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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250802.tiffRecord of Proceedings Minutes Board of County Commissioners Weld County, Colorado Monday, March 24, 2025 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, March 24, 2025, at the hour of 9:00 a.m. Ei 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 Perry L. Buck, Chair Commissioner Scott K. James, Pro-Tem Commissioner Jason S. Maxey Commissioner Lynette Peppler Commissioner Kevin D. Ross Also present: Acting Clerk to the Board, Houstan Aragon County Attorney, Bruce Barker Chief Financial Officer, Cheryl Pattelli e Minutes: Commissioner Maxey moved to approve the below listed Minutes of the Board of County Commissioners meeting, as printed. Commissioner Peppier seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. 1. Minutes from March 10, 2025 El Amendments to Agenda: There were no amendments to the Agenda. Consent Agenda: Commissioner Ross moved to approve the Consent Agenda, as printed. Commissioner James seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. Warrants: 1. General Warrants: Commissioner James moved to approve the General Warrants, as printed. Commissioner Maxey seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. 2025-0802 BC0016 Page 2 Monday, March 24, 2025 www.weld.gov 2. El Commissioner Warrants — Kevin D. Ross: Commissioner Maxey moved to approve the Warrant for Commissioner Ross, as printed. Commissioner Peppier seconded the motion, and upon a roll call vote of four (4) to zero (0), the motion carried, with Commissioner Ross abstained. Bids: 1. Approve Bid #62500026, Jail -1 West Sally Port Door Replacement — Facilities Department: Toby Taylor, Purchasing Department, stated staff recommends selecting the lowest bidder who met specifications, TCC Corporation, for a total amount of $49,995.00. Commissioner Maxey moved to approve said bid. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ross and it carried unanimously. New Business — General: 1. Consider Wagner Equipment Company Sales Quotes for Purchases of Equipment Pursuant to Cooperative Purchasing Contract Terms and Conditions Between Sourcewell and Caterpillar, Inc., and Authorize Controller to Sign Any Necessary Documents: Mr. Taylor stated the Department of Fleet Services desires to purchase new equipment for the benefit of the Department of Public Works utilizing a cooperative agreement. He explained, pursuant to Sections 5-4-100 and 5-4-80 of the Weld County Code, the County is allowed to pursue purchases of this nature. Therefore, staff recommends purchasing of five (5) 2024 Caterpillar 150JOY BR Motor Graders from 4Rivers Equipment, LLC, pursuant to the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract #011723 -CAT, for the total amount of $1,967,060.00. Commissioner James moved to approve said quotes and authorize the Controller to sign any necessary documents. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ross and it carried unanimously. 2. E Consider Contract ID #9240 Proposal of Insurance for Global Aerospace, Inc., Hull and Liability Insurance for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones), and Authorize Chair to Sign —Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, LLC: Jill Scott, Director of the Department of Human Resources, stated the Board previously approved the application for hull and liability insurance through Global Aerospace, Inc., for all 21 unmanned aircraft units owned by Weld County. She explained the proposal for consideration is for binding coverage, which will go into effect on March 27, 2025, for the cost of $16,361.00. Commissioner Maxey moved to approve said proposal and authorize the Chair to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ross and it carried unanimously. 3. El Consider Contract ID #9243 Agreement Concerning Use of Southwest Service Center Pond and Authorize Chair to Sign — Northern Colorado Model Boat Club, NAMBA District 20: Patrick O'Neill, Director of the Facilities Department, stated the Northern Colorado Model Boat Club, NAMBA District 20, 2025-0802 BC0016 Page 3 Monday, March 24, 2025 www.weId.gov historically has used the pond located at the Southwest Service Center for their model boat activities during the summer months. He detailed the agreement allows access to NAMBA on weekends from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., beginning April 1, 2025, through November 1, 2025. In response to Commissioner James' concerns from last year's season, Mr. Oneill assured the Board that staff will be monitoring closely so there will not be any further property damage to the grounds. Commissioner James moved to approve said agreement and authorize the Chair to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Maxey and it carried unanimously. 