HomeMy WebLinkAbout20180047.tiffRESOLUTION
RE: ASSIGN COMMISSIONERS TO COORDINATE DEPARTMENTS FOR 2018
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to
Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of
administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 3-6 of the Weld County Home Rule Charter, each of the
major departments of County government, as established by Article IV of said Charter, shall be
coordinated by one Commissioner with assistance from another Commissioner, and
WHEREAS, the Board deems it advisable to appoint the Commissioners to coordinate
departments as follows:
DEPARTMENT
Department of Finance and
Administration
Department of Health Services
Department of Planning Services
Department of Public Works
Department of Human Services
COORDINATOR/ASSISTANT
Coordinated by: Steve Moreno, Chair
Assisted by: Barbara Kirkmeyer, Pro -Tern
Coordinated by: Barbara Kirkmeyer
Assisted by: Mike Freeman
Coordinated by: Mike Freeman
Assisted by: Julie A. Cozad
Coordinated by: Julie A. Cozad
Assisted by: Steve Moreno
Coordinated by: Mike Freeman
Assisted by: Julie A. Cozad
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld
County, Colorado, that the above named Commissioners be, and hereby are, appointed as
coordinators and assistants of the departments as hereinabove set forth, all in accordance with
Section 3-6 of the Weld County Home Rule Charter.
G G : Qepo.c- + S
C:>(/ 05/ 9OI$'
2018-0047
BC0051
RE: 2018 COMMISSIONER COORDINATORS
PAGE 2
The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted
by the following vote on the 3rd day of January, A.D., 2018.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO
ATTEST: dddiell) jdep.t,
Weld County Clerk to the Board
BY�JI�� Gi•
uty Clerk to the Board uty Clerk to the Board
APPROVED
ounty Attorney
Date of signature: Wit t I13"
Ste e Moreno, Chai
arbara Kirkmeyer, Pro-Te
Sean P. Conway
(AYE)
ie A. Cozad
(AYE)
(AYE)
(NAY)
�v • _ (AYE)
ike Freeman
2018-0047
BC0051
This week there was an article in the Greeley Tribune under the subtitle of "Drama in County
Government" in which Tribune staff stated, "It started in January(2017) when Commissioner Sean
Conway's fellow commissioners opted not to give him a department to oversee. The unprecedented
move centered on Conway's leaking of emails that cast commissioners in a bad light."
This statement is incorrect. The move centered on a lack of trust and respect for Commissioner Conway.
The "drama" as the paper calls it actually began as far back as 2014 when staff first began reporting
u nprofessional and hostile behavior by Commissioner Conway. The so-called "drama ' continued for
years and finally came to a head in the winter of 2016 when six women came forward to report the
hostile environment created and perpetuated by Commissioner Conway resulting in a third party
independent investigation into the matter. That investigation concluded Commissioner Conway was
harassing Weld County staff, specifically women. That investigation, along with other unethical and
u nprofessional actions conducted by Commissioner Conway, is the reason I will not vote for
Commissioner Conway for chair, pro-tem or coordinator of any county department. He has not
taken any responsibility for his past actions, and he continues to exhibit the same unethical,
u nprofessional, appalling behavior thereby making it a legal liability for this board to knowingly
put him in a position of authority over any county staff.
Over the course of the last three years Commissioner Conway has lost our trust and respect for a variety
of issues such as:
• Attempting to schedule a Transportation Summit during a board meeting and when one
commissioner was on vacation
• Speaking or implying he was speaking on behalf of the board to the county council when not
authorized to do
• Breaching attorney client privilege and intentionally misrepresenting the purpose of the Xcel
meeting;
o County Code: Sec. 3-3-90. - Confidential information.
Misuse or disclosure of confidential information obtained in the course of County employment
could result in personal legal liability and disciplinary action, up to and including termination from
employment.
• Misusing county resources by allowing, along with his niece the Clerk and Recorder, the use of
the Elections Conference Room for the Republican Executive Committee meeting after the
Board specifically told him no he could not use county buildings for that purpose.
• Threatening the BOCC twice with a Notice of Claim and Intent to sue the county.
• Yelling at the Board in a Board meeting.
• Threatening individual County commissioners.
• Communicating with parties actively suing the county.
Questionable interaction between himself and the county council during the audit.
• Setting up of a private email account to conduct county government business
• Releasing personal documents.
o In March of 2017, this came out in the Greeley Tribune, "Commissioner Sean Conway,
in a possible "self-serving" effort to discredit his fellow commissioners, leaked a
AO/9- 00 VI
complaint against himself to two media outlets, according to a Mountain States
Employers Council investigation
With regard to appointing Commissioner Conway to a commissioner coordinator, there is absolutely no
way we should be making such appointment, again due to Commissioner Conway's despicable behavior.
His behavior, no one else's.
As the Board of County Commissioners we have a responsibility to provide and maintain a safe, healthy,
respectful work environment for county employees.
We actually have adopted guidelines to deal with intimidation, harassment or other threats of
violence in the work place. In Sec. 3-3-50. - Harassment. The County strongly disapproves of and does
not tolerate harassment of any kind, nor any behavior by any employee that creates an unacceptable
employment environment or hostile work environment. A violation of this policy is grounds for
discipline, up to and including termination from employment. Another words, when Commissioner
Conway created a hostile work environment for 6 women through harassment, intimidation and
bullying, if he would have been a department head I would have pushed to fire him.
And I just want to point out the victim does not have to be the person harassed, but can be anyone
affected by the offensive conduct.
The only way we can clearly communicate to Commissioner Conway that his behavior will not be
tolerated is to deny him appointment to a commissioner coordinator. Our employees have to be able
to trust us and know that we will do our job and protect them.
Last year, the three of you said you would not appoint him to be a coordinator because of the
investigation. The investigation was completed. And the investigator stated that ," It appears this
behavior has been going on for several years" And in case you all forgot some of the quotes from the
investigation, let me remind you:
"This is now the fourth time I have been verbally accosted by the same commissioner."
"Sean is far more aggressive with women and tends to order them around."
"He can be harsher and more aggressive with female employees."
"I try to avoid Commissioner Conway; if I see him coming I turn around and go the other way."
"He was clenching his fists and placing them on the counter where I was sitting"
"I am frequently subject to verbal assault from Commissioner Conway."
"He yells at me the way he yells at her."
"I don't think any of the employees think they can tell him to stop because he is an elected official."
"...he would take it as another opportunity to yell at me."
"He was screaming at me and every sentence contained the F -word."
"Commissioner Conway was yelling and using the F -word several times."
"He then came around the back of the desk and he was yelling at me."
"I felt very scared"
"Lastly, there is significant amount fear from the participants that they will be retaliated against in
some way."
Three of the 6 women in that report no longer work for the county.
The Coordinator for Finance and Administration has to the Chair according to the Charter..(Steve)
We all agreed a few years ago the Pro-Tem (me) would be the Coordinator for Health Services which
includes the IT Department. Commissioner Conway implied and accused the IT department and
County Attorney of snooping. (August 25th, 2017)
Coordinator for Public Works — Putting Commissioner Conway over Public Works would give him
direct access and ability to harass and intimidate documented victims of his verbal abuse.
Coordinator for Human Services — both the Director and the Deputy Director are women.
Coordinator for Planning Services — Commissioner Conway just recently yelled at the Director. His
wife gave someone else's address to gain another gas monitor. Commissioner Conway had already
received a gas monitor. Additionally, the council of record for Heartland Biogas was sitting at
Commissioner Conway's table at the Boys and Girls Club event. We are in a lawsuit with Heartland
Biogas. And we have all seen Commissioner Conway having private conversations with Mr.Kisker on
numerous occasions. Mr.Kisker is involved in the lawsuit against the county and Martin Marietta.
The last thing we need to have happen, if it hasn't already because again I don't trust Commissioner
Conwa,y is a release of privileged information. Commissioner Conway has proven he cannot be
trusted.
After very careful consideration, I find that it would be irresponsible of the Board to appoint
Commissioner Conway as a commissioner coordinator over any department. Further I believe we
would be violating our own code. The board is very limited in how it can deal with Commissioner
Conway's behavior and at the same time protect both county employees and the county. We must
limit direct contact and any supervision over employees because continued behavior like this, by him,
is not acceptable and could result in law suit against the county. And to appoint Commissioner
Conway to a coordinator would be like saying we condone his behavior.
Michele Sturgell
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Patti Russell <prussell@comeld.co.us>
Monday, January 30, 2017 8:48 AM
Michele Sturgell
FW: Personnel
I did find this email.,. from June, 2014
Patti Russell
Patricia S. Russell, SHRM-SCP, SPHR
Director, Human Resources
Weld County Government
1150 "0" Street
Greeley, CO 80631
(970) 400-4230
prussell@weldpov.com
Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for
the person or entity to which it is addressed a_ =z' ay/
protected from disclosure. If you have receivd this c
I
do hat is privileged, confidential or otherwise
in ror, please immediately sender by return
notify
e-mail and destroy the communication. Any d -r ,ir --� ir' , distribFition or the taking of any action concerning the
contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited.
From: Douglas Rademacher
Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2014 10:13 AM
To: Sean Conway <sconway@co.weld.co.us>
Cc: Patti Russell <prussell@co.weld.co.us>
Subject: Personnel
You wonder why I don't get involved with the 1-25 collation! When you ask our assistant to send out an E-mail be
prepared for the feedback. You chased off = she took two days off to collect her thoughts, and none of the other
the other clerks want her job. You need to apologize to her, she was doing what you asked, if not you should have held
on the E-mail until it was ready. I'm not sure if you realize what you did, but it was wrong . If you need to talk about it I
have meetings most of the day but plan on coming in tomorrow morning.
Douglas Rademacher
Weld County Commissioner
1150 O Street, PQ BOX 758
970-336-7204
1
ATTACHMENT 36
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�3
ADP e
2
During charter committee talks, Weld County Commissioner accuses colleagues of hiding
information
September 21, 2016
What should have been a public hearing for a county charter committee turned into an applause -fueled shouting match Wednesday morning.
County officials are working to organize a group of residents that would study the county charter — essentially, Weld's constitution — to see if any
updates are needed. These could be as small as cutting redundant language or rules, or they could be as big as getting rid of elected officials' positions.
The commissioners have discussed the plan as such: organize the community group and send members throughout the county to see whether, or how,
residents want their government to change. Leaders believe the process could take six to eight months, as it has in the past.
Although the commissioners were business as usual during the first portion of the two-hour meeting, it took an abrupt turn amid the discussion of the
charter committee. The conversation quickly devolved into accusations of hypocrisy and secrecy.
Commissioner Sean Conway began shouting at the group; other commissioners, despite their best efforts, were visibly upset at the accusations. Hands
waved, members and residents in the audience sniped at each other.
The tension isn't new. For months, officials have had disputes about complaints in county offices (https://www.greeleytribune.com/news/23945312-
113/weld-county-clerk-and-recorders-office-gets-tech) and how departments handle them (https://www.greeleytribune.com/news/23629778-113/weld-
county-officials-butt-heads-during-clerk-and), the efficiency (https://www.greeleytribune.com/news/23005251-113/weld-county-council-members-quarrel-
make-no-decision) of Weld County government's watchdog arm (https://www.greeleytribune.com/news/23996765-113/weld-county-council-takes-first-
steps-to-audit) and how the commissioners have responded to the troubles (https://www.greeleytribune.com/news/22909793-113/weld-county-council-
shows-support-for-audit-postpones).
The tension seemed to reach a boiling point Wednesday. Conway said there hasn't been enough dialogue with voters about creating the charter
committee. He said the commissioners should operate more like they did when they held massive hearings about the failed 51st State Initiative in 2013,
when Weld County led a few northern Colorado counties in an attempt to secede from the state.
Other commissioners responded large meetings in the charter discussion would come later — after the committee is organized. Residents could then
have input.
"I think who needs to be hearing from the citizens is not the five of us," Commissioner Chairman Mike Freeman said. "I think we need to separate
ourselves from the charter review committee and what they're looking at."
It would keep the commissioners' influence out of the decision -making process, they argued. In the meetings about the 51st State Initiative,
commissioners did guide the conversation.
Commissioner Julie Cozad wasn't on the board at the time, but she attended the meetings.
"It did seem to be commissioner -driven," she said. "I'm just saying that as a citizen."
Conway, however, insisted the process the other four commissioners wanted was rushed, and he accused them of hiding facts from the public.
The plan for this week was to gauge residents' sentiments toward the possible committee, and the plan for next week is to pass a resolution that creates
the committee, said Finance and Administration Director Don Warden. Then, officials would start advertising the positions and interviewing candidates.
Five residents, all with varying support of a charter committee, spoke during Wednesday's meeting.
"I think we're putting the cart in front of the horse," Conway said. "We're moving forward on a comment of five people."
He next criticized the commissioners for holding Wednesday's hearing during the middle of the day on a weekday.
"I learned a long time ago, from my previous job, the best way to limit public participation is to have a meeting in the middle of the day, when nobody
can attend," he said as a handful of residents in the audience clapped their approval — a praise they offered each time Conway hurled a critique at his
colleagues.
Conway also criticized the other commissioners for having a work session — which the commissioners hold in smaller administration rooms after every
Monday meeting — on Sept. 12 to nail down some of the preliminary details about the committee.
"Is that going to be a transparent process, Mr. Chair, or are we going to meet in an admin meeting like we did last Monday?"
Commissioner Barbara Kirkmeyer responded, "That is a transparent process."
The work sessions are open to the public, and their topics and times are posted on a bulletin board in the administration building.
She also responded to the accusation of keeping residents in the dark.
"Our public hearings are all during the day," she said. "Are you suggesting we change all of our meetings?"
The commissioners iterated time and again there would be public meetings with the charter committee, the commissioners were distant by design and
public meetings would take place at accessible times.
They also discussed how important it was to introduce communication methods other than hearings.
"I think there's way that a charter committee can get the public input and not necessarily make somebody come up to a microphone," Cozad said,
"especially if they're speaking against elected officials."
A small group of women in the audience — who applauded the other side of the argument once or twice — nodded in agreement with Cozad.
The five residents who did speak during Wednesday's meeting didn't have trouble criticizing the commissioners.
Although two, Mike Konkel of Kersey and Steve Teets of Greeley, said there's no reason to delay creating the committee, the rest weren't so sure.
Those who voiced concern raised issue with the tense atmosphere Weld County has faced the past few months.
For example, Dave Kisker, who lives in an unincorporated area near Johnstown and the soon -to -be home of a controversial asphalt batch plant, said
now is a bad time.
"I think in principle reviewing the charter is not a bad idea," he said. "(But) we ought to sit back, take some deep breaths and do it at a time that is not
such a political hot potato."
WHAT'S NEXT?
Officials plan to continue talks about creating a possible charter committee again at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the county's administration building, 1150 O. St.
FOR MORE
Weld County officials created a webpage (goo.gl/nWXMPj) about the charter committee.
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Barbara Kirkmeyer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Tom Parko Jr.
Tuesday, November 07, 2017 10:19 AM
Barbara Kirkmeyer
FW: Koppes GAS MONITOR RESERVATION
See below. Troy was asking for address verification.
Tom Parko, M.A.
Director of Planning Services
Weld County Dept. of Planning Services
1555 N. 17th Avenue
Greeley, CO. 80631
Office: 970-400-3572
Mobile: 970-302-5333
Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for
the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise
protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return
e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the
contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited.
Original Message
From: Rebecca Koppes Conway [mailto:rkc20001@icloud.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2017 8:47 PM
To: Troy Swain <tswain@weldgov.com>
Cc: Tom Parko Jr. <tparko@weldgov.com>
Subject: Re: GAS MONITOR RESERVATION
Cxucwij & esi
Rebecca Koppes Conway Greeley CO 80634 9704052123 and you have this email address...
Thanks
> On Oct 9, 2017, at 9:30 AM, Troy Swain <tswain@weldgov.com>wrote:
> Dear Mrs. Koppes Conway:
> I can add you to the Final Order List (being added to until the end of October) but I will need your name, full address,
phone number and email address. Once the order is made and the monitors received we will contact you and let you
know when and where your monitor can be picked up.
> -Troy
> Troy E. Swain, B.S.
> Oil & Gas Liaison and LGD
> Weld County Planning Dept.
1
> 1555 N. 17th Avenue
> Greeley, CO 80631
> (970) 400-3579
> (970) 702-1256 (cell)
>
>
>
> Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only
for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise
protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return
e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the
contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited.
>
> Original Message
> From: Rebecca Koppes Conway [mailto:rkc20001@icloud.com]
> Sent: Thursday, October 05, 2017 10:42 AM
> To: Troy Swain <tswain@weldgov.com>
> Subject: GAS MONITOR RESERVATION
>
> Hello, could you please place Rebecca Koppes Conway on the list for a monitor?
>
> Do you need any further proof of residency?
>
> Thank you,
>
> Rebecca Koppes Conway
MOM
2
Tom Parko Jr.
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Dear Ms. Peif:
Troy Swain
Monday, October 09, 2017 9:27 AM
Sherrie Peif
Tom Parko Jr.
RE: gas monitor ...
I am accountable to the tax payer and need a valid Weld County address and name for each monitor I hand out. One
per residence — Weld County residence only. I can add you to the Final Order List (being added to until the end of
October) but I will need your name, full address, phone number and email address. Once the order is made and the
monitors received we will contact you and let you know when and where your monitor can be picked up where your
name and address will be checked against the order. Note that monitors are available for purchase online and in retail
hardware stores.
-Troy
Troy E. Swain, 8.5.
Oil & Gas Liaison and LGD
Weld County Planning Dept.
1555 N. 17th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
(970) 400-3579
(970) 702-1256 (cell)
Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for
the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise
protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return
e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the
contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited.
From: Sherrie Peif [mailto:sherrie@peif.us]
Sent: Friday, October 06, 2017 10:59 AM
To: Troy Swain <tswain@weldgov.com>
Subject: RE: gas monitor ...
Troy,
That is my mailing address. I am not comfortable putting my street address in an email that is subject to Open Records
laws. I had planned to prove my street address when I picked it up.
Sherrie
1
From: Troy Swain [mailto:tswain@weldRov.com]
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2017 3:33 PM
To: Sherrie Peif <sherrie@peif.us>
Subject: RE: gas monitor ...
Ms. Peif: I don't see the address given as being a valid residential address. Monitors are for in -home use only, one per
Weld County residence. If you are a Weld County resident, send me your name, address, phone number and email and I
will add you to the Final Order List. -Troy
Troy E. Swain, 8.5.
Oil & Gas Liaison and LGD
Weld County Planning Dept.
1555 N. 17th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
(970) 400-3579
(970) 702-1256 (cell)
Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for
the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise
protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return
e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the
contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited.
From: Sherrie reii [Irld11W:s11e171e@)peiLu]J
Sent: Thursday, October 05, 2017 2:31 PM
To: Troy Swain <tswain@weldgov.com>
Subject: Re: gas monitor ...
Yes I was wanting to be put on final order list. Sherrie Peif 3620 10th St Suite B140 Greeley 80634 970-978-9868.
Speif@completecolorado.com
Sherrie
K-12 Education
Complete Colorado
Independence Institute
Sent from my iPhone
On Oct 5, 2017, at 1:43 PM, Troy Swain <tswain@weldgov.com> wrote:
a (idA,ca)
The last event will be: Mead Town Hall, 441 3rd St. on Tuesday, October 10, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30
p.m. Supply on hand will be limited - see attached Press Release.
2
Monitors will not be reserved for the distribution event, if they run out you can put your name and
information down for the Final Order List.
If you cannot make this event, email me back and I can add you to the Final Order List but I will need
your name, address, phone number and email.
-Troy
Troy E. Swain, B.S.
Oil & Gas Liaison and LGD
Weld County Planning Dept.
1555 N. 17th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
(970) 400-3579
(970) 702-1256 (cell)
<image003.jpg>
Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are
intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is
privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication
in error, please immediately notify sender by return e-mail and destroy the communication. Any
disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the contents of this
communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited.
From: Sherrie Peif [mailto:sherrie@peif.us]
Sent: Thursday, October 05, 2017 10:39 AM
To: Troy Swain <tswain@weldeov.com>
Subject: gas monitor ...
Troy,
Please reserve me a gas monitor and let me know how I can pick that up.
Sherrie
Sherrie Peif
Politics, education and investigative reporter
Complete Colorado
speif@completecolorado.com
(970) 978-9868
www.completecolorado.com/pagetwo
<100517_Deadline for monitors approaching.pdf>
3
Report: Complaint against Weld County Commissioner Sean Conway sent to news outlet... Page 1 of 2
Report: Complaint against Weld County Commissioner Sean
Conway sent to news outlets by Conway
March 20, 2017
Weld County Commissioner Sean Conway, in a possible "self-serving" effort to discredit his fellow commissioners, leaked a complaint against himself
to two media outlets, according to a Mountain States Employers Council investigation.
The investigative report (https://www.greeleytribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/20170320124948143.pdf), posted as pad of the Board of Weld
County Commissioners' Monday agenda packet, centers on whether Conway released a complaint filed by an employee after a Nov. 23, 2016, incident
and whether Conway did it as an act of retaliation against the employee who filed the complaint.
Although the investigator, Lori Karl, did not determine the release of the complaint was an act of retaliation, she did conclude "more likely than not" that
Conway had released the initial complaint to Complete Colorado, a Denver -based online news organization, and The Greeley Tribune.
"Commissioner Conway may have been motivated to leak (the employee's) complaint to the media so he could claim, as stated in the Complete
Colorado article, that (the employee's) complaint was 'filed at the request of the commissioners' who have 'proved determined to retaliate against him'
for allegedly exposing things that 'are not only unethical, but borderline illegal,' " Karl said in the report.
The complaint Conway is said to have released alleged he yelled and cursed at the employee during a phone call, and it was one of several complaints
detailed in a separate, 150 -plus -page investigative report also compiled by Mountain States Employers Council.
The Tribune eventually obtained that report, and more, after a Weld District Court judge found the previous Mountain States investigation to be a matter
of public record following a Tribune open records request.
But the initial complaint from the Nov. 23, 2016, incident was provided to Complete Colorado and later sent to The Tribune via an anonymous letter
long before the judge's ruling.
The investigator said there's little doubt Conway leaked the complaint to Complete Colorado, citing a Facebook post from Complete Colorado reporter
and former Tribune reporter Sherrie Peif.
Indeed, Conway told The Tribune on Monday he sent "redacted portions of the report' to Complete Colorado.
But Conway "categorically denies" he sent the complaint to The Tribune.
"That is the most ludicrous thing that could be alleged in this whole thing," Conway said. "Why would I send the complaint to The Greeley Tribune?
There was no benefit to me."
Conway also sent a statement Monday afternoon regarding the investigative report. In the statement, Conway takes issue with the investigator's
findings and again brings up the prospect of other commissioners retaliating against him.
The day The Tribune story on the complaint was published, Conway called Weld County Human Resources Director Patti Russell and Weld County
Attorney Bruce Barker, expressing concern the complaint was sent to The Tribune, according to the report.
In a phone interview, Conway pointed to those calls as further proof he didn't leak the documents.
But the investigator, citing Conway's September release of emails related to Xcel meetings with commissioners and others to Complete Colorado,
suggested it was a pattern.
"His actions appear to demonstrate a self-serving pattern," the investigator concluded.
Neither Conway nor Peif agreed to meet with the investigator regarding the release of the complaint, with Conway declining through his attorney, Jill
Gookin. The investigator did not contact The Tribune.
Conway said he is not accusing other commissioners of sending the complaint to The Tribune, but there is a widespread whisper campaign to that end.
He accused Tribune bosses of knowing who gave The Tribune the complaint. Tribune Editor Randy Banged said that's not true.
"We have absolutely no idea who sent it to us," Banged said. "The sender took great care to make sure it was anonymous. No one to this day has
owned up to it, and we haven't spent a lot of time or energy trying to find out."
The employee who filed the complaint alleges Conway released her initial complaint, but she didn't know why.
"I don't know why Commissioner Conway would share it with the press because it's a word-for-word account of his harassment," the employee said,
according to the report.
Other commissioners interviewed as part of the investigation had their own ideas about Conway's motive.
https://www.greeleytribune.conn/news/local/report-complaint-against-weld-county-commiss... 1 /3/2018
Report: Complaint against Weld County Commissioner Sean Conway sent to news outlet... Page 2 of 2
"The only person who gained from leaking the complaint to the media was Commissioner Conway because it made him look like a victim,"
Commissioner Barbara Kirkmeyer said.
In addition to Peifs Facebook post, and a line in the Dec. 22, 2016, article connecting the document to Conway, Weld County commissioners had the
county's IT department look into Conway's emails. Staff found Conway had sent the emails in question, including the employee's complaint, to his
private email address before sending the documents to Complete Colorado.
There is no such paper trail proving Conway sent the complaint to The Tribune, and The Tribune refused to hand over its copy of the complaint or the
envelope when commissioners asked.
When asked why he would release the complaint to Complete Colorado but not The Tribune, Conway said the Complete Colorado story was about
retaliation by other commissioners against him.
"The benefit was to talk about the retaliation that was taken against me," Conway said. "I think it established a pattern of retaliation toward me."
Commissioner Steve Moreno told the investigator Conway's release of the report fit with what he's heard about Conway, who previously served as
press secretary for a U.S. senator.
"I've heard others refer to him as the 'Spin Master' with the media," Moreno said.
The investigator interviewed seven people between Feb. 3 and March 13, not including Conway. Each of them say they think or they've heard Conway
released the report.
When asked what the odds are everybody is lying except him, Conway was adamant.
"One -hundred percent," Conway said. "Because I have no reason to lie to you."
This investigation is the latest development in a more than yearlong tussle between Conway and his fellow commissioners. Other commissioners have
said Conway started the flap by coming to his niece's defense when people complained about wait times and work environment at the Weld County
Clerk and Recorder's Office.
Weld County Clerk and Recorder Carly Koppes is Conway's niece by marriage, and Conway once presented information in defense of Koppes during a
county council meeting, saying he was there on behalf of the other commissioners.
The other commissioners have said Conway wasn't speaking for them.
Weld County Finance Director Don Warden also tied the commissioner battle to Koppes and said he asked Conway about his motivations after Conway
made seemingly negative statements related to the county's spending on a training exercise in Breckenridge.
"He's been doing things that seem irrational and I can't explain," Warden said. "Commissioner Conway has some motive. He may want to harm the
other commissioners to elevate himself in the eyes of the public."
Chairwoman of the Board of Weld County Commissioners Julie Cozad couldn't immediately be reached for comment, but she and other commissioners
in the report echoed Warden.
"I think (Conway is) grasping at straws to try to make it look like the problem is with the other commissioners instead of with him," Cozad said. "I think
it's a deflection."
Tyler Silvy covers city and county government for The Greeley Tribune. Reach him at tsilvy@greeleytribune.com(mailto: tsilvy@greeleytribune. com).
Connect with him at Facebook.com/TylerSilvy or @ TylerSilvy on Twitter.
https://www.greeleytribune.com/news/local/report-complaint-against-weld-county-commiss... 1 /3/2018
Weld County Commissioner Sean Conway fights to use private email for county business... Page 1 of 2
Weld County Commissioner Sean Conway fights to use
private email for county business
August 23, 2017
Weld County Commissioner Sean Conway has again referenced his intention to sue the county amid an internal dispute over his decision to use a
private email address for official business.
Emails to Conway's public email address began bouncing back Monday, redirecting senders to conwaycommissioner@gmail.com
(mailto:conwaycommissioner@gmail.com).
