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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04/23/2024 PUBLIC HEARING April 23, 2024 Present: Matt Scherr Chairman Jeanne McQueeney Commissioner Kathy Chandler-Henry Commissioner Jeff Shroll County Manager Matt Peterson Assistant County Attorney Kathy Scriver Deputy Clerk to the Board This being a scheduled Public Hearing,the following items were presented to the Board of County Commissioners for their consideration: Constituent Input Chairman Scherr opened and closed constituent input, as there was none. Commissioner Updates Commissioner Chandler-Henry let everyone know that Congressman Joe Neguse from Congressional District 2 would be at Yetis in Eagle tomorrow from 1-1:45 pm. Secondly,the Bureau of Land Management announced their adoption of the Public Lands Rule which allowed BLM to use conservation values on an equal footing with other uses of public lands. Commissioner McQueeney expressed excitement over the upcoming highway cleanup. The Eagle River Coalition was organizing the event, and she encouraged folks to sign up with a team. It was a great event and put a shine on Eagle County. Chairman Scherr stated that it was Volunteer Recognition Week, and this community was full of tremendous organizations. County Manager Updates Jeff Shroll gave a shout-out to the Open Space and Natural Resources team along with the Wildfire Mitigation specialist team that worked hard last week on a series of prescribed burns on the Brush Creek Open Space. Consent Agenda 1. Construction Staging License Agreement Between Eagle County and Eagle River Water& Sanitation District- Hillcrest Roundabout Rickie Davies,Engineering 2. Agreement for the Supply of Magnesium Chloride Between Eagle County and Envirotech Services, LLC Nicole Trujillo,Road&Bridge 1 04/23/2024 3. Resolution 2024-025 Appoint the Eagle County Land Use Regulations Reform Project Advisory Committee Dani Moore,Administration Commissioner Chandler-Henry moved to approve the Consent Agenda for April 23, 2024,as presented. Commissioner McQueeney seconded the motion. The vote was declared unanimous. Business Item(s) 1. Financial Commitment Letter for the Shoshone Water Right Preservation Effort Dani Moore,Administration Executive Summary: The Eagle County Board of County Commissioners are presenting its intent to commit$2 million for the acquisition and protection of the Shoshone Water Rights. Kallie Rand,Vegetation Stewardship Supervisor,thanked the board for supporting this effort. The Shoshone Water Rights currently supported the Shoshone Power Plant. The Water Rights was one of the oldest and largest non-consumptive rights on the Colorado River. The power plant was located off Interstate 70 near Glenwood Springs. The concern here was as the power plant aged,the water rights could be purchased by a different entity and used in a different manner such as being moved to a different basin or transferred to a consumptive use. The steam flow was critical for habitat,water quality, and on an economic level, for recreation and agricultural needs. Keeping this higher amount of flow within the Colorado River reduced the impact of climate change.None of the current agricultural uses would change under this agreement or negatively affect users. The funding strategy relied on a diverse partnership of local, state,and federal funding sources. Locally,the western slope partners' goal was to contribute$10-20 million. The Colorado River Conservation District was committed to$20 million. Amy Moyer,Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Colorado River District, spoke. Securing these water rights brought many benefits by maintaining Colorado's foundational, $14.6 billion recreation economy and$11.9 billion agricultural economy. It also brought ecosystem benefits as well as clean water. The $98.5 million purchase price was not a small price tag but was a one-time investment that proved durable and priceless benefits for Colorado's Western Slope in perpetuity. They felt as though they were in a great position to move forward to the Federal level through a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in the Inflation Reduction Act. Commissioner Chandler-Henry noted that this was step one in the process. Step two would be a case before the Water Court. Step 3 would be approval by the Public Utility Commissioner for Xcel Energy to sell the water rights. Currently,there is a purchase and sale agreement in place between Xcel and the Colorado River District on behalf of the West Slope Partners. She cleared up the misconception on the effect on the Roaring Fork portion of the valley; if the Shoshone call was gone or purchased by Trans Mountain diverters, it would drain water from Ruedi Reservoir and have a detrimental effect on the Frying Pan River. She was totally in favor of this funding request and hoped her fellow commissioners were as well. Commissioner McQueeney supported the request and appreciated everyone's work on this. Chairman Scherr believed water law was complicated but this would create an instream flow. He was fully in support of the efforts. Commissioner Chandler-Henry moved to approve to commit$2 million dollars toward the purchase of Shoshone Water Rights through signature of the letter in the board packet. Commissioner McQueeney seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. 2 04/23/2024 2. Resolution 2024-026 Designating the week of April 21 —April 27,2024 as Crime Victims' Rights Week Reyna Medrano, Sheriff's Office Executive Summary: Resolution Designating the week of April 21-April 27,2024 as Crime Victims Rights Week Sheriff Van Beek spoke about the long-term consequences of any kind of violence. This resolution let the community and victims know it was never too late to seek some help. ;tle thanked the commissioners and community partners who helped to raise awareness and assist the victims. Karen Nolasco,Victim Services Coordinator, spoke. She recognized the Victim Advocates,Bright Future, and the Sheriffs Office for providing comfort, guidance, and resources to those in need. Commissioner Chandler-Henry added her thanks and recognized Sheriff Van Beek for his tireless championing of victims'rights. Commissioner McQueeney expressed her appreciation. Chairman Scherr added his thanks and appreciation. Commissioner McQueeney moved to approve the Resolution Designating the week of April 21 —April 27, 2024 as Crime Victims' Rights Week. Commissioner Chandler-Henry seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. 3. Resolution 2024-027 Concerning the Appointment of Patricia Hammon as Eagle County's Veterans Service Officer Michelle Dibos,Human Services Executive Summary: Appointment of Pat Hammon as Eagle County's Veterans Services Officer. Michelle Dibos,with Eagle County Economic Services,provided some background on the services provided by Ms. Hammon. She specialized in providing vital aid to veterans and their families. She guided veterans through the process of claims, applications, and appeals to the VA. There were currently 2200 veterans in the community. In 2023,the veterans of Eagle County received over$9 million in compensation,pension, education, and other benefits. The proposed term for Ms. Hammon was from July 1,2024 to December 31,2025. Commissioner Chandler-Henry added her thanks. She spoke about the importance of providing support for veterans in Eagle County. Commissioner McQueeney expressed her appreciation as well. Pat Hammon stated that the program had grown over the years and she could not do it without the support from Eagle County to carry out her mission. Her supervisor Michelle was wonderful, and she appreciated her compassion, energy, and skills. Commissioner Chandler-Henry moved to approve the Resolution Concerning the Appointment of Patricia Hammon as Eagle County's Veterans Service Officer. Commissioner McQueeney seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. 3 04/23/2024 Administrative Update - Holy Cross Room 1. BoCC Schedules 2. Letters of Support 3. Other Administrative Items &Requests p�OF EAGLi O There being no further busin ard,the meeting was adjourned until April 30,2024. ,‘of,AQ0 Attest: /.' ler to the Board Chairman 4 04/23/2024