Board of County Commissioners
| Minutes of Meeting |
| 01/31/2003 |
(1) 31 January 2003 030131 In attendance: Les Hampton, Chair; Marianna Raftopoulos, Vice Chair; Darryl Steele, Member; Cynthia Shanahan, Deputy Clerk. Pledge/Moment of Silence General The amount of $50,571.74 was placed in various funds to pay warrants for the month of December 2002. The amount of $774,885.98 was placed in various funds to pay warrants for the month of January 2003. Shiloh Homes Sheriff Buddy Grinstead, Saed Tayyara, Charlie Watkins, Josh Nichols (Press), Charlotte Craft, Mr. and Mrs. Dean Gent, Steve Durbin present. Anthony Noble reporting. Noble stated they are hoping to get input from the public on increasing the number of counties they can accept clients from. Noble explained funding is decreasing from the state. This is effecting all group homes. Other counties have inquired what they need to do to bring referrals to Shiloh Homes here in Craig. Noble stated most of these clients would be from the western slope. He would also like to bring in clients from Weld County. Noble stated if there was a problem with a child, they would be removed. Safety to the community is very important. They take a very "victim's centered approach". They provide information back to the victim's therapist as well. Noble stated violent offenders will not be accepted under any circumstances. Noble stated there have been many referrals that are not appropriate and have not been accepted. This is not a detention center. They screen very tightly. Comments from the advisory board, were what screening is done? If a child is accepted, what do they do? Noble stated each is a case by case. Noble stated besides the initial offense we find out much more about the individual. There is continual assessing. They do not want to put anyone at risk. Noble stated he asks the advisory board what they hear in the community as well. Grinstead stated Shiloh Homes has such a tight screening process they don't have enough kids to make the program keep going. They are running out of money. "They run a great operation out there. If we lose Shiloh Homes the local kids will have to go somewhere else." Hampton stated there are troubled youth in the community. If it's determined they should go into a facility, they can go to Shiloh Homes and not out of the county. Noble stated a public input meeting has been scheduled at Shadow Mountain, Monday, February 3rd. The Advisory Board will be present to answer questions. Craft asked "has Shiloh Homes had any impact on the local Social Services? Have families moved into the community to be close to the client?" Noble stated no, this has not happened. Tayyara stated he supports Shiloh Homes. Meeting moved to Conference Room In attendance: Bob Grubb, Charlotte Craft, Charlie Watkins, Paul Bishop, Audrey and Dean Gent, Saed Tayyara, Steve Durbin, Dawn Nottingham, Ann Franklin, Jeff Comstock, Undersheriff Jer Hoberg, Nate Balstad, Bernie Rose and John Balliette present. Hampton reviewed the items for discussion for this segment of today's meeting. Raftopoulos explained the public noticing of today's agenda. She stated the office will try to make the agendas more specific whenever possible. Raftopoulos stated she couldn't consider or second the motions Steele made, from the January 14th meeting as presented. She explained they were not placed on the public agenda. There was no 24 hour notice on these items. Steele stated he did place this item on the agenda as "reorganization of Moffat County's government". He explained he did not put down each item specifically but, it was on the agenda 24 hours before the meeting. He agreed the agendas will be more specific, he gave Routt County's agenda as an example. Grinstead asked if the items from today will be voted on or will there be additional meetings to discuss these? Hampton explained today they plan to discuss the EMS position, Natural Resources assistant position, paralegal position, accounting, and communication between BOCC. Hampton asked that everyone wait on questions until after the BOCC finishes with their presentation. Hampton stated to the audience that he would like to begin by sharing how he makes decisions. He explained he uses frequency distribution and makes comparisons. He gave an example of comparing Moffat County to other counties. He presented information he received from the Department of Local Affairs on various counties. He does a lot of data analysis and has compiled several sheets of information. Hampton presented a comparison between counties on such things as property taxes, retail sales, population, square miles, per capita-income, personal income, number of county employees, assessed value, etc. Hampton stated that he did a comparative analysis on "like positions" between the city and county. He stated the city has 70 employees and the county has 250. Hampton stated he compared whether the county pays equal wages to the positions. He then reviewed a full time equivalent spreadsheet. Raftopoulos stated the mission of the Moffat County Commissioners is the health and safety of the citizens of Moffat County. She stated