HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 01/11/05
PUBLIC HEARING
January 11, 2005
Present:
Tom Stone
Am Menconi
Mike Gallagher
Jack Ingstad
Diane Mauriello
Teak Simonton
Chairman
Commissioner
Commissioner
County Administrator
County Attorney
Clerk to the Board
This being a scheduled Public Hearing, the following items were presented to the Board of County
Commissioners for their consideration:
1. State oftbe County Address
Tom Stone, Outgoing Chairman
This is a special occasion for Eagle County. I am honored as the outgoing Chairman of the Board to deliver this
year's State of the County Address for Eagle CoUnty.
First, I would like to recognize my fellow Commissioners ~- Am Menconi and Michael Gallagher. Please give
them a round of applause.
The County is also served by a group of other outstanding elected officials. I would like to recognize them by
asking them to. stand.
Joyce Mack, Assessor -- Joyce has adopted the motto "The Assessor is here to serve you." I only wish all
government agencies had the same mission.
\':ak Simonton, Clerk and Recorder -- What a superior job she did with the election! Teak's latest effort is to
upgrade our public records to provide easier access for the public.
Karen Sheaffer, Treasurer and Public Trustee -- Karen's customer service is second to none as she focuses on early
tax collections and wise investments of our money.
Joe Roy, Sheriff -- Joe is currently bringing together community members to assist him with efforts to better serve
our community.
Also, Dan Corcoran, Surveyor and Kara Bettis, Coroner, who could not be here today.
We are here today to consider the State of the County.
In preparing today's remarks I considered three things to determine the State of the County. I considered
First, the COU11ty'S accompliShments in 2004
Second, the COU11ty'S current financial condition and
Third our goals for 2005.
I'm pleased and proud to report the State of Eagle County is very positive. 2004 was full of County
accomplishments, many of which we will highlight this morning.
The County's current financial condition remains strong. In fact, our entire County debt will be paid off this year
when we make our final bond payment on the facility we sit in today.
s fat as tomorrow, the future is so bright I will have to wear shades.
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Out CUlTent condition was made possible by the hard work of many of you in our audience to' day. Please give
yourself a round of applause.
Eagle County is known as a leader as well as a cooperative partner when it comes to a variety of County efforts, but
~specially capital projects. In testimony of this tradition, let me begin with a highlight from 2004 that has taken
ears to accomplish and exemplifies the common theme of2004 -- "Partnerships: Getting Things Done"
For years this Board has worked to solve a significant air traffic control problem atour airport.
Hundreds of aircraft are denied access to our airport during high air traffic periods or bad weather costing our
CO'rtJ.rtJ.unity millions O'f dollars in lost revenue. With the assistance of our Congressional delegatiO'n, and in
particular SenatO'r Campbell's efforts, and the coO'perative efforts of the county and the FAA, a solution has been
found which will lead to the installation of an instrument landing system as well as radar. Because of this
partnership, the first of its kind, our airport's capacity will double, air travel will be safer and our economy and
futl.lre will be even more secure.
My thanks to Ovid Seifers our Airport Manager and Chris Anderson our Airport Office Manager for all you do at
the airport.
Thanks to the creation of our open Space Program, for generatiO'ns to come citizens will benefit as we evaluate and
fund projects that will petrtlanently preserve lands of significant scenic, cultural and environmental quality within
the County. What a remarkable job Cliff SimontO'n has done staffing the Open Space Committee.
O11e ofthe manych~llenges in the County, as we all know, is providing options for our citizens to find well-priced
homes, I am.pleased to report that our new for-sale housing development at Miller Ranch is a success. In less than
tWo years, neatly 90% of the homes are sold and 100 families are now calling Miller Ranch home. My thanks to
out County Attorney, Diane Mauriello, and our Housing Director, K.T. Gazunis, for all their hard work on this
proje'et.
1 a cooperativeeffO'rt, the County, the Chambers of Commerce, and community buSinesses continued to support
the overy successful summer flight program. Passenger numbers this season were up almost 61 % over 2003. With
the continuation ofthese.f1ights, Eagle County's airport will become the choice of travelers for all seasorts.
Deborah Churchill has led the marketing effort for this important program.
