HomeMy WebLinkAbout20001560 Eaton Agricultural Education Department
Eaton High School, 114 Park Avenue, Eaton,CO 80615 . 970-454-5170,:
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May 22, 2000 K 1l, . r. p:
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Weld County Board of County Commissioners
Attention: Ms. Barbara Kirkmeyer
915 10th Street
Greeley,CO 80631
Dear Ms.Kirkmeyer:
The past few months have been very troubling for my wife and I. In September, my wife submitted an application to
serve on the Weld County Fair Board. She was notified by Sandi Meier,Weld County Fair Coordinator that she was not
eligible to serve on the fair board again until 2003. Sandi mentioned that individuals who had served on the board
before, needed to wait a three year period before being eligible to serve on the Fair Board again. Linda then questioned
Sandi as to why this had never occurred before. Sandi commented that it was the Commissioners decision.
Serving on the Weld County Fair Board as secretary for four years, Linda then mentioned that Tom Bledsoe would also
not be eligible. Sandi commented that this was correct. However, Linda working as an executive committee member
when the County Commissioners Attorney, Bruce Barker, revised the Bylaws of such board, knew that this information
was not correct.
Therefore, Linda contacted Mr. Barker for his clarification of the bylaws. Once again, there was question to the exact
time limit for people reapplying to the board. On Monday, October 4, 1999, Ms. Peggy Carlson mentioned to me that
Linda needed to attend the Fair Board meeting that night as there had been a decision to allow Linda and Tom to
reapply.
Stason Ikenouye, who currently served on the board, contacted Mariann Bledsoe to let her husband Tom know that he
also needed to attend the board meeting. Why wasn't there any contact to these individuals from the Extension Staff?
Is this not the job of the "Weld County Fair Coordinator?"
After receiving a high ranking among the applicants, Linda's application was submitted to your office. She then was
contacted by Ms. Sprague to interview with the Commissioners. Linda was prompt in interviewing with the
Commissioners. She then received a letter of decline from your office.
Linda being strong minded contact Mr. Mike Geile, who was on the Commissioners interview committee. She
questioned Mr. Geile as to what had happened. He then informed Linda of a "negative phone campaign" against her.
My wife's credibility was questioned.
Why was Linda subject to such ridicule? She has not been given and I highly doubt will be given a chance to defend
herself and address the negative accusations made about her character. Is this how all volunteers are treated? I feel that
this is a disgrace to the county and especially the fair.
I knew my wife for eight years prior to the time we were married. She has always been activein helping the youth of
Weld County and the State of Colorado. This is one of the many reasons, I first admired her. She has worked to create
opportunities for youth to succeed and develop skills. As an educator myself, I value those individuals who strive to be
a positive role model for youth.
Linda is a woman who will speak her mind. She strives to ensure equality to the fair for all 4-H and FFA participants. I
have seen her question groups of individuals and motions that have not been in the best interest of the counties youth.
This should be a value asset to the board as she will question decisions and their ramifications for the fair and the youth
of this county.
(76,„}„,„" ardt_
eape / 2000-1560
Thank You For Supporting Agricultural Education
Page 2
Letter to Barbara Kirkmeyer
Recently, I have seen the minutes from the Fair Board meetings. As an Agricultural Education instructor and fair
superintendent, I have concerns about many of the rule changes made in the past year. Some of these rules took years
to put into place to make sure that the Fair was equitable for all participants.
As a advocate of this county, I feel cheated by the County Commissioners. They have made decisions which affect the
lives of citizens with one viewpoint. This creates an ugly image of the Commissioners. Is this business as usual for the
Commissioners? I was raised in Platteville and have valued this county for its many opportunities. At one time I
respected many of those who held public offices in the community. I no longer respect the Weld County
Commissioners and the decisions that they have made. Especially,the decisions which have affected my wife. She is a
business person in Greeley and her creditability is what her business thrives on.You have questioned her credibility and
ability to be an active part of a volunteer board for youth.
I also know from past experience, that if the Commissioners are questioned about a decision,the Commissioners will
not change their position. The perfect example is the Weld County Commissioners decision about the Quality Meat
Assurance Program.The Weld County Fair Board members made a final decision after a"special" meeting, but after the
Commissioners office received several "political" phone calls,the Commissioners overruled the Fair Boards vote How
degrading for the Fair Board members.
Many of you are seeking reelection or other public offices. I'm quiet sure that many of you will not receive several
community members votes. The County Commissioners know that there are individuals who question their ability to
govern. A perfect example of this is the many individuals who called on Linda's behalf.The Commissioners have taken
an avid spokesperson for youth and crushed her efforts to help make a positive difference for the youth of Weld
County.This does not reflect well on the Commissioners.
