HomeMy WebLinkAbout20182768.tiffOFFICE OF WELD COUNTY COUNCIL
1150 O Street
P O BOX 758
GREELEY, COLORADO 80632
EMAIL: countycouncil@weldgov.com
PHONE: 970-400-4780
WEBSITE: www.weldgov.com
WELD COUNTY COUNCIL
2018 — 2nd Quarter
REPORT TO THE PEOPLE
The Weld County Council is mandated in accordance with the Home Rule Charter of Weld County,
Colorado, to report to the people of Weld County on a quarterly basis, those matters related to the
council's review of Weld County government. This report summarizes the activities of the Weld County
Council during the second quarter of the calendar year 2018.
April 16, 2018
Presentation by Weld County Clerk & Recorder
Carly Koppes gave a quick update about changes her office was making after the 2017 audit.
She said her office has been working to complete suggestions and expects most of them to be fulfilled
by the end of the year.
May 21, 2018
Budget Package
The budget packet for 2019 was provided, indicating a 10% reduction. Councilman Michael Grillos said
he was not in support of a reduction.
Update on Whistleblower Program
Councilman Stille said a whistleblower program is being researched and worked on.
Councilman Grillos interacted with County Attorney Bruce Barker over whether the whistleblower
program should be established by Council.
Councilman Jordan Jemiola stated it would be a conflict of interest to have the program managed by
the County Commissioners as it would prevent employees from making reports in fear of retaliation.
Dave Kisker, a member of the committee, again encouraged the Council to review the minutes and
audio of those meetings. He said it's important to recognize whistleblowers will be protected by
anonymity.
Council discussed the creation of a whistleblower ad -hoc committee. County Attorney Bruce Barker
said the first work session was set for February 21. He said it was open to the public.
June 18, 2018
Discussion of Councilman Grillos's Absences
Councilman Brett Abernathy made a motion to amend March and April minutes to show Councilman
Grillos was excused. Secretary Linda Kane said both minutes show the excused absences.
Councilman Grillos said the minutes he received did not reflect the excused absences. Councilman
Grillos seconded the motion to amend March and April minutes and it carried.
Comm tAA ,Lc.ahOnS 2018-2768
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Weld County Council
2016 3rd Quarter Report to the People
Page 2 of 3
Budget Discussion
Councilman Grillos said he would like a 20 percent increase in the overall budget, to be specified for
the hiring of Council's own attorney.
Councilman Jemiola said independent legal counsel for the Council has been an ongoing concern.
He said there's conflict of interest having County Attorney Bruce Barker represent the Council when
his first obligation is to the Board of County Commissioners.
Councilman Abernathy said although Council is not meant to be an adversarial body with the County
Commissioners, it is an oversight body, therefore, requiring a degree of separation. He said having
the money on the books does not mean it would need to be spent.
Councilman Stille asked for an example of when Council might need its own attorney.
Councilman Grillos responded that in the event of a recall of Commissioner Barb Kirkmeyer, the last
person he wants to see this Council go to is attorney Barker, not that he is unqualified. He said the
Council would need an unbiased attorney.
Councilman Stille said Council could receive impartial advice from attorney Barker. Councilman
Grillos said he disagreed.
Councilman Abernathy asked Councilman Stille why he is opposed to the budget increase.
Councilman Stille said he is not opposed, but he didn't feel the money needed to be earmarked.
Councilman Abernathy said experience has told him funds should be earmarked.
Councilman Grillos made a motion to request a 20 percent budget increase to be earmarked for
independent legal counsel, seconded by Councilman Abernathy. A roll -call vote showed Councilmen
Stille and Tucker against the motion, with Councilmen Abernathy, Jemiola and Grillos in favor, and the
motion passed.
Councilman Abernathy stated his concern remained whether Council would still need to request
approval from the commissioners. He said they can hire personnel, like a secretary, but why are they
not able to hire an attorney.
Councilman Stille said they'd have to talk to the commissioners and Finance Director Don Warden
regarding the budget. He said he doesn't know what Council's responsibility is in the event of a recall.
Councilman Grillos said Council needs its own attorney because attorney Barker represents
Commissioner Kirkmeyer, and has told this Council on more than one occasion he does not work for
us, he works for the commissioners, period.
Review Program
Councilman Jemiola made a motion to reinstate the review program typically held monthly by
Council, seconded by Councilman Grillos, and carried.
Councilman Stille will work with the secretary to review County departments and propose a potential
review schedule to be presented to Council for adoption.
Councilman Abernathy said public comments, including read statements or other documents, should
be included in the minutes, seconded by Councilman Grillos.
During discussion, Councilman Stille said it's a brand new policy. He asked if Council is willing to
authorize more work time. Councilman Grillos asked how long it takes to have something scanned.
Councilman Abernathy said constituents who prepare a statement or documentation should have their
statements included in the minutes.
Councilman Jemiola said an exact transcription is difficult to keep accurate, though a general
synopsis of speakers could be included. He told the public an audio version of the meeting is
available. He asked that recorded minutes be posted online.
Councilman Jemiola amended the motion to have the meeting recording provided online with the
minutes.
Councilman Abernathy said rather than providing a summary, to provide an attachment of documents
and/or statements to the minutes.
Councilman Michael Grillos
Weld County Council
2016 3rd Quarter Report to the People
Page 3of3
Councilman Jemiola said he'd like every meeting video-taped. Councilman Grillos pointed out he was
recording this meeting.
Councilman Abernathy made a motion to provide the audio on the county web site and to put on the
July agenda discussion of how to do so.
After further discussion, Councilman Abernathy withdrew his motion.
Councilman Abernathy made a new motion that beginning in June any statements or documents
provided during the meeting be scanned and provided as an addendum to the minutes, seconded by
Councilman Grillos. A roll -call vote showed Councilmen Abernathy and Grillos in favor of the motion,
with Councilmen Stifle, Tucker and Jemiola opposing, and the motion failed.
Councilman Jemiola said he wants accuracy and transparency and sometimes there's slander in
letters, and if it does not contain foul language, he would be ok with submitting documents. He said
he'd be in favor of a video, too.
Councilman Stifle asked Secretary Linda Kane how hard it would be to place audio on the web site.
Secretary Kane replied she did not know. Councilman Stifle asked her to find out and provide a report
to Council at the July meeting.
Councilman Jemiola made a motion to have audio minutes posted to the Weld County Council web
site for less than $1,000 and if it costs more, to put it out for bid, seconded by Councilman Tucker.
A roll -call vote showed all in favor of the motion and it passed.
WELD COUNTY COUNCIL
Council president Gene Stifle
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Council Vice -President Charles .. 7ucKer $
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Date Signed: August 20, 2018
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