this is a main statutory issue. A decision was made a few weeks ago to hire a person in the western district in Maybell. Hampton stated he called an individual on the EMS Council and Clyde Anderson, with Emergency Management, a month ago and asked what the EMT resources in the county are? It two weeks to get the answer. Hampton stated as of January 15th this was the information he received: Tri State 8 City PD 2 in training MCSO 3 TMH 19 Colowyo 12 Fire Department ? Maybell 9 Dinosaur 4 Dinosaur Monument 2 Hampton stated we need to know our resources. Hampton then referred to a line drawn on a county map between Maybell and Craig. He stated there is a huge imbalance of EMT's on the east side of the line. He stated the geography is 2-1 west of that line. Hoberg asked about the difference in population? Hampton replied, substantial. Raftopoulos stated there is about 9,000 in the City of Craig and 4,000 in this rural area. Hampton stated one criticism of hiring this person was providing infrastructure. He stated he went out and look at the Maybell garage building. There are three sections in the building; office space, storage and parking. Hampton then reviewed the proposed duties of the position: Schedule EMS coverage Develop a first responder course Evaluate a method for first responder training Evaluate the Dinosaur certified transport situation Report monthly to BOCC Attend all EMS Council and RETAC meeting Develop an EMT communication network to update EMT's and EMS Council Develop a billing method for Maybell ambulance calls Evaluate the status of recertification training for Western District EMT's Request Western District EMS Provider to train and be certified as an EMT-I Identify possible barriers for the two-way response across Rio Blanco and Moffat County and Utah and Colorado State lines. Possibility of an agreement between Rock Springs and Maybell Ambulance Service. Work with Moffat County Sheriff's Department to develop first responder course for patrolling deputies, road and bridge personnel in the western district and pest management. Raftopoulos explained in the past the county gave $10,000 to the Rangely Hospital to help Dinosaur. The county will no longer be giving this and that is a $10,000 savings. Currently the hospital bills for the Maybell ambulance runs. They may be able to generate more by billing for their own runs. They are not looking at someone to control the EMS Council. Raftopoulos stated they don't want this to be divided between east and west. This position is titled Western District EMS Provider. We want the best emergency response for Moffat County. Raftopoulos stated a few years back the county was told a HazMat Team was needed. We had the CSP HazMat team. The Fire Department then came and state they needed a HazMat team. She stated the BOCC believed in this project. Raftopoulos believes this position will also generate revenue. Steele stated he agrees we are trying to make the best EMS coverage for Moffat County. He agrees this needs to be looked at. We are at odds with how we should do that, money wise, and personnel wise. Steele stated he believes this decision is being made before they have all of the facts. He stated the meeting the commissioners had in Maybell with the EMT's, there were only 4 EMT's invited there. Hampton stated he thinks there were 9. Steele stated his son and daughter-in-law are EMT's for the ambulance service, but weren't invited to the meeting. Nancy O'Conor and Tracy Behrman weren't invited. Raftopoulos stated Nancy and Dave O'Conor were there. Steele stated this is one of the reasons he wants this better coordinated. He doesn't want he said, she said. He wants all of the players in the room at the same time and then they can stand up and make their presentation and say, yes, we need this, or don't need this. Steele stated, lets get the EMS Council, the Sheriff in here, the Maybell Ambulance service in here. I want this to be a meeting of the Maybell community because that's where this ambulance service started. That is who it services and I want the whole community to have input into this. Steele referred to a previous contract between the Maybell Ambulance Service and the county. That agreement says the Maybell Ambulance Service will have the responsibility for it's own administration, the county will furnish the money to run that ambulance, i.e. insurance, etc. The community will provide qualified, trained staffing. Raftopoulos requested a copy of this agreement. Steele stated if we put a paid person down there, it puts the service in default of that contract. He explained the community of Maybell needs to be aware as we go along. Steele asked to put options "out on the table": 1 - Do what we are currently doing, hiring Karen Burley as a full time employee. That option will cost about $46,000 with wages, benefits, travel, etc. 2 - Leave as it is. 3 - Work with the Sheriff's Department deputies and qualified EMT's to cover when Maybell EMT's can't cover. 