As County Commissioners, you have placed my wife, an active volunteer and business person in a public circle of
gossip, rumors and lies. The County Commissioners have brought tear among the members of the Weld County Fair
Board. Many of the board members are afraid to speak out on certain decisions that you have made.
Enclosed you will find a copy of a certificate that Linda received for her work with the Weld County Fair Board signed by
the Commissioners as well as a letter from Mr. Jim Smith commending her on a job well done. I think she is well
deserving of an apology from the Commissioners. Or is this beneath the Commissioners?
It is with great disappointment that I write this letter. However, I would appreciate a reply if you have one. Or should I
say that Mr. Barker will submit another letter that says the County Commissioners are not accountable for their actions
or decisions? I think that voters would tend to disagree. I know how busy the County Commissioners are making
decision which affect the county and a few voters are of no major concern.
Disgusted,/'
e41-C-121
ellyLo gacre ' ' �
Agricu ural E cation Instructor/FFA Advisor
cc: Mr. Milan Rewerts
Weld County Fair Board
DEPARTMENT OF WELD COUNTY FAIR
T PHONE (970) 356-4000, EXT 4465
FAX: (970) 351-0415
wfig425 N 15th AVENUE
C• GREELEY425 N 1 ADO E0631
COLORADO
May 17, 1999
Linda Orlovski
207 N 49th Ave Ct
Greeley CO 80634
Dear Linda,
The enclosed Certificate of Award for you was presented at the Weld
County Board of Commissioner meeting this past week. It would have been nice for
you to have been present to receive the certificate.
I also would like to thank you and extend my appreciation for all of the
volunteer time that you gave while serving on our Weld County Fair Board to help
the youth and the citizens of Weld County.
Sincerely,
Li<
41m Smith
County Cooperative Extension Director
Enclosure
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Ft rvrtxa44 Linda Grin arci has served as a member of the Weld County Fair Board during the past six years, and t at"
. a wHERES, the Hoard of Weld County Commissioners wishes to recognizerfi ar ^.�
g your voluntary contributions to Weld County r tv
and its citizens through your Services. ✓q,
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.4:et NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE KNOWN that the Board of Weld County Commissioners wishes to express its gratitude to
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Linda orlovski_ for your commitment of time and exemplary execution of your duties as a member o£ the Weld County FairBoard.
Be ° 'I! COFINTY ge'ii IS IONERS ' �r J
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University
Cooperative Extension
Colorado State University
Office of the Director
1 Administration Building
June 16, 2000 Fort Collins,Colorado 80523-4040
(970)491-6281
FAX:(970)491-6208
Kelly Longacre
321 51st Avenue
Greeley, CO 80634
Dear Kelly:
I am in receipt of your May 22, 2000 letter and accompanying materials. Much of the
information deals with fairboard operations and procedures and those are matters for the Board
of County Commissioners, not Cooperative Extension.
I have reviewed the concerns you communicated to me by phone about the Weld County
Extension office and staff. I am satisfied that current and future actions by that staff will be in
the best interests of Weld County 4-H and related activities of the Weld County Fair. Further, I
believe the working relationships between Jim Smith and the Weld County Extension staff and
the Board of County Commissioners and the Weld County Fairboard are appropriate.
In your letter, you state that I "mentioned that the Weld County Extension staff would be
receiving a letter of reprimand." That is incorrect.
Again, I acknowledge your concern, but believe that matters relating to fairboard operations and
procedures belong with the Board of County Commissioners.
Sincerely,
4, 11 . ewerts
Director
bbp
cc: Commissioner Mike Geile
Jim Smith
Colorado State University,U.S.Department of Agriculture and Colorado counties cooperating.
Cooperative Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.
Eaton Agricultural Education Department
Eaton High School, 114 Park Avenue, Eaton; CO 80615 • 970-454-5170
May 22, 2000
Mr. Milan Rewerts
Cooperative Extension
1 Administration Building
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-4040
Dear Mr. Rewerts:
Thank you for your prompt attention to the conflict regarding the negative phone campaign that
the Weld County Extension Staff conducted against my wife. Enclosed you will find copies of the
letters that my wife submitted to the County Commissioners as well as the Weld County Fair
Board to resolve the issue.
However, during our phone conversation you mentioned that the Weld County Extension Staff
would be receiving a letter of reprimand. I would appreciate a copy of such letter, as this kind of
behavior should not be tolerated in any organization.