Conway's shift to private email could be problematic, according to Monday emails between Conway and Weld County Attorney Bruce Barker. Barker
referenced several parts of the Weld County Code, including the following:
» All computer -related information, including email messages, are the property of the county and considered part of the county's records even if the
information resides on privately owned devices.
» The county has a right to inspect and review any email or other data stored on county computers and equipment or on privately owned devices if
used in the course of county business.
» County officials may inspect and copy email and computer records when there are indications of impropriety by an employee.
Further, Barker said county emails may not be forwarded to employees' personal email accounts, and the county removed the automatic reply Conway
set up on his official email account.
"All county business will continue to go to your county email account," Barker said in the email.
Conway objected, strongly.
He said he's not an employee, and he took issue with the word "may" as it related to setting up an Internet accessible email account (in this case, a
private account).
"I believe that I have a right to receive correspondence in any manner that I deem fit, including a private email address," Conway said in his email.
Conway further takes issue with the county's monitoring of his email, questioning how his private correspondence becomes county property and
asserting his constitutional right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures.
Finally, Conway says the monitoring of his email amounts to retaliation against him for exposing a meeting
(https://www.greeleytribune.com/news/local/weld-county-commissioners-quarrel-over-utility-company-meetings-document-release/) between county
commissioners and Xcel Energy officials.
"This issue appears to be dictated by the desire to continue that surveillance rather than any other appropriate need," Conway said. "Thus I deem this
as part of the notice previously given regarding my intention to sue (https://www.greeleytribune.cominews/local/simmering-feud-involving-weld-county-
commissioners-explodes-in-public-accusations-threat-of-a-lawsuit/)."
Conway's fellow commissioners denied monitoring Conway's emails in a statement sent to The Tribune on Wednesday evening. Commissioners said
there has never been any monitoring of Conway's county email apart from one search of all county emails in October to determine who forwarded
attorney -client privilege emails to an external email address. That search discovered Conway had forwarded emails between commissioners and the
county attorney related to a meeting with Xcel Energy officials.
Conway declined an in -person interview after a Wednesday morning county commissioners meeting, and he did not respond to phone calls or texts
seeking comment for this story.
State legislators use private email for work -related correspondence, but county commissioners have typically used their government -provided email
address.
In an interview with The Tribune, Barker said he had concerns about compliance with the Colorado Open Records Act, a view shared by Freedom of
Information Coalition executive director Jeff Roberts.
The shift to behind -the -scenes communication doesn't preclude future open records requests, but it could make those more difficult, Roberts said.
"I think it makes it harder because the public official becomes the custodian of the records," Roberts said. "They have potentially more control over
what's released or not. When there's a third party involved, like the county government itself, there's more confidence that you're going to get (the
records)."
— Tyler Silvy covers government and politics for The Greeley Tribune. Reach him at tsilvy@greeleytribune.com (mailto:tsilvy@greeleytribune.com).
Connect with him at Facebook.com/TylerSilvy or @ TylerSilvy on Twitter
https://www. greeleytribune. com/news/local/weld-county-commissioner-sean-conway-fights... 1 /3/20 1 8
Attachment 14
Michele Sturgell
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Patti Russell <prussell@co.weld.co.us>
Wednesday, December 28, 2016 1:13 PM
Michele Sturgell
FW: Notice and request
Oath of Office - Sean Conway 1-2-13,pdf; DEPT ID.docx; WORK SESSIONS.docx;
Confidential; Fwd: Employee Incident Documentation - November 23; Re; Confidential;
Re: Confidential; RE: Confidential
Categories: Red Category
This is what our County Attorney provided to Commissioner Conway. It also includes the emails requested.
Patti Russell
Patricia S. Russell, SHRM-SCP, SPHR
Director, Human Resources
Weld County Government
1150 "O" Street
Greeley, CO 80631
'AY J.: 71D TI
uOPY
Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for
the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise
protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return
e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the
contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited.
From: Bruce Barker
Sent: Monday, December 05, 2016 3:22 PM
To: Mike Freeman <mfreeman@co.weld.co.us>; Barbara Kirkmeyer <bkirkmeyer@co.weld.co.us>; Julie Cozad
<jcozad@co.weld.co.us>; Steve Moreno <smoreno@co.weld.co.us>; Don Warden <dwarden@co.weld.co.us>; Patti
Russell <prussell@co.weld.co.us>
Subject: FW: Notice and request
FYI.
Bruce T. Barker, Esq.
Weld County Attorney
P.O. Box 758
1150 "O" Street
ATTACHMENT 14
Greeley, CO 80632
(970) 356-4000, Ext. 4390
Fax: (970) 352-0242
Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for
the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is attorney privileged and confidential, or
otherwise protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify
sender by return e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action
concerning the contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly
prohibited.
From: Bruce Barker
Sent: Monday, December 05, 2016 3:19 PM
To: Sean Conway <sconway@co.weld.co.us>
Subject: RE: Notice and request
Commissioner Conway:
w d tac_
.r a_ ker, sq
Weld County Attorney
P.O. Box 758
1150 "O" Street
Greeley, CO 80632
(970) 356-4000, Ext. 4390
Fax: (970) 352-0242
75 t._ o req � .�"'
NT!
Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for
the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is attorney privileged and confidential, or
otherwise protected from disclosure, If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify
sender by return e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action
concerning the contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly
prohibited.
From: Sean Conway
Sent: Friday, December 02, 2016 2:22 PM
To: Bruce Barker <bbarker@co.weld.co.us>
Subject: Notice and request
Request for information and notice
2
Please be advised that based on the allegations presented to me by letter signed by Mike Freeman and
accompanying document alleged to be the statement of MEI I am requesting the following and making
notice:
1. An explanation of how I am classified as an "employee" and subject to the provisions of any code
relating to actions by "employees";
A Weld County Commissioner is held to the same Standards of Conduct the Board of County
Commissioners requires of Weld County employees. Those Standards of Conduct are detailed in Article III,
Chapter 3, of the Weld County Code. They include, but are not limited to, the expectations of proper
conduct set forth in Section 3-3-10, and the prohibitions against harassment contained in Section 3-3-50.
Please note Section 3-3-10 A.6., which says the following:
Sec. 3-3-10. - Expectations of proper conduct.
A. Every County employee should be aware that he or she is a public employee an is the employee's
duty to serve citizens in a courteous and efficient manner. An employee must maintain a standard of
conduct and performance which is consistent with the best interests of the County. Examples of conduct
that may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination from employment, include, but are
not limited to, the following:
6. Any acts or threats of violence, threatening behavior or the use of obscene, abusive or threatening
ge i1r tows p �`t,� r Ito
0 A., s = tes _ = folio_
Sec. 3-3-20. - Reporting misconduct.
A. An employee observing m con r sh I report tt:, incident immediately to the department head or
elected official. Employees moray re t sconduc of a department head or elected official to the
Department of Human Resources. (Emphasis added)
Section 3-3-20 A. tells me misconduct of elected officials is taken just as seriously as if it were committed
by employees. Such misconduct needs to be reported and investigated.
Your Oath of Office, dated January 2, 2013, is attached. In it you swore to support the "Ordinances of
Weld County, Colorado," Those ordinances include the Standards of Conduct set forth in Article III,
Chapter 3, of the Weld County Code. How can you as a Weld County Commissioner support the
"Ordinances of Weld County, Colorado," if you do not comply with the same Standards of Conduct which
the Board of County Commissioners has established by ordinance for County employees?
2. Any documents referred to or supporting the claims made in the above stated letter and alleged
complaint completed by any persons referred to in said documents, including, but not limited to
electronic correspondence, personnel records, or any other forms of documentation concerning my
behavior towards employees of Weld County. This request includes the incidents noted by IMO
in her allegations. This request includes any directions or instructions by any other Weld
County Commissioner directing employees to disregard, ignore, or otherwise not pay proper
attention to requests made by me in my official capacity made by email, in person or other forms
of communication such as those provided in response to a CORA request;
3
Attached are copies of emails I received from the four other Commissioners regarding the November 23,
2016, incident.
Patti Russell reports she does not have the written statement to which refers in her email
statement of November 23`d
The ongoing investigation by Mountain States Employers' Counsel may reveal other documents which
satisfy the first sentence of request #2, above.
As to the request you make in the last sentence, you need to be more specific about what you desire.
3. Please advise the scheduling protocol for BOCC members and who controls that protocol;
Attached is a copy of the procedures and protocols followed by the Board's Office Manager in scheduling
work sessions, They are for the Office Manager and anyone who fills that role when the Office Manager is
away from the office,
4. A statement as to the gender of all employees in the Weld County Administration offices;
Attached is a copy of a table produced by Patti Russell which indicates the names and genders of the
persons working in the Weld County Administration Building.
Tr
d ne .t tl' the ; no-- �_ a� ono x_a re nv f tl �- stio
du ed
by'v r,
to n coy NiM� —_ � airy _ -- es m - y rs Co= n� l r�—^� et r o - of II gati
and/or evidence of harassment of a sexual nature are present.
6. Describe what, if any, porti
eged to have occurred on November 23,
2016 at 8:55 a.m. that lasted ft o long -r tl`. i one minute according to phone records with �
was not involving her work description regarding scheduling of events;
email description of the November 23, 2016, incident speaks for itself.
L.
7. Provide with respect to any other allegations by any other employees claiming "harassment" that
did not involve their assigned work duties;
The investigation conducted by Mountain States Employers' Counsel will reveal whether or not there are
allegations of harassment by other employees.
8. Please be advised that there was no use of foul language in the conversation with but if
there was, please advise how that equates to harassment under applicable statutes and whether
other commissioners use foul language in the presence of and to employees;
As detailed above, Section 3-340 A.6., of the Weld County Code prohibits the use of obscene, abusive or
threatening language toward fellow employees.
Section 3-3-50 A. says the following: "Harassment may involve action, behavior, exclusion, comment or
physical contact which is found objectionable, or which creates an offensive environment or results in the
recipient feeling threatened, humiliated, intimidated, degraded, patronized, demoralized or less confident
4
in his or her ability. It is the responsibility of every employee to avoid offensive or inappropriate behavior
at work and to assure that the workplace is free from harassment at all times."
9, Please be advised that I will designate witnesses to the event including one person who listened to
both ends of the one minute conversation. I expect that these people be interviewed;
No response requested.
10. Please be advised that given that there is not any allegations seen in the documents provided that
any discussion was outside the scope of my duties as a commissioner or outside the scope of the
employee's duties, I am requesting coverage by insurance and defense from any possible legal
actions brought by the above named employees. Failure to provide such coverage will result in a
separate suit by me and notice is provided to Weld County pursuant to C,R.S, 24-10-101 et.seq.
Intergovernmental Immunities Act;
No response requested.
11. Please be advised that I am placing Weld County on notice that such allegation -appear to be in
retaliation for my actions as a Weld County Commissioner in opposing official behavior that may
be classified as misconduct. Therefore, I am providing notice that I am making such claim
pursuant to C.R.S. 24-10-101, et.seq, Intergovernmental Immunities Act.
No response requested. er\- of r erL tice5 and ie ►t _ o d an a y be sec Ti
Sean P. Conway
from my iPhone
5
Attachment 15
WORK SESSIONS/MEETINGS
If Commissioners request that an existing work session be cancelled:
1) Find work session on BOCC calendar, open, and print a copy from the calendar to place on
desk. DO NOT cancel anything without first printing it, or it disappears forever
2) Insert cursor at the top of the of text field and type a note which states something to the effect of:
"Work session cancelled at request of BOCC" or "Due to (whatever reason, i•e. long board meeting),
meeting will be rescheduled at a later date" Highlight text, and go to format text and change font color
to red.
3) Make sure you go back to the "meeting" tab at the top, and then you are ready to hit "cancel
meeting" button. A message box will pop up that the meeting has been changed, confirm "yes" you
want to delete it. Then click on "send cancellation" button on the left to officially cancel.
If Commissioners request that a work session/meeting be added:
1) For same -day requests, show Commissioner the BOCC calendar and ask which time slot they are
thinking of for the work session. If they deem it takes precedence over an already scheduled work
session, see steps above to remove work session before adding new one. If there is an open time slot
available, proceed with steps below.
2) oub slick n t e len ar itcelf at the tim th y are re u i_ ' e 0 p .. • and y alt
i s a j t o g t!m as irexted B a 5 mu
I th u ct tl - typ "AI (mearAag- I _ s n ill att t r -tle th wor
session (i.e. "All: Administrative" or "All: Human Services Item") If it is,a meeting request for just one
y give you. If they are meeting with a
Commissioner, type their initials (BK, c7 -4c)
particular person, just list name of p son.
4) In location field, indicate "Pawnee m. Rm
cation if provided by Commissioner (i.e.
a lunch meeting might list "Greeley Rio" as location).
5) Down in the text field, type any pertinent information. Always include WHO requested the work
session/meeting (i.e, "Work session requested by Commissioner Conway"), Include any other
information given by a Commissioner (i.e. "this is follow-up to the previous work session held on DATE").
6) Click on the Invite Attendees button. Select recipients from Outlook by clicking on the "to" button and
selecting the names you need from the global list, (You may also begin typing email addresses and select
the appropriate pre -fill options, if available.) For a full board work session, always list the five BOCC
first, followed by Don Warden, Then add other staff or attendees, as necessary, If it is a meeting for
one Commissioner, select only the Commissioner attending,
7) At this point, after all names are included, you may click on the "scheduling assistant" button to see if
all invited attendees are available at that time slot; however, in these emergency situations, this step
may not really be necessary, as the Board will expect staff to make their schedules work.
8) Make sure you click back on the "appointment" button, and then click the "send" button on the left.
9) A box will come up that says "responses will not be tallied..." Click "OK." (I promise it's ok!) O
10) Look at the calendar to confirm what you just created is in fact posted there,
A'ri'A( IIA T _;;
To move an already scheduled work session:
1) NOTE: Do so only at the request of a Commissioner. If staff asks for a reschedule, first clear it with
the Commissioner who originally requested the work session (found in the comments box). Find the
work session listed on the calendar, and double click to open (and read comments).
2) Modify the starting and ending time boxes, as instructed (i.e. top box should be selected as 2:00 pm,
and bottom box should pre -fill, based on time allotted for work session.) Place a note in the text box
indicated who requested the move, and what time the appointment was moved from (i.e. "rescheduled
from 2/5 at the request of Commissioner Conway")
3) Click "send update" button. A box will come up that says "responses will not be tallied..," Click "OK."
(I promise it's okl) O
4) Look at the calendar to confirm what you just modified did in fact update correctly.
a=act
e o
Y9 CIr pd. e,' Clicl "o
To Add Documents to a Work Session:
1) Find the work session on the calendar and double click to open.
2) If the item to be added was emailed to you, you may simply drag the attachment from the email to
the open work session. Otherwise, if you saved it to a folder, click on the "insert" tab at the top, and
then select "attach file." Locate where you saved the item, make sure it is highlighted, then click
"insert."
ire h. it
k" nd d
d bvieng t,
ent
as King but nob bbl III responses.
5) If another box comes up, select option of "send updates to all attendees." (If it doesn't come up, it
has automatically sent updates to all aen tie.
Attachment 16
Michele Stur• ell
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Importance:
Categories:
Ms. Sturgell,
Jill Gookin <jill@gookinlaw.com>
Monday, December 19, 2016 12:25 PM
Michele Sturgell
Sean Conway meeting
High
Red Category
Mr. Conway is unfortunately was not available at the times you presented to me last week. H out f town through
the holiday and won't be back until the 27`h, It may be more expeditious if you submit your qu scion in writing for him
to respond to. I understand your position that your policy is to catch people off guard and dete ine redibility by their
responses but clearly in this case we are talking about a public official and not your typical employee. So I would request
that we handle it that way.
Furthermore, you indicate that it is not your practice to let him know ahead of time of any other allegations but after
further consultation with my client this entire incident/investigation/complaint has not been properly handled and
----a orw at rY _trt
--
do, , o
L if u a av r ut r. nwa w es th n ina c� n Lit ; let: r fry the- L Y g g
other commissioners in a restaurant/bar when they were at a conference. The other commissioners took it upon
themselves to circulate emails regarding this int eq. hit MConway receive a public censure and
sanction immediately with little discussion of -
Also I have concerns as to who this investigative report is going to be released to, There is no one in the county offices
who are not subject to the four commissioners as such stating that the report will not be given to them seems to create
an issue. Moreover these commissions have identified themselves as witnesses in this alleged incident and thus cannot
be impartial or even recognize your report as they have made up their minds.
Weld County is home rule and the oversight body is the Weld County Council. Therefore shouldn't this report go to the
Council only and shouldn't the Council be the only one who engages in, if any sanctions, of a commissioner, Thus this
report should it not go to the Council and the Council only?
Finally the additional allegations that stated that occurred are unknown to Mr. Conway. It is unclear to me how
he is supposed to even respond to those without being advised of the allegations. It appears that this has expanded
past the incident set out and if it is expanded, Mr. Conway should know the parameters of any such investigation as it
may influence any witnesses he may name,
I am happy to discuss further with you but we would at this time be requesting your questions to Mr. Conway be in
writing so that he can provide you written responses, If that is not possible please let me know so that we I can discuss
this further with my client.
Attorney at Law
ATTACHMENT 16
Gookin Law LLC
1635 Foxtrail Drive
Loveland, CO 80538
P. 970-776-4340
F. 888-465-8045
C. 970-214-7750
"Helping good people through hard times."
19
YCN NTIAL
2
1 3
N‘N IFID Nr1A
PY
Attachment 17
Michele Stur• ell
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Categories:
Sean Conway <sconway@co.weld.co.us>
Tuesday, December 13, 2016 11:15 PM
Michele Sturgell
Re: Investigation Interviwe
Red Category
I have only one witness who was present with me during the phone calls in question on November 23, They understand
that they will need to visit alone with you following my interview with you to provide what they witnessed and answer
any and all questions you might have for them.
Sent from my iPhone
On Dec 13, 2016, at 3:39 PM, Michele Sturgell <msturgell@msec.org>wrote:
1
Who is the witness and what is he/she a witness to? I need more information to answer your question.
Sent from my iPhone
On Dec 13, 2016, at 3:26 PM, Sean Conway <sconway@co,weld.co,us> wrote:
re ti do yo nee i e iy
Sean Conway
Commissioner At -Large
1150 O Street, P.O. Box 758,
970-336-7204
sconway@co.weld.co.us
<image004.jpg>
DENT! L
Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or
other writings are intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and
may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from
disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify
sender by return e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying,
distribution or the taking of any action concerning the contents of this communication
or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited.
Michele Sturgell
Workplace Investigator, Specialized Legal Services
Direct: 303.223.5468 I Other: 303.223.5650
1799 Pennsylvania St, Denver CO 80203
Toll tree: 800.884.1328 I Office: 303.839.5177 I MSEC.org
i
ATTACHMENT 17
<VISECacronymlogo.gif5
<facebook.jpg> <linkedin.jpg> <twitter.jpg> <youtuhe.jpg>
This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential
and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited.
If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all
copies of the original message. Receipt by anyone other than the proper recipient(s) is not a waiver
of any attorney -client, work product, or other applicable privilege. Thank you.
From: Michele Sturgell [mailto:msturgell@msec,orgj
Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2016 11:44 AM
To: Sean Conway <sconway@co.weld.co.us>
Subject: RE: Investigation Interviwe
Mr. Conway -
If you are intending to bring a witness with you, you will need to arrive earlier o*
Friday, I will not have time to interview both of you before 2pm if we start at
12:45. Please advise how you would like to proceed.
of cpla e vest gator, Specfar ze
Direct: 303,223.5468 I Other: 303.223,5650
1799 Pennsylvania St, Denver 8020
Toll Free: 800.884.1328 I Office: _303__
<image005.gif5
<image006.jpg> <image007.jpg> <image008.jpg> <image009.jpg>
'1,1AL
This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential
and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited.
If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all
copies of the original message. Receipt by anyone other than the proper recipient(s) is not a waiver
of any attorney -client, work product, or other applicable privilege. Thank you.
From: Sean Conway [mailto:sconwaytDco,weld.co.us]
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2016 11:30 AM
To: Michele Sturgell
Subject: Re: Investigation Interviwe
Michele - thank you for arranging your schedule to meet with me. Friday, December 16,
at 12:45 pm at your Denver office would work best for me and my witness to to the
events in question. Again, thank you. Sean
Sent from my iPhone
2
On Dec 12, 2016, at 8:59 AM, Michele Sturgell <msturgell@msec.org>wrote:
Mr. Conway -
I will be available to meet with you on Wednesday December 14, 2016
in Greeley at 11am or 12pm. If you are unavailable at these times, I can
meet with you on December 15 or 16 at the Denver office of MSEC
anytime between 10-2pm. Our Denver office is located at 1799
Pennsylvania Street.
Please let me know when you will be prepared to meet with me.
Thank you,
Michele Sturgell
Michele Sturgell
Workplace Investigator, Specialized Legal Services
Direct: 303.223.5468 I Other: 303.223.5650
1799 Pennsylvania St, Denver CO 80203
Toll Free: 800.884.1328 I Office: 303,839.5177 I MSEC.org
< ce o .�•_> <r; =•e Pg: <r rva
.Jpg>
This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may
contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use,
disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient,
please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original
message. Receipt by anyone other than the proper recipient(s) is not a waiver of
any attorney -client, work product, or other applicable privilege. Thank you.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this communication from the sender is.
confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and others authorized
to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any
disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action in relation of the contents of
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Disclaimer
The Information contained in this communication from the sender is confidential. It is intended
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are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action In relation of the
contents of this Information Is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.
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Disclaimer
The information contained in this communication from the sender Is confidential. It Is Intended solely for use by the
recipient and others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any
disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action In relation of the contents of this information is ¢tri • hibited
and may be unlawful.
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4
Attachment 18
Michele Sturgell
Michele Sturgell
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Sean Conway <sconway@co.weld.co,us>
Monday, December 12, 2016 11:30 AM
Michele Sturgell
Re: Investigation Interviwe
Categories: Red Category
Michele - thank you for arranging your schedule to meet with me. Friday, December 16, at 12:45 pm at your Denver
office would work best for me and my witness to to the events in question. Again, thank you. Sean
Sent from my iPhone
On Dec 12, 2016, at 8:59 AM, Michele Sturgell <msturgell@msec.org>wrote:
Mr, Conway -
I will be available to meet with you on Wednesday December 14, 2016 in Greeley at 11am or 12pm. If
you are unavailable at these times, I can meet with you on December 15 or 16 at the Denver office of
MSEC anytime between 10-2pm. Our Denver office is located at 1799 Pennsylvania Street.
ywij, be p ed e it m-- _-d -'-----1i. _
Michele Sturgell
Workplace Investigator, Specialized Legal Services
Direct: 303.223.5468 I Other: 303,223.5650
1799 Pennsylvania St, Denver CO 80203
Toll Free: 800.884.1328 I Office: 303.839,5177 MSEC.org
<TVISECacronymlogo.gif
<facebook•ipg> ,j, 1�
This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged
information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended
recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message. Receipt by anyone
other than the proper recipient(s) is not a waiver of any attorney -client, work product, or other applicable
privilege. Thank you.
Disclaimer
1
ATTACHMENT 18
The information contained In this communication from the sender is confidential. It is intended solely for use by the
recipient and others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any
disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action in relation of the contents of this information is strictly prohibited
and may be unlawful.
This email has been scanned for viruses and malware, and may have been automatically archived by Mimecast
Ltd, an Innovator In Software as a Service (SaaS) for business. Providing a safer and more useful place for your
human generated data. Specializing in; Security, archiving and compliance. To find out more Click Here.
20
2
Attachment 19
Michele Sturgell
Froni:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Barbara Kirkmeyer <bkirkmeyer@co,weld,co.us>
Wednesday, November 23, 2016 2:46 PM
Bruce Barker
Don Warden; Steve Moreno; Mike Freeman; Julie Cozad; Patti Russell
Confidential
Bruce
Today at approximately 9:00am Commissioner Conway was verbally abusive to IIIIIMIour admin asst,
He Is out of town and called to yell at her for scheduling a work session he was not able to attend. After being Instructed
by the chair,..Ischeduled a work session. ®followed procedure by sending a work session notice/request to all
five commissioners.
I believe Commissioner Conway called at 9:00am because he expectedto be alone, at mm Conway
has the opportunity to decline the work session and ask to have the work session scheduled to im e can attend.
Instead he called We all witnessed the call and could here the yelling on the phone. A iII he also
cursed at her using the f word.hung up on him,
Jenny was visibly upset to the point of tears. She actually removed herself from her work space and walked down the
hall to the restroom.
Comm Conway called backed and was short with the Clerks staff; instructing them to go find Jenny and get her on the
phone.
rte' F e c e om w si s5vrb n a elt
e ke Com Conw Ex k s o r r Ins uct
on o to ells a to him hi avi s a oiate
top p
Comm Cozad and myself Instructed o report the incident to HR. We also informed her she did not have to
tolerate that behavior from anyone; s e s ou g d d staid with her and support her.
I observed was in tears on and off for least to ne
This is not accep able - ever, by anyone,
I want the incident investigated and a letter of reprimand given to Comm Conway. ASAP
I want him on notice we do not tolerate this behavior and should he continue to do it he will not be under the protection
of the county
I am appalled and ashamed of his behavior and treatment of our staff. There have been other occurrences that I was
made aware of but this Is the first one I have personally witnessed.
The Board and the County need to ensure all of our.employees work In a safe and respectable environment: And the
Board is responsible to act in the county's best interest.
I expect immediate action.
I ask Commissioners Freeman; Cozad and Moreno to add their comments please to my email.
Thank you
Commissioner Kirkmeyer
1
ATTACHMENT 19
Attachment 20
Michele Sturgell
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Mike Freeman <mfreeman@co.weld.co.us>
Wednesday, November 23, 2016 5:38 PM
Don Warden
Barbara Kirkmeyer; Bruce Barker; Steve Moreno; Julie Cozad; Patti Russell
Re: Confidential
Bruce,
I completely agree with Barb's account.
I can understand�rustration with Sean to begin with in trying to explain about the work session but then his
tirade at her is completely inappropriate and unacceptable! I had to tell him to stop several times before he calmed
down enough to tell me which work session he was upset about I don't know what actions we can take as a Board but
this behavior has got to stop.
The Board needs to sanction or censure him whichever is appropriate,
Mike
Sent from my iPhone
> On Nov 23, 2016, at 3:53 PM, Don Warden <dwarden@co.weld.co.us>wrote:
e w t le n ns t ng bo4rd mr ry�
htewsoc news _ �:�ist� r. � n re : o- miss E
IAL
> loner-for-hostile-work-environment/a rticle_cc5736b4-3617-11e3-acd0-001
> a4bcf887a.html
> http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2009/06/2 Agr,iao rc -e fire bowl-membe
> rs-future-in-hands-of-colleagues-2/
> http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/2226449-181/mayor-accuses-Santa-rosa
> -councilman?ref=related
> http://www,pressdemocrat.com/news/1861128-181/city-manager-urges-addit
> ional-training?ref=related
> Donald D. Warden
> Director of Finance and Administration Finance and Administration PO
> Box 758
> 1150 O Street
> Greeley, CO 80632
> tel: 970-356-4000 Extension 4218
> email: dwarden@co.weld.co.us
>
> Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only
for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise
protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return
ATTACHMENT 20
e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the
contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited.
