Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout931438.tiff RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS MINUTES BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WELD COUNTY, COLORADO APRIL 5, 1993 TAPE 1193-10, #93-11, & 1193-12 The Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, met in regular session in full conformity with the law and bylaws of said Board at the regular place of meeting in the Weld County Centennial Center, Greeley, Colorado, April 5, 1993, at the hour of 9:00 A.M. ROLL CALL: The meeting was called to order by the Chairman and on roll call the following members were present, constituting a quorum of the members thereof: Commissioner Constance L. Harbert, Chairman Commissioner W. H. Webster, Pro-Tem Commissioner George E. Baxter Commissioner Dale K. Hall Commissioner Barbara J. Kirkmeyer Also present: Assistant Weld County Attorney, Bruce Barker Acting Clerk to the Board, Carol Harding Finance and Administration Director, Don Warden MINUTES: Commissioner Kirkmeyer moved to approve the minutes of the Board of County Commissioners meeting of March 31, 1993, as printed. Commissioner Baxter seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. CERTIFICATIONS OF HEARINGS: Commissioner Hall moved to approve the hearings conducted on March 31, 1993, as follows: 1) 3.2% Beer License, Kenneth Spooner, dba Our Little Store; 2) Substantial Change Hearing, Richard Schlagel; and 3) Create Arrowhead Subdivision Local Improvement District 111993-1. Commissioner Webster seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. ADDITIONS: There were no additions to today's agenda. CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Baxter moved to approve the consent agenda as printed. Commissioner Kirkmeyer seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. COMMISSIONER COORDINATOR REPORTS: Commissioner Baxter reported he attended a State/Regional meeting regarding Highway 392. The County should soon find out about funding. PUBLIC INPUT: There was no public input. WARRANTS: Don Warden presented the following warrants for approval by the Board: General Fund $ 56, 137.44 Payroll Fund $ 9, 156. 45 Handwritten warrants: Payroll Fund $ 1, 071. 16 931 438 Commissioner Webster moved to approve the warrants as presented by Mr. Warden. Commissioner Baxter seconded the motion which carried unanimously. BUSINESS: NEW: CONSIDER INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN LARIMER, WELD, AND MORGAN COUNTIES TO FORM UPPER FRONT RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING REGION AND AUTHORIZE CHAIRMAN TO SIGN: Drew Scheltinga, County Engineer, stated new State legislation has combined Larimer, Morgan and Weld Counties, except the North Front Range Metro Planning Region, into one transportation planning district. The funding will be 40% Larimer, 40% Weld, and 20% Morgan County. Commissioner Hall moved to approve said agreement and authorize the Chairman to sign. Seconded by Commissioner Kirkmeyer, the motion carried unanimously. CONSIDER OPERATING AND FINANCIAL PLAN BETWEEN SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND U.S.D.A. FOREST SERVICE, PAWNEE NATIONAL GRASSLAND, AND AUTHORIZE THE CHAIRMAN TO SIGN: Kim Fliethman, Sheriff' s Office, stated said agreement is similar to last year's, with the addition of patrols to the Pawnee Buttes area. The rates have been adjusted to $30 per hour. Commissioner Webster moved to approve said plan and authorize the Chairman to sign. Seconded by Commissioner Hall, the motion carried unanimously. CONSIDER APPOINTMENT OF LINDA M. DODGE AS DEPUTY CLERK TO THE BOARD: Commissioner Kirkmeyer moved to appoint Linda M. Dodge as Deputy Clerk to the Board, to replace Elizabeth Henson. Seconded by Commissioner Hall, the motion carried unanimously. CONSIDER TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF WELD COUNTY ROAD 89 BETWEEN WELD COUNTY ROADS 122 AND 136; AND WELD COUNTY ROAD 78 BETWEEN WELD COUNTY ROADS 27 AND 29: Commissioner Baxter moved to approve said closures. Seconded by Commissioner Hall, the motion carried unanimously. CONSIDER RENEWAL OF HOTEL AND RESTAURANT LIQUOR LICENSE FOR D B P, INC. , DBA PETER ANGELOS, AND AUTHORIZE CHAIRMAN TO SIGN: Commissioner Kirkmeyer moved to approve said renewal and authorize the Chairman to sign, contingent upon a favorable report from the Sheriff's Office being received by the Clerk to the Board. Seconded by Commissioner Webster, the motion carried. CONSIDER CANCELLATION OF GENERAL FUND WARRANTS FOR MARCH, 1993: Commissioner Hall moved to approve cancellation of said warrants. Seconded by Commissioner Kirkmeyer, the motion carried unanimously. