Washington County Courthouse, Akron, Colorado
The Washington County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday, March 21. Pastor Pete Tel led the invocation, which was adopted by the Pledge of Allegiance. Chairwoman Lea Ann Laybourn known as the assembly to order at 8:04 a.m. The consent agenda was accredited as amended.
Wayne Dreher was current on behalf of the Knights of Columbus, who’ve dealt with the beer backyard on the honest for a few years. Dreher was there asking for approval to do a beer backyard once more, and their considerations are at all times the identical as at all times: serving to minors and to those that are intoxicated. He reiterated they prepare folks on these two main elements, in addition to different issues to search for. Commissioners Kent Vance needed to make sure they have been conscious the live performance is being moved again to the grandstands/area space, in the same method the Bull Bash is about up. Dreher mentioned the commissioners have at all times been supportive of them and it has been a superb workforce effort. Commissioner Laybourn added that they admire them they usually have been a superb addition to honest. IT Director Sean Kennedy made certain Dreher knew they have been additionally arrange for Wi-Fi, if wanted. The Board accredited the Knights of Columbus beer backyard for the Jap Colorado Roundup and sending a letter to the City of Akron.
County Administrator Misty Peterson had the reconciliation abstract for January and February for the Junior Livestock Sale. The Junior Livestock Gross sales report and financials have been accredited.
Judy Perry from Media Logic Radio Station approached the commissioners about serving to with the KAT Nation golf cart giveaway. The golf cart shall be arrange in six areas for folks to enroll in totally free. The associated fee to accommodate the golf cart for one month is $6,000, and Perry mentioned she has one other Akron enterprise who would pay for half of that, so she was asking the County to buy-on on the opposite half. Radio adverts are geared towards whoever is housing the golf cart at the moment. By placing it in Akron over honest, Perry mentioned it might give everybody within the County an opportunity to enter. The Board said they’d focus on it additional and get her a solution subsequent week.
Decision 53-2023 for the exemption from audit for Pioneer Haven was accredited.
Upkeep Director Matt Inexperienced had a pair capital buy request. He mentioned he put $14,000 within the funds for the Occasion Middle to buy a scissor carry to do upkeep within the constructing. Glosson Building has a used carry he can be prepared to promote for $7,000, and the Board accredited the acquisition.
On the Truthful Board assembly, Inexperienced mentioned a few of the members approached the County about buying a canine present ring to make use of yearly. An entire canine present ring was discovered for $1,399 and the acquisition was accredited.
Peterson had a capital buy from IT for a cyber energy EPS backup adapter within the quantity of $1,050.26, and the acquisition was accredited.
Peterson gave a standing replace on insurance coverage from the wrecked DHS van. Insurance coverage wish to give a salvage restoration, giving the County $18,644.50 in the event that they don’t hold the van, or $15,144.50 in the event that they hold it. She’s going to examine with Director Teresa Traxler to see what she prefers and report again.
The Board then reopened dialogue on the Planning and Zoning Committee, which was postponed from the week prior. Joe Wagner and Kara Kraich-Smith, candidates for District 1, have been each in attendance to talk to the Board additional about why they wish to be appointed to serve.
Kraich-Smith launched herself, saying she lives along with her husband and two daughters 14 miles north of Akron, the place they ranch primarily. The house they dwell in is a few half-mile from the unique homestead the place her household moved within the early 1900s, and she or he added that she has deep-seeded roots within the County.
Introducing himself, Wagner mentioned he farms down in Anton, however lives in Akron. He mentioned he has head within the sand in native politics, and is leaping in and placing his ideas on the market.
Commissioner Gisele Jefferson requested each candidates to inform slightly extra about what they learn about Planning and Zoning, and the way their ability set would contribute to that course of.
“I’m fairly new to it, however am discovering extra out lately. I’ve talked to Elizabeth Thomason considerably and she or he’s crammed me in about issues happening. More often than not it’s parting off 5 acres for a homestead, however there are larger points happening within the County proper now, and I believe they’re essential for the way forward for the County,” Wagner mentioned.
“I’m new to it, as effectively,” Kraich-Smith added. “My husband is deep-rooted within the course of and has a number of expertise. By means of conversations with him, I’ve grow to be rather more conversant in processes, the why, the how, and so forth., however there’s at all times extra schooling available on these fronts. I do know there are some larger issues available than completely different land makes use of, and I’d wish to be a voice nevertheless which may be, and have an unbiased, educated opinion to see either side and what’s finest for the County.”
Commissioner Jefferson mentioned each talked about there are huge points on the desk, and she or he thinks the Planning and Zoning Fee has labored diligently and struggles with these huge points as a result of there’s a number of analysis concerned digging in and discovering what legitimate analysis is on the market. She requested each candidates what sort of expertise they’ve in researching points we face?
“Acquiring my Grasp’s diploma required an intensive quantity of analysis – understanding what’s already been executed and the priority which have already been set. We now have to take note of how that can have an effect on the constituents of the County which can be going to be concerned in that, and see the impacts it should make sooner or later,” Kraich-Smith mentioned.
“I’ll admit I haven’t executed a ton of analysis and have saved my head within the sand. With present conditions happening, there are a number of research on the market. There are a number of long-term research and we will take a look at different counties to see the great and dangerous there,” Wagner mentioned.