> Original Message
> From: Barbara Kirkmeyer
> Sent: Wednesday, November 23, 2016 3:33 PM
> To: Bruce Barker <bbarker@co.weld.co.us>
> Cc: Don Warden <dwarden@co.weld.co.us>; Steve Moreno
> <smoreno@co.weld.co.us>; Mike Freeman <mfreeman@co.weld.co.us>; Julie
> Cozad <jcozad@co.weld.co.us>; Patti Russell <prussell@co.weld.co.us>
> Subject: Re: Confidential
> While you are at it you should talk to Frank about his treatment at the County Council by Councilman Jemoilia It is
also on the web.
> While we cannot reprimand him. I would like him put on notice as well
> Thank you
> Have a great day
» On Nov 23, 2016, at 3:06 PM, Bruce Barker <bbarker@co.weld.co.us>wrote:
» We will follow up on this immediately. I will discuss with Patti and Don how best to do so. I need to think through
remedies, but at a minimum, this needs to be dealt with on Monday.
>>> On Nov 23, 2016, at 4:45 PM, Barbara Kirkmeyer <bkirkmeyer@co.weld.co.us>wrote:
»> Bruce
»> Today at approximately 9:00am Commis n wa w..,s verbal' abusive to
>>> He is out of town and called to yell at her for scheduling a work session he was not able to attend. After being
instructed by the chair,
our admin asst.
scheduled a work session'. Jenny followed procedure by sending a work session
notice/request to all five commissioners.
»> I believe Commissioner Conway called at 9:00am because he expected
»> to be alone , at her desk Comm Conway has the opportunity to decline the work session and ask to have the
work session scheduled to a time he can attend.
>>> Instead he called We all witnessed the call and could here the yelling on the phone. According tohe
also cursed at her using the "f" word.hung up on him.
>» was visibly upset to the point of tears. She actually removed herself from her work space and walked down
the hall to the restroom,
>>> Comm Conway called backed and was short with the Clerks staff; instructing them to go find and get her on
the phone.
>>> In the meantime , Comm Freeman called Comm Conway. Commissioners Moreno, Cozad and myself were present.
»> Commr's Freeman and Moreno spoke to Comm Conway. Explained the work session, Comm Freeman instructed
Comm Conway to stop yelling atIlliand told him his behavior was inappropriate
»> Comm Cozad and myself instructed to report the incident to HR. We also informed her she did not have to
tolerate that behavior from anyone; she should hang up and we would stand with her and support her.
»> I observed in tears on and off for at least the next hour.
>>> This is not acceptable - ever, by anyone.
>>> I want the incident investigated and a letter of reprimand given to Comm Conway. ASAP
>>> I want him on notice we do not tolerate this behavior and should he continue to do it he will not be under the
protection of the county
2.
>>>
>>> I am appalled and ashamed of his behavior and treatment of our staff. There have been other occurrences that I was
made aware of but this is the first one I have personally witnessed.
>>>
>>> The Board and the County need to ensure all of our employees work in a safe and respectable environment. And the
Board is responsible to act in the county's best interest,
>>> I expect immediate action.
>>>
>>> I ask Commissioners Freeman; Cozad and Moreno to add their comments please to my email.
>>>
>>> Thank you
>>> Commissioner Kirkmeyer
NTI
3
Attachment 21
Michele Sturgell
From:
Sent:
To:
Ce:
Subject:
Julie Cozad <jcozad@co,weld,co,us>
Wednesday, November 23, 2016 6:25 PM
Mike Freeman
Don Warden; Barbara Kirkmeyer; Bruce Barker; Steve Moreno; Patti Russell
Re: Confidential
I also agree with the assessment by Commissioners Kirkmeyer and Freeman. We can not allow this type of abuse of our
employees. I have also heard of previous incidents (Former County Council administrative assistant was
one I heard about through other staff), and I also witnessed today's Incident from the beginning of the call from
Commissioner Conway to I could hear the yelling but not the actual conversation, I tried to ask her who she
was talking to, and then realized It was Commissioner Conway. She got very upset and then finally hung up, She was so
upset that she had to leave her work area. Immediate action of some type needs to happen °Cy when we are all
back.
Sent from my iPad
> On Nov 23, 2016, at 5:37 PM, Mike Freeman <mfreeman@co.weld.co.us>wrote:
> Bruce,
I het a rb' cc n
> I an u r d r G - ion th Se to be n wi NF Ir ab - t t w < ssio bu then hir e In t u ac tale! e! I to I -
him to stop several times before he calmed down enough to tell me which work session he was upset about I don't
know what actions we can take as a Board butte beh._zr It st
> The Board needs to sanction or censure hi
> Mike
> Sent from my Phone
» On Nov 23, 2016, at 3:53 PM, Don Warden <dwarden@co,weld,co,us> wrote:
» Here are few articles on censoring a board member.
>> http://www,goskagit,com/news/local_news/fire-district-censures-commis
» sloner-for-hostile-work-environment/article_ cc5736b4-3617-11e3-acd0-0
» 01a4bcf887a,html
>> http://www,eastbaytimes.com/2009/06/24/rodeo-hercules-fire-board-memb
» ers--future-in-hands-of-colleagues-2/
>> http://www,pressdemocrat,com/news/2226449-181/mayor-accuses-Santa-ros
» a-councllman?refrelated
>> http://www,pressdemocrat.com/news/1861128-181/city-manager-urges-addi
» tional-training?ref=related
» Donald D. Warden
» Director of Finance and Administration Finance and Administration PO
1
ATTACHMENT 21
» Box 758
» 1150 O Street
>> Greeley, CO 80632
» tel: 970-356-4000 Extension 4218
» email: dwarden@co.weld.co.us
>> Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only
for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise
protected from disclosure, If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return
e-mail and destroy the communication, Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the
contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited.
» Original Message
» From: Barbara Kirkmeyer
» Sent: Wednesday, November 23, 2016 3:33 PM
>> To: Bruce Barker <bbarker@co.weld.co.us>
» Cc: Don Warden <dwarden@co.weld.co.us>; Steve Moreno
>> <smoreno@co.weld.co.us>; Mike Freeman <mfreeman@co.weld.co.us>; Julie
>> Cozad <jcozad@co.weld.co.us>; Patti Russell <prussell@co,weld.co.us>
>> Subject: Re: Confidential
> ` y ar a it u toy to =to ank �hi rtr rr t t ut
onte
> ca of e r !aid hi . I ould li t n ice
—
>> p
>> well Thank you
>> Have a great day
is s
L
»> On Nov 23, 2016, at 3:06 PM, Bruce Barker <bbarker@co.weld.co.us>wrote:
»>
>>> We will follow up on this immediately. I will discuss with Patti and Don how best to do so. I need to think through
remedies, but at a minimum, this needs to be dealt with on Monday.
»>
»> Sent from my iPhone
»>
»» On Nov 23, 2016, at 4:45 PM, Barbara Kirkmeyer <bkirkmeyer@co.weld.co.us>wrote:
>>»
>>>> Bruce
»» Today at approximately 9:00am Commissioner Conway was verbally abusive tour admin asst.
>>>> He is out of town and called to yell at her for scheduling a work session he was not able to attend. After being
instructed by the chair, Jenny scheduled a work session. followed procedure by sending a work session
notice/request to all five commissioners,
»» I believe Commissioner Conway called at 9:00am because he expected
>>» to be alone, at her desk Comm Conway has the opportunity to decline the work session and ask to have the
work session scheduled to a time he can attend.
>>>> Instead he called NI We all witnessed the call and could here the yelling on the phone. According tohe
also cursed at her using the "f" word: -hung up on him.
>>» was visibly upset to the point of tears. She actually removed herself from her work space and walked down
the hall to the restroom.
>>» Comm Conway called backed and was short with the Clerks staff; instructing them to go findand get her on
the phone.
>>>> In the meantime, Comm Freeman called Comm Conway. Commissioners Moreno, Cozad and myself were present.
>>>> Commr's Freeman and Moreno spoke to Comm Conway. Explained the work session. Comm Freeman instructed
Comm Conway to stop yelling atElEand told him his behavior was inappropriate
>>>> Comm Cozad and myself instructed to report the incident to HR. We also informed her she did not have to
tolerate that behavior from anyone; she should hang up and we would stand with her and support her.
»» I observed =Pas in tears on and off for at least the next hour.
»» This is not acceptable - ever, by anyone.
>>>> I want the incident investigated and a letter of reprimand given to Comm Conway. ASAP
>>>> I want him on notice we do not tolerate this behavior and should he continue to do it he will not be under the
protection of the county
>>>>
»» I am appalled and ashamed of his behavior and treatment of our staff. There have been other occurrences that I
was made aware of but this is the first one I have personally witnessed.
>>»
»» The Board and the County need to ensure all of our employees work in a safe and respectQ en ronment. And
the Board is responsible to act in the county's best interest.
»» I expect immediate action.
>>»
>>>> I ask Commissioners Freeman; Cozad and Moreno to add their comments please to my email.
>>»
>>>> Thank you
ssio c Ki rn - er
j
. 1
C PY
3
ID NTIAi
Attachment 22
Michele Sturgell
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Steve Moreno <smoreno@co,weld,co,us>
Thursday, November 24, 2016 9:46 AM
Mike Freeman; Don Warden
Barbara Kirkmeyer; Bruce Barker; Julie Cozad; Patti Russell
RE: Confidential
I agree with everything stated and I was also in Commissioner Freeman's office when Sean continued to yell about the
work session. Commissioner Freeman had his speaker on so I could hear the conversation with Sean. I tried to explain to
him I had asked for the work session to do a little prep work on an agenda for the legislative breakfast which he is aware
of on the 16th of December. He also raised his voice to me and stated did I not know he is the coordinator of the Health
Department and should have informed him if I was inviting Dr, Wallace.
This behavior must stop or we are going to lose valued employees of the County,
Steve Moreno
Weld County Commissioner At Large
1150 O Street
PO Box 758
Greeley CO 80632
Website: www.co.weld.co.us
32
FIDE TIA
Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for
the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise
protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return
e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the
contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the_named recipient is strictly prohibited.
Original Message
From: Mike Freeman
Sent: Wednesday, November 23, 2016 5:38 PM
To: -Don Warden <dwarden@co.weld,co.us>
Cc: Barbara Kirkmeyer <bkirkmeyer@co.weld.co.us>; Bruce Barker <bbarker@co.weld.co,us>; Steve Moreno
<smoreno@co.weld.co,us>; Julie Cozad <jcozad@co,weld,co.us>; Patti Russell <prussell@co.weld.co.us>
Subject: Re: Confidential
Bruce,
I completely agree with Barb's account.
I can understand frustration with Sean to begin with in trying to explain about the work session but then his
tirade at her is completely inappropriate and unacceptable! I had to tell him to stop several times before he calmed
down enough to tell me which work session he was upset about I don't know what actions we can take as a Board but
this behavior has got to stop.
The Board needs to sanction or censure him whichever is appropriate.
ATTACHMENT 22
Mike
Sent from my iPhone
> On Nov 23, 2016, at 3:53 PM, Don Warden <dwarden@co.weld,co.us> wrote:
> Here are few articles on censoring a board member.
> http://www.goskagit,com/news/local_news/fire-district-censures-commiss
> ioner-for-hostile-work-environment/article_cc5736b4-3617-11e3-acd0-001
> a4bcf887a.html
> http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2009/06/24/rodeo-hercules-fire-board-membe
> rs-future-in-hands-of-colleagues-2/
> http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/2226449-181/mayor-accuses-santa-rosa
> -councilman?ref=related
> http://www.pressdemocrat,com/news/1861128-181/city-manager-urges-addit
> ional-training?ref=related
> Donald D. Warden
> Director of Finance and Administration Finance and Administration PO
> Box 758
1 t_.. S et
reele 3;
t 0560( xt sign 42 8
> email: dwarden@co.weld.co.us
> Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only
for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise
protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return
e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the
contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited.
> Original Message
> From: Barbara Kirkmeyer
> Sent: Wednesday, November 23, 2016 3:33 PM
> To: Bruce Barker <bbarker@co.weld.co.us>
> Cc: Don Warden <dwarden@co.weld.co.us>; Steve Moreno
> <smoreno@co.weld.co.us>; Mike Freeman <mfreeman@co.weld.co.us>; Julie
> Cozad <jcozad@co.weld.co.us>; Patti Russell <prussell@co.weld.co.us>
> Subject: Re: Confidential
> While you are at it you should talk to Frank about his treatment at the County Council by Councilman Jemoilia It is
also on the web.
> While we cannot reprimand him. I would like him put on notice as well
> Thank you
> Have a_great day
2
3
» On Nov 23, 2016, at 3:06 PM, Bruce Barker <bbarker@co.weld,co.us> wrote:
>> We will follow up on this immediately. I will discuss with Patti and Don how best to do so. I need to think through
remedies, but at a minimum, this needs to be dealt with on Monday,
» Sent from my iPhone
»> On Nov 23, 2016, at 4:45 PM, Barbara Kirkmeyer <bkirkmeyer@co,weld,co.us> wrote:
>>>
»> Bruce
»> Today at approximately 9:00am Commissioner Conway was verbally abusive to
�our admin asst.
>>> He is out of town and called to yell at her for scheduling a work session he was not able to attend. After being
instructed by the chair, Jenny scheduled a work session. Jenny followed procedure by sending a work session
notice/request to all five commissioners,
»> I believe Commissioner Conway called at 9;00am because he expected
»> Jenny to be alone , at her desk Comm Conway has the opportunity to decline the work si: n a ask to have the
work session scheduled to a time he can attend.
>>> Instead he called ® We all witnessed the call and could here the yelling on the phon corcfig to he
also cursed at her using the "f" word, ®hung up on him,
»> Jenny was visibly upset to the point of tears. She actually removed herself from her work space and walked down
the hall to the restroom.
»> Comm Conway called backed and was short with the Clerks staff; instructing them to go find Jenny and get her on
the phone.
» e rm a l e, F errr c ed C C s m e re
»nom r a M o s e to mm C way E p i w rl P a inset
ona s in a nd tol i i -r Y Y .,�,. w r p p ro n
»> Comm Cozad and myself instructed�o report the incident to HR. We also informed her she did not have to
tolerate that behavior from anyone; she shouuj ng -- d of d stand with her and support her.
»> I observed was in tears on and off
»> This Is not acceptable - ever, by anyone.
>>> I want the incident investigated and a letter of reprimand given to Comm Conway. ASAP
>>> I want him on notice we do not tolerate this behavior and should he continue to do it he will not be under the
protection of the county
>>>
»> I am appalled and ashamed of his behavior and treatment of our staff. There have been other occurrences that I was
made aware of but this Is the first one I have personally witnessed.
»>
»> The Board and the County need to ensure all of our employees work in a safe and respectable environment, And the
Board is responsible to act in the county's best Interest.
>» I expect Immediate action.
»>
»> I ask Commissioners Freeman; Cozad and Moreno to add their comments please to my email.
»>
»> Thank you
»> Commissioner Kirkmeyer
3
1\ AY E
Attachment 23
Michele Sturgell
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Jill Gookin <jill@gookinlaw.com>
Friday, December 30, 2016 8:48 AM
Michele Sturgell
Conway meeting
Categories: Red Category
Michelle,
I just received an email that Mr. Conway is very sick and may be heading to the hospital. As a result he won't be able to
make it to the meeting with you this morning. As soon as I find out how he is doing I will let you know so that we can
reschedule. Sorry I am in court this morning and was just able to check my email and let you
jaVoakin
Attorney at Law
Gookin Law LLC
1635 Foxtrail Drive
Loveland, CO 80538
P. 970-776-4340
. 8F 5-845
"Helping good people throng hard times."
ATTACHMENT 23
Attachment 24
work
Work
work
November 23, 2016
8:55 AM Outgoing Call
work
(970) 356-4000
Send Message
Share Contact
Add to Favorites
(„,
1 minute
ATTACHMENT 24
/AY E TIAL
copy
Attachment 25
Michele Shit.. ell
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Importance:
Categories:
Michele,
Jill Gookin <jill@gookinlaw.com>
Wednesday, January 04, 2017 1:18 PM
Michele Sturgell
RE: CONWAY photos
High
Red Category
Mr. Conway can meet with you via phone on Friday at 10:00am. He can be reached at 970-51:.- 9• fter your phone
interview with Mr. Conway you can reach Mrs, Conway at 970-405-2123. Please let me knov- f; • haLL- any questions.
Jci%ook n
Attorney at Law
Gookin Law LLC
6u
F. 888-465-8045
C, 970-214-7750
"Helping good people through hard times."
From: Michele Sturgell [mailto:msturgell@msec.org]
Sent: Wednesday, January 4, 2017 11:34 AM
To: Jill Gookin <jill@gookinlaw.com>
Subject: RE: CONWAY photos
PY
Ms. Gookin-
We have our procedures for the order in which interviews are conducted and I try to maintain them whenever
possible. Mr. Conway has been given several opportunities to meet with me and while I understand that he may have
been ill last week, some of his other excuses have been suspect,
You indicated to me previously that Mr. Conway was unaware of the funeral and that was why he couldn't meet with me
on an earlier date. However, upon closer examination it appears that not only was he aware of the funeral but originally
planned to meet with me after the funeral. While I don't doubt your word as an officer of the court, as a former trial
attorney I understand that clients don't always reveal all pertinent information.
Part of my preference for meeting with people in person is to ensure that they are focused on the questions and not
attempting to multitask; I find this is especially important with busy people. As I told Mr. Conway several weeks ago,
since he refused to meet with me on the two occasions I was in Greeley, he will need to make himself available at my
office.
1
ATTACHMENT 25
Nonetheless, if Mr. Conway insists on speaking with me via phone it will be duly noted in the report that it was a phone
interview. Please let me know how he would like to proceed.
I am available to meet tomorrow or Friday. If he chooses Friday, we will need to begin the interview no later than noon.
Michele Sturgell
Workplace Investigator, Specialized Legal Services
Direct: 303.223.5468 I Other: 303.223.5650
1799 Pennsylvania St, Denver CO 80203
Toll Free: 800.884.13281 Office: 303.839.5177 MSEC.org
1
SIC
Fmrlaymam taw • HR • r'Jining , ;uf vq3
161 1 Yt�JI
ssa ? foo e le e ofA(he i ended. ,pient nd
ution
inal m
ppfrcable privi e. 1ti u-mcyol
From: Jill Gookin [mailto:jill@gookinlaw.com
Sent: Wednesday, January 04, 2017 11:18 Al
To: Michele Sturgell
Subject: RE: CONWAY photos
Importance: High
Michele,
I don't understand why you have a certain order regarding who you need to talk to and who is giving you authority to do
or not do things, I think taking that position is not only delaying the investigation but making it very one-sided. It seems
to me from the beginning that while you may disagree; my client has not been afforded a fair opportunity in this
process. I understand it is not your "policy" to interview people via telephone but in light of the fact you have held
yourself out to me to be a "neutral" party getting this investigation completed in whatever manner would be more
important than the order and manner in which you interview people.
As I indicated Mr. Conway had every intention of meeting with you last week, but became ill. We are not providing you
with any doctor's notes we are all adults here and as an attorney my information to you regarding my client's illness or
ability to meet with you should be taken at face value. I take my role as an officer of the court very seriously. While
clearly by your email and comments you think my client had other intentions that clearly is not the case, I am again
going to request you interview my client via phone along with his wife to complete this investigation fairly and
impartially. Mr. Conway because of the inclement weather and his schedule with swearing in and hearings he is not
going to be able to drive to Denver to meet with you within your time frame. You can complete your investigation via
phone with him in the time frame you indicate you must complete it by. We have provided you a significant amount of
information about this case a head of time. If you still insist you must meet with him in person I would urge you then to
make yourself available to come back up here to Greeley to meet with him.
2
Thank you
Michele Sturgell
I will again tell you that Mr. Conway does not authorize this report being released to anyone other than the County
Counsel who is the oversight board for the County Commissioners. Release to any other employee will be release to
employee's whose job status is determined by the same County Commissioners who are now retaliating against my
client. I have provided you Mrs. Conway's number that you can reach her at. I can provide you contact information for
Mr. Conway to complete this investigation via phone or if you chose to come to Greeley I can find out when he would be
available to meet with you.
jil(Goolila
Attorney at Law
Gookin Law LLC
1635 Foxtrail Drive
Loveland, CO 80538
P. 970-776-4340
F. 888-465-8045
C. 970-214-7750
"Helping good people through hard times."
From: Michele Sturgell [mailto:msturgell@msec.org]
Sent: Tuesday, January 3, 2017 1:10 PM
To: Jill Gookin <jill@gookinlaw.com>
utter e O -`Y
1\ybefore- yeah w=in h s witty
Sent from my iPhone
On Jan 3, 2017, at 12:07 PM, Jill Gookin <jill@gookinlaw.com> wrote:
Michele,
T9
You can call Mrs. Conway any time today before 3 pm to obtain her statement. She can be reached at
970 405 2123.
You may have to take Mr. Conway's statement by phone because his schedule is extremely tight this
week given that it is a short week and he has standing requirements as well. I am still waiting to see if
he will be able to meet with you personally. I understand that you continue to say it is not your policy to
interview people via phone but in this case I think it should be considered.
J//f 'ool2i12
Attorney at Law
Gookin Law LLC
1635 Foxtrail Drive
Loveland, CO 80538
P. 970-776-4340
F. 888-465-8045
C. 970-214-7750
3
"I lelping good people through hard times."
Michele Sturgell
Workplace Investigator, Specialized Legal Services
Direct: 303.223.5468 I Other: 303.223,5650
1799 Pennsylvania St, Denver CO 80203
Toll Free: 800.884.1328 I Office: 303.839.5177 j MSEC.org
micra MSEc
£mpleymr,,i u,w • NR ' . dui vr!:,I
43
This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged
information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended
reci Tent, lease contact the sender by reply email and destr'o all copies of the on inal message. Receipt by anyone hat et,. ec nt s s tw �,
p � ( t a w ei
From: Michele Sturgell [mailto:msturgell@msec.orgj
Sent: Friday, December 30, 2016 3:15.
To: Jill Gookin <jillCargookinlaw.com>
Subject: RE: CONWAY photos
I have been given authorization to grant Mr. Conway one additional scheduled interview. This interview
will need to be completed by Friday January 6, 2017, I am available next week most days except for
Wednesday the 5`h. Please let me know when your client will be available. Please send me the
complaint that you filed as well as any documentation to substantiate his illness today.
Thank you in advance,
Michele Sturgell
Michele Sturgell
Workplace Investigator, Specialized Legal Services
Direct: 303.223.5468 I Other: 303.223.5650
1799 Pennsylvania St, Denver CO 80203
Toll Free: 800.884.1328 I Office: 303.839.5177 I MSEC,org
<image001.gif5
<image002.jpg> <image003.jpg> <image004.jpg> <image005.jpg>
4
This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged
information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended
recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message. Receipt by anyone
other than the proper recipient(s) is not a waiver of any attorney -client, work product, or other applicable
privilege. Thank you.
From: Jill Gookin [mallto:jlll@gooklnlaw,com]
Sent: Friday, December 30, 2016 12:20 PM
To: Michele Sturgell
Subject: FW: CONWAY photos
Importance: High
Michele,
I am attaching 3 screen shots from Mr, Conway's phone. I had planned on pro C-_i in ese to
you also I just received them earlier this morning and was going to forward the for
your meeting with Mr. Conway this morning until I received the email he was ill, I thi e this is
important information for you along with the articles and complaint information I forwarded
previously to you since you have seemed to made up your mind without meeting with my
client. The newspaper articles also included the emails.bctwcen the commissioners wanting to
take it upon themselves to censure Mr. Conway and their timeline of the incident which did not
comport with you were not able to review that I am happy to forward those to you.
(cauQ9NaFy
e v "c. is h ibjoe wea fig" as th i;.==. ss.
And what is the hurry? This empl
goodbye when she left and said ill
gave Mr, Conway a pleasant
If you look at the screen shots you should see that the chronology is a less 1 minutes
conversation, So it's clear that some of these statements arc factually inaccurate.
One is the call that went from Sean to that reflects the conversation time with her, Note
that it started at 8:55 (and some seconds) and lasted 1 minute according to the screen timer.
One is the call that Sean made to try to speak with again and was on hold,
One is Mr, Freeman calling back from his cell phone (how that fits in with being on speaker in
the conference room as alleged? ) and that lasted for 7 minutes during which time that meeting
that was scheduled( without ®calling Sean as had been the procedure for at least 2 years if
not more) was rescheduled for the next Monday when all the commissioners were there.
Mrs. Conway is available to also speak to you she was a witness to the phone call,
JillCao din
Attorney at Law
Gookin Law LLC
1635 Foxirail Drive
Loveland, CO 80538
P. 970-776-4340
F. 888-465-8045
C. 970-214-7750
"Helping good people through hard limes,"
Disclaimer
The Information contained in this communication from the sender Is confidential. It Is intended solely for use by the
recipient and others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any
disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action in relation of the contents of this Information is strictly prohibited
and may be unlawful.
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6
46
E N
PY
Attachment 26
+1 (970) 371-5758
United States
message
November 23, 2016
8 Ak 101
FN
Share Contact
call
Share My Location
Create New Contact
Add to Existing Contact
Block this Caller
Fac:eTime
ATTACHMENT2(
48
4.'
Attachment 27
(970) 356-4088
Greeley, CO
message
November 23, 2016
Share Contact
call
Share My Location
Create New Contact
Add to Existing Contact
Block this Caller
9
N IAL
ATTACHMENT 27
50
1‘ 1
PY
Attachment 28
Jill Gookin
Attorney at Law
NOTICE OF COMPLAINT
CLAIMANT NAME AND ADDRESS:
Sean Conway
39 Ward Drive Apt 206
Greeley CO 80634
ATTORNEY FOR CLAIMANT:
Jill Gookin
Gookin Law LLC
1635 Foxtrail Dr.
Loveland, CO 80538
TO: Bruce Barker
Weld County Attorney Offic,
1150 O St.
Greeley, CO 80631
Jordan Jemiola, Weld County Council
P.O. Box 758
Greeley, CO 80632
Weld County Commissioners Mike Freeman Chair
1150 O Street
Greeley, CO 80631
Gookin Law, LLC
P: (970) 776-4340
F: (888) 465 8045
51
IDENTI
Please be advised that this letter constitutes notice of Sean Conway's complaint under the
provisions of C.R.S. 24-10-101, etseq,; 24-50,5-101, etseq. and violation of public policy,
1635 Foxtrail Drive
Loveland, CO 80538
jill@gookinlaw.com
ATTACHMENT 28
Attorney at Law
1. Concise Statement of the Factual Basis of the Claims
Gookin Law, LLC
P: (970) 776-4340
F: (888) 465 8045
On Wednesday, November 30, 2016, at the conclusion of the annual Colorado Counties Inc.
conference and at lunch, Commissioner Conway was presented with a letter signed by
Commissioner Mike Freeman along with a complaint by an employee accusing Conway of
workplace harassment,
In addition, at that time four County Commissioners, Barbara Kirkineyer, Julie Cozad, Steve
Moreno and Mike Freeman stated that they would not allow Commissioner Con to err e as a
Weld representative on any board that they desired to serve on which was not a sa t utside
appointment, would not assign him a county department to oversee in 2017 as a co-rnm s er
coordinator, and strip him of his role as chairman of the board for 2017, At that same meeting,
he was told he was being removed from representing Weld County on the Upstate Economic
Development Board and Weld/Greeley Airport Board among other boards. He was allowed to
remain on the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization Board for one year only;
since he is that a enc re resentative to the Statewide Trans ortation Advisor Committee. At
yrlvol,re rrr dth sr iortc6ro nssionae
�n' oo oP
thatth r
On Nov. 29, 2016, during the conference, board president, Mike Freeman, informed Mr, Conway
that the group wanted to meet aftern kr tet- This was entirely out of order.
