HomeMy WebLinkAbout20210212.tiffMINUTES
WELD COUNTY COUNCIL
January 20, 2020
The Weld County Council met in regular session in full conformity with the Weld County Home
Rule Charter at 6:30 p.m., Monday, January 20, 2020, at the Weld County Administration
Building, 1150 O Street, Greeley, CO.
ROLL CALL:
The meeting was called to order by President Brett Abernathy. Councilmembers Tonya L. Van
Beber, Nancy Teksten, James Welch and Gene Stille were present, constituting a quorum of
members. Also present was Council Secretary Linda Kane.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA :
Councilmember Abernathy made a motion to move the payment of bills to the beginning
of New Business, seconded by Councilmember Teksten and approval of the agenda carried
as revised.
APPROVAL OF DOCUMENTATION;
Approval of December 16, 2019, Minutes
Councilmember Teksten made a motion to approve the December minutes, seconded by
Councilmember Stille, and the motion carried.
Approval of 4th quarter Report to the People
Councilmember Teksten made a motion to approve the 4th quarter Report to the People, it was
seconded by Councilmember Welch and carried.
REVIEW PROGRAM:
There was no review program.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Bob Grand, of Keenseburg, thanked Council members for their service. He reminded Council the
replacement for Commissioner Sean Conway does not have to live in Greeley.
Dave Kisker, of Johnstown, stated he was happy the County Council wasn't abolished as
proposed in 2017. Replacing a commissioner per a vacancy is one reason why the Council is so
important, he said.
Bill Gillard, of Greeley, thanked Council for its work in 2019. He applauded outgoing President
Abernathy for his leadership. He said the commissioner vacancy presents an opportunity to
change the old way of doing business.
Kevin Ross, of Eaton, expressed his gratitude for Council having a process in place for situations
like the commissioner vacancy. He asked that Council hold interviews in public and they do so
with one person at a time, with others waiting outside the interview room.
Ellen DeLorenzo, of Johnstown, sent Council an endorsement for a candidate of her choice. She
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agreed that interviews should be public and they should be held with one candidate at a time.
Elijah Hatch, of Kersey, presented to each councilmember a letter of intention run for
commissioner.
See addendum 1.
Sherrie Pief, of Greeley, inquired about livestreaming the interview process and how that would
affect waiting applicants.
Perry Buck, of Greely, also told Council of her intent to run for the commissioner seat.
Chad Judge, of Kersey, expressed his intent to run for the commissioner seat. He said he would
act like an undercover boss for Weld County. He said he was running for mayor of Kersey and
inquired if it was a conflict of interest, to which the Council agreed it was.
Gary Oplinger, of Johnstown, told Council he would like to see the applications made public for
review.
NEW BUSINESS:
Bills
Councilmember Teksten made a motion to approve bills, it was seconded by Councilmember
Stille and carried. The bills were paid as follows:
o Weld County Phone Bill for December $25.00
o Legal placement in Greeley Tribune for 3rd quarter RTTP $48.86
Election of President and Vice -President
Councilmember Abernathy expressed his pleasure at serving as Council President for 2019.
He accepted motions for nomination of a new president. Councilmember Welch nominated
Councilmember Van Beber, it was seconded by Councilmember Stille, and carried
unanimously.
Councilmember Van Beber accepted motions for nomination of a vice-president.
Councilmember Teksten made a motion to nominate Councilmember Welch, it was seconded
by Councilmember Stille, and carried unanimously.
Setting February Meeting Date
The February Council meeting is typically held the second Monday of the month because
county offices are closed the third Monday in recognition of the President's Day holiday. In
light of appointing a new commissioner, Councilmember Abernathy made a motion to hold the
February 2020 meeting on the third Monday, February 17, it was seconded by Councilmember
Teksten, and carried unanimously.
Setting 2020 Meeting Dates
Councilmember Stille made a motion to accept the 2020 meeting dates as proposed to be held
the third Monday of each month, it was seconded by Councilmember Abernathy, and carried.
See addendum 2.
Commissioner Replacement Procedures
Councilmember Abernathy stated that Council devised replacement procedures in 2018 in the
event of a commissioner vacancy. He noted the procedures are available on the county's web
site. He explained that on January 31 County Attorney Bruce Barker would declare the
vacancy official, in which applicants would then have five days to submit applications.
Councilmember Van Beber read County Commissioner Sean Conway's letter of resignation
and stated Council accepted his letter.
See addendum 3.
Councilmember Abernathy made a motion to formulate rules for the selection process, it was
seconded by Councilmember Welch, and carried.
