January 2010 - no meeting scheduled in January
March 2010 - no meeting scheduled in March
April 2010 - no meeting scheduled in April
June 2010 - no meeting scheduled in June
August 2010 - no meeting scheduled in August
October 2010 - no meeting scheduled in October
December 2010 - no meeting scheduled in December
February 2011 - Meeting re-scheduled to March
April 2011 - no meeting scheduled in April
June 2011 - no meeting scheduled in June
August 2011 - no meeting scheduled in August
October 2011 - no meeting scheduled in October
November 2011 - no meeting scheduled in November
February 2012 - no meeting scheduled for February
April 2012 - no meeting scheduled for April
July 2012 - no meeting scheduled for July
August 2012 - no meeting scheduled for August
October 2012 - no meeting scheduled for October
December 2012 - no meeting scheduled for December
March 2013 - no meeting scheduled
May 2013 - no meeting scheduled
July 2013 - no meeting scheduled
September 2013 - no meeting scheduled
November 2013 - no meeting scheduled
December 2013 - Meeting cancelled
February 2014 - No Meeting - rescheduled for March
April 2014 - no meeting scheduled in April
June 2014 - no meeting scheduled in June
July 2014 - rescheduled to August 2014
August 2014
October 2014 - No meeting
December 2014 - No meeting
January 2015 - No meeting
February Re-Organizational 2015
March 2015 - No meeting
July 2015 - No meeting
August 2015 - No meeting
October 2015 - No meeting
December 2015 - No Meeting
February 2016 - No meeting
May 2016 - No meeting
July 2016
August 2016
October 2016
November 2016
December 2016
Board of Directors Reorganization Meeting Minutes
February 3, 2010
Chairman Rayetta Palmer called the February 3, 2010 reorganization meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors to order at 7:14 p.m. at the Community Building in Limon, CO. In addition to Rayetta Palmer, board members present included: Del Beattie, Bob Paintin, Nola Stone, Fred Beisser, John Shipper, Donna Metcalf, Troy McCue, Dave Hornung, Valerie Rhoades and Steve Burgess. Staff members present included Jo Downey, ECCOG Executive Director, Terry Baylie, Senior and Transit Services Director, and Terry Blevins, Special Projects Director. Guests included Norma Pankratz, Craig Cure, and Joe Bliven.
Jo Downey stated the ECCOG Board currently is a board of twelve members. Monica Halde, newly appointed business representative from Cheyenne County, was unable to attend because of another commitment made prior to her appointment to the ECCOG Board by the Cheyenne County Commissioners. The Elbert County municipal representative seat is currently vacant. There were two nominees for that position, and the three municipalities were asked to vote for their preferences. However, only two of the communities actually voted, resulting in a tie vote. In the event of a municipal tie, the Board of County Commissioners casts the tie-breaking vote, and the Elbert County Commissioners expect to cast that vote at their meeting February 10th.
Rayetta asked Del Beattie to lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Nominating Committee Report
Rayetta then asked for a report from the nominating committee. Troy McCue, on behalf of John Shipper and Nola Stone, submitted the following slate of officers: Rayetta Palmer, chairman; Steve Burgess, vice-chairman; Del Beattie, treasurer; and Fred Beisser, secretary.
After reading the report from the nominating committee, Troy McCue moved to nominate this slate of officers, and John Shipper seconded the nomination. Nola Stone moved the nominated slate be elected by acclamation. John Shipper seconded the nomination, which carried unanimously.
Other
Terry Baylie asked the Board to consider adopting an operations resolution authorizing various personnel to sign checks on behalf of ECCOG and its programs. The personnel are identified by job title only, to eliminate the need to amend the resolution if designated personnel leave and are replaced. Steve Burgess moved to adopt the proposed operations resolution. Fred Beisser seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Rayetta Palmer declared the meeting adjourned at 7:23 p.m.
Board of Directors Reorganization Meeting Minutes
February 3, 2010
Chairman Rayetta Palmer called the February 3, 2010 meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors to order at 7:23 p.m. at the Community Building in Limon, CO. In addition to Rayetta Palmer, board members present included: Del Beattie, Bob Paintin, Nola Stone, Fred Beisser, John Shipper, Donna Metcalf, Troy McCue, Dave Hornung, Valerie Rhoades and Steve Burgess. Staff members present included Jo Downey, ECCOG Executive Director, Terry Baylie, Senior and Transit Services Director, and Terry Blevins, Special Projects Director. Guests included Norma Pankratz, Craig Cure, Joe Bliven and John Hill, representing the Ranchland News at Simla.