The meeting, which was held Nov ber (, t the Hotel Elegante in Colorado
Springs, was never noticed to the p =`> : , as g*- it _ by la It was during that meeting each
commissioner took turns telling Mr, Conway how they didn't trust him and as far as they were
concerned he would have no responsibilities on the board ever again. They also chose at that
time to hand him a complaint filed against him by an employee for alleged harassment.
While the CCI conference and any meetings by commissioners were noticed during the first
seven years Mr. Conway was on the board, it was not for the meeting that occurred on November
30, 2016. Clearly county business was discussed. At this meeting Commissioner Cozad told Mr.
Conway "I just don't trust you.... I think you've tried to embarrass us." Commissioner
Kir'kmeyer also told him he willfully and spitefully went after her, that he was the cause of the
problems for the Emergency Operations Center issues coming to light. Two other items were
raised by the four commissioners: a trip to Jackson Hole for a NACO conference and release of
emails concerning a work session involving Xcel Energy, No other reasons were given at that
time.
Mr, Conway alleges that these actions were in retaliation for his disclosure of the County
Commissioner's unethical and illegal actions.
1635 Foxtrail Drive
Loveland, CO 80538
jill@gookinlaw.com
Jill Gookin
Attorney at Law
P: (970) 776-4340
F: (888) 465 8045
Gookin Law, TIC
Mr. Conway denies any actions about the Jackson Hole trip except to say that he thought it was a
waste of money for four people to attend. Others have criticized the trip on social media which
Mr. Conway did not participate in. Thus, the retaliation by the other commissioners is not even
warranted on this issue,
Commissioner Conway criticized the expense of the Emergency Operations Center Training held
August 16-19 2016, Mr, Conway disagreed at a work session with the disclosed County's use of
a hotel in Breckenridge to operate a weeklong emergency management training as a waste of tax
payers' money and well over the original budget of $15,000. He complained the training should
have been held in Weld County, where the emergency would happen, He express nis�co_ cern
about how this would be paid. Commissioners Kirkmeyer and Cozad stated bud t so an
issue as they were getting sponsors and soliciting contributions from companies w o have
business before the County. Conway expressed concern, The Greeley Tribune published an
article stating that solicitations were being made to these companies. Complaints were made by
citizens and the other commissioners blame Conway for those complaints per their statements,
As a commissioner, he has an obligation to represent citizens in the spending of money and the
tr sa i s c nt bur' ess The - -•' r cru iso4 ne sflha:stgst• h.r
C
ommissioner Conway learned of a work session scheduled for a very specific item that being
meeting with an Xcel representative s h t P- tpnga .f lki about the "North and South
Greeley Transmission System expnsio1 " ho ` . ot a e "public" to be involved,
In fact, documents released to Con let ora o n Octobr confirmed they wanted to talk
about potential land use issues that were going before the board of county commissioners,
Concerned Mr. Conway_ contacted the County Attorney, Bruce Barker, asking if the meeting was
appropriate. There was some initial conversation via emails between County Attorney Bruce
Barker. One commissioner stated that it was always done this way. Mr. Barker told Mr. Conway
and all the other commissioners that it was not a proper meeting given the specific issues;
however, there was an extensive email chain related to this that exposed the unethical actions of
the hoard. Mr. Conway later released the emails publicly waiving attorney client privilege as he
is allowed to do because he was concerned they were planning to continue this behavior since he
was told verbally by Kirkmeyer that she would do it again. As a result of the disclosure and
waiver of attorney client privilege the commissioners ordered a technology employee with the
county to search Mr. Conway's emails and threatened to have criminal charges filed against him
for waiving the privilege. This action by Commissioner Conway was stated as a reason for
retaliation.
Further in retaliation the commissioners instigated a workforce harassment complaint and are
planning a public censure even before a formal investigation can he completed. This was
documented through numerous emails circulated among the commissioners. In fact,
Commissioner Kirkmeyer even went as far to suggest that Mr. Conway planned the alleged
attack on the employee. Mr. Conway denies the allegation in the complaint.
1635 Foxtrail Drive
Loveland, CO 80538
jill@gookinlaw.com
Attorney at Law
Gookin Law, LLC
P: (970) 776-4340
F; (888) 465 8045
Lastly the retaliation continues after Commissioner Kirkmeyer's comments Monday, December
19, 2016 before the County Council when asked about the statements in the Xcel email chain.
She made false allegations that accused Conway of soliciting money for a school his wife is
affiliated with as evidence that he was a hypocrite and not to be trusted. Other allegations have
been made by the commissioners that are false and designed to provide proof that he is not to be
trusted. Other comments have been made.
While Mr. Conway has not been "officially" stripped of his duties it has been made clear to him
that will happen and he believe that will occur at the January 4, 2017 meeting. This is in direct
retaliation for his disclosure of misuse of public monies, along with the board hol . mg ill al and
unethical meetings. Further the act of the commissioners staging and encouragin th lace
harassment complaint is again another retaliatory action against Mr. Conway for "rtin the
board's actions to the County Attorney and public.
2. Nature and Extent of Claimant's Injuries
c r m r- iers1nowir ly and
aril ouiffrerr oc,aos aout Miwa
Without proper authority the Count, -
Conway of his duties as County C
The County Commissioners knowingly and with malice encouraged an employee to initiate an
unsubstantiated workplace harassment complaint and without proper investigation or authority
have decided on a public censure and continue to plan on other actions.
eatF ly
ne e ing y and with malice stripped Mr.
Mr. Conway's reputation and character continue to be damaged b.y the defamatory statements
that have been made repeatedly in public by the County Commissioners,
1635 Foxtrail Drive
Loveland, CO 80538
jill@gookinlaw.com
Jill Goukin
Attorney at Law
Gookin Law, LLC
P: (970) 776-4340
F: (888) 465 8045
3. Name and Address of Public Employee/Entities Involved
Bruce Barker
Weld County Attorney Office
11500 St.
Greeley, CO 80631
Jordan Jemiola
13,O. Box 758
Greeley, CO 80632
Weld County Commissioners
1150 O Street
Greeley, CO 80631
4. Concise Statement of the Nature and extent of the Injury claimed
ow laws protect 'Usti
E seq� lr addiTjorli. ublie . ar k_[ • 2 Z -t-101 t�?sector
employees from retaliation for disclosing information regarding illegal policies or actions not in
the public interest,
The Colorado Governmental Immi ,c, ciii
s that ptr, lic entities are generally entitled to
immunity from the tortious actions oftheir employees except where such immunity is waived
either by certain statutory exceptions or by certain conduct performed by the employee.
Furthermore, the immunity of public employees is waived if their actions are willful and wanton.
C.R.S. 24-10-118(1).
Because of the actions of employees and the Weld County Commissioners, Mr, Conway was
retaliated against in the workplace and disparaged publicly. All in violation of the
Whistleblower Laws and from the willful and wanton action of those employees,
5. Statement of the amount of Monetary damages Requested.
Mr. Conway seeks compensation for the retaliation caused by the actions of the employees and
County Commissioners. The estimate of the losses, to date is at least one dollar and will
continue to increase based on the actions of the above stated individuals and others under their
control and direction as part of Weld County government.
WHEREFORE, Complainant prays for any further relief that is deemed just and proper,
1635 Foxtrail Drive
Loveland, CO 80538
jill@goolcinlaw.com
Jill Gookin
Attorney at Law
Gookin Law, LLC
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
P: (970) 776-4340
n (888) 465 8045
I, Jill Gookin, Attorney for Sean Conway, certify that on November 30, 2016, caused the
foregoing NOTICE OF COMPLAINT to be served upon the parties listed below via mail and
certified mail, return receipt requested:
Bruce Barker
Weld County Attorney Office
1150O St,
Greeley, CO 80631
Jordan Jemiola
P.O. Box 758
Greeley, CO 80632
Int
1 0tr et
Greeley, CO 80631
1635 Fox -trail Drive
Loveland, CO 80538
jill@gookinlaw.com
57
,0 I A )Nki
C PY
Attachment 29
IAL
Michele Sturaell
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Importance:
Categories:
Michelle,
Jill Gookin <jill@gookinlaw.com>
Thursday, December 29, 2016 12:23 PM
Michele Sturgell
RE: Sean Conway meeting
Letter and Complaint.pdf
High
Red Category
In anticipation of your meeting with my client tomorrow I wanted to forward you some infori
allegations and retaliation, They are two articles that were recently published. Also attacheit
complaint that was presented to my client.
t relates to the
inal letter and
http://completecolorado.com/pagetwo/2016/12/22/weld-county-commissioner-puts-county-on-notice-
of-impending-lawsuit-for-whistleblower-violations/
1
http ://www.greeleytribune, com/news/local/specific-claims-of-ethicals-issues-wrongdoing-between-weld-
county-commissioners-addressed/
j llcool zn
Attorney at Law
Gookin Law LLC
1635 Foxtrail Drive
Loveland, CO 80538
P. 970-776-4340
F. 888-465-8045
C. 970-214-7750
"Helping good people through hard times."
From: Michele Sturgell [mailto:msturgell@msec,org]
Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2016 5:17 PM
To: Jill Gookin <jill@gookinlaw.com>
Subject: RE: Sean Conway meeting
10:00am is most convenient for me. I will see him then.
Thank you,
Michele Sturgell
1
ATTACHMENT 29
Michele Sturgell
Workplace Investigator, Specialized Legal Services
Direct: 303.223.5468 I Other: 303.223,5650
1799 Pennsylvania St, Denver CO 80203
Toll Free: 800.884.1328 Office: 303.839,5177 I MSEC.org
MSEC
clsPtay,nerit HA • Wieling Survey1
This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any
unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited, If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by
reply email and destroy all copies of the original message, Receipt by anyone other than the proper recipient(s) is not a waiver of any
attorney -client, work product, or other applicable privilege, Thank you.
From: Jill Gookin [mailto:jillC@gookinlaw,com]
e Y, enler, 0, 16 5E M
Mic
Ms. Sturgell,
Thank you for your reply. I discussed your en i gtl• ei t and bald on your most recent representations my client
would be willing to have an "initial" meeting with you, with the understanding there could and most likely would be a
follow up meeting. He is available most of the day on December 30, 2016 and would be willing to come to your
office, Please let me know if that works for you. Thanks!
JiilCookin
Attorney at Law
Gookin Law LLC
1635 Foxtrail Drive
Loveland, CO 80538
P, 970-776-4340
F, 888-465-8045
C. 970-214-7750
"Helping good people through hard times."
From: Michele Sturgell [mailto:msturgell@msec.org]
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2016 4:52 PM
To: Jill Gookin <jill@gookinlaw.com>
Subject: RE: Sean Conway meeting
Ms. Gookin-
2
Your assistant let me know that Mr. Conway was unavailable this week. I am available any time December 28-30 and he
can choose when he would like to meet with me.
I can assure you, Mr. Conway is not the first (and probably not the last) elected official who has participated in an MSEC
investigation. We have never submitted questions in writing nor will I do so in this case. If Mr. Conway is concerned
about instances of retaliation then he should let me know when we meet as I am tasked with investigating any instances
of retaliation as well.
As I stated to you when we spoke, at this time the report will go to Patti Russell and she along with any decision maker
will make a determination, Also, as I stated, the report will not be shared with any participants or witnesses in this
investigation. It is not my decision, nor am I involved in any way, with whom Patti will involve in the process
As I told Mr, Conway, he will have ample opportunity to respond to any and allegations when we meet. Our initial
meeting is just that: initial. If he has additional information or witnesses after we meet, I welcome him to share with me
any and all witnesses or information that will assist in my investigation. This is not a courtroom and this is not his only
opportunity to speak to me. You question how he can respond if he doesn't know what I will I r sk a question
and then he can respond. If he has changes or additions or corrections he will be given ever p u y to make
these.
Please let me know when Mr. Conway would prefer to meet with me. If he no longer wishes to participate, please let
me know that as well.
Thank you,
ii ttelI
PY
Michele Sturgell
Workplace Investigator, Specialized Legal is
Direct: 303.223.5468 I Other: 303.223.5650
1799 Pennsylvania St, Denver CO 80203
Toll Free: 800,884.1328 1 Office: 303,839,5177 MSEC.org
IiMSFC
i
Fnpldmoot bo'/ as 1-146iog Survuyi
This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any
unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by
reply email and destroy all copies of the original message. Receipt by anyone other than the proper recipient(s) is not a waiver of any
attorney -client, work product, or other applicable privilege. Thank you.
From: Jill Gookin [mailto:jill@gookinlaw.com]
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2016 12:25 PM
To: Michele Sturgell
Subject: Sean Conway meeting
Importance: High
3
Ms. Sturgell,
Mr. Conway is unfortunately was not available at the times you presented to me last week. He is out of town through
the holiday and won't be back until the 27th• It may be more expeditious if you submit your questions in writing for him
to respond to. I understand your position that your policy is to catch people off guard and determine credibility by their
responses but clearly in this case we are talking about a public official and not your typical employee. So I would request
that we handle it that way.
Furthermore, you indicate that it is not your practice to let him know ahead of time of any other allegations but after
further consultation with my client this entire incident/investigation/complaint has not been properly handled and
appears somewhat retaliatory.
I don't know if you are aware but Mr. Conway was presented with the original complaint along with a letter from the
other commissioners in a restaurant/bar when they were at a conference. The other commissioners took it upon
themselves to circulate emails regarding this incident and request that Mr. Conway receive a µ icsure and
sanction immediately with little discussion of a formal investigation.
Also I have concerns as to who this investigative report is going to be released to. There is no one in the county offices
who are not subject to the four commissioners as such stating that the report will not be given to them seems to create
an issue. Moreover these commissions have identified themselves as witnesses in this alleged incident and thus cannot
be impartial or even recognize your report as they have made up their minds.
is e e de o rs't bo1yh
h d h C ncu e the ly onl
ep t4 d i = of tc hdCou avd the o
Finally the additional allegations that Jenny st t_— _ thar.cur a e t nkrr wn to Mr. Conway. It is unclear to me how
he is supposed to even respond to those wit ut bei g ad ations. It appears that this has expanded
past the incident set out and if it is expande /Irr o ova h uld kno the parameters of any such investigation as it
may influence any witnesses he may name.
I am happy to discuss further with you but we would at this time be requesting your questions to Mr. Conway be in
writing so that he can provide you written responses. If that is not possible please let me know so that we I can discuss
this further with my client.
JillCjoo�in
Attorney at Law
Gookin Law LLC
1635 Foxtrail Drive
Loveland, CO 80538
P. 970-776-4340
F. 888-465-8045
C. 970-214-7750
"Helping good people through hard times."
Disclaimer
4
The information contained in this communication from the sender is confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and
others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or
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5
Attachment 30
Michele Sturgell
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Jay McDonald <Ijaymcdonald@gmail.com>
Monday, January 09, 2017 11:32 AM
Michele Sturgell
Re: Summary Statement
Categories: Red Category
Correct
On Mon, Jan 9, 2017 at 11:26 AM, Michele Sturgell <msturgell@msec.org> wrote:
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. Below is a summary of the inftiot e
discussed. Please review the information carefully and respond to me with any chang = , do not wish to
make any changes, please respond with no changes.
Sincerely,
JAY N EN
I am Jay McDonald. I am the Director. of
15 years. I supervise approximately 180 11 ti m
Commissioner,
aunty. I have been with Weld County for
I r ort to Mike Freeman, County
I have observed Commissioner Conway raise his voice toward and furrow his brow when
speaking with her. Commissioner Conway was angry with based on the way he was acting. I have
seen this happen a couple of times. I don't recall coming to me in 2015 and asking to be removed
from meetings with Commissioner Conway. It could have happened but I don't recall that.
I vaguely recall a circumstance where Commissioner Conway set up a meeting with the Mayor of Kersey
regarding the US 34 coalition. I vaguely recall the other commissioners becoming aware of the meeting and
attending. I believe Commissioner Conway may have blamed for this. I don't believe I was
privy to their conversation.
1
ATTACHMENT 30
Michele Sturgell
Workplace Investigator, Specialized Legal Services
Direct: 303,223.5468 I Other: 303,223.5650
1799 Pennsylvania St, Denver CO 80203
Toll Free: 800.884.1328 I Office: 303,839,5177 I MSEC.org
MSEC
:mpl§yrn<nt tcev • HR • Wining Saryeyt
This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and pr
unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient,
reply email and destroy all copies of the original message. Receipt by anyone other than the proper recipi
attorney -client, work product, or other applicable privilege. Thank you.
Disclaimer
CTh - Inforr h .t d l un
- h ize�r iv you' re
taking action in relation of t e contents of
tlon fr the s der I c nt ti IsIt dedt the re re d hF eb. o Pied th
ciu c
Is Informa fon is strctly prohibite and may e"unlaw ul.
o r
""- -
ation, Any
t the sender by
iot a waiver of any
the cipi
dls _ 'but
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2
Attachment 31
Michele Sturgell
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Law Office of Rebecca Koppes Conway Esq <koppesconwaylaw@gmail,com>
Friday, January 06, 2017 2:40 PM
Michele Sturgell
Conway interview
Categories: Red Category
I could be available sometime Monday morning between 9 and 11 for my interview. By the way Sean just got a
call from a reporter saying that the whole substance of complaint was sent to the Greeley
Tribune. Evidently they don't need your investigation to proceed.
Rebecca Koppes Conway
1
ATTACHMENT 31
COPY
Attachment 32
Michele Sturgell
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
rkc20001@gmail.com on behalf of Rebecca Conway <koppesconwaylaw@gmail.com>
Thursday, January 05, 2017 5:50 PM
Michele Sturgell
Jill Gookin
CONWAY meeting
Categories: Red Category
Hello.
I apologize but I was wondering if you could call Sean at 9:00 am to conduct his interview. He needs
to pick me up from a doctor appointment at 10:15 and I forgot to tell him. I ca I; with you at
11:00 am.
Thanks,
Rebecca Koppes Conway
AY ONA EN L
1
ATTACHMENT 32
,ONFI
PY
Attachment 33
Michele Sturgell
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Bruce Barker <bbarker@co.weld.co,us>
Monday, January 09, 2017 1:31 PM
Michele Sturgell
RE: Summary Statement
Categories: Red Category
Made a few changes. See below.
Bruce T. Barker, Esq.
Weld County Attorney
P.O. Box 758
1150 "O" Street
Greeley, CO 80632
(970) 356-4000, Ext. 4390
Fax: (970) 352-0242
71
Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission and any attaches documents or other writings are intended only for
the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is attorney privileged and confidential, or
otherwise protected from disclosure. If you b- ve r c vectJ h cor r n'- tion in error, please immediately notify
sender by return e-mail and destroy the com Thy,-' 'c osu . , copying, distribution or the taking of any action
concerning the contents of this communication II any ertachr ents by nyone other than the named recipient is strictly
prohibited.
From: Michele Sturgell [mailto:msturgell@msec.org]
Sent: Monday, January 09, 2017 12:07 PM
To: Bruce Barker <bbarker@co.weld.co.us>
Subject: Summary Statement
Bruce -
Thank you for taking the time to speak to me today. Below is the information we discussed. Please review the
information carefully and respond with any changes you would like to make. If you do not wish to make any changes
please respond with no changes.
Sincerely,
Michele Sturgell
I am Bruce Barker. I am the County Attorney. I have been here since 1983. I supervise 8 attorneys and one paralegal, I
report to the Board of County Commissioners.
I spoke with on two occasions in the summer of 2016. On the first occasion, she came into my office and
sat down in the chair across from my desk. She was either crying or about to start crying. We discussed some
ATTACHMENT 33
procedural questions regarding the County Council. Ultimately she said something to the effect of that she was upset
about the things regarding the Council.
The second time spoke to me she again was very close to tears. I think this was in August, 2016. _stood in
my doorway and asked if I was going to be present at the meeting. I said I was and I asked if she was ok. She said she
was leaving. I did not ask why she was leaving. She said she had been told, "there is no place in the County for you."
During one of the conversations, she asked if I knew "what was going on." I said, "I think I do." I believed she was
referring to Commissioner Conway and his dealing with the County Council, I had heard Commissioner going in and out
of the door by my office several times the same day said this. I suspected he was going across the foyer to speak
with each time he went through the door by my office.
Michele Sturgell
Workplace Investigator, Specialized Legal Services
Direct: 303.223.5468 I Other: 303.223.5650
1799 Pennsylvania St, Denver CO 80203
Toll Free: 800.884.1328 I Office: 303.839,51771 MSEC.org
NE
This email message is for the sole use of the intended red nt(s) n m y con in confidential and privileged information. Any
unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution�ohi <« f u are no he intended recipient, please contact the sender by
reply email and destroy all copies of the original message. Receipt by anyone other than the proper recipient(s) is not a waiver of any
attorney -client, work product, or other applicable privilege, Thank you.
Disclaimer
The Information contained in this communication from the sender is confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and
others authorized to receive it, If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or
taking action in relation of the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.
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73
Attachment 34
Michele Sturgell
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Importance:
Categories:
Ms. Sturgell,
Jill Gookin <jill@gookinlaw.com>
Tuesday, January 10, 2017 4:05 PM
Michele Sturgell
signed statement Conway
Conway statement signed.pdf
High
Red Category
Please find attached Mr. Conway's signed statement. Please note that there were so many ch ' ge ed on Mr.
Conway's review that he didn't feel comfortable trying to hand write everything. It's also not Isis cust and practice to
do things in handwriting.
Mrs. Conway is traveling today so she will get her statement back to you as soon as possible probably tomorrow.
tto-f t LIaw
Gookin Law LLC
1635 Foxtrail Drive
Loveland, CO 80538
P. 970-776-4340
F. 888-465-8045
C. 970-214-7750
"Helping good people through hard times."
1
Fl
ATTACHMENT 34
Attachment 35
Michele Stur . ell
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Law Office of Rebecca Koppes Conway Esq <koppesconwaylaw@gmail.com>
Friday, January 13, 2017 12:38 PM
Michele Sturgell
Jill Gookin
Re: Summary Statement
Categories: Red Category
Sony I just got a chance to really go through this, It appears to accurately reflect the hulk of our conversation.
However I think it's important to note as I said that it took a long time to get the matter rescheduled because it
appeared that they had to get the other commissioners to respond to them,
Based on that I don't believe they were all in the same room on speaker phone at the tint o onversation.
Please include that in my response.
Please confirm receipt. Please confirm you will add the portion I requested added.
Rebecca Koppes Conway
On a 9, 2017 12 1 PMiciele'Sttugelr <mstu
Mrs. Conway -
Thank you for taking the time to speak with=rue too -ay. -low is a summary of the information we
discussed. Please review the information carefully and respond to me with any changes. If you do not wish to
make any changes please respond with no changes.
Sincerely,
Michele Sturgell
I am Rebecca Koppes Conway. I are not employed by Weld County. My husband Sean is a Weld County
Commissioner,
Sean and I were sitting in a living room on the day before Thanksgiving 2016. Sean was looking at his
phone. He was sitting about 30 inches from me. Sean said, what is this? He then placed a call toMEE
I heard Scan say, Hi IN Sean asked about the work session that came up on his calendar.
1
ATTACHMENT 35
responded and Sean said no I just need to know about the work session, There was conversation back and forth
between them and their voices were getting louder and I could tell they were talking over each other, Sean
holds the phone away from his ear when he talks so I couldn't hear what was saying but I could hear her
voice. He did say, "No you don't get to tell me how to do thins." I did hear ®say at one point that
Commissioner Moreno told her to do it. I heard Sean say to "You do this for Barb, I don't know why
you don't do it for me." At some point I heard Sean say, "She linkup on me." Sean then called back and I
heard him ask for M. While Sean was on hold waiting for he said that like was calling. I took that
to mean Mike Freeman. During the conversation with -Sean did not have the phone on speakerphone. I
did not hear Sean use any profanity or swear words when he was speaking with=
While Sean was speaking to Mike, he did not have the phone on speakerphone. During Sean's conversation
with Mike I could also hear Steve Moreno in the background yelling, "It was me, I did it." I could hear Steve's
voice clearly coming through the phone even though Sean did not have the phone on s eaker hone, They •
spoke back and forth about rescheduling the work session as it was regarding legislation s ething that
Sean needed to be present for, The work session was eventually rescheduled for the fol , w' Monday.
Both Sean and ®raised their voices but not so much that I needed to raise the volume on the TV, I could
tell Steve was yelling in the background when he was speaking but it didn't seem that Mike or Sean was
ceTWQa7ed
to e but el F_'ng.
I know that it has been the practice to call the Commissioners when one is out of the office to schedule work
sessions. I have heard conversations in t pa ere a ed and asked Sean about work sessions
when he was out and to see if he wants to sc let of ses ion or appear by phone or allow it to go
forward, I know it has been the practice sine 201 ecause I was present for a conversation between Barb and
Sean where she said that we needed to change things because she was missing too many sessions and that they
should have a different procedure in place then to just have them decline the session on their calendar.
Michele Sturgell
Workplace Investigator, Specialized Legal Services
Direct: .303.223.5468 I Other: 303.223.5650
1799 Pennsylvania St, Denver CO 80203
Toll Free: 800,884.1328 I Office: 303.839.5177 MSEC,org
Va.,
Smploymoo uw.IIP Tiat,.tng. Sucvejs
L4Fsd in iN
This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information, Any
2
unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by
reply email and destroy all copies of the original message, Receipt by anyone other than the proper recipient(s) is not a waiver of any
attorney -client, work product, or other applicable privilege, '[hank you,
Disclaimer
The information contained in this communication from the sender Is confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and
others authorized to receive It. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or
taking action in relation of the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.
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'OEN _ I L
C P
3
Attachment 36
N IL TI
Attachment 37
18 t
n e�i htr 0. Ctlti
afl (';m� a\.=11 hi t: txinr\ c'( inntissituter
=i 1�t1(3 5Iie�t
(i,cI,:Fct) lt132
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
1150 O STREET
P.O. BOX 758
GREELEY, COLORADO 80032
PHONE: 970-336-7204
- FAX: 970-352-0242
ic)true Of lnvestigation of incident of 1 Iarassirient of
by You on _November
(fie it t ornntisyioner Cnnw iy
t)i l ih _.3 )16 ti wpio y y5 n nu'• n i tl'.t s, -,Cyr � enot Fu e1'rc''
u he i.of arious ork n ions. II( c ut .7tlr eill y ll --- e e
-
asi ;- to. �,r,s dil4 inhe.r tei;t lt�...�-Tit w:.,.. tt�lbc ttier_--.�>f_ ri ar `
';_copy or \-ls. 1,111l'er.ti r4irfjis enclosed.Ms, Fuller says Chat nt one point yutt yelled, "ph no,
'it )1I don t get tit tucluna G;11 me LcI ( IFI';-,�I he 1 uui tnru fora number of minutes. 1'ou
:procevtled to t'ur they `!t it her: d art,u ,ibot )r tu0 Li s4 eduling work sessions, During
the call: C'otnniissioners t ozad; "irki r, m - lir lo, J,_. niter Finch and I were standing in
-the area cloe!to-Ni;, Fuller and wn essed ireteffisrls to spedi • to you proiessieiurlly. We
-;it �•ryin ed her cutitnal re ccliion to your abusive behavior. i\ Is. Fuller eventuall}.hung no llre
fihono and, in tears, left her wink station to attend the ladies room to regain her composure
C'ornmissioners Chad h,irknieyer, tvi ireno, and 1 culled you shortly ,after the above described)
ineidetil 1Vt, iirlorniej you we had observed during the call and her reaction to your;
., abusive beha 'Ii)r 4b•e'informet) you cve believe your Iung age_ tid demeanor during the call
were cntnely ilia i propriate and l unacce{itabie. ou offered no remorse for your tctions; instead
trine in Maroc fortnot scheduling work sessions according to your desues.
