HomeMy WebLinkAbout20194765.tiffMINUTES
WELD COUNTY COUNCIL
September 16, 2019
The Weld County Council met in regular session in full conformity with the Weld County Home
Rule Charter at 6:30 p.m., Monday, September 16, 2019, at the Weld County Administration
Building, 1150 0 Street, Greeley, CO.
ROLL CALL:
e The meeting was called to order by President Brett Abernathy. Councilmembers Tonya L.
Van Beber, Nancy Teksten and James Welch were present, constituting a quorum of members.
Councilmember Gene Stille had an excused absence. Also present was Council Secretary
Linda Kane.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA :
Councilmember Abernathy made a motion to add discussion regarding signage for CR 47
approaching Hwy 392 to the agenda, it was seconded by Councilmember Van Beber and
carried.
APPROVAL OF DOCUMENTATION:
Approval of August 19, 2019, Minutes
Councilmember Teksten made a motion to approve the August minutes, seconded by
Councilmember Welch, and the motion carried.
REVIEW PROGRAM:
Dr. Mark Wallace, Director of Public Health and Environment
Dr. Mark Wallace has served as director since 2000. The office of public health and
environment is part of county government. Colorado has 53 local health departments and Weld
County's is one of seven that is nationally accredited.
One item of national concern right now is the vaping epidemic. Dr. Wallace said Colorado has
the highest rate of adolescents vaping anywhere in the world.
Vaping might be presented as safe, but that's not always true. He said his department can't
do their work without partnerships. They spend a lot of time developing and sustaining
partnerships.
Currently, they're trying to figure out rules around vaping. He said we don't have rules that apply
to vaping like cigarettes.
The Health Department's structure includes Administrative Services; Community Health
Services; Environmental Health Services; Health Education; Communication and Planning —
Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness; and Public Health Services.
He said Colorado is in the midst of a hepatitis A outbreak right now, though it's not in Weld
County yet, it's headed this way. His department elected to take a preventive approach;
providing vaccines to volatile populations, including those who are incarcerated and homeless.
He said the goal is to administer 500 vaccines to our vulnerable population.
His department is also responsible for issuing birth and death certificates.
Environmental Health Services is the department that checks restaurants for quality. Heating
up and cooling down food products is an important aspect of that. We also teach people who
work in restaurants the rules - why you shouldn't use same cutting board to cut meat and then
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vegetables.
That department also works with tattoo parlors to ensure public safety. Another area monitors
the mosquito population and puts out public notices about West Nile or other potential diseases.
The laboratory does a lot of testing to make sure water sources are not contaminated. They
contract with municipalities to test their water sources as well.
Another aspect of the department includes health education, communication and planning.
They work with youth to educate them about unhealthy behaviors. Dr. Wallace said a lot of
those addicted to cigarettes started under age 18, even though it's illegal. They try to help them
understand why it's not good for them.
His department acts as first responders in many situations. After the anthrax scare with 9/11
his department got more involved in massive communicable disease outbreaks. For instance,
Ebola in Africa could be a plane ride away from coming into the United States. They work on
preparedness, readying vaccines, etc.
Councilmember Teksten asked about the department's dashboard on the county web site. It
can be found at https://www.weidgov.com/departments/health and environment.
Dr. Wallace said the dashboard is one of the ways in which we try to be transparent. He also
discussed vaccination rates and how Colorado has been struggling with rates going down. He
said Colorado has three ways parents can opt out of vaccinations which may lead to lower
numbers. You can opt out if you are allergic to the vaccinations, if you have a faith -based
exemption or a general exemption, which states you simply don't want the vaccine. His
department is working on a campaign to educate parents on why vaccines are safe, accessible
and affordable.
Councilmember Van Beber asked about the vaping epidemic. Dr. Wallace explained why it's
dangerous. He said it's not actually water vapor that users inhale, it's a danger aerosol filled
with chemicals.
She also asked about mental heath. Dr. Wallace said most health departments don't provide a
lot of direct help. His department is working closely with partners to educate ourselves to
reducing the stigma; targeting men who are poor at seeking care; and working with schools to
engage younger populations.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Bill Gillard asked whether Council will begin recording meetings via video and whether they
will provide a timer to mark the three minutes allowed during public comment. Councilmember
Abernathy said Council would provide both if the technology becomes available.
NEW BUSINESS:
Coordinator Reports/Councilman Reports
There were none.
Bills
Councilmember Van Beber made a motion to approve bills, it was seconded by Councilmember
Welch and carried. The bills were paid as follows:
o Weld County Phone Bill for August $25.00
SIGNAGE
Councilmember Abernathy discussed signage needed at the intersection CR 47 approaching
Hwy 392. He said there have been two fatalities at that intersection in the last few weeks. He
spoke with Public Works and there is now a flashing stop sign there and the state has begun to
assess the need for signals at the intersection.
He asked for Council's approval to follow up on the situation and make a direct request on behalf
of the Council to make sure signage is provided.
Councilmember Welch agreed signage is necessary at the intersection.
Whistleblower Discussion
Councilmember Van Beber said she's conducted additional research into the issue and some
processes are already in place that could address the topic.
Councilmember Welch said it's important to make a program accessible to the public.
Discussion will likely continue in October and Councilmember Teksten said she would be absent
for that meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
By acclamation, the meeting was adjourned at 7:59 p.m.
October 2f 0 9Council President, Brett Abernathy
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Council Secretary, Linda Kane
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