4 - Put the Maybell ambulance under the supervision of the Memorial Hospital and give them the $46,000, plus the amount budgeted for the Maybell Ambulance Service, approximately $10,000. They would provide the coverage 52 weeks a year, using Maybell and Craig EMT's, which would both be paid. 5 - Steele believes this is the best option. Staff the Maybell ambulance with off duty EMT's from Craig, only during the time that Maybell can't cover. He stated this could be staffed with full coverage for about $25,000. Pay the Maybell EMT's an hourly rate as well. This should be about $6,000 based on the average number of runs in the past. Pay Burley by an hourly rate for her work, i.e. helping Dinosaur. This would save about $12,000 a year over hiring Burley full time, and everyone would be paid for their time. He again explained he is afraid the volunteerism would suffer if Burley is paid and not the other volunteers. Steele would like the Maybell community, Maybell EMT's and Dinosaur involved in a meeting to discuss these options with the BOCC. Steele asked the fulltime position in Maybell not be filled until there is further discussion with everyone. Bishop asked about the $10,000 that was previously being sent to the Rangely hospital? Raftopoulos explained this was not given to Rangely last year as they did not come back with any requested information on runs, etc. Steele stated most people prefer to go to Vernal as care in Rangely is usually sent on to Grand Junction if it is serious. Shelley Summerset (KRAI), Sandy Orgoglioso, Eric Johnson and Elaine Sullivan (County Clerk) present. Raftopoulos stated the county didn't pay Rangely anything last year. Hampton stated some of these things may take a couple of years to put things together. Nottingham asked if the Craig EMT's would get paid while in Maybell? The BOCC explained yes they would. Nottingham stated the EMT's work during the day, the problem is at night. Watkins stated when you live in a rural area you do give some things up. He stated it's a lot of money to spend to pay an EMT Coordinator to sit in Maybell and hope the phone rings so they have something to do. He agrees with Steele the Maybell community needs to give their input as a whole. Grinstead stated he is glad to see the input from today's discussion. He agrees there needs to be more meetings with everyone involved. He stated there can be two people on an ambulance run, but there should be three. He stated his deputies have no problem driving the ambulance when necessary. Steele stated it is best to have three. Grinstead stated there are no problems with the state line barriers. The county has a good working relationship with these other ambulance services. Grinstead stated his people are trained as 1st responders. Grinstead stated he believes most of the duties Hampton listed for this position could be done by the EMS Council. Orgoglioso suggested Burley be at these meetings to give input. Grinstead stated the county needs to get the "biggest bang for the buck". He stated an EMT doesn't get paid $35,000 a year. Raftopoulos asked, can we agree this is going to cost money? Grinstead agreed. He stated he can't take an hour to explained how the EMS system works. Raftopoulos stated they are looking at getting money in so it will pay for itself. Grinstead stated they are not against this service, they just think there are better options. Orgoglioso stated she read in the paper the community gave you the idea and asked for this position. Hampton stated they met with 9 EMT's. This was not a community meeting. Steele stated not all of the EMT's were present. Craft asked about Steele's figures paying the Craig EMT's? She stated she figured this at $10 an hour with three shifts and comes out to over $62,000. Steele stated the problem is during the 40 hour work week. Raftopoulos agreed they need to put the dollars to this. We agree this will cost money. Hampton stated the way he figures this the cost would be over $40,000. Steele stated he thinks if this is staffed with one EMT from Craig, thinks this can be done. Gent reminded everyone this all came about because of the gentleman in Dinosaur who died. General discussion was held on this option. Raftopoulos stated the decision they made was based on the health and safety of all of the citizens of Moffat County. She reminded everyone a run from Craig could be 100 miles in some cases. Steele stated with his proposal the Craig EMT's would already be in Maybell. Raftopoulos stated Burley is willing to take care of this area. She stated she has 19 years of experience. She reminded everyone they keep talking about spending money, it's just how to spend this money. The numbers are between $40,000 and $80,000. Hampton stated this job position in Maybell has already been offered and accepted. Steele so moved the county hold off on hiring a full time EMT Coordinator position and put this back on the table and "get all of the options and all of the people together and relook at this thing." Steele stated one of the reasons is because the Western District EMS provider sheet that "comes up with her job description, I just saw today". Raftopoulos seconded for purposes of discussion. She stated that is fair enough. She stated she gave her speech earlier and everyone