I. \-Veld CouxityCode Stib5ection3-3-SO 1 s iys: rhe Countystrongly disapproves of and does. _
:'nut toler ire 1.14--4sifialt. nor of any kind, 'any behavior -by, any et iplovee that creates an
unacceptable e-mployment Lnvironnicnt or hostile yvortc-environment. , . l latassntent may
lnvohZe action, behavior exclusion, comment or physical contact which is Found objectionable,
or which creates an at'fegsivd' environment or i_esults.itithe recipient-Feelingti}uealeneii;
jitintiliated intimidated degraded, patronised. <lemoiulizecl less eoi htkl t in his or hi.r
ilbrltty" Strbse,tion 3-3-50 3,_reclui es'the Director of l,: luman'Resources to investigate incidents
of harassment; and to repot:t t( etindings of such investigation to the appropa late elected
Scanned by CamScanner
ATTACHMENT 37
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1I J3om d�ini' ] thatyu e inm1$ ];th1ylliinrilii milli ibusive_I ht+,iui'dJr ctctl
h� :ud I rnai 1a hi `uuntt ritl,lii;ees_ 11�6ilvw��.tliz,Eiuud i%iU��5sriahahu;iw� h�IiWIoc�; ;;
�;urtiu.k ihi iiCl, ut y(Jo iiIiilics i a 1� c'(l ;(hrn ( iiinnil5 Uur,r 1 i�u ur fh�lv,faetlul cOVeI e
i�ti \,\t I 1 f uti'iitt ' iit �jl i>J� ui(l 4oti Troia osslblk h nal ui roua hioun?)it
lvr_v '
1-,4011;01;
•
1 t uiijitti vli,ii:u<la
`rr?n4,
Sen '
To" -
Subjp;ct
a_,Jn� day Movetnher:2.i, 20 Ira 3:57 PM
hi h i r ein.gn, Rarltira c!rkmeyer, Julie Cnzod; Steve Moreno
En>7loy incident Drac,umeritation iJoverijbor
rtaq+ esied -t 3n di umeoting tit'situat!o,i that Decoyed in our_ office, noniing. I was requested to send an email-------_
cleaa i t` rfre _ ,r-tii,2,tion, ro the triur r_ommissinnL rs her e -iii office during th:s situation: -
ap, rsa\urar 8a5 a n, I,' "dne,day, Nove,nber 23,Iwas working at my desk when the main office liner ta.g, and i
answered a can Gum commissionerCont-ry.- Aftorcordialintroductions; he staled he noticed.his calendar for this
nor ivr uha '-.till'-'3 upwith ‘work sessions I replied.that a few changes had occurred within the last i or nd asked
tiro ii -he. --hart . question atioui: one of them
H� ,. rrl `yes,a n gohtitmningwhy you're waiting until I'm out of town and then putting a bunch of "r s ns oil the
alenda ist�rt d tii respond indicating thar was not accurate, and he Interrupted me and said "well,:I see Several --
erltiiur;son Inc calendar that 1 knew nothing about, so explain that'll!" I again started to respond and indicated there
was one nevi work session on the calendar, and then was interrupted again by him elevating his voice. and indicating he -
sa„\- War.mnre than one worksession on the calendar..
He`:hen continued along tl,e liras ofsaying "I see What you're doing here, you're creating all these meetings and
sr i' edu ths wl : ii i r-1 t i."'-r so thx -ru T t N- t r then rr isff o .'' n az-rr#3t _ on c c.�7
n i ir f teijilihe t o I'm a` cd to ,ci edule. t 1 s r t c r,. oud a' n f�t I nt 1 T
Iv ti _
is r ,i t of nt ausr t did no o_n��beA f an a hi--. n : that I -- of dry e 4attirt r ee s onthe r
•r:a ei}dar,,1i out {ream,, them de '111'd I startedto anSiver that the one new meeting for this m ng was requested by
another Commissioner (Moreno) as a rush request, specifically requested fur this morning, therefore, itwas already
approved. I wA. as cut oil again by him nowt w 1 =,, sa -r— bbu i k t c rnell I Did you? Why didn't you call me? you
Just started setting -all -these work session, litho ,tlotifyir, r r_b au =au knew I was out of town..." At that point I
firmly, tiutstill politely, said '"Sean, just .stc LPrtttspin . to which replied "oh no, YOU don't -get to f -r `fling tell
me to JUSTISTOF!"
That statement shocked me, and I didn't make out a large part of the rambling that immediately followed this outburst,
but it was basically a reIteration of how lam supposed to clear meeting requestswith him when he is not here. _1 finally
• spoke up .and clarified to him that the work session scheduled at 10:00 a.m. was carried over from yesterday, because
the noaid rail out of clone to disr.uss it. tI then reminded him that lie indicated to me before he left that he was okay with
Jndy'c ,voi k session requests going forward while he was out, At this point he was quiet. Then I explained that the _
Public Wthks work session was moved up to 9:30 and that he personally approved that one going for,' and without him,
1ace'to face with me,- efore he left the office on Monday the time Just changed on that one. The work session had a
note indicating - he ok'ed it going foulard,
- Then I reiterated thy: only new addition,was prep meeting for legislative breakfast, which was 'specifically requested
for this morning, I Ie then questioned who requested it, and I said that Commissioner Moreno and Judy Griego had I
- wasfoir;g LQ further indicate thatl had talked about approval further with Commissioner.Freeman,,but he cut me off
again and started yelling about that he was mad that I was circumventing hint and Iwasn'tdoing rnyl job'properly, and
that he wasn't notified "of any orthis" .I;interrupted him acid told him that I essentially DID notify him_byriiaking sure
he was on the email invitation for the appointrnnnt, and that's why he was able to seeIt. I started to explain that the .',
prptocnl is, -If a;Commissioner Is already out, to go ahead and schedule a meeting if It Is requested by another
Cotntnissionei, but toxin-vite ALL commissioners so that the one absent can decide if they'd like to call in or itot.
He,then asked'me, "so what doyou svant'ine tQ rio About then??? Do you want me tocall imfor this work session),"To
vitir_h 1 replied, - "sure, if you would like to be a part of the conversation, I'd be happy to setup the conference the so
t
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��i nt:nnl'ill tl'• "111! ri! 1J fern h„ �t•i fed ',Him!: I
i,d(. , -i: ;, :l,y ', r,4 Iii n
1', I �� it) a f 1`I. olil.iLtvn rr•i9nt', co irph'
,!ith hen,but a; .ior ahi ( 11:,etnt
, �,' Oi ll Ut : Iltorlr hrrirtf, C•Ihtf�d ctv�i,
'� c I lit ea ru Ih,, n,;,tt proinr ,Ind you rnu',v cihar;' thisIs what 1110 p(Qinl of Is doing In
t!I',� r' i,t t "L, ii , I
�. � r�' I aGltli,� n! i,ai•,, l alll�ulpt+�c1 in lain uvrr hnn _;;i4 inp,."Mu Sean, I'm.
err thou( I n t dci,i lit lisle() to him, end InPhdt d 16, dli
+ y,•lkii +I r �_' sl Sri; l ,'lint and lIi' cuntinnlyd CO, ptobahh; 0O1 even
i(ujlli 1 lfl '.i in:;k ;no Ott ,'omi as'iare nt the ]ihlattnll,'allti Julie. and Steve Wert' Just
aiI,',
c I I 1 :,u+";:!lull, and I rouldnl°I,r I ;t',vuril in edgesvl„u,andl waslaol,v cluitr: -
lin)l P tint Stop yt�ihn WO Ii' didn't, so I hung up the photos.' i then iarinoUnfQd
•,Ji,t ,;; , , i L-i fl 1 ' 11 lid nli `
L� I ul-itrrr, {juei htinl. tut rn ti,lnmi�;�•Iunhr Cuntvay, hut h writ-HasfCio Yellin„
u , 'lit I tichl , r,nti tc, listen 11: it anynvra '
" ia; I t �h: ;;h 41•n, i Chen e o u,htl nrfsltll hni i r is Ii 'S to wall; (loinn the lull to the ladles i'rtoni ctt t could
r ;rinr-n�;.c�nnit .,uir. ,'dlint� the 'vi;1/ linwn the hail I IiranlCtahiruu;ivlterC:utiii sty !hat someone needed to call
n(3'0, ,lnd that il should Ite MUm, as the Chair.
•pl„ + ia, r uiiiiiult , i 1, In nt, my rr'tinnU5we hemre Betiding back to my desk, and when I did, the Comlatissloners
m�_i iii ill Mike's 1 ci , itid i l/, c.v.e, 0,1 the phone uilli Commissioner Conway, I did not June Into the conversation
li{art a! :t U Iii . ui I tilt do l shit l ct '- Ip 4{ 1)4 t C- �4-r r :_u s fli tJ ���I c r larlta--`! °4n*1%
IIRot Ii- l iv t?i r <."I [��+t ,vos n i tll ' rorlg t iJi t lit tll I+honil irks th l c uld n �r bjec d tt
fee fnnlllti•„ionl,ls thou Wthljl WOW, rill to the Board room (or the meeting, and a fy, minutes later I etlte(ed Into LIB office
+o I,r,ati a �t>ina,t toCOI; tt alit vrurkuit; on lhe liht lrn ws oe Mott hr v9)kin ; line +A/Rile in the office, Chloe
t,i ratloi't ti th n t u1nctjl �oner r cntway li4Lall d �r InL .'trim , not aware of the situation which had
i t rn pu J `App in nriy alu t I had hupp, la tltt . I c CO n r I >nt r (I nw ly had called the main line right back, and
�
a,�OdzAe ) (lidn t n',wiI It, sirs did 511n ei Iorr _Z:, al w ten she an, wet ed the phone, ',ctut was immediately upset
.oth li lit cd'al nee °whi're'e II.1'I'" Shia Indicated :;he thought I was just on the phone, and he cut -her off saying "I
k.niiec situ wac hl c,nitsrt shi' w:a5 Just on the It toms WI1'I I MI:f' Chloe ita(dic,it 'd to him that she would come check and see
Ii.l w,.!.. -at my Ile!,k and put him on hold. Stu' Came out to lily alma, 5nd sluice my desk was empty, she informed harh,
who was clusia by, that 5ttan',vas waiting nn the phone for me, and Barb informed her that Mike was on the_phonc wilt' -
`,,ceariaaid inat i mil; not at my de;( at tht' rtlrtlraeiit -Site confirmed -Seam Wit, not on hold anyinote when she pot back to
Jn°i E1i_sk.
Atic Fah! c orwo(5,itktii, I ;tepfic'd loin trio employee lunch room for a minute to make apersonal roll, and further` collect
nty.cui'rrlpostirc and tlifin ,ytrlt=l'ipht hack to my (Jerk and Jumped back into the tasks reyulfing my attention for the
nuorriint,. I ,7..c, I +t1,(rreyuc,lc+J by the Cootirilssioners to create a written statement, which I.igreed to do,
1111,1 .want ti) hoto fn my remarks 111,11 this I:: now the,fourthi Unte where I have been verbally ' accosted by the sanie
CclniiliissI0ril?:
Surti er, 21111-- Crliter n+al Center Office, Clerk Esther t,esicit had toconie to nay ald-to diffuse the situation, I did not
request a notation in niy pI'rsonn) bleat the time, but likely should have,
Surmmer, 2011— of which I did iilt� a written complaint hi my personnel file. I was allowed two clays of Adolitti.stratIve
Leave -following this episode. - - -
aunuiiei, 2016 toinor_cornpared to the first tW0, but still major enough ;that one of the attorneys hod to come_
interyhlie to —diffuse th+ =situation. J verbally reported this one to HR director as Well 'bilk did not provide a written
nofatlu0, -
Novernbi r, 20] 6 — the one described above.
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AL
Attachment 38
Michele Sturpell
From:
Sent:
To;
Cc:
Subject:
Hi Michele,
Tuesday, December 06, 2016 8:54 AM
Michele Sturgell
Patti Russell
Interview
Per our conversation, I'm following up with this email to specifically request you withdraw my interview yesterday from
your official findings. I understand the county needs to protect itself, yet I don't believe any protection can be assured
to me, especially since my examples are very specific to me and anonymity cannot eventually be guaranteed. Unlike
other employees, I am remaining employed here and will have to continually work with this p n not convinced
your findings can amount to much except protecting the county from future lawsuits against - I myself. While it
is not my intent to bring a claim against the county, I do not feel enough of a behavior changes alized to protect
me from the outfall of being included in this effort, As you concluded, all of my incidents were witnessed by others, so
not including my summary shouldn't be a significant impact to your findings. Please shred my summary and remove me
from being included in this exercise, I apologize for any inconvenience I may have caused you.
SincereI
rnnsportatron onager
Weld County Public Works
1111 I! Street
PO Box 758
Greeley, CO 80632-0/58
..AY CONED NTIAL
PY
Mobile: (970) 673-5836
Web; http,//www.co,weld:co,ns
Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for
the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise
protected, from disclosure, If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return
e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the
contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited.
ATTACHMENT 38
NV N
C . PY
Attachment 1
IAL
From:
Sent:
To;
Subject:
Wednesday, November 23, 2016 3:57 PM
Mike Freeman; Barbara Kirkmeyer; Julie Cozad; Steve Moreno
Employee Incident Documentation - November 23
As requested, I am documenting the situation that occurred in our offices morning. I was requested to send an email
detailing the situation to the four Commissioners here in office during this situation.
At approximately 8:55 a.m., Wednesday, November 23, I was working at my desk when the main office line rang, and I
answered a call from Commissioner Conway. After cordial introductions, he stated he noticed his calendar for this
morning had filled up with work sessions. I replied that a few changes had occurred within the fast day or so, and asked
him if he had a question about one of them.
He said "yes, I'm questioning why you're waiting until I'm out of town and then putting a bunch of r essions on the
calendar," I started to respond indicating that was not accurate, and he interrupted me and said "w see several
meetings on the calendar that I knew nothing about, so explain thatl II" I again started to respond an indicated there
was one new work session on the calendar, and then was interrupted again by him elevating his voice and Indicating he
saw way more than one work session on the calendar.
He then continued along the lines of saying "I see what you're doing here, you're creating all these meetings and
scheduling them when I can't be here so that I can't be a part of them, aren't you?" I responded that I don't create the
d
skec `s
not c tact hi
tint m cl . rec I start n a
another Commissioner (Moreno) as a rush request, specifically
approved. I was cut off again by him now yellsayi
Just started setting all these work sessions houtt n
firmly, but still politely, said "Sean, just stop, -,4,6,
e
me to JUST STOP!"
Air
etirrs o
thnnew re"`"or i.P niri'waseq d by
requested for this morning, therefore, it was already
ditn't cell me III Did you? Why didn't you call me? You
ou knew I was out of town.,." At that point I
e replied "oh no, YOU don't get to f***ing tell
That statement shocked me, and I didn't make out a large part of the rambling that immediately followed this outburst,
but it was basically a re -iteration of how I am supposed to clear meeting requests with him when he is not here. I finally
spoke up and clarified to him that the work session scheduled at 10:00 a,m. was carried over from yesterday, because
the Board ran out of time to discuss it. I then reminded him that he Indicated to me before he left that he was okay with
Judy's work session requests going forward while he was out. At this point he was quiet. Then I explained that the
Public Works work session was moved up to 9:30 and that he personally approved that one going forward without him,
face-to-face with me, before he left the office on Monday -- the time just changed on that one, The work session had a
note indicating he ok'ed it going forward.
Then I reiterated the only new addition was the prep meeting for legislative breakfast, which was specifically requested
for this morning. He then questioned who requested it, and I said that Commissioner Moreno and Judy Griego had. I
was going to further indicate that I had talked about approval further with Commissioner Freeman, but he cut me off
again and started yelling about that he was mad that I was circumventing him and I wasn't doing my job properly, and
that he wasn't notified "of any of this," I Interrupted him and told him that I essentially DID notify him by making sure
he was on the email invitation for the appointment, and that's why he was able to see it. I started to explain that the
protocol Is, if a Commissioner is already out, to go ahead and schedule a meeting if it is requested by another
Commissioner, but to invite ALL commissioners so that the one absent can decide if they'd like to call in or not,
He then asked me, "so what do you want me to do about it then??? Do you want me to call in for this work session?" To
which I replied, "sure, if you would like to be a part of the conversation, I'd be happy to set up the conference line so
ATTACHMENT 1
you can join - you just have to let me know." Then momentary silence. Then he started yelling again saying "no! NO!
This is NOT how this works! You do not get to decide which work sessions I get to be a part of!II" I was trying to reply
that I did not want to argue on the phone with him, but was not able to get my words in without being talked over.
He continued yelling saying "Nol This is not the right protocol, and you know what? This is what the protocol is going to
be from now On! From now on you're going to,.." In the middle of this, I attempted to talk over him saying "No Sean, I'm
not changing protocol." But he continued on, yelling about how I needed to listen to him, and I needed to.., .... all
blurring together. I said "I don't know why you're yelling at me" at one point and he continued on, probably not even
aware that I was trying to say something.
At this point, was standing at my desk and was semi -aware of the situation, and Julie and Steve were just
standing off to the side of my desk. As he Just kept yelling, and I couldn't get a word in edgewise, and I was now quite
upset with the yelling so I said one more time "stop yelling" and he didn't, so I hung up the phone. I then announced
out loud to those standing around me, "I'm sorry, I just hung up on Commissioner Conway, but he would not stop yelling
at me on the phone, and I didn't want to listen to it anymore."
At that point, visibly shaken, I then excused myself from my desk to walk down the hall to the ladies
regain my composure. Along the way down the hall I heard Commissioner Cozad say that someone
Commissioner Conway back right now, and that it should be Mike, as the Chair.
so I could
ed to call
I spent a few minutes regaining my composure before heading back to my desk, and when I did, the Commissioners
were all in Mike's office, and Mike was on the phone with Commissioner Conway. I did not tune into the conversation
taking place, Instead assuring those at my desk that I was upset, but I was fine overall. After that conservation was over,
the Commissioners confirmed that I was not in the wrong to hang up the phone, and that I should not be subjected to
molissi ner the w nt o - to - e Boar �= fv,-•r4 mL.etinb, d a fe- ;=a es,tsc,rl e tere int CT Oc ice
to grab a stamp to continue working on the certificates I was previously working on. While in the office, Chloe
mentioned that Commissioner Conway had cfor - _ ar = wag= of aware of the situation which had
transpired. Apparently, after I had hung up e pho , Co er nway had called the main line right back, and
because I didn't answer it, she did. She rely t h n she ar wered the phone, Sean was Immediately upset
and barked at her "where's ?!?!?" She Indicated she thought I was just on the phone, and he cut her off saying "I
know she was because she was just on the phone WITH MEI" Chloe indicated to him that she would come check and see
if I was at my desk and put him on hold. She came out to my area, and since my desk was empty, she informed Barb,
who was close by, that Sean was waiting on the phone for me, and Barb informed her that Mike was on the phone with
Sean and that I was not at my desk at the moment, She confirmed Sean was not on hold anymore when she got back to
her desk,
After this conversation, I stepped into the employee lunch room fora minute to make a personal call, and further collect
my composure, and then went right back to my desk and jumped back into the tasks requiring my attention for the
morning. I was later requested by the Commissioners to create a written statement, which I agreed to do,
I just want to note in my remarks that this is now the fourth time where I have been verbally accosted by the same
Commissioner:
Summer, 2011- Centennial Center office. Clerk Esther Gesick had to come to my aid to diffuse the situation. I did not
request a notation in my personnel file at the time, but likely should have,
Summer, 2014— of which I did file a written complaint in my personnel file. I was allowed two days of Administrative
Leave following this episode.
Summer, 2016 — minor compared to the first two, but still major enough that one of the attorneys had to come
intervene to diffuse the situation. I verbally reported this one to HR director as well, but did not provide a written
notation,
November, 2016 — the one described above.
2
It is concerning to me that in each situation it has been seemingly unprovoked, escalating extremely quickly, Further, all
four situations have arisen out of some task I completed which was not done outside of proper protocol in any of the
four situations.
Thank you.
:: Office Manager, Board
:: 970.336,7204 :: ifuller@co.weld.co.us :: www.weldqov.com
:: 1150 O Street, P.O, Box 758, Greeley, Colorado 80631 ::
Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for the pers .r entity to which it is
addressed and may contain information that Is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you have rec= e/ this communication
In error, please immediately notify sender by return e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribut i'"-he taking of any
act/on concerning the contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly pro ibited.
Fi NITIA
PY
3
A On L
Pyi
Attachment 2
Mountain States Employers Council
Weld County
Interview of;
* Purpose
*Confidentiality
*Retaliation
*Truthfulness/Completeness
December 5, 2016
Iam
Conducted by:
Michele Sturgell
I am the Office Manager for the Board of County Commissioners. My
supervisor is Mike Freeman. I have been here for just shy of 12 years.
Office Manager for the Board. In the summer of 2011 we were in our old offices in the
Centennial Center office. We had
development meetings and we
were tasked with setting up meetings for the public to attend. On a Friday, Commissioner
Conway came into the office and he was yelling at me. He was asking me what I was doing. He
had received my email regarding the meeting locations. From what I recall Commissioner
Conway was upset with one of the locations !lad chosen. I tried to show him that I was setting
up close to 7 different meetings and I had received feedback from the other commissioners' -He
wasn't listening to me at all. He probably yelled for close to a minute before my former boss,
Esther came out of her office and asked what was going on.
Esther could hear Commissioner Conway yelling all the way in her office. Commissioner
Conway didn't respond, he just stopped and walked off. This was the first time I had
Page 1 of 4
A'l"l'ACHMENT 2
experienced this kind of behavior in a professional setting. I was shocked at his behavior.
Esther asked if 1 was ok, I explained that 1 didn't know what happened. I went across the hall to
compose myself. By the time I returned he was gone, I-Ie never apologized to me but I think he
referenced it later. My predecessor returned the following Monday and I explained what
happened. She helped me devise a plan to take it back to the commissioners to fix the issue. At
the time I didn't think anything of it, I thought it was just a one-time thing.
On June 25, 2014 I was alone in the office late in the afternoon on Wednesday, I sit ou-- in the
open area. We were working on a transportation summit. We were sending out notifications to
elected officials to let them know about our event. had done a draft and sent it
h Co: is n rs d t C
V-InVagIffelanMe Ld told —o
document. I conferred with JIMIEV--,V1 = i� = k - we to Commissioner Conway two
different times to get clarification ailli4k9tn d Mine que ons. On the second time I told him
that once I finished it I would send it out, He said ok.
th- ch m s tha h t n ut e
I finished the changes that he requested and sent out the email. At the time, Commissioner
Conway sat behind me, Commissioner Conway came out of his office and he was screaming at
me. He was yelling that the information in the email was wrong and now we would be a
laughing stock, I was shocked that he was yelling and so upset. He said, "What the fuck are you
doing?" I tried to show him the document with his handwriting on it and told him that I made
the changes that he requested, He said that he didn't say that. I was confused that he said it
wasn't his changes. At this point he was standing and I was sitting in my chair. He was
Page 2 of 4
blocking my way and I couldn't move, I was trapped in my desk, At that point, I was terrified
because I felt that I couldn't get out of my desk. Commissioner Conway knocked the paper from
my hand that I was holding. At that point I reached for the paper and I was able to extend my
arm and get out of my desk. I went down the hall to the restroom to try and compose myself.
I was probably in the ladies room for 10 minutes trying to get myself together. I was having a
hard time and I felt like I needed to go home. I spoke with several employees who as1 'f I was
ok. On the way to the restroom I encountered one of our former County Attorneys an asked
what happened. After I left the restroom I went back to my desk and I saw Commissioner
Conway sitting with Dar•ian and he was barking orders at her because he was convinced there
C4 -
)h
II , o e di- all utb ec -ti e- it
h:' tga _ at.' r
d r it nd e eded tr ae` cs o _ Co - - ne - y rte. in
on me again. I told him I was done hi v F an - hat it was best that I go home. I
t _ d her th:. t I wanted to quit. She spoke with
grabbed my things and went into Pa
me for a while and urged me to take some time to think about it. I was placed on paid admin
leave for the remainder of that week. While I was home, Commissioner Freeman reached out to
me and asked how we could resolve the situation. I wasn't sure if I wanted to but I told him that
nothing would change without an apology from Commissioner Conway and assurances that this
would never happen again. I was told that would happen.
I returned to work on Monday and I was ignoredfor the morning. I spoke with Commissioner
Freeman and he stated that Commissioner Conway said he would apologize but Commissioner
rees an wasn't sure that was going to happen. He said maybe I could talk to Commissioner
Page 3 of 4
Conway later that day. I knocked on his door in the afternoon to speak with him. I didn't feel
comfortable going into his office so I stood in the doorway. Commissioner Conway insisted that
he apologized that day — I told him it wasn't received and that if he wasn't willing to do it then I
was done. He said, "Fine, I'm soi'y if that is what you want to hear." He also said it wouldn't
happen again. I told Flinn I would take it as sincere and move on. His tone was more forced than
sincere. He tried to talk about what I did again and I said I was moving on. I later typed an
email and asked that it be placed in my file for documentation in HR. I looked for this ail and
it is no longer in my file.
This summer Sean came over to yell at me. I can't remember what it was even about. He was
lip s 1 ud , th-: t o--- olhe- ountt
e oar " d d atttsvh- happeii
Just recently Commissioner Conwa
' = a d
providing meals at a meeting. I
told him to leave her out of it and that we were following direction.
I feel like I have no choice but to walk away from him because I can't diffuse the situation. He
has already reached a level of anger that he can't come back from by the time he starts talking.
He doesn't gradually escalate.
December 5, 2016
Page 4 of 4
I 0
F9
Attachment 3
Mountain States Employers Council
Weld County
Interview of:
Michael Freeman
*Purpose
*Confidentiality
*Retaliation
*Truthfulness/Completeness
December 12, 2016
Conducted by:
Michele Sturgell
I am Mike Freeman. I am an elected County Commissioner for Weld County. I have been here
as a commissioner for four years. I am the Chair for the County Commissioners. I coordinate
UY
e,
the Administration branch. There five employees who directly report to me but I do not
daily asi
The day before Thanksgiving 2016,
ffice is directly across from MI
desk. I heard a commotion at desk. I went to her desk just in time to see ME
in tears and walking down the hall to the restroom. Julie said she overheard someone on the
phone screaming at MB Initially Julie said she didn't know who it was but later recognized
the voice of Sean Conway, another commissioner, Julie said that someone needed to call him
back and then turned to me and said that it should be me as the chairperson.
I called Sean back on my cell phone in my office. The other commissioners followed me into
my office. I had the phone on speakerphone for part of the conversation. I asked Sean what was
going on. Sean immediately started yelling on the phone, I said, "Sean, you need to stop." I
said this several times. Sean was yelling that scheduled a work session and she violated
Page 1 of 3
L
ATTACHMENT 3
protocol. I explained that he knows the protocol and that ;eheduled it at my request. I
explained that if he had an issue with the work session that he needed to take it up with me. I
told him that he couldn't yell at staff and that this was unacceptable. Sean didn't apologize or
back down he kept saying that .vas wrong. By this time we were late to our 9:00'Board
meeting so I told him we had to go and ended the call.