Rayetta dispensed with the introduction of guests and with the Pledge of Allegiance, both of which occurred at the outset of the Reorganization meeting conducted immediately prior to this meeting.
Rayetta asked the Board to consider the Minutes of the November 4, 2009 meeting. She noted two typographical errors: on page 2, in the third line under the Title III item, the word after “10 percent” should be “of” and not “if;” on page 3, in the first line, the word “members” is misspelled. John Shipper moved the Board approve the Minutes of the November 4, 2009 Board of Directors meeting as corrected. Dave Hornung seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
The Board next reviewed the Financial Report and list of bills, which showed total net payroll of $27,676.60, and the total for bills listed for January of $49,231.64. John Shipper moved the Board approve the Financial Report and list of bills. Fred Beisser seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Jo Downey informed the Board that the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy document was given conditional approval by the federal Economic Development Administration. The EDA requested additional details about some of the proposed projects outlined in the CEDS. Those details were provided and the CEDS has been approved as revised. Jo asked the ECCOG Board to accept the revisions, as well. Donna Metcalf moved the Board accept the revised CEDS. Troy McCue seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Jo Downey reported that all facets of the Off The Beaten Trail project are completed and the project has been well-received to date. Rayetta Palmer asked if there would be other sites added to the project, and Jo said the Colorado Tourism Office might invite ECCOG to apply for funding for four additional sites. If so, the ECCOG Board will be asked to decide if the added sites would be selected one per county or based on some other criteria.
Regarding the Our Journey project, John Shipper reported there was an outstanding response last season to the Kiowa Drill exhibit at the Elbert County Museum. The museum board is considering expansion of both the exhibit and the museum’s hours for the coming season.
2010 Event Marketing Input
Jo Downey asked Board members to be thinking how ECCOG should select the special events to be marketed using 2010 Colorado Tourism Board marketing funds. ECCOG received a $15,000 grant which, along with $7,500 in local matching funds, will pay for “heavy marketing” of four special events this coming season, one in each county. Jo said the events should meet three criteria: they must attract people from outside the region; they must be able to accommodate increased crowd sizes; and they must have a potential positive economic impact on local businesses.
These grant funds also will pay for four “fam” tours to the public museums in this region. These tours will be designed to familiarize travel writers and motor coach companies with the region, which hopefully will result in other motor coach tours being scheduled. This marketing program must be completed by the middle of October, she said.
2008 Transit and Senior Services Summary
Referring to the annual reports for the transit and senior services programs that were mailed to Board members in their pre-meeting packets, Terry Baylie told members the information was primarily for the edification of new Board members.
Other
There was no other unfinished business to come before the Board.
Terry Baylie said the Senior Services Advisory Board and Transit Advisory Committee both have suffered from poor attendance in the past, making it difficult to conduct business at meetings. Members also have encountered conflict of interest issues by serving on both these committees and the boards of other agencies or programs in the region.
To mitigate these issues, Terry recommended combining the two advisory groups into a single Senior Services and Transit Advisory Board. This new board would have 13 members, including seven from the present Senior Services Advisory Board and six from the present Transit Advisory Committee.
Steve Burgess moved the Board merge the two advisory groups as recommended, with members to serve three-year terms. The first advisory board members will hold staggered terms (one, two or three years) so that one-third of the members will be appointed each year. The creation of this new advisory board will be reviewed at the next ECCOG Board meeting to determine if any alterations are deemed necessary. Dave Hornung seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
The Colorado Department of Local Affairs has offered a $70,000 grant to ECCOG to pay for community development activities in this region. Jo Downey said the grant help fund staff or consultant costs for work on regional or selected local community development projects. Following Jo’s comments, John Shipper moved the Board accept the 2010 Department of Local Affairs Community Development Contract. Donna Metcalf seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Jo Downey reported on the East Central Enterprise Zone tax credits for 2009, noting there were fewer taxpayers claiming credits than in 2008, but the total tax dollars remaining in the region because of those credits was greater than the previous year. In 2009, 345 businesses in Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson and Lincoln counties claimed EZ credits totaling $1,599,210.
In spite of a variety of informational efforts in past years, Elbert County continues to utilize the agriculture tax credit far less than other counties in the region, she added.
