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HomeMy Public PortalAbout19911209 - SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES TOWN OF AULT SPECIAL BOARD MEETING MINUTES December 9, 1991 The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 P. M. ROLL CALL The following Trustees were present: Trustee Hoff Trustee Sheets Trustee Hoover Mayor R. Edgar Gieck Those Absent were: Trustee Rau Trustee Hovel Also present: Town Clerk, Patricia J. Lesh The Mayor stated that the purpose of the meeting this evening would be to open the bids for Town trash removal . The Town Clerk announced that there were two bids. The first one was from Waste Management of Northern Colorado. This bid was from April 1 , 1992 to December 31 , 1992 for $4.10 per unit. From January 1 , 1993 to December 31 , 1993 for $4.25 per unit. From January 1 , 1994 to December 31 , 1994 for $4.40 per unit. It was noted that the current cost is $3.60 per unit. The second bid was from BFI . The cost would be $4.10 per unit from April 1 , 1992 thru December 31 , 1994. The Cost would remain firm for the duration of the contract. The Mayor asked if any of the Board members had any additional questions. Trustee Sheets questioned the BFI contract at $4.10 for the life of the contact whereas the Waste Management contract proposed an increase each year. Trustee Sheets wondered how BFI could keep the contract for three years at the same price. A representative from BFI was present and stated that it would be using the Waste Management landfill just west of Ault, whereas in the past, the trash had to be hauled to Milliken. The representative also stated that they have been hauling the trash for the past 10 years and they have the experience and know just how much time is involved and what it takes to get the job done. It was also noted that it is about 14 miles to Milliken. Trustee Sheets questioned Waste Management about what could it offer that BFI could not. Waste Management feels ..they have quality service and feel they are the best in the business. Page 2 SPECIAL BOARD MEETING - continued December 9, 1991 Waste Management could also provide recycling, furnish portable toilets for the parks in the summer and for special events, temporary fencing, etc. BFI stated that they couldn't compete with Waste Management so they do not handle these kinds of additional services. TRUSTEE HOOVER MOVED TO TABLE THE APPROVAL OF THE BIDS UNTIL THE DECEMBER 17th REGULAR BOARD MEETING. The Mayor asked if there was any additional questions. There were no further questions. A vote was taken and the motion approved unamimously. The Town Clerk stated that the Board should decide on final payment to Police Officer Todd Ray. Pat Lesh commented that Officer Ray called her on Saturday and informed her that he had quit. This morning he called Chief Hinz and told him that he planned to resign. On Saturday he wanted his paycheck then and she stated that pay day was on Friday. Town Attorney was here and spoke with Chief Hinz and myself. Chief Hinz states that Officer Ray is going to the Labor Relations office in Denver and report the holidays that were taken away from him from the time he was hired. It was further stated that when he was hired, there were 9 holidays and now it is 6 holidays. It was a matter of record that Todd had taken a weeks vacation over Memorial Day. Officer Ray stated to Pat that he has 4 vacation days coming and when he was put on suspension, he was entitled to the Thanksgiving holiday. He also is requesting all of his sick days. TRUSTEE HOOVER MOVED TO PAY OFFICER TODD RAY FOR 6-DAYS AT REGULAR PAY, 42 DAYS FOR SICK LEAVE AND 4 DAYS VACATION PAY FOR A TOTAL OF 142 DAYS. There were no additional questions. A vote was taken and the motion approved unanimously. THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED. A.A.,),27-2;E_Q_e4 Patricia J. Lesh . Edgar i k Town Clerk Mayor Town of Ault Town of Au t 111 TOWN OF AULT REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES December 17, 1991 - (91 -19) THE AULT TOWN BOARD MEETINGS ARE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE AULT TOWN HALL AT 201 FIRST STREET, AULT, COLORADO. THE MEETINGS BEGIN AT 7:00 P.M. THE MAYOR CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER. THE FOLLOWING WERE PRESENT: Trustee Rau, Trustee Hovel , Trustee Hoff, Trustee Sheets, Trustee Hoover and Mayor R. Edgar Gieck. Also present: Town Clerk, Patricia J. Lesh AWARD OF TRASH REMOVAL BIDS: Trustee Hovel indicated that he had some questions of those who submitted a bid. He noted that Browning-Ferris Industries (BFI) has served the town for the past 8 or 10 years and stated that their proposal indicates $4. 