I have seen Commissioner Conway yell atiMillieveral times over the y rs. on't
have any specific dates. This is also not the first time he has yelled at Jenny Fulle I heard
J rvAs i -L
him yell WINE= Lk yelled a
ho was the secretary for the Weld
County Council to the point that she was in tears in her office. I have also been told that he has
EI:TIAL
There have been a few instances wh _a r cow- ' y ice and yelled at me this year.
Prior to this year I haven't experien AjeAs i . This beyond a normal level of passion
that is exhibited among us. This usually starts out as an issue with Barb Kirkmeyer. Barb has
taken the brunt of the aggression from Sean over the years. I have personally witnessed Sean
yell at Barb. Barb's personality is to yell back at him. At times, it seems like Sean is
intentionally pushing Barb's buttons. They are in line politically but they disagree about
decisions or process. It is about power not politics.
There are times when Sean will give a staff member direction. That staff member will then do
what he asked and then later he will confront him/her on why that was done. This is a regular
Page 2 of 3
Mike Freeman
occurrence. I have seen him ask to put something on his calendar and then a day or two
later he will argue with her about why something is on the calendar.
Sean released attorney -client privileged documents to the press this year. He initially claimed he
didn't do it but later our IT department found the emails. When confronted with the information
he said that he didn't remember doing it. The next day he came to me and apologized and
"Clr- S
admitted that he sent the email. He never apologized or admitted it to the other co ners.
.hoti/
.
I told him that he lost the trust of the other members of the Commissioner. Sean hEas at
less aggressive with me than with the other Commissioners. Sean is more aggressive with
women and tends to order them around.
Y CON
Page 3 of 3
WAY N
PY
Attachment 4
Mountain States Employers Council
Weld County
Interview of:
Barbara Kirkmeyer
*Purpose
*Confidentiality
*Retaliation
*Truthfulness/Completeness
December 14, 2016
Conducted by:
Michele Sturgell
I am Barb Kirkmeyer. I am a County Commissioner, I have been here for eight years. I was
also a County Commissioner from 1993 — 2000.
it wasn't because of Commissioner Conway, In January he said that he wanted to do a
transportation summit through the
Id help and get sponsors. We
started working on it and in March Commissioner Conway said that the MPO wasn't going to do
it and that the Board was going to do it. He also changed the agenda and the date that the
summit was going to be held, I was the chair that year and I took the agenda back and told him
that he couldn't make changes unilaterally. That made him very upset and he took out a lot of
his frustrations on .
I saw Commissioner Conway raise his voice toward on numerous occasions.
He also acted in a way that was trying to intimidate her. He also did that to on
numerous occasions. He has also raised his voice to on a few occasions,
would fight back.
Page 1 of 3
TJ-
A I'TACIIMENT 4
For the last two years Commissioner Conway has yelled at me at least weekly. I have also heard
Commissioner Conway go into Commissioner Freeman's office, shut the door and yell at him as
well.
On the day before Thanksgiving I overheard a phone conversation betweetMland
Commissioner Conway, I was standing 10-15 feet away and I could hear Sean's is the
phone. I couldn't hear what he was saying but I could tell that it was Sean's voice ung
up and said that she just hung up on Commissioner Conway.
m' u colivi7t io
Y al_.d nnis ne: Conw�cl
it. Commissioner Conway was yell'
Commissioner Freeman told Comm
on le I e c ild ear
ree -Ian and Commissioner Moreno,
3 or 4 imes to stop yelling. We eventually
ended the call. I encouraged -twice to report this incident and take time to document what
happened.
I spoke with Don Warden and explained what happened, I wanted an investigation and wanted
to know if we could sanction Commissioner Conway. I sent an email with my comments and
suggested the other commissioners do the same.
Page 2 of 3
I think Commissioner Conway treats women differently. He can be harsher and more aggressive
with female employees. I think he targets the women that he thinks I prefer or get along with
better.
December 14, 2016
i,L
/COminissioner Ki
eyer
17
NIRO MAL
ro
Page 3 of 3
18
N IAL
Attachment 5
Mountain States Employers Council
Weld County
Interview of:
*Purpose
*Confidentiality
*Retaliation
*Truthfulness/Completeness
December 5, 2016
Conducted by:
Michele Sturgell
I am MEI I am the FMLA/ADA coordinator as of November 16, 21, to that
I was the HR Office Technician, I have been here since March 17, 2014. My supervisor is Patti
Russell.
NWYcrofm is -tese ve e neetir g
County. Around two years ago, I he
event that they needed. Commissio
for the Sherriff s Office for an
e in an: was very upset that they were using
the room for a physical training. I had asked Patti before I reserved the room for the Sherriff s
office. He raised his voice to me and confronted me with why I was allowing them to use the
room. He was also clenching his fists and placing them on the counter where I was sitting. It
seemed like he wanted to pound his fists and he was restraining. I told him that I asked Patti
before I reserved the room and he needed to take it up with her. As he was walking to Patti's
office, Patti was coming out front. He proceeded to tell her in a loud voice that they were not to
use that room again and that they were "stinking it up." Patti said ok, and Commissioner
Conway left. We haven't let the hSherriff s Office use that room for training since then.
Page 1 of 3
ATTACHMENT 5
I try to avoid Commissioner Conway; if I see him coming I turn around and go the other way.
Sometime in August 2016, Commissioner Conway brought a gentleman in from the Evans
Chamber of Commerce. Commissioner Conway told me that if he needed a room that I should
reserve him room. Commissioner Conway interrupted the gentleman several times when he tried
to tell me what he was using the room for. I gave the gentleman my number and told him to call
me if he needed meeting space. Later he called and said that he would need a ro
personal family reunion. We don't do that. I had to put it through with the othei_ Toners
to get it resolved. Commissioner Conway claimed that he didn't know why the gentleman
needed the room but he interrupted him any time he tried to share. I felt like Commissioner
w w . try , g t _ slip p t r v at '"- du cc=u
/I _
I have heard Commissioner Conwa
all of the way from his office. I caL
w y fling yelled
at but I can't see from the hallway,
NTI
an hear him in the hallway yelling
at. I have heard later who he has
There was an instance during the Commissioner's 5K when Commissioner Conway insisted that
he needed to speak to Commissioner Rademacher right away. We were off -duty and he
demanded that I go get him. I went to find Commissioner Rademacher when another
Commissioner's wife came up and said, no don't let him talk to you like that I will go at get
Commissioner Rademacher. I think this happened in September 2014. This incident has caused
me to avoid him as much as possible.
Page 2 of 3
December 5, 2016
21
OP
Page 3 of 3
WIDE rIAL
3
Attachment 6
Mountain States Employers Council
Weld County
Interview of:
*Purpose
*Confidentiality
*Retaliation
*Truthfulness/Completeness
December 5, 2016
I am
Conducted by:
Michele Sturgell
I am the Transportation Manager for Weld County. I have been here
since February 2009, My supervisor is Jay McDonald. I supervise fourteen employees, six of
whom are my direct reports.
N I
I am frequently subjected to verbal assault from Commissioner Conway. I-Ia was our coordinator
for Public Works for 2015. 1, alon
im every Tuesday. Consistently,
almost every week Commissioner Conway would yell at me; especially between May and
November. It got so bad that I asked my supervisor to stop attending the meetings; he agreed. I
also had a conversation with Commissioner Kirkmeyer about Commissioner Conway not being
our coordinator again because it was such a bad year. During one of the weekly meetings,
Commissioner Conway got up from his chair while he was yelling at me and started coming
toward me. He did not physically attack me but he came towards me. I think he saw Curtis, one
of our other managers lean toward me and he realized what he was doing and he stopped.
I have had people tell me that Commissioner Conway thinks I am a spy for Commissioner
Kirkmeyer. He yells at me the way he yells at her. She is in a position where she can tell him to
Page 1 of 5
ATTACHMENT 6
stop. I don't think any of the employees feel like they can tell him to stop because he is an
elected official,
The Board asked me to coordinate a transportation summit in April 2015. The event was to take
place on June 15, 2015. Throughout the coordinator meetings 1 am tying to present the
information regarding this event, Unbeknownst to me, Commissioner Conway is not
communicating the information to the rest of the Board. On May 8, 2015, Com on
Kirkmcyer sent out an email with her proposed agenda. At the next meeting Co 'sroer
Conway starts ripping apart the proposed agenda'and trying to make single changes. During this
entire time he is speaking to me with a raised voice, yelling at me. This meeting caused the need
rjti:eaksYoe.
Commissioner Kirkmeyer
During the work session on May 18
accused Commissioner Conway of not communicating with the Board. Commissioner Conway
accused me of being a liar and said that he didn't draft the agenda, even though 1 had his
handwritten changes where he was telling me what to say and I incorporated his changes into the
attachment that was given to the Board. I didn't defend myself. I was told later that it was best
that I didn't call Commissioner Conway out in front of everyone. Eventually they gave me
more direction in what they wanted to see on the agenda for the transportation summit.
Mill.was helping me coordinate this event, was working on the
advertisements. I was in Milloffice working on the ad for BizWest. Commissioner
Page 2 of 5
Conway called me screaming about the ad. He wanted to know why I didn't make the changes
he wanted. l was getting conflicting information about the changes so we had to have another
session with the entire board. I was also given the direction that when I have communication
with Commissioner Conway I am to copy the entire Board. He would often call screaming at me
after I responded to his email by copying the entire board.
Anytime Commissioner Conway feels like I am not doing exactly what he wants rends
more aggressively and argumentative. He tries to make me the scapegoat for his=.„,4
communication with the board. He often deflects criticism instead of taking ownership for his
behavior,
tlN\AY21 5 T.,hcctdCG•ia
Ee,.Jroa
l
wasn't open yet but someone drove o , n -ing the barriers. This information
was presented during our coordinat
tr was no passed along to the Board, The rest
of the Board heard about it at a different, public meeting, The Board was furious, This made it
look like we weren't communicating. Commissioner Conway did not take responsibility for his
failure to communicate this incident to the rest of the Board.
I am the staff person to the Upper Front Range Transportation Planning Region with
Commissioner Kirkmeyer, Commissioner Conway was the chair of the North Front Range
MPO. At times there would be issues with something CDOT was doing, something I have no
control over but it was my job to communicate it to Commissioner Conway. Rather than calling
CDOT or taking issue with them, he would take it as another opportunity to yell at me.
Page 3 of 5
Commissioner Conway told me to email Senator Gardner requesting information about his
schedule, Senator Gardner's office called Commissioner Conway directly and told him he was
out of line for requesting this information. Commissioner Conway blamed me as I was the one
to send the initial email — done so at his request.
I am the staff person to the I-25 coalition as well. At the last coalition meeting, of
Thornton suggested that we provide food at the next meeting. Commissioner n, y sked if
everyone was ok with that, people were nodding. Commissioner Kirkmeyer emailed Jennifer
Fuller and told her to coordinate with me on getting the food for the meeting. The following
own conversation. When Commissi
sionr ller wefthr n
asked me why I was ordering food a
TIAL
e- •dphe started yelling at me. He
au 0►7
the •ty to do so and no one was going
to be at the meeting. Commissioner Fuller interjected and diffused the situation. This took place
just before Thanksgiving 2016.
I was on the phone with Jennifer Fuller once and I could hear Commissioner Conway screaming
at her on the other end of the line.
I was outside of a work session and I could hear Commissioner Conway screaming at Jennifer
Finch. I think it was about paint or something.
Page 4 of 5
He yelled at me over the ribbon cutting of one of our roads, I can't recall the details regarding
tins event,
December 5, 2016
27
N‘
OPY
Page 5 of 5
I /AY JNIFill Ti
Attachment 7
Mountain States Employers Council
Weld County
Interview of:
Steve Moreno
*Purpose
*Confidentiality
*Retaliation
*Truthfu ness/Completeness
December 12, 2016
Conducted by:
Michele Sturgell
I am Steve Moreno. I am an elected County Commissioner since January 2015, prior to that I
was the elected Clerk and Recorder for 3 terms. I started as an employee for the County in 1985.
Conway) were present before a board meeting.
upset. Near the end of the convers
iss. ne
as on the phone and was visibly
as hanging up and that she wasn't
going to take it anymore. I could hear someone on the other end of the line yelling at her. I
couldn't tell who it was. I heard IMay, Sean I am hanging up. I knew then thaiwas
on the phone with Commissioner Conway. Whei .lung up she started crying and left her
desk. Commissioner Cozad told Commissioner Freeman to call Sean back, Commissioner
Freeman used his cell phone and we all went into his office. We could hear Commissioner
Conway yelling. Commissioner Freeman was trying to get Commissioner Conway to stop
yelling so he could explain. Commissioner Conway was upset about a work session that was
scheduled. Eventually, Commissioner Freeman had to tell Commissioner Conway that we had to
go to our board meeting.
Page 1 of 3
ATTACHMENT 7
When I was the Clerk and Recorder in October 2014, I received a phone call in the evening from
Commissioner Conway. I had been appointed to a committee by the Governor. Sean called and
accused me of playing politics. He was screaming at me and every sentence contained the F
word. I kept trying to get a word in with him but he wouldn't listen and eventually
Commissioner Conway hung up on me. Months later Sean apologized for this incident with me.
He apologized because he knew I was going to be elected to the Board and he was going to have
to work with me.
I have seen Sean yell at other Commissioners in front of the staff. , I have explained to him that
he shouldn't do that in front of staff and that it is not professional. I told him that we all have
to -4i butt be - 1
This kind of behavior has been goin _or a .
with him when he worked for Senat . gar
foyer employees who used to work
peak to him.
I have seen Commissioner Conway give direction to and then later claim he didn't
tell her to do that when she followed his direction. I have heard of similar situations with the
Direet-oi of Public Works. 'a f/'°6 '83
I used to be the Clerk and Recorder and Commissioner Conway thinks that I had something to do
with the current audit of the new Clerk, his niece. I don't have anything to do with the audit.
Page 2 of 3
There are significant trust issues among the Board. We recently discovered that Sean disclosed
attorney -client privileged information. When he was initially confronted with the information he
denied it. When IT found the evidence that he had indeed sent the information he said he
couldn't explain it. He has never apologized to me for that. I heard he apologized to
Commissioner Freeman.
December 12, 2016
Steve Moreno
31
C -
OE'Y
Page 3 of 3
A T1AL
C PY
Attachment 8
Mountain States Employers Council
Weld County
Interview of:
Julie Cozad
*Purpose
* Confidentiality
*Retaliation
* Truthfulness/Completeness
December 12, 2016
Conducted by:
Michele Sturgell
I am Julie Cozad. I am an elected County Commissioner. I have been here for two years. I was
elected in 2014. I previously worked for Weld County from 1995-2001 as the County Planning
Manager. I don't supervise employees for the County but we do coordinate with employees and
e sev 'al Deartmnh
S
s
at t
e,
h
Board. We determine whether the employee is retained or terminated and we do conduct annual
performance reviews.
The day before Thanksgiving on November 23, 2016, received a phone call, I
was standing on the other side of her desk. Her phone rang and she picked up the phone. I could
tell right away that the conversation was causing her some distress, I tried to make eye contact
with her to see who she was speaking to. I couldn't tell who she was speaking to. After 15-20
seconds I could hear yelling on the other end of the line. I couldn't make out the words but I
could hear yelling. After a few seconds I could tell that the voice on the other end of the line was
Commissioner Conway. was trying to get a word in edgewise and she wasn't able to.
Commissioner Conway was yelling about a work session that had been scheduled. After another
15-20 seconds hung up the phone,
turned to me and said that she had just hung
Page 1 of 3
ATTACHMENT 8
up on Commissioner Conway. I asked what happened, said that he was yelling at her
and that he cursed at her. =said that he said, "You don't get to tell me to flicking stop."
The other commissioners were present as hung up the phone. She was visible distraught
and teary -eyed. She left her desk and went to the restroom.
I told Commissioner Freeman that he needed to call Commissioner Conway back. At that point,
Chloe came over and told us that Commissioner Conway was on the phone and as set that
he couldn't get back on the phone. We told Chloe not to worry about itn we Cl got
on the phone with Commissioner Conway. Commissioner Freeman was able to call
Commissioner Conway back and Commissioner Freeman put the phone on speaker so we could
r r e ve ti `'on is one3 - wil --w llir n n
� ,, tr Y e c r the r
4� rr�ni ... on_ • 1 re, o asthe � oreno
T1AL
able to speak as Commissioner Con va fi e,ende the call and went into our board
meeting.
This was the first time I had witnessed Commissioner Conway's outbursts toward a staff
member. I have seen it in other situations but this was the first time it was directed at staff. I
have heard from staff that he has done this previously, but he hasn't done it in front of me. I told
to report this incident to Human Resources.
In the spring of 2015, we were in a work session. We were having a discussion about office
remodeling. The meeting seemed to be a simple work session but it exploded. Commissioner
Conway was yelling and using the f -word several times, This was a disagreement between
Page 2 of 3
Commissioner Conway and Commissioner Kirkmeyer. This happened in front of employees and
I thought it was unprofessional. If we as commissioners disagree we should do so behind closed
doors.
I have observed this type of behavior from Commissioner Conway over the years, even before I
became a commissioner. I have seen him yell, get red in the face, shake, and get very angry.
This can happened when he doesn't get his way or when someone votes in a dill
will threaten other elected officials and threaten to retaliate if someone votes annh
Frequently Commissioner Conway will forget that a decision has been made or he has given
on r thni he staff defy wh <1 ha u � e _,Co- . .oei``� < w •11 ue imr-=w1ty
reoi; It: as tte9 so fre �A> t ,��_?- a s t writer► __� o �_e: f - wlc
sessions in the calendar appointment weM�
�Tz
December 12, 2016
/
t
Julie Cozad
Page 3 of 3
of i±
Fl TIAL
C PY
Attachment 9
Mountain States Employers Council
Weld. County
Interview of:
*Purpose
*Confidentiality
*Retaliation
*Truthfulness/Completeness
December 5, 2016
Conducted by:
Michele Sturgell
1 am - 1 was the Office Tech 1V for the County Council. I was there for almost two
years. I did not have a supervisor.
ANC"tissrrvnerC
s
and ask how the council was swaying and feed me little bits of information to try and get
information out of me. He would a
computer screen or see what was on my desk.
y desk and try and read my
I
Commissioner Conway came to my office around July/August 2016. The day before he came
into my office he was very emotional at our meeting regarding his niece, the Clerk and Recorder.
It had been suggested that she undergo and audit and he was very vocal in his opposition to this.
When he came into my office he accused me of missing a meeting that I should have been at. I
asked him who he spoke to and if anyone on the Council was present. He said no one was there,
He then came around to the back of the desk and he was yelling at me and saying that three
people needed to be added to the agenda. I said that none of these people had talked to me about
being added to the agenda. He is now leaning over my shoulder and is behind me. I felt very
Page 1 of 3
ATTACHMENT 9
scared. He was getting louder and closer to me and I felt threatened. I stood up and yelled and
told him to "Get the Fuck out of my office." Commissioner Conway turned and left. As he was
leaving he was yelling, "I was just trying to help."
I went to Patti's office and told her what happened. She helped me talk Bruce Barker and Don
Warden to figure out the information that needed to get to my council. I came in the next day
even though I didn't want to, to get a meeting started. Commissioner Freeman c to me
and apologized on behalf of the other Commissioners. Somehow the information*-- tO to my
Council. As I was trying to get my agenda finalized with the Council president, he said, "I heard
that Sean came by to talk to you." I was shocked that he would use the term "talk." The council
fhe of S s' hafior. is er ,i c - ik Sp 1I
I
J ar d be or I u b iitte m resignat` I -..t.t •k n tha e----1-;:,4
I quit before it could get worse. I fedz_ l e ruing b!tame from Commissioner Conway
and others if something didn't get done. He would either use my name or my position to blame
me for any failures. I haven't been able to get a job since then for the first time in my life nd I
kn*Y ( o c sOv. ✓ici
think it is because of whatever Commissioner Conwayvs. I was liaison for the Council to go 1
h(2-
and get information that they needed. I talked to HR, the attorneys, whomever they needed Tv-",,
14
information from. They didn't always like the answers I had either. There was a lot of overlap v"�°
as well. I felt like since I made Commissioner Conway mad I was doomed. There is so much
overlap between him, the current Council president, and my former Board president,'
foAr+(o_frvQ(s 00
Page 2 of 3
Mountain States Employers Council
Weld County
Interview of:
Sean Conway
*Purpose
*Confidentiality
*Retaliation
*Truthfulness/Completeness
January 6, 2017
I am Sean Conway. I am a County Commissioner. I have been in this positio
Conducted by:
Michele Stu Bell
rs.
On November 23, 2016 I was in Nashville, TN and I saw on my Iphone that there was a new
scheduling re • uest in my email. I was surprised by this; before I left for Nashville I specifically
pie a -4111T51
t :55
am Colorado time to ask about this new scheduling request. The request was for a work session
on November 23, 2016 at 10 am.
ood morning and then asked why
she didn't call me about the work session. 'Maid that Commissioner Moreno asked her to
schedule the work session. I again asked why I wasn't consulted and she said that it was a last
minute request. She went over all of the other work sessions that I had previously approved. I
again asked why the procedure wasn't followed. The procedure we have in place is to call the
commissioner who is out of the office and ask if he/she is ok with the work session proceeding.
Mtarted talking over me and reiterating the schedule. -was interrupting me.
said that if I didn't want to proceed with the work session that I should just decline it. I asked
her if it would be rescheduled and she said she didn't know. I told her that it wasn't the policy
and we had two conversations about the schedule and she assured me that no additional work
Page 1 of 5
AT 1-ACHMENT 12
sessions would be scheduled. I tolcMthat I didn't understand why she did this for Barb and
she didn't do it for me, At this pointMliung up on me.
I spoke loudly but I did not yell.vas talking over me and interrupting me. I kept telling
her to stop talking over me, I was trying to have a conversation with her and I couldn't because
she kept talking over me. I did not yell.Milso raised her voice to me. My intent to call was
to figure out why the procedure wasn't being followed. lidn't indicate t nyone
else was around. It is possible that someone could have heard my voice as we ig over
each other and both of us raised our voices. I never used any swear words when speaking with
LWAYe office ter
and another clerk answered my ca
id r- n, wer he ihol
told her that I was speaking with
Mind that we were disconnect w t hold, While I was waiting Commissioner
Freeman called. I answered the call from Commissioner Freeman, placing the other call on hold.
Commissioner Freeman said that the scheduling session was his fault and he said that they
should have checked with me, In the background I heard Commissioner Moreno talking loudly
saying that it was his fault and that he was just trying to get the session done today. It was a
confusing situation as Commissioner Freeman, Moreno and I were all talking. Commissioner
Freeman said that we would reschedule the work session but that I couldn't yell at= I said
that I didn't yell atiand that I was just trying to figure out why the procedure wasn't
followed. He agreed with me and we rescheduled the work session for the following Monday
Page 2 of 5
50
I I E
Attachment 12
Mountain States Employers Council
Weld County
Interview of:
*Purpose
*Confidentiality
*Retaliation
*Truthfulness/Completeness
December 5, 2016
Iam
Conducted by:
Michele Sturgell
n,7
I am the Support Services Manager for Public Works for Weld County. I
have been here for just over eight years. My supervisor is Jay McDonald. I supervise 7
et ar apps 111 .1,4
Commissioner Conway came on as _,,_
r
ENTIAL
er I started. He can be a bit of a
proj
ect. freak and he can yell when •-'n e about I have not been personally
offended by his conduct. He can be accusatory with his language and raise his voice,
Last year in the summer we have Commissioner Coordinator meetings and Commissioner
Conway was present. He was very angry with how a project was going. We have a saying here
in the County that you need to have 3 before 5, Commissioner Conway can be secretive when he
sets up meetings and tries work around the rest of the Board. He had previously set up a meeting
with the Mayor of Kersey regarding the US 34 coalition. The other Board members got wind of
the meeting and decided to attend, Commissioner Conway was very upset with me and accused
me of telling the other board members about the meeting. Commissioner Conway yelled at me
Page 1 of 3
ATTACHMENT 11
'ONW NFID NTI
COPY
Attachment 11
and accused me of going around him and asked me why I would do such a thing. I wasn't
personally offended by Commissioner Conway yelling but my supervisor was. Jay physically
stepped in between Commissioner Conway and me. Jay didn't say anything but I think
Commissioner Conway got the point and stopped yelling.
I didn't tell the rest of the board about his meeting, They may have seen it on his calendar, I
think they look at each other's calendars from time to time, especially Commissioei
because he can be so secretive.
way
I have heard from other employees that Commissioner Conway has yelled at them. I heard from
bo- an xp. ien
5 I all o and he .- ad sent
called and yelled at m th ---,Ave
was visibly shaken by the experien I -
a i mgpth, project nr:_—A r L_ nwly
.ie ce 1 .ought
yappene T last spring (2015).
o tears and she
A few weeks ago I was up here looking foil I needed to schedule something, I
founin the Clerk and Recorder's office and she was sobbing. She said that
Commissioner Conway attacked her on the phone.
When ffice was getting remodeled I know he yelled at her and through a fit in
front of the entire board. Apparently, Commissioner Conway had a different vision for how he
wanted to go forward and the remainder of the board went another way. He lashed out a
Page 2 of 3
To be honest, the other board members do it. too. Commissioner Conway gave me direction in
1
tushe.d oJi i a 4n -
April 2016 to send an email, Commissioner Cozad didn't want the email sent and she yelled at
me. They had a meeting in which Commissioner Conway threw me under the bus and said that I
just sent it but it came from him. I had to write a formal apology to her (Commissioner Cozad)
for the miscommunication that was caused by Commissioner Conway.
We had a controversial land use case that came up off of US 34. We had a voc
n to
the project coming from the Indian Head subdivision, Dave Kisker was the leader of that group.
over
They had sued the county of the land use, 1 overheard a conversation between Commissioner
on ay 1
oh duth
Commissioners.
, se e of th n l prt tl oth r
Page 3 of 3
the Tribune stating that they were to th
in 2015 Commissioner Conway decided to do a law enforcement appreciation lunch. He (lid so
without the knowledge of the rest of the board and they were not invited. He asked me to create
a poster for the event. The remainder of the board was upset that he did this and told me not to
work on this event. In January 2016 Commissioner Conway asked me to print a poster for this
event. Even though I had been previously told not to work on the event I didn't feel like I could
tell him no to a simple task of printing out a poster. I printed the poster and sent
Commissioner Freeman and Don Warden, I explained that I felt like I was in a and I
wanted direction from the majority of the board. Don replied that they tried to set up a session to
explain the issues with Sean and Commissioner Conway did not show up.
rib nePvas o• : a tou
asking whether we would purchase a is . Th a d agreed, Later I received a call from
'�.a•
Eta
n't seen the copies. I had put 5 copies in
each commissioner's box. I sent an email clarifying that everyone received their copies. Sean
responded that he hadn't and to give his copies to to give to him. His copies were still
sitting in his box.
December 5, 2016
Page 5 of 5
On July 14, 2015 I sent an email to the board with a draft of the bright futures communications
plan. In that email I stated that the document was a draft and that more information would be
added and that this was for internal use only. On July 19, 2015, Sean sent a response saying that
we waited until he was out of town to approve the plan. Commissioner Kirkmeyer responded
that this was a draft.