Councilmember Abernathy made a motion that a majority of 3 council members would be
necessary to appoint a new commissioner, it was seconded by Councilmember Teksten, and
carried.
Councilmember Abernathy made a motion to form an ad hoc committee of two council
members to review applications and then present up to five for review by council on February
12, it was seconded by Councilmember Stille, and carried. Councilmembers Welch and Stille
volunteered to serve on that ad hoc committee.
Councilmember Abernathy made a motion to limit interviews to 20 minutes, it was discussed
that might not be enough time, and he withdrew his motion.
Councilmember Stille made a motion to limit interviews to 30 minutes, it was seconded by
Councilmember Teksten, and carried.
Councilmember Abernathy presented a commissioner replacement schedule. Applications will
be accepted through 5 p.m., February 5, with interviews conducted during the regular meeting
February 17.
See addendum 4.
After discussion, the application was amended to include a statement that applicants will be
subject to a background check for felony convictions.
See addendum 5.
After discussion, Councilmember Abernathy made a motion to amend Weld County Council
Article XIII, Section 13-8-8 to include clarification that a vote of at least 3 members shall be
necessary to approve an appointment, it was seconded by Councilmember Welch, and carried
unanimously.
After discussion, Councilmember Abernathy made another motion to modify Article XIII,
Section 13-8-2, to state applications may also be received via electronic mail, it was seconded
by Councilmember Stille, and carried.
See addendum 6.
After discussion, Councilmember Abernathy made a motion that candidates will each select a
number and corresponding interviews will occur individually during the open meeting February
17, it was seconded by Councilmember Stille, and carried.
Adoption of Review Programs
After discussion, Councilmember Abernathy made a motion to adopt the review program schedule
for 2020, it was seconded by Councilmember Welch, and carried.
See addendum 2.
Coordinator Reports/Councilmember Reports
Councilmember Van Beber said she received a card from a local church including opinions about
church and governance occurring locally, statewide and nationally.
Councilmember Teksten said she attended the retirement party for Judy Griego, Director of
Human Services, and thanked her for her service.
ADJOURNMENT:
By acclamation, the meeting was adjourned at 8:31 p.m.
ncil President
February 17, 2020 C Tonya
CouncilSecretary, Linda Kane
January 20th, 2020
Elijah Hatch
25307 County Road 50
Kersey, CO 80644
(970) 619-1921
i\L1kiu1�.ill
To the Members of The Weld County Council:
My name is Elijah Hatch and I am presenting this letter as my physical and verbal intent to apply for the newly
vacated Weld County Commissioner at Large Seat, previously occupied by Commissioner Conway. As a business owner
and a current county volunteer, I believe that I am well suited to be placed in this position. I have served on many
boards and volunteer groups within the county over the last several years. Most currently, I hold the positions of:
Commissioner at Large on the Weld County Planning Commission, as well as, serving as President of the Weld County
Fair Board. As a business owner, I have built several successful businesses. I have created a rare position within my small
empire that allows myself to step away, while entrusting competent individuals to attend to my affairs. Thus, I will carry
no issue with making the Commissioner at Large Seat my primary occupation and focus. I hold an unbridled passion for
Weld County which has provided so much for my family and I. Therefore, I hope to have this opportunity to support my
county with its need for an individual to fill this necessary position, even if it's only for a short while.
My only caveat to the timing of this unique situation is I will be out of the country from Saturday, February 15t,
2020 to Monday, February 10th, 2020. While I am not asking for special treatment, I am asking for acknowledgement
from this council that I will be potentially presenting my application while traveling through Europe. I will be available
for an interview either by video chat or in person on Tuesday, February 11th or after.
i am very excited to have the opportunity to present this letter to you and graciously await the chance to prove
myself as the next Commissioner at Large of the Weld County Commissioners.
Sincerely,
Elijah Hatch
2020 Weld County Council Meeting
Dates and Locations
All Council Meetings at 6:30 p.m.