10 per month beginning April 1 , 1992 through December 31 , 1994 and the cost would remain firm during the term of the contract. Trustee Hovel commented that the Agreement under ' significant change' , Trustee Hovel wanted some clarification of that statement as to future dumping, fees, etc. Howard Gettman, District Manager from BFI was present and stated that they do not know what the landfill charges will be in 1993. He indicated that if that should present a problem, he will come and negotiate with the Town with the exact number of yards that had been hauled the previous year and ask for an increase to cover the landfill charges. The landfill charges always go up in cost. Mr. Gettman felt that the $4.10 price would be firm until January 1 , 1993. Mr. Gettman also indicated that there is no set date for dumping at the new landfill west of Ault. Mr. Gettman also indicated that he has no control over what is charged at the landfill . Trustee Hovel also had a question for Waste Management of Northern Colorado. Randy Garrison was present. Trustee Hovel questioned if Waste Management was affiliated with company that owns the landfill west of Ault. It was indicated Waste Management of Northern Colorado is a subsidiary of Waste Management of Colorado, which has merged with Waste Services at the Ault Landfill . Trustee Hovel questioned their quoted prices and how firm they would be for the term of the contract. Waste Management could not guarantee their prices at the landfill . Trustee Hovel stated that since this contract has an effect on the Town until December 31 , 1994, Trustee Hovel felt the Board should discuss this briefly in Executive Session. TRUSTEE HOVEL MOVED TO ADJOURN FROM THE REGULAR MEETING TO EXECUTIVE SESSION. THE TRUSTEES RECONVENED THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING. Page 2 REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES December 17, 1991 AWARD OF TRASH REMOVAL BIDS continued: THE BOARD ADJOURNED FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION AND THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING RECONVENED. Trustee Hovel felt it was the decision of the Board to continue with BFI as they had provided excellent service in the past, but only up to the January 1 , 1993 date and at that time the trash service would go out for bid again. TRUSTEE HOVEL MOVED THAT BFI CONTINUE THE PRESENT TRASH REMOVAL SERVICE FOR THE TOWN OF AULT UNTIL JANUARY 1 , 1993, AND AT THAT TIME THE TRASH SERVICE WILL GO OUT FOR BID. The Mayor asked if there was any additional discussion. BFI representative commented that would only mean an additional 9 months for their present contract. BFI also commented that they would guarantee the $4.10 price through December 31 , 1993. A worksession was suggested to revise the original bid submitted. The Mayor then asked for additional questions. There were no more questions. TRUSTEE HOVEL AMENDED THE MOTION TO READ AS: BFI WILL CONTINUE TO SERVICE THE TOWN OF AULT UNTIL DECEMBER 31 , 1993. ABOUT OCTOBER 1993, THE TRASH REMOVAL SERVICE WILL THEN GO OUT FOR BID AGAIN. A vote was taken and the motion approved unanimously. THE LEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN CITIZENS, represented by JORGE AMAYA: III Jorge Amaya was present and stated he is with the League of United Latin American Citizens. He stated this organization was founded in 1929. Mr. Amaya stated he would like to read a written statement to this group. It stated, ". . . .As you all well know, LULAC has been approached by local residents to continue communication with this Board in an effort to address and resolve community-wide concerns involving their treatment at the hands of Ault Town employees. Last week during a telephone conversation with the Mayor I was asked to be more specific as to what the concerns were and some recommendations. The concerns/complaints received by me are aimed primarily at Police Chief Hinz and the manner in which he conducts himself while on the job. A common complaint is that he tends to be overly emotional with traffic violators, simply put, he yells at people over minor traffic violations. Secondly, he has been accused of entering private property without a search warrant, which could be defined as "illegal entry. " Thirdly, he has also been witnessed with a drawn firearm in private citizens homes with or without search warrants. The majority of those complaining pointed out that they came from low income background and felt incapable of pursuing legal charges against the Town. raye J ,[ REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - continued December 17, 1991 IIILEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN CITIZENS - continued At this time I ask that: 1- The Town Board invite the U.S. Department of Justice to mediate in this dispute and 2- that a vehicle of communication, such as a task force made up of local residents, promote two-way conversation dealing with this problem and 3- the Town Board make public its findings and resolutions to this issue. As per earlier correspondence, the League continues to insist that an in- ternal investigation be conducted by the Town of Ault on those employees mentioned in prior letters. At this time the League will refrain from any further in- vestigations on harassment allegations in Ault if the Town Board agrees to conduct an unbiased investigation and takes whatever action is deemed proper towards those town staff. However, if the Town of Ault continues to