2006

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Also present were Debby Conrads of the ECCOG staff, State Senator Greg Brophy, Lincoln County Commissioner Gary Beedy, Clint Goldenstein representing the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, and John Hill, representing the <I>Eastern Colorado Plainsman</I> in Hugo.</div> <div> Minutes of the December 7, 2005 Board of Directors meeting were reviewed. Rayetta Palmer moved the Minutes be approved as mailed. Steve Burgess seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> As Senator Greg Brophy was in town to attend another meeting, John Metli invited him to speak to the ECCOG Board. Senator Brophy briefly addressed the coming legislative session, saying major issues in his view included property rights and expenditure of funds authorized by Referendum C in the last general election.</div> <div> Jo Downey circulated the Financial Report and list of bills, which showed total payroll of $26,783.38 for December 2005, and the total for bills listed for December was $97,416.69. Jo noted several large checks representing Enterprise Zone contributions which are passed through to designated projects. Carl Hapes Jr. moved to approve the Financial Report and payment of the bills. Larry Reeves seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B><U>Unfinished Business</U></b></div> <div> <B>Federal Transit Administration Fuel Grant Awards</b></div> <div> Terry Baylie briefly discussed recent Federal Transit Administration Fuel Grant Awards, saying the funds were disbursed based on estimated mileage for 2005. The grants were a one-time response to the large increase in fuel prices last Fall. The grants must be matched dollar for dollar, although matching funds can be cash or inkind. $398,530 came to Colorado under this program, and 1.3% of those funds, or $5,215, were allocated to the Outback Express Transit Program. Those funds were then allocated to local owners based on estimated mileage for their vehicles, Terry said. The largest fuel grant, $1,863, went to Kit Carson County; the smallest, $126, went to the Town of Limon. </div> <div> <B>Medicare Part D Presentation</b></div> <div> ECCOG Program Specialist Debby Conrads gave the Board a short presentation on the new Medicare Part D prescription drug program. She explained that private insurance companies are offering the coverage, with the federal government paying for about 75 percent of the cost. In Colorado, 17 companies are offering 42 different prescription drug plans to the seniors. Information about the program is available from the Internet at <A HREF="http://www.medicare.gov" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.medicare.gov"><U><U>www.medicare.gov</U></U></A>, she said.</div> <div> <B>2005 Demography Meeting “Handouts”</b></div> <div> Jo Downey called the Board's attention to copies of the final Colorado population estimates, 2000-2004, which were distributed at the recent State Demography meeting. The estimates indicate total population for Region V counties decreased by .1 percent from 2003 to 2004, which is the first regional loss of population in this decade. Of the four counties, only Elbert County showed growth in the past year, but it was only 1 percent. Jo encouraged Board members to attend future Demography meetings, calling them both informative and interesting.</div> <div> <B>2006 ECCOG Municipal Board Members</b></div> <div> Jo Downey reported that Jim Kissam of the Simla Town Board of Trustees, who was selected by Elbert County's municipalities as their representative on the 2006 ECCOG Board of Directors, will not be able to serve in that capacity. However, Kiowa Mayor Luke Bond has been selected to fill that position. In Kit Carson County, Burlington Council member Terry Korsvold and Stratton Town Trustee Larry Shutte both were nominated. Municipalities re-elected Larry to fill the position. Other returning Board members include Mayor Del Beattie of Limon for Lincoln County and Cheyenne Wells Trustee Rayetta Palmer for Cheyenne County.</div> <div> <B>Other Unfinished Business</b></div> <div> There was no other unfinished business to come before the Board.</div> <div> <B><U>New Business</U></b></div> <div> <B>Great Outdoors Colorado Grant Workshops</b></div> <div> Jo Downey circulated information about upcoming grant workshops for Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) funds under the Open Space Grant, Local Parks and Outdoor Recreation Grant, Local Parks and Outdoor Recreation Mini-grant and Planning Grant programs. Jo told Board members that local governments are encouraged to attend these grant workshops even if they have applied for these grant funds before. She noted that schools must participate with local governments in projects using these funds.</div> <div> <B>Excessive Force Agreements</b></div> <div> A standard requirement for U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grantees is a letter from the county sheriff affirming that the county enforces a policy prohibiting the use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies within its jurisdiction relative to civil rights demonstrations. Jo said the county sheriffs in this region have supplied those letters for years, but the most recent copies are dated 1997 and it's time to request updated letters. The county representatives on the COG Board offered to obtain those letters from their respective county sheriffs and to provide them to the ECCOG office.</div> <div> <B>Transit Advisory Committee (TAC) Appointment</b></div> <div> At their annual reorganization meetings, Elbert County and Kit Carson County nominated Commissioners John Metli and John Nichols, respectively, as the counties' representatives on the regional Transit Advisory Committee. Terry Baylie asked the Board to fill these seats by appointment. Steve Burgess moved that John Metli and John Nichols be appointed to the Transit Advisory Board. Larry Shutte seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Jo Downey spoke briefly about the need for involved members on this advisory committee who are able to attend meetings.</div> <div> <B>Homeland Security Grant Presentation</b></div> <div> Clint Goldenstein, representing the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, was present to discuss the role of the fiscal agent for the Northeast Colorado All-Hazards Emergency Management Region. The fiscal agent responsibility has been rotated across the 11-county region, he said, and ECCOG was recommended for the role in 2006 because, as a multi-county organization, it is seen as more “neutral.” As fiscal agent, ECCOG would handle the bidding process, review bids, select vendors, order equipment and make payment, provide quarterly financial status reports, and retain records for grant monitoring purposes.</div> <div> He said the next Homeland Security Grant for this region is expected to be about $1 million. Equipment eligible for purchase with these funds might include such things as extrication equipment, hazardous materials response equipment, backup generators, breathing apparatus for fire departments, and other, similar equipment. The final grant application is due March 6.</div> <div> Jo Downey, in company with any interested and available Board members, will visit Larimer County and Northwest Colorado, who have acted as fiscal agents for this program in the past, and will report to the full ECCOG Board in February, with the hope of making a final decision at that time. ECCOG concerns include the increased demands on ECCOG's accounting staff and added costs for such activities as extended audits.</div> <div> <B>Other New Business</b></div> <div> Under other business, John Metli presented a Certificate of Appreciation to out-going Board member Larry  Reeves,  who  has  served  on  the  Board  since 2003.  Larry is not seeking reelection to the Simla Town Board of Trustees in April, and would no longer be eligible to represent Elbert County's municipalities on the ECCOG Board.</div> <div> <B>Date and Location of February Meeting</b></div> <div> The next regular meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors will be Wednesday, February 1, 2006 at Limon.</div> <div> There being no further business, John Metli declared the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#2006" TITLE="2006"><U><U>top of page</U></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="february_2006"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>East Central Council of Local Governments</b></div> <div> <B>Board of Directors Annual Reorganization Meeting Minutes</b></div> <div> <B>February 1, 2006</b></div> <div> <B>Call to Order</b></div> <div> The annual reorganization meeting of the East Central Council of Local Governments Board of Directors was called to order at the Limon Town Hall at 7:09 p.m. on February 1, 2006 by Board Chairman John Metli.</div> <div> <B>Introduction of 2006 Board of Directors</b></div> <div> In addition to John Metli, Board members present included John Nichols, Carl Hapes Jr., Del Beattie and Rayetta Palmer. Steve Burgess, Luke Bond and Larry Shutte were unable to attend.</div> <div> <B>Introduction of Guests</b></div> <div> Guests present were Joe Kiely, Limon Town Manager, and John Hill, with the Ranchland News and Eastern Colorado Plainsman. Staff present included Jo Downey, Terry Baylie and Terry Blevins.</div> <div> <B>Nominating Committee Report</b></div> <div> John Nichols reported from the Nominating Committee, consisting of John Nichols, Carl Hapes Jr. and John Metli. The committee recommended retaining the 2005 officers for another term: John Metli, chairman; Rayetta Palmer, vice chairman; Larry Shutte, secretary; John Nichols, treasurer. </div> <div> <B>Election of 2006 Officers</b></div> <div> There being no nominations from the floor, Del Beattie moved the recommendation of the nominating committee be accepted. Rayetta Palmer seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>Other</b></div> <div> There was no other business to come before the Board at the reorganizational meeting.</div> <div> <B>Adjournment</b></div> <div> John Metli declared the meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>East Central Council of Local Governments</b></div> <div> <B>Board of Directors Meeting Minutes</b></div> <div> February 1, 2006</div> <div> <B>Call to Order</b></div> <div> Chairman John Metli called the regular monthly meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors to order at 7:12 p.m., February 1, 2006 at the Town Hall in Limon, Colorado. </div> <div> In addition to John Metli, board members present included: John Nichols, Rayetta Palmer, Del Beattie and Carl Hapes Jr. Staff members present included Jo Downey, Terry Baylie and Terry Blevins. Limon Town Manager Joe Kiely and John Hill, representing The Ranchland News and The Eastern Colorado Plainsman, also attended. </div> <div> John Metli led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.</div> <div> Minutes of the January 4, 2006 Board of Directors meeting were reviewed. John Nichols moved the Minutes be approved as mailed. Rayetta Palmer seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> Jo Downey circulated the Financial Report and list of bills, which showed total payroll of $27,853.68 for January 2006, and the total for bills listed for January was $31,748.26. Jo explained that this report closes out business under the 2005 budget. Rayetta Palmer moved to approve the Financial Report. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Rayetta Palmer then moved to pay the bills; Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B><U>Unfinished Business</U></b></div> <div> <B>Area Agency on Aging Contract Status</b></div> <div> Terry Baylie told the Board that the copy of the proposed contract for aging services that was included with the Board packets was a preliminary draft; the State Division of Aging and Adult Services had intended to have the final contract document to the Area Agencies on Aging by December 15, 2005, then had moved that date to February 1. As of today, she said, the contract had not been delivered. If the AAA objects to any of the contract language, it will have until February 15 to meet with state officials about the concerns.  