Larimer County Board of County Commissioners - Administrative Matters 1/23/24
by Lee Thielen
For more information (including members in attendance) see the full notes document here.*
View the meeting agenda and packet.
A video recording of the meeting is available here.
From the Board of Commissioners website:
“Larimer's three-member Board of County Commissioners is the main policy-making body in the County and works to represent the interest of the citizens of Larimer County at local, state, and national levels. Commissioners are elected at large from one of three geographic districts for four-year staggered terms. In Larimer County, Commissioners are limited to serving three four-year terms.”
Major Points
- Representatives of the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment presented on new monitors and new actions related to the control of ozone and other gases.
- Citizens expressed concerns about
- the prohibition of baked goods at the 4-H Carnival
- concerns about the disappearance of the senior tax work-off program, and
- the failure of Adult Protective Services to assist a citizen in an unskilled nursing facility.
Public Comment
An officer of the Larimer County 4-H Foundation Board stated that corrections needed to be made to the minutes of the previous meeting. She stated that she has not been approached by the Ranch Manager to meet regarding the issue of allowing bake sales at the 4-H Carnival. She said that the fair is allowed, but the carnival is not. She disputed the assertion that there were previous waivers, among other comments.
A citizen asked about replacing the senior tax work-off, which he says has disappeared. He asked if the BOCC is considering replacing it with something else.
A citizen had complaints of neglect regarding how her mother is being treated. The citizen has not been helped by Adult Protective Services (APS). She stated that she may sue the APS and the county.
The Commissioners stated that they would follow-up regarding the neglect issue and look at what the state is doing regarding seniors and tax relief. Commissioner Kefalas also noted that he had heard concerns about citizens being denied help from the Health District of Northern Larimer County’s dental services due to having a Medigap/Medicare Advantage policy with some dental insurance included. Kefalas said he will also follow-up on that.
The minutes from January 15 were approved, as was the consent agenda. The consent agenda included appointments to the Fair Board, the Red Feather Lakes Advisory Committee, the Office on Aging Advisory Committee, and the Rainbow Lakes Public Improvement District.
The schedule for the Commissioners for the next two weeks was reviewed.
County Department of Health and Environment updates discussion of air quality.
Director Tom Gonzales opened the presentation. Chris Manley, Environmental Director at LCDHE, and two air pollution staff were also presenters. Gonzales stated that Larimer County is one of nine Colorado counties in nonattainment of EPA standards for ozone.
Presentation Points:
- 25-30 commercial air pollution sources are inspected annually.
- 59 complaints were investigated in 2023.
- The county maintains air monitoring stations for the statewide monitoring network.
- Timnath and Loveland are getting new monitors in 2024 (currently in process).
- Two staff have been certified in Optical Gas Imaging (used for Oil and Gas monitoring).
- Beginning in 2025, all equipment used to maintain state and local government from June-August must be electric.
- Point of sale discount of 33% for electric equipment for residential use began in 2024.
- 50% of Larimer County homes have harmful levels of radon. Testing is needed. Free kits are available from the state.
Promotion of 2024 Community Survey
A statistically valid mail survey and an on-line option will soon be available for the community input on county services and issues. The results will influence the county’s next strategic plan.
Commissioner Activity Reports
The Commissioners reported on many events, meetings, and conferences. Commissioner Shadduck-McNally stated that Loveland may reschedule the Martin Luther King Day activities that were canceled due to weather.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:49 a.m.
Next meeting
January 30, 2024 at 9 a.m.
*Citizen Observers further the commitment of the League of Women Voters to its principle of Citizens Right to Know, however, we are not acting as journalists. Omissions and errors are possible. It is assumed that users of this information are responsible for their own fact-checking. This could include contacting a government clerk, conversing with an elected official or staff, and/or asking us to speak to the Observer who attended.