refuse to take independent action towards an investigation, LULAC will be forced to take steps which could include legal action and/or the request for assistance from state and federal authorities. LULAC recommends that the Town Board adopt a time schedule in which to work with on this task. The League extends its assistance to the town of Ault in the hopes that this localissue can be resolved quickly and painlessly. Please contact me at 351-8860 or 353-9251 if that assistance is needed. Signed, Jorge Amaya. Trustee Sheets questioned the comment made in the statement refering to an investigation and Trustee Sheets stated that names, dates, times, etc. will be needed. III Trustee Hovel questioned how LULAC is funded. Mr. Amaya stated it is a private-non profit, such as NAACP and is a volunteer organization. Mr. Amaya stated he is the state director and it is an elected position. Trustee Hovel stated that in the newspaper articles that have been written, ethnic harassment/ intimidation has been mentioned and Trustee Hovel asked what is the difference. Mr. Amaya commented that 'ethnic harassment' is defined as being singled out from the rest of the population-for harassment, not because a law was broken. He also stated that during the original problem that was brought to their attention, was the disrespect for private property and he stated that Town staff went on private property without a search warrant. Trustee Hovel wanted to know where that was and Mr. Amaya only stated that it was in Ault. Trustee Hovel stated that in the first newspaper article that appeared, you said that Town employees had harassed these people, a family and after we contacted the Health Department and the landlord, did this organization feel that the Town of Ault still harassed these people in any manner or had anything to do with the normal eviction process. Mr. Amaya still states that a Town employee conducted an non-site investigation. Trustee Hovel continued stated that Mr. Amaya had his facts wrong. Trustee Hovel stated that the Police Department received a complaint from a citizen of an noxious odor in the area. The Police Department did investigate and did call the Health Department. The Health Department did come and came into the Town Hall ( I was at the Town Hall that morning) and the lady from the Health Department ask the Police Chief to take her to this residence. III They both went together and Trustee Hovel stated that he feels the Health Dept. , will confirm this. They approached the door and asked for permission to go into the backyard; they just didn't barge their way in. At that time, the Health Department took over - the Health Department wrote the letters to the landlord, the Health Department wrote the letter to the tenant. When the landlord got the information from the Health Department, he came from his home and was very upset Page 4 REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - continued December 17, 1991 LEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN CITIZENS - continued III I that his house had not been well maintained. There were a group of individuals that were in the Cafe when the landlord came in and the landlord sat down with this group of individuals and said that this family would be evicted. There were more people than just a town employee that knew this information. Trustee Hovel stated that the Chief did nothing wrong and that the Chief followed procedure. Trustee Hovel furthered commented that the Health Department stated that there had been an oil /carburetor dump, so after the investigating, it is obvious that the Town employees have done nothing wrong. Mr. Amaya still stated he felt the Town did not investigate and Trustee Hovel stated, again, that the Town did investigate and feels that the Town was not at fault. Trustee Hovel also stated that the entire incident will be put in writing. Trustee Hovel stated that what is needed for an investigation is facts. Trustee Hovel stated that the Town Board needs people to come forth and state exactly what has wrongly been done. Trustee Hovel proposed that the Town Board will have the Town Police Committee at the Town Hall tomorrow night, Wednesday, December 18, at 7:00 P.M. The Town Hall will be open to anyone including the newspaper, who wants to come and discuss facts of any wrong doing and hopefully these individuals who feel that they have been wronged will come in with facts, as there cannot be an investigation without facts, which include names, places, dates and times. He also stated that with the present communication with Weld County, it is easy to track where our Police Officers are at any given time and where stops are made and who is involved. Again, Trustee Hovel invited anyone to come to the Town Hall tomorrow evening with a complaint and he hopes this can be worked out. It was also noted that the newspaper will have this in the paper for Wednesday and everyone and anyone who sees the article will know of this meeting. Mr. Amaya also mentioned the Department of Justice and what their roll would be in this matter. Again, Trustee