HomeMy WebLinkAbout20253010 Record of Proceedings
Minutes
Board of County Commissioners
Weld County, Colorado
Monday, November 3, 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, Monday, November 3, 2025,
at the hour of 9:00 a.m.
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-Tern
Commissioner Jason S. Maxey — Excused
Commissioner Lynette Peppler
Commissioner Kevin D. Ross
Also present:
Acting Clerk to the Board, Houstan Aragon
County Attorney, Bruce Barker
Controller, Rusty Williams
Minutes: Commissioner Ross moved to approve the below listed Minutes of the Board
of County Commissioners meeting, as printed. Commissioner James seconded the
motion and it carried unanimously.
1. Minutes from October 20, 2025
Read Ordinances by Audio: Commissioner James moved to read the below listed Code
Ordinances by audio. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ross and it carried
unanimously.
1. Code Ordinance #2025-13
2. Ordinance #262
Amendments to Agenda: There were no amendments to the Agenda.
Consent Agenda: Commissioner James moved to approve the Consent Agenda, as
printed. Commissioner Ross seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
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Presentations and Proclamations:
1. National Diabetes Month — November 2025: Commissioner Ross read the
certificate for the record. Kelly Martinez, Department of Public Health and
Environment, thanked the Board for their continued support and recognition. She
cited statistical data regarding diabetes in the nation by noting nearly 38 million
Americans, or roughly one in three (1 in 3) adults, are diabetic or pre-diabetic, and
how that impacts resources needed for local communities. Ms. Martinez introduced
staff present who are trained lifestyle coaches working for the "Heart of Weld"
program and are champions for modified health and wellness to support healthier
lifestyles. In turn, each Commissioner extended their appreciation for the
inspiration staff provides daily to Weld County residents. (Clerk's Note: The group
gathered for a photo opportunity.)
2. National Adoption Month— November 2025, and Weld County Adoption Day —
November 21, 2025: Commissioner James read the certificate for the record.
Jamie Ulrich, Director of the Department of Human Services, thanked the Board
for their continued support in their recognition of National Adoption Month and
Weld County Adoption Day. She stated in the United States there are nearly
100,000 children and youth who are awaiting placement into their forever homes,
as the secondary goal when reunification with parents is not an option. Ms. Ulrich
stated, in Weld County, there are currently 37 children who are residing with kinship
relatives who are committed to adopting them permanently, and will be
participating in the Weld County Adoption Day on November 21, 2025. She
recognized staff who were present for the record, who work diligently to place
children in Weld County with safe and loving homes. Each Commissioner, in turn,
shared their heart-felt appreciation to families who open their homes to children
and make a forever family a reality, acknowledged the value of adoption, and
extended thanks to staff for their hard, yet rewarding work, on behalf of the children
and families in Weld County. (Clerk's Note: The group gathered for a photo
opportunity.)
Warrants:
1. General Warrants: Commissioner Ross moved to approve the General Warrants,
as printed. Commissioner James seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
Bids:
1. Approve Bid #B2500128, 2025 Grader Blades — Department of Public Works:
Rose Everett, Purchasing Department, stated out of the six (6) bids submitted, staff
recommends selecting the lowest bidder who met specifications,
Wagner Equipment Company, for a total amount of $218,463.08.
Commissioner Ross moved to approve said bid. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Peppier and it carried unanimously.
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New Business — General:
1. Consider Contract ID #10032 Acceptance of Award Letter and
Intergovernmental Grant Agreement Summary of Terms and Conditions, and
Approval of Amendment#1, for Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Fund
(EIAF) Program for Construction of New Keenesburg Grader Shed
(31164 County Road 6), and Authorize Chair to Sign: Patrick O'Neill, Director
of the Facilities Department, stated the County was awarded grant funding, in the
amount of $200,000.00, for the construction of the Keenesburg Grader Shed.
He explained that since the initial award was granted, the funding source has
changed from the Federal Mineral Lease Tax funding source to the Severance Tax
funding source; therefore, staff recommends acceptance of the agreement terms
and conditions and approval of the amendment. Commissioner James moved to
accept said award letter, approve said agreement and amendment, and authorize
the Chair to sign. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ross and it carried
unanimously.