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 172, IN THE MATTER OF REGULATION OF THE USE OF CISTERNS FOR DRINKING WATER PURPOSES: Commissioner Hall moved to read by title only. Seconded by Commissioner Kirkmeyer, the motion carried unanimously. Bruce Barker, Assistant County Attorney, read the title of Ordinance No. 172 into the record. There was no public testimony. Commissioner Baxter moved to approve Ordinance No. 172 on second reading. Seconded by Commissioner Webster, the motion carried unanimously. A recess was taken to allow the Board to complete the Social Services agenda prior to the probable cause hearing. (Let the record reflect that, upon reconvening, Lee Morrison is acting as attorney of record. ) Minutes - April 5, 1993 Page 2 PLANNING: CONSIDER PROBABLE CAUSE HEARING FOR CENTRAL WELD/GREELEY- MILLIKEN LANDFILL - WASTE SERVICES CORPORATION: (Let the record reflect that Barbara Billings is acting as court reporter. ) Chairman Harbert read a statement regarding the procedure to be followed for this Probable Cause Hearing and the procedure used regarding speaking cards. Chuck Cunliffe, Director of Planning Services, read the case summary into the record. After discussion regarding procedure, John Pickle, Health Department, summarized his memo of April 1, 1993, which is marked as Exhibit GG. (Changed to Tape #93-11 while Mr. Pickle was speaking. ) Mr. Pickle submitted Exhibit PP - Hydrogeologic and Geotechnical Characterization for the Central Weld Sanitary Landfill; Exhibit QQ - October 5, 1992 Letter to Austin Buckingham, Colorado Department of Health, regarding Confirmation Groundwater Sampling; and Exhibit RR - October 23, 1992 Letter to Waste Services Corporation regarding Expanded Hydrogeological Investigation at the Central Weld Sanitary Landfill. Bill Hedberg, Vice President and Site Manager of Waste Services Corporation, presented Exhibit SS - Overview of Evidence in Response to Probable Cause Allegations. Brad Kiernes, former shareholder and former manager of Waste Services, reviewed the history of the landfill from 1979 to 1991. Mr. Hedberg then reviewed the history from 1991 to the present and spoke of the environmental and operational considerations taken at the facility. Leonard Butler, Environmental Manager of Waste Services, reviewed environmental assessments, development, operation and closure plans, and environmental commitments of the facility. He explained four volatile organic compounds (VOC's) were found which only slightly exceed drinking water limits, and testing shows no leakage or metals. Two volatile organic compounds were found in the landfill underdrain; however, tests were negative for those compounds in the Spomer Lakes. Mr. Butler explained the milky white color of the water and odor are natural conditions and have nothing to do with the landfill. Mr. Butler briefly described the remedial plan, which is included in their application for an Amended Special Review Permit and Amended Certificate of Designation. He described the underdrain system which was installed in 1982, as well as the french drain which was installed during 1991. The remedial plan includes a system of run-on, and run-off perimeter ditches; extending the existing french drain system in the northwest portion of the landfill; adding an irrigation water control system which will collect subsurface irrigation water from upgradient sources and convey the water into the existing french drain; and purchasing 100 acres of land east, south and west of the existing site to be used as a buffer zone for remedial measures and as a source of soils to be used in the operation and closure of the facility. Mr. Butler acknowledged that shallow groundwater immediately downgradient of the landfill contains VOC's which are slightly above recognized standards. He said Waste Services has committed to take actions to return these concentrations back to acceptable levels with two mechanisms: 1) re-designing the diversion trench and french drain, and 2) evaluating the effectiveness of air sparging. Re- designing the diversion trench and french drain system is necessary to deal with the unnaturally high water table present upgradient of the landfill, which they feel is due to off-site irrigation practices. The re-designed system will effectively reduce the water table in that location. Mr. Butler explained air sparging is the process of injecting air into the groundwater to achieve remediation of the groundwater and saturated soils. Air injection wells are used to apply positive air pressure to the aquifer and air bubbles contacting the dissolved/absorbed compounds cause the compounds to volatilize. The air carrying the volatilized compounds is allowed to migrate to the ground surface. (Let the record reflect that Chairman Harbert declared a ten-minute recess. ) Minutes - April 5, 1993 Page 3 Arthur Roy, Attorney representing Waste Services, Inc. , presented a synopsis of the alleged violations and his arguments against each one. Mr. Roy argued that, should the Board determine further action is necessary, this proceeding should be continued to allow time for the application for the Amended Special Use Permit and Amended Certificate of Designation to be processed. Commissioner Webster questioned why the VOC's were found in the area of discharge into the lake, but were not in the waters of the lake. Mr. Butler explained that most