Hovel stated that without facts it is very hard to investigate. Trustee Hovel also stated that at previous Town Board meetings this family with 10 children had been a concern because of a traffic problem; this problem was because of the children out in the street - the kids played in the street. Trustee Hovel also reminded Mr. Amaya of the fact that the Town Board purchased signs stating "Slow, Children Playing" and posted the signs and the Greeley Tribune came and did an article about this problem. The Town made every attempt to make that area safe for those children and that family. Again, Trustee Hovel stated that the Town has not harassed or intimidated this family. Mayor Gieck commented he could not understand why the newspaper could not have contacted him first before the article was printed in the newspaper. The Mayor felt and he felt the community would have felt a lot better, if the newspaper would have approach the proper officials of the Town first and the Mayor further stated he received his letter a week later from Mr. Amaya. The Mayor also indicated that a simple phone call would have been appropriate in this matter. Page 5 REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - continued December 17, 1991 LEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN CITIZENS - continued: There was a concern from the audience. Mr. Rick Alt was very concerned as to why Mr. Amaya reported that the Ault Police officers had pulled their guns five times in an non-dangerous situation and Mr. Alt wanted to know how Mr. Amaya knew what a dangerous situation was and where had he acquired such information. Mr. Alt wanted to know how Mr. Amaya could justify these kinds of comments without proof. Mr. Alt felt that it is very difficult to judge what is a dangerous situation without being there. Mr. Alt also stated that Mr. Amaya has hung a man for no reason. Mr. Amaya only had hearsay information. Again, Mr. Alt stated that Mr. Amaya has no proof, only hearsay and no facts. Mr. Alt also stated he did not like what was being said about the Ault Police and why was this printed in the newspaper without facts. Mayor Gieck stated he felt the Tribune was at fault for printing such allegations. Town resident, Gary White stated he agreed with Mr. Alt that there should have been some investigating before it was put in the newspaper. A question from the audience as to how many Hispanics are on the Police Committee and if there are none, how impartial will it be. The Mayor indicated that there are no Hispanics on the Board at this time. Trustee Sheets commented that he has many spanish friends in town and feels if there was a problem, they would tell him. Mayor Gieck stated that another meeting will be called about December 30th or December 31st and this should give all the Town Board members a chance to attend this meeting. He also stated that any of the public is also invited to attend this open meeting. The Mayor again stated that it would be helpful if the Town had some facts: names, places, dates and times and etc. The Mayor thanked all interested parties for attending this meeting. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Jenny Lucero had a question for Trustee Hovel . She ask about the "Children Playing" sign that was posted for the above family in question. Trustee Hovel stated the concern for the many kids at that residence was the concern of the Town of Ault. It was noted that there are lots of other kids in that block, but Trustee Hovel stated that there were several people kids in particular. Trustee Sheets commented that heh lives d oconcerns about these ee has children as well and he stated that he requested that thensigtn tbetpputt and up for all the children. The safety of the children, including the 10 children of the family in question, were a concern for the Town. Cecil Jackson, town resident stated that he wrote a letter to the Mayor and the 111 Town Council concerning the motorcycles on 3rd Street and noted the children playing and he stated that the sign has done lots of good in protecting the children in that area. He commended Mayor Gieck, the Town Board and Chief Hinz for taking care of that complaint - it was handled immediately. r u v REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - continued December 17, 1991 PUBLIC COMMENTS - continued: Mr. Jackson further commented that many organizations promote unrest and anti- social activities and he feels that as this progresses, many of these aspects will come out and many people of the community will be surprised, but he feels that the Town Board or Mayor Gieck will not be surprised of the outcome. There were no further comments by the audience. The Mayor continued with the rest of the regular agenda. RENEWAL PROPOSAL FOR TOWN EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE: Town Clerk, Pat Lesh introduced Mr. Skip Carlson from Northwestern Group Marketing Services and this group has offered a proposal for group health insurance. Presently the Town' s health insurance comes up for renewal on January 1 , 1992. Presently with