2. Consider Temporary Closure of County Road 5 Between County Road 28 and
State Highway 66: Amy Mutchie, Department of Public Works, presented the
closure, on behalf of the Longs Peak Water District, and their contractor Gopher
Excavating, Inc., which is requested to begin November 10, 2025, and go through
February 19, 2026, for the installation of a new 12-inch water main. She stated the
detour route is paved, message boards will be placed in advance of said closure,
and school bus routes and local traffic access will be accommodated, as needed.
Commissioner Ross moved to approve said temporary closure. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Peppler and it carried unanimously.
3. Consider Cancellation of Board of County Commissioners Meeting
Scheduled for December 3, 2025: Commissioner James moved to approve said
cancellation due to the Board's attendance at the winter Colorado Counties, Inc.,
(CCI) conference. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ross and it carried
unanimously.
4. Consider Adoption of Housing Needs Assessment for Unincorporated Weld
County: Jim Flesher, Department of Planning Services, explained Senate Bill,
SB24-174, requires counties to conduct, publish, and consider a Housing Needs
Assessment by December 31, 2026, utilizing Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) Program funds. Ryder Reddick and Ines Galmiche, representatives
of Kimley-Horn and Associates, presented a PowerPoint reflecting the collected
information that combines housing, demographic, resources, and economical
statistical data to ensure alignment of the goals for housing policies and trends for
county programs, such as the Weld County CDBG Program. Ms. Galmiche
detailed four (4) policy recommendations, including: strengthening regional
collaboration, enhancing funding and resource areas, monitoring and policy
evaluation, and submitting the final Housing Needs Assessment for
Unincorporated Weld County to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA).
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Commissioner Ross thanked Kimley-Horn and Associates for taking the time
to understand the needs of the communities and for assisting staff.
Commissioner James extended his appreciation for the work and effort completed
but further commented the legislative requirements will accomplish nothing to
create and offer"affordable" housing, since the free market demands are not there
to support it. There being no public testimony concerning this matter,
Commissioner Ross moved to approve and adopt said Housing Needs
Assessment, as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner James
and it carried unanimously.
New Business — Ordinances:
1. Second Reading of Code Ordinance #2025-11, In the Matter of Repealing and
Reenacting, with Amendments, Chapter 23 Zoning of the Weld County Code
(Miscellaneous): Commissioner James moved to read Code Ordinance#2025-11
by title only. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ross and it carried
unanimously. Bruce Barker, County Attorney, read the title for the record.
Mr. Flesher stated there have been no changes since First Reading, which
continued to allow for additional input, and he indicated staff recommends
approval. MaryRose Cullen, Longmont resident, expressed her concerns
regarding the violation process under Section 24-4-100.D.2, and that taking away
the Probable Cause/Show Cause process is a problem, since the department is
complaint-driven for compliance of the code. Commissioner Ross addressed her
concerns and clarified the process for code violation complaints is adequate.
In response to Commissioner James, Mr. Barker confirmed there is adequate due
process provided. Commissioner Ross moved to approve Code
Ordinance #2025-11 on Second Reading. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Peppier and it carried unanimously.
2. Second Reading of Code Ordinance#2025-15, In the Matter of Repealing and
Reenacting, with Amendments, Chapter 23 Zoning of the Weld County Code
(Occupiable Space): Commissioner James moved to read Code
Ordinance #2025-15 by title only. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Ross and it carried unanimously. Mr. Barker read the title for the
record. Mr. Flesher reviewed the proposed changes that were reviewed during
First Reading, stated no changes are proposed for Section Reading, and staff
recommends approval. There being no public testimony offered concerning this
matter, Commissioner James moved to approve Code Ordinance #2025-15 on
Second Reading. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Peppier and it
carried unanimously.
3. Final Reading of Code Ordinance #2025-14, In the Matter of Repealing and
Reenacting, with Amendments, Chapter 14 Health and Animals of the Weld
County Code (Article V Body Art Establishments): Commissioner Ross moved
to read Code Ordinance #2025-14 by title only. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner James and it carried unanimously. Mr. Barker read the title for the
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record. Jason Chesser, Director of the Department of Public Health and
Environment, stated there have been no changes since Second Reading and staff
recommends approval. There being no public testimony offered concerning this
matter, Commissioner Ross moved to approve Code Ordinance #2025-14 on
Final Reading. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Peppler and it carried
unanimously.