Once again an example of how powerful partnerships can be is the completion of the trail betWeen the Dowd
Junction pedestrian bridge and the River Run Apartments. This was one of the most challenging sections of the
entire 45 mile long planned regional system from Glenwood Canyon to Vail Pass. The Avon to Dowd Junction trail
project totaling $2.3 milliO'n was funded by the ECO Trails Sales Tax Fund, a matching grant from Eagle County
Capital Improvements Fund, private donations and by a grant from the State of Colorado and the Federal Land and
Water ConsetvationFund. A wonderful job headed by Ellie Caryl, our Trails CoordinatO'r.
EagleCOl.i:i1ty .cO'ntinues to be a 1ea.der when it comes to providi:p.g real time live information to' our citizens. Web
site enhancements allow our citizens to access current flight information, our public records, on-the-scene
emergency infO'rmation, as well as our aerial maps. More than 60 of our employees update information daily on our
web site. Thanks go to' DO'nnie Robinson and John DeNardo in our IT department.
Thanks to our Engineering department, CMC, Eagle County School District, and CDOT, the Miller Ranch Road
Bridge opened to' traffic this year. Known by some as the "blue light special", the opening completes a $4 million
project which provides a new transportation route, connecting three neighborhoods in the greater Edwards area.
Helen Migchelbrink, YO'U did a fabulous job and the UFO community has come to love your blue lights.
We added tWo additional multi-purpose playing fields at Freedom Park and completed the construction of a lake
with a recreational path. Working with local veterans and emergency services personnel, we began planning for the
)on-to-be built memorials honoring local veterans and emergency personnel. The County funded the architectural
design for the park while a community group begins to work on the fund raising efforts for the actl.lal build-O'ut
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costs. Once completed the memorials will be located on the west side of the lake and provide quiet, reflective areas
for those wishing to remember their loved ones. My thanks and thoughts go out to our Facility and Management
Director Rich Cunningham. Rich headed up most of our capital projects last year. Rich is currently recovering
from a rock climbing accident at the Craig Rehab Center in Denver. Please drop by and see him when you are in
)enver. We all hope he returns to have him back on the job soon.
One of our chief responsibilities is to plan for the future. Our Planning Commissions and members of our
Community Development department have been working on updating our County Comprehensive Plan, formerly
known as the Master Plan. Once completed it will paint Eagle County's vision for the future. Our long range
planner Rebecca Leonard continues to head up this effort.
You can determine the size of a community's heart by how well it takes care of those less fortunate. Just listen to
these numbers:
. In 2004, over 500 families at risk of child abuse and neglect were counseled and connected with
family services.
. Nearly 1,500 households were provided fmancial assistance to help some people get through tough
times.
. Nearly 11,000 individual visits were logged with our Public Health department.
My thanks go out to all our employees at Health and Human Services. They are under the able leadership of
Kathleen Forinash.
The ever-popular Eagle County Youth Conservation Corps completed their fifth season in 2004. This year 25
different youth groups completed 40 projects for the Forest Service, Sylvan Lake State Park, Town of Eagle, Vail
Nature Center and several private property owners. Projects included creating wetlands at Eagle Ranch, building
multi-use trails, campground maintenance and fire mitigation on private property. This program is coordinated by
Sharee Wettstein in our office. Thank you, Sharee.
rt's important for us to celebrate our accomplishments. But it is even more important to carefully plan our future.
he blueprint for 2005 is detailed in out approved budget. Some of our lofty but achievable goals include the
following:
Through our partnerships with such entities as the Eagle County School District, Colorado Association of Realtors,
Vail Board of Realtors, GOCO, WECMRD, and several Metro Districts, our youth will continue to have numerous
recreational opportunities in 2005. A new, state-of-the-art skateboard park and a children's playground that will
surpass all others will be built and serve as a great complement to the already popular soccer/multi-use fields at
Freedom Park.
The County has budgeted more than $1 million next year to support non-profits an.d other community requests
including organizations like the Youth Coalition, Catholic Charities, Project Graduation, Eagle Valley Alliance for
Sustainability, the Chambers of Commerce, and Bravo just to name a few. The Board has also budgeted monies to
partner with our towns for items such as a new West Vail Fire Station, the Eagle Park Pavilion, a new Recreation
Center in Gypsum, and an Avon skier shuttle. An additional $120,000 has been made available for our Health and
Human Service non-profit grants.
We will break ground this spring on a new county childcare and community center facility at Miller Ranch.
Once completed, the facility will be home for 80 children in a safe learning environment for early childhood
development as well as a much needed meeting space in the mid-valley for community groups.