of those options discussed will cost the county money. It's going to be from $40,000 to $80,000. She stated I believe the decision made on January 10th was made with proper public input and discussion with the Maybell group and EMS Council. We have had proper public meetings. We believe Karen (Burley) can handle that job. She stated she has a passion for the job and has volunteered for 19 years. She will pull the community together. She stated "our duty is the health and safety for Moffat County." Hampton stated the proposals shown have spending that is unknown. He stated the job offer has been accepted and he will not take this back. Steele stated on option #5, if we paid Burley for her time to go to Dinosaur to help them set that up, we could pay her to go to meetings. We would still be under $40,000. He thinks this is the most fiscally responsible option. Raftopoulos called for the question. Hampton called for the vote by district: #1 Hampton No #2 Raftopoulos No #3 Steele Yes Motion fails. Second item of discussion is the Natural Resources Position. Comstock requested that Ann Franklin be in attendance. Steele reviewed his proposal in eliminating the Natural Resources assistant position. Steele stated he had proposed taking accounting out from under the Administration director. He stated "yesterday our bottom line dollars in Moffat County were $2.4 million less than on the same day a year ago." He stated $800,000 went to pay on the CR 57 project. He stated "I think the balance of that money had to go out in supplemental budgets." He stated we need to be more fiscally responsible. He stated this is why he is targeting some positions, to downsize government. He stated it isn't that it wouldn't be nice to have these services, it's can we afford to do that? We have to be able to afford what we do. Raftopoulos stated there was also the $710,000 for the Museum and Health Insurance. Supplementals came from contingency funds. Steele again asked about the $2.4 million? Raftopoulos again stated this was from CR 57 and the $710,000 for the budget. We agreed this would be lower. We have done major projects with no tax increases and we don't intend to increase taxes. She doesn't believe in building up reserves if they aren't going to be used for projects. Otherwise, the money should go back to the taxpayers. Hampton stated the importance of the Natural Resource Department can't be over estimated. We are living in changing times. He stated in 1976 there were 300 environmental organizations in the United States, today there are over 8,000 registered in the United States. They produce annually over $3.5 billion in revenue that they use to support their programs. Hampton asked for a show of hands from the audience on how many people are not aware that the environmental organizations are focused on Moffat County? We all are in agreement. There is a threat. He stated the first line of defense is our staff of two. They are your only line of defense. Hampton asked Comstock how many conversations he has held with policy makers and people who work for the Department of Interior in Washington, D.C.? Comstock stated in the last 30 days he estimated one or more a day. Hampton stated these people are concerned. Raftopoulos asked how many people are against wilderness in the county? Steele asked that the conversation go back to what his proposal is? The proposal is not to eliminate the department. Nottingham stated the proposal is to downsize. She stated this is one place we don't want to cut. She stated we are a small part of the county, but we are right in the middle of Dinosaur National Monument. We are the largest "in-holder there". We are going through a change in grazing plans. If it hadn't been for Ann Franklin's work they wouldn't have met the deadline to get comments in. She stated someone else can be cut. Gent agreed with Nottingham. He stated there are areas in the county that he is not satisfied with that the money has gone out on over the last 25 years. He stated right now, as a member of the Land Board, if we hadn't had Ann Franklin and Jeff Comstock there to look after this, we would be a lot farther down the road than we are. They made a lot of contacts and have helped Moffat County. If you are going to downsize, I want a public process on that. I want to talk about your opposition, talk to them about what they will do about the good old boy hiring that's been going on in this county for a hell of a long time. Watkins asked, is there a way to find funds somewhere in the budget? He stated he knows the county is paying Greystone $210,000 to do the fire plan. He knows the Sheriff is responsible for fire. He asked if some of this money could come in from this? He stated maybe this could be downsized. Hampton stated we set the budget for Natural Resources, in 2003, ......something is going to happen in this county. It's going to be because of the result of this effort. We budgeted to support that effort. I'm not going to go into detail on what is coming down the line but we suspect that we are going to get a decision. We need to be able to support that decision, that's why