Based on the draft contract document, Terry said she does have concerns about two new segments of the population being targeted for services; about the proposed future role of a registered dietician in the program, particularly in the area of monitoring food safety and sanitation; and about conducting a regional needs assessment on an annual basis. And finally, the state requires the AAAs to have fully executed contracts before they can deliver any services. Terry said the current program expires June 30, 2006. There are enough funds to provide services for one month without a contract in place, but if there is no contract by July 31, 2006, services will have to be discontinued, she said. Once the final draft of the contract arrives, Terry will review it to see if any of these concerns have been addressed.</div> <div> <B>Homeland Security Grant Fiscal Agent</b></div> <div> ECCOG has been asked to act as fiscal agent for the Northeast Colorado All-Hazards Emergency Management Region for the contract period running June 1, 2006-December 31, 2007. Jo Downey told the Board that, following the January ECCOG Board meeting, ECCOG staff met with representatives of the Larimer County Sheriff's Department (formerly the fiscal agent) and now believes serving as fiscal agent will not place demands on the ECCOG fiscal department or audit budget that cannot be handled within the $2,000 per month ECCOG will receive to assist with these costs. It appears that no additional personnel need to be hired, and Larimer County officials are willing to assist where needed. Based on Jo's recommendation, John Nichols moved the ECCOG serve as fiscal agent for the Northeast Colorado All-Hazards Emergency Management Region as requested. Carl Hapes Jr. seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>CDOT Enhancement Funds</b></div> <div> At the Eastern Plains Transportation Planning Region meeting in January, Jo Downey learned that approximately $2 million in Colorado Department of Transportation Enhancement funds were earmarked for projects in Engineering District #1. The two applications from this region, from Lincoln County for roof replacement on the Union Pacific Roundhouse in Hugo, and from Elbert County for construction of sidewalks at the Justice Center, were prioritized by the ECCOG Board as first and second priority, respectively. However, Enhancement funds were adequate to fully fund both applications, Jo said. The grant funds cannot be expended until the grantees have all of the required matching funds in place; two years are allowed for completion of the projects.</div> <div> <B>Excessive Force Agreements</b></div> <div> In January, Jo Downey asked the four counties to provide ECCOG with updated policies prohibiting the use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies within their jurisdictions relative to civil rights demonstrations. At the February 1 meeting, Jo said new policies had been received from the county sheriffs in three of the counties, but Elbert County still had not responded to the request. She reminded the Board that these policies are required from each county participating in the joint U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development CDBG (Community Development Block Grant)-funded revolving business loan fund.</div> <div> <B>Energy Impact Grant Hearings</b></div> <div> Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance grant applications submitted December 1 are scheduled or hearings in the Denver area March 2 and 3, Jo Down told the Board. A request from the Town of Stratton for $432,000 for a sewer improvement fund, and one from the Town of Cheyenne Wells for $153,000 for water system improvements, will not have to go to hearing, Jo said. Because each application had at least 50% matching funds, the Colorado Department of Local Affairs went ahead and granted funding for the projects. Other applications scheduled for hearing include: Kit Carson School District, for roof repairs, sidewalks and classroom heaters; Kit Carson Fire District, for an addition to the fire station;  Cheyenne  County  Nursing  Home;  Cheyenne  Wells  Fire,  for  a  new large pumper truck; Stratton Fire Department for a new pumper truck; Lincoln County, for a new road grader; and Elbert County, for an addition to the Justice Center. The deadline for the next round of applications is April 1. To date, the only potential application known to Jo was from Cheyenne County, for a bridge project.</div> <div> <B>Other</b></div> <div> There was no other unfinished business to come before the Board.</div> <div> <B><U>New Business</U></b></div> <div> <B>Four Year Plan for Aging Services</b></div> <div> Terry Baylie told the Board that the process to update the East Central Area Agency on Aging Four-Year Plan for Aging Services has started. These programs previously operated on a calendar year basis, however, the current Plan was extended three months to make future programs coincide with the federal fiscal year. The revised plan will be finished by the end of the year, she said, and will become effective nine months later, affecting services provided from October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2011. The state-sponsored Strength and Needs Assessment completed a year ago will be used to help assess the needs of this region's senior population, relative to the new plan. Terry also mentioned that a formal review of the state's allocation formula must be completed in time for inclusion in the state's next four-year plan. However, no information has been received regarding the implementation of this review. Terry reminded the Board that a COG Board member would be needed to serve on the state allocation formula committee. </div> <div> <B>East Central Enterprise Zone Annual Report</b></div> <div> Jo Downey discussed the 2005 East Central Enterprise Zone Annual Report, which showed a slight decrease in the number of certifications from 2004. However, actual amounts certified were 18 per cent higher than the previous year. Jo said current objectives of the zone reflect impact on nonresidential assessed value in the counties. In response to a question from Jo, Board members did not believe it necessary to revise or replace the measurable objectives as they exist.</div> <div> <B>Transit Advisory Committee (TAC) Appointments</b></div> <div> Terry Baylie told the Board that commissioners in Cheyenne and Lincoln counties had nominated Carl Hapes Jr. and Steve Burgess, respectively, to represent them on ECCOG's Transit Advisory Committee. Rayetta Palmer moved that the ECCOG Board appoint Carl Hapes Jr. and Steve Burgess to the Transit Advisory Committee as recommended. John Nichols seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. </div> <div> <B>ECCOG Aging Services Staff Changes</b></div> <div> Terry Baylie gave a brief update on ECCOG staffing changes that occurred recently. Penni Fox resigned as of the end of January. Her housing program responsibilities will be split between Terry Blevins and Eileene Andrews.  Her aging program responsibilities (senior meals and transportation)  will be assigned to Debby Conrads, and Debby's senior services coordinator and public transit driving duties will be transferred to Louise Mills, who now is a fulltime employee. Long-term care ombudsman duties of Debby Conrads and Louise Mills were not affected by the changes.</div> <div> <B>Colorado/Wyoming Museum Meeting</b></div> <div> ECCOG has been asked to present a program on the Our Journey heritage tourism campaign in this region at the Colorado/Wyoming Museum Association's annual meeting on May 5. Unfortunately, she said, neither she nor Terry Blevins will be available to present this program, which will be in the form of a 15-minute DVD movie. She asked if any Board members would be available to present this program, saying some familiarity with the Our Journey project would be necessary in case there were questions from the audience. Rayetta Palmer volunteered to attend the meeting and to present the Our Journey program. It was suggested that Steve Burgess also be asked to consider attending.</div> <div> <B>Transportation Trade Corridors Presentation</b></div> <div> Joe Kiely gave a brief PowerPoint presentation entitled “Colorado and Its International and Great Plains Trading Partnerships.” Kiely discussed existing trade relationships with Canada and Mexico, as well as Colorado's domestic trade relationships with the other Great Plains states. Not only will the Ports-To-Plains Trade Corridor and Heartland Expressway move freight more efficiently, they will move the freight in a way that benefits Colorado both economically and in terms of highway improvements.</div> <div> <B>Other</b></div> <div> There was no other new business to come before the Board.</div> <div> <B>Date and Location of March Meeting</b></div> <div> The next regular meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors will be Wednesday, March 1, 2006 at Limon.</div> <div> There being no further business, John Metli declared the meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#2006" TITLE="2006"><U><U>top of page</U></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A NAME="march_2006_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Palatino Linotype" ><B>East Central Council of Local Governments</b></FONT></div> <div> <B>Board of Directors Meeting Minutes</b></div> <div> <B>March 1, 2006</b></div> <div> <B>Call to Order</b></div> <div> Chairman John Metli called the regular monthly meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors to order at 7:06 p.m., March 1, 2006 at the Town Hall in Limon, Colorado. </div> <div> In addition to John Metli, board members present included: John Nichols, Larry Shutte, Steve Burgess, Rayetta Palmer, Del Beattie and Carl Hapes Jr. Staff members present included Jo Downey, Terry Baylie and Terry Blevins. John Hill, representing the Ranchland News and Eastern Colorado Plainsman newspapers, was a guest.</div> <div> John Nichols led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.</div> <div> Minutes of the February 1, 2006 Board of Directors reorganization meeting and regular monthly meeting were reviewed. Rayetta Palmer moved the Minutes of both meetings be approved as mailed. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> Jo Downey circulated the Financial Report and list of bills, which showed total payroll of $28,354.63 for February 2006, and the total for bills listed for February was $31,280.78. Rayetta Palmer moved to approve the Financial Report and to pay the monthly bills. Steve Burgess seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Jo said the auditor has finished reviewing the ECCOG's books and practices and now is in the process of drafting the audit report.</div> <div> <B><U>Unfinished Business</U></b></div> <div> <B>Area Agency on Aging Contract Status</b></div> <div> Terry Baylie told the Board that a conference call regarding the new aging services contract to be effective July 1 was held February 13, which resulted in several revisions to the contract language. However, Terry said she still has concerns about the language, and has submitted those concerns in writing. Her concerns include: </div> <div> Two new segments of the population are being targeted for services. Terry feels it will be difficult or impossible for local service providers to identify those segments.</div> <div> It is a proposed future role of the registered dietician in the program to monitor food safety and sanitation. Terry doesn't believe dieticians are certified for this purpose, and she believes it would be a duplication of effort as the State Health Department already has this responsibility.</div> <div> It is proposed that a regional needs assessment be conducted on an annual basis. Terry would like to see the assessment remain tied to the four-year plan, as it is too expensive to conduct an assessment annually.</div> <div> The state auditor has recommended service providers register senior passengers in the transit program. Terry said transportation is not a registered service under the Older Americans Act and she opposes reporting the number of transportation services for each senior passenger until a policy directive is received from the State Unit on Aging.</div> <div> A final draft of the contract is expected in May and will be presented to the ECCOG Board for action in June.