The Senior Center will be expanded in Eagle. The expansion will allow the seniors to enjoy a larger kitchen,
dining and exercise area. Some say that with a large kitchen comes the need for a larger area to exercise. Santa
Claus loves to have lean and fit seniors on his lap. Thanks go to John Lowery for keeping them that way.
~s Eagle County continues to grow, we realize the need for a new Fairgrounds multi-use facility. This 24,000 sq. ft.
facility will help preserve our western heritage hosting such events as jack-pot and team roping and barrel racing.
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Additionally, events such as car shows, concerts with seating for almost 2,000, or graduation ceremonies will now
have a down-valley, indoor venue. The economic benefits to our community are endless.
Replacing the old and, frankly, "tired" exhibit hall, the new facility will host such events as the livestock market
md showmanship and sale along with all of the 4-H projects, both general and home-economics under one roof
uring the Fair and Rodeo. These events, thanks to Glenda Wentworth and staff, continue to grow each year and
will now have a new home. You can imagine how excited we all are to finally begin construction of this new
facility after more than fourteen years of planning.
Eagle County's roadway network is viewed as one of the best in the state. In 2005 the County will continue to
work with the State to find solutions to traffic issues on the Edward's Spur Road as well as making the 1-70 Airport
interchange program a reality.
In an effort to better inform our community, Eagle County will launch ECO TV this winter. Today's events are
being recorged by the camera in front of me for one of the first airings on our new government channel.
ECO TV will telecast all of our Board meetings, provide real-time flight information and airport cameras as well as
allow our staff to post the latest emergency information from the site of the incident.
As we ring in the New Year, let me be the first to welcome our new commissioner-elect, Peter Runyon as well as
commissioner re-elect, Am Menconi.
Now let's take a few minutes to take one last look back at 2004.
)
2. Eagle County Service Awards
Carla Budd, Human Resources
The commissioners presented service awards to those county employees who have been here for 5, 10, 15,
r 25 years.
Chaitman Stone called up Deb Brown - Animal Services Manager to hand out an award to Carole Kipfer!
and stated that Carole has been with the department since September of 1999. She has been a great asset to the
department in both her abilities and her willingness to do extra duties. She enjoys being a part of our foster
program and assisting in caring for the animals. During the course of her employment, Carole has broken the
employee record of only adopting one animal.
Commissioner Gallagher called up Joyce Mack - County Assessor to hand out an award to Monica Jacox,
and stated that Monica started working for Eagle County in July 1999. Her first position at the Assessor's Office
was an Admin. Tech. II. She advanced to her current position of Admin. Tech. III, and is responsible for Mobile
Home Administration. She has attended numerous classes offered by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs /
Division of Pro petty Taxation. She is currently being trained in AutoCAD and ArcGIS to support the Assessor's
rrtappmg department. Monica says one ofthe highlights of her job is the people she works with and the friendships
she has developed with them.
Commissioner Menconi presented a 5 year award to Dolores Perez. He mentioned that Dolores came to
work for Eagle County as a part-time employee in the Assessor's Office, July, 1999. In September, 1999, she was
given a full time position as an Admin. Tech. I. She took various classes from the Colorado Department of Local
Affairs/ Division of Pro petty Tax.ation and advanced to an Admin. Tech. III. Dolores often provides translation
support for the Assessor's office and enhances our customer service. Thanks Dolores for your continued support
and participation in the Eagle County Assessor's office.
Chairman Stone gave a 15 year award to Mary Kessler. Ten ofthose years were with the Community
Development Department as an Administrative Supervisor. Mary transferred to the Assessor's office 5 years ago
nd is the Administrative Manager. Mary's responsibilities are to orchestrate the administrative staffto meet
various statutory deadlines the State of Colorado dictates in the assessment process. Mary enjoys gardening,
golfing, snowshoeing and karate.
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Commissioner Gallagher called up Keith Montag - Community Development Director/ Asst. County
Administrator to hand out a 5 year award to Joe Forinash. He stated that Joe is a dedicated and loyal Community
Development employee who has been with the County Planning Division for 5 years. His background and
experience on planning and land use has been a great asset and benefit to this organization and the citizens of Eagle
County. Joe, you are truly appreciated!
Commissioner Menconi called up Harry Taylor -- ECO Director to hand out a 5 year award to Janet Field.
