On October 30, 2024 at 8 a.m., the Yuma County Board of Commissioners met in regular session. Chairman Mike Leerar, Commissioner Scott Weaver, Commissioner Adam Gates, and Administrator Brandi Ritchey were present throughout the day.
The Commissioners reviewed and signed accounts payable and discussed various meetings attended throughout the prior month.
County Clerk Beverly Wenger joined the Commissioners at 8:15 a.m. to present a resolution to close the County Clerkâs Office on November 5, 2024 due to the general election. The resolution was approved by unanimous vote.
Road & Bridge Supervisor Tom Andersen joined the meeting at 8:30 a.m. to provide department updates. Andersen presented a quote to repair the bridge one mile east of County Road LL.5. The cost to re-deck the bridge would be approximately $10,332.00. Andersen will put together a full bid for deck replacement so this project can be placed in the 2025 budget. Andersen would like to take two dump trucks and the 2002 GMC reg cab pickup to auction. Commissioners suggested that if Andersen thinks that the equipment is no longer needed and not used, to sell them at the auction. The group reviewed the current budget numbers and discussed minimizing expenses to make sure an amended budget is not needed. Anderson presented the road report which the group reviewed. Anderson presented an underground utility permit which was approved by unanimous vote.
The Board of County Commissioners convened as the Board of Social Services at 9:30 a.m. Human Services Director Kara Hoover, Bookkeeper Melanie Fisher, Child Welfare and Adult Protection Supervisor Hollie Hillman, Legal Tech Ana Moran and Administrative Assistant Lori Summers were present. Detailed minutes of the Board of Social Services are maintained separately by the Department of Human Services. The Board of County Commissioners reconvened at 10:30 a.m.
At 10:30 the Commissioners were joined by Yuma County Treasurer, Chrystal Hammond. Hammond gave many updates including Investments, Tax Collection, Tax Liens, Public Trustee report and office information. Hammond submitted her third quarter Public Trustee report which was approved by unanimous vote.
At 10:30 a.m. the Commissioners were joined by Yuma County Economic Development Executive Director, Darlene Carpio. Carpio provided an update on prospective grants, including efforts to secure funding for a grant navigator. The group reviewed the Yuma County incentive policy established in 2005. The group discussed necessary revisions to the policy. Ritchey presented a new resolution for approval reflecting these revisions which was approved by unanimous vote.
Senator Byron Pelton joined the commissioners at 11:30. Topics of discussion included recent legislative and agricultural updates, land use considerations, property tax legislation, and ongoing concerns regarding the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).
County Land Use Administrator, Jodi Brady was heard at 1 p.m. to review Land Use and GIS business and conduct Land Use Hearings. The commissioners opened a public hearing and heard several permit applications. Results of the hearing are available from the County Land Use Office.
At 2:50 p.m. the Commissioners were joined by Fairgrounds Manager Carmen Murray to get approval on the updated Fairgrounds use fee schedule. The fee schedule was approved by unanimous vote
At 3:00 p.m., Commissioner Gates moved to enter into executive session under C.R.S. Section 24-6-402(4)(e); for the purpose of determining positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiations, developing strategy for negotiations, and/or instructing negotiators. Commissioner Weaver seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Present for executive session were Chairman Leerar, Commissioner Weaver, Commissioner Gates and County Administrator Brandi Ritchey. Executive session ended at 3:12 p.m. No action was taken following executive session.
Administrator Brandi Ritchey reviewed calls, correspondence, and presented the following for discussion and action: The Commissioners reviewed and approved the minutes from the previous BOCC meetings; the monthly CDMVA report; several mental health transportation permits and an application for inmate insurance. The Commissioners discussed departmental updates including ETPR Administration and business undertaken by the 911 Authority Board. ETPR has an upcoming meeting on December 9th, 2024 in Limon. Finance Officer Sarah Carwin joined the Commissioners to discuss the Yuma County credit cards. Carwin has been working with the Yuma County Treasurer to set up an EZ Business account for credit card management. A motion to sign a resolution for a credit card management account passed by unanimous vote.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:16 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners will be on November 14, 2024.