</div> <div> <B>Homeland Security Grant/ECCOG Procurement Policies</b></div> <div> ECCOG will be serving as fiscal agent for the Northeast Colorado All-Hazards Emergency Management Region from June 1, 2006 through December 31, 2007. Jo Downey told the Board that a purchasing manager must be appointed and ECCOG's procurement policies need to be updated to meet the needs of the Emergency Management Region. Steve Burgess moved the Board appoint the ECCOG Executive Director as purchasing manager. John Nichols seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Discussion was held on bidding limits. It was determined that any purchase $5,000 or less could be made without “like” comparisons; $5,001 through $15,000 purchases would require three documented “like” comparisons; purchases $15,001 and greater would require formal bids.  Staff will prepare a first draft of revised procurement policies to be reviewed at the April Board meeting.</div> <div> <B>Energy Impact Grant Hearings</b></div> <div> Hearings for the Energy and Mineral Grant applications that were submitted for the December 1, 2005 cycle from Region V are scheduled for hearing March 2 at Centennial. Applications include: Elbert County, seeking $500,000 with $605,000 in matching funds for an addition to the Justice Center; Kit Carson School District, seeking funds for roof repairs, sidewalks and classroom heaters; West Cheyenne County Fire District, seeking $191,830 with $76,000 in cash and in-kind matching funds for an addition to the fire station; Cheyenne County Nursing Home, seeking $350,000 with $200,000 in matching funds for a 2,000 square foot building expansion; Cheyenne Wells Fire Department, seeking $195,000 with $82,754 in matching funds, for a new, large pumper truck; Stratton Fire Department, seeking $132,000 with $66,581 in matching funds, for a new pumper truck; and Lincoln County, seeking $125,000 with $73,141 in matching funds, for a new road grader.</div> <div> The deadline for applications for the next round of funding is April 1. Jo said she knows of only one pending application at this time, from Cheyenne County, seeking funds for a bridge project.</div> <div> <B>Other</b></div> <div> There was no other unfinished business to come before the Board.</div> <div> <B><U>New Business</U></b></div> <div> <B>Senior Services Board Appointment</b></div> <div> Terry Baylie asked the Board to add this item to the published agenda. She said a member of the Senior Services Advisory Board, June Syverson of Elizabeth, has resigned. Nancy Ann Davidson has been nominated as her replacement. John Nichols moved that Nancy Ann Davidson be appointed to the Senior Services Advisory Board to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of June Syverson. Carl Hapes Jr. seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>Federal Transit Funding Increase</b></div> <div> A fifteen percent increase in state and federal transit funds has been allocated to Colorado transit programs, and in this region, that extra amount is $17,700. Terry Baylie told the Board that the added funds couldn't be used to supplant local funding for the public transit program. The Transit Advisory Committee has recommended the following use of the funds: $4,930 in additional funds for the City of Burlington transit system; $4,246 to cover expenses formerly paid from Older Americans Act Title III funds; $2,136 to provide additional transit trips from Simla to Limon or elsewhere within the ECCOG region. Use of the remaining $6,388 would be determined at a later date. The transit system does have local matching funds available.  Larry Shutte moved the TAC recommendation for use of the additional state and federal funds be accepted. Steve Burgess seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>Heritage Tourism Pilot Projects</b></div> <div> Jo Downey told the Board that the State Historical Society gave funds to the Colorado Tourism Board to develop a statewide heritage tourism plan, and the Colorado Tourism Office also set aside $220,000 for regional heritage tourism pilot projects. Jo said she thought Prairie Development Corporation would compete well for a portion of these funds, based on the successful Our Journey heritage tourism marketing program established last year. She said a pilot project in this region would focus on visitor readiness and marketing to targeted Colorado populations. An important component of any pilot project is the applicant's ability to utilize partners, she said. She asked the Board to consider having ECCOG be one of PDC's partners in a future heritage tourism pilot project. Steve Burgess moved that ECCOG be a partner in the heritage tourism pilot project, and that ECCOG provide a letter of support for the grant application. Rayetta Palmer seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> John Nichols asked how results from such tourism efforts could be measured. Jo Downey said benefits are seen in increased local sales tax revenues, in increased visits to the Our Journey website, and in increased visits to the local heritage tourism attractions.</div> <div> <B>Other</b></div> <div> There was no other new business to come before the Board.</div> <div> <B>April Meeting Date and Location and Summer Meeting Schedule Discussion</b></div> <div> The next regular meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors will be Wednesday, April 5, 2006 at Limon. Jo Downey said she would be out of the country at the time of the regular June meeting. She suggested the auditor, Mike May, be invited to present the audit to the Board at the July meeting.</div> <div> There being no further business, John Metli declared the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#2006" TITLE="2006"><U><U>top of page</U></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="april_2006"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></b><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Palatino Linotype" ><B>East Central Council of Local Governments</b></FONT></div> <div> <B>Board of Directors Meeting Minutes</b></div> <div> <B>April 5, 2006</b></div> <div> <B>Call to Order</b></div> <div> Chairman John Metli called the regular monthly meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors to order at 7:16 p.m., April 5, 2006 at the Town Hall in Limon, Colorado. </div> <div> In addition to John Metli, board members present included: John Nichols, Steve Burgess, Rayetta Palmer, Del Beattie and Carl Hapes Jr. Staff members present included Jo Downey, Terry Baylie and Terry Blevins. John Hill, representing the Ranchland News, was a guest.</div> <div> John Metli led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.</div> <div> Jo Downey asked that a summary of the FY07-09 Draft STIP be added to the agenda under New Business.</div> <div> Minutes of the March 1, 2006 Board of Directors regular monthly meeting were reviewed. Steve Burgess moved the Minutes of the March 1, 2006 Board meeting be approved as mailed. John Nichols seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> Jo Downey circulated the Financial Report and list of bills, which showed total payroll of $29,417.67 for March 2006, and the total for bills listed for March was $33,230.04. Rayetta Palmer moved to approve the Financial Report and to pay the monthly bills. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B><U>Unfinished Business</U></b></div> <div> <B>Area Agency on Aging Contract Status</b></div> <div> Terry Baylie told the Board that the revised State Unit on Aging/Area Agency on Aging contract document was received by email April 3. The state had accepted some recommendations of the Area Agencies on Aging regarding contract language, and had clarified other language questioned by the AAAs. The regional needs assessment will be completed every four years, rather than annually as originally stated. Documentation of transportation services provided for each consumer can be done by estimate, and registered dietitians will not have to review health department inspections. They will, however, have to review kitchen policies and procedures.</div> <div> The signed contract must be returned by May 1, 2006, and the AAA's funding request must be returned by May 17. Both documents will be reviewed by the Senior Services Advisory Board on April 13, with SSB recommendations presented to the COG Board May 3.</div> <div> Terry said she had asked for a time extension, since the COG Board meeting won't occur before the deadline, however, she has had no response to date. Rayetta Palmer moved the Board accept the AAA contract, contingent on its review and acceptance by the AAA Director, and on its acceptance by the Senior Services Advisory Board. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>ECCOG Purchasing Policies</b></div> <div> A draft copy of the revised ECCOG Purchasing Policies was sent to Board members with their pre-meeting packets. The policies needed revision to accommodate ECCOG's new role as fiscal agent for the Northeast Colorado All-Hazards Emergency Management Region. Steve Burgess moved the purchasing policies be approved as revised. Carl Hapes Jr. seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>Energy Impact Grant Hearings</b></div> <div> Hearings for the Energy and Mineral Grant applications that were submitted for the December 1, 2005 cycle from Region V were held March 2. Jo Downey said grants approved in this cycle totaled $1,794,326, which is the most grant money awarded to this region of any previous cycle. Two applications, for Cheyenne Wells water well replacement ($117,326) and for Stratton's wastewater treatment ($432,000) were negotiated for out-of-cycle funding because of their substantial matching funds. Other grants approved included: Elbert County Justice Center addition, $500,000; Kit Carson School District improvements, $80,000; West Cheyenne County Fire Protection District building expansion, $135,000; Cheyenne County Hospital District Nursing Home, $150,000; Stratton Fire Protection District fire truck, $120,000; Lincoln County motor grader, $100,000; and Cheyenne County Fire Protection District tanker/pumper, $160,000.</div> <div> The deadline for applications for the current round of funding was April 1. Jo said applications were submitted from Genoa and from Cheyenne County. Genoa will be requesting $390,000, with $185,000 in matching funds, as a 30-year, no interest loan to construct 5.5 miles of main line from the wells at Bovina. Cheyenne County is seeking $500,000 for replacement of the East Arapahoe bridge. Matching funds will total $229,280. </div> <div> The next application deadline is August 1. Kit Carson County may request funds for a highway overlay project in that round. Other potential grantees are asked to contact ECCOG for any  needed assistance with the August applications.</div> <div> Jo said she is hoping to meet with representatives from the towns, from the Department of Local Affairs and from the Department of Agriculture to discuss the sale of irrigation well water for municipal use.</div> <div> <B>Other</b></div> <div> There was no other unfinished business to come before the Board.</div> <div> <B><U>New Business</U></b></div> <div> <B>2005 Year End Statistics for Aging Services</b></div> <div> Terry Baylie circulated copies of her year-end report for Aging services in the region during 2005. The Area Agency on Aging provided services to approximately 10 percent of the over-60 population in the region, with 4th quarter services being down slightly from the previous two quarters. Per-unit costs of service ranged from 85 cents, for information and referral services, to $1,733.50 for material aid services. The AAA's most visible service, the congregate meals program, served more than 20,000 meals to seniors in 2005, at a cost of $8.13 per meal.</div> <div> <B>Heritage Tourism Pilot Projects</b></div> <div> Jo Downey reported that 25 applications were submitted for the Heritage Tourism Pilot Project grants being offered through the Colorado Office of Tourism. Of those applicants, six were selected for oral presentations April 19, including PDC/ECCOG, she said. Three or four projects will receive funds for these projects, and Jo said she should be able to report the results at the next COG Board meeting. Jo and the museum consultant, Rand Hood, will be visiting all museums in the region over the next couple of weeks to review their needs. The inner-circle tour, in which museum operators will visit the other museums in the region, will take place in June.</div> <div> <B>Legal Services and Ombudsman On-Site Visits</b></div> <div> Terry Baylie reported the State Legal Services Developer was in the region March 15. She reviewed the AAA's paperwork and records for about an hour, then told Terry she believed ECCOG's services and method of providing those services were adequate based on available funding.