Janet was hired as the Admin Tech. IV for ECO Transit & Trails in 1999.. She was a member of a four person team
operating out of the Avon office assisting in the coordination of regional bus service. She has been involved in the
evolution of the ECO Transportation system. Janet also serves as the Secretary to the Eagle County Regional
Transportation Authority Board. She has always been referred to as the "one person army" taking care of the
administrative details for ECO Transit & Trails on a daily basis. Janet, we thank you for your continued dedication
and perseverance in this position to make ECO Transit & Trails an efficient and smooth operating department for
Eagle County.
Chairman Stone called up Helen Migchelbrink - Acting Facilities Director (County Engineer) to hand out a
5 year award to James Alvis. James Alvis is affectionately known as "Elmo". As a member of the Facilities
Maintenance staff, Elmo is a very important part of the success of the group. He likes to solve problems and is
constantly striving to improve his own skills. Elmo is one of the guys who works behind the scenes to keep our
buildings running smoothly, our parking lots free of snow and our grounds in tip top shape. We appreciate all of
Elmo's hard work and dedication to the success of Eagle County.
CortJ.rtJ.issioner Gallagher presented a 5 year award to Michael Gruber. Mike has been a valued member of
the Engineering team since 1999. Mike originally came to Eagle County as an Engineering Technician and quickly
mastered that position. Two years ago, when an opening in the department came about, Mike was promoted to
Public Works Inspector. He is hard working, conscientious, and brings passion and knowledge to his job. We are
very fortunate to have Mike Gruber as an Eagle County employee.
Commissioner Menconi called up John Staight - GIS Director to hand out award a 5 year award to Leslie
Kehmeier. Leslie joined the GIS Department back when the GIS program was still in its infancy. She started out
as GIS Scrub Technician, a pOsition she was probably "overqualified" for at the time. With a positive "can do"
attitude, she put her nose to the grindstone and worked through the tedious tasks involved with converting hundreds
of the County's critical paper maps into digital GIS data layers. In June of 2000, Leslie received a well deserved
promotion to GIS PtogrartJ.rtJ.er/ Analyst. Since then she has excelled at designing custom software applications,
including the County's GIS Mapping web site, the GIS Browser application, and the mapping portion of the ECO
Sports website. Leslie has become the programming and database "guru" for the Department, utilizing multiple
programming languages and implementing important database design procedures. Leslie's superior technical skills,
combined with her excellent customer service skills, have made her an extremely valuable resource for GIS users
throughout the County. We look forward to the innovative mapping solutions Leslie is sure to develop in the
future. Thank you Leslie for your dedication, and may you continue to enjoy the ride here at Eagle County!
Chairman Stone called up Kathleen Forinash- Director of Health & Human Services to hand out a 5 year
award to Rosie Moreno. Rosie is one of the pioneers for the Early Head Start program and one of the reasons why
the program has experienced so many successes with families. Rosie brings a positive, can-do approach to the
most arduous of tasks. Her smile and humor encourage staff and parents alike. Her considerable skills in early
childhood and children with disabilities have enabled Early Childhood Services to provide comprehensive services
to children most in need. Health & Human Services says "Thank You" to Rosie for always setting and reaching
high standards of service for our young Families.
Commissioner Gallagher gave 10 year award to Margery Stone. Margery's pleasant voice is your first
welcome to the office in El Jebel. She has seen He~lth & Human Services through three moves in her ten years.
Although our locations have changed, families and community agencies know that the greeting and pleasant smile
[Margery has not. In the cat-bird seat at HHS E1 Jebel, she knows the resources of the agency and the community
nd is dedicated to seeing that families get the help they need. Margery is the balance in the HHS El Jebel office
bringing her consistency and experience to changes in staff, programs, and services.
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Commissioner Menconi presented a 10 year award to Alma Varela. Alma quietly goes about her work with
Early Childhood Services, helping families change their lives for the better and giving children the foundation for
success. Alma has been a home visitor for Early Childhood Services during her ten years at HHS. She has seen the
program grow from one to six home visitors after the program expanded with an Early Head Start grant. As
-'senior" home visitor, Alma has mentored and trained many novice home visitors. She continues to be a role
nodel for working effectively with families. In 2004, Alma completed work on her Child Development Associate
degree and will receive that degree in 2005.
