HomeMy WebLinkAbout20174144.tiffOFFICE OF WELD COUNTY COUNCIL
1150 O Street
P O BOX 758
GREELEY, COLORADO 80632
EMAIL: countycouncil@weldgov.com
PHONE: 970-400-4780
WEBSITE: www.weldgov.com
WELD COUNTY COUNCIL
2017 — 3rd Quarter
REPORT TO THE PEOPLE
November 13, 2017
The Weld County Council is mandated in accordance with the Home Rule Charter of Weld County,
Colorado, to report to the people of Weld County on a quarterly basis, those matters related to the
council's review of Weld County government. This report summarizes the activities of the Weld County
Council during the first quarter of the calendar year 2017.
July 17, 2017
Review Program by Dr. William W Fleckenstein, Colorado School of Mines
Dr. William W. Fleckenstein, Former Interim Department Head, BP Adjunct Professor and PERFORM
Director, SPE Distinguished Lecturer, Colorado School of Mines — spoke about fracking.
He said the Wattenberg field in Weld County is one of the best oil and gas producing fields in the
world.
He stated though the United States has a small land mass, it has large shale plays. He talked about
drilling being more than 2,000 years old. Serious drilling began in the Wattenberg field in the 1970s. As
technology has improved, so have leakage and contamination issues.
Dr. Fleckenstein emphasized if wells are drilled properly and cemented correctly, the chance of leakage
is small. It's important to look at the way wells were drilled and completed 40 or 50 years ago compared
to today. Leaks and contamination today are less likely.
Discussion Regarding regarding audits of the Clerk and Recorder's Office
And County Commissioners
Regarding the audits of Commissioners and Clerk and Recorder's office: Determine method of release
to public; locations it will be made available; and information on how the public can comment on the
results once released.
Councilman Michael Grillos stated a draft would be presented to commissioners and the clerk's office on
Aug. 15. The audits would be made public at the Aug. 21 regular County Council meeting. The audit will
also be available on the county web site.
August 21, 2017
Statement with Regard to County Council
Councilman Brett Abernathy read a prepared statement reminding constituents of the 1976 Charter in
which it's stated the Council shall review all aspects of county government, including to appoint a
performance auditor.
Councilman Abernathy reminded constituents the Council is composed of volunteers who hae not been
2017-4144
nnmuni Ca+i onS
I a/13/
Weld County Council
2016 3rd Quarter Report to the People
Page 2 of 4
trained in political science. He said the only payment received by Council is helping to make Weld
County better for its citizens.
He said that despite the behavior, rumors and newspaper articles recently published, the audit is a
product for which the county can be proud. He reiterated the audit was requested, funded and
supported by the citizens of Weld County
Review Program by auditors Harvey M. Rose & Assoc.
Presentation of audits of the County Commissioners and Clerk and Recorder's Office
by audit firm Harvey M. Rose &Assoc.
Fred Brousseau and Nicolas Menard with the San Francisco based firm gave an
overview of the performance reviews for the Commissioners and the Clerk &
Recorder's Office.
Regarding the Board of County Commissioners, auditors reported in its
Performance Review Findings, the BOCC should:
1) Consider and ordinance that further defines the commissioner coordinator role
2) Direct the clerk to the board to record all BOCC work sessions with an audio device
3) Direct Human Resources to propose a schedule to review and update
succession plans on a regular basis.
4) Further study the whistle blower programs in place in Arapahoe and Douglas counties to
determine if Weld County would benefit from implementing a similar program.
Clerk and Recorder Performance Review - 3 different findings
1) The motor vehicle dept. is understaffed and lacks key managerial position found other
counties.
2) After conducting an employee survey, it's clear that staff feels understaffed.
3) Low morale exists.
Public Comment
Carly Koppes, Weld County Clerk and Recorder, thanked the Council for the audit results. She
said the audit proved her office is understaffed.
Dave Kisker, of Johnstown, reminded the public, government employees must hold the resepct
and confidence of the people.
Elisa Kunkel, a Weld County employee, thanked Ms. Koppes for taking ownership of the audit
results showing her office has low morale.
Dan Kunkel said Council "dropped the ball" regarding the audits.
Ellen Delorenzo said she appreciated the way the audit was handled.
Call for Resignations
An agenda item was added to call for resignations. The motion was made by Councilman Stille,
seconded by Councilman Jemiola and passed.
Councilman Stille said two council members created a negative perception to the public and he
asked that Councilman Abernathy and Councilman Grillos resign.