*This is a tentative list and is subject to change*
January 21, 2020 Weld County Administration Building, Greeley, CO
Meeting Planner: None
Review Program:
February 17, 2020 Weld County Administration Building, Greeley, CO
Meeting Planner: None
Review Program:
March 16, 2020 Weld County Administration Building, Greeley, CO
Meeting Planner: Councilmember Welch
Review Program: Planning
April 20, 2020 Weld County Administration Building, Greeley, CO
Meeting Planner: Councilmember Teksten
Review Program: Public Relations
May 18, 2020 Weld County Administration Building, Greeley, CO
Meeting Planner. Councilmember Abernathy
Review Program: Human Resources
June 15, 2020 Weld County Administration Building, Greeley, CO
Meeting Planner: Councilmember Van Beber
Review Program: IT
July 20, 2020 Weld County Administration Building, Greeley, CO
Meeting Planner: Councilmember Van Beber
Review Program: Oil & Gas
August 17, 2020 Weld County Administration Building, Greeley, CO
Meeting Planner: Councilmember Stille
Review Program: County Attorney
September 21, 2020 Weld County Administration Building, Greeley, CO
Meeting Planner: Councilmember Stille
Review Program: Public Works
October 19, 2020 Weld County Administration Building, Greeley, CO
Meeting Planner: Councilmember Welch
Review Program: Coroner
November 16, 2020 Weld County Administration Building, Greeley, CO
Meeting Planner: Councilmember Abernathy
Review Program: Clerk & Recorder
December 21, 2020 Weld County Administration Building, Greeley, CO
Meeting Planner: Councilmember Stile
Review Program: Board of County Commissioners
7
Sean P. Conway
Weld County Council
1150 0 Street
Greeley, Colorado 80631
January
Ad&I\CLU 3
Dear Weld County Council,
This letter is my official notification to the Council that I will be
resigning my office as Weld County Commissioner At -Large effective
January 31, 2020.
Over the last year, my wife Rebecca has been experiencing several
health challenges. The time has come to put her needs first.
It has been a tremendous honor over the last eleven years to serve the
residents of Weld County, an honor I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Much has been accomplished in the past decade: A new Northern
Colorado Crime Lab. Completion of Weld County Road 49 — the largest
construction project in the history of the County. The development of
an Adult Treatment Court. Successfully responding to the epic 2013
flood in which 161 roads, bridges and culverts were repaired within a
month of the flood. The start of construction on a new addition to the
County Jail, without raising taxes or encumbering any debt. I am also
proud to have led the effort to lowing the County mil -levy twice over
the last few years — saving homeowners, businesses, farmers and
ranchers hundreds of millions of dollars while ensuring Weld County
remained the only County in the country with no short-term debt, long-
term debt or sales tax.
1
I have always championed the "Jeffersonian Ideal of Public Service,"
where citizens serve for a short period of time in office and then return
to their community to live under the rules and regulations they
enacted.
It is time to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders who
hopefully continue to make Weld County the best place in Colorado to
live, work and play.
Thank you for your service to our community and God Bless.
Sincerely,
Sean P. Conway
Weld County Commissioner
2
Weld County Council
Commissioner Replacement Schedule
talk,it
January 31, 2020 12:00 AM
Confirmation from Weld County Attorney Bruce Barker that BOCC vacancy exists.
Notification to be placed on WCC website of vacancy as well as press release and posting on
Administration building bulletin board.
All notification shall include application template.
February 5, 2020 5:00 PM
Application period closes.
February 6, 2020 Location to be determined
Two appointed WCC members shall open and review all applicants. Ad Hoc Committee shall
select fiveapplicants to be brought to full WCC special meeting.
February 12, 2020 5:00 PM
Special meeting called for review of applications and resumes. Open interview date shall be
determined as February 17, 2020.
February 17, 2020 6:30 PM
Weld County Council Regular meeting. Five selected candidates shall be interviewed openly
during meeting per adopted rules committee rules for interview process and candidate order selection.
Discussion shall follow interviews in open meeting. No public comments shall be taken during
discussion. Selection of replacement commissioner and notification shall be made per WCC procedures.
February 18 or 19, 2020 8:00 AM
Oath of office shall be taken per county oath procedures. Employment and duties shall
commence immediately. Weld County Board of County Commissioners and staff shall provide on -
boarding information and training.
February 20, 2020
Duties of WCC per section 13-8 shall be fulfilled.
Weld Coun
Vac;
Commissioner Application
wi\o‘k
A licant Information
Full Name:
Address:
Phone:
Last
First
M: f.
Date:
Street Address
Apartment/Unit #
City
Date Available: 2/19/2020
State ZIP Code
Email
Date of Birth: Salary:See Below
Position Applied for: Weld County Commissioner at Large
Are you a citizen of the United States?
YES NO
O O If no, are you authorized to work In the U.S.? O O
YES NO
YES NO
Are you a registered republican elector? O O If yes, when?
Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
If yes, please explain:
YES NO (Applicants subject to Weld County Sheriff background check
O O for felony convictions)
Commissioners salary shall be the 2020 prorated salary for this position.