Personnel Policies Amendments
ECCOG staff proposed amendments to the personnel policies to include maternity/paternity leave policies that meet federal regulations and to include the cell phone stipend that was approved by the Board several years ago. Donna Metcalf moved the proposed amendments to the ECCOG personnel policies be approved as presented. John Shipper seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Elbert County requested ECCOG to designate its new economic development decision an Enterprise Zone Contribution Project, making it eligible to accept contributions from taxpayers who then would be able to claim enterprise zone tax credits. The Elbert County Enterprise Authority was established this year to partner with other governmental agencies to promote commercial, industrial and agricultural development, to found and promote the Elbert County Cultural Commission, to assist local agricultural producers, and to promote planned, goals-oriented development throughout the county.
Following discussion, John Shipper moved to approve the designation of the Elbert County Enterprise Authority as an East Central Enterprise Zone Contribution Project, and to forward the recommendation to the State Economic Development Commission for final approval. Valerie Rhoades seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Jo Downey asked the Board to designate Eileene Andrews as the official ECCOG representative to the CTSI Health Pool, a role she has filled the past five years. Dave Hornung moved that Eileene Andrews be appointed to this position, as requested. Steve Burgess seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Copies of the 2010 U. S. Census Talking Points were mailed to ECCOG Board members in their pre-meeting packets. For information only, the mailing included the census timeline and frequently asked questions, along with their answers. Jo Downey said ECCOG is making every effort to get the information into as many hands as possible, to help insure a complete and accurate census count.
Steve Burgess suggested the ECCOG Board meet in Stratton next time, to give newer members the opportunity to see the ECCOG offices. He also asked that the ECCOG staff be invited to eat dinner with the Board members. The next meeting will be Wednesday, May 5th, in Stratton. The following meeting was tentatively scheduled for July 7th, 2010.
Other
Valerie Rhoades informed the Board that Morgan Community College no longer hosts the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for this region. She said University of Northern Colorado is the new host, and the center is renamed the Northeastern and Central Colorado SBDC. The office will operate through branch offices from the central office in Greeley, and she said it is hoped that enough counselors will be on board to serve the entire area. All part-time counselors are local residents who are familiar with their own locales, she added.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Rayetta Palmer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m.
Chairman Rayetta Palmer called the May 5, 2010 meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors to order at 7:15 p.m. at the Los Volcanes Restaurant in Elizabeth, CO. In addition to Rayetta Palmer, board members present included: Del Beattie, Valerie Rhoades, Paul Warneke, Fred Beisser, Donna Metcalf, John Shipper and Steve Burgess. Staff members present were Jo Downey, ECCOG Executive Director, and Terry Baylie, Senior and Transit Services Director. Also present was Lori Hendrick of May Jackson and Hendrick, and John Hill of the Ranchland News.
Rayetta Palmer asked those present to introduce themselves, and following introductions, she expressed her appreciation to ECCOG staff for the dinner. She dispensed with the Pledge of Allegiance out of respect to the flag due to the meeting being held in a public restaurant and other people in booths closeby.
Rayetta then asked the Board to consider the Minutes of the April 7, 2010 meeting. Steve Burgess moved the Board approve the Minutes of the April 7, 2010 Board of Directors meeting as submitted. Fred Beisser seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
The Board next reviewed the Financial Report and list of bills, which showed total net payroll of $29,146.76, and the total for bills listed for April of $41,807.84. John Shipper moved the Board approve the Financial Report and list of bills. Fred Beisser seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Lori Hendrick of May Jackson and Hendrick presented the 2009 audit to the Board. She also distributed and reviewed graphs comparing ECCOG revenues and expenses for the past several years. ECCOG had no questioned costs and Hendrick congratulated the Board and staff on a job well done. Jo Downey stated that this was the first full audit year for the “new” ECCOG fiscal officer, Paulette Thompson and wished to go on the record as stating that for Paulette, it was indeed a job well done. Lori concurred. A copy of the 2009 audit is attached to the official file copy of these minutes.
Fred Beisser moved to approve the audit. Steve Burgess seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Jo Downey discussed the final plans and time frame for the 2010 Our Journey and OBT promotional campaigns for the 2010 travel season. Photo copies of the Train Ticket and Dear Explorer letter were distributed. Formal printing of these pieces will be completed by mid-May. This year, visitors to the 13 museums will not only receive a stamp (and free admission) but also a carabiner with a medallion of the stamp. The challenge to the visitor from ECCOG and PDC is to “collect” all 13. The Dear Explorer letter also cross markets the Off the Beaten Trail Project. Jo also shared with the board the final draft of the 2010 Fun, Fairs, and Festivals events guide. 15,000 of the guides will be printed. The initial distribution of the guide will be through the schools within the four county area. Downey commented that often, even area citizens are not aware of the numerous rodeos, parades, golf tournaments, etc. that are with even a thirty minute drive of their own community. Additional copies of the guide will be included in the Our Journey packets and made available at the Colorado Welcome Center at Burlington. Other copies will be available at public locations within the ECCOG communities.