Chairman Stone presented a 15 year award to Jennie Wahrer. If you've ever done your personality
"colors" you will recognize Jennie as an "orange". Jennie is all about accepting challenges and seeing possibilities
that are exciting, creative, and destined to get you up and going. As a community health nurse for 10 years, Jennie
led the Avon Office and saw it expand from two persons to ten. She initiated the Healthy Babies and Families
program in the nineties and responded to the Early Head Start challenge five yeats ago in becoming the Early
Childhood Services Manager. She provides community leadership in early childhood with a variety of
organizations. In 2004 and 2005 Jennie introduced to the community Special Quest, to include special needs
children in early childhood programs, and the Fatherhood Initiative, to better include fathers in human service
programs. Jennie continues to inspire staff and the community in reaching for the stars.
Commissioner Gallagher presented a 15 year award to Rebecca McCaulley. How many healthy babies has
Becky sent into the world? Hundreds, if not thousands. As a prenatal nurse for Eagle County, Becky reaches out
to pregnant moIhs encouraging them to participate in prenatal care and helping them to connect with medical
services that they can afford. As Director of the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children's) nutrition program for
Eagle County, Becky coaches families in healthy nutrition and spots problems in growth and development for early
intervention. Her warmth and compassion support many young mothers through the uncertainties of pregnancy and
parenthood. Her knowledge and skills make certain that babies and young children are as healthy as possible. So,
for all those chl1dren, many of whom are teenagers now, thanks Becky.
CortJ.rtJ.issioner Menconi called up Brad Higgins - Road & Bridge Director to hand out a 5 year award to
;olby Russell. Colby works for the Road and Bridge Department in the Light Motor Pool section. For the past five
years, he has been keeping your oil clean, your tires new, and your engines running smooth. Thanks for keeping us
moving safely.
Chairman Stone handed out a 10 year award to Richard Ettles. Rick is the Road and Bridge Crew Leader
for the Eagle District. You can usually find Rick on a motor grader keeping the roads smooth and keeping the snow
off of them. Rick has won numerous awards for his equipment operation skills.
Commissioner Gallagher presented a 10 year award to Blake Martin. Blake works on the Road and Bridge
Construction Crew. He is part of the team that works on the larger Road and Bridge projects. When Blake is not
running a: piece of heavy equipment he is usually coaching youth sports.
Commissioner Menconi handed out a 10 year award to Darrell Jacox. Darrell or "Bud" as he is known to
his friends and fellow employees is the Road and Bridge Crew Leader for the Northwest District. Bud keeps the
roads in the Burns and McCoy area looking good while being lucky enough to rub elbows with the big-horn sheep
and the bald eagles. .
Chairman Stone gave a 10 year award to Ron Rasnic. Ron is the Manager Qfthe Landfill. He is responsible
for making sure that Eagle County's solid waste gets disposed of in a manner that complies with very strict state
and federal regulations. Ron probably has the best view out of his office than anyone else here atthe County, and
we're not talking trash.
Commissioner Gallagher presented a 15 year award to John Harris. John is the Road and Bridge District
Supervisor for the Eagle District. His crew is the one that maintains the Eagle Valley area from the top of Vail Pass
} Dotsero. His crew's are usually out at about 3:00 am in the winter months plowing and sanding the roads. When
le is not leading his crew, he is either working on his new home or playing guitars with his boys.
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Commissioner Menconi called up Sheriff Joe Hoy to hand out a 5 year award to Ted Eicholz. Ted is the
only Eagle County School Resource Officer and a member of the sheriff s office Crime Prevention Unit. You will
always find Ted present at the school functions, whether he is on or off duty.
Chairman Stone presented a 5 year award to Mark Pons. Mark is currently a detention officer but will be
.ransferring to the patrol division in June 2005, Congratulations and Good Luck.
CortJ.rtJ.issioner Gallagher gave a 10 year award to Diana Kafka. Diana has all the answers or knows exactly
where to find them. She handles any and all the budget, payroll and HR issues for the Sheriff s office.
Thank God for talented and knowledgeable individuals like Diana.
Commissioner Menconi presented a lO year award to Kay Vincent. Kay has been working in the detention
center, coordinating prisoner transports and extradition details nationwide. She is the glue that holds team members
together. You Go Girl!
Chairman Stone gave a 15 year award to Greg Thompson. Greg has patrolled Eagle County since we used
covered wagons for patrol cars. Okay, not quite, but the knowledge and dedication are obvious. Thank you Greg.
Commissioner Gallagher called up Karen Sheaffer - Treasurer to hand out a 5 year award to Gala lvie.
Gala initially worked for the Treasurer's office in 1988. After working for various Eagle businesses, Gala returned
to the Treasurer's office. We are very glad to have her back.