we budgeted they way we did. I'm more than willing to set down with the Department of Natural Resources and we three commissioners and do some responsible analysis of that budget and to reduce some funding, but what I would like to do, what I would propose, is that we take whatever we take out of that account and put it in a special account, so that if necessary, we have the assets available to fulfill the role that that department has played in the year 2003. Charlie I'm going to tell you, that if what we think is going to happen, is going to happen, you are going to love us for it. Raftopoulos asked if Comstock could respond to the comment on Greystone? Hampton asked that he also respond regarding the Sheriff's involvement in the fire plan? Comstock stated there are three phases to the fire plan. The first phase cost $22,000 to get this done. Phase II the cost was $75,000. Phase III the cost is $220,000. He stated this came from grants, which he reviewed. Comstock stated the Sheriff doesn't like being in charge of the fires. This is now part of Ann's job and paid for partially with a grant. He stated the bottom line is large in his budget. He stated the BOCC told him they want the department to handle the fire plan and the economic survey and this included legal fees. He stated this doesn't mean he can spend more, there are just more projects. Raftopoulos stated she is on the Wildlife Commission and has had a lot of critics. When she goes off of the commission things will escalate in the county. She stated Russell George told her she was one of the most outstanding representatives on the Wildlife Commission. He informed her, you kept all the environmentalists down. You have been a fierce fighter for Northwest Colorado. He said the minute you get off of that commission it's going to blow. I've had very little support from Northwest Colorado. She stated I'll tell you why. She stated she had environmentalists pound her when she asked for nonessential experimental. They asked why? Raftopoulos stated I wanted nonessential experimental for the protection of our ranchers, and for all of us, if you are going to reintroduce the lynx. She asked Franklin to develop a description of nonessential experimental. She gave me on one of the most outstanding descriptions that I have ever seen in my entire life. I sent that to those environmentalists and it blew them away. It stopped them dead in their tracts. I sent it to the Secretary of the Interior's office and they were stopped dead cold and said this is outstanding, we will use this. Do you have any idea how critical that is? Raftopoulos stated this makes Moffat County important and it helps Moffat County. When she turned in the Dinosaur livestock grazing plan, point by point, section by section; I have never seen a more description, more intelligent.....they are still trying to analyze it. They can't understand it. We need people with Master's Degrees here in Moffat County to handle these deals. That's not a bureaucracy, that's education and intelligence, that's what we need. Raftopoulos stated I'll support you 100%. I'm willing to cut other areas to save your job. Franklin stated she doesn't want to sacrifice the county for her position. She stated I think I can make more money than I will ever cost the county. Hampton stated this department had 9 days over the 4th of July holiday to complete the response on the Dinosaur livestock grazing plan. He stated they cannot handle the comments and objections by Ann Franklin. Raftopoulos stated Comstock has had an assistant for quite some time. The previous assistant was paid $32,000. Comstock came to us and said we need someone with a higher education, with a masters degree. She stated she is budgeted in the 2003 budget for $32,500. Gent stated this is cheap help. Hampton agreed. Rose stated it sounds like Franklin has a lot of vision and is able to express this. Grubb stated he is an environmentalist, but his point is, they are doing thoughtful environmental planning. Steele stated since the other two commissioners have indicated they are willing to make other budget cuts, he is willing to withdraw his motion to eliminate this position. Comstock noted his department continues to have grants coming in to the department for projects. Landfill Change in Landfill hours Josh Nichols (Press), Buddy Grinstead, Charlie Watkins, Saed Tayyara, Charlotte Craft, Steve Durbin present. Eric Johnson reporting. Johnson stated a trial period ran on keeping the landfill open on Sundays. Average visits on Sundays over a 6 month period is 32. Steele reviewed that April, May and June are the bigger months on Sundays. Optional schedules were reviewed. Discussion was held on the number of users on Saturdays. Johnson also presented a comparison with other Landfills. Only 2 are open on Sundays, Delta and Moffat. Steele asked about closing on Sundays, except a few weekends in the spring? Johnson stated "seasonal closings" will fluctuate full time and part time employee schedules. Steele asked if Sundays are taken out what does it do to the FTE's? Johnson stated this just works with three FTE's. Schedules