Hospital Services at the same deductible, the premium would in- crease to $100.25 per employee per month. Approximately 60 other health insurance companies have been requested to give quotes for our employees and Mr. Carlson is present to give the two best quotes proposed. Northwestern Group Marketing Services is a broker for all the top companies in the country. This group continues to keep in touch with the other companies and stays aware of any changes or whatever of the products available and this will eliminate the need of many, many different insurance salesman coming to the Town Hall with different plans etc. He stated that one of the companies contacted was the Travelers Insurance. He stated there would be more benefits at a lesser cost. The quote would run $86.56 for medical coverage, which gives=a.-§ignfficant- - - - - savings over the present health carrier. Employers Health quote for medical coverage was approximately $133.00 per employee per month and all figures were based on the figured made available by the Town. A question arose regarding how Northwestern Group made its money. He stated he receives a commission. The Board was concerned about what coverages this quote provided the employees. It was stated that with Travelers it is a PPO - a preferred provided organization, indicating it is a co-pay, using any doctor of their choice and pay the doctor $10.00 per visit, but the Doctor must be a part of the organization and most of the doctors are part of this organization. It includes life insurance in the amount of $15,000. The health deductible is $200 for individual and $600 for family. There is no hospital deductible. The hospital co-pay is 90/10 and usually it is 80/20. Prescriptions are $5.00 co-pay. Preventative care is limited and that is not unusual . Maternity is a covered expense, accident benefit is 90/10 and total out-of-pocket per individual would be $1000 - total out-of-pocket per family would be $2000. The life time maximum is unlimited. Hospital pre-authorization is mandatory, of course this excludes emergencies, but does refer to any elective surgery and can be pre- authorized at the hospital . Second surgical opinion is 100%. Pre-admission testing is 100%. Out-patient surgery is 90/10. rage I REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - continued December 17, 1991 IIIRENEWAL PROPOSAL FOR TOWN EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE: Trustee Hovel felt that those employees should have some imput into what kind of coverage they felt important. Trustee Hovel felt a meeting with those who will be insured be brought together and both quotes be presented to the employees at that time. As time is slipping by very fast, Mr. Carlson felt the employees could be put on with Travelers by January 1 , 1992. TRUSTEE RAU MOVED TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL A MEETING CAN BE CALLED WITH THE TOWN EMPLOYEES AND THEN PROCEED AT THE JANUARY REGULAR BOARD MEETING. The Mayor ask if there were any additional questions or concerns. A vote was taken and the motion approved unanimously. It was noted that a meeting date will be set with the employees. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE NOVEMBER 19, 1991 REGULAR BOARD MEETING: TRUSTEE HOVEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 19, 1991 . The Mayor or ask for any additional discussion. There was no further discussion. A vote taken and the motion approved unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE DECEMBER 9, 1991 SPECIAL BOARD MEETING: TRUSTEE HOFF MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF DECEMBER 9, 1991 . A vote was taken and Trustee Sheets, Trustee Hoover, Trustee H Mayor Gieck voted in favor. Trustee Rau and Trustee Hovel abstain. off' APPROVAL OF DECEMBER ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Trustee Sheets questioned an item regarding Game Security-School reimbursement. It was stated that the school sends a check to the Town and the Town Clerk then issues a check to the Officer and this is handled in this way because of li insurance as this Officer is working for the Town while providing securityability at games. TRUSTEE SHEETS MOVED TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER ACCOUNTS PAYABLE. Town Clerk, Pat Lesh stated that there is one bill that is not included on this list. It is the charges for the contractor who is remodeling the bathrooms at the Town H all It was stated that the Town Hall bathroom is finished and the quote for the re-. modeling was $1500. Trustee Hovel commented the work is not completed as of toda but he would like to see this approved so this contractor does not have to wa y' for his money until next Board Meeting. The Mayor ask for any additional �t discussion. Trustee Hoff asked about library costs. The only ex enses were bookkeeping, maintenance, and water, trash and sewer. p for III The Mayor ask for any additional questions. A vote was taken and the motion approved unanimously. REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - continued December 17, 1991 APPROVAL OF DECEMBER