FTA 2011 Grant Application
Terry said that the 2011 update of the 2010/2011 Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant application will be due to the Colorado Department of Transportation, Transit Unit sometime in mid-June. Since ECCOG does not meet in June, Terry included a “draft” 2011 update in Board packets, advising that the Senior Services and Transit Advisory Board would review the update at its May 13th meeting. She said that basically the only change is the addition of 2009 final expenses. She also asked John Shipper if Elbert County wanted the old 1995 mini-bus removed from back-up service. John indicated that the vehicle has already been removed from public transit service and should therefore be deleted from the vehicle inventory. Fred Beisser moved to approve the update pending review and favorable recommendation by the SSTB at its May 13th meeting. Motion was seconded by John Shipper, and carried unanimously.
2010 Event/Radio Ads Selection
Jo Downey said that the four events selected for the front range radio ad campaign were the Tumbleweed Festival (Cheyenne County), Simla Days (Elbert County), Celebration of Summer (Kit Carson County) and Limon Heritage Festival (Lincoln County). Jo said that the grant budget was adequate to do two different ads rather than one base ad. These ads will then be customized for each event. She also stated that with two of the events being the same weekend (Tumbleweed and Celebration of Summer) producing two different ads was important. The Board was asked to “vote” for their favorite ads no later than Monday the 10th. The four different draft ads could be listened to by going to a secure web site. A link had been sent earlier. This promotional campaign is funded by a grant from the Colorado Tourism Office. The events will also be promoted on Colorado and Company and through news releases to the Front Range media.
First Saturday
The Regional Tourism Marketing grant from the Colorado Tourism Office also has funding for “First Saturday”…an event at the Governor’s Mansion in Denver on June 5. PDC requested a First Saturday event for 2010 over a year ago. Jo Downey stated that the June date was much better than the first Saturday in May which had been tentatively assigned. Downey stated that most of the public museums and several events have committed to participate that Saturday which offers an excellent opportunity to promote the heritage tourism resources and the Our Journey project and Off the Beaten Trail. Danielle Dascalos will coordinate the publicity for the event along with Mansion staff. Attendance is projected at 200-500 persons, mostly families. Danielle is under contract to both PDC and ECCOG for tourism promotion and marketing. Jo said that she was scheduled to be on Channel 9’s Colorado and Company on June 4th to help promote First Saturday.
Enterprise Zone Legislation Update
Jo Downey briefed the Board and others on the status of the various bills in this Colorado legislative session that could impact the Enterprise Zone State Income Tax credit program administered by ECCOG. HB 1200 would set as a temporary requirement that businesses defer claiming any amount of any Enterprise Zone Investment Tax Credit above $250,000 in years 2011, 2012 and 2013. HB 1396 would have eliminated the Enterprise Zones effective January 1, 2011 but was postponed indefinitely. However, it is speculated that its sponsor will bring it back again next year. HB 1285 would make changes to statute set in place in 2009 by HB 1298. The earlier bill allowed for the Investment Tax credit to be claimed on rolling stock…the 2010 bill sets a cap on the total amount of these credits available and the State would have to pre-certify on a first-come first served basis. There would be limited impact in the East Central Zone should this bill pass. SB 162 which has passed will require pre-certification of all EZ tax credits (except contribution credits). Beginning January 1, 2010, a business will have to submit the DR0074, 76 or 77 form(s) with signature to the zone administrator PRIOR to engaging in activity for which the taxpayer intends to earn a credit. Jo Downey discussed the challenges ahead of educating the taxpayers and the tax preparers within the region as to the new criteria. This bill also established other administrative regulations and requires OEDIT to work with the Department of Revenue over the next three years to develop a method for electronic pre-certification and certification. Jo said she would report to the Board from time to time on the educational efforts being undertaken by the State and ECCOG to as many as possible aware of the changes.
Jo said that at the last meeting, the Board passed a resolution reaffirming the East Central Council of Local Governments Money Purchase Plan (retirement plan) and that ECCOG now needs to pass a similar motion reaffirming the East Central Council of Local Governments 457 Plan. A motion to reaffirm the plan was made by Donna Metcalf. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
New Business
Senior Services (Title III) 2011 Grant Application
Terry said that enclosed in Board packets were the funding requests for both Title III federal funds and State Funding for Senior Services. The Senior Services and Transit Advisory Board met on April 8th to review both applications but at that time, the final figures (which have now been provided to ECCOG) were not yet available. Both “draft” requests were reviewed by the SSTB. The SSTB recommended that the ECCOG Board approve the requests as soon as they are updated with final funding amounts and service units. Steve Burgess moved to approve these requests. Motion was seconded by Valerie Rhoades, and carried unanimously.
