglas Rademacher, Pro-Tem Commissioner Sean P. Conway Commissioner Mike Freeman Commissioner Barbara Kirkmeyer - EXCUSED Also present: County Attorney, Bruce T. Barker Acting Clerk to the Board, Susan Brown Director of Finance and Administration, Monica Mika • MINUTES: Commissioner Conway moved to approve the minutes of the Board of County Commissioners meeting of April 29, 2013, as printed. Commissioner Freeman seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. El READ ORDINANCE BY TAPE: Commissioner Rademacher moved to read Code Ordinances #2013-3 and 2013-4 by tape. Commissioner Freeman seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. • AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA: There were no amendments to the agenda. • PUBLIC INPUT: No public input was given. Fl CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Conway moved to approve the Consent Agenda as printed. Commissioner Rademacher seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. ER COMMISSIONER COORDINATOR REPORTS: Commissioner Conway attended an event at Aims Community College with Commissioner Freeman, an Aims Trustee, where they had the honor, alongside President Marilynn Liddell, of being presented with two checks totaling $148 million dollars for Aims, from the oil and gas companies Noble Energy, Inc., and Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, and they took the opportunity to talk about the benefits to our community. Commissioner Conway noted that Aims students have not had to endure a tuition increase for two years. Commissioner Rademacher concurred and also mentioned there will be a second showing of the documentary "Frack Minutes, May 1, 2013 2013-1080 Page 1 BC0016 Nation" in the Southwest County Building open to the public and civic groups. Commissioner Freeman also concurred with Commissioner Conway's comments and said the oil and gas industry also has positive impacts on Fire and Library Districts; it benefits all of Weld County. Commissioner Freeman reported on the Commissioner's recent meeting with the High Plains Library Board to discuss concerns regarding going to branches versus being member libraries with local control, etc. The Library Board also agreed to extend the IGA with Fort Lupton for 60 days. Commissioner Conway also mentioned two events: he and Commissioner Kirkmeyer were guest speakers at the annual Southwest Weld Conservation Planning Meeting in Keenesburg; there was a presentation with an overview of the drought from a climatologist from CSU and conversations about oil and gas, and agriculture. On Thursday night, Commissioners Conway and Freeman attended a meeting of the Colorado 4-H Foundation honoring young people who received scholarships, and were thanked for a number of agricultural issues pertaining to water. Commissioner Freeman added that they were very excited about the new pens for the Fair. Chair Garcia reported meeting with the Town Board of Fort Lupton and to talk about the Library and the NSP3 Program. He also attended a joint meeting with the Evans Economic Development Council and the City Council of Evans. He said that Evans reported they are very pleased with the Small Business Development Center and will be looking at other incentives to further the goals of small business. BIDS: 1) APPROVE BID #B1300073, BIO-MEDICAL WASTE PICKUP SERVICES - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT/CORONER'S OFFICE: Trevor Jiricek, Department of General Services, said that staff recommended approval of the low bid from Stericyle, Inc. These services are for the Health Department in Greeley, the Southwest Weld Building, as well as the Coroner's Office. They have been providing good service for some years and actually bid lower than their current service costs. Commissioner Conway moved to approve said bid as recommended by staff. Seconded by Commissioner Freeman, the motion carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS: 1) CONSIDER REQUEST TO WAIVE BID PROCEDURE CONCERNING SMALL TRACT OIL AND GAS LEASE, ACCEPT OFFER TO LEASE MINERAL ACRE, AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN - CARRIZO (NIOBRARA), LLC (S26, T8N, R60W): Bruce Barker, County Attorney, explained these two leases are both 1.21 acres, $484 for each, and recommended approval. Commissioner Freeman moved to waive bid procedure, accept the offer, approve said lease and authorize the Chair to sign. Seconded by Commissioner Rademacher, the motion carried unanimously. 2) CONSIDER REQUEST TO WAIVE BID PROCEDURE CONCERNING SMALL TRACT OIL AND GAS LEASE, ACCEPT OFFER TO LEASE MINERAL ACRE, AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN - CARRIZO (NIOBRARA), LLC (S26, T8N, R60W): Mr. Barker said this is a mirror of the previous item, and he recommends approval. Commissioner Rademacher moved to waive bid procedure, accept the lease offer, approve the lease and authorize the Chair to sign. Seconded by Commissioner Conway, the motion carried unanimously. la 3) CONSIDER PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN - WOW BUBBLES, LLC: Brad Yatabe, Assistant County Attorney, introduced the agreement, explaining this is a popular activity for the 2013 Fair. Commissioner Rademacher moved to approve said agreement and authorize the Chair to sign. Seconded by Commissioner Conway, the motion carried unanimously. Minutes, May 1, 2013 2013-1080 Page 2 BC0016 El 4) CONSIDER PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN - COLORADO GARDEN TRACTOR PULLERS ASSOCIATION: Mr. Yatabe introduced this agreement for the 2013 Weld County Fair. Commissioner Rademacher moved to approve said agreement and authorize the Chair to sign. Seconded by Commissioner Conway, the motion carried unanimously. • 5) CONSIDER PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN - KRISTEN SMITH: Mr. Yatabe introduced this agreement for the 2013 Weld County Fair (youth rodeo). Commissioner Freeman moved to approve said agreement and authorize the Chair to sign. Seconded by Commissioner Conway, the motion carried unanimously. • 6) CONSIDER PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN - MOUNTAIN SHADOWS CARRIAGES/ DARRIN HENRY: Mr. Yatabe introduced this agreement for the 2013 Weld County Fair (carriage rides to and from the parking area). Commissioner Conway moved to approve said agreement and authorize the Chair to sign. Seconded by Commissioner Rademacher, the motion carried unanimously. • 7) CONSIDER PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN - RAPPEL'S ARENA, C/O BEAU RAPPEL: Mr. Yatabe introduced this agreement for the 2013 Weld County Fair (second annual roping event). Commissioner Rademacher moved to approve said agreement and authorize the Chair to sign. Seconded by Commissioner Freeman, the motion carried unanimously. • 8) CONSIDER PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN - YOUNG GUNS ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION: Weld County Fair Coordinator Janet Konkel stated she's excited about these activities, which were developed by a teacher and are geared towards younger kids. It includes hay bale roping, etc., and each kid receives a wanted poster at the end; this is the first year for this event (and despite the name no guns are involved). She also noted there will be a Corvette show this year with 120 Corvettes and said enrollment in 4-H has increased. Commissioner Freeman moved to approve said agreement and authorize the Chair to sign. Seconded by Commissioner Conway, the motion carried unanimously. • 9) CONSIDER EXCLUSION OF VOLUNTEER APPOINTED MEMBERS OF WELD COUNTY ADVISORY BOARDS FROM WORKER'S COMPENSATION COVERAGE, PURSUANT TO SECTION 8-40-202, C.R.S.: Bob Choate, Assistant County Attorney, explained this is a procedural resolution, to allow the Department of Human Resources to file the appropriate form with the Department of Labor and Employment. Commissioner Conway clarified that if something were to happen the members would still be covered, but not through Worker's Compensation. Commissioner Rademacher moved to approve the Resolution as printed. Commissioner Conway seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. a 10) CONSIDER AGREEMENT FOR PURCHASE OF TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT FOR CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS TO CR 23 AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN - JAMES AND MARGARET MATTHEWS: Leon Sievers, Department of Public Works, introduced this as the first of eight agreements on County Road 23/ Highway 392 joint venture improvement project with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), and the Town of Windsor. Mr. Sievers reviewed Minutes, May 1, 2013 2013-1080 Page 3 BC0016 the location and explained the property valuation. Commissioner Rademacher moved to approve the agreement and authorize the Chair to sign. Commissioner Conway seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. 11) CONSIDER AGREEMENT FOR PURCHASE OF PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY AND TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT FOR CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS TO CR 23 AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN NECESSARY DOCUMENTS - JAMES AND MARGARET MATTHEWS/ SHIRLEY TREGONING LIVING TRUST AND MERRILL TREGONING: Mr. Sievers reviewed the location and explained the property valuation. Commissioner Freeman moved to approve said agreement and authorize the Chair to sign necessary documents. Commissioner Conway seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. Si 12) CONSIDER AGREEMENT FOR PURCHASE OF PIPELINE RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS TO CR 23 AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN NECESSARY DOCUMENTS - WINDSOR LV, LLC: Mr. Sievers explained that this agreement pertains to an existing gas pipeline and is the largest parcel on the project. There will be construction over the top of this easement and the County is paying to have a pipeline relocated, which matter came previously before the Board. Mr. Sievers reviewed the location and explained the property valuation. Commissioner Rademacher moved to approve said agreement and authorize the Chair to sign necessary documents. Commissioner Conway seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. 13) CONSIDER AGREEMENT FOR PURCHASE OF PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY AND TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT FOR CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS TO CR 23 AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN NECESSARY DOCUMENTS - WINDSOR LV, LLC: Mr. Siever reviewed the location and explained the property valuation on the largest parcel of the project. This agreement also includes compensation to the landowner for the construction of an irrigation pipe to allow continued irrigation on the other side of the new road. Commissioner Rademacher moved to approve said agreement and authorize the Chair to sign necessary documents. Commissioner Freeman seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. 