ACCOUNTS PAYABLE - continued: III TRUSTEE HOVEL MOVED TO APPROVE PAYMENT TO THE CONTRACTOR FOR REMODELING 0 THE BATHROOM AT THE TOWN HALL. There was no further discussion. Trustee Rau, Trustee Hoff, Trustee Hovel , Trustee Hoover and Mayor Gieck voted in favor. Trustee Sheets voted against this motion. DISCUSSION ON THE PURCHASE OF A TRACTOR-LOADER: Trustee Hovel stated that a few things had happened to the tractor. Trustee Hovel noted that Case International submitted a bid for a Case International Harvester 685 and he proceeded to list the options available with this tractor. The original bid for this tractor was $37,598. Today, this company presented a bid for this same tractor at $28,558, almost a $10,000 reduction in price. This is a deluxe tractor and he stated to Trustee Hovel that this tractor has 90 hours and has a new warranty and probably there is an extended warranty available. Trustee Hovel that other bids from Van Why, Massey was approximately $35,000 John Deere bid was about $40,000. Pat Lesh stated that there was about $20,000 in the Sewer Fund for equipment. Trustee Hovel wondered why one of John Deere's tractors (industrial ) was cheaper than a farm tractor. A concern as to what was meant by a deluxe cab and it was noted it has heater and air-conditioner. III Trustee Hovel suggested that possibily a good, used tractor could be found before spring. It was also noted that this item was budgeted for the coming year. The Mayor stated that the Board should meet about December 26th at 7:00 PM for further disussion on the possible purchase of a tractor. COMMITTEE REPORTS: POLICE REPORT: Trustee Hovel noted that Chief Hinz had written the Board a letter regarding the shortage of one police officer. Trustee Hovel felt that this was a personnel matter and that the Board should adjourn to Executive Session for a brief time. TRUSTEE HOVEL MOVED TO EXECUTIVE SESSION. THE TRUSTEES RECONVENED THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING. TRUSTEE SHEETS MOVED ON BEHALF OF THE POLICE COMM ITTEE TO ADVERTISE FOR A POLICE OFFICER BY THE 14th OF JANUARY. The Mayor ask if there was any further discussion. Trustee Hoff, Trustee Hovel , Trustee Sheets, Trustee Hoover and Mayor Gieck voted in favor. Trustee Rau voted against the motion. TRUSTEE HOVEL MOVED TO CONTINUE TO PAY RUSS ZELLER AND USE HIM AS A FILL-IN UNTIL A PERMANENT POLICE OFFICER IS HIRED AT THE RATE OF $50 PER SHIFT. No further discussion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously. „y, ., REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - continued December 17, 1991 OMMITTEE REPORTS: continued PARKS AND CEMETERY REPORT: Trustee Hoff reported that a few tree trunks had been wrapped for winter. LIBRARY REPORT: Trustee Hoff reported that a meeting was held on December 12, 1991 . It was agreed at this meeting that three new tables would be purchased for use in the basement. Trustee Hoff also reported that he will be getting in touch with Andrew Hinz, who will be putting in the new shelving in the Library. WATER AND SEWER REPORT: Trustee Hoover ask if there had been another water leak reported. Town Clerk stated there was another leak and Trustee Hovel would also find out where it was. STREET AND ALLEY REPORT: Trustee Hovel reported that the street sweeper came and swept the streets at a cost of $380.00. Mayor Gieck stated he thought some grading had been done on 3rd Street at A and B Street. Trustee Hoover stated that there was a huge pile of leaves left at Eastside park by the street sweeper. FINANCE AND BUDGET REPORT: Trustee Hovel stated for the benefit of the Greeley Tribune, who had already left the meeting, that it would be nice if the newspaper people would stick around to hear good news instead of always bad news. For the benefit of the Ault audience present, Trustee Hovel continued that the 1992 Budget was approved at a Public Hearing Meeting held December 11 , 1991 . At that time the mill levy was set at 9.496, which is one mill less than last year. Trustee hopes the property taxes can be lowered and still have a little money to do projects around town. Trustee Hovel also stated he feels that Ault is in competition with Greeley, Windsor, Eaton and other small towns for new housing and if the town is kept clean and neat and the property taxes low, he feels that will be a big incentive for new housing. He also stated that he feels the budget is very workable and that the Town Trustees put a lot of time into getting it together. It was noted from the audience that it was very nice to see a Town Board concerned about the communities property taxes and that it was felt by this person, that the Town Trustees had done a good job with taxpayers money. TREE BOARD REPORT: Trustee Hoff reported that the next Tree Board Meeting will be held on Thursday evening, December 19, 1991 . Trustee Hoff commented that it has been difficult to find a time convenient for everyone so the meetings can be held every month. Trustee Hovel asked if it was the intent of the Tree Board to remove the bricks and mulch each tree on Main Street as