Commissioner Kirluneyer wanted to do something special for the 40th anniversary i the:me
rule charter. She wanted to display the charter and some history pieces for the an On
September 17, 2015, I was confronted by Sean about the display. He said he was unaware of the
project and had concerns about how it looked. I knew he had been in the mectmggpreviously. I
t e ven
rdpdat—-ie . x the rc'r _
'DEN
On October 13, 2015, I received a meafrchne'7. I sent the request to the entire
board. Two of the Commissioners r?L 1reywere ingested and Sean replied that if it
worked with his schedule we should move the interview. I replied to all of the commissioners
and explained that I didn't think the elate should be moved. Commissioner Conway sent several
emails to me late at night accusing me of not doing my job and only doing work form -
Commissioner Kirluneyer. He also insisted that he do the interview with Channel 7. I became
frustrated with the back and forth and asked to have a work session with the entire board to
discuss these accusations from Commissioner Conway. The work session was scheduled and I
brought proof that refuted Commissioner Conway's accusations. I am trying to push back the
problem to the board so that they are aware of Commissioner Conway's allegations.
Commissioner Conway did not show up to the work session.
Page 4 of 5
Commissioner Conway. The receptionist picked up call while Commissioner Freeman
was able to get Commissioner Conway on the line, I went to check on and while I was
walking down the hall I heard Commissioner Freeman trying to get Commissioner Conway to
stop talking by saying, "Sean" repeatedly in a firm tone. I went to check on in the
restroom,
In 2014 we were working on making you tube videos for the board members. Th +- ' d
finding space to make these videos. We also talked about needing space for an rrrlc -n
center because if there is an emergency I am the contact person. We talked about knocking
down the wall between my office and the empty office or using other spaces including the 7is b n _: OEte- i e i 0 w p t o th Fro. c
rmJ one C,or way w ate cu rry- or 1 e B 1 6iSei vi n.
When we brought up the idea of kn thp YY-- et en my office and the empty office
f
Commissioner Conway's tone ofvo-alit,. beca curt, terse, and accusatory. He
implied that I wasn't telling the truth and that he had sources that told him we decided that I was
going to use the OEM conference room. This was the first time my integrity was so blatantly
challenged. It was also the first time I saw Commissioner Conway's passion directed within the
organi7ation. From that point on there was a tension between Commissioner Conway and I, it
has gotten to the point now where he doesn't even acknowledge my existence.
In May 2015, I emailed Commissioner Conway and let him know that Lacey and I couldn't
cover the event where he was receiving an award. I asked him if he knew the name of someone
at AIMS so we could get the information and still do the press release. He responded not to
Page 2 of 5
worry about it and that he knew I was "busy." He implied that I wasn't doing my job and he
made mention of that to the Board, Commissioner Kirkmeyer let me know that Commissioner
Conway made those comments. I asked the Board for direction in covering individual
commissioner awards outside of County business.
On June 17, 2015, Commissioner Conway alleged to the other commissioners that I did not
promote the Transportation Summit to the media specifically Shaun Boyd. I sent _' sioner
Kirkmeyer the releases that I sent to the media informing them of the summit, inc aun
Boyd. On June 18, 2015, I sent Commissioner Conway a release regarding the summit asking
him to approve it. All of the other commissioners had already responded. He never responded.
ne 7 -01 -I sAY0 LaCJrbUEai
resent the release to Commissioners is es .g ee Commissioner Conway never
responded.
A L
cY o. rcr YY,k.ect)-c nq
On July 8, 2015, I received a request�from regarding the North I-25 corridoii. She slid
that Commissioner Conway wanted it done and that Congressman Buck approved it. I directed
Lacey to work on the release to get it right and we sent it out. I received a call from Ken Buck
directly on July 15, 2015. He was upset and said that if we were going to quote him that his staff
needed to review it. I sent an email to the entire board detailing the conversation. Commissioner
Conway replied saying that he was the first elected official to complain and felt that the power
"t)ksk_P.IGS cxypVt JcL
was going to his head. I felt like Commissioner Conway lied to me tom.
Page 3 of 5
Mountain States Employers Council
Weld County
*Purpose
*Confidentiality
*Retaliation
* Truthfulness/Completeness
December 5, 2016
I am
Conducted by:
Michele Sturgell
I am the Communications Director for Weld County. I have been here for
10 years. My supervisor is Commissioner Freeman. I supervise one employee.
esk
ss ;�,, o a
on November 23, 2016 along with Commissioner Cozad, We could tell from_dcmcanor
that this was a serious call. I could
er end speaking loudly but I
couldn't make out the words. I told Commissioner Cozad that I thought it was either Dr.
Wallace or Commissioner Conway.Mlis trying to get the person on the other end to stop
speaking so she could speak. She hung up the phone and she said I'm sony I just hung up on
Commissioner Conway. I could tell thalEvas rattled and she had tears in her eyes.
excused herself to the ladies room to compose herself.
,,,r\ \'-e
Commissioner Cozad was present and Commissioner Kirkmeyer came out of her office.
Commissioner Cozad told Commissioner Kirkmeyer what happened and the other two
commissioners also came out. Commissioner Cozad told Commissioner Freeman to call
Commissioner Conway back. While that was happening 'one rang and it was
Page 1 of 5
ATTACHMENT 10
Off
Attachment 10
December 5, 2016
E Ti
PY
Page 3 of 3
I didn't yell at in the summer of 2015. I didn't set up a meeting with the Mayor
of Kersey regarding the US 34 coalition. I didn't accuseof telling the rest of the hoard
about that meeting.
never cursed at me and told me to get out of her office. I never yelled at or had
anything more than a cursory conversation with her as I passed by her office, - would
regularly send out emails telling people that there were cookies or coffee and in pule to
stop by.
I haven't had a conversation with
in over a year and a half. The last conversation
asd he ile u n . uil i qtr;
mr sio er odd an Moreno c Y.int= c S id the
donnas and I told her that it was inar p ". +o .. - them accusations and saying them in a
public place. turned arouri-4a I�haven had much interaction with her since.
I returned to the office after Thanksgiving and everything was normal. No one said anything to
me. When I received the complaints from the Commissioners in a public setting, it totally
surprised me. Why wasn't something done immediately? I personally feel like this was done as
retaliation and I have filed a lawsuit. I went to the County Attorney's office and HR after I was
given the complaint and asked for guidance. I was never provided with any guidance in how to
deal with it. When returned to work we exchanged pleasantries and had a good working
relationship until her last day when she told me it was good working with me.
Page 4 of 5
when all five of us were present in the office. That was the end of the conversation as the other
commissioner had to get to their meeting.
I have never yelled at any of the employees of Weld County.
The transportation summit was put on by Public Works; I don't know why would have
been involved. I know Commissioner Kirkmeyer was involved with the transpci immit
and she had some issues regarding notifications, I don't recall a conversation
regarding the summit or that she sent out an email with incorrect information. Commissioner
Rademacher asked me to have a meeting with when he was Chair. I don't recall what the
. h'
r=t m k
tn't e�
onrn nistravc leav ir4i'
anything in her personnel file rega?-�it arA lice told me there wasn't any
documentation regarding this issue.a- of any ssues like this until this complaint
was filed.
I don't recall raising mylloice to_or yelling at her. I didn't yell a uring our
weekly meetings in 2015. There were other employees present. If people are saying that I yelled
at her during these meetings they would be incorrect. I don't recall an incident where I yelled at
her during these meetings.
Page 3 of 5
January 6, 2017
Scan Conway
NFU
Pe'
Page 5of5
A
CO Y
Attachment 13
started talking over "' reiterati
Mountain States Employers
Council Weld County
interview of: Sean Conway
Conducted by Michele Sturgell
*Purpose
*Confidentiality
*Retaliation
*Truthfulness/Complete
January 6, 2017
I am Sean Conway. 1 am a County Commissioner, I have been in
On November 23, 2016, I was in Nashville, TN and I saw on my I
request in my email. I was surprised by this; before I left fo
were any new scheduling requests. She replied no, I call
this ne�iled work session. The item was for a work session
help 4 rid gcd n mina artd the ked ..:,s..a she lidn;
hat
tat it as a I -min e
seS on s hat tac prey` usl approve~'s wmqueioi. 1 agate _;' vlh r ed
wasn't followed. The procedure we have in place is to personally call the commissioner who is ou
office and ask if he/she is ok with the k ses 'ro: g d h been followed for 3 years.
while I was talking. hen said the o, ses• ., she a e eadyglwas interrupting me
dn't ant to procee with the work session
that I should just de l*TA1'e ii. This is a in 'rW<-::.=`e i doesn't in that it gets seen and the work
session just goes on without me and I told her that. I asked her if it could be rescheduled and she was
again talking over ate. I told her that it wasn't the policy to just set it and put it out on an email and we
had held two conversations about the schedule before I left and she assured me that there would not be
any work sessions scheduled without checking with me by phone
Almost the whole time as talking over use and interrupting me. I kept telling her to stop talking
over me, I wt • r to lave a conversation with her and I couldn't because she kept talking over me but
I did not yell. aised her voice to me. My intent to call was to figure out why the procedure wasn't
being followe an get it reset idn't indicate to me that anyone else was around nor did she say
let toe check about getting it rt. . Cher commissioners were around she could have stopped and just
asked. Instead ust kept arguing with me as if she was going to make u I . 't differently
We were talking ovet each other and both of us raised our voices. l then told at 1 didn'
understand why she did this for Barb and not me. At this point it was this qu +. tat cause o
hang up on me.
this position for 8 years.
phone that there was a v scheduling
ille I specifically asked tf there
t 8:55 am Colorado time to ask about
on November 23, 2016 at 10 am, 1 said
I never used any swear words when speaking with This whole conversation lasted 55 se
according to my phone records. 1 immediately cal a ac to the office aftc ung on me, lid
not answer the h and another clerk answered my call, 1 believe it was oe, told her that was
speaking with that we were disconnected. I was put on hold. While I was waiting on hold;
Connnissioner,freeman called. I answered the call from Freeman who was on his cell, placing the other
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ATTACHMENT 13
..ill (.n h ,ld r ,rrrrrt; ;ter Frerrn_ n sad t',at the Lie. cling se:sica was his fault and he said that they
ha•.c checked :a oh rr:c. In the b :kgrcurd. I heard Commissioner Moreno yelling saying that it
j.a trio and has hit fault and that he v,jug trying to get the session done. It did not sound Re it was
xr :1. iJ..cr hut r:r,rnm,.st ,tier Frcernan, Mcrcno and I were all talking at one paint Freeman said that we
v. sold teschedule the work ses;:on but that I couldn't yell at Jenny. I said that I didn't yell atMl and
that I was gist trying to figure out why the procedure wasn't followed. He agreed with me. =was
was
sorry at lc t twice Freeman and 1 then went through the process of getting the work session set for the
fr,llr,tiing Monday when all five of us we -re present in the office.
This ,. something that should have been done by t the start of our conversation instead of
arguing with me That whole phone conversation ' getting the item rescheduled took about 7 minutes
tyccau .e `.like had to get the other commissioners together to do the scheduling. We held
n t Monday No one said a word about any of this to me for 7 days after the incident wi
everyone was so worried, I am unclear as to why nothing was said or done when I showed
gn Mond r or before tiov,30. When we met on Nov, 30 'just got the letter and complaint,
said about then except to read the letter. I was also allowed to continue to suite, _ vise _ `o c4.: 'n
other depar meat's until Jars 3
loused on the que•nirnns asked, there was an issue about scheduling for the Transportation
2x115 •1 -he tran';portation summit was put on by Public Works so I am not sure why
been involved. I know Commissioner Kirkmeyer was involvediiiih the transportation
had 'xm,c I ' ue's regarding notifications, Kirkmeyer did tell me that she w. . , a. at
•:ch'(1 lin ' J1sr. tit jn tr,_ ublin-:fiicl' out t t H
fir., a is th t it z . I o t^ ₹ong I ow r tuber
wo fit ne;
up -- t as ut i rut irkrr; er as the oricrriat wa '. yy • ith
ty ru , rg'-': nd rkmeyc:_
I wool.e ieve
a conversation with Jenny as well,
In 2,011, Commissioner Itademachc estcutt ton t stn ,_ t hen he was Chair in 2011.
I don't recall why he w,amted1mc to e t . Hutt =It gut I w the incoming chair and was going to
be her tiupervi u>r 'u it was a ,tt " pe = :bons w•° a going to be for the next year when I
wits the impervisor. rid I had a conversation that lasted for an hour or so and it was very cordial. I
was the chair in 20 an ier direct supervisor and there were no issues. I don't recall Jenny being on
administrative leave in 2014 and I didn't see anything in her personnel file regarding anything like this so
I don't know what That was about. I asked the county attorney for documents relating to this claim and
Bruce told me there weren't any documents reflecting any complaints from Jenny, If site took
adrnintr,trntive Icnve for anything I was not aware of it. If there is documentation I want to sec that so I
cam, (hither respond.
Summit held in
would have
iJ.and she
sent out
th
Per the question, I didn't yell at t the s
of Kersey regarding the ' Or t or, tin accuse
ntcctmtg that was public, r normally communicated with her by text
so it was unlikely I even Ia et to her about an agenda on the phone, I have copies of th s with her
fin shut lime period During the summer of 2016, Commissioner Cozad was upset Oa nt out an
invitnlirm to I1S34 coalition meeting that included community members who Cozad ant to attend
tltc meeting, in particular, Dave Kisker. Coy' d called d complained and then Cozad came to a
I i(t( (' meeting and complained abouthI did cal nd tell her that she was to continue d
the ;sgendn to anyone who asked firr it since it was a pu tc meeting, Did you actually speak withh?
Per the questions, ever cursed at me and told me to "get the fuck out of her office". She
doesn't talk like II , on d regularly send out emnils telling people that there were cookies or
Wired the US 34 coalition an
of2015 about a meeting with the Mayor
f telling the rest of the board about a
i
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coffee and itite people to stop by. Her office was next to a hallway that led out of the office area.
Sometimes she called me in for donuts. I never yelled at Mr had anything more than a cursory
corn ereition with her as I passed by her otlice...did tell other people who told me that she was tired
of Kirkmey et, Moreno, Don Mueller and Elisa Kunkel bothering her and she lell the job. I saw texts to
people that said that. I did hear that Mueller said it was my fault but I was never told why that _quit.
Did you actually speak with -'
Per the questions, I was the person who recruited to our office from the DA office. Since i
have been a press secretary 1 worked with her. I haven't had a conversation with in over a
year and a half except during meetings or by email. The last one on one conversation i had with her was
early 2015. She stopped me and began talking to me in the Admin building entryway where the public
was coming and 'oing, This was when Cotnntissioner Cozad and Moreno had just been elected and came
into office. said to me that she thought it was ridiculous that Cozad needed a new chair and
Moreno was asking Building and Grounds to hang things. She said that they were acting ii
donnas. I told her that Cozad needed her chair for her bad back and Moreno was followinb re
that was in place about hanging pictures and it was not appropriate for her to be saying the ne
and in a public area. She got red in the face, turned around in a huff and I have not spoken to her except
for meetings since then. I have had some emails with her when she failed to contact me as the
commissioner coordinator for departments. One being the IT department and when I asked her why she
did not contact me on an IT press release, her response was that 1 was supposed to tell her that she had not
contacted me. If there are other complaints from Finch, you did not raise those with me. If there are I
would like an opportunity to speak to those, To my recollection, Finch did get angry in a meeting about
- y t - up _ in h quc _ f a me rr'ln to w a b ;. g - ems' th
e e t�e ti s ant ut it w not be�use is a '-r-'t,
TI
1 am surprised that this has risen to this level. I was present at a meeting o the w ole and w en
Commissioner Kirkrrneyer called another employee a "fucking manipulative bitch" and a "spoiled brat". I
was the only one who told her to stop pst ~ t B r ile . Profanity has been used in the
office by all of us at times except Co d. Son times d employees heard it. Yet there has
been no at -tempt to stop that behavior e ' - c
it's not uncommon that employees have been threatened by Kirlaneyer in front of the other
commissioners that they are "at will" and should do what she tells them to do or they will be fired, I
believe that employees believe that they can be fired and this restricts their ability to be open and honest
es ecially she took credit for getting Monica Mika fired as well as Bob Frick, I believe that in this case,
was "instntcted" to file this complaint (per her words) and I am concerned that she believed that
she would be fired if she did not file the complaint. Other commissioners have told me that they were
angry because I waived attorney client privilege on a meeting which I have the right to do and that I
"embarrassed" them when it went public. I believe that this is their way of getting retribution to me and
was faced with filing this complaint or losing her job. After [ returned from vacation on Dec. 8, t
had very pleasant interactions with that she initiated and on her last day she left telling me
something to the effect that it was good working with me.
I have been called by other people in the community and told that certain commissioners have said this is
about me sexually assaulting county employees, Just last week, the Tribune was sent a copy of the
complaint "anonymously" and only a limited number of people had the complaint. Freeman has stated a
conclusion that it was a "profanity laced tirade" to the Tribune, in an article published on the front page,
the Tribune stated that there had been four complaints and it was sexual harassment. Cozad and Freeman
have both commented on the issue in response to the release, they did not try to clarify that there was an
ongoing investigation, did not try to make clear that there were no allegations of sexual assault, claimed
that they heard the whole conversation and failed to maintain silence knowing that their comments would
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prejudice the public, Since neither one heard most of the 55 second conversation according Ic
statement and likely only heard her end, both have clearly made assumptions without letting this
investigation be completed and used this tojustity punishing me for expressing my First Amendment
rights.
I have witnesses that 1 wish to be interviewed.
CSC
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INVESTIGATION REPORT
Confidential Information
Not For Distribution
To:
Subject:
Patti, Russell, Director of Human Resources, Weld County
Sean Conway Investigation
Conducted by: Michele Sturgell, Workplace Investigator, Mountain States Employers Council,
Inc.
Date of Report: February 3, 2017
Investigation
Active:
Procedure:
November 27, 2016 — February 3, 2017
Patti Russell, Director of Human Resources; co. ► c Kim DeLuca of
Mountain States Employers Council, Inc. NS to perform an
investigation regarding complaints made. ,SinWeld County Commissioner
Sean Conway. Ms. DeLuca explained 5 0estigation process to Ms. Russell
and clarified the investigator's r f a th e'necessary expectations in this
process as communicated tolll p xpants and referenced below.
The undersigned, Michele,- urgent assumed the role of investigator in this
matter. I prepared writie ^tin? ary statements for each witness. I
communicated s' nilai ;nt't ductory remarks to each witness. These remarks
addressed the pose pppthe investigation and my role as a neutral fact finder,
confidentiality expect ions, Weld County's prohibition against retaliation for
participation, it the investigation and/or making complaints under the equal
employrter,t,oportunity policy, and the expectation to be truthful. Each
witne e „ ve- his or her statement with me. I encouraged each witness to
make i,additions, deletions, or other modifications necessary to accurately
. 1c, cf is or her beliefs. Each witness was asked to review his or her statement
mute completeness and accuracy and attest thereto by signing the summary
atement.
Unless otherwise noted, all interviews took place at 1150 O Street, Greeley,
Colorado. I interviewed the following individuals on the dates noted:
On December 5, 2016, I interviewed:
2.
3,
4.
5.
Weld County
Sean Conway Investigation
Page 2 of 17
6.
On December 12, 2016, I interviewed:
1. Julie Cozad
2. Steve Moreno
3. Mike Freeman
Attachments:
On December 14, 2016, [ interviewed Barbara Kirkmeyer.
On January 6, 2017, I interviewed Sean Conway.'
On January 9, 2016, I interviewed
3. Michael Freeman Summary Statement
4. Barbara Kirkme er Summary State
5. Summary State
6. Summary
7. Steve Moreno Summar ::btatne3
8. Julie Cozad Summary Ste nt
9. Summar tat>ent
10. Sun aia v tatement
11. \St'z,nrary Statement
a= 12. Sean ConwSum ary Statement (as prepared by this investigator)
13. Sean Conway ;tatm ent
14. Deceme , 2016 email from Bruce Barker to Commissioners
fi.
15. Worlssi t/meetings policy
16. Dice rrrr 1 , 2016 email from Jill Gookin, Sean Conway's attorney
17„ eAeTiber 13, 2016 email from Sean Conway
„4'' pecember 12, 2016 email from Sean Conway
ovember 23, 2016 email from Barbara Kirkmeyer to Bruce Barker
November 23, 2016 email from Mike Freeman to Don Warden
21. November 23, 2016 email from Julie Cozad to Mike Freeman
22. November 24, 2016 email from Steve Moreno to Mike Freeman and Bruce
Barker
23. December 30, 2016 email from Jill Gookin
1. November 23, 2016 email complaint fromTIM
2. Summary Statement
Mr. Conway was originally scheduled to be interviewed on Decemberl2, 2016 when he refused to meet with this
investigator. 'I'he meeting was then rescheduled for December 16, 2016 and Mr. Conway cancelled this meeting.
Mr. Conway chose December 30, 2016 as the date to reschedule when this investigator received an email from his
attorney that morning indicating that Mr. Conway was ill. It an attempt to reschedule his interview again, Mr.
Conway insisted on a telephonic interview and that interview took place on January 6, 2017.
2 This interview was conducted by telephone.
Weld County
Sean Conway Investigation
Page 3 of 17
24. Screenshot from Sean Conway's phone of outgoing phone call at 8:55 am
on November 23, 2016
25. January 4, 2017 email from Jill Gookin
26. Screenshot of incoming call to Sean Conway's phone on November 23,
2016 at 8:58 am.
27. Screenshot of cancelled call from Sean Conway's phone on November 23,
2016 at 8:58am.
28. November 30, 2016 complaint from Sean Conway
29. December 29, 2016 email from Jill Gookin
30. Jay McDonald Summary Statement
31. January 6, 2017 email from
32. January 5, 2017 email from
33. January 9, 2017 email from Bruce Barker
34. January 10, 2017 email from Jill Gookin
35. January 13, 2017 email from
36. June 26, 2014 email from Douglas Rademacho Sean Conway
37. November 30, 2016 notice of investi ation rvy 'd to Sean Conway
38. December 6, 2016 email from
Background and Summ tca�f≤sues
Weld County, Colorado is located northeast o ;_ envei n is the third largest county in Colorado
by area. Weld County provides services to a oxu el 250 000 people. Weld County is
p� Y � P p
governed by five elected County Commissipngr lfo serve four year terms. This investigator
understands that on November 23, 2016 the Office Manager for the Weld
County Commissioners, had a telephbnco versation with one of the Commissioners, Sean
Conway. alleges that l . r. Conway yelled at her and cursed at her during this
conversation. furthe • allegesrthat Mr. Conway has yelled at her several times during
her employment with Weld Cos, ty. Several other em to ees have also alle ed that Mr. Conway
has elled at them during tier " ployment including; , and
Each of the pertinie t,
ations will be addressed individually.
Investigator Findings
This section identifies the pertinent allegations, followed by identification of specific sources of
supporting or refuting information. Investigator commentary follows to develop specific areas of
concern, address credibility assessment, or provide other subjective comment. For a
comprehensive understanding of the issues presented here it is recommended that each summcny
statement he reviewed individually. Unless otherwise noted, all information quoted below comes
from the summary statements.
Allegation 1: alleges that on November 23, 2016, Mr. Conway yelled at her and
cursed at her during a telephone conversation.
Weld County
Sean Conway Investigation
Page 4 of 17
Supporting
Information:
Office Manager, states: "At approximately, 8:55 a.m.,
Wednesday, November 23, I was working at my desk when the main office line
rang, and I answered a call from Commissioner Conway. After cordial
introductions, he stated he noticed his calendar for this morning had filled up
with work sessions. I replied that a few changes had occurred within the last day
or so, and asked him if he had a question about one of them. He said, 'Yes, I'm
questioning why you're waiting until I'm out of town and then putting a bunch of
work sessions on the calendar.' I started to respond indicting that wa' not
accurate, and he interrupted me and said `well, I see several meet' the
the
calendar that I knew nothing about, so explain that!!!' I again st te® to •espond
and indicated there was one new work session on the eaJdnd1r, � ,,en was
interrupted again by him elevating his voice and indica ing hey s' way more
[than] one work session on the calendar."
continues: "[After a discussion regard r h''o asked for the work
session] I was cut off again by him now yel g ':1g 'but you didn't call me!!
Did you? Why didn't you call me? You d setting all these work
sessions without notifying me because y iH r s I was out of town.' At that
point I firmly, but still politely, sai S n st stop. Let me explain.' He
replied, `Oh no, you don't getgetreo0 Ns, tell me to JUST STOP!' "
adds: "He contin mg saying, 'No! This is not the right
protocol, and you know i'his is what they protocol is going to be from
now on! From no n u goin to'... I tried to explain that I wasn't
changing protocol at thi "point, was standing at my desk and was
semi -aware of t e "t _on, and Julie [Cozad] and Steve [Moreno] were just
standing off to,t e side of my desk. As he just kept yelling, and I couldn't get a
work in edgew si and 1 was now quite upset with the yelling so I said one more
time `stoP\ytlilig-and he didn't so I hung up the phone. I then announced out
loud.t" tI o c standing around me, 'I'm sorry, I just hung up on Commissioner
Co'rg,y, but he would not stop yelling at me on the phone, and I didn't want to
td it anymore.' At that point, visibly shaken, I then excused myself from
esk." See Attachment I.
, Communications Director, states: "I was standing at
desk when she took the phone call from Commissioner Conway on
November 23, 2016 along with Commissioner Cozad. We could tell from
demeanor that this was a serious call. I could hear the person on the
other end speaking loudly but I couldn't make out the words. I told
Commissioner Cozad that I thought it was either Dr. Wallace or Commissioner
Conway. - was trying to get the person on the other end to stop speaking so
she could speak. She hung up the phone and she said I'm sorry I just hung up on
Commissioner Conway. I could tell that was rattled and she had tears in
Weld County
Sean Conway Investigation
Page 5 of 17
her eyes. _ excused herself to the ladies room to compose herself.
Commissioner Cozad was present and Commissioner Kirkmeyer came out of her
office. Commissioner Cozad told Commissioner Kirkmeyer what happened and
the other two commissioners also came out. Commissioner Cozad told
Commissioner Freeman to call Commissioner Conway back. While that was
happening, phone rang and it was Commissioner Conway. The
receptionist picked up call while Commissioner Freeman was able to get
Commissioner Conway on the line. I went to check on and while I was
walking down the hall I heard Commissioner Freeman trying to get
Commissioner Conway to sto talking by saying, `Sean' repeatedly i a firm
tone. I went to check on in the restroom."_
Barbara Kirkmeyer, County Commissioner, says: "On t ():Nd►
Thanksgiving I overheard a phone conversation betwe and
Commissioner Conway. I was standing 10-15 feet,awa could hear Sean's
voice on the phone. I couldn't hear what he was sayl but I could tell that it
was Sean's voice. - hung up and said that s , Chung up on
Commissioner Conway. The remaining fout Gioners went into
Commissioner Freeman's office and Com .. 5t ; ► r Freeman called
Commissioner Conway back and put tl •r On speakerphone so we could hear
it. Commissioner Conway was yell < d nmissioner Freeman and
Commissioner Moreno. Con si ne reeman told Commissioner Conwa 3
or 4 times to stop yelling. WaeAv . tra- y ended the call. I encouraged
twice to report this incidenttime to document what happened."