</div> <div> The State Ombudsman also visited, March 30-31. She, too, reviewed office records, then spent the rest of the time in the field with the local ombudsman staff, visiting facilities and residents. There were a few recommendations about better use of the ombudsman's time while visiting the long term care facilities.</div> <div> <B>Other</b></div> <div> Jo Downey circulated copies of a summary of the FY07-09 draft STIP, which has been compiled for the Board's information by Limon Town Manager Joe Kiely. The STIP, or Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, includes nearly $70 million in highway construction projects in northeastern Colorado over the next several years. Of those projects, about nine projects totaling $20,653,000 are planned four the four counties in Region V.</div> <div> Terry Baylie reported that ECCOG has not received its reimbursement payment from the Colorado Department of Transportation Transit Unit for last November's operations, and the program's books for 2005 cannot be closed out.  A state person originally thought ECCOG was overpaid, but agreed to review the figures and get back to Terry. However, Terry said ECCOG was not overpaid, and the state has not responded regarding the results of the review.</div> <div> John Nichols moved the Board direct Executive Director Maryjo Downey to write a formal letter to CDOT on behalf of the Board requesting the November reimbursement, if the payment is not received by Monday, April 10. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>May Meeting Date and Location</b></div> <div> The next regular meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors will be Wednesday, May 3, 2006 at Limon.</div> <div> There being no further business, John Metli declared the meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#2006" TITLE="2006"><U><U>top of page</U></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A NAME="may_2006"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Palatino Linotype" ><B>East Central Council of Local Governments</b></FONT></div> <div> <B>Board of Directors Meeting Minutes</b></div> <div> <B>May 3, 2006</b></div> <div> <B>Call to Order</b></div> <div> The regular monthly meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors was called to order by Vice Chair Rayetta Palmer at 7:06 p.m., May 3, 2006 at the Town Hall in Limon, Colorado. </div> <div> In addition to Rayetta Palmer, board members present included: John Nichols, Steve Burgess, Del Beattie and Carl Hapes Jr. Staff members present included Jo Downey, Terry Baylie and Terry Blevins. </div> <div> Rayetta Palmer led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.</div> <div> Terry Baylie asked that a revised salary schedule proposal be added to the agenda under New Business.</div> <div> Upon the arrival at the meeting of Board members John Metli and Luke Bond, Rayetta Palmer turned conduct of the meeting over to Chairman Metli.</div> <div> Minutes of the April 5, 2006 Board of Directors regular monthly meeting were reviewed. Steve Burgess moved the Minutes of the April 5, 2006 Board meeting be approved as mailed. John Nichols seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> Jo Downey circulated the Financial Report and list of bills, which showed total payroll of $28,097.36 for April 2006, and the total for bills listed for April was $37,512.01. In response to a question from Steve Burgess, Jo said she would inquire about a Century Tel bill for phone equipment in the amount of $344.83, and would report to the Board at the next meeting. Rayetta Palmer moved to approve the Financial Report and to pay the monthly bills. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B><U>Unfinished Business</U></b></div> <div> <B>2007 FTA Application</b></div> <div> Terry Baylie told the Board that the 2006 application update for 2007 Federal Transit Administration funds was due May 1. Copies of the application were previously provided to the Board. Terry said replacement of the Kiowa-based transit vehicle was added to the 2007 program, but no other significant differences in transit services being provided are anticipated. Terry asked the Board to adopt a resolution accepting the application. Luke Bond moved the updated application for 2007 FTA funds be accepted as submitted. Carl Hapes Jr. seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>Homeland Security Grant Update</b></div> <div> Jo Downey reported that transfer of the fiscal responsibility for the 11-county Northeast Colorado All-Hazards Region has not been finalized as the new Homeland Security grants period is behind schedule.  The transfer originally was to be effective June 1, but now is not likely to occur before August 1, she said. Grants that will be administered under this program will include the State Homeland Security Grant, the Law Enforcement Grant and the Citizen Corps Grant. Jo said COG Board must assign signature authority before that effective date. John Nichols moved the COG Executive Director and the Chief COG Fiscal Officer be designated as the principal signatories for applications and contracts in connection with these programs. Steve Burgess seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>Heritage Tourism Program Status</b></div> <div> Jo Downey reported that new train tickets, designed to encourage visitors to the region to visit all or most of the museums here, are now being printed. She displayed a mock-up version of the proposed media kit, and said a newly completed news release about the Our Journey program will be distributed to the media next week. The program's public relations plan relies more heavily on news coverage and other publicity, and less on paid advertising. Efforts are being made to utilize other public relations opportunities, such as Channel 9's “Explore Colorado” series and The Rocky Mountain News' feature on the 50th anniversary of the interstate highway system, to increase awareness of attractions in this region. Success of the marketing campaign will be tracked by comparing total numbers of visitors to the museums, along with local sales tax receipts. Jo said the museum consultant Rand Hood, already has visited the region's museums and will be making suggestions and developing ideas for improvement that could be implemented later.</div> <div> <B>Our Journey Presentation</b></div> <div> A 15-minute movie describing the Our Journey marketing campaign was scheduled for viewing by the COG Board at this meeting. However, due to technical difficulties, the viewing was postponed until after the meeting adjourned. The movie, on DVD, will be featured at the annual Colorado/Wyoming Museum Association meeting May 5. It will be presented by COG Board members Rayetta Palmer and Steve Burgess. </div> <div> <B>Other</b></div> <div> There was no other unfinished business to come before the Board.</div> <div> <B><U>New Business</U></b></div> <div> <B>Supplemental State Funding for Senior Services</b></div> <div> Terry Baylie explained that this region will receive an additional $3,318 in state funding that must be spent by June 30, 2006.   ECCOG will receive a supplemental Notice Of Grant Award (NOGA) for these funds, which will be used to provide one-time only financial assistance in the form of eyeglasses, dental care, hearing aids, etc.</div> <div> <B>Heritage Tourism Pilot Projects</b></div> <div> The Prairie Development Corporation/East Central COG application for consideration as one of the Colorado Tourism Office's Heritage Tourism Pilot Project grantees was not accepted, Jo Downey reported to the Board. The projects selected represented the state geographically, with one being submitted from the economically hard-hit southeast region of the state. Portions of the proposed project for this region that will be postponed as a result of the state's decision include those involving brochures on Russian thistles and brochures and interpretation of New Deal sites, along with some of the advertising. However, if PDC is permitted to keep the Cooper Clark Foundation grant that was obtained to leverage the pilot project, work will proceed with new museum signage that will highlight each museum's unique character while recognizing its niche in the Our Journey effort.</div> <div> <B>2007 Funding for Area Agency on Aging</b></div> <div> Terry Baylie reviewed the Older Americans Act Title III and VII funding request (formerly called the grant application) for both the State funds, totaling $68,470, and the Federal funds, totaling $198,724.  The total funding for senior services will be $267,194, which is the amount appearing on the contract beginning July 1, 2006.  However, should this amount decrease (or increase) in either state or federal funds when final appropriations are known, the difference will be addressed in a “funding letter” from the state, she said.</div> <div> <B>Meeting on Department of Local Affairs Programs and Services</b></div> <div> For informational purposes, Jo Downey provided copies of a brochure announcing statewide meetings designed to inform local elected officials about programs and services available through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). In this region, a meeting will be held at the Limon Community Building on May 24. She encouraged Board members to attend, along with their administrative personnel, as the meetings could be helpful to communities needing assistance in addressing local needs.</div> <div> <B>Other</b></div> <div> Also for informational purposes, Jo Downey handed out copies of the Enterprise Zone Credit Summary for 2005 and for 2006 through April 24. She said the past year saw fewer claims for EZ credits, but the claims filed resulted in one of the largest state income tax savings for this region since the program's inception. For 2005, the following EZ credits were claimed: Cheyenne County, $244,577; Elbert County, $105,648; Kit Carson County, $582,201; Lincoln County, $93,977; and the East Central region, $104,024. As usual, the agriculture credit was used most often.</div> <div> Terry Baylie asked the Board to consider one change to the 2005-07 salary schedule already adopted. She asked that the base salary for the position entitled  “Program Assistant”  be increased by  $5,000 per year to make the position more competitive. Rayetta Palmer moved the 2005-2007 salary schedule be amended as proposed. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> Terry Baylie also reported that the issue discussed at the previous meeting regarding reimbursement from Colorado Department of Transportation for this region's transit expenses last November is apparently resolved. She said payment is expected by next week.</div> <div> <B>June Meeting Date and Location</b></div> <div> There will be no meeting held in June. The next regular meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors will be Wednesday, July 5, 2006 at Limon.</div> <div> There being no further business, John Metli declared the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#2006" TITLE="2006"><U><U>top of page</U></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="june_2006"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></b><B>There was no meeting of the </b></div> <div> <B>East Central Council of Local Governments</b></div> <div> <B>Board of Directors  in June 2006.</b></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#2006" TITLE="2006"><U><U>top of page</U></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="jul06"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></b><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Palatino Linotype" ><B>East Central Council of Local Governments</b></FONT></div> <div> <B>Board of Directors Meeting Minutes</b></div> <div> <B>July 5, 2006</b></div> <div> <B>Call to Order</b></div> <div> Chairman John Metli called the regular monthly meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors to order at 7:07 p.m., July 5, 2006 at the Town Hall in Limon, Colorado. </div> <div> In addition to John Metli, board members present included: Larry Shutte, John Nichols, Steve Burgess, Rayetta Palmer, Del Beattie, Luke Bond and Carl Hapes Jr. Staff members present included Jo Downey, Terry Baylie and Terry Blevins. Laura Erbert, COG fiscal officer, and Traci L. May and Lori K. Hendrick of May Jackson Hendrick, LLC, Certified Public Accountants, attended as guests. John Hill of the Simla <I>Ranchland News</I> also attended.