HomeMy WebLinkAbout961274.tiff WELD COUNTY COUNCIL
P O Box 758 • Greeley, CO • 970-356-4000 x 4780 • Fax 970&352-0242
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 8, 1996
Contact: Beverly Thomas
970-356-4000 x 4780 Fax: 970-352-0242
Weld County Council Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary
The Weld County Council celebrated the 20th anniversary of Weld County's
Home Rule Charter and the Weld County Council by riding in the July 4th, Greeley
Stampede Parade. Currently serving on the Council are President Stephanie Hayward,
Vice President Pam Malcom, and Council members: Judy Curtis, Ralph Campbell, and
Jim Gardner. Also participating with the Weld County Council were former Council
members: John Martin, Bob White, Sidney Morehouse, Nels Nelson, and Clair Orr. As
this is also the 20th anniversary of Weld's Home Rule Charter, authors of the Charter
joining the group were: Glenn Billings, George Brooks, and Ruben Schissler. Mr. John
Martin and Mr. Bob White actually were present both as authors of the Home Rule
Charter and as former members of the Weld County Council.
County Council Sets Commissioners' Salaries - Discusses Growth Issues
The Weld County Commissioners' salaries for the years 1999 and 2000 were set
at $48,000. by the Weld County Council at its July 3, 1996 in Mead, CO.
Guest speaker John Martin spoke about the patterns of town growth in Weld
County using the history of Ft. Lupton's economical evolution as an example.
Comparison between the tax base of bedroom communities and communities with a
commercial/industrial tax base was made. The public discussion about town growth
centered on the challenges of balancing industry, commerce, better jobs, and a
desirable living environment Sewer needs of housing developments and industries
and the protection of drinking water was also discussed.
President Stephanie Hayward made a statement regarding the County Council's
mandated responsibility to review all aspects of County government. She said that at
the request of Weld citizens, the Council had conducted a review of the Weld County
Airport Authority's payment to the former airport manager. It was learned that the
airport receives grant money to be used only for the purpose for which it was granted.
The other source of revenue to the Airport Authority was the airport users' fees.
Apparently the payment to the airport manager would have been made from the airport
users' fees. Therefore, President Hayward suggested that the airport users' take their
concerns directly to the Airport Authority.
The Council approved its proposed 1997 budget. The proposal includes a
request to return the available monies for the Council's mandated responsibility to audit
county government, if necessary, to its 1986 budget amount.
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WELD COUNTY COUNCIL
C' Ell REPORT TO THE PEOPLE
July 3, 1996
The Weld County Council is mandated by the Home Rule Charter of Weld County,
Colorado, to report to the people the events that have shaped the previous quarter.
This report summarizes the activities of the Weld County Council during the second
quarter of the calendar year 1996.
• The Weld County Council's role in County government was featured in a March
31, Greeley Tribune article including pictures of each Council member. The first
week of April the "Tribune Opinion" column highlighted the Council's charge to
make all County business its business. In the "Tribune's Opinion" the Council's
biggest benefit to Weld County is the thousands of dollars saved during the past
20 years by the Council's rein on elected officials' salaries.
April 3, 1996 - Eaton Town Hall
• Weld County Commissioner Barbara Kirkmeyer spoke at the April Council
meeting regarding Inter Governmental Agreements. The cost-effectiveness of
agreements such as in Communications was highlighted. Need for coordination
between the comprehensive plans of municipalities and Weld County
government was also discussed.
• The Council researched the history of the Weld County Commissioners' salaries
and began to review the Commissioners' benefit package.
• Twentieth anniversary recognition of the authors of Weld County's Home Rule
Charter and former members of the Weld County Council was discussed.
Compilation of current addresses of all these members was begun.
May 1, 1996 - Erie Town Hall
• The Airport Authority's cash payment to the former airport manager was again
brought to the attention of the Council. Councilwoman Judy Curtis had spoken
with Commissioner Dale Hall, and she was uncomfortable with his response on
the topic. President Stephanie Hayward shared comments regarding the
payment from a letter received from a Weld citizen and former Council member.
It was decided that the Council would seek guidance and information from
County Attorney Bruce Barker in this situation. May 14, 1996 a special meeting
was held with County Attorney Bruce Barker. Further investigation on the
Airport Authority matter is being pursued by the Council.
• The Commissioners' benefit package was discussed. Concerns werevoiced
regarding the cost of the health insurance and medical-flex spending accounts
available to all elected officials and department heads. Councilman Ralph
Campbell made a motion that the Commissioners' salaries be $48,000 for the
years 1999 and 2000. The motion was seconded. County residents presented
positive views regarding an increase in the County Commissioners' salaries.
President Stephanie Hayward tabled the motion until the June 5 Council meeting
to allow for additional public comment.
• The Sheriffs survey of Grover residents concerning the Grover Rodeo was
applauded by the Council. The Council sent a letter of appreciation to Sheriff
Jordan for this communication with Weld County citizens.
• All Home Rule Charter Commission members and former County Council
�j members were invited to ride in the July 4th Stampede Parade with the Weld
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Weld County Council
Report to the People
July 3, 1996-Page 2 of 2
County Council. This opportunity was planned to celebrate the 20th Anniversary
of Weld County's Home Rule Charter and the Weld County Council.
June 5, 1996 - Windsor Town Hall
• Weld County Planner Shani Eastin was the Council's guest speaker for the June
5, 1996 Council meeting. She discussed the newly-adopted Weld County
Comprehensive Plan and urban growth boundary areas with Windsor residents.
She emphasized the Planning Department personnel's desire to cooperate with
all County residents in response to their requests and questions.
• The Council received further opinions from citizens regarding the proposed
Commissioners' salaries for 1999 and 2000. A vote to set the Commissioners'
salaries was tabled due to the absence of two Council members.
• Weld County's 1997 proposed budget was discussed with an emphasis on using
County funds prudently. Council members' concerns were expressed that the
trend in cutting the County Council's budget would soon prevent the Council
from performing its Home Rule Charter assignments.
During the first quarter of 1996, Council members have researched answers to
questions and concerns brought to their attention by citizens of Weld County. In that
process Council members have talked periodically with the Commissioners and various
Elected Officials and Department Heads.
This report is not meant to be an exclusive enumeration of the activities of the Council.
It is, however, an attempt to communicate with the voters regarding its activities. The
County Council believes that the Weld County Home Rule Charter continues to be a
viable tool for the citizens of Weld County.
Weld County Council
-4�
/Stephanie Haywar , President
°am Malcom, Vice President
J Curt
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Ralph Campbell /
Jim Gardner
Date Signed: July 3, 1996
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