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MINUTES
WELD COUNTY COUNCIL
March 17, 1976
The Weld County Council met in regular session in full
conformity with the Weld County Home Rule Charter at
401 N. 15th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado, on Monday,
March 17, 1976 at the hour of 2 o'clock.
ROLL CALL: The meeting began with an invocation by John T. Martin,
President, and on roll call the following members were
present:'
President, John T. Martin
Vice President, Nancy Clark
Councilman Floyd Oliver
Councilman Lacy Wilkinson
Councilman Bob E. White
Also present: Bonnie Hickman, secretary and three members of
the press, and Norman Carlson, County Commissioner.
MINUTES: Nancy Clark made a motion to accept the minutes of March 3,
1976. Floyd Oliver seconded and carried unanimously,
REPORTS
HEALTH SERVICES & CORONER: Bob White reported receiving information
from the League of Women Voters regarding a study they are
pursuing in regard to the Health Board. Mr. White requested
the aid of Nancy Clark in gathering more information on this
topic.
FINANCE, CENTRAL PURCHASING, PERSONNEL:. Lacy Wilkinson reported on
purchasing authority within the Weld County departments.
It was a concern that the Purchasing Agent, Barton Buss, does
not have control over department purchasing of items under $100.
Mr. Wilkinson stated a few suggestions that would better control
department spending. He felt that if there were more control
on purchasing within this $100 boundary, the County could save
more money, especially if purchases were made from State
equipment price lists. It was also stated that if the purchasing
agent had control and responsibility of all expenditures this
would avoid political preference. Nancy Clark and Bob White
discussed how the council should address itself to this problem.
Mr. White suggested the the council follow the duties set forth
in the rarter first, report to the Commissioners their findings,
and if nothing is done then report to the citizens.
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Minutes of County Co^'il Page 2
March 17, 1976
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John Martin presented a letter from the Weld County Tax Payers
Association. They stated their concern in regard to the delay
in the hiring of a County Attorney and the matter of the furniture
bids for the new Weld County Complex. They made a plea to the
Council to do some action to see these concerns resolved.
Discussion followed on the county bidding procedures. The
Council agrees with Kistler Kwill - "We can understand the
principle of "Local Interest Preference" invoked by the
Commissioners. However, if this condition is in effect it
should be made part of the bid documents. When bidders are
invited to submit bids, conditions and specifications contained
in the bid documents should apply equally to all invited bidders
and awards should be made to the lowest bidder meeting the
conditions and specifications. "
ASSESSOR: Mr. Herbert Hanson, County Assessor could not attend the Council
meeting. Floyd Oliver reported that the issue involving the
assessor is the re-assessment requested by the State to be
completed by June of 1977. Mr. Hanson needs more help in order
to complete the re-assessment by that date and requested five (5)
men from Manpower. They provided him with only three (3). It is
a concern of the assessor that this be done by the date due, or
else the State will come in and do it for the County.
A short discussion took place regarding the mileage allowance of
12$ a mile. Some thought this was an inadequate amount consider-
int the current costs of gasoline.
MINERAL RIGHTS: Bob White discussed the issue of taxing mineral rights.
Currently legislation is being reviewed concerning this matter
and it was suggested that the council do nothing until this
legislation is passed. Bob White stated the purpose of this
discussion was because the county was in default for not im-
plementing legislation passed in 1973 regarding the assessment
of mineral rights.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT: Nancy Clark reported that she talked to Gary Fortner,
Director of Planning. One problem they are facing, as well as
other boards is the area of county insurance. Mr. Oliver stated
that Mr. Ron Kalk was just appointed to take care of the County
insurance business and the Council should be able to get informa-
tion from him.
SHEPIFF: Nancy Clark was concerned that this year's budget for the
Sherrif's Department shows a double. She listed a three point
concern on this matter. 1. A review is needed on the use of
their budget and how it is being allocated and used. 2. A
review is needed on the present need for such elaborate jail plans.
With the increase of the size and capabilities of the jail, there
will be a necessary increase in budget again next year.
Minutes of County Cotil Page 3
March 17, 1976
The concern of a citizens' group is that the County won't be
able to provide the staff and services necessary to run such
a large scale jail. 3. There was concern over the apparent
hiring of employees of the same families. (eg. Mr. Bower's
wife is the jail cook.) Mr. Carlson commented that a current
study is taking place on the new jail complex.
HOME RULE LAWSUIT: Mr. Martin reported the council received a letter from
their attorney, Mr. Bob Miller, notifying us of the date and
time of the Home Rule hearing, which is set for April 13, 1976
at 3:30 P.M. in Judge Behrman's Court. Discussion followed on
the possibility of this date being moved up because of the
recent action taken in the Senate regarding State approval of the
Home Rule Law. Nancy Clark made a motion that the council send
a letter requesting that the District Attorney's office take
the initiative necessary to get the law suit brought to court
as quickly as possible. Lacy Wilkinson seconded the motion.
Approved unanimously.
HEALTH SERVICES: Bob White stated his concern about the cur^ent W;edicade
and Medicare scandal. A brief discussion followed as to the
Council's ability to do such a large scale review. It was
decided that if this was considered a necessary priority two
choices would be available, either hire a performance auditor
to do the job, or give encouragement to the Commissioners to do
the study.
HEADSTART: Concern seems to be in the area of Headstart's budgeting. One
complaint is that too much money goes into the hiring of adminis-
trators and teachers. It was thought that this would soon be
a mushrooming problem in the community, and that Mr. Wilkinson
should begin gathering information so that at some point in'
time the council could look at it with more knowledge and
information.
PRIORITIES: Throughout the meeting various topics were mentioned as
possible priorities that the council should immediately begin to
review. Those which were chosen are the issue of county purchasing
of furniture (bidding) , the re-assessment of land, etc. , decision
making on elected official salaries and compensations, and
the matter of county insurance. Various other items were
discussed as possible priorities, such as the county retirement
plan and study on lease purchasing.
Nancy Clark made a motion that the Finance, Central Purchasing
and Personnel Committee meet, prepare a report, send it in the
mail to each member, and call a special meeting, Wednesday,
the 31st of March at 2:00. Lacy Wilkinson seconded. Carried.
It was suggested that the setting of salaries and county
insurance be the priority of every councilmember. It was also
decided that the council will make an official statement on
April 21st on the matter of salaries set for the new commissioners.
Minutes of County Cog-\111 Page 4
March 17, 1976
CORRESPONDENCE: John Martin suggested sending letters of appreciation
to those legislators who made possible the quick passing of
the Home Rule Bill. Bob White made a motion that the council
send a letter of appreciation on the efforts of the Home
Rule Bill to Mr. Valdez, Speaker of the House; Governor Richard
Lamm; and our representatives and senators from this district.
Nancy Clark seconded. Unanimously carried.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by the president.
Respectfully submitted,
-�� Fi6C �,e ,✓ APPROVED: v j,
Bonnie Hickman, Secretary P sident
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