Larimer County Board of County Commissioners - Administrative Matters 7/2/24
by Mary Bohman
For more information (including members in attendance) see the full notes document here.*
View the meeting agenda and packet.
When available, a video recording of the meeting will be on the Larimer County Government YouTube channel.
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.”
Highlights
Commissioners celebrated Larimer County resident Myles Crane who was recognized by the Colorado Commission on Aging with the Allen Buckingham Award for his incredible dedication to Colorado’s older adults.
The Commissioners celebrated the 10th anniversary and accreditation of the Larimer County Wellness Court. The Wellness Court is the first mental health court in Colorado to receive accreditation by the State Court Administrator's Office.
After the Pledge of Allegiance, the Commissioners opened for public comment. There was none. After approval of the minutes of the previous meeting and a review of next week’s meetings, Commissioner Kefalas reviewed the Consent Agenda that was unanimously approved.
The Consent Agenda included
30 requests for abatement or refund of taxes where the assessor's value was upheld for all cases, an agreement, appointments, liquor licenses, and miscellaneous. Notable items included:
- Midterm Appointments to the Fair Board for Dana Luther and Becca Walter beginning July 2, 2024, and ending November 30, 2025.
- Approval of updated Bylaws for the Larimer County Office on Aging Advisory Council and the Environmental and Science Advisory Board. The bylaws were updated as part of a county review of bylaws for county advisory boards.
Commissioner Shadduck-McNally introduced her guest Myles Crane who was recognized by the Colorado Commission on Aging (COCA) with the 2024 Allen Buckingham Award for incredible dedication to Colorado’s older adults. Mr. Crane spoke about the award and his service on multiple boards including the CCOA, where he was appointed by the governor as a member, and the county’s Office of Aging Advisory Council where he served for 10 years. He recognized his wife Carol’s support, and the many people he worked with who contributed to his recognition. He also thanked each of the Commissioners for their partnership and support of his activities to improve lives for Colorado’s older residents.
The Commissioners noted his passion for his work and success in bringing people together to foster cooperation across organizations.
Discussion Item
The Commissioners celebrated the 10th anniversary and accreditation of the Larimer County Wellness Court. The 8th Judicial District in Larimer County currently has five problem-solving courts that support individuals in the legal system, their families and the community. The Wellness Court is the first mental health court in Colorado to receive accreditation by the State Court Administrator's Office, specifically the Colorado Problem Solving Courts Statewide Advisory Committee.
Emily Humphry, Director of Community Justice Alternatives, provided an update on individuals with high mental health challenges who are served by the Wellness Court which applies a proven, problem-solving model for these challenging cases. The court meets weekly and provides a safe space to discuss challenges of sobriety, employment, housing and strategies to address the root causes of an individual's struggles. Humphry thanked all the members of the team, many of whom were in the room.
Chief Judge Susan Blanco spoke and echoed the success of the Wellness Court over the past 10 years and the significance of accreditation – which is no small task, she said. She recognized that collaboration across the county helped the success of Larimer County courts. Alternative sentencing, law enforcement, and SummitStone Health Partners all helped.
The Commissioners and County Manager recognized the significance of the anniversary, accreditation, and the talented individuals with compassion behind the success. They said they valued learning about how the Wellness Court works, providing a great example of community engagement in policing, and more broadly working together in the community. They are excited about moving forward with competency and veteran’s courts.
Photo included. Caption: “Larimer County Commissioners, County Manager, Chief Judge, staff and partners celebrate Wellness Court accomplishments.”
County Manager Update. County Manager Volker reported that she held meetings last week with external groups.
Commissioners in the Community. Commissioners Shadduck-McNally, Stephens, and Kefalas reported on meetings and community events they attended.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:20am.
Next Meeting
July 9, 2024, 9 a.m. at 200 West Oak, Ste. 2200 80521 or live streamed.
Questions to Consider
Will Larimer County raise the visibility of volunteer opportunities that build on work carried out by Myles Crane to improve conditions for older residents?
What steps can Larimer County take to foster continued success of those with mental health challenges who come through the Wellness Court?
*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.