</div> <div> Minutes of the May 3, 2006 Board of Directors regular monthly meeting were reviewed. Rayetta Palmer moved the Minutes of the May 3, 2006 Board meeting be approved as mailed. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> Jo Downey circulated the Financial Report and list of bills, which showed total payroll of $28,816.46, and the total for bills listed for June was $32,933.50. Larry Shutte moved to approve the Financial Report and to pay the monthly bills. Carl Hapes Jr. seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>2005 Audit Report</b></div> <div> Lori Hendrick of May Jackson Hendrick, LLC, presented the 2005 ECCOG Audit Report to the Board. Saying the report reflects a good audit of clean fiscal records, she gave a brief overview of the audit and responded to questions from Board members. Steve Burgess moved the 2005 Audit Report be accepted. Carl Hapes Jr. seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. John Metli expressed the Board's appreciation to the COG fiscal staff for the clean audit.</div> <div> <B><U>Unfinished Business</U></b></div> <div> <B>Impact Grant Hearings</b></div> <div> Hearings for the Energy and Mineral Impact Grant applications that were submitted for the April 1, 2006 cycle from Region V will be July 22 in Creede. Jo Downey said applications were submitted by the Town of Genoa, for water system improvements, and by Cheyenne County, for bridge replacement. Limon School District submitted an application, as well. The deadline for applications for the next round of funding is August 1, with hearings in October. The final application deadline for this year will be December 1.</div> <div> Jo told Board members that longtime Colorado Department of Local Affairs field representative Kent Gumina is taking extended sick leave. At present, his duties on behalf of Cheyenne, Lincoln and Kit Carson counties will be covered by other state staff persons. All present expressed their best wishes for a speedy recovery for Kent and asked Jo to convey to him the towns' and counties' heartfelt thanks for all that he has done for the area.</div> <div> Clay Brown has been the DOLA field representative for Elbert County in the past, and he continues in that role, she said.</div> <div> <B>Homeland Security Grant Update</b></div> <div> Jo Downey said the state is expected to make preliminary decisions next Tuesday regarding allocations under the Homeland Security Grant program. She said she hopes to have a better idea within the next 30 days as to what projects will be eligible for funding and the amount of grant funds that will be available for the 11 counties in the Northeast Colorado All-Hazards Region.</div> <div> <B>Division of Insurance Contract</b></div> <div> The contract for insurance counseling for senior citizens for fiscal year 2006 has been received, according to Terry Baylie. The contract period began April 1, and even though the contract was not received until now, Terry said the State Division of Insurance program administrator has assured her that services provided after April 1 will be reimbursed. Reimbursements occur on a quarterly basis. Terry said the new contract was increased by $1,000, which will help offset expenses connected with Medicare Part D counseling. Insurance counseling this year also will include two sessions in each county of community education on Medicare/health insurance fraud. Larry Shutte moved the Board authorize the chairman to sign the contract with the Colorado Division of Insurance. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>Heritage Tourism Program Status</b></div> <div> Copies of the Our Journey heritage tourism information packets were provided to members of the ECCOG Board. Jo Downey said the “My Journey” pass is good for free admission to participating museums, with each museum visited stamping the pass. Visitors having six stamps on their tickets will receive compact disks of Carousel music. If they have seven stamps, they become eligible for a drawing to award a free stay in a local bed and breakfast. Jo said staff and Visual West are working with the museums to help them look as good in reality as they look on paper. Inner circle tours, in which participating museums and their staffs will have a chance to see the rest of the museums on Our Journey, are scheduled for July 29 and August 18. Although the Heritage Tourism pilot project grant was not awarded to this region, Jo said the $18,000 matching grant from Cooper Clark Foundation need not be returned. Instead, those funds will be used for individual museum exhibits and signage. </div> <div> Jo said the DVD presentation about the Our Journey marketing campaign had a good response after its showing in May at the Colorado-Wyoming Museum Association conference. Rayetta Palmer and Steve Burgess of the ECCOG Board presented the program in Cheyenne, Wyoming.</div> <div> <B>Other</b></div> <div> There was no other unfinished business to come before the Board.</div> <div> <B><U>New Business</U></b></div> <div> <B>Older Americans Act Title III Contract Update</b></div> <div> Terry Baylie told the Board that the state contracts for Older Americans Act Title III funds were signed after the agenda for this meeting had been mailed. The East Central Agency on Aging received its contract by registered mail on July 3. Terry said the final contract reflects $2,354 more than was anticipated, and she is waiting to hear from the state if a revised application showing expenditure plans for these funds is necessary. The Senior Services Board will meet in August and make recommendations to the COG Board regarding expenditure of these extra funds. The recommendation will come to the COG Board in September.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Business Loan Fund Program Update</b></div> <div> Over the past 20 years, ECCOG has employed a fulltime loan manager for the Prairie Development Corporation's business loan programs. Jo said four individuals have filled that position, with the most recent, Elwin Boody, acting as business loan manager for six and a half years. In October 2004, a grant of $400,000 was given to fund business loans over an 18-month period. An additional grant of $60,000 was given to help defray administrative costs of the program. Since February 2005, she continued, there have been no new loans made from that grant, but the administrative portion has been used. Last August, she told the PDC Board, which operates the loan programs, that if there were no new loans forthcoming, the business loan manager position would have to be eliminated by June 30 of this year. Unfortunately, she said, this action has taken place. Until the business loan market improves, preliminary loan application reviews and eligibility determinations will be done by members of the remaining staff and the PDC Board, with closing to be handled by other professionals on a contract basis. </div> <div> <B>2006 Enterprise Zone Certifications</b></div> <div> Jo Downey circulated the East Central Enterprise Zone certifications report for June 30, 2006. She told the Board the Enterprise Zone contribution credits totals usually are less for the first half of the year than for the second half. So far, 297 claims for enterprise zone tax credits have been filed in 2006, totaling $18,772,415 and representing state income tax credits of $564,958. As in the past, the most-used credit is the investment tax credit, which represented 99.8 percent of all tax credits claimed. </div> <div> <B>Other</b></div> <div> There was no other new business to come before the Board.</div> <div> <B>August Meeting Date and Location</b></div> <div> Because of the various county fairs, vacations, etc., the Board decided to not meet in August. The next regular meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors will be Wednesday, September 6, 2006 at Limon.</div> <div> There being no further business, John Metli declared the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#2006" TITLE="2006"><U><U>top of page</U></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="august_2006"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></b><B>There was no meeting of the </b></div> <div> <B>East Central Council of Local Governments</b></div> <div> <B>Board of Directors  in August 2006.</b></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#2006" TITLE="2006"><U><U>top of page</U></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="september_2006"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></b><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Palatino Linotype" ><B>East Central Council of Local Governments</b></FONT></div> <div> <B>Board of Directors Meeting Minutes</b></div> <div> <B>September 6, 2006</b></div> <div> <B>Call to Order</b></div> <div> Chairman John Metli called the regular monthly meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors to order at 7:12 p.m., September 6, 2006 at the Town Hall in Limon, Colorado. </div> <div> In addition to John Metli, board members present included: Larry Shutte, John Nichols, Steve Burgess, Rayetta Palmer, Del Beattie and Carl Hapes Jr. Staff members present included Jo Downey and Terry Baylie. John Hill of the Simla <I>Ranchland News</I> also attended.</div> <div> Minutes of the July 5, 2006 Board of Directors regular monthly meeting were reviewed. Rayetta Palmer moved the Minutes of the July 5, 2006 Board meeting be approved as mailed. Larry Shutte seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> Jo Downey circulated the Financial Report and list of bills, which showed total payroll of $26,372.39, and the total for bills listed for August was $29,419.26. John Nichols moved to approve the Financial Report and to pay the monthly bills. Carl Hapes Jr. seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B><U>Unfinished Business</U></b></div> <div> <B>Transit System Statistics</b></div> <div> Terry Baylie reviewed a summary report of Outback Express services for the first six months of 2006. Through June, the regional transit system provided 22,558 trips to disabled persons younger than 60, 2,976 trips to non-disabled persons over the age of 60, 2,104 trips to disabled persons over 60, and 603 trips to the general public. Terry said the average cost per mile for this service was $1.96 during the first half of the year, and the average cost per passenger was $14.22. However, 96 percent of the program cost comes from local or federal transit funds. Of the balance, three percent is paid by Older Americans Act funds on behalf of area seniors and passengers pay the other one percent in the form of fares. The charter services to date have raised $20,067.66 to be applied to the vehicle replacement funds in the four counties.</div> <div> <B>Impact Grant Hearings</b></div> <div> Prior to discussion of the impact grant hearings, Jo Downey distributed copies of a news release explaining the present distribution of severance tax and federal mineral lease direct contributions to local governments. The distribution, involving funds collected during 2005 and the first six months of 2006, totaled $6.5 million, is disbursed based on residence of production employees. Severance tax funds distributed within this region included: Cheyenne County, $27,549.93; Town of Cheyenne Wells, $48,212.38; Town of Kit Carson, $20,662.45; Elbert County, $7,290.41; Town of Kiowa, $6,887.48; City of Burlington, $17,218.71; Town of Hugo, $6,887.48; and Town of Limon, $6,887.48. Federal mineral lease funds were distributed to the Town of Kit Carson, $1,484.85, and to the Town of Limon, $1,484.85.</div> <div> Jo told the Board that two local government and two school district Energy Impact Assistance Grant applications were reviewed by the State Advisory Committee July 21, with all but Limon School District being recommended for full funding. Partial funding was recommended for the school district, she said. Only three applications were received for the grant cycle ending August 1, she continued. Lincoln County is requesting $468,321 for an 800 MHz transmitter and microwave. Elbert County is requesting $500,000 for preparation and asphalt paving of another 4.2 miles of the Kiowa-Bennett Road. The Town of Flagler is asking for $90,000 for water (fire) hydrant improvements. The next application cycle ends December 1.