Commissioner Vance requested the 2 what their views on financial improvement have been and the way we, as a County, can develop financial improvement by Planning and Zoning.
“I’m pro-business and doing all we will to develop and attempt to convey cash into the neighborhood. For a very long time, we’ve had jobs listed within the County and after we fill them, we will’t hold them as a result of we will’t afford good assist. If we will get income tax {dollars} so as to add to the funds, possibly we will do issues good for the County,” Wagner mentioned.
“I must agree. We’re small enterprise homeowners. So far as the financial facet, I wish to see the County flourish. I’ve seen different counties construct from financial improvement and we will be taught from these. We now have to know there are fairly a number of sources on the market to convey extra jobs and financial viability, and we need to see issues flourish for our subsequent generations,” Kraich-Smith mentioned.
The ultimate query requested from Commissioner Vance was what their ideas have been on non-public property and the way non-public property homeowners have completely different rights.
“As a non-public property proprietor, I consider in non-public property rights. We have to take a look at the large image so far as that goes. There are the rights that come together with that,” Kraich-Smith mentioned.
“I agree with that, and add that non-public property rights go each methods. Simply because you’ve gotten non-public property, you don’t get to regulate what goes on at your neighbor’s place. There needs to be laws, however it is best to be capable of do what you are feeling is true in your land,” Wagner mentioned.
In closing, Kraich-Smith added, “I wish to see the funding in Washington County – that is likely one of the largest causes I’m right here. We dwell right here and are part of it, however I see us going out of the County for different issues. I really feel like that may be saved within the County and assist construct the County, however that has to start out with us being concerned within the County as effectively.”
“I believe, as a County, we will do issues to herald jobs, which matches a good distance. It’s a trickle-down impact with jobs and colleges. We have to do what we will to convey as many roles as potential, and never make laws to combat that,” Wagner completed.
Commissioner Vance said he personally felt each can be good in Planning and Zoning, and Commissioner Jefferson agreed that it’s a superb place to be. Commissioner Laybourn added that each are well-qualified.
With all mentioned, Commissioner Jefferson moved to nominate Kara Kraich-Smith to the Planning and Zoning Board, with the stipulation Elizabeth Thomas would resign from her present seat, as she had beforehand said she’d be prepared to do. Commissioner Vance mentioned he was not essentially against movement, however would suggest one other risk, after which seconded the movement. Throughout dialogue, Commissioner Vance mentioned he wish to add each Kraich-Smith and Wagner to the Planning and Zoning Board, and in addition go away Thomason on the Board, increasing the Board by two individuals; subsequently, he can be voting no on the movement.
Commissioner Jefferson mentioned that got here out of nowhere, however added that it’s robust when you’ve gotten good candidates and made point out that Thomason can be good on the Board. Clerk Annie Kuntz mentioned that they raised it from seven to 9 members 5 – 6 years in the past. Commissioner Jefferson requested if they may do that with out affecting the construction of the Board. Peterson mentioned they will change it, however instructed going again to the Planning and Zoning Board and letting them know what they’re planning to take action they’ve a voice in it; however the commissioners can in the end make the ultimate determination. Peterson mentioned they may postpone the choice as soon as extra and have present members come into subsequent week’s assembly earlier than making a remaining determination that day.
Commissioner Jefferson requested if the proposal can be including at-large positions, or how it might work. Commissioner Vance mentioned Planning and Zoning would nonetheless have three per district, after which two at giant from any district. Commissioner Jefferson responded that they should assume it by so far as appointments for future years and put thought into the proposal earlier than shifting ahead that day. Commissioner Vance mentioned he understood.
“It’s nice to have folks to serve, however I need to take our time and don’t need to make one other determination off the cuff that doesn’t have assist and basis shifting ahead,” Commissioner Jefferson mentioned.
Commissioner Laybourn really helpful sending a letter to all Planning and Zoning members to hitch in particular person or by Zoom at subsequent week’s assembly to listen to the proposal.
On remaining vote to nominate Kraich-Smith, Commissioner Jefferson voted sure, whereas Commissioner Laybourn and Vance opposed.
Commissioner Jefferson mentioned she thinks additionally they want to speak to authorized counsel and get recommendation on implications shifting ahead and applicable restructuring. Peterson mentioned the lawyer can be becoming a member of by way of telephone throughout the work session that day and it could possibly be talked about then.
In different studies, Commissioner Vance mentioned Truthful Board met the evening prior and are nonetheless in search of a Canine Superintendent. Nearly all departments and judges are in place. The world remains to be a large number and they’re working to get it drained so the horse program can begin utilizing it, however they’re asking Brush if they will take their youngsters there to work till our area is prepared. The tractor pull, live performance and Westernaires are all shifting ahead.
Commissioner Laybourn mentioned with this 12 months being the one hundred and twenty fifth celebration of the honest, one of many members of the employment assessment committee requested if they may probably shut the courthouse the Friday of honest. She added that it isn’t the final day of the month, so enterprise can nonetheless be carried out that following Monday. Elected officers and division heads have to weigh in, and she or he inspired all workers of the courthouse to probably volunteer in some way at honest. If the courthouse is closed, Commissioner Laybourn mentioned they might want to see what they will do for the Sheriff’s Workplace and Nursing Residence since they can’t shut. She then instructed having a gathering with different officers and division heads within the subsequent few weeks.
The assembly was adjourned at 8:59 a.m.
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