(Editorial comment: for the first time since I have been attending BOCC meetings, the agenda was actually up on the overhead screen for citizens to view. Additionally, power point presentations were displayed for two of the discussion items.....progress.)
CONSENT AGENDA:
-approval of CDS mylars, vouchers, acknowledgement of CDS pipeline report, liquor license renewal for Hi-Test Liquor, Gambel Oaks Community Wildfire Protection Plan
ELECTED OFFICIALS/DEPARTMENT HEADS/STAFF REPORTS:
-Eric Larson, Economic Development intern, recognized May 5-11 as National Small Business Week in EC.
-Susan Murphy, Assessor, mentioned that Notices of Value (NOVs) were sent out; thanked her staff for hard work. Mentioned the online resources available regarding values. Willing to take phone calls about your property valuation. Citizens have until June 3 to appeal property value. Thayer said that there has been a lot of “interactive internet activity going on” about property values; process is behind handled adequately by Assessor’s office.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
-None
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
-“Pedal the Plains” event wrap-up: Sam Albrecht, County Manager, reported. 750 riders participated, reviewed initial goals, media interactions/sponsors, finances (EC broke even, Kiowa’s profit $1300+), lessons learned (would we do it again? Ask Albrecht in 3-5 years)
-IT Project Plan Update: Albrecht stated that 2 meetings held so far. Written plan update will be available in “a month or so.” Will compare financial investment of EC to other counties; goal is to look at where we will be in 3 years. A citizen asked that IT improvements include sheriff’s department.
-Kiowa/Elbert County Law Enforcement IGA (intergovernmental agreement): Bart Greer, County Attorney, stated that we are “close to” a final agreement regarding providing law enforcement services to Kiowa; contemplating receiving compensation for those services.
-Commercial Vehicle Model Traffic Code Ordinance: update allowing EC to enforce laws regarding specific violations; goal of this update relates to increase in commercial traffic coming through the county (overweight vehicles, etc.).
-EC Economic Development Briefing: Larson presented a “concept, not a blueprint” for economic development in the county. Bottom line: rapid exurban growth on edge of metro; slowly growing east (less than 5%, rural). Growth is coming; development is still a choice. EC’s niche: open space, affordability, proximity to Denver, population growth. Summarized census tracts; compared to neighboring counties (income, density, demographics, etc.). How to achieve economic development: 1) understand/gather community data (surveys, identify partners and assets); 2) when county is ready and community supports (corporations, authorities, foundations, etc.); need to measure effectiveness; recommends person within EC govt - probably a planner or finance specialist; 3) suggestions to make this work: seek out grants, mentors/partners, preserve or build niche advantage, citizens matter.
(Editorial comment: a very generalized presentation with similar premises/predictions/assumptions/outcomes that the county paid another individual to formulate a few years ago.)
-Resolution and Letter clarifying non-regulation of oil and gas well sitings: Greer spoke to recent legislative updates regarding oil and gas. County is updating 2017 resolution while also indicating that the county has not and will not regulate sites; close to completion of 2019 resolution. Thayer stated that well sites will be decided by operator, not the county.
ACTION ITEMS:
-approval of 4/24/19 minutes
BOARD PLANNING:
-agenda items for next meeting; workshops/study sessions; pending hearings
ADJOURNMENT
LAND USE HEARINGS 1PM:
-Gambel Hills Rezone (RZ-18-0085) and Minor Development (MD-18-0086); a request to rezone from ag (A) to agricultural residential (AR) and a Minor Residential Development of a 53.6 acre parcel, located at 38325 CR 5, Elizabeth, into 5 lots
-Jill Duvall