4. lE Consider Agreement for Professional Services Concerning Proposal for Weld County Judicial Center Site Selection Study and Authorize Chair to Sign — PCL Construction Services, Inc.: Bruce Barker, Weld County Attorney, recommended approval. Commissioner James moved to approve said agreement and authorize the Chair to sign. The motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Ross, carried unanimously. 5. a Consider Acceptance of Deed of Dedication for Purchase of Public Road Right -of -Way for County Roads 54 and 13 Intersection Roundabout Project and Authorize Chair to Sign — Loveland Ready -Mix Concrete, Inc.: Clay Kimmi, Department of Public Works, requested the Board's acceptance of the Deed of Dedication for purchased right-of-way from Loveland Ready -Mix Concrete, Inc., for the southeast corner of the County Roads 54 and 13 Intersection Roundabout Project. Commissioner Ross moved to approve and accept said deed and authorize the Chair to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Maxey and it carried unanimously. 6. El Consider Extension to Temporary Closure of County Road 72 Between County Roads 33 and 35: Kevin Hettinger, Department of Public Works, stated TLM Constructors requested an extension of approximately one (1) month from March 27, 2025, through April 25, 2025, to allow additional for North Weld County Water District and DCP Midstream to relocate utilities. He stated the paved detour route will remain the same and local traffic will continue to be accommodated. Commissioner Ross moved to approve said extension to the temporary closure The motion was seconded by Commissioner James and it carried unanimously. 7. IE Consider Temporary Closure of County Road 27 (aka Denver Avenue) Between County Roads 6 and 8: Mr. Hettinger requested for the closure to begin on April 7, 2025, and go through April 23, 2025, for road construction and paving. He stated the detour route is paved. Commissioner Maxey moved to approve said temporary closure. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ross and it carried unanimously. 2025-0802 BC0016 Page 4 Monday, March 24, 2025 www.weld.gov 8. lE1 Consider Temporary Closure of County Road 49 Between County Roads 64 and 66: Mr. Hettinger requested the closure to begin on May 31, 2025, and go through April 4, 2025, for the replacement of an irrigation culvert. He stated water will be used, as need, on the gravel portions of the detour route. Commissioner James moved to approve said temporary closure. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Peppler, and it carried unanimously.. 9. a Consider Declaration of Certain Equipment as Surplus Property, Approve Sale of Same at Auction with Roller and Associates, and Delegate Authority to Controller to Sign Any Necessary Documents: Rusty Williams, Controller, referenced the list of vehicle equipment deemed as end -of -life, marked Exhibit A in the record, and requested the items be auctioned on April 9, 2025. Commissioner James moved to approve declaration as surplus property, approve sale of same at auction, and authorize the Controller to sign any necessary documents. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Maxey, and it carried unanimously. 10. le Consider Declaration of Certain Equipment as Surplus Property and Authorize Disposal: Mr. Williams referenced the list of equipment deemed as 2024 year-end equipment no longer in use, marked Exhibit A in the record, and requested the items be disposed of. In response to Commissioner Maxey, Teri McDaniels, Accounting Department, explained the itemized roof item being declared as equipment rather than a building asset. Commissioner Maxey moved to approve said declaration as surplus property and authorize disposal. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ross and it carried unanimously. 