Larimer County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) 2/6/24
by Nanci Wendland
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.”
Mission
Larimer County government upholds and advances the community’s health, safety, well-being, and quality of life.
Key Points
Commissioner Chair Kefalas opened the meeting with the pledge of allegiance and public comments from 2 residents.
President of the Larimer County 4-H Foundation, Cindy Buckardt, reminded the Commissioners that the Larimer County Health Department approves of bake sales and talked about how even Martha Stewart promotes and encourages home-baked goods and bake sales. Buckardt says processed foods promote obesity and named numerous states in which the 4-H foundation is allowed to participate in bake sales. There has been an ongoing dispute with the Ranch Director McGrath’s decision to no longer allow home baked goods by the 4-H foundation members for events hosted at The Ranch.
Resident and Reverend Chris asked the Commissioners to grant her authority and accept her ministry in Fort Collins to preach the word of God. She gave the Commissioners a USB port and said they must listen to it.
Commissioner Stephens responded by saying freedom of speech allows her to preach.
Commissioner Shadduck-McNally said there is both freedom of religion and freedom of speech.
Commissioner Chair Kefalas responded to both residents. He said to Burkardt that he is aware of the 4-H bake sale dispute and is trying to resolve the issue. Speaking to Reverend Chris, Kefalas said he knows of the USB port and will respond at an appropriate time.
Consent Agenda Voting
Commissioner Chair Kefalas read items from the Consent Agenda and referenced three key items: #1 and Miscellaneous items #1 and #2. The commissioners voted and approved all items.
Agreements – #1 Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Job Corps Service Delivery Agreement
Appointments – 2
Liquor License – 1
Miscellaneous – 12 items.
#1 – Pathways Hospice 2-year warranty for landscaping.
#2 – Colorado Dept. of Transportation certification of Larimer County Road mileage used to determine the amount of Highway Users Tax Fund money Larimer County receives.
Commissioner Shadduck-McNally invited McKayley Lane, 2024 Miss Loveland Valentine, to speak and kick off the 70-year tradition of the Loveland stamp for Valentine’s Day cards. Miss Loveland Valentine Lane talked about growing up in Loveland and how Loveland will always be a special place for her. She plans to attend college in Wyoming next school year.
The commissioners congratulated her and expressed their appreciation having her as the ambassador for Loveland.
Commissioner Shadduck-McNally also invited Tina Harris, Larimer County Clerk and Recorder. Harris announced the Larimer County I Voted Sticker Contest. She is asking high school students, 9th through 12th grade, to submit their design for a new “I Voted” sticker. Submissions are due by 5 p.m. on March 2. Residents will vote and the winner will be announced April 19. Harris is trying to get this population of future voters more engaged in the process of voting.
Commissioner Shadduck-McNally asked how the word is getting out. Harris said her department staff have notified schools in person, by email, and mailing packets with flyers. They’ve posted on social media accounts for students in private schools and those who are home-schooled. School Counselors are spreading the word, as well as by word-of-mouth of current student election judges. Anyone can access the design contest by going to www.larimer.gov/Ivotedsticker.
The commissioners reported on their activities over the past week.
At 10:08 a.m. the regular meeting was adjourned, and the Commissioners went into Executive Session. County employees and members of the public were asked to leave the room.
Legal Matters. No decision expected.
From the Agenda -
“Executive Session pursuant to C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(b): Conferences with an attorney for the purpose of receiving legal advice regarding the proposed Plan of Reorganization in Bankruptcy Court by Endo Pharmaceutical.”
The Commissioners Administrative Matters meeting on Feb. 13 has been cancelled.
Next Meeting: Feb. 20, 2024 @ 9 a.m. by video or in-person at 200 W. Oak St., 220 Hearing Room, First Floor, Fort Collins.
Questions to consider:
- When does Commissioner Chair Kefalas expect to have resolution on the 4-H Foundation ability to have bake sales?
- How will residents know when and how to vote on the new ‘I Voted” sticker design?
*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.