likely the evaporation process dispelled those compounds. Mr. Hedberg made his closing comments, stressing the fact that Waste Services found the problem through their testing program. They arranged for testing through independent labs, and they plan to address the problems through the amended permit process. Mr. Hedberg and Mr. Butler responded to questions from Chairman Harbert and Commissioner Hall regarding the diversion system and -french drain system. In response to a query from Commissioner Kirkmeyer, Mr. Roy discussed the various laws governing landfills and their applicability during different phases of this operation. (Let the record reflect that the meeting was recessed for 11 hours. ) Chairman Harbert called upon Greg Hobbs, Attorney representing the Ashton-Daniels Neighborhood Association, who presented the Board with a number of Exhibits, marked AD-1 through AD-48. Mr Hobbs explained his group is asking for a Show Cause Hearing, in order to determine that violations are occurring at this facility. Michael Hayes, adjacent landowner north of the landfill, presented a petition to the Board requesting a public hearing, which was marked as Exhibit TT. He reviewed portions of the 1971 hearing and discussed his concerns over improper dumping of animal carcasses, fires started at the landfill, noise levels in the neighborhood, and hazardous traffic created by the landfill. Mr. Morrison reminded Mr. Hayes of the purpose of today's hearings, and Chairman Harbert requested those wishing to speak state things relevant to the Probable Cause Hearing. Also speaking from the Ashton-Daniels Neighborhood Association, and in favor of scheduling a Show Cause Hearing, were Myrtle Knister Telep, Sharon Davis, Madeline Daniels, Jane Carlson, Leon Tomczak, Dennis Dakan, and Kent Hanson. Written comments from Albion Carlson were also presented by this group. Mr. Tomczak presented samples of water, one taken from the north side of Spomer Lake #3 and the other from his kitchen sink. These Exhibits were marked Exhibit UU and VV, respectively. (Changed to Tape -1193-12. ) Mr. Hobbs submitted seven questions to Mr. Morrison, to be addressed by Waste Services. Mr. Morrison suggested the Chairman call on the representatives from the State Health Department next, since they are unable to remain for the entire afternoon. Glen Mallory, Colorado Department of Health, responded to questions from the Board concerning State regulations. Commissioner Hall asked if the State Health Department had, at any point, approved this landfill. Mr. Mallory responded that the State does not approve landfills, they only recommend denial to the local Board when the landfill cannot meet their criteria. In response to questions from Commissioner Kirkmeyer, Mr. Mallory stated there is no written documentation on this landfill. Barbara Taylor, Environmental Engineer for Colorado Health Department, discussed the discharge permit which is now in a review process. She explained the permit was delayed due to the fact that she asked for many more tests, which have been received. Ms. Taylor explained the effect of Calcium and Magnesium volitizing in the soil, the evaporation of those chemicals, and the result of odor and milky-looking water. -After further discussion, Ms. Taylor stated she cannot say whether the landfill is or is not Minutes - April 5, 1993 Page 4 contributing to the environmental problems in the area. In response to questions from Mr. Roy, Mr. Mallory said the landfill does not constitute an immediate health hazard or environmental risk; however, he would not want it to operate for any length of time without remediation. Commissioner Kirkmeyer and Chairman Harbert questioned Mr. Mallory further on State regulations with and without Subtitle D Regulations, which will be incorporated into State regulations later this year. (Let the record reflect that a ten-minute recess was taken at this time. ) Upon reconvening, Chairman Harbert asked for public testimony. Those speaking in favor of setting a Show Cause Hearing were Dr. Ray B. Knapp, June Kane for the Audibon Society, Bradley Carver for the Colorado Public Interest Research Group, and Tom Daniels. Various concerns raised were that more dumping will occur along roadsides, too much waste is being trucked in from outside Weld County, and the Health Department should collect the samples instead of allowing Waste Services to collect. Those speaking against setting a Show Cause Hearing were as follows: Noel Hayes, Florence Kammerzell, Ella Marie Hayes, Susanne Spomer Stephens, Jon Stephens, JB Merrill for Bunting Trash Service, and Diane McMullin. Comments by these individuals included the use of the buffer zone, water from the lakes being tested and showing they were satisfactory for irrigation and livestock, the Ashton-Daniels group include only a -few neighbors, they have always had to use cisterns in that area, closure at this time is not in the best interest of the public, and the landfill is already making improvements to remediate the