was done with the tree in front of the Town Hall . It was agreed that the bricks should be re- moved and filled with bark chips. rye iv REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - continued December 17, 1991 COMMITTEE REPORTS - continued: III AULT PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT: Trustee Hoff stated that a realtor, Joann Gilbaugh, has a client that lives in Ault who has a house with a large lot and she has inquired as to whether a modular could be put on this lot. The address of the property is 401 B Street. Trustee Hoff stated he thought the code refered to trailers, but not modulars. A meeting could be arranged to discuss this in detail . AULT WATER PLANNING AUTHORITY: Trustee Hoover stated that recently he had a meeting with Mr. Prenzlow and they looked back through the old board minutes and there wasn't enough information available, but at one board meeting it was noted that the final payment on 31 trailer spaces was made, so it seems that sometime in the past the trailer court actually purchased more water than the Town had credited him with. This happened in September 1972. Trustee Hoff commented that he had two bids for the sod and sprinklers and both were close to the $3,000 bids submitted. This was for the library, replacing the sod and putting in sprinklers. It was felt that this item could be put on the 1993 agenda. NOMINEES FOR THE POSITION OF TOWN BOARD TRUSTEE: Mayor Gieck stated he had contacted Shirley Hinz and Rose Martinez and ask if they were interested in a Board position at this time. Both declined. The Mayor also stated he then ask Jenny Lucero and she accepted for the short term available. MAYOR GIECK MOVED TO APPROVE JENNY LUCERO FOR THE VACANT BOARD POSITION FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE PRESENT TERM. The Mayor ask for any discussion. There was no further discussion. The Board indicated their vote by paper ballot. The ballots were collected and counted. The Town Clerk announced that the vote was unanimously approved. Ms. Jenny Lucero stood, raised her right hand and the Town Clerk administered the Oath of Office. The Mayor welcomed her as a new Trustee. TRUSTEE HOVEL MOVED THAT AN OPEN HOUSE BE SCHEDULED AND THAT THE DATE BE SET BY THE TOWN CLERK AND THE MAYOR AND THAT THE PUBLIC BE NOTIFIED. It was questioned if the Board members had a preference as to what date would be good for them. The Mayor ask for any additional discussion. A vote was taken and the motion approved unanimously. The Board decided to have an open meeting for all the community to attend if they had concerns regarding the investigation of allegations regarding police actions. Town resident questioned if it was fair to have a committee investigate allegations if those allegations have not been proven and on hearsay only. It was stated by the board that the Police Committee would be at the town hall to take any complaints. If there are no complaints, there is no investigation. Trustee Hovel stated that right now, there were no complaints. Town resident, Peck Lesh stated he was disturbed that no resident has made any complaint and that an outsider has been making insinuations about this town without specific incidents, looks like the outsider is trying to make a problem. REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES - continued December 17, 1991 III)TIER TOWN RESIDENT CONCERNS continued: This town resident felt this was a "witch hunt" because someone got a ticket and was disturbed about that ticket. Again, Mr. Lesh stated he did not like an outside organization coming into the Town hail and making charges. Mayor Gieck stated he had informed Jorge Amaya and Kerrie Bowman that more was done tonight that was intended, but did give these people a chance to voice their opinion. The Mayor also stated he told them that they must present a specific incident before attacking a human being, with where and when and etc. The Mayor feels by having these open meetings, it will make the Town Board accessible to anyone. Trustee Hovel again stated he felt that no one in the community has a legitimate complaint and as far as ethnic harassment, he stated he feels this just isn't happening, but he hopes that if someone comes tomorrow night, then that complaint will be investigated. If no one shows up at the scheduled meeting, then the Board will write a letter to LULAC indicating the investigation was completed because of the following procedures that the Board had taken. Trustee Hovel still indicated that if there are people out there with a big enough problem, they will come and voice that concern. The problem must be proven and it has not been proven. Town Clerk, Pat Lesh stated that CML is having a workshop for elected officials at the Radisson Hotel in Denver on January 18, 1991 which is a Saturday and as many of the Trustee that could attend would be appreciated. Trustee Hoff would like to go and Pat Lesh would also attend. ADJOURNMENT: THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED. le - ,, ,,,,)L,L, Illown Clerk Mayor atricia J. Lesh R. Edgar Giet I I