can be adjusted. He stated this is up to the BOCC. Kathleen Taylor present. Johnson stated he currently has 4 full time employees. If Sundays are out, he could do 3 full time or 2 full time and two part time, this is more cost efficient. Johnson stated his employees will not like either recommendation. Tayyara stated a year ago he wanted Sundays open. He sees it's not feasible to keep it open. He thinks people will come in on Saturday if Sunday is closed. Johnson stated sick time and vacation has to be covered. He thinks the new schedules will help eliminate overtime. The easiest schedule is two full time, two part time with an over lap of employees. Steele asked how this would be done? Discussion was held doing this by attrition or a reduction of hours. Johnson stated he doesn't know if the employees would stay. Raftopoulos stated the Parks and Fairgrounds are also looking for extra help throughout the year. Elaine Sullivan (Clerk) present. Hampton stated three full time has less impact. Johnson stated the only openings now are in the Clerk and Recorder's Office. Watkins stated be careful taking a part time and shuffling them, they become fulltime employees with benefits, etc. Raftopoulos stated this was very controversial when discussed last year. Staff wants 4 full time. They want to be open on Sundays. Raftopoulos stated Johnson kept track of the numbers on Sundays. We are losing money on Sundays. We have fewer visits on Sundays. Monday-Saturday would still accommodate the landfill users. There would be a cost savings as well. Raftopoulos stated there will still be the spring clean up. Raftopoulos would like to see the cuts made by attrition. Johnson stated employees would report at the landfill versus the Road Department when they start in the morning. They would cover this at 8 hour per day instead of 10 hours. Johnson stated he briefly spoke about this with Skelding in Human Resources. They discussed the options and that one individual might need to be cut. He feels the operation could become much more efficient. Steele believes this is more efficient with 3 full time employees, rather than the part time employees. Hampton stated if they lose a full time they could try this with 2 part time as an option. Johnson has equipment operators reporting at different times. They wouldn't use as many trucks from Road and Bridge by reporting at the Landfill for work instead of Road and Bridge. Hampton asked about cross training employees? Johnson stated he did meet resistance with this. It was noted this will be further discussed on February 11th. He has noticed this in the newspaper as well. Raftopoulos asked for the Saturday data. Craft stated it might be nice to know how this will be covered with vacations and sick time, etc. Johnson stated he has this information. County Attorney Raftopoulos so moved to go into executive session per C.R.S., 24-6-402(4)(b) Conference with the attorney for the local public body for the purposes of receiving legal advise on specific legal questions, i.e. on the Waste Management Contracts. Steele seconded, but asked that the Sheriff be allowed to set in the meeting. Taylor stated she has no problems with this. Raftopoulos amended the motion to include the BOCC, Grinstead and Hoberg. Motion carried 3-0. Raftopoulos so moved to go back into regular session. Steele seconded: carried 3-0. Taylor stated there are various contracts with Waste Management for dumpster services in the county. She has not reviewed all of the contract, but would like to. Steele so moved Taylor review all of the Waste Management Contracts and bring this information back as a packet for review. Raftopoulos seconded: carried 3-0. Durbin asked what Taylor will be doing? Taylor stated she will be reviewing all of the contracts and discuss this further with the BOCC on February 11th. Road and Bridge Charlie Watkins and Josh Nichols (Press) present. Bill Mack reporting. Quotes vs Bids: Mack stated he is having difficultly getting bids for a Manlift and Forklift. He asked if he could get quotes versus bids due to the type of machinery they are looking at? Mack stated they have also found a very effective material to use for their crackfill. They have "piggy backed" with other entities in the past to get much better rates for this material. They would like to get quotes. The material is economically purchased in bulk. It works very well for this area. They plan to do three times as much crackfill work this year. Steele noted if the county could grind up tires they could do this themselves. Mack stated they looked at this, but it was not economical. Mack stated the Forklift would be about $15,000 for a used one, a Manlift would be about $30,000. He would get three written quotes if at all possible. They would be looked over very carefully by the mechanics. Mack again stated he believes he can easily get the required quotes. Steele so moved to allow Mack to buy these used pieces of equipment going with a three quote system instead of bids. Hampton second: Motion carried 2-0. Steele so moved to allow Mack the latitude to purchase crackfill material with/through the