situation. Mr. Roy answered Mr. Hobbs' questions as follows: 1) the other landfills owned by Waste Services in Weld County consist of one on Highway 14 west of Ault, and one being near Keenesburg which will be reopened in about one year, 2) expected life of those landfills is 30+ years, depending on Central Weld being open, 3) capacity is available at other landfills if Central Weld is closed; however, it would not be without extra expense, 4) the Keirnes family owned the landfill from June, 1979 through July, 1991, and 5) Waste Services did not file anything bearing the name of "Engineering Report and Design Plan", nor are they aware of one being filed prior to them owning the facility. During his continued rebuttal, Mr. Roy answered the concerns raised by various citizens and earlier testimony. He stressed that the failure to have a design plan does not make the operation of this landfill illegal, and said landfill was before this Board in various matters five times. On those five occasions, they have never had questions raised concerning the validity of their Certificate of Designation or Special Use Permit. Mr. Roy also discussed the problems which would be encountered by demanding preliminary closure. He stated the County does not have any financial security or post- closure care plan at present, and it would be simpler and cheaper for Waste Services simply to close the facility now. However, Waste Services feels it can comply, and it will comply. Mr. Roy stated they are willing to pay the cost of complying with the Federal standards. The Board questioned Mr. Morrison about the County's legal position in regards to regulations if closure happened now or in the future. Mr. Morrison responded that extensive regulations will go into effect this fall, but there will be a question of whether or not they apply. Mr. Morrison discussed the possible grandfathering of -existing landfills under those new regulations. After further discussion with staff members clarifying points raised by various witnesses, Commissioner Hall asked about the County's role in monitoring the tests. Mr. Pickle discussed the standard procedures used, whereby the lab doing the testing also does the collection of the sample. After further questions of the Board were answered by Mr. Morrison, Commissioner Kirkmeyer moved to Minutes - April 5, 1993 Page 5 find there is probable cause to set a Show Cause Hearing. After discussion, she included the date of October 13, 1993 at 10:00 a.m. in her motion. Commissioner Webster seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried four to one, with Commissioner Hall voting against said motion. RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES: The Resolutions were presented and signed as listed on the consent agenda. Ordinance No. 172 was approved on second 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 5:30 P.M. //,lwi � APPROVED: ATTEST: > 4/1//4 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WELD COUNTY, COLORADO �� Weld County Clerk to the Board / irl�4ZirC L✓ ,; �7 onstance L. H,prbe/r/�9t,, Chairmaann¢ By: 714_40-747, 47, < '' 1 -T(/'v /L/j 'l `_ , Deputy Clerk to the Boa*: W. H. ebster, Pro- m ` G orge W. Baxte n — li, Dale K. Hall `� /Barbara J. Kirkmyr Minutes - April 5, 1993 Page 6 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS MINUTES BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES WELD COUNTY, COLORADO APRIL 5, 1993 TAPE 1193-10 The Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, met in regular session as the Board of Social Services in full conformity with the law and bylaws of said Board at the regular place of meeting in the Weld County Centennial Center, Greeley, Colorado, April 5, 1993, at the hour of 9:00 A.M. ROLL CALL: The meeting was called to order by the Chairman and on roll call the following members were present, constituting a quorum of the members thereof: Commissioner Constance L. Harbert, Chairman Commissioner W. H. Webster, Pro-Tem Commissioner George E. Baxter Commissioner Dale K. Hall Commissioner Barbara J. Kirkmeyer Also present: Assistant Weld County Attorney, Bruce Barker Acting Clerk to the Board, Carol Harding Finance and Administration Director, Don Warden MINUTES: Commissioner Webster moved to approve the minutes of the Board of Social Services meeting of March 31, 1993, as printed. Commissioner Kirkmeyer seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. WARRANTS: Don Warden presented the warrants for approval by the Board in the amount of $83, 669.59. Commissioner Baxter moved to approve the warrants as presented by Mr. Warden. Commissioner Hall seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. 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 9:15 A.M. APPROVED: ATTEST: / 7 /// BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS �A�frit �wil WEL ,COUNTY, COLORADO Weld County Clerk to the Board ,, Constance L. Ha ber , Chairman Deputy CTetk t the Board W. H. (,lebster, Prom `1-4" •rge E. Baxter Daly K. Hall's Barbara J. Kirkm er Hello