Commissioner Menconi gave a 5 year award to Mari Renzelman. After graduating from high school, Mari
did filing for the Assessor's office. She worked up valley for a few years then she hired on with the Extension and
Fair and Rodeo bepartments. After a short break from the County, Mari was hired by the Treasurer's Office. She
has been a great asset to our office.
Chairman Stone presented a 10 year award to Jean Covault. Jean started working part-time in the
\ssessor's office when Cherlyn Baker was the County Assessor. She was hired full-time by Allen Black. The
sSessor's office took over the Information Desk and she was transferred to that position. In March, 2004, the
Information Desk was transferred to the Treasurer's office and Jean became a part of the Treasurer's Staff and we
a.re very glad to have her.
CortJ.rtJ.issioner Gallagher called up Jack Ingstad to present a 5 year award to Helen Migche1brink. Helen is
like the Energizer Bunny. She has boundless energy and a desire to learn and grow. Over the last couple of years,
she has taken on the responsibility of County Engineer and more recently the role of interim director of our
Facilities Management department. No job is too large or difficult for her -- Helen is a can do person. We are
lucky to have her as a part of the management team and look forward to her leadership on many more difficult
projects this year.
Commissioner Menconi handed out a 5 year award to Carla Budd. Carla oversees the hiring of hundreds of
employees as well as administering county benefits and our health insurance. She serves as a trusted adviser to
employees, managers, and elected officials. This last year she oversaw the revamping of our health insurance plan,
which according to our consultants was the best job of employee involvement and acceptance they have ever seen.
Her professionalism and commitment to the job make her one of our most valuable assets.
Chairman Stone presented a 15 year award to Ray Merry. The job of code enforcement, environmental
health, and restaurant inspection could be a difficult, negative job. But Ray balances the need for enforcement with
the desire to better educate our community. While doing that, Ray is constantly looking for new information, better
ideas and ultimately voluntary compliance because it just makes sense. During last year' s West Nile mosquito
alert, Ray studied the problem and recommended responsible solutions to protect our citizens. Ray can even tell
you the different names of mosquitoes. His passion for the job cannot be matched.
Commissioner Gallagher presented a 25 year award to Brad Higgins. During the 25 years Brad has been
with Eagle County, he has grown and taken onnew and bigger responsibilities. When Brad is given a challenge, he
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is able to mobilize resources and achieve the goal. Eagle County's road system is recognized as one of the best in
the State. When he is not taking care of his department's projects he is willing to help the airport and facilities with
their priorities. But when it comes to Brad, his number one love has to be the Fair and Rodeo. So when the former
Fair Manager moved on, it only made sense to appoint him to Fair Manager.
'.
Swearing4n'Ceremony for Newly Elected Officials
The Honorable Judge Tom Moorhead, District Court Judge
Judge Moorhead swore in Commissioner Menconi and Commissioner Runyon. He also swore in District
Attorney Mark Hurlbert and other members of Mr. Hurlbert's staff.
4. Annual Appointments Resolution
County Attorney's Office Representative
Chairman Stone welcomed Peter Runyon, the newly elected Commissioner, and congratulated
Commissioner Menconi on his re-election. He suggested that he step down as Chairman and moved that Am
Menconi be elected as the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners ~d Peter Runyon be elected as the
Vice-Chairman.
Commissioner Menconi seconded the motion.
Commissioner Runyon suggested that Commissioner Stone remain as the Vice-Chairman oftheBoard. He
informed the Board that based on his lack of experience it would be more beneficial to the County for
Commissioner Stone to remain as Vice-Chairman.
Commissioner Stone stated that in order to get the Chairmanship back on a rotating basis, the job as Vice-
Chair will provide an opportunity for Connnissioner Runyon to learn on a limited basis how to prepare himself for
the inevitability of his being Chainnan in 2006. He committed to assisting Commissioner Runyon in this role.
The vote was declared unanimous.
5. Other
Chairman Menconi thanked outgoing Chairman Stone for the outstanding State of the County Address and his
work with the Board as Chairman. He stated the next item on the agenda was the annual appointment of the
County Attorney.