I also feel that I need to address a comment made from the Weld County Extension Staff
regarding my wife's reappointment to serve on the Weld County Fair Board. During your
investigation, a comment was made that the County Commissioners were not influenced in any
way by the Extension Staff as to her reappointment. If this statement were true, then why did
members of such staff feel it necessary to create a phone campaign to the Commissioners against
her?
It is obvious that there is animosity between personal feelings and professional actions. After
Linda's one year absence, she submitted an application to serve again on the Fair Board. She was
then notified by Sandi Meier, Weld County Fair coordinator, that she was not eligible to serve
until the year 2003. Based on the Fair Board's prior practical application of the constitution and
bylaws, a member that served two consecutive three year terms was required to sit off one year
before being eligible to reapply.
After my wife questioned Sandi as to why the change, Sandi commented it was the County
Commissioners decision. Linda then contacted Bruce Barker the Commissioners attorney as to
clarification in the bylaws. Then a decision was made concerning Linda and Tom Bledsoe who
was also a former member that they could submit their applications. Neither Linda nor Tom was
notified by an Extension member that they needed to appear at the October Fair Board meeting It
was brought to my attention by a fellow coworker, Peggy Carlson who serves as the Fair Board
secretary. My question is, why were they not notified by the Fair coordinator?
Thank You For Supporting Agricultural Education
Page 2
Letter to Mr. Rewerts
Both Tom and Linda were present at the meeting on October 4, 1999. The applicants were then
introduced to the board and given a brief interview. The board members then rank the applicants
and submit the applications to the Commissioners for an interview / approval. There was not
enough applicants to fill all of the vacancies on the board. Linda's application ranked in the top
three. After Linda's interview with the County Commissioners, she received a letter of decline to
serve on the board.
She then pursued the issue by calling County Commissioner Mike Geile. Mr. Geile explained that
a negative phone campaign had been conducted against her character. He commented that this
information came from a "reliable" source. Linda contacted Keith Maxey and Mark Cronquist,
Weld County Extension agents to find out more information. Both Keith and Mark were surprised
by the Commissioners decision. However, both of these agents said they would speak with
commissioners on her behalf. There were also several individuals who called the commiss oners
on her behalf.
It was brought to Linda's attention that the phone calls had come from the Extension Office. This
information was provided by prior Fair Board Officers who knew the individual who had
generated the call.
Her application was then resubmitted to the Commissioners by a majority vote of the Fair Board
to fill one of several vacancies on the board. However, she was never contacted by the Extension
Staff as to the status of her application. She then received her second letter of denial. Of course
the County Commissioners could not appoint her to the board after the individual in the
Extension Staff had ruined her credibility. It is not a common practice for the County
Commissioners to rescind on a decision.
Since that time, Linda has not been given a change to defend herself to either the Extension Staff
or County Commissioners. I question as to why this has not happened. Could it be that the
gossip provided by the Extension Staff was false?
Linda served on the Fair Board for six years and was a dedicated member. During her tenure she
was never reprimanded for unbecoming conduct. She served as Publicity Director for all six years
and secretary her last four years. She was chairperson of Family Night in which her committee
held the first ever night show in which she contracted Paul Oversteet, Country Western singer to
provide entertainment.
Her attendance at meetings was exemplary. She missed meetings only to attend the State FFA
Conventions as State FFA Alumni President and FFA Foundation Chairperson. During the month
of December due to her retail job, she would be excused from that meeting and she did miss the
board meeting in February of 1999, due to the tragic death of her father on January 28, 1999.
Page 3
Letter to Mr. Rewerts
Even after such devastating events as her non appointment to the Fair Board, she has been
recognized and awarded the prestigious "Proudly We Hail" award sponsored by the Exchange
Club of Greeley. She also has been asked by the National FFA Foundation to serve as a national
judge for proficiency award areas.
She has not however been asked to help with the 2000 Weld County Fair because of the turmoil
Normally she announces the breeding sheep, market sheep, breeding swine, market swine ';how,
as well as announces for the Ladies Lead competition and Family Night. We also for the last three
years have donated the rabbits for the children's catch it and keep it contest. Based on these facts,
what really happened?
As an educator myself, I question the practices of this Extension Office. I myself have for three
years been the Agricultural Mechanics superintendent for the fair. However, as of this date, I have
not been contacted to help in an area I specialize in. Could this been because I questioned the
ethics of the Extension Staff and County Commissioners? It truly is disappointing for volunteers
who enjoy working with the fair that these kind of activities occur.
I will be looking forward to hearing from you about this issue as it is not resolved. Should you
have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact a County Commissioner, my wife or
myself.
Sincer ly,
Kelly_ acre
Agricultural Education / FFA Advisor
cc: Enclosures
Board of County Commissioners
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