HomeMy WebLinkAbout20191224.tiffMINUTES
WELD COUNTY COUNCIL
January 21, 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, January 21, 2019, at the Weld County Administration
Building, 1150 0 Street, Greeley, CO.
ROLL CALL:
The meeting was called to order by outgoing President Gene Stille. Councilmembers Brett
A°Jrnathy, Tonya L. Van Beber, Nancy Teksten and James Welch were present,
constituting a quorum of members. Also present was County Attorney Bruce Barker and
Council Secretary Linda Kane.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA :
Councilmember Teksten made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded
by Councilmember Abernathy and it carried.
APPROVAL OF DOCUMENTATION:
Approval of December 19, 2018, Minutes
Councilmember Abernathy made a motion to approve the December 19, 2018, minutes,
seconded by Councilmember Van Beber, and the motion carried.
REVIEW PROGRAM:
There was no review program.
Councilmember Abernathy made a motion to invite Sheriff Reams to present at the February
meeting, it was seconded by Councilmember Van Beber, and the motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Bill Gillard, of Greeley, questioned Council about a whistleblower program. He wanted to
know how he could present a complaint without risking repercussions.
Councilmember Abernathy said Council has explored many options regarding a
whistleblower program. He said Commissioners will not fund it and several department heads
said they already have one and don't need another.
Mr. Gillard said Council must then stand up to the Commissioners.
Councilmember Stille pointed out the Assessor, Sheriff and Clerk's office already have
a whistleblower program.
Councilmember Abernathy said during the election a year ago, voters decided they were going
to remove the ethical oversight form the County and put it in the hands of the State. He asked
County Attorney Barker for clarification.
Counsel Barker said the Denver district court ruling last February dealt with the issue of
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Rule. The question presented to the ethics commission in Denver, they ruled on in Feb. 2018 per
the Commissioner Cozad complaint. The incident took place in Jan. 2017, prior to the vote in Nov.
2017, so it was considered to be part of or prior to the changeover in Nov. 2017.
The ethics commission said they did not have jurisdiction if the ruling is upheld on appeal. It does
not appeal to anything after Nov. 17, 2018.
Councilmember Abernathy asked if the ruling is upheld, does the Cozad issue fall back to the
Council. He said in Feb. 2017, Council voted to be done with issues involving Commissioners
Cozad and Conway.
Councilmember Abernathy asked when the second complaint arose, was it post Nov. 17?
Counsel Barker said that's correct, the incident occurred in March 2018.
Dave Kisker, of Johnstown, inquired about the Cozad issue. Counsel Barker said the February
issue is on hold currently.
Mr. Kisker said he hopes the Council can accomplish a couple things this year: 1) to have a more
professional presence and 2) to implement a whistleblower program. He said Council can't go to
Commissioners and pound on their desks when they have the purse strings. The fact that
Council's hands are tied is a real problem.
Mr. Kisker said Council needs to clarify by-laws and/or procedures so Council doesn't just "wing"
it when an issue arises.
He also stated he'd like the opportunity to ask questions to speakers after they give a review at
meetings.
Councilmember Stille said the review program is set prior to public comment to offer the public a
chance to ask questions.
NEW BUSINESS:
Selection of PresidentNice-President
Councilmember Stille recommended Councilmember Welch as President, to which
Councilmember Welch respectfully declined stating he'd rather someone with more experience
hold the position. Councilmember Stille recommended Councilmember Van Beber as Vice -
President.
Councilmember Teksten nominated Councilmember Stille as President, to which he
respectfully declined.
Councilmember Stille asked Councilmember Van Beber if she'd consider being President, to
which she declined.
Councilmember Van Beber nominated Councilmember Abernathy as President, it was
seconded by Councilmember Teksten, and a roll -call vote showed all ayes and passed.
Councilmember Stille nominated Councilmember Teksten as Vice -President, but there was no
second. Councilmember Abernathy nominated Councilmember Van Beber as Vice -President,
seconded by Councilmember Welch, and a roll -call vote showed all ayes and passed.
Councilmember Abernathy thanked Councilmember Stille for his service as President.
Setting of Meeting Dates for 2019
Councilmember Welch made a motion to hold meetings the third Monday of the month, except
February, to be held the second Monday due to President's Day, it was seconded by
Councilmember Teksten and carried.
Coordinator Reports/Councilman Reports
Councilmembers discussed they'd like to explore the county informally and report back any
findings or interactions.
Councilmember Teksten said she thinks it's a good idea to have more of a public relations
approach with different county departments.
Councilmember Van Beber said it's a good idea to restore community trust and build trust
within different departments.
Bills
Councilmember Stifle made a motion to approve bills as follows, it was seconded by
Councilmember Teksten and carried.
o Weld County Phone Bill for December $18.80
o Legal notice in Tribune for 3rd quarter RTTP $122.54
Councilmember Stille welcomed the new members to Council and said he looks forward to a
successful, professional year.
ADJOURNMENT:
By acclamation, the meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
February 11, 2019 • + c' r-"' nt S R bernathy
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Council Secretary, Linda Kane
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