11. IE Consider Declaration of Certain Building Assets as Surplus Property and Authorize Disposal: Mr. Williams referenced the list of building assets for Weld County facilities deemed as no longer in use, marked Exhibit A in the record, and requested the items be disposed of. Commissioner James moved to approve said declaration as surplus property and authorize disposal. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Peppler and it carried unanimously. 12. a Consider Appointment to Workforce Development Board: Commissioner Maxey moved to approve said appointment. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ross and it carried unanimously. 13. le Consider Reappointments to Building Trades Advisory Committee: Commissioner Maxey moved to approve said reappointments. The motion was seconded by Commissioner James and it carried unanimously. 14. a Consider Dust Blowing Citation Pursuant to C.R.S. §35-72-103 — McKittrick Hyatt: Matthew Conroy, Assistant County Attorney, explained the procedures and the three (3) step process for the Board to issue a dust blowing citation and further explained the findings the Board must make, as listed on the 2025-0802 BC0016 Page 5 Monday, March 24, 2025 www.weId.gov resolution, if they decide to issue a citation. He clarified if it is determined that there is a nuisance to the adjacent neighbors, then the Board must use the guidelines from Colorado Revised Statute, Section 35-72-103, as a part of the Dust Blowing Act. El Liz Schneider, Soil Conservation and Small Acreage Technician with the West Greeley Conservation District, stated a complaint was filed by Charles Bennett, adjacent property owner, on March 17, 2025. She reviewed her findings, displayed vicinity maps, aerial maps, and photos she gathered of the subject property (Marked as Exhibit A). She recommended the property owner add a liquid manure application of a minimum of 45 tons per acre, to anchor the topsoil to remedy the emergent issue of blowing soil and dust onto the surrounding properties, and keep a living root in the soil, such as grass. In response to Commissioner Ross, Ms. Schneider clarified viewpoint directions from the images provided and further explained the soil type present on the properties. In response to Commissioner Maxey, Ms. Schneider indicated the easement in question is on McKittrick Hyatt's property. IR Mr. Bennett introduced himself for the record and clarified the easement in question is on their property and not the property in violation. He expressed their concerns regarding the uninhabitable living situation for his family during windy conditions, explained the trees on their property are all dead due to the situation, and the provided historical knowledge of the land. ID Richard "Rick" Cass, property operator, stated he has farmed the land since 2006 and explained he has attempted planting east/west directional narrow strips for approximately 300 -foot in length and diagonal strips for approximately 200 -foot in length. He stated, due to the windy conditions in addition to the extreme drought weather conditions that has been experienced in his area since 2023, the crop management has been impossible. In response to Commissioner Ross, Mr. Cass stated the crop rotation consists of wheat and millet, explained there is a current crop insurance claim in the works for a wheat crop planted in the Fall of 2024 that couldn't be harvested as a result of the current conditions, and indicated he leaves as much stubble length as possible. During discussion Ms. Schneider reiterated her recommendation for mitigating the blowing soil, Commissioner Maxey expressed his concerns with upwards of 360 truckloads of manure on the loose soil, and requested acknowledgment from the Department of Public Works to mitigate the risk of the trucks getting stuck. Mr. Bennett expressed his concerns and frustrations surrounding the idea of crop insurance being a viable long-term solution, as surrounding property owners are greatly impacted from the conditions. 