HomeMy WebLinkAbout20210216.tiffMINUTES
WELD COUNTY COUNCIL
October 19, 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, October 19, 2020, at the Weld County Administration
Building, 1150 0 Street, Greeley, CO.
ROLL CALL:
The meeting was called to order by President Tonya L. Van Beber. Councilmembers Nancy
Teksten, James Welch, Brett Abernathy and Gene Stille were present, constituting a quorum
of members. Also present was Council Secretary Linda Kane.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA :
Councilmember Stille made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Councilmember
Welch and carried.
APPROVAL OF DOCUMENTATION:
Approval of September 21, 2020, Minutes
Councilmember Abernathy made a motion to approve the September minutes, seconded by
Councilmember Teksten, and the motion carried.
Approval of 2nd Quarter RTTP
Councilmember Abernathy made a motion to approve the September minutes, seconded by
Councilmember Teksten, and the motion carried.
Approval of 3rd Quarter RTTP
Councilmember Abernathy made a motion to approve the September minutes, seconded by
Councilmember Teksten, and the motion carried.
REVIEW PROGRAM:
Mike Burson, County Coroner
Weld County Coroner Mike Burson is a forensic pathologist who has worked for Weld County
for 10 years. He became the coroner in July, while former coroner Carl Blesch has stayed on to
assist in the transition.
Mr. Burson said one of the primary goals of his office is to increase efficiencies. One way that's
been done is to place a doctor in charge. He'd like to see the rate of autopsies decrease, as not
all of them are necessary. To date, he's brought that level from about 37 percent to 29 percent.
Another improvement his office is undergoing is using required services more efficiently. Some
tests aren't necessary to determine cause of death. He said he'd like to reduce toxicology
expenses, saving $200 to $700 per case.
He said that while the Weld County population is increasin• d -t= - es haven't changed that
much.
One of the biggest projects for 2021 is the completion of a new facility. The county has not had
its own facility for autopsies — they've been working remotely for the last 50 years. A new facility
will allow the coroner's office to streamline operations. They won't spend three -plus hours a day
traveling to Loveland to perform autopsies.
Currently, they have to use the hospital to get x-rays which is extremely expensive. They will
be able to do that in-house once the new facility is completed, saving the county great expense.
Councilmember Stille asked about Covid concerns. Mr. Burson said the death rate from Covid
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cases fluctuates. He said to date they'd had about 143 cases reported to them for possible
Covid association and of those, 109 tested positive.
Councilmember Van Beber asked about the parameters of an autopsy. Mr. Burson said cause
of death is determined as natural, accidental, suicide, undetermined or homicide.
Councilmember Teksten asked about autopsies performed against a family member's wishes.
Mr. Burson said his office carefully walks a loved one through that process when it's necessary.
His office is made up of eight full time investigators, 1 full time administrator, 1 full time chief
deputy and Mr. Blesch who works part time.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
There was no public comment.
NEW BUSINESS:
Coordinator Reports/Councilman Reports
Councilmember Teksten said she participated in Connect Weld County, which looked different
this year because of Covid.
Councilmember Van Beber said Foster Source, a program that supports foster care efforts,
received funding from the state which provided a nice boost.
Bills
Councilmember Welch made a motion to approve bills, it was seconded by Councilmember
Abernathy and carried. The bills were paid as follows:
o Weld County Phone Bill for September $25.00
Commissioner Salaries for 2023 and 2024
Councilmember Abernathy said commissioner salaries are currently set at $120,000 for 2021
and 2022. After discussion, Councilmember Abernathy made a motion that the commissioner's
salaries stay at $120,000 for the 2023 and 2024 commissioner terms.
Councilmember Stille made comment about a three percent cost of living increase and it was
noted that a COLA increase will not occur this year.
A roll call vote showed a unanimous decision in keeping salaries at $120,000.
OLD BUSINESS:
There was no old business
ADJOURNMENT:
By acclamation, the meeting was adjourned at 7:19 p.m.
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November 16,`2026 C ncil President, Tonya L. Van Beber
Council Secretary, Linda Kane
Salaries of Commissioners since 2007
RESOLUTION 144
$67,000 for the year 2007
and
$69,000 for the year 2008,
Reso 153:
$76,000 for the year 2009
and
$80,000 for the year 2010,
RESOLUTION 172
$83,500 for the year 2011
and
$87,300 for the year 2012,
RESOLUTION 182
$87,300 for the years 2013 and 2014,
RESOLUTION 192
$87,300 for the years 2015 and 2016,
RESOLUTION 204
$105,000 for the year 2017
$105,000 for the year 2018
RESOLUTION 207
$105,000 for the year 2019
$105,000 for the year 2020
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