Region V Legal Services for Seniors
Terry said that during the past year, there have been no legal services provided, based in part due to the fact that Title III requires attorneys to have mal-practice insurance. Terry met with the State’s Legal Service Developer and two attorneys from Colorado Legal Services on April 13th to discuss how best to provide this mandated service in the region. Colorado Legal Services is willing to provide two presentations (one in Burlington and one in Limon) immediately prior to a free legal clinic in both locations. They will also provide legal service to individuals referred by ECCOG. The presentations will be done in June in order to keep the region in compliance with regulations. Terry then asked the board to approve a contract with Colorado Legal Services. John Shipper moved to approve this contract. Motion was seconded by Steve Burgess, and carried unanimously.
2011 Salary Schedule
The Board had earlier received a proposed 2011 Salary Schedule for both full-time and part time ECCOG staff. Jo Downey stated that this was the same schedule as adopted for the previous four years but an official motion for 2011 was needed since the last official schedule is good only through the end of December. It is important to have a schedule in place as 2011 program budgets and or grant requests are in various stages of preparation. Discussion followed and it was suggested by the Board to also use this schedule in 2012. A motion to adopt the 2011-2012 Full Time and Part Time salary schedules was made by Paul Warnecke. The motion was seconded by Fred Beisser, which carried unanimously. Jo stated that at this time, budgets for 2011 were being built with step increases for those employees who were eligible since salaries had been frozen for 2010. She also said that should January 1 numbers be such that any increases were not financially possible, then the salaries would again need to be frozen.
The next meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors will be Wednesday, July 7th, in Kit Carson. The following meeting was tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, September 1st in Limon.
Other
Needs Survey of Older Persons--Terry Baylie said that the 4-Year Plan for Aging Services is due in January 2011. In order to complete this plan an assessment needs to be done in the region. Terry presented a Scope of Work and Timeline to complete this survey from the National Research Center in Boulder. She then asked the Board to approve an agreement with NRC. Donna Metcalf moved to approve an agreement for a Needs Survey. Motion was seconded by Valerie Rhoades, and carried unanimously.
Adjournment
Chairman Rayetta Palmer called the July 7, 2010 meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors to order at 7:35 p.m. at the Trading Post Restaurant, Kit Carson, CO. In addition to Rayetta Palmer, board members present included: Fred Beisser, Steve Burgess, Del Beattie, Donna Metcalf, Bob Paintin, Nola Stone, Troy McCue, Valerie Rhoades and Monica Halde.. Staff members present included Jo Downey, ECCOG Executive Director, Terry Baylie, Senior and Transit Services Director, and Terry Blevins, Special Projects Director.
Rayetta Palmer led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Rayetta then asked the Board to consider the Minutes of the May 5, 2010 meeting. Steve Burgess moved the Board approve the Minutes of the May 5, 2010 Board of Directors meeting as submitted. Fred Beisser seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
The Board next reviewed the Financial Report and list of bills, which showed total net payroll of $27,924.62, and the total for bills listed for June of $51,565.22. John Shipper moved the Board approve the Financial Report and list of bills. Steve Burgess seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Our Journey and Off The Beaten Trail 2010
Jo Downey reported that both projects are going well, with the office receiving six or seven requests per day for Our Journey/OBT packets. She referred the Board to the media coverage summary included with the Board packets, and said the next publicity would be a Channel 4 television interview on Tuesday, focusing on Off The Beaten Trail. She said ECCOG will be ordering reprints of some packet materials that are getting to be in short supply.
Terry Baylie reported that Colorado Rural Legal Services provided two regional presentations recently, one in Burlington and the other in Limon. She said 95 individuals attended representing all four counties. Ten persons availed themselves of personal meetings with the attorney, she said. Terry said she was pleased that the presentations went so well, and she hopes to schedule a legal services presentation in each of the four counties next year.
2010 Event Radio Ads/First Saturday, etc.
Jo Downey told the Board that the radio ads for the four events to receive enhanced publicity for the 2010 season were finished. The ad for Simla Days was used, and event promoters reported increased participation, she said.
