WORK SESSIONS
Building inspector Matt Franks said there are still unfinished 2021 building projects on the table, but few new applications coming in. He cited supply chain issues and costs of materials as likely causes of the downturn.
Beth Willey has been appointed interim public health director. No applications for the position have been received since Alice Harvey’s departure. Additional state funding available will be used to fund a temporary position to help with administrative work as the state transitions from pandemic response mode to endemic response and the responsibilities of local public health agencies shift.
Dana Hvalac with DOLA presenting the findings of a feasibility study for the county considering the need for a county administrator. His report indicates the county needs an organizational overhaul in light of long-term goals, and that the current way staff and department heads report to the commissioners is “not a sustainable organizational structure.” Hiring an administrator — if the right person can be found for the job — could reduce communication obstacles and streamline processes for the county’s multiple departments.
Action items Hvalac said should occur whether the county goes forward with hiring an administrator or not include “deeper strategic planning” and “high level visioning” for where the county is headed in the future; organizational structure should be reviewed and defined; a review of the compensation plan needs to be looked at and that should be done in a public-facing process; a commitment to a vision and projects being funded based on vision, not just financial availability; and a clarification of roles and responsibilities between staff and elected officials.
Tom Prenzlo discussed the Meeker Airport waterline project and hangar construction. A lack of water supply for fire suppression has hindered the construction. Commissioner Ty Gates said other options are potentially available and encouraged Prenzlo to enter into discussions with Franks and with Meeker Fire Chief Luke Pelloni about hangar plans and requirements.
REGULAR MEETING
The board approved letters of support to Senators Hickenlooper for the Town of Oak Creek regarding the need for federal funding for Sheriff Reservoir and Dam rehabilitation. The reservoir is in Rio Blanco County, but supplies water for the Town of Oak Creek, and the dam is in danger of failing.
• Approved a letter of support for Pioneers Medical Center’s application for Congressionally Directed Spending to Senator Michael Bennet.
• Approved letters of support for the Town of Meeker granting permission to HopeWest to serve alcohol at the second annual Cornhole Tournament fundraiser.
• Approved letters of support to Sen. Hickenlooper and Bennet’s offices requesting potential funding to transition the jail to a law enforcement training center. Commissioner Ty Gates said they have moved away from seeking Office of Just Transition funding from the state of Colorado because the project did not meet changed criteria. Gates later said they have shifted their request to apply for funding for a grant specialist position.
• Approved multiple contracts for weed and pest control activities including hand spraying and aerial spraying totaling $293,812, and chip sealing on County Road 8 to United Companies for $776,425.
The board also approved resolutions to “reduce the appropriation to the Clerk and Recorder/Elections in the amount of $13,800 regarding annual maintenance expenses relating to the Dominion election machines.” (see additional article at https://www.theheraldtimes.com/bocc-bows-to-unproven-claims-about-dominion-system/rio-blanco-county/.)
The resolution will not impact the coming recall or special district elections in May, or the primary elections in June, as funding for licensing and maintenance of the Dominion machines is in effect through Oct. 1, 2022.
The board also approved the one-time exemption to spending from the CCITF fund (see additional information at https://www.theheraldtimes.com/citizens-urge-caution-with-ccitf/rio-blanco-county/).
Commissioners approved purchase of body-worn cameras and in-car video systems for the Sheriff’s Office. The cameras are funded by a JAG grant, and the in-car video systems are funded by a donation to the sheriff’s department.
In a second work session Tuesday afternoon the board reviewed projects that may be eligible for federal and state recovery funds. Some of the items discussed include a backup generator for the Fairfield Center complex, HVAC replacement for county buildings, and a raw water treatment project at Columbine Park, as well as technology infrastructure for GIS and mapping, among other projects.
By NIKI TURNER – editor@editorht1885.com