Commissioner Stone suggested that all annual appointments be combined. He moved that the following
appointments be made: Diane Mauriello as Eagle County Attorney; Jack Ingstad as Eagle County Administrator
and Budget Officer; Brad Higgins as Eagle County Road and Bridge Supervisor; Kathleen Forinash as Eagle
County Director of Health and Human Services and Secretary to the Eagle Board of Health and Human Services;
Drew Werner, M.D. as Eagle County Health Officer; Carla Budd as Eagle County Civil Rights Officer; Diane
Mauriello as Eagle County's representative to the Community Corrections Board, with Walter Matthews, IV as the
alternate; and Jack Ingstad as Eagle County Emergency Management Director.
Commissioner Runyon seconded the motion. The vote was declared unanimous.
Commissioner Stone suggested somefurther discussion about the remaining appointments that needed to be
made.
Chairman Menconi stated that in looking at page 3 of Item B, he wondered about his role as Director of
Northwest Colorado OptionS for Long Term Care. He asked Ms. Forinash to come forward and asked her about the
type of board this was and the related responsibilities in this role.
Kathleen Forinash stated that the Northwest Options for Long Term Care is an organization that was formed in
1992 or 1993. It comprises nine counties who operate.the program to assure individuals in need of this type of care
are screened and appropriately placed. Originally this was mandated by the state to provide appropriate placements
for Medicaid patients. The Board meets on a quarterly basis to review these placements. From the time of creation
ne of the charges was that there would be no County money involved.
Chairman Menconi asked whether staff people had filled these committee seats. He asked for a description of
the Colorado Work Force, also.
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Ms. Forinash stated that their Colorado Work Force is comprised of five counties. These counties have
decisions related to whether they wanted to operate their own work force center or have the state perform this
function. The decision was made to contract with the Colorado Department of Labor to perform these functions.
The Board has oversight and advisory responsibilities.
Chaitrtlan Menconi wondered if the decision needed to be made immediately. He expressed interest in having
ne of the other COlll11lissioners represent the County or perhaps a member from the County staff.
Commissioner Stone agreed that a staff person would be appropriate for this role.
Chairman Menconi asked if any of the Commissioners had particular interest in serving on any of the available
boards.
COlll11lissioner Runyon requested permission to attend one or two of each committee meeting prior to making a
commitment to serve on any.
CortJ.rtJ.issionet Stone stated that he sits on four boards and felt it more appropriate to re-appoint all of the seats.
He asked that the other Commissioners consider NWCOG and Rural Resort Region appointments. He wasn't
interested in supporting these organizations as a County. .
Chairman Menconi suggested that those seats be left open until Commissioner Runyon has a chance to attend
their meetings.
Commissioner Stone stated that some appointments need attention sooner than others. He stated that the Reudi
Reservoir Water and Power Authority and the Partnership for Education appointments weren't that critical. He
suggested that Chairman Menconi continue to serve on the Vail Valley Chamber and Tourism Board. He felt that
the Eagle County Transportation Authority should have a committee member very soon, as they have some
important issues they will be considering.
Chairman Menconi suggested that he would replace Commissioner Gallagher for the ECO Transit Authority
Board. He wondered if CortJ.rtJ.issioner Stone would continue on the Reudi Reservoir board and continue the other
appointmehts to a later date. lIe asked that Commissioner Stone be appointed to the Roaring Fork Transportation
Authority. He would continue sitting on the Vail Valley Chamber and Tourism Bureau Board.
COlll11lissioner Stone suggested that the two transportation authorities should be served by the same member.
Ms. Mauriello asked whether alternates would be addressed later.
Chairman Menconi stated that this would indeed be the case.
Commissioner Runyon moved that the appointment for NWCOG be tabled for a future date; Commissioner
'tone be appointed to the Reudi Reservoir Water and Power Authority; Ms. Forinash would recommend a staff
member for the Northwest Options for Long Term Care and Colorado Work Force; Chairman Menconi would be
appointed to the ECO Transportation Authority and Roaring Fork Transportation Authority; table the Rural Resort
Region appointment; that both Chairman Menconi and Commissioner Stone be appointed to the Partnership for
Education; and that Chairman Menconi would be appointed to the VVTCB Board.
COlll11lissioner Stone seconded the motion. The vote was declared unanimous.
Chairman Menconi asked that meetings be scheduled with the OSAC and Planning Commission in the next
month.
Commissioner Runyon agreed that this would be acceptable.
Chairman Menconi asked Mr. Montag to schedule these meetings.
Mr. Ingstad stated that these meetings were being planned currently.
Chairman Menconi wondered if there were any issues that should be considered prior to the next Board
tneeting.
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