Councilman Grillos said he had done nothing wrong and declined to resign.
Councilman Abernathy said he took specific cautions to make sure the audit was conducted
professionally and he declined to resign.
Weld County Council
2016 3rd Quarter Report to the People
Page 3 of 4
September 18, 2017
Statement by Councilman Abernathy
As a reminder to some who might have forgotten the words of the 1976 charter, (council mandate from
charter).
The Weld County Council is a volunteer position that takes both a devotion of time and treasure from
the people you see before you. We have not been trained in the political science nor make our livings
from a government paycheck. Serving the people of Weld County is a labor of love for us, and the only
payment we receive is knowing that we are helping make a better place for the residents of weld
County to live. Each of us swore to the same oath as each of the other elected officials in this county,
but we must pay our own way in order to serve you.
I would like to thank the Board of County Commissioners, this Weld County Council and the citizens of
Weld County for helping make the first audit released a successful audit.
Despite the anger, inuendos, rumors, personal attacks, disagreements, yelling, and overall behavior
that would embarrass a teenager, none of these reactions were unexpected or surprising. The Weld
County Council has produced a product which the county can be proud of. This audit has produced the
result that I had truly hoped for. A result that points out several areas of improvement that can be
made by the BOCC, but primarily compliments the people who make Weld County work on a daily
basis. To quote councilman Stille, " an audit is a win win for everyone" I agree with that statement.
I invite the Board of County Commissioners to work with the Weld County Council, and set aside petty
differences that have arisen during this audit, in order to implement a plan of improvement for the areas
noted in the audit. The audit was requested, funded and supported by the citizens of Weld County and
I believe that it would be an insult to the citizens if nothing is done to improve the county based on
these suggestions.
With regards to the soon to be released audit of the Clerk and Recorder's office. I would like to thank
all of the contributing staff who helped make this audit complete for release this evening. I will reserve
any further comments regarding this audit until after we have all had the chance to review it in its
entirety.
Now it is my pleasure to introduce Dan Goncher and Fred Brouseau from Harvey M Rose and
Associates to present the Clerk and Recorder's audit to Weld County.
FOR THE RECORD:
The strictest confidentiality was required by the Weld County Council for this audit to prevent any
"leaks" or "influence". I would like to ask the following questions for the record. This will help clarify any
confusing information and comments that have been released prior to or after these audits.
Prior to last week's release of the BOCC audit, the draft review and return of the Clerk's audit
and this evening's release. Has anyone, including council members, citizens or media had any
access to any results, findings or information contained in the two audits?
• Has anyone contacted you providing any steering, direction or information in order to alter your
normal audit procedures?
• Has anyone from any board, council, or other person contacted you by phone or email
requesting information about what was in the audit?
Did the persons contacting you give a name or were they anonymous? Names?
Do you have those communications and messages available to send to me for review?
Do you believe that any information was provided, stolen or obtained prior to the release of the
two audits?
Thank you again for your professional performance and your continued focus on providing the best
possible completed product to the citizens of Weld County.
Weld County Council
2016 3rd Quarter Report to the People
Page 4 of 4
Public Comment
Dave Kisker, of Johnstown, stated November ballot questions 1A and 1B, to dissolve the Weld County
Council, will cost taxpayers $150,000 in unexpected expenditures. He said it's another example of the
incredibly arrogant attitude of the county commissioners. He asked the Council to propose a resolution
immediately stating its opposition to question 1A.
Gary Oplinger, of Johnstown, said he opposed the ballot questions and the extra cost of $150,000. He
said commissioners approved this expenditure without reservation.
Gerald Kilpatrick, of LaSalle, is part of a committee to save the County Council. He said he will do his
part to educate voters on the Council's purpose. He said thank you to the Council for its work and noted
it's a voluntary position. He said he was appalled at the commissioners' actions during a recent meeting
when audits were released.
Karen Grillos, of Hudson, said she started a project in March with Ellen Kisker looking into the Mountain
States report regarding improprieties by Commissioner Sean Conway. She said looking for consistency
in statements was the purpose of their research. She said the comments are subjective and the
investigation was rife with unprofessionalism.
Dr. Ellen Kisker, of Johnstown, said her career entails providing and evaluating evidence. She said the
Mountain States Report has inconsistencies and does not present good evidence.
WELD COUNTY COUNCIL
ncil Vice resident Michael Grillos (
Councilman Jordan Jemiola
Charles Tucker
Councilman Gene Stille
Date Signed November 13, 2017
Hello