City of Pueblo within the budgeted amount of $16,500. Mack stated this is about 1½ truck loads. Hampton seconded: carried 2-0. Jane Hume (New West Weekly) present. HUTF State Inventory Approval: Mack asked the BOCC to approve the HUTF State inventory, which will be sent to the state. Mack reviewed changes from last year, which are the inclusion of Prong Horn Road and Linda Vista. Brief discussion was held on a possible conflict of interest by Steele to vote on this. Attorney Taylor noted Steele has no financial relationship in the subdivision. The road was also approved by a previous board. Steele so moved to approve the report as presented by Mack, which will go to the State for HUTF State Inventory funds. Hampton seconded: carried 2-0. Maybell Drainage: Discussion was held the county needs to find out where the State is going to be working on Highway 40 before the county starts working on the road drainage project for Maybell. Steele stated he thinks there is a problem with culverts under the State Highway General discussion was held on discussing this problem with the state. APWA Award for CR 57: Mack showed the BOCC the APWA Award the county received for work on CR 57. CDOT Yearly Meeting Project Discussion Josh Nichols (Press), Bill Mack, Charlie Watkins, Rich Perske, Kandice Lukon, Glenn Violette, Charles Meyer, Les Anderson, Mike DeLong, Paul McCollum, Don Jones and Jim Ferree present Persky presented a handout on Region 3. He referred to the back of the handout. Lukon is the maintenance supervisor for the area. A general overview of the region and projects was presented. Perske reviewed the revenue graph showing revenue sources and distributions. The CDOT Resource Allocation STIP Allocations for FY-2002-2003 were reviewed. Major projects will be surface treatments and a bridge by Kremmling. The region is also broken into maintenance sections. General information statistics of Region 3 were presented for review: This is the largest region geographically, 30,000 square miles containing 14 counties and over 50 municipalities. There are 485 full time employees. There are 591 bridges, 11 mountain passes and 7 tunnels within the system. Perske stated they are working on their long range plan, which is 20-30 years. Perske stated Highway 13 north is still in the STIP, this may take a while. Violette stated his office is working on $9 million worth of projects in the area. Most are east and west of Maybell this summer. There will also be a big chip seal project scheduled. Projects in the Northwest TPR were reviewed. Hampton asked about the culverts under the highway in the Maybell area? He asked if these were maybe not at the right elevation and some may be plugged? What can be done? Perske stated possibly Lukon can address this through maintenance. Hampton would like this problem addressed before any paving is considered in this area. Lukon stated they are going down next week to look at the culverts. She stated if the drainage is not on their ROW, this could be a problem. Hampton asked if the county should go ahead and get these elevations? Violette is not sure if his office has these. Perske stated this would need to be evaluated to see if it just needs unplugged versus any construction. Hampton asked that Bill Mack be contacted when the state begins looking at this. Lukon started in this area in June, she was previously in Region 1. She stated $1.5 million was spent in this county. Steele and Hampton complemented Lukon on the maintenance work on fences. Lukon stated another fencing project has been scheduled for the area. New deicers are also being used. Steele stated the county has budgeted $200,000 for striping. Raftopoulos had asked if this amount could be lowered since trustees are used for highway projects, i.e. picking up trash, etc.? Meyers stated they are having trouble just striping their own areas. He stated their contracts aren't set up to handle the county work. Most of the work is contracted out. Maybe the county could negotiate with the contractor that does the State striping. Perske stated they now have more accountability on budgets. Striping needs to be done on the highway system. They don't do the cooperative things they could do in the past. Perske stated this is called performance budgeting. Mack asked if the county could piggy back this year? Meyers stated there is a possibility they could negotiate with the contractor. Projects are designed in the fall. Perske stated after they open bids they can let Mack know who the contractor is. Meyers stated they do epoxy striping. Mack stated the county does the same. Ferree stated the city does their own bidding, painting, etc. Meyers reviewed past accomplishments for last year and proposed projects for 2003. This includes the epoxy stripping. A significant portion of the budget this year will be the Moffat County area for signs being upgraded Discussion was held on the overlay project on 40. This is mile marker 49-71 and will tie into a previous overlay. The BOCC thanked everyone for coming in today and for sharing this information. Adjourned |
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