On January 29, 2024 at 8 a.m., the Yuma County Board of Commissioners met in regular session. Chairman Mike Leerar, Commissioner Scott Weaver, Commissioner Adam Gates, and Administrator Brandi Ritchey were present throughout the day.
The Commissioners reviewed and signed accounts payable and discussed various meetings attended throughout the prior month.
Road & Bridge Blade Foreman Justin Lorimer joined the meeting at 8:30 a.m. to provide department updates. Lorimer presented a list of unused equipment that could potentially be sent to auction. The commissioners asked for options to sell the equipment.
The Road and Bridge Department is gathering prices on leasing/renting tractors for the upcoming mowing season. The Road and Bridge crew will have bid presentations ready for the February 16, 2024 meeting. The commissioner’s asked for an equipment report on the County owned tractors with the maintenance cost and hours on each tractor. The group discussed contracting gas prices with the waves in the economy. There has been reoccurring sign theft around the county. The maintenance crew is coming up with a plan to remedy this issue. The maintenance crew has been busy helping at the fairgrounds wrapping up some projects that needed completed. They now are going to the landfill to help assemble recycling trailers.
The Board of County Commissioners convened as the Board of Social Services at 9:30 a.m. Human Services Director Kara Hoover, Administrative Assistant Lori Summers and Income Maintenance Supervisor Dalene Rogers were present. Detailed minutes of the Board of Social Services are maintained separately by the Department of Human Services. The Board of County Commissioners reconvened at 10:30 a.m.
At 10:30 a.m. the Commissioners heard a department update from Yuma County Emergency Manager Jake Rockwell. Rockwell discussed a Funding Match Commitment Letter of Intent to Participate in a Hazard Mitigation project to develop a Hazard Mitigation report that meets the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, 44CFR Part 201.6 and the most current Federal Emergency Management Agency how-to planning guidance. A motion to participate in the mitigation plan passed.
At 11:30 a.m. the Commissioners were joined by Finance Officer Sarah Carwin to discuss departmental updates. The group discussed CAPP and Workers’ Comp billing. The finance office is streamlining prior tasks to make sure billing is being completed in an accurate and timely manner moving forward.
Carmen Murray stepped in to discuss ticket and seating structure for the 2024 Fair Grandstand events. Ages 3 and under will be free to the rodeo events and First Responders can get tickets 50-percent off by presenting their EMS or Firefighter card. Murray will reach out to Emergency Manager Jake Rockwell and get rosters for the local fire and EMS departments. There will be no bulk discounts for large ticket purchases. The group also discussed that the first two rows of bleachers will be set aside for Senior Citizens and ADA Accessibility.
County Land Use Administrator, Niki Alexander was heard at 1 p.m. to review Land Use and GIS business and conduct Land Use Hearings. The commissioners opened public hearings at 1 p.m. and heard presentations on a request for exemption from subdivision; a request from BNSF Railway to replace a bridge east of Wray; and two requests to erect meteorological towers south of Wray. Land use hearings closed at 1:39 p.m. After discussion on each request, all were approved via individual motions.
Administrator Brandi Ritchey reviewed calls, correspondence, and presented the following for discussion and action: The Commissioners reviewed and approved the minutes from the previous BOCC meetings. The Commissioners heard information on pending CAPP and workers’ compensation claims. The commissioners reviewed bids to replace a carport that had been damaged during a thunderstorm. After discussion a motion was approved to accept a bid to replace the carport. The Commissioners discussed and approved the following items: The monthly veterans assistance report, the contract for the 2024 Yuma County Fair night show act, the annual payment to the Eckley Community Center for meeting space, a change to the 2024 Yuma County Employee Handbook, and a letter to Denver Mayor Johnston regarding upcoming legislation attempting to prohibit animal processing plants in Denver. Ritchey presented correspondence received since the last meeting including board appointments, Congressional District Spending and had a discussion with the county attorney. Ritchey also reported that the Yuma County CDL Testing Unit has passed their yearly audit with the state.
The commissioners voted to appoint Chad Towns to a 3-year term on the County Weed and Pest Advisory Board. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m. The next regular meetings of the Board of County Commissioners will be on February 16, 2024.