MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
LAND USE HEARING
There were no meetings held on March 30, 2020.
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS MEETING
The Board of County Commissioners met at 9:00 a.m. with Linda Hoffmann, County Manager. Chair Johnson presided. Commissioner Donnelly and Commissioner Kefalas were present. Also present were: Brenda Gimeson and Alisha Jeffers, Commissioners’ Office; and Elizabeth Carter, Deputy Clerk.
Chair Johnson opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. PUBLIC COMMENT: The following members of the public submitted emailed statements for public comment: Lynn Thompson and Karyn Coppinger. Ms. Thompson addressed the Board as a member of the Fort Collins Homeless Coalition (FCHC) in support of focusing more effort on finding housing for all citizens as quickly as possible especially during the current emergency. Ms. Coppinger addressed the Board regarding Save Rural NoCo, a group representing private landowners residing primarily in Larimer County, regarding their concern about the environmental impacts of the proposed Integrated Water Supply Project. The group is specifically concerned about the Glade Reservoir.
2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 23, 2020
M O T I O N
Commissioner Kefalas moved that the Board of County Commissioners approve the minutes for the week of March 23, 2020.
Motion carried 3-0.
3. REVIEW OF THE SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 6, 2020: Ms. Gimeson reviewed the schedule for the upcoming week with the Board.
4. CONSENT AGENDA:
ABATEMENTS: Recommended Approval-WWW Properties LLC: R1668752/85162-07-002(2019)
03312020A001 DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR THE SUNBROOK SUBDIVISION #19-LAND3897 BY AND BETWEEN LARIMER COUNTY, DOUG MCCORD AND ANNE MCCORD
03312020A002 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (EARLY WARNING RAIN & STREAM GAGE SYSTEM) BY AND BETWEEN LARIMER COUNTY AND WATER & EARTH TECHNOLOGIES
03312020A003: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (P20-04) BY AND BETWEEN LARIMER COUNTY AND DELEHOY CONSTRUCTION INC.
03312020A004: CLIENT VISION CARE POLICY (P19-22) BY AND BETWEEN LARIMER COUNTY AND VISION SERVICE PLAN INSURANCE COMPANY (VSP)
03312020R001: GRANT RESOLUTION FOR GOCO'S SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY OPEN SPACE GRANT FOR THE LARAMIE FOOTHILLS MOUNTAINS TO PLAINS 2020 EXPANSION PROJECT
LIQUOR LICENSE : Masonville Mercantile–Fermented Malt Beverage On/Off Premises–Masonville; Senor Rafael at the Mexican Inn– Hotel and Restaurant– Loveland; Villa Tatra-Hotel and Restaurant–Lyons.
M O T I O N
Commissioner Donnelly moved that the Board of County Commissioners approve the Consent Agenda for March 31, 2020.
Motion carried 3-0
5. COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS’ GUESTS: The Commissioners did not have any guests.
6. PROCLAMATION DECLAIRING APRIL 2020 CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH IN LARIMER COUNTY: Angela Meade, Child & Family Services Manager. Ms. Meade informed the Board that each year during the month of April, the United States recognizes the importance of Child Abuse Prevention. She noted that the request before the Board is to proclaim the importance of prevention and designate the month of April 2020 as Child Abuse Prevention month in Larimer County. Ms. Meade reported that while many of the events celebrating children and families had to be canceled, the County does hope to reschedule the events down the road.
There was a discussion between the Board and Ms. Meade regarding ongoing efforts to serve families and children in the County. Ms. Meade reported that Child & Family Services Offices are utilizing virtual options for family meetings and that there has even been an uptick in family participation with the virtual meeting option. Additionally, caseworkers who do have to go into the home are practicing social distancing and other protocols to protect the family’s safety, as well as their own. The Board thanked Ms. Meade and the staff for the work they do and their continued dedication to the families of Larimer County.