2025-0802 BC0016 Page 6 Monday, March 24, 2025 www.weld.gov IR Commissioner James thanked everyone for the testimony on the matter and stated to fulfill the statutory requirement, the Board must determine: 1) That soil is blowing from the land in sufficient quantity to be injurious to private property; 2) That an emergency exists; 3) That the operation has been in existence for less than one (1) year; or that the operation was a nuisance at the time it began, there is negligence, that the operation has been changed, or that the operation has grown substantially in size; 4) That such blowing can be prevented or materially lessened by treatment of the soil; and 5) That property damage appears to be resulting from soil blowing. Commissioner James discussed his opinion that there is sufficient evidence to support the five (5) findings the Board must make. Commissioner Ross concurred with the expressed findings and further acknowledged the need for a long-term plan beyond the immediate concern, and the need to address the northeast corner of the property. Mr. Barker defined the Commissioners' jurisdiction of ten (10) days or less pursuant to the Dust Blowing Act of 1954, and after extensive discussion, Commissioner James moved to order the property owner, McKittrick Hyatt, to: shall per the recommendations of Ms. Schneider, apply liquid manure to a 300 -foot -wide strip along the east side of the Property north of the steel fence post that roughly marks the halfway point, and a 600 -foot -wide strip along the eastern edge of the property south of the fence post. Said treatment shall be commenced as soon as practicable, and shall be completed by April 16, 2025, for there to be time for Ms. Schneider to inspect the Property on April 21, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ross and it carried unanimously. (Clerk's Note: Please see Public Comment from James Bennet for further input regarding this matter.) Public Comment: 1. Brett Abernathy, Representative, offered his comments to the Board, with response from the Board and County Attorney. 2. James Bennett, Weld County resident, offered his comments to the Board (Marked as Exhibit B) with responses from Commissioner James and County Attorney. Let the Minutes reflect that the above and foregoing actions were attested to and respectfully submitted by the Clerk to the Board. There being no further business, this meeting was adjourned at 10:25 a.m. 2025-0802 BC0016 Page 7 Monday, March 24, 2025 www.weId.gov The Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, approved the above and foregoing Minutes, on motion duly made and seconded, by the following vote on the 7th day of April, A.D., 2025: Perry L. Buck, Chair: Aye Scott K. James, Pro-Tem: Aye Jason S. Maxey: Aye Lynette Peppler: Aye Kevin D. Ross: Aye Approved as to Form: Bruce Barker, County Attorney Attest: Esther E. Gesick, Clerk to the Board 2025-0802 BC0016 EXHIBIT WEST GREELEY CONSERVAT 'Arr DISTRICT 1 ON Site Visit Review Liz Schneider Conservation small Acreage Technician i Blowing Dust Complaint Property of Interest Account R0417086 Parcel 048534000009 Space Account Type Agncultural Tax Year 202s Account Parcel R0416986 046534000008 Space Account Type Acncultural Tax Year 2025 Buildings Actual Value Assessed Value 46 9;2 12 490 Type t Code : Description Land 4127 DRY FARM LAND -AGRICULTURAL land 4167 WASTE LAND Totals Type : Code = DescnpUon Land 4127 DRY FARM LAND -AGRICULTURAL Land 4167 WASTE LAND Totals Actual Value = Assessed Value 46 196 83 46,279 Acres - Land Suit 11 200 314 000 ,) 10 000 12,720 324.000 Fa«efs Owner. HYATT MCKITTRICK • retouch Rv4I 70136 Parcel: 046534000009 kddress: iubdivnuon: iection: A Towrlslup: A Range: aIW PaRtgy SM Data avf`r 54.46 Displaying 1 • 1 (Total i± 41 4 Page 1 of 1 ► 1 • .. 13,677,840 435 600 14,113,440 = Actual Value = Assessed Value 46 93' 41 46.912 Acres = land Stilt 12 390 319 000 1 D 5 J00 12,400 324.000 648 Total Acres 13.895 640 217 800 14,113,440 i DROVE. ONTO BENRETT'S EASEv*ENT HEADED SOUT _ OFF COUNTY ROAD 100 RED OVAL = -ASE"-\T & ENTRANCE TO BL-NNET I'S PLOP -QTY LAND \EA N HAN LC R WCR 100 IS I\ 3ETTER SHAPE ALONG EASE ENT - t a if — —kr-1,4W ' • y- • •!...Ds 1 ..- � - P.N. '' '` ..- - z- - I _` - -- -c_ �" —_ + a so. —IP A y -- S •.�_ — ::' ��_ :—.a ` • • 3�ato ea .� ~ rants - - ' ♦ _ _, s• • Looking youth — a -...��a • *Ss r " . •- R �• .$ - ea.- �a 1• V t ts. T �.'�♦ -f� ge. J'\ • s.� - • Z - a...,. .....•••••_...... i mat Z i. • • " • I )• 1 5 15 'MLitt 'At .C..rj ~- maa 40.0 modaim• 1:b. • -r•ili1 �t -Nt aa.T. 