Julie Cozad, CounyVo loner, states: "The day before Thanksgiving on
November 23, 201 , received a phone call. I was standing on the
other side of her desk. " er phone rang and she picked up the phone. I could tell
right away that t e conversation was causing her some distress. I tried to make
eye contact jth'her to sec who she was speaking to. I couldn't tell who she was
speaking o l tterr 15-20 seconds I could hear yelling on the other end of the
line.. ct'didn't make out the words but I could hear yelling. After a few seconds
I c ill that the voice on the other end of the line was Commissioner
Gcny. _ was trying to get a word in edgewise and she wasn't able to.
(,Co/rrmiss►oner Conway was yelling about a work session that had been
)scheduled. After another 15-20 seconds hung up the phone.
✓turned to me and said that she had just hung up on Commissioner Conway. I
asked what ha pened, _ said that he was yelling at her and that he cursed
at her. said that he said, `You don't get to tell me to fucking stop.' The
other commissioners were present as _ hung up the phone. She was
visible distraught and teary -eyed. She left her desk and went to the restroom."
Mike Freeman, County Commissioner, states: "The day before Thanksgiving
2016, I was in my office. M office is directly across from desk.
I heard a commotion at� desk. I went to her desk just in time to see
Weld County
Scan Conway Investigation
Page 6 of 1 7
in tears and walking down the hall to the restroom. Julie said she overheard
someone on the phone screaming at-. Initially Julie said she didn't know
who it was but later recognized the voice of Sean Conway, another
commissioner. Julie said that someone needed to call him back and then turned
to me and said that it should be me as the chairperson. I called Sean back on my
cell phone in my office. The other commissioners followed me into my office. I
had the phone on speakerphone for part of the conversation. I asked Sean what
was going on. Sean immediately started yelling on the phone. I said, `Sean, you
need to stop.' I said this several times. Sean was yelling that scheduled a
work session and she violated protocol. I explained that he knows t rotocol
and that scheduled it at my request. I explained that if he h ssue
with the work session that he needed to take it up with me. I totcii tl t he
couldn't yell at staff and that this was unacceptable. Se n\din't p gize or
back down he kept saying that was wrong. By t s e were late to
our 9:00 Board meeting so [ told him we had to gc,.and 4s,the call."
Steve Moreno, County Commissioner, says: "Ong - before Thanksgiving,
November 23, 2016, the Commissioners (m : risk missioner Conway) were
present before a board meeting. on the phone and was visibly
upset. Near the end of the conversatio *aid that she was hanging up and
that she wasn't going to take it an t} 1oi could hear someone on the other end
of the line yelling at her. I co 11Ip' te;w to it was. I heard- say, Sean I am
hanging up. I knew then that was on the phone with Commissioner
Conway. When hun AIR i started crying and left her desk.
Commissioner Cozad to Inissioner Freeman to call Sean back.
Commissioner Fre ran ,►se cis cell phone and we all went into his office. We
could hear Comm sionef' onway yelling. Commissioner Freeman was trying
to get Commiss ones, onway to stop yelling so he could explain. Commissioner
Conway was4 t about a work session that was scheduled. Eventually,
Commissiit• rteman had to tell Commissioner Conway that we had to go to
our boad hiking?'
Refuting
information:
onway, County Commissioner states: "On November 23, 2016, I was in
hville, and I saw on my I phone that there was a new scheduling request in
email. I was surprised by this; before I left for Nashville I specifically asked
if there were any new scheduling requests. She replied no. I called
at 8:55 am Colorado time to ask about this new scheduled work session. The
item was for a work session on November 23, 2016 at 10 am. I said hello to
and ood morning and then asked why she didn't call me about the work
session. said that Commissioner Moreno asked her to schedule the work
session. I again asked why I wasn't consulted and she said that it was a last-
minute request. She then started going over all of the other work sessions that I
had previously approved which was not my question. I again asked why the
procedure wasn't followed. The procedure we have in place is to personally call
Weld County
Sean Conway Investigation
Page 7 of 17
the commissioner who is out of the office and ask if he/she is ok with the work
session proceeding and has been followed for 3 years. started talking over
me and reiterating the work sessions she had set already. was interrupting
me while I was talking.- then said stop to me and that if I didn't want to
proceed with the work session that I should just decline it. This is a problem
because it doesn't mean that it gets seen and the work session just goes on
without me and I told her that."
Mr. Conway continues: "I asked her if it could be rescheduled and she was again
talking over me. I told her that it wasn't the policy to just set it and it out on
an email and we had held two conversations about the schedule left and
she assured me that there would not be any work sessions sched e i out
checking with me by phone. Almost the whole time, as g over me
and interrupting me. I kept telling her to stop talking o er me as trying to
have a conversation with her and I couldn't because she - Chalking over me hut
I did not yell.- raised her voice to me. My intet.to call was to figure out
why the procedure wasn't being followed anddgeKi ��let. didn't indicate to
me that anyone else was around nor did she' , l te check about getting it
reset. If other commissioners were around heo .rd have stopped and just asked.
Instead, - just kept arguing with jj he was going to make me do it
different) We were talking over y r l Y and both of us raised our voices. I
then told that I didn't utcd'e.st n t she did this for Barb and not me. At
d to hang up on me."3
this point it was this question
a living room on t
phone. He was si
then placed a ca'l t f
onway's wife, states: "Sean and I were sitting in
►er ►e Thanksgiving 2016. Sean was looking at his
ift 30 inches from me. Sean said, what is this? He
, I heard Sean say, Hi M. Sean asked
about the work session that came up on his calendar.
said no I 't sty ce" to know about the work session. There was conversation hack
and foeerif hem and their voices were getting louder and I could tell they
were rt ig over each other. Sean holds the phone away from his ear when he
taso '"couldn't hear what was saying but I could hear her voice. He did
1-:
o you don't get to tell me how to do things.' I did hearsa at one
t that Commissioner Moreno told her to do it. I heard Sean say to�
`You do this for Barb, I don't know why you don't do it for me.' At some point
I heard Sean say, 'She hung up on me.' Scan then called back and I heard him
ask for While Sean was on hold waiting for , he said that Mike was
calling. I took that to mean Mike Freeman. During the conversation with
Sean did not have the phone on speakerphone. I did not hear Sean use any
profanity or swear words when he was speaking with
responded and Sean
3 Unless otherwise indicated Mr. Conway's statements are collected from his edited statement. Attachment 13.
Despite specific instructions to make changes to the statement this investigator created, Mr. Conway recreated his
statement. Both statements are attached for review. Attachments 12 and 13.
Weld County
Sean Conway Investigation
Page 8 of 17
Comment:
Allegation 2:
Mr. Conway rescheduled his interview with this investigator several times. See
Footnote 1. Mr. Conway and his attorney gave a variety of reasons for the need
to reschedule on these dates. These reasons were often in conflict with the
information provided to this investigator. Additionally, several times throughout
the investigation, Mr. Conway insisted on speaking with this investigator by
phone even though this investigator made clear that the policy is to conduct in -
person interviews with interested parties. Further, all of the other commissioners
submitted to an in -person interview with this investigator as well as the other
witnesses. All of these factors lead this investigator to question Mr. Conway's
credibility.
In contrast, - presented as a credible witness. Her state
details and was corroborated by the other individuals rnt�
present that morning, five people in addition to sted'that
was visibly upset and they could hear someone yek ing t i, other end of the
phone. In addition, some of the employees were ab o identify the voice on the
other end of the phone as belonging to Mr. Cnnv . tfrthermore,
, and the four commissioners gay Accounts as to the events in
question; this strengthens the credibility oft�idividuals.
P
Mr. Conway presented this investighto (thr ugh his attorney) copies of
screenshots apparently showi t c h of conversation that took place with
on the date in ques. n%IrConway appears to insinuate that the
conversation des ='. 'gild not have taken place in the short amount
of time. There is little e i cn o corroborate this claim. While
corroborat' ^ i way's statement, as his spouse, this investigator
must weigh her to mon,y with an eye toward their relationship.
Mr. Conway§ems to take issue with the fact that the other commissioners
encourageto put in her complaints in writing. He insinuates that she
was ford tai ak- her complaint. It a ears instead, to this investigator that the
com ssi o' ers were requesting that „ put her version of events in
w tIng s` the incident would be well documented, and not that was
-irIn any way. This is corroborated by the fact that cooperated
with this investigator and did not a ear forced or uncomfortable in any
way. As a result, this investigator finds version more credible that
Mr. Conway.
was rich in
erson
Based on the foregoing, this investigator finds it more likel than not that on
November 23, 2016, Mr. Conway yelled and cursed as }
alleges that on June 25, 2014, Mr. Conway yelled at her and blocked
the exit from her desk.
Supporting
Weld County
Sean Conway Investigation
Page 9 of 17
Information:
states: "On June 25, 2014 I was alone in the office late in the
afternoon on Wednesday. I sit out in the open area. We were working on a
transportation summit. We were sending out notifications to elected officials to
let them know about our event. had done a draft and sent it to
the Commissioners and to me. Commissioner Conway made changes to the
document in his handwriting. He came to me and told me to make the changes
that he wanted and send out the document. I conferred with and let her
know. I went to Commissioner Conway two different times to get clarification
and he answered my questions. On the second time I told him that once I
finished it I would send it out. He said ok. I finished the changes t a e
requested and sent out the email. At the time, Commissioner Co a t behind
me. Commissioner Conway came out of his office and he was ea in at me.
He was yelling that the information in the email was wr i g o e would
be a laughing stock. I was shocked that he was yellin nd s set He said,
'What the fuck are you doing?' I tried to show hi the ent with his
handwriting on it and told him that I made the changthat he requested. He
said that he didn't say that. I was confused that ife t wasn't his changes. At
this point he was standing and I was sitting 1,r c ir. He was blocking my
way and I couldn't move, I was trapped in, ; k. At that point, I was terrified
because I felt that I couldn't get out of es Commissioner Conway
knocked the paper from my hand t I va; po
int . At that I reached for
the paper and I was able to exph►ij and get out of my desk. I went down
the hall to the restroom to try'a m ose myself."
continues: "Aer lleftI �le restroom I went back to my desk and I saw
Commissioner Co.'ayitfl(with Darian and he was barking orders at her
because he was CO vineq ere was going to be some media fallout because of
the email I had en��a .t d him that Darian had nothing to do with it and she
needed to go ba is to her office. Commissioner Conway started in on me again.
-,z,-,
I told him 17u s ne with this conversation and that it was best that I go home.
4,I grabb d ings and went into Patti's office. I told her that I wanted to quit.
She spQvith me for a while and urged me to take some time to think about it.
I Ara'411. ed on paid admin leave for the remainder of that week. While I was
hornp Commissioner Freeman reached out to me and asked how we could
re splve the situation. I wasn't sure if I wanted to but I told him that nothing
would change without an apology from Commissioner Conway and assurances
that this would never happen again. I was told that would happen. I returned to
work on Monday and I was ignored for the morning. I spoke with Commissioner
Freeman and he stated that Commissioner Conway said he would apologize but
Commissioner Freeman wasn't sure that was going to happen. He said maybe I
could talk to Commissioner Conway later that day. I knocked on his door in the
afternoon to speak with him. I didn't feel comfortable going into his office so I
stood in the doorway. Commissioner Conway insisted that he apologized that
day — I told him it wasn't received and that if he wasn't willing to do it then I
was done. He said, `Fine, I'm sorry if that is what you want to hear.' He also
Weld County
Sean Conway Investigation
Page 10 of 17
said it wouldn't happen again. I told him I would take it as sincere and move on.
His tone was more forced than sincere. He tried to talk about what I did again
and I said I was moving on. I later typed an email and asked that it be placed in
my file for documentation in HR. I looked for this email and it is no longer in
my file."
Refuting
Information: Mr. Conway states: "In 2011, Commissioner Rademacher asked me to have a
meeting with when he was Chair in 2011. I don't recall why he wanted me
to have the conversation but I was the incoming chair and was going be her
supervisor so I think it was about what m expectations were goig 6 f for the
next year when I was the supervisor. and I had a convers." hat lasted
for an hour or so and it was very cordial. I was the chaivilr,2 12er direct
supervisor and there were no issues. I don't recall bein " administrative
leave in 2014 and I didn't see anything in her pers - mel garding anything
like this so I don't know what that was about. I aske he county attorney for
documents relating to this claim and Bruce told nt . 6 weren't any documents
reflecting any complaints from . If she 1 a irmstrative leave for
anything I was not aware of it. If there is dpetis Cation I want to see that so I
can further respond."
Comment: When asked about this specifeg. ci en ,IVIr. Conway immediately started asking
for documentation and stated 't ie7e was originall}resented with this
complaint he went to Ms. R_ ell asked to view personnel file.
Mr. Conway takes issue AKt rfact that there is no documentation regarding
this incident in file. The original email that sent is not in
her file and she w ,not . e to recover it as it was sent in June 2014. This
investigator was, how.v&r, presented with an email sent from Mr. Rademacher to
Mr. Conway achment 36). In this email, Mr. Rademacher seems to
corroborate statements as Mr. Rademacher says that, Mr. Conway
"chase" and that he needs "to apologize to her, she was doing what
you Mr. Conway stated to this investigator that he did not know
adengbout this incident and focuses exclusively on the lack of
ntation. Mr. Conway further states that if there is additional
ounentation he wants to see it so he can respond further.
It appears to this investigator that Mr. Conway is quite deliberate in his answers
to questions. If he is not presented with some form of documentation he claims
to have no recollection of this incident but also appears to leave the door open to
change his story if extrinsic evidence is found to support another version of
events. This, combined with the credibility issues discussed above, lead this
investigator to find version of events more credible. Additionally,
Mr. Rademacher's email corroborates statements and the date is just
a few days after this alleged incident and Mr. Rademacher discusses
being out of the office as a result of Mr. Conway's actions.
Weld County
Sean Conway Investigation
Page 11 of 17
Consequent) , this investigator finds it more likely than not that Mr. Conway
yelled at and blocked the exit from her desk on June 25, 2014.
Allegation 3:
Supporting
Information:
alleges that Mr. Conway yelled at her on several occasions from
May — November, 2015.
, Transportation Manager, states: "I am frequently subjected to
verbal assault from Commissioner Conway. Ile was our coordinato f r Public
Works for 2015. I, along with our team, met with him every Tue
Consistently, almost every week Commissioner Conway would"` ! ' t rye;
especially between May and November. It got so bad t supervisor
to stop attending the meetings; he agreed. I also had a onver on with
Commissioner Kirkmeyer about Commissioner Cg wa a eing our
coordinator again because it was such a bad year. D •ing one of the weekly
meetings, Commissioner Conway got up from hi hile he was yelling at
me and started coming toward me. He did n t -ally attack me but he came
towards me. I think he saw Curtis, one of t managers lean toward me
and he realized what he was doing and p ed."
continues: "I hay hele tell me that Commissioner Conway
thinks I am a spy for CommisiOneirkmeyer. He yells at me the way he yells
at her. She is in a position h ecan tell him to stop. I don't think any of
the employees feel like the. vi tell him to stop because he is an elected official.
The Board asked e'erto Coo tnate a transportation summit in April 2015. The
event was to takelace (In une 15, 2015. Throughout the coordinator meetings 1
am trying to pre entheA nformation regarding this event. Unbeknownst to me,
Commissioner,„?onway is not communicating the information to the rest of the
Board. OrMay2015, Commissioner Kirkmeyer sent out an email with her
proposdtgl,d►a.(`At the next meeting Commissioner Conway starts ripping
apart th e7pposed agenda and trying to make single changes. During this entire
ttr hi . speaking to me with a raised voice, yelling at me. This meeting
tas'The need for a work session with the entire board so that I could get some
du•,' ction."
Ms. Kirkmeyer says: "When we had the transportation summit in 2015 it should
have been an enjoyable experience but it wasn't because of Commissioner
Conway. In January he said that he wanted to do a transportation summit
through the MPO I told him that I would help and get sponsors. We started
working on it and in March Commissioner Conway said that the MPO wasn't
going to do it and that the Board was going to do it. He also changed the agenda
and the date that the summit was going to be held. I was the chair that year and I
took the agenda back and told him that he couldn't make changes unilateral) .
That made him very upset and he took out a lot of his frustrations on
Weld County
Sean Conway Investigation
Page 12 of 17
. I saw Commissioner Conway raise his voice toward
on numerous occasions. He also acted in a way that was trying to intimidate
her."
Ml. Freeman says: "I have heard him [Mr. Conway] yell at
Jay McDonald, Director of Public Works, states: "I have observed Commissioner
Conway raise his voice toward and furrow his brow when
speaking with her. Commissioner Conway was angry with based on
the wa he was acting. I have seen this happen a couple of times. I d, n't recall
coming to me in 2015 and asking to be removed from s with
Commissioner Conway. It could have happened but I don't reca
Refuting
Information: Mr. Conway states: "I don't recall raising my voie toor yelling at her.
I didn't yell at during our weekly meeting" 2015. There were other
employees present. If people are saying that I eUtier during these
�� a
meetings they would be incorrect. I don't rcca nhcident where I yelled at her
during these meetings." Attachment 12
,/
Comment:
presented as a credibl `yi s 'during her interview with this
investigator. She had notes is i he ./with specific allegations and did not
appear to have any motive to [ unttuthful. She also presented as very fearful
about Mr. Conway knowinsk rd` e statements im licating him. Additionally,
the day after this investia oars ce with , she called and requested
that her statement1, evde roe and that any mention of her name be removed
from this report. ttach ent 38. - was extremely concerned about
retaliation and epiesse apprehension considering Mr. Conway is an elected
official and she r an employee.
In addit'd t c Credibility concerns listed above regarding Mr. Conway, his
res o i taken from the statement this investi ator re ared. In Mr. Conway's
re."tatement, he removed any mention of or the allegations
piing his behavior toward her. This gives the appearance of ignoring the
isations made by which are corroborated by several other
participants in this investigation. This investigator finds it hard to believe that all
of the individuals would fabricate some many instances of Mr. Conway yelling
at-. The corroboration given by others, as well as the credibility
concerns of Mr. Conway, leads this investigator to find version
more reliable.
As a result, this investigator finds it more likely than not that Mr. Conway yelled
at several times between May -November 2015.
Allegation 4: alleges that Mr. Conway yelled at her in the summer of 2015.
Weld County
Sean Conway Investigation
Page 13 of 17
Supporting
Information:
Refuting
Information: Mr. Co a} 3tes': "Per the question, I didn't yell at in the
summerqo about a meeting with the Mayor of Kersey regarding the US 34
codlitiot'I didn't accuse- of telling the rest of the board about a meeting that
vl%srblic. staffed the US 34 coalition and I normally communicated with
a,r,r by text so it was unlikely I even talked to her about an agenda on the phone. I
have copies of the texts with her - for that time eriod; During the summer of
2016, Commissioner Cozad was upset that sent out an invitation to US34
coalition meeting that included community members who Cozad did not want to
attend the meeting, in particular, Dave Kisker. Cozad called- and
lamed and then Cozad came to a BOCC meeting and complained about
corn . I did call. and tell her that she was to continue to send the agenda to
anyone who asked for it since it was a public meeting. Did you actually speak
with
, Support Services Manager, states: "Commissioner Conway
came on as a Commissioner shortly after I started. He can be a bit of a control
freak and he can yell when he gets passionate about a project. I have not been
personally offended by his conduct. He can be accusatory with his language and
raise his voice. Last year in the summer we have Commissioner Coordinator
meetings and Commissioner Conway was present. He was very angry with how
a project was going. We have a saying here in the County that you need to have
3 before 5. Commissioner Conway can be secretive when he sets a eetings
and tries work. around the rest of the Board. He had previously s eeting
with the Mayor of Kersey regarding the US 34 coalition. The o oa d
members got wind of the meeting and decided to attend ,-Com saner Conway
was very upset with me and accused me of telling the her b4iatmembers about
the meeting. Commissioner Conway yelled at men, nd a—cus. l me of going
around him and asked me why I would do such a tht I wasn't personally
offended by Commissioner Conway yelling but hi ervisor was. Jay
physically stepped in between Commission& and me. Jay didn't say
anything but I think Commissioner Conw e point and stopped yelling. I
didn't tell the rest of the board about hi _ g. They may have seen it on his
calendar. I think they look at eachNs endars from time to time,
especially Commissioner Co Ida e Jse he can be so secretive."
Mr. McDonald says: "I vag, e1,y i p ll a circumstance where Commissioner
Conway set up a meetin � i'lle Mayor of Kersey regarding the US 34
coalition. I vague y= iec ►1 tether commissioners becoming aware of the
meetin and attend, ng. Il be ieve Commissioner Conway may have blamed •
for tl is. don't believe I was privy to their conversation."
Weld County
Sean Conway Investigation
Page 14 of 17
Comment:
Allegation 5:
Supporting
Information:
When this investigator initially asked about he stated that he did
not yell at her or accuse her of telling the board about his meeting. fie also
stated that he did not set-up any meeting. See Attachment 12. However, when
this investigator received Mr. Conway's re -typed statement Mr. Conway
included more information regarding this alleged incident and mentioned an
issue may have had with another Commissioner. (See above).
While Mr. Conway initially denied any wrong doing and denied yelling at.
, it is telling to this investigator that he changed his statement so
extensively and attempts to place blame with another Commissioner. This
causes this investigator to further doubt Mr. Conway's version of eve&ts and this
casts additional doubt as to his credibility.
On the contrary, presented as a credible
point out that she was not personally offended by Mr.
he did yell at her. She did not present a complaints rigi
into this investigation when her name circulated as
experienced similar behaviors with Mr. COnWa
as someone who has an ulterior motives and,
that occurred.
Therefore, this investigator finds
at in the sumrr}e? Qf
alleges that Mr.
Vito
onwa
as clear to
conduct but that
ut was brought
cone who had
did not present
ply recalling an incident
fy than not that Mr. Conway yelled
yelled at her around July or August of 2016.
lo►r‘er O£ rde Tech for the County Council, states: "Commissioner
Conway came t m}.:'offfce around July/August 2016. The day before he came
into my offichwas very emotional at our meeting regarding his niece, the
Clerk and 0 orde r. It had been suggested that she undergo and audit and he
was verb o‘inis opposition to this. When he came into my office he
accusec1 i of missing a meeting that I should have been at. I asked him who he
spr"kond if anyone on the Council was present. He said no one was there.
1O came around to the back of the desk and he was yelling at me and saying
Three people needed to he added to the agenda. I said that none of these
•)p
eople had talked to me about being added to the agenda. He is now leaning
over my shoulder and is behind me. I felt very scared. He was getting louder
and closer to me and I felt threatened. I stood up and yelled and told him to `Get
the fuck out of my office.' Commissioner Conway turned and left. As he was
leaving he was yelling, `I was just trying to help.' "
411.1. continues: "I went to Patti's office and told her what happened. She
helped me talk Bruce Barker and Don Warden to figure out the information that
needed to get to my council. I came in the next day even though I didn't want to,
to get a meeting started. Commissioner Freeman came over to me and
Weld County
Sean Conway Investigation
Page 15 of 17
apologized on behalf of the other Commissioners. Somehow the information got
back to my Council. As I was trying to get my agenda finalized with the Council
president, he said, 'I heard that Sean came by to talk to you.' I was shocked that
he would use the term 'talk.' The council kind of laughed off Sean's behavior.
It is very much like Sean but I have never felt that angry or scared before. I
submitted my resignation. I couldn't work in that environment any longer."
Bruce Barker, County Attorney states: "I spoke with on two
occasions in the summer of 2016. On the first occasion, she came into my office
and sat down in the chair across from my desk. She was either cryi r about to
start crying. We discussed some procedural questions regarding ,t _. rnty
Council. Ultimately she said something to the effect of that she ',as i ps t about
the things regarding the Council. The second time e e,she again
was very close to tears. [ think this was in August, 20 " . " tood in my
doorway and asked if I was going to be present at) e m .% . I said I was and I
asked if she was ok. She said she was leaving. I die.. of ask why she was
leaving. She said she had been told, 'there is do p till the County for you.'
During one of the conversations, she asked i - I` e what was going on.' I
said, '[ think I do.' I believed she was refl . Commissioner Conway and
his dealing with the County Council. I.1 d Commissioner going in and out
of the door by my office several tit e c je a day said this. I suspected
he was going across the foyer..td p each time he went through the
door by my office." ,
Refuting
Information: Mr. Conway state r"' e ier cursed at me and told me to get out of her
or had an thing more than a cursory conversation
with her as I pa, sc y, er office. would regularly send out emails telling
eo le that tiler were cookies or coffee and invite people to stop by....,
ii
nevA.ed at me and told me to 'get the fuck out of her office.' "
Comment:
office. I never ye f ed at
Afi evicusly mentioned, this investigator finds Mr. Conway's credibilit
I This is further underscored by Mr. Conway's denials that
coped at him, even though she admitted doing so. In Mr. Conwa s re -t ed
summary statement (Attachment 13), he asks this investigator if was
interviewed. Based on this statement, this investigator believes that Mr. Conway
is denying that cursed at him in an attempt to protect himself and also
believes that this information came from someone other than
does not appear to have any motive to admit cursing at an elected County
Commissioner except to emphasize how frightened she felt when Mr. Conway
was yelling at her. When this investigator spoke with she appeared
very fearful and was often times in tears when speaking. As such, this
investigator finds version of events more credible.
Weld County
Sean Conway Investigation
Page 16 of 17
Consequent( , this investigator finds it more likely than not that Mr. Conway
yelled at around July or August of 2016.
Other Issues
During the witness interview process, several issues arose that this investigator determined were
not within the scope of the allegations discussed above.
1. gave several examples of Mr. Conway challen in
insinuating that she could not complete her job functions. also gave eral
exam les of work sessions that were scheduled to discuss Mr. Conway's beha � ward
and Mr. Conway failing to attend these sessions.
2. Several individuals gave examples of Mr. Conway giving the staff irecti h. s t o task and
then becoming upset or yelling when the staff follows his direction. have even stated
they won't do anything that doesn't come in writing from Mr. way.
Conclusion
her integrity and
y ,t,
As stated above, it appears that Mr. Conway has engaged is t . conduct described by the
employees of Weld Count It seems that Mr. Con a lia felled at on several
occasions and on multiple occasio.s t als"eems that he has yelled as
and . It further appears( tt tsajehavior has been going on for several
years. Additionally, there appears to he a si i cantrift among the County Commissioners
leading to feelings of distrust and hostilitytika „c; mcatc to the staff of Weld County. Lastly,
there is a significant amount of fea.froiftl� participants that they will be retaliated against in
some way.
Summary of Findings
1. This investigator find$ It rrldre:Iikely than not that on November 23, 2016, Mr. Conway
yelled and cursed as
2. This investigatoT}rds it more likely than not that Mr. Conway yelled at and
blocked*th ex -from her desk on June 25, 2014.
3. This in,,es )gator finds it more likely than not that Mr. Conway yelled at several
times between May -November 2015.
4. This investigator finds it more likely than not that Mr. Conway yelled at in the
summer of 2015.
5. This investigator finds it more likely than not that Mr. Conway yelled at around
July or August of 2016.
Analysis
Weld County
Sean Conway Investigation
Page 17 of 17
Decision -makers for Weld County are responsible for assessing whether the facts of this matter
support the allegations presented here or otherwise establish unacceptable conduct. This
investigation report is intended to be the tool for making that analysis by identifying the relevant
allegations and addressing sources of supporting and refuting information. This investigator's
commentary is also shared, but it is important to understand that another person, such as a judge
or a juror, might reach different conclusions based on the same or additional information.
END REPORT
Respectfully submitted.
MOUNTAIN STATES EMPLOYERS COUNCIL, INC.
Michele Sturgell, J.D.
Workplace Investigator
MLS/
Attachments
O
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