HomeMy WebLinkAbout941633.tiff MINUTES i
WELD COUNTY COUNCIL t. -I-C Cr'l;.'j Y
April6, 1994
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The Weld County Council met in regular session in full conformity with the Weld County IA 'ph�,rter at the Fort
Lupton City Hall, 130 South McKinley Avenue, Fort Lupton, Colorado, on Wednesday,Ap I 99 sit-7:311 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
The meeting was called to order by President Campbell, and the following members were present, constituting a quorum
of the members thereof:Vice President Gardner, Councilman Orr, and Councilman Young. Councilwoman Janda was
absent.
Also present were John Martin; Ft. Lupton City Council: Dick Wolfe, Ward I; Ellen R. Baker,Ward II,Treasurer;Aidan
Anderson, Ward III; and S. David Norcross, Ward II; Mike Gaddis, Ft. Lupton Mayor Pro-Tem; Cerrick Yaws (video camera
technician); Patrick Armijo and the Council secretary.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Councilman Young made a motion to approved the minutes of the March 2, 1994, meeting upon confirmation regarding the
correction of a typographical error(page three under"Coroner's Office Follow-Up,"fifth sentence, "aa"was corrected to
read "an'). Councilman Orr seconded the motion. Vote was taken with Vice President Gardner abstaining since he was
not present at the March 2, 1994, meeting. The motion carried.
APPOINTMENTS:
President Campbell noted the appointments listed. The Elected Officials meeting is on April 11, 1994, at 10:00 a.m.;
Councilman Orr and Vice President Gardner will try to attend. KFKA's"Coffee Break"show is on May 17, 1994, at 9:00
a.m. Councilman Orr will check his schedule and commit accordingly. If unable, President Campbell will serve as an
alternate.
ADDITIONS TO AGENDA:
Additional correspondence received after circulation of the initial agenda was noted with an*;details regarding the May 4,
1994, County Council meeting at the Platteville Town Hall; Newspaper Subscription renewal for the Johnstown Breeze;
and items under Secretarial Research Requests.
CORRESPONDENCE:
The correspondence received was duly noted by President Campbell and was subsequently circulated among the Council
members. Selected items were discussed which included a conference in Lake Tahoe, Nevada,titled "Partnerships for
Entrepreneurial Government: Making it Work for You;"and training from Texas Tech University titled, "Governmental
Accounting &Financial Reporting and Update on Governmental Accounting, Reporting &Auditing." President Campbell
commented that he would not mind seeing a few Weld County dollars spent on training such as this.
Councilman Young requested clarification regarding the February 21, 1994, letter from the Town of Hudson. This letter
was notification of finding no significant impact for the town's proposed water replacement project. The town is seeking
financial assistance from the Farmer's Home Administration and needed to do a study on environmental impact thus
notifying the County Council of the study's findings.
Councilman Young questioned the postage charges and whether they needed Council approval. The secretary clarified
that these charges just go towards the County Council budget.
The March 31, 1994, memo from David Worden regarding formation of a task group to work on employee wellness was
reviewed. Councilman Young noted that promoting wellness is a good idea and makes sense in that it would most likely
cut down on illnesses which would have an effect on health insurance costs, but--much to his dismay--this type of effort
generally is one of the first things to be cut from a budget. Vice President Gardner volunteered to participate on the task
group. The consensus of the Council was to approve Vice President Gardner as a participant on the task group.
Vice President Gardner questioned term limitations for County Council members. The question presented is whether a
person can serve two consecutive elected terms as a Councilman in addition to completing an unfilled term:
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Weld County Council Minutes--April b, 1994
Page 2
It is my opinion that the Charter limits service to no more than two terms as a Council
person regardless of whether one of the terms is a full term or a partial term (Thomas
David Oak, 1986).
The above response was given to address prior discussion regarding the eligibility of Councilman Young to run for another
County Council term. Councilman Young did note that either way, he would not seek re-election given prospective
advanced degree schooling which, in turn, could not guarantee his residency in Weld County for an additional four years.
REPORTS:
COORDINATOR REPORTS
Councilman Young attended KFKA's"Coffee Break"talk show on March 15, 1994. He noted appreciation to KFKA for
giving the County Council the opportunity to participate.
Vice President Gardner talked about conversations he has had with people regarding the Coroner's position (not the
Coroner as a person, but the position). He would like to see the County Council make a recommendation to the County
Commissioners to recommend upgrading the position of Coroner to a full County department on level with the Clerk&
Recorder,the Treasurer, and the Sheriff instead of a part-time position. President Campbell asked if Vice President
Gardner wanted to add his request to the May County Council meeting agenda;Vice President Gardner concurred.