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J `17 - ".. -•' •-�—: '' • ecommendati®ns to Lan owner - Cover all bare soil on property with manure — this will help hold soil in place and reduce the risk of blowing dust concerns - Suggested application rate of manure is at least 45 tons per acre - Establishing a living root is going to be critical to hold soil in place, manure applications are a short-term solution to hold soil in place, grasses (native & introduced) are great at holding soil in place and reducing erosion - Keep cover on this property year around, examples include and not limited to grass, cover crops or commodity crop(s) - Stnps could be made smaller to further reduce erosion on farmed property(instead of 300 ft wide try 150 ft wide) 8 thank you LIZ SCHNEIDER 970-230-7022 liz.schneider@wgcd.org www.wgcd.org From: James C. Bennett oennettcompanies@hotm�o roil" Subject: Fwd: Weld Co Commissioner statement -James C. Bennett Date. Mar 23, 2025 at 7:47:20 PM To: James Bennett beritiettcompanies@hotmailacom Weld County Commissioners of Colorado & All Whom it May Concern, I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you today regarding a matter that has had a significant negative impact an our properties and agricultural operations, located at: 46040 CR 100, Briggsdale CO 80611. For over a decade, the neighboring adjoining property, approximately 640 acres, has been managed using what is statutorily acknowledged as substandard land stewardship practices, and poor husbandry. The field mentioned, a full section, is routinely left with minimal or no ground cover, resulting in extreme soil erosion. Over time, this has led to the complete lass of topsoil on that parcel, creating what is likely the largest "blowout" in Weld County, leaving the property unable to produce a viable crap, and resting an average of 10'-40' lower than some adjoining properties, just across the fence line. We have addressed this issue with the farmer / land manager an many occasions throughout the years, with no action or solution, which is what brings me here today. Unfortunately, this damage has not remained confined to that single property. The degradation has spilled over onto several adjacent properties, with serious consequences. Specifically: *Approximately 40 acres of usable pastureland have been severely impacted by drifting blow -sand, making it impossible to sustain cover necessary for livestock grazing and land preservation, or any new seed germination to regain a crap. Also, our attempts to plant approximately 500 trees have failed due to this issue. Please note that this area of High Plains Desert, resting between the two confines of the Pawnee National Grasslands, with its fragile ecosystem and low annual rainfall is very susceptible to degradation without proper management, and barely suitable, if at all,,, for conventional farming practices to begin with, no less poor land management. *Our livestock operation has suffered due to the loss of feed and usable ground. *Over one-half mile of field fencing has been destroyed by accumulated sand and soil movement, and 1000's of cubic yards of blows -sand now cover our roads and properties, on what once was managed grazing land. *We have been unable to fully utilize portions of our acreage due to continued erosion and lack of ground stabilization on the neighboring property, and the blowing free silica sand has created health concerns to our family members, guests, and employees, as well as deterioration of other personal property and machinery. *A very large EPA concern with Weld County's gas & oil sector also looms, with a live natural gas pipeline running North/South, approximately 30' West of the Section line, the distance of the neighboring section, that no longer has the minimum bury depth required by the State of Colorado to remain safe from deterioration, and suitable for compliance. We have always made it a priority to use responsible and sustainable land management practices on all of our own properties. It is deeply concerning to see that the actions —or inactions —on nearby land are causing long-term harm not only to our livelihood, business, and property values, but also to the surrounding environment and sustainability of this land region. We are respectfully asking for the County's immediate assistance in mandating a solution that promote responsible land use and prevent further damage to our properties, neighboring properties, and reduces liability for other stakeholders, such as Colorado oil and gas infrastructure. Thank you for your time, and attention to this matter. 4a/teet6fiAS 5/z*/zoor ATTENDANCE LIST 3/Z44/Z5 NAME - PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY EMAIL COUNTY RESIDENCE OF SPEAKING (Y/N)? 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