</div> <div> <B>Homeland Security Grant Update</b></div> <div> Jo Downey reported that the Northeast Colorado All-Hazards Region has received notice of 2006 Homeland Security grant awards from the Colorado Division of Emergency Management. The East Central Council of Local Governments will be acting as fiscal agent for the region for the 18 months ending March 31, 2008. Grant funds approved for this 11-county region include: State Homeland Security Program-$1,039,998; Citizen Corps Program-$42,000; and Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program-$676,702. The totals include funds for planning, equipment, training and administration. ECCOG will receive slightly less than three percent of the total grant amount to cover the expenses of acting as fiscal agent. Jo told the Board that The Northeast Colorado All-Hazards Region all of the ECCOG member counties except Elbert County, which is included in a different all-hazards region.</div> <div> <B>Aging Services Statistics</b></div> <div> Terry Baylie provided the Board with an expenditure profile for Area Agency on Aging services in this region during the first six months of 2006. The Information and Referral program registered the most units of service, with 11,170, followed by the Congregate Meals program with 10,470. Information and Referral also was the least expensive program, at 42 cents per unit of service, while Supplemental/Grandparent Services offered by contract with Lincoln County Department of Human Services was the most expensive, at $350 per unit of service. The two most familiar AAA programs, Congregate Meals and Senior Transportation, cost $4.68 and $1.19 per unit of service respectively. The East Central Area Agency on Aging programs cost $192,394 to operate for the first half of this year. In response to a question, Terry said she would compare the information in this report with information from the same period a year ago, and bring the results to the next COG Board meeting.</div> <div> <B>Heritage Tourism Program Status</b></div> <div> The Board received copies of a report from the media consultant who helped the Our Journey marketing campaign get print and broadcast coverage over the season. Jo Downey said response to the campaign was much greater than last year; COG mailed out 650 Our Journey packets in response to requests and distributed another 200 copies at meetings and elsewhere. She said interested persons also were able to download the Our Journey ticket from the website. Spikes in attendance correlate with particular instances of publicity, she said, and overall, the number of tickets turned in for the final drawing was five times the number turned in a year ago. Whether actual attendance at the museums was up from a year ago is not known, yet, but she said a number of other issues such as fuel prices tended to offset some of the benefits of the marketing campaign. Visitor comments on the tickets, at the website and otherwise have been positive, she said, the staff is beginning to make plans for next season's campaign. </div> <div> The media consultant included several recommendations for changes in next year's effort.</div> <div> <B>Bank Signatures for Project SMILE Accounts</b></div> <div> Terry Baylie told the Board that, due to staffing changes, the senior nutrition program signature cards at the Kiowa Bank of the West, the First National Bank of Stratton, the Bank of Burlington, the First National Bank of Hugo and the First National Bank of Limon needed to be updated. Banking regulations now require the COG Board to make these changes by resolution, she said. John Nichols moved that a resolution authorizing Terry Baylie and/or the Area Agency on Aging Director for the ECCOG and Angela Brinkhoff, and/or Program Assistant for the ECCOG, to sign on all Project SMILE Nutrition Program accounts at the banks named.  Carl Hapes Jr. seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>Other</b></div> <div> There was no other unfinished business to come before the Board.</div> <div> <B><U>New Business</U></b></div> <div> <B>Four Year Plan for Older Americans Act Title III Programs/Services</b></div> <div> The East Central Area Agency on Aging is updating its Four Year Plan for Aging Services for the years 2008-2011. A questionnaire was mailed to COG Board members prior to this meeting soliciting their ideas and opinions regarding future services for senior citizens in this region. Terry Baylie collected the completed questionnaires and outlined the schedule for adoption of the plan. The draft plan will be submitted to the Senior Services Advisory Board for public hearing and recommendation in October, with the recommended plan update being presented to the COG Board at its December meeting. The regional plan then will be forwarded to the State Unit on Aging to be included in the new state four-year plan, which will be in effect October 1, 2007, Terry said.</div> <div> <B>Population Estimates/2007 ECCOG Local Contribution Amounts</b></div> <div> Jo Downey told the Board that local government member contributions to the ECCOG budget for 2007 will be based on July 1, 2005 population estimates, and will result in an overall contribution nearly equal to the previous year's dues. During the year between July 1, 2004 and July 1, 2005, all municipalities</div> <div> in the region showed small population decreases except Bethune, which had no change, and Seibert, which showed a small increase. Municipal dues, assessed at the rate of $1.75 per capita, were changed by the same ratios. Three of the four counties in the region saw overall population decreases, with</div> <div> Elbert County the only county increasing in population. County dues are $7,000 each plus 70 cents</div> <div> per capita. Total local government dues to ECCOG in 2007 will be $77,729, compared with $77,897 in 2006. </div> <div> <B>2007 Transit Grant Application</b></div> <div> Terry Baylie reported that, during a recent discussion with new staff at the Colorado Department of Transportation's Transit Unit, she learned that the request for the Elbert County vehicle had been moved to a different funding source under the Federal Transportation Administration's grant program.  State staff believed that the bus purchase was more likely to be funded under this source because of increased federal funding. Terry said the 2007 funding results should become known at the mandatory state meeting in Grand Junction September 22. </div> <div> <B>I</b><B>llegal Immigration Law Impacts</b></div> <div> At a recent state meeting, Area Agencies on Aging learned that the new federal law regarding undocumented aliens did not apply to state-funded nutrition or transit programs. Terry Baylie said the State Unit on Aging staff has advised local agencies that they are exempt from the requirements of this law because Older American Act-funded programs are not considered “public benefits.” Program participants are not means-tested (do not have to demonstrate any particular income level) and generally are not required to “apply for services.” Terry said the AAAs asked the state to provide formal written verification of this opinion, but such written verification has not been received to date.</div> <div> <B>Colorado Municipal League Region V Meeting</b></div> <div> Board members were reminded that the Colorado Municipal League's annual regional meeting hosted by Seibert on September 19. A pre-meeting session will be at 4 p.m., followed by a social hour at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. </div> <div> <B>Other</b></div> <div> Jo Downey circulated copies of the agenda of a meeting of the Transportation Planning Region scheduled for the morning of September 11, 2006, with a transportation forum to follow in the afternoon. Jo expressed her concern about the representative value of input gathered at such a forum, given its limited accessibility by the public across the region. She urged Board members to attend the forum to ensure that local concerns are presented.</div> <div> Jo also reported that Laura Erbert is moving to Parker, CO but will continue to perform her duties as COG's fiscal officer from that location, coming into the Stratton office a few days each month. Jo cited Laura's long experience in the position and the auditor's on-going positive remarks about her performance, and told the Board that making the change would be easier and better in the long term than in trying to hire and train another competent fiscal officer. She said another staff person is being trained to handle many of the accounting functions, but is not yet prepared to assume the complex accounting required by the various government grant programs.</div> <div> In response to a question, Jo reported that Prairie Development Corporation loan activity continues to be down. Loan packaging activities will be done on a contract basis, as needed, as long as the need for the business loans remains at its current level.</div> <div> <B>October Meeting Date and Location</b></div> <div> The next regular meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors will be Wednesday, October 4, 2006 at Limon.</div> <div> There being no further business, John Metli declared the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#2006" TITLE="2006"><U><U>top of page</U></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A NAME="october_2006"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Palatino Linotype" ><B>East Central Council of Local Governments</b></FONT></div> <div> <B>Board of Directors Meeting Minutes</b></div> <div> <B>October 4, 2006</b></div> <div> <B>Call to Order</b></div> <div> Chairman John Metli called the regular monthly meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors to order at 7:04 p.m., October 4, 2006 at the Town Hall in Limon, Colorado. </div> <div> In addition to John Metli, board members present included: John Nichols, Steve Burgess, Rayetta Palmer, Del Beattie, and Carl Hapes Jr. Staff members present included Jo Downey, Terry Baylie and Terry Blevins. Dannie McMillan, Cheyenne Wells City Manager, also attended.</div> <div> John Nichols led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.</div> <div> Minutes of the September 6, 2006 Board of Directors regular monthly meeting were reviewed. Steve Burgess moved the Minutes of the September 6, 2006 Board meeting be approved as mailed. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> Jo Downey circulated the Financial Report and list of bills, which showed total payroll of $25,384.80, and the total for bills listed for September was $24,801.10. Rayetta Palmer moved to approve the Financial Report and to pay the monthly bills. John Nichols seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B><U>Unfinished Business</U></b></div> <div> <B>Impact Grant Hearings</b></div> <div> Hearings for the Energy and Mineral Impact Grant applications that were submitted for the August 1, 2006 cycle from Region V will be Wednesday evening, October 18 at Redstone, Jo Downey said. Applications to be heard were submitted by Lincoln County, for a large grant for a radio communications tower upgrade; by Elbert County, seeking $500,000 to assist with another phase of improvement for the Kiowa-Bennett Road; and by the Town of Flagler, requesting funds for a water hydrant replacement project. The deadline for the next round of applications will be December 1, 2006. Possible applications for the next round include one from the Town of Cheyenne Wells, for water system improvements, and one from the Town of Kit Carson for a street overlay and chip seal project.</div> <div> <B>Homeland Security Grant Update</b></div> <div> Jo Downey circulated copies of the purchase orders for equipment ordered under the Homeland Securitygrant. The radios have been delivered, and soon will be distributed with programming and training as needed, she said. </div> <div> Jo said she had learned last week that the Greeley Police Department received $250,000 in State Homeland Security grant funds to purchase a CBERN (chemical, biological, explosive, radiological, nuclear) Tactical Intervention Vehicle, which will be used in a regional role to respond to CBERN and SWAT incidents. This will be a “sole source” purchase, Jo explained, as the vehicle is the first to be built by The Armored Group, LLC, and no other company manufactures the vehicle. As ECCOG is the fiscal agent for the Northeast Colorado All-Hazards Region, and because this purchase is “sole source,” rather than competively bid, Jo asked the COG Board to approve the purchase by formal vote. John Nichols moved the Board deny approval for the vehicle; his motion died for lack of a second. Rayetta Palmer then moved the Board approve the vehicle. Carl Hapes Jr. seconded the motion, which carried 5 to 1, with John Nichols opposed.