Commissioner Kefalas read the following proclamation:
WHEREAS, Child Abuse Prevention Month provides an opportunity to pledge our commitment to preventing and responding appropriately to child abuse and neglect;
WHEREAS, we recognize that child abuse and neglect occur when people find themselves in
stressful situations, without community resources, and don’t know how to cope;
WHEREAS, we know that child abuse and neglect can not only directly harm children, but also increase the likelihood of physical and mental health problems lasting into their adult years;
WHEREAS, we all have a responsibility, as individuals, families, neighbors, community members and citizens of Larimer County to help create healthy, safe and nurturing experiences for children;
WHEREAS, safe and healthy childhoods help develop into confident and successful adults;
WHEREAS, a strong family unit is the best preventive measure for child abuse and neglect and can be achieved when extended family, community members and other supports partner with parents to ensure the safety and well-being of children;
WHEREAS, child safety and well-being can be increased by making sure every family has the
support and resources, they need;
WHEREAS, prevention efforts succeed when partnerships are created among human services,
community agencies, schools, faith communities, civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the business community;
WHEREAS, we want to inspire our community to play a role in providing the best possible
environment for every child to flourish and thrive;
WHEREAS, it is recognized that no one person can do everything, but that everyone can do
something and together we can positively impact the lives of children;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Board of Commissioners of the County of Larimer do hereby proclaim April 2020 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Larimer County, and we urge all citizens to engage in activities that strengthen families and communities to provide the optimal environment for children to learn, grow and thrive.
Dated this 31st day of March 2020.
M O T I O N
Commissioner Kefalas moved that the Board of County Commissioners proclaim April 2020 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Larimer County
Motion carried 3-0
7. RANCH TAX AUDIT RESULTS: Chris Ashby, The Ranch. Mr. Ashby reported to the Board that per the standard County practice, the Ranch had an audit performed of the dedicated tax
measure as it had expired for the entire period of the first dedicated tax. The audit was completed by the firm of Rubin Brown. Mr. Ashby stated that these audits are completed to ensure the voters' intent was followed and the funds were properly collected and used. He was pleased to report to the Board that the auditors found no exceptions and that the tax funding had been used appropriately.
There was a discussion between the Board and Mr. Ashby regarding the County fair and the possibility of it being canceled. Mr. Ashby reported that his team was continuing to prepare for the fair and plan to move ahead as planned. He noted that a decision as whether the fair will be held will likely be made in June or early July. There was further discussion about fairs that had to cancel either at the last moment or one or two days into the event and the financial toll that caused.
The Board thanked Mr. Ashby for the updated and commended his team on the diligent effort to ensure that the taxpayer monies were used appropriately over a multitude of years. Mr. Ashby also extended his thanks to the Larimer County finance team for their help.
8. COVID-19 UPDATES AND DECISIONS: Linda Hoffmann, County Manager. Ms. Hoffmann introduced Bridget Paris, Human Resources Director, to update the Board on suggested alterations to the County’s Leave Policy based on passage of the Family First Act. Ms. Paris reported to the Board that she is requesting the Board rescind certain provisions of the expanded allowable uses of sick leave approved on March 17, 2020. Specifically, the provision allowing an employee to go into a negative balance for sick leave and the allowance of a team member to donate sick leave are provisions Human Resources are requesting to be rescinded. Additionally, Ms. Paris noted the Department is requesting the Board to modify provisions of the sick leave policy allowing an employee to us the time to care for family members.
There was a discussion between the Board and Ms. Paris that the changes being requested are because the Family First Act, which goes into effect on April 1, 2020, includes these protections and provisions. Ms. Paris noted that was correct and that the County had acted before the new Federal provisions had been enacted.
M O T I O N
Commissioner Kefalas moved that the Board of County Commissioners adopt the resolution waiving County Benefit Policy in order to expand the allowable use of sick leave by Larimer County employees during the Covid-19 emergency and rescinding certain sections of the Resolution approved on March 17, 2020, to coincide with the Family First Coronavirus Response Act April 1, 2020, effective date.
Motion carried 3-0
9. COUNTY MANAGER WORKSESSION: Ms. Hoffmann updated the Board on upcoming projects and activities.
10. COMMISSIONER ACTIVITY REPORTS: The Board detailed their attendance at events during the previous week.
11 . EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Board went into Executive Session for a legal update and discussion of potential settlement negotiations regarding Case 2019CV30775, BCC v. Waggoner relating to the Forks Park area pursuant to C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(b) and C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(e).
M O T I O N
Commissioner Kefalas moved that the Board of County Commissioners enter Executive Session for a legal update and discussion of potential settlement negotiations regarding Case 2019CV30775, BCC v. Waggoner relating to the Forks Park area pursuant to C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(B), which states conference with an attorney for the purpose of receiving legal advice on specific legal questions and C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(e), determining positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiations; developing strategy for negotiations; and instructing negotiators.
Motion carried 3-0
With there being no further business, the Board adjourned at 9:55 a.m.
____________________________________
STEVE JOHNSON
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ANGELA MYERS
CLERK AND RECORDER
ATTEST:
__________________________________________
Elizabeth Carter, Deputy Clerk