12 14) CONSIDER LEASE AGREEMENT FOR LUPTON BOTTOM DITCH SHARES AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN - MILLER FARMS: Clay Kimmi, Department of Public Works, introduced this agreement which resulted from a bid presented to the Board and approved on April 15, 2013. Commissioner Conway thanked Mr. Kimmi for continuing to prioritize making this water available to Weld County farmers and moved to approve said agreement and authorize the Chair to sign. Commissioner Rademacher seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. 15) CONSIDER CERTIFICATION TO THE WELD COUNTY TREASURER OF ZONING VIOLATION PENALTIES AS SPECIAL ASSESSMENT - ADOLFO AND BEATRICE SIMENTAL: Mr. Choate stated this assessment is the result of a zoning violation case in County Court, wherein a judge assessed a penalty of $50 a day until the property was bought into compliance. Because the Simentals were unresponsive to County staff the daily penalty was not resolved for some time, but was terminated after 77 days at the County's request. Mr. Choate explained that the only way for the County to enforce this court order is by way of a special assessment and recommended approval. In response to Chair Garcia, Mr. Choate clarified that $3,850 dollars goes onto next year's property tax Minutes, May 1, 2013 2013-1080 Page 4 BC0016 bill, and, as with anyone who does not pay their taxes, if not paid, they would turn into a lien with penalties and interest assessed by the Treasurer. There was discussion of how interest would be assessed, and it was determined that no interest would start to accrue until after April 30 of next year. Chair Garcia said this matter has already gone through the violation process, and the Courts, and has been decided so it is not appropriate to discuss or review the case further. Chair Garcia then opened the floor for public input. Ms. Simental said the truck currently on their property is inoperable and can't be moved until fixed. She also stated the assessment would put a financial strain on her family and they won't be able to pay it. In response to Commissioner Rademacher, Mr. Barker said if the goal is to ensure compliance, the certification could be continued to a future date. Mr. Choate affirmed staff is currently investigating subsequent violations, but the original violation was resolved. He then briefly explained the process and said staff has worked hard and the matter has come a long way before it gets to this point. Commissioner Conway contended that the purpose of the process is to get people into compliance. Mr. Barker noted that leniency sends a message to other violators and that needs to be taken into consideration. Chair Garcia elucidated the typical process: the property is inspected; the case is sent to the County Attorney's Office, and then taken to court and before a judge, who imposes penalties, and noted that the penalty will remain interest free for one year if assessed to the tax bill. He stated his support for certification of the penalty. Commissioner Conway contended this could eventually lead to a tax sale/loss of the property, and stated his hope that the Simentals understand that the County is very serious and there would be consequences if they were out of compliance when brought back before the Board. He stated his desire to continue the matter, with the understanding that it would be a probationary period. Mr. Barker said that any financial judgment is left up to the Board's discretion as to how they want to collect, and they could continue it if they so wished. Commissioner Freeman concurred with Commissioner Conway's feelings about second chances; however, that chance was already given. Commissioner Rademacher said the process is working well; he is concerned about sending a message of leniency and noted that from Ms. Simental's testimony, it sounds like the trouble is just going to move to another area. Commissioner Conway asked if it would be possible to designate their vehicle for collection, versus their real property. Commissioner Rademacher said he would perhaps be willing to entertain a continuance, but stated concerns about setting a precedent. Mr. Barker said the system is set up for the purpose of sending a message and went on to discuss alternatives for collection of the penalty. Commissioner Freeman said he would hate to have this go to a tax sale because of a penalty but is unwilling to waive the fee. Chair Garcia said a precedent of leniency could negatively impact significant progress made in making this system more efficient and effective. Commissioner Conway moved to continue the matter to Wednesday, August 7, 2013. Commissioner Rademacher seconded the motion. The motion passed on a 3-1 vote, with Chair Garcia opposed. la 16) CONSIDER CERTIFICATION TO THE WELD COUNTY TREASURER OF ZONING VIOLATION PENALTIES AS SPECIAL ASSESSMENT - ABELARDO AND NANCY VEGA: Mr. Choate explained that the Vegas are the subject of a continuing daily penalty (totaling $14,200) due to numerous property violations, including structures built in the flood plain and over the property line, etc. Mr. Choate said that this resolution would certify the continuing daily penalty through today's date; the Court took into account the financial ability