About 350 people visited the Our Journey and other local event booths that were set up at the Governor’s Mansion in Denver for the First Saturday event there in June. Although the turnout was lower than expected, due in part to a conflict with the Peoples’ Fair scheduled for the same time, participants considered it to be a successful day, she said.
Jo also said applications for regional marketing grants from the Colorado Tourism Office are due to the state by August 3. Matching fund requirements for these grants have changed. In the past, applicants were required to commit $1 to match every $2 in state grant funds, but now, she explained, the match required is dollar for dollar. ECCOG can still ask for up to $15,000 for this program, however. Valerie Rhoades moved to direct Jo to pursue a new marketing fund grant as described. Troy McCue seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Enterprise Zone Changes Awareness Campaign
Jo Downey called the Board’s attention to recent state publicity regarding major legislative changes to the Colorado Enterprise Zone program. Foremost among the changes is the new requirement that Enterprise Zone businesses obtain pre-certification prior to engaging in an activity to earn an EZ tax credit. This change is effective January 1, 2012. Jo said state and local plans are underway for a heavy public information effort to advise taxpayers and their accountants of these changes.
Blight Removal Concept Paper
Jo Downey briefed Board members about preliminary work undertaken for the slum and blight removal project as outlined in the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) document. She said a sample project is being coordinated for Stratton by ECCOG staff in which an old structure formerly associated with a salvage yard in the primary business district would be donated to the town and demolished. A contract with Brownfields would ensure proper cleanup of the site, and there are numerous funding sources available to assist, she added.
Other
There was no other unfinished business to come before the Board.
Terry Baylie told the Board that the State Unit on Aging wants all congregate meals programs for senior citizens in the state to charge a standardized guest fee. This fee is required of meals program participants under the age of 60. Participants older than 60 are not required to pay, although a donation to the program is encouraged. At present, ECCOG’s congregate meals guest fee is set at $6.50, but the State Unit on Aging wants all programs to charge at least $6.98 per meal for guests. Terry said the Senior Services Advisory Board recommended the ECCOG Board increase the congregate meals guest fee to $7.00, effective July 1, 2010. John Shipper moved the Advisory Board’s recommendation be accepted. Steve Burgess seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
“Home Sweet Prairies,” the new name for the new project previously known by the working title, “Little Homes on the Prairie,” is being developed. Jo Downey said the project, designed to help attract new residents to the region by making it easier to locate available homes, will be promoted with the help of Danielle Dascalos, the media consultant who has worked with the Our Journey and Off The Beaten Trail programs in the past. A new website, www.homesweetprairies.com, will be created to link with area real estate firms. Jo said she hopes to have the design for this new website for the Board’s review at the next meeting.
The 2010 Senior Speak-Out, the annual gathering of senior citizens from the 16 eastern Colorado counties to discuss needed and/or proposed legislation affecting seniors will be held October 7-8 at Burlington, hosted by the East Central Area Agency on Aging. Terry Baylie told the Board that planning for this conference is coming together very well, with workshops based on the theme “’Cents’ of Entitlement.” The two-day meeting also will include speakers discussing heritage tourism. The seniors will meet at the Burlington Conference Center.
Energy Impact Grant Cycles
Due to funding limitations, the state Energy Impact Assistance grant funds for local jurisdictions were not available last year, but Jo Downey told the Board the grant program has re-opened for 2010 with two application cycles having deadlines of August 1 and December 1. She said the application form has changed slightly, and all applicants must address one or more areas of sustainability in their grant requests.
Enterprise Zone Contribution Project Requests
The Board reviewed two applications for approval as Enterprise Zone Contribution Projects, the City of Burlington Department of Economic Development and the Burlington Old Town Museum complex. Approval of these contribution projects by ECCOG and by the State Economic Development Commission will encourage cash and in-kind donations to the projects by offering Enterprise Zone tax credits to donors. Jo Downey recommended the requests be approved. Donna Metcalf move projects be approved as EZ Contribution Projects by the ECCOG Board and recommended for approval by the State Economic Development Commission. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. The State ED Commission will consider the requests and the recommendation September 9, 2010.
Board members received the Enterprise Zone credit certification summary for the first six months of 2010 in their pre-meeting Board packets. Most of the certifications reported in 2010 were for tax year 2009, according to Jo Downey. Total EZ credits certified by the Zone through June 30 were $965,017, of which the lion’s share came from the Investment Tax Credit. Kit Carson County taxpayers claimed the most credits, while Elbert County taxpayers claimed the least.