</div> <div> <B>Drug and Alcohol Policy Review</b></div> <div> Terry Baylie told the Board that contract personnel from Colorado Department of Transportation's Transit Unit reviewed ECCOG's substance abuse policy September 12th. The results of the review have not been received, however, Terry said it is known that the City of Burlington and Town of Limon will be asked to make some required revisions to their own policies to keep them current with federal requirements. The Board asked Terry to send all necessary policy revisions to each town and county.</div> <div> <B>Heritage Tourism Program Update</b></div> <div> During the summer, visitors to area museums were able to get their Our Journey promotional tickets stamped, and with enough museum visits thus recorded, they became eligible to win a two-night stay at a bed and breakfast within the region. At the Board meeting, Jo Downey asked John Metli to draw the name of the winner of the prize from among the eligible entries. The winner was Anita Scadden of Limon. This past season, Jo said the COG office mailed out more than 700 informational packets in response to the Our Journey marketing campaign. There were 60 Our Journey tickets completed and submitted for the drawing.</div> <div> The next step, she said, is another meeting with museum consultant Rand Hood to finalize a work program for the area museums. Rand will be offering plans and recommendations for improving each of the public museums' roles as attractions. As part of the recommendations, museum operators will receive assistance in seeking funding for implementation. She noted that the Cooper Clark Foundation had granted $18,000 for new signs in three of the region's counties, but it does not serve Elbert County.</div> <div> Jo said she needs to request the Colorado Department of Local Affairs to extend ECCOG's Community Development Assistance grant contract through April 30, 2007 and the capacity-building Heritage Tourism grant for the same period. John Nichols moved the grant contract extensions be requested. Rayetta Palmer seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> In response to Rayetta's question regarding the inner circle tour (wherein all museum volunteers would have an opportunity to visit all other museums in the Our Journey area), Jo said she was unable to schedule the tour when planned. She has heard very little from the museums as to their preferences for a fall or spring tour, but she will be corresponding with them more in the near future.</div> <div> <B>Other</b></div> <div> Terry Baylie asked the Board to formally accept a change order to the region's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant contracts adding $17,700 to the previous grant award. The funds must be spent by December 31, 2006, she said. The added money will be used to defray fuel reimbursement and other costs of operating the transit program. Steve Burgess moved the change order be accepted. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B><U>New Business</U></b></div> <div> <B>2007 Federal Transit Administration Funding</b></div> <div> Terry Baylie told the Board that Federal Transportation Administration funding for the region's public transit system for 2007 reflects an approximate five percent increase over the 2006 funding level. In September, Terry reported that the state Transit Unit would be moving the requested new Elbert County vehicle to another funding source. However, at this October meeting, she reported the vehicle was funded as originally requested, after all.</div> <div> The regional transit system must complete a “transportation human services coordinated plan” during the coming year, she continued. It is undetermined whether the existing coordinated plan can be modified to meet this need or if an entirely new plan must be drafted.</div> <div> <B>Budget Amendment</b></div> <div> Jo Downey told the Board that the 2006 ECCOG budget (adopted in late 2005) did not address the subsequent funding in connection with the Homeland Security Grant program. The grant revenues and anticipated payments for equipment purchased under the grant this year need to be addressed in the COG budget, and Jo asked the Board for a resolution adopting the revised budget. Rayetta Palmer moved the revised 2006 ECCOG budget be approved. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>Annual Reports</b></div> <div> Copies of the 2005 annual reports for the Area Agency on Aging and the Outback Express transit program were mailed to COG Board members prior to the meeting. There were no questions from the Board regarding the annual reports.</div> <div> <B>2007 Budget Process</b></div> <div> Jo Downey told the Board that work is beginning on the 2007 ECCOG budget document. The existing salary schedule will continue in place, she said. The proposed budget will be presented to the Board in November, and will be returned in December with any changes requested by the Board. Final action on the budget can occur as late as the January meeting, since the 2007 business year will not begin until February.</div> <div> <B>Other</b></div> <div> Jo Downey reported the COG employees will be selecting their health insurance plans. She said COG has a choice between a two-tier plan and a three-tier plan. At the present time, COG pays $400 per month per employee toward the cost of the insurance plan. Jo recommended the agency contribution remain the same but that COG select the two-tier plan as being most beneficial for most employees. John Nichols moved the Board select the two-tier plan and continue to contribute $400 per month per employee as recommended. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>November and December Meeting Dates/Locations</b></div> <div> The next regular meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors will be Wednesday, November 1, 2006 at Limon. In December, the meeting will be held December 6 in Stratton.</div> <div> There being no further business, John Metli declared the meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#2006" TITLE="2006"><U><U>top of page</U></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="nov_06"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></b><B>East Central Council of Local Governments</b></div> <div> <B>Board of Directors Meeting Minutes</b></div> <div> <B>November 1, 2006</b></div> <div> <B>Call to Order</b></div> <div> Chairman John Metli called the regular monthly meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors to order at 7:05 p.m., November 1, 2006 at the Town Hall in Limon, Colorado. </div> <div> In addition to John Metli, board members present included: John Nichols, Rayetta Palmer, Del Beattie, and Carl Hapes Jr. Staff members present included Jo Downey, Terry Baylie and Terry Blevins. John Hill of The Ranchland News at Simla also attended the meeting.</div> <div> John Nichols led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.</div> <div> Minutes of the October 4, 2006 Board of Directors regular monthly meeting were reviewed. Rayetta Palmer moved the Minutes of the October 4, 2006 Board meeting be approved as mailed. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> Jo Downey circulated the Financial Report and list of bills, which showed total payroll of $25,942.21, and the total for bills listed for October was $1,168,723.30. Carl Hapes Jr. moved to approve the Financial Report and to pay the monthly bills. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> Terry Baylie asked that an item regarding a new meals program be added to the agenda under “other new business.” Carl Hapes Jr. moved the amended agenda be approved. Rayetta Palmer seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B><U>Unfinished Business</U></b></div> <div> <B>Impact Grant Hearings</b></div> <div> Hearings for the Energy and Mineral Impact Grant applications that were submitted for the August 1, 2006 cycle from Region V were heard October 18 at Redstone. Jo Downey said applications from Elbert County for continued improvements to the Kiowa-Bennett Road and from Flagler for water system improvements were recommended for full funding. A request from the Cheyenne Wells School District for funding for a bus barn was recommended for partial funding. The next application deadline is December 1, with hearings scheduled in March. Jo said four applications are expected at this time: Cheyenne County for improvements and equipment for its hospital; Cheyenne Wells and Stratton for water system improvements; and Kit Carson County for asphalt roads.</div> <div> <B>Homeland Security Grant Update</b></div> <div> Jo Downey said all radio units purchased under the new Homeland Security grant have been received, programmed and inventoried. The radios will be delivered to the respective agencies in the coming weeks. Jo said the All-Hazards Region was able to save $80,000 on this purchase, and the funds eventually will be reallocated by the Administrative Committee for other priority projects on the regional level. Carryover funds from the 2005 grant will be reallocated, as well, with the decisions to be reflected in an amended budget document.</div> <div> <B>ECCOG Health Insurance Tiers</b></div> <div> In October, the ECCOG Board selected a two-tier health insurance plan for employees for 2007. However, Jo Downey said the office has been notified that ECCOG must remain on the three-tier plan selected for 2006 for two additional years. She asked the Board to rescind the October decision. John Nichols moved the Board rescind its action of last month as requested. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>Update on Coordinated Human Services Transportation Plan</b></div> <div> Terry Baylie summarized the process for completing the Coordinated Human Services Transportation Plan update, which must be ready for review at the next Eastern Transportation Planning Region meeting in January. A primary purpose of the update is to minimize duplication of effort in providing public transit services, she said. The necessary information will be gathered by consultants for implementation in the transit element update to the 2035 Transportation Plan. Terry also described two new grant programs funded under the Federal Transportation Administration: one will assist individuals with disabilities with new public transportation services and alternatives, including to and from jobs, and the other will help develop transit opportunities for low-income persons needing access to employment.</div> <div> <B>Other</b></div> <div> There was no other unfinished business to come before the Board.</div> <div> <B><U>New Business</U></b></div> <div> <B>Draft Four-Year Plan for Aging Services</b></div> <div> Terry Baylie briefed Board members on the contents of the draft Four-Year Plan for Aging Services. The Senior Services Advisory Board has recommended the plan be approved by the ECCOG Board and submitted to the state office. Following discussion, Rayetta Palmer moved the draft Four-Year Plan for Aging Services be approved, with recommended changes, and submitted to the state. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Recommended changes included addition of community focal points for Elizabeth and correction of any typographical errors.</div> <div> <B>2007 Board Member Selection Process</b></div> <div> As the year's end approaches, Jo Downey again reminded Board members of the process for selection ECCOG Board members for 2007. County commissioners from all four counties will appoint their</div> <div> ECCOG Board representatives at their regular reorganization meetings in January 2007. The municipalities in each county will nominate candidates, and if more than one nomination is received from a county, the municipalities in that county will vote in December. If the vote should end in a tie, the commissioners from that county will break the tie. Jo reminded the members that only local elected officials can serve on the ECCOG Board, and she stressed the need for candidates to be aware of the time commitment required. Municipalities or counties whose representatives cannot attend Board meetings are not adequately represented when regional decisions are made, she noted. The new ECCOG Board of Directors for 2007 will assume office with the February 2007 Board meeting.