4. First Reading of Code Ordinance #2025-13, In the Matter of Repealing and
Reenacting, with Amendments, Chapter 5 Revenue and Finance of the Weld
County Code (Annual Fees): Jennifer Oftelie, Budget Manager, detailed the fee
adjustments for cost recovery purposes submitted by the Departments of Planning
Services, Oil and Gas Energy, Justice Services, and the Clerk and Recorder's
Office, and indicated staff recommends approval. There being no public testimony
offered concerning this matter, Commissioner Ross moved to approve Code
Ordinance #2025-13 on First Reading. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Peppler. Commissioner James commented on the efficiencies of
government, and commended staff for their efforts. There being no further
discussion, the motion carried unanimously.
5. First Reading of Ordinance #262, In the Matter of Summarizing Expenditures
and Revenues for Each fund and Adopting a Budget for the County of Weld,
Colorado, for the Calendar Year Beginning on the First Day of January, 2026,
and Ending the Last Day of December, 2026: Ms. Oftelie, alongside
Linda Duncan, Budget Analyst, reviewed the projected expenditures for personnel
and capital improvements, as well as mill levies to collect personal and property
taxes. She detailed total revenues, in the amount of $586,763,768.00, of which
$315,102,116.00 is property tax. She reported total expenditures of$735,217,548;
however, $32,436,845.00 are actually internal transfers, for a total of
$702,770,703.00 in true expenditures. She stated approximately $255 Million is
anticipated for personnel expenses, almost $250 Million in one-time capital
expenses, $51 Million for infrastructure, and almost $200 Million in Public Works
as an investment in the roads and capital improvement plan for that division, which
leaves the rest of the county at approximately $200 Million of the budget for the
remaining services. Ms. Oftelie also explained TABOR allows for growth plus
inflation, which allows 8.25% for growth opportunity, and staff anticipates 3% for
inflation. She further stated although TABOR allows 11.25% and the Home Rule
Charter allows for 5%, the 2026 Budget reflects a 2.8% growth in property tax,
while leaving the mill levy the same as 2025. Additionally, she stated the statutory
mill levy is 22.038, which hasn't been offered for the past 24 years, and leaving the
mill levy at 15.956, offers over 6.0 mills as a property tax credit of$120 Million back
to businesses, residents, and industries in Weld County. Lastly, Ms. Oftelie stated,
since 2002, that results in over $1.48 Billion in property tax credits returned to the
community of Weld County. Chair Buck commended the incredible work of the
budgetary and financial teams. There was no public testimony concerning this
matter. Commissioner Ross addressed the capital needs for projects that some
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may view as overdue; however, the County stewards revenue until enough is
saved to pay for projects without going into debt. He expressed his support for
increasing the mill levy to ensure future financial stability; however, he moved to
approve Ordinance #262 on First Reading, as presented. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner James. Commissioner Peppler thanked the staff
teams for their efforts and also disclosed she provides services for Envision in a
personal matter, and after review and advisement from legal, there is no conflict of
interest with her approval of the overall budget for Weld County.
Commissioner James further complimented the finance team and expressed his
support of funding the Special Victims Request by the District Attorney,
$150,000.00 for Upstate Colorado, and a position for the Sheriff's Office to assist
with the administrative burden anticipated by Senate Bill 3. He also addressed
funding outside agencies, retaining the 15.956 mill levy, despite the 3% inflation
rate, and applauded the new employee compensation plan that is market
competitive. Lastly, he shared his views for how to improve efficiencies to make
Weld County better than it has ever been in the anticipation of uncertain economic
times for 2026 and beyond. Commissioner Buck stated she still has several issues
that she wants to discuss further, but she supports the budget overall. There being
no further discussion, the motion passed four (4) to zero (0), with
Commissioner Maxey excused.
Public Comment: No public comment was offered.
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 10:13 a.m.
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
17th day of October, A.D., 2025:
Perry L. Buck, Chair: Aye 0111•••-�„
Scott K. James, Pro-Tem: Aye �� \. I
Jason S. Maxey: Aye I 't1
Lynette Peppler: Aye
Kevin D. Ross: Aye " e
Attest: `\(
Esther E. Gesick, Clerk to the Board
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