The annual Community Development/Technical Assistance proposal from ECCOG to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs for Energy Impact Assistance grant funds is due August 1. Jo Downey said ECCOG has received $70,000 in grant funds for each of the last two years, and she hopes to continue that level of funding for another year, although matching funds now required are dollar per dollar. If need is demonstrated for a broader program, it probably would be possible to utilize federal Economic Development Administration funds that are available to the new district. John Shipper moved ECCOG apply for Community Development/Technical Assistance grant funds as proposed by Jo Downey. Fred Beisser seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
The next meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors will be Wednesday, September 1st in Genoa. The following meeting was tentatively scheduled for November 3rd, 2010 in Stratton.
Other
John Shipper made the Board aware of a movement in the General Assembly to require certified inspections of all septic systems, upon transfer of ownership or every five years, whichever comes first. He explained the financial burden such a requirement would place on local governments…and particularly on county governments.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Rayetta Palmer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m.
Chairman Rayetta Palmer called the September 8, 2010 meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors to order at 7:02 p.m. at the American Legion building in Genoa, CO. In addition to Rayetta Palmer, board members present included: Fred Beisser, Del Beattie, Bob Paintin, Dave Hornung, Paul Warnecke, John Shipper, Troy McCue and Monica Halde. Staff members present included Jo Downey, ECCOG Executive Director, Terry Baylie, Senior and Transit Services Director, and Terry Blevins, Special Projects Director.
Rayetta Palmer asked Troy McCue to lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Rayetta then asked the Board to consider the Minutes of the July 7, 2010 meeting. Troy McCue moved the Board approve the Minutes of the July 7, 2010 Board of Directors meeting as submitted. Fred Beisser seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
The Board next reviewed the Financial Report and list of bills, which showed total net payroll of $29,001.13, and the total for bills listed for August of $45,709.00. John Shipper moved the Board approve the corrected August Financial Report, the September Financial Report and the list of bills. Fred Beisser seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Terry Baylie reviewed the final version of the agenda for the Speak-Out, which will be held in Burlington on October 7 and 8, 2010. The only addition was discussion just prior to the legislative session regarding Amendments 60 and 61 and Proposition 101 by Cathy Shull, executive director of Progressive 15. Cathy also will facilitate the legislative session in place of Courtney Hoskins of the Administration on Aging, who is unable to participate. Registrations are due by September 17. The Area Agency on Aging anticipates 100 to 125 participants.
Jo Downey told the Board this project is developing slowly. Designed to help attract new residents to the region by making it easier for them to locate available homes, the project will be promoted via a media campaign and a new website, www.homesweetprairies.com. Jo said she is waiting for the website to be operational before she contacts area real estate firms about permitting Internet links from this site at no charge to them. The schedule calls for completion of the website by mid-October.
2010 Our Journey, OBT, Event Radio Ads/First Saturday, etc.
Jo Downey circulated a summary of media coverage relative to this season’s Our Journey and Off The Beaten Trail projects, the concentrated radio publicity for selected county events, and this region’s participation in the First Saturday event at the Governor’s Mansion. While the coverage was extensive, Jo said the conversion rate…the number of actual visitors that can be attributed to the coverage…was not as high as anticipated. Next season, she said funding may be an issue, however, budget permitting, the marketing may be concentrated on Our Journey-Off The Beaten Trail radio advertising and other, more generic publicity efforts promoting the entire area.
Enterprise Zone Changes Awareness Campaign
Jo Downey said the State of Colorado has developed an informational postcard for Enterprise Zones to use to make area taxpayers and their tax preparers aware of the new legislative requirement that EZ businesses obtain pre-certification prior to engaging in an activity to earn an EZ tax credit. This change is effective January 1, 2012, and the massive public information campaign is now under way.
Blight Removal Concept Paper
Jo Downey told the Board that the Office of Economic Development and International Trade has encouraged ECCOG to prepare a block grant application, requesting $500,000 for slum and blight removal efforts in the four counties. Blight removal was a requested project included in this region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) document. Jo said a disadvantage of using these funds for local projects would be the requirement to pay Davis-Bacon wages to contractors employed for the work, the wages being typically much higher than the prevailing local wages for the same work. The next step for this project will be discussions with the counties and towns in the region about potential sites that could be considered areas of blight.
Other
There was no other unfinished business to come before the Board.