</div> <div> <B>2007 Budget</b></div> <div> The first draft of the proposed 2007 ECCOG Budget was sent to Board members for review. Jo Downey said the budget figures were based on the 2006 budget and past practices. The only real question mark, she commented, is the carryover funds from the Homeland Security grant. For purposes of the budget, Jo said she is assuming the current Homeland Security grant program will be finished when the funds are expended, but if there are additional funds to take into account, the ECCOG Budget can be amended.</div> <div> Terry Baylie added that two new buses will be purchased next year using Federal Transit Administration funds, one to replace the Kiowa-based bus in Elbert County and one to replace a Dynamic Dimensions bus in Burlington.</div> <div> <B>Other</b></div> <div> Terry Baylie discussed a proposed new senior nutrition program with the Board. She circulated copies of an advertisement that appeared in Cheyenne, Kit Carson and Lincoln county newspapers which solicited help in working “with a new senior meals program” in those counties. The ad resulted in numerous calls to the ECCOG office from concerned senior citizens who thought ECCOG's Project SMILE nutrition program was being ended. Terry said the senior centers in those counties were reassured that ECCOG's program would continue, and then she obtained information from Linda Roth of Cheyenne County Public Health, who explained the new project is really a senior nutrition education project. This program is designed to help nutritionally at-risk senior citizens learn how to prepare healthy meals. Terry said the idea is a project of the Centennial Area Health Education Center, of Greeley, and proposes using volunteers from the local Retired and Senior Volunteer Program in some way. Terry told the Board she would be meeting in a week's time with representatives of both CAHEC and RSVP to gain additional information about the project.</div> <div> <B>December and January Meeting Dates/Locations</b></div> <div> The next regular meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors will be Wednesday, December 6, 2006 at Stratton. The January meeting will be held at Limon.</div> <div> There being no further business, John Metli declared the meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#2006" TITLE="2006"><U><U>top of page</U></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="dec_06"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></b><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Palatino Linotype" ><B>East Central Council of Local Governments</b></FONT></div> <div> <B>Board of Directors Meeting Minutes</b></div> <div> <B>December 6, 2006</b></div> <bR> <div> <B>Call to Order</b></div> <div> Chairman John Metli called the regular monthly meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors to order at 7:12 p.m., December 6, 2006 at the Claremont Inn in Stratton, Colorado. </div> <bR> <div> In addition to John Metli, board members present included: John Nichols, Larry Shutte, Rayetta Palmer, and Carl Hapes Jr. Staff members present included Jo Downey, Terry Baylie, Laura Erbert and Terry Blevins. Jon Rosenlund of the City of Sterling and representing the Logan County Office of Emergency Management, Clint Goldenstein of the Northeast Colorado All-Hazards Region and John Hill of the Ranchland News in Simla attended as guests.</div> <bR> <div> Jo Downey asked that an item regarding Colorado Department of Local Affairs technical assistance contracts be added to the agenda.</div> <bR> <div> Minutes of the November 1, 2006 Board of Directors regular monthly meeting were reviewed. John Nichols moved the Minutes of the November 1, 2006 Board meeting be approved as mailed. Larry Shutte seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <bR> <div> Jo Downey circulated the Financial Report and list of bills, which showed total payroll of $25,980.57, and the total for bills listed for November was $56,700.09. Larry Shutte moved to approve the Financial Report and to pay the monthly bills. Carl Hapes Jr. seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Unfinished Business</U></b></div> <div> <B>Energy Impact Grant Requests</b></div> <div> Four applications were submitted from this region for the December cycle. Jo Downey said Cheyenne County requested $500,000 for hospital and equipment upgrades, and will match the grant with $553,500 (raised by county mill levy); the Town of Stratton requested $300,000 for water system improvements, matching the grant with $493,000 coming from a Disadvantaged Community loan; the Town of Cheyenne Wells requested $122,500 for water distribution system upgrades, with $122,475 in matching funds; Kit Carson County requested approximately $350,000 for county road improvements, with a 43% match. The next application cycle ends April 1, 2007.</div> <bR> <div> Jo also reported the recent sudden death of Kent Gumina, and told the board that Kent had worked superbly on this region's behalf for 18 years as a field representative with the Department of Local Affairs and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. At the present time, DOLA staff working with the counties formerly covered by Kent Gumina include Debra  Downs in Kit Carson County and Lee Merkel in Lincoln and Cheyenne counties. Don Sandoval is the regional monitor with DOLA. Clay Brown continues to work with Elbert County and its municipalities.</div> <bR> <div> <B>2006 Transit Funding Update</b></div> <div> In October, the Board formally accepted a change order to the region's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant contract adding $17,700 to the previous grant award. The funds were to be spent by December 31, 2006, with the added money being used to defray fuel reimbursement and other costs of operating the transit program. Terry Baylie reported the signed change order was received by the Colorado Department of Transportation on October 10, but for various reasons it has not been executed by the state and returned. CDoT has told the transit program that expenses can be charged to the added grant funds and that the change order will be returned to the ECCOG office by the end of the year.</div> <bR> <div> <B>ECCOG 2007 Budget</b></div> <div> A revised 2007 budget document was reviewed by the Board. Jo Downey said the Homeland Security grant line items were readjusted to reflect known available funds. This budget assumes there will be no carryover funds from Larimer County, the former fiscal agent for the Homeland Security grant, but if carryover funds do become a reality, the budget will be amended at a later date. It also assumes that there will not be another round of Homeland Security funding.  Again, should another Homeland Security contract be awarded in late summer or early fall, the budget will be amended.  Jo also noted the Community Development Services contract is for $40,000, rather than the $43,000 previously indicated. Rayetta Palmer moved the 2007 budget be approved as presented. Larry Shutte seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <bR> <div> <B>2007 Municipal Board Representatives</b></div> <div> Although the election deadline for municipal representatives to the ECCOG Board won't be until December 8, Jo Downey said there isn't any competition for the seats and the apparent representatives will include Kerry Korsvold of the City of Burlington, representing Kit Carson County's municipalities and replacing Larry Shutte of the Town of Stratton. Mayor Del Beattie of Limon, representing Lincoln County's municipalities, Rayetta Palmer of the Town of Cheyenne Wells, representing Cheyenne County's municipalities, and Mayor Luke Bond of Kiowa, representing Elbert County's municipalities, will return to the Board next year.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Other</b></div> <div> Jo Downey presented a contract from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs for ECCOG's Community Development Assistance program for 2007. DOLA is making Energy Impact Assistance grant funds available for yet to be determined special projects on behalf of the municipalities and counties in ECCOG's service area that are related to community development; no matching funds are required. Jo asked the Board to consider accepting the grant. John Nichols moved the Board enter into the contract with DOLA for the Community Development Assistance grant funds. Rayetta Palmer seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>New Business</U></b></div> <div> <B>Citizen Corps Presentation</b></div> <div> Jon Rosenlund of the City of Sterling, representing the Logan County Office of Emergency Management, presented a PowerPoint program describing the NE Colorado All-Hazards Region Citizen Corps Program. Funded by one of the three Homeland Security grants administered by ECCOG, this program is designed to </div> <div> prepare private citizens to respond quickly and appropriately during times of emergency.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Homeland Security Programs/Services Update</b></div> <div> Clint Goldenstein, Homeland Security Coordinator for the NE Colorado All-Hazards Region, described the make-up of the All-Hazards Region governing board and the types of decisions this board is expected to make. He also gave a brief update on the status and use of the various grant funds available under the Homeland Security grants program. </div> <bR> <div> <B>2007 Administrative/Operating/Capital Equipment</b></div> <div> Terry Baylie explained that the Colorado Department of Transportation will execute a “bilateral change order” for the 2007 #5311 funding for administration and operating costs for the local transit program. The change order will extend the 2006 contract through the end of 2007. Terry presented three resolutions for the Board's consideration. Resolution #06-13 would accept the change order and obligate ECCOG's share of the total program costs for administration and operating relative to the performance measures and scope of work. Resolutions #07-14 and #07-15  are for new capital contracts and obligate ECCOG's share of the costs for capital equipment grants under both #5311 and #5310.  Terry said the Transit Advisory Committee had recommended approval of all resolutions. John Nichols moved the Board approve all three resolutions as presented. Larry Shutte seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Drug and Alcohol Testing Third Party Administrator</b></div> <div> Terry Baylie asked the Board to consider changing third party administrators for required drug and alcohol testing of regional public transit program employees. She said the change would reduce costs and eliminate billing and accounting problems encountered over the past few years with a Georgia-based firm. Terry recommend the Board approve a change to Permits and Papers of Burlington, a local firm also known as “Tox Med.” She expects the change to save 30% in drug and alcohol testing costs. John Nichols moved that ECCOG contract with Tox Med for third party administration of the transit program's drug and alcohol testing program. Rayetta Palmer seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Prairie Development Board of Directors for 2007 and 2008</b></div> <div> Jo Downey told the Board that it is time to renew the Prairie Development Corporation Board of Directors for another two-year term. Eight of the nine PDC Board members will be appointed by the commissioners of the four counties, and the ninth, at-large member will be appointed by the ECCOG Board. The counties will make their appointments during the annual reorganization meetings in January.</div> <bR> <div> Jo also reported the Prairie Development Corporation recently received an El Pomar Foundation Award for Excellence in the category of “special projects.” The award brought with it a cash prize of $7,500, which Jo said is earmarked for PDC's Heritage Tourism program.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Other</b></div> <div> There was no other new business to come before the Board.</div> <bR> <div> <B>January Meeting Date/Location</b></div> <div> The next regular meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors will be Wednesday, January 3, 2007 at Limon.</div> <bR> <div> There being no further business, John Metli declared the meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#2006" TITLE="2006"><U><U>top of page</U></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>