HomeMy WebLinkAbout20170288.tiffMINUTES
WELD COUNTY COUNCIL
December 19, 2016
The Weld County Council met in regular session in full conformity with the Weld County Home
Rule Charter at 6:30 p.m., Monday, December 19, 2016, at the Weld County Administration
Building, 1150 O Street, Greeley, CO.
ROLL CALL:
The meeting was called to order by Council President Jordan Jemiola. Councilmen Brett
Abernathy, Don Mueller, Charles Tucker and Michael Grillos were present, constituting a quorum
of members. Also present were County Commissioners Steve Moreno and Barbara Kirkmeyer,
County Attorney Bruce Barker and Linda Kane, County Council Secretary.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Councilman Jemiola made a motion to approve the December 19 agenda. The motion was
seconded by Councilman Tucker and carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Councilman Abernathy made a motion to approve the November 21, 2016, minutes, seconded
by Councilman Tucker and carried.
REVIEW PROGRAM:
Weld County Commissioner Mike Freeman was unable to attend as scheduled. Commissioners
Barbara Kirkmeyer and Steve Moreno attended in his absence. They provided a summary of 2016
which focused on energy and infrastructure and Weld County road improvements.
Commissioner Kirkmeyer stated the county continues to remain debt -free and has no sales tax.
She stated that a conference held in Jackson Hole, WY, was beneficial and all expenditures were
within policies and procedures set out for commissioners. She stated an Emergency Management
training held in Breckenridge, which had also been questioned by the public and County Council,
was beneficial and within approved budget parameters.
Councilman Abernathy questioned whether the Breckenridge training could have been held in
Weld County, maintaining revenue for local businesses. Commissioner Moreno said it was
beneficial to have the training in Breckenridge so county employees could get outside the comfort
of home -facilities and not be interrupted.
Councilman Mueller stated it was beneficial to have the training off -site.
Councilman Jemiola questioned whether the county solicited businesses to sponsor the
training event. Commissioner Kirkmeyer responded that entities had requested to help sponsor
the training and that money was given to United Way, a partner to the county in emergency
situations.
Councilman Tucker questioned how the cheapest hotels were selected. Commissioner
Kirkmeyer responded they sought the least expensive hotels that could house all the employees
in attendance.
�o(nnme) r' ; co. -+h ors S
O t l 30/ l '�
2017-0288
Kirkmeyer said the commissioners maintain a conservative budget and expect volatility in the
oil and gas industry.
• Kirkmeyer said the county committed $2 million to north 1-25 expansion with the addition of
grant money.
El She said the county developed oil and gas rules regarding property rights, land -use and
operations.
�--- Councilman Grillos questioned how the public is made aware of oil and gas regulations.
Commissioner Kirkmeyer said public forums are held often and the public can attend
commissioner meetings.
Commissioner Kirkmeyer stated about 1,300 students are using the Bright Futures Program
which provides up to a $3,000 grant for post -secondary training.
• Councilman Jemiola verified the commissioners planned to budget funding for the upcoming
audits of the Clerk and Recorder's Office and the Board of County Commissioners. Kirkmeyer
replied that funding was approved at the December 14, 2016, public meeting.
• Councilman Jemiola asked how funds are allocated for different equipment and supplies.
Commissioner Kirkmeyer responded the budget process begins in February or March and goals
and/or financial policies are set.
Councilman Jemiola asked how the Sunset process works. Commissioner Kirkmeyer said
commissioners review every position when someone is retiring or resigning.
Commissioner Kirkmeyer said County Clerk and Recorder Carly Koppes has not made any
requests for additional employees through the budget process. Mid -year Koppes requested
additional employees and was given 1.5 additional employees.
• Councilman Jemiola questioned a proposed charter review committee. Commissioner
Kirkmeyer said any proposed changes to the county charter would have to be put on a ballot for
a public vote.
Councilman Jemiola questioned mileage reimbursement for commissioners to and from home to
work. Commissioner Kirkmeyer suggested Councilman Jemiola speak with County Finance
Director Don Warden and County Attorney Bruce Barker.
El Councilman Jemiola stated there was concern from citizens regarding ex parte
communications regarding a meeting with Excel Energy. Commissioner Kirkmeyer stated no ex
parte communications occurred.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
• County employee Elisa Kunkel requested Councilman Jemiola recuse himself from the
upcoming audit process. Councilman Jordan stated her accusations of bias were
unsubstantiated.
Councilman Grillos stated he provided audit parameters to the council regarding input from
employees regarding the audits and asked the public allow the audit process to work itself out.
Community member David Kisker asked that the commissioners' ethics code be reviewed in the
upcoming audit.
Community member Ellen DeLorenzo stated she applauds the council moving forward with
the audit.
OLD BUSINESS:
Councilman Jemiola made a motion to submit bids for RFP's for audits of the Clerk and
Recorder's Office and the Board of County Commissioners with parameters by Councilman
Grillos included and published in the Greeley Tribune, Tributary and Denver Post by December
30, 2016, with a return date of RFPs by January 31, 2017, with bidders able to ask questions at
the January 16, 2017, council meeting, seconded by Grillos and carried unanimously with a roll
call vote.
Councilman Abernathy made an amendment to the motion, that the selection of an auditor(s) be
determined by a majority vote of the Council and not necessarily the lowest bid. This was
seconded by Councilman Grillos and carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
Coordinator Reports
There were no coordinator reports.
Setting Meeting Times and Dates for 2017
Councilman Abernathy made a motion to set the meeting times for 2017 as follows; January 16,
February 13, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21, September 18, October
16, November 13 and December 18. All meetings will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Weld County
Administration Building, 1150 O Street, Greeley, CO. The motion was seconded by Councilman
Tucker and carried.
Payment of Bills
Councilman Tucker made a motion to pay the Weld County Phone Bill for November, 2016, in the
amount of $20.36. The motion was seconded by Councilman Abernathy and carried.
Councilman Grillos thanked Councilman Mueller for his service as his term on the council
expires December, 31, 2016.
ADJOURNMENT:
By acclamation, the meeting was adjourned at 8:27 p.m.
December 19, 2016 C cil President
Council Secretary, Linda Kane
ATTENDANCE
N
T
�
M 474
/\‘'..\'''''--
�
\
M
�
_
of
1
CITY I
)
1
i
C
ADDRESS
.?(
‘Lkr,)
ei
'D
re
"---,r)
q2
c -k
s
hA
Lt-
a
,::71D.'''
____!_._
.r.:'-!)-
,_
N
EMAIL
v
4
t
n
,
v
a
NAME - PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY
1
i.--
- -
.
"�
y
a
C
C
(3 --:*-R
ry
,
*3
Hello