Councilman Young recounted prior discussion at the March 2, 1994, meeting where he expressed the need for the council
to sit down with the Commissioners to discuss the issue,adding that the Commissioners should deal with policy-making
but the Council could make recommendations. Vice President Gardner said he planned on doing that when attending the
Elected Officials meeting on April 11, 1994.
Councilman On reviewed the status on public hearings being held throughout Weld County regarding the Comprehensive
Plan. The purpose of the hearings is to obtain input from residents around the County regarding what they feel the
direction Weld County should take as far as their planning decisions. These planning decisions are directed by the
Comprehensive Plan (not changed/updated since 1987). Councilman Orr attended a public hearing in Fort Lupton at Aims
Community College and indicated there was a good turnout(about 15 people)with good diverse conversation produced.
There has been a thirteen-member task force formed with a representative from each district;they met on April 6, 1994.
Councilman Orr was unable to attend the meeting but will continue to follow the task force. He noted that there were no
community meetings out east(Kersey, Roggen)and did not know why. Councilman Young asked about how the City of
Fort Lupton/South Weld County's Strategic Planning Group meeting (held on 4/5/94)fits in the Weld County
Comprehensive Plan. Councilman Orr answered by saying that Weld County did not have any jurisdiction over the
municipality that was annexed,so that anything Fort Lupton does is on their own annexation. Councilman Young
wondered if this Strategic Planning Group was an attempt to impact some of the decision making on the Comprehensive
Plan. Further discussion centered around flag pole annexing. Councilman Orr concluded by saying he feels Mika-Daniels
has done an excellent job of conducting the public hearings and soliciting for public input regarding the Comprehensive
Plan.
OLD BUSINESS:
SALARY SETTING FOR ASSESSOR,CLERK AND RECORDER,AND TREASURER
The motion for salaries was tabled at the March 2, 1994 County Council meeting. Councilman Orr moved to bring the
tabled motion on the Treasurer's and Clerk&Recorder's salaries back off the table for consideration. Councilman Young
seconded the motion. President Campbell declared the motion brought back to the table. Vice President Gardner asked if
there had originally been a formal motion made at the March 2, 1994, meeting to table the motion.
In review of the March 2, 1994, minutes Councilman Orr made a motion and Councilman
Young seconded for discussion purposes. Councilman Young then voted against the
motion and moved to amend Councilman Orr's original motion which was seconded by
Councilman Orr. Vote was taken and the motioned carried unanimously. Councilman Orr
moved to table the motion until the next meeting in order to receive public comments and
input from the excused and absent Council members; President Campbell declared the
motion tabled. The motion tabled was as follows: Salaries for the Clerk and Recorder
and the Assessor would be $42,000 during the years 1995 and 1996 and $44,000 during
the years 1997 and 1998. The Treasurer's salary would be$38,000 during the years
1995 and 1996 and$40,000 during the years 1997 and 1998.
President Campbell called for the question on the motion to bring discussion back to the table. It was moved, seconded,
Weld County Council Minutes—April b, 1994
Page 3
and unanimously agreed to bring the motion back to the table for discussion. Councilman Gardner expressed concern
regarding Amendment One and how this related to the State statute which refers to Weld County being a Category One
county where salaries of these elected officials are in the$50,000 range. And given State statute,wondered how this
would affect the County and their budget. Councilman Young didn't feel the overall effect on spending is that great based
on percentage comparisons for what is budgeted versus what is spent on salaries. As well, he felt it sets a standard that
has an impact on the expectations of the employees in the County.
Councilman Gardner referred to the original motion made at the March 2, 1994 meeting to lower the
Treasurer's salary for the years 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and expressed a dislike of seeing a salary decreased by$2,000.
Councilman Orr clarified his reasoning for the proposed decrease was not because of the person in the position but solely
because of the responsibility of the position. An example being the number of employees a person has to supervise and
comparing the sizes of departments and budgets in regards to supervisor responsibility. Vice President Gardner
supported Councilman Orr's reasoning, but didn't feel$2,000 would make a difference, however, $10,000 would.
Councilman Young added that dollar amount would reflect the value of the respective position.
Vice President Gardner questioned the Charter-required qualifications of the Treasurer. These qualifications were
reviewed from the Charter.