of the property owners to comply. He also noted the Vegas opened a line of communication with the Planning Department for the first time only yesterday. Mr. Choate also mentioned the distress these violations have caused to at least one of the Vegas neighbors, Orna McCaskall, hindering her ability to transfer or sell her property, and strongly Minutes, May 1, 2013 2013-1080 Page 5 BC0016 recommended approval. Ms. McCaskall was present but declined to speak. After some discussion, Bethany Salzman, Zoning Compliance, reviewed the history of the case. Mr. Choate said his understanding was that there were six or eight major structural and zoning violations as of an inspection yesterday. Commissioner Conway said unfortunately the Vegas were given chances to come into compliance which were ignored, and creating distress to adjacent property owners is unacceptable; therefore he is in support of certification. Commissioner Rademacher moved to certify the penalties as special assessment. Commissioner Conway seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. Commissioner Conway added that the Commissioners handle these on a case -by -case basis, but also stated he has some concerns about the process. Chair Garcia said these cases used to be handled differently and would drag out; the new process is more streamlined and alleviates long- term impact to neighbors, and said that if the Commissioners take time to hear the case over again they undermine the new process. Commissioner Rademacher said the process is obviously working very well, as these are the first two cases before the Board in a year and a half. a 17) CONSIDER REQUEST FOR TWO-YEAR EXTENSION OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN: Monica Mika, Director of Finance and Administration, referred to Monday's work session. Commissioner Freeman moved to approve said request Brad Yatabe, Assistant County Attorney, Resolution. Commissioner Conway seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. 18) FIRST READING OF CODE ORDINANCE #2013-3, IN THE MATTER OF ENACTING CHAPTER 4 COMMUNICATIONS, OF THE WELD COUNTY CODE: Christopher Woodruff, County Assessor, said he is present in his capacity as the Chair of the Committee and on behalf of the department heads. He stated the purpose of this ordinance is to open up this venue to department heads to disseminate information to the public; this issue was thoroughly vetted, all departments participated and department heads were invited to this first reading. No public testimony was offered concerning this matter. Commissioner Conway thanked Mr. Woodruff for his many months of work on this ordinance and Commissioner Rademacher said this ordinance has been years in the making, the parameters are strict, and he is in full support. Commissioner Freeman concurred. Commissioner Rademacher moved to approve Code Ordinance 2013-3 on first reading. Commissioner Conway seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. 19) FIRST READING OF CODE ORDINANCE #2013-4, IN THE MATTER OF REPEALING AND REENACTING, WITH AMENDMENTS, CHAPTER 6 LAW ENFORCEMENT, OF THE WELD COUNTY CODE: Mr. Barker relayed that this code ordinance makes an affirmative statement prohibiting this Board or any future Board from affirming stricter gun laws. Commissioner Conway said this ordinance resulted from a group of citizen's first draft of a firearms protection code, subsequent work sessions, and advice from Counsel. He said the County was looking for a way to ensure its resident's second amendment rights are not infringed. Commissioner Conway noted a lawsuit is being filed questioning the constitutionality of the recently enacted gun laws. Commissioner Rademacher concurred with these statements. Margie Perusek, County resident, commended the Commissioners for this measure. Commissioner Conway noted that Ms. Perusek served as the undersheriff for 10 years, as the Police Chief in Fort Lupton, and has been in law enforcement for more than 34 years. In response to Minutes, May 1, 2013 2013-1080 Page 6 BC0016 Commissioner Conway, she stated that anytime you disarm a society you leave them wide open. In addition, these laws are unenforceable, make it more difficult for law-abiding citizens to protect their property, and make law abiding citizens into criminals. In response to Commissioner Rademacher, she concurred that statistics show that laws such as these are not effective. a Lea Faulkner also thanked the Commissioners for their stance. She said further that this is what our Country was founded on and to impede it is sacrilegious. El Joshua Miller, County resident, concurred with previous statements. a Commissioner Conway moved to approve Code Ordinance #2013-4 on first reading. Commissioner Freeman seconded, saying he looked forward to future public input, and the motion carried unanimously. RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES: The resolutions were presented and signed as listed on the Consent Agenda. Code Ordinances #2013-3 and #2013-4 were approved on first reading. Let the minutes reflect that the above and foregoing actions were attested to and respectfully submitted by the Acting Clerk to the Board. There being no further business, this meeting was adjourned at 10:43 a.m. ATTEST: Weld County Clerk to the BY: Deputy Clerk to the Bo TY COMMISSIONERS OLORADO her, Pro-Tem Sean onwa� Mike Freeman EXCUSED Barbara Kirkmeyer Minutes, May 1, 2013 2013-1080 Page 7 BC0016 Hello