New Business
Jo Downey said ECCOG’s first CEDS update process has been expanded to include an application for 2011 federal funds to support the staff assistance for upcoming economic development-related projects. ECCOG is eligible to apply for a base grant of $51,000 plus additional funding up to $61,000 for next year. These grant funds would have to be matched, dollar for dollar, to create a total budget of $122,000. Jo told the Board she is willing to prepare the grant application on behalf of the ECCOG Board, requesting the base amount of $51,000, along with any of the additional $10,000 that is deemed necessary at the time the application is finalized. The application deadline is September 29th, she said. Del Beattie moved the Board authorize the Executive Director to proceed with the application for 2011 federal funds as described. Troy McCue seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Jo Downey advised the Board that all state Energy Impact Assistance grant funds for 2011 have been frozen due to state budgetary issues, including the technical assistance grants that have been a backbone of ECCOG’s programs. Following discussion, John Shipper moved the ECCOG Board adopt a resolution directing the Executive Director to request the Colorado Department of Local Affairs to extend the current technical assistance grant period from the end of December through June 2011. Fred Beisser seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Jo also asked the Board for authorization to reduce the workweek, salary and benefits for herself and for the Special Projects Director to 80% as a cost savings measure. She also suggested reducing the number of hours per week of full time employees from 32 to 30, to save money while retaining insurance benefits. She said this change would need the approval of the insurance carrier.
John Shipper moved to cut the two staff positions to 80% time and salary as recommended, if it is deemed necessary. Troy McCue seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
John Shipper moved the Executive Director be given the authority to revise the ECCOG Personnel Policies to redefine fulltime employment as at least 30 hours, if this change becomes necessary. Fred Beisser seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Although Terry Blevins will retire at the end of this year, Jo Downey said she is considering employing him part time to continue some Heritage Tourism-related tasks. The rest of his job, making down payment assistance loans, housing rehabilitation and emergency repair loans, and overseeing the acquisition and rehabilitation program, will be combined with the business loan programs to be conducted by the new Special Projects Director. This employee will be expected to have lending experience, she added. The Board approved this plan by consensus.
Community Assessment Survey for Older Americans (CASOA)
Included in board members’ pre-meeting packets was a copy of the findings from this survey/assessment that needs to be conducted and in place to complete the Four-Year plan for aging services for 2012 -2015. Terry Baylie noted several findings in the report that are outside the services/activities/function provided by Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). These included Civic Engagement Needs...such as opportunities to attend/participate in local government meetings; Rail/Subway use; and Community Land Use and Design. Terry said she does have some concerns that Information and Planning needs were found to be high, however she pointed out that more than half of the survey respondents were in the 60 to 64 age group, who probably are not now looking for services typically provided by the AAA. After additional discussion on the CASOA survey findings, Terry moved on to discuss the survey the AAA conducted regarding services it currently provides. She said copies of the survey were available at the senior centers/nutrition sites and at post offices in each community in the region. Results will be compiled and discussed at the next Senior Services and Transit Advisory Board (SSTB) meeting, at which time interested community residents will be invited to provide comments and opinions. This input will enable the SSTB to determine areas it should focus on during the next four years. Results of both will be used to complete the Four-Year plan, which will be reviewed and recommended for action by the COG Board at its November meeting. A public hearing on the final plan will be held in conjunction with the SSTB review at its October meeting.
ECCOG Brochure
ECCOG Board members received copies of the new agency brochure, which was updated recently after many years.
Terry Baylie told the Board that the public transit system must have a plan in place to serve area residents with limited English speaking skills. Failure to meet this requirement would make the program ineligible for Federal Transit Administration funding. She said the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) employed a consultant to write plans for all transit systems in the state, which then needed to be “tweaked” by each system for its specific service area. Terry explained that this plan is mandatory for service areas with five percent of its population, or more than 1,000 people, who do not speak English well. Statistics included in the plan indicate that this area has 1.4 percent, or 466 people. However, CDOT officials strongly encouraged all systems to adopt a plan. Terry said the Senior Services and Transit Advisory Board voted to recommend adoption of the plan to the ECCOG Board. Del Beattie moved the Limited English Proficiency Plan be adopted as presented. Dave Hornung seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Jo Downey reminded the Board that work on the proposed 2011 ECCOG Budget document will occur over the next several weeks, with the new budget scheduled for Board consideration in November. She also reviewed the usual procedure for filling the ECCOG Board positions for 2011. ECCOG dues for 2011, which are assessed the member counties and towns to create a general fund used to match state and federal program grants, will remain about the same as they were in 2010, she said.
Other
John Shipper reported an economic development success story in Elizabeth, a new business offering excellent service and proving to be “very, very successful.”
The next meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors will be Wednesday, November 3rd in Stratton. The following meeting was tentatively scheduled for January 5, 2011 in Limon.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Rayetta Palmer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m.