President Campbell called for the question for an amendment to the motion on the table. Councilman Young called the
question as follows: The salaries for the Clerk and Recorder and Assessor would be$42,000 per year for the years 1995
and 1996 and $44,000 per year for the years 1997 and 1998. The Treasurer's salary would be $38,000 per year for the
years 1995 and 1996 and $40,000 per year for the years 1997 and 1998. Vote was taken. The motion failed with one vote
in favor of the motion and three votes opposed to the motion.
Councilman Young moved that salaries of the Clerk& Recorder,Assessor, and Treasurer be set at$43,000 per year for
the years 1995 and 1996 and$46,000 per year for the years 1997 and 1998. Vice President Gardner seconded the
motion for discussion purposes.
Councilman Young expressed that it was important to make an effort to keep up with the cost of Irving percentages as well
as the cost-of-living percentage increases for County employees. And that our elected official positions are full-time
whereas this is not necessarily so in other counties throughout Colorado. As well, he felt that Weld County would have to
pay a comparable salary to what other Category One counties are paying their elected officials in order to attract quality
people noting that the County has been lucky so far with the quality of elected officials it has. Vice President Gardner
pointed out these elected officials' positions are not strictly eight-to-five and require the majority of them to go above and
beyond those duties of a normal eight-to-five position. And if they are doing a good job the County would want to keep
them. Councilman Orr asked the Council to consider the benefits package of$4,000+ as part of the salary which is still
taxpayer money.
Councilman Young asked for a roll call vote on the motion at hand. The motion passed with the Council voting as follows:
Councilman Orr(Nay); Councilman Young (Yea);Vice President Gardner(Yea); President Campbell (Yea). Therefore,
salaries of the Clerk and Recorder,Assessor, and Treasurer will be$43,000 per year for the years 1995 and 1996 and
$46,000 per year for the years 1997 and 1998.
NEW BUSINESS:
President Campbell asked for a motion concerning salary setting discussion for the positions of Coroner, Sheriff, and
Commissioners.
SALARY SETTING FOR CORONER
Prior to any motion being made, Councilman Young stated he believed the Council should look at two different proposals
for Coroner. One being to continue on as at the current time, maybe changing the per case amount. And the second one
being to change the Charter to read that the position of Coroner would have to be that person's only source of income.
Vice President Gardner made a motion that discussion regarding the salary of the Coroner be tabled until the May 4,
1994, County Council meeting. Councilman Orr seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Weld County Council Minutes--April o, 1994
Page 4
SALARY SETTING FOR THE SHERIFF
Vice President Gardner motioned to set the salary for the position of Sheriff at$46,000 per year for the years 1995 and
1996 and$49,000 per year for the years 1997 and 1998. Councilman Orr seconded the motion.
Councilman Orr questioned the amount of the salary saying he didn't know if it was high enough given the number of
employees to supervise and this person putting his life on the line given the rise in severity of crime. He moved to amend
the motion to be$50,000 per year for the years 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998. Vice President Gardner seconded the
motion. Councilman Orr further amended the motion saying the person for this position needed to be highly qualified and
felt the County would need to be willing to pay a high dollar amount in order to obtain such a person. Vice President
Gardner added that according to the Charter,the position of Sheriff is the only one that requires a minimum of five year's
experience or degree. Councilman Young expressed concern that given the motion on the floor there is a substantial
difference between the salary of Sheriff and those salaries of the other elected officials. A roll call vote was taken as
follows: Councilman Orr(Yea); Councilman Young (Nay);Vice President Gardner(Yea); President Campbell (Nay). The
amended motion died for a tie and reverted to the original motion.
President Campbell opened the floor for public discussion. Fort Lupton City Council member Ellen Baker expressed
concern that the residents of southern Weld County are experiencing a great deal of metro influence of crime and
compensation to obtain someone qualified and creative enough to cover the square miles Weld County has,would need to
be comparable to those positions of Sheriffs from other counties. Fort Lupton City Council member Alden Anderson
shared that$50,000 per year for Sheriff to do a job that no one really wants to do is more than average compensation.
Councilman Orr amended the motion to be $50,000 per year for the years 1995 and 1996 and $52,000 per year for the
years 1997 and 1998. He added this amended motion was for the reasons previously stated: risk of life, area of
coverage, and responsibility regarding crime.
Vice President Gardner questioned the definition of a"friendly"amendment versus a "non-friendly"amendment.
