COG 2007 Minutes
East Central Council of Local Governments
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
January 3, 2007
Call to Order
Vice-chairman Rayetta Palmer called the regular monthly meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors to order at 7:11 p.m., January 3, 2007 at the Town Hall in Limon, Colorado.
In addition to Rayetta Palmer, board members present included: Larry Shutte, Del Beattie, Steve Burgess and Carl Hapes Jr. Staff members present included Jo Downey, Terry