Education Attach additional ualifications if needed
High School:
From:
College: Address: _
To:
From: To:
Other:
From:
Address:
YES NO
Did you graduate? ❑ O Diploma:
YES NO
Did you graduate? O O Degree:
To:
Address:
YES NO
Did you graduate? ❑
O Degree:
Notable Ex erience Attach additional sheet if needed
Please list Experience:
Signature of Applicant:
1
Date:
Signature:
Full Name:
Company:
Address:
Relationship:
Phone:
Full Name:
Company:
Address:
Relationship: _
Phone:
Previous Em )iO merit
Company: Phone:
Address: Supervisor:
Job Title:
Responsibilities:
From:
Starting Salary:$
Ending Salary:$
To: Reason for Leaving:
YES NO
May we contact your previous supervisor for a reference? ❑ ❑
Company: Phone:
Address:
Supervisor. _
Job Title: Starting Salary:$ Ending Salary:$
Responsibilities:
From: To: Reason for Leaving:
YES NO
May we contact your previous supervisor for a reference? O ❑
Company: Phone:
Address: Supervisor:
Job Title: Starting Salary:$ Ending Salary:$
Responsibilities:
From: To: Reason for Leaving:
YES NO
May we contact your previous supervisor for a reference? O O
2
MilitarService
Branch:
Rank at Discharge:
If other than honorable, explain:
From:
To:
Type of Discharge:
Disclaimer and Sic nature
I certify that my answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge.
If this application leads to employment, I understand that false or misleading information in my application or
interview may result In my release.
Signature: Date:
3
Weld County Council Article XIII, County Council
Pursuant to Section 16-7
Every elective county office shall become vacant, c
following events, before the expiration of the term of office:
AddeR0(,,,„v
ie
(1) The death ofthe officer.
(2) The resignation of the officer.
(3) The removal of the officer, by recall or otherwise.
(4) The officer ceasing to be a resident of Weld County, or in the case of an officer required to
live in a district, ceasing to be a resident of the district from which elected.
(5) The officer's refusal or neglect to take his oath of office, or renew his official bond, or to
deposit such oath and bond within the time prescribed by law.
(6) The final decision of a competent tribunal, declaring void an officer's election or
appointment .
(7) The final decision of a competent tribunal finding an officer guilty of a crime.
Pursuant to Section 3-15 Vacancies
(1) A vacancy in the office of the County Commissioner shall be filled by appointment by
County Council.
Pursuant to Section 13-8
(3) A vacancy in the Board of County Commissioners shall be filled by appointment by
the Council. Said appointees shall be of the same political party as that of the previous officer, and the
appointment shall be effective for the remainder of the term.
Board of County Commissioners vacancy procedure 08/13/2018
1. Upon notification to the County Council by the county attorney of the final determination of
commissioner office vacancy as pursuant to Section 16-7 of the Weld County Charter.
2. Notification shall be made for applications for a qualified replacement commissioner within
(5) days following the final determination of a vacancy of a commissioner office. Method of notification
shall be determined by the County Council. Notification shall be made requesting applicant resumes to be
delivered to the Weld County Council office in a sealed envelope or by electronic mail by a date
specified.
3. Within five (5) days following the closing date of application acceptance, two (2) appointed
Weld County Council members shall open and review all applicant resumes. Five resumes shall be
selected from the responding applicants. Applicants must be of the same political party as the former
commissioner that has vacated the office. Determination of political affiliation shall be based on state
requirements of registration deadline for participation in their respective party caucus.
(a) Chosen candidates shall be given a background check by the Weld County Sheriff to
confirm eligibility to hold public office.
4. The President of the Weld County Council shall call a special meeting to convene within three
(3) business days following the selection of the qualified candidate resumes.
5. The Weld County Council shaft receive and review each of the five resumes during the special
meeting. A date for interviews of the chosen applicants shall be established at the special meeting.
Resumes of applicants not chosen will be returned to applicants at next meeting or destroyed per
County personnel document standards.
6. Invitations to each of the applicants shall be made by the Secretary of the Weld County
Council for an open interview of each candidate at the next regular County Council meeting.
7. All Weld County Council members shall be in attendance for interviews. In the event of
emergency or excused absence from the meeting by a council member, the interviews shall be re-
scheduled for the next regular scheduled County Council meeting.
8. One applicant shall be selected for the vacancy on the Board of County Commissioners
following completion of interviews. Selection of the candidate shall be made at the end of the meeting
following open discussion of each candidate by the County Council. A roll call vote shall be made for
each vote made during the officer replacement process. An affirmative vote of at least 3 members shall
approve the appointment
9. Official notification of selection shall be made by the President at the meeting, as well as by
electronic communication to the successful applicant after adjournment of the meeting by the
secretary, but not to exceed 24 hours in duration after meeting adjournment.
10. Applicant shall be sworn in at the earliest available opportunity following notification.
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