Councilman Young explained the respective definitions. Vice President Gardner declined the amended motion made by
Councilman Orr. Councilman Orr asked Vice President Gardner for a friendly amendment to read as$48,000 per year for
the years 1995 and 1996 and$50,000 per year for the years 1997 and 1998. Vice President Gardner agreed.
Mike Gaddis, Ft. Lupton Mayor Pro-Tem,suggested taking a look at the responsibilities for the given position when
considering salary increases and cautioned the Council that it sets a dangerous precedent to have a policy of looking at
salaries of other positions and trying to keep them grouped together. Ellen Baker suggested weighing each position as it
comes.
Councilman Young called for the motion. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Councilman Orr(Yea); Councilman Young
(Yea);Vice President Gardner(Yea); President Campbell (Nay). The motion passed. Therefore, salary for the Sheriff will
be$48,000 per year for the years 1995 and 1996 and$50,000 per year for the years 1997 and 1998.
SALARY SETTING FOR COMMISSIONERS
Councilman Orr made a motion to set the salary for the position of Commissioner at$45,000 per year for 1997 and 1998.
Vice President Gardner seconded the motion.
Councilman Young conveyed that some of the compensation given to the Commissioners is the decision-making power to
impact Weld County Government. Vice President Gardner felt a little extra should be paid to those people who basically
put their other careers on hold while serving in the Commissioner position. Ellen Baker suggested that the experience
each respective person brings to the position of Commissioner should be viewed as valuable and that salary-wise you
want to attract people who are qualified.
A roll call vote was taken as follows: Councilman Orr(Yea); Councilman Young (Nay);Vice President Gardner(Yea);
President Campbell (Nay). The motion died for a tie and reverted to the original motion. Councilman Orr made a motion
that the salary for the position of Commissioner be set at$46,000 per year for 1997 and 1998. Vice President Gardner
seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Councilman Orr(Yea);Councilman Young (Nay);Vice
President Gardner(Yea); President Campbell (Yea). The motion passed.
REPORT TO THE PEOPLE
Councilman Young motioned to accept the Report to the People dated March 15,1994. Councilman Orr seconded. The
motion was unanimously accepted. Copies of the approved Report to the People will be distributed accordingly.
Weld County Council Minutes—April o, 1994
Page 5
PAYMENT OF THE BILLS
President Campbell requested an addition to his mileage reimbursement for$34.44, cost of County Council meals for April
6, 1994. No other additions were made. Councilman Young motioned to pay the bills. Vice President Gardner seconded
the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
MAY 4, 1994 COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING
The May County Council meeting will be held at the Platteville Town Hall. Special speaker topic selection was made and
unanimously agreed upon. Councilman Orr will coordinate a special speaker to address Oil &Gas Regulations with the
Council secretary. The Double Tree Restaurant was chosen as a pre-meeting location for 6:00 p.m. Carpooling was
arranged accordingly.
NEWSPAPER SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL
The Council requested that payment for the Johnstown Breeze subscription be submitted to the Council for payment upon
receiving a statement.
SECRETARIAL RESEARCH REQUESTS
It was the consensus of the Council to have a sign placed on the outside of the door, a bulletin board to post a listing of
County Council members,their respective telephone numbers,the office hours, and the office phone number. A request
will be submitted to Buildings and Grounds regarding adding the County Council office to the main directory if/when the
directory is updated, placement of a sign and bulletin board on the office door, and assignment of a room number.
Updates for the listing of County Council Members were solicited. This listing will be available for public distribution upon
request.
Issues around the acquisition of a computer for use by the County Council office were discussed. Councilman Young
recommended exploring the possibility of time sharing a computer to help make effective use of taxpayer money. It was
the consensus of the Council for the Council secretary to obtain more information regarding a computer and report back to
the Council at the May 4, 1994 meeting.
It was suggested by the Council secretary that data basing of frequently used addresses would be beneficial and a time
saver, especially when doing monthly press releases. A desk rolodex will be ordered for easy access to frequently used
telephone numbers versus separate lists. The Council clerical support manual has been a big help as far as orientation is
concerned. However,the secretary felt it should be updated in some areas and computerized to easily complete/update
any changes in procedure(s). Updating of this manual will be discussed further at the May 4, 1994, meeting.
Councilman Orr requested information regarding the number of single family residences (no municipalities) in the County
from 1973 to the present. The Council secretary will request this information from the Assessor's office.
ADJOURNMENT:
President Campbell thanked those in attendance at the meeting for coming. He also offered a brief explanation of the
Weld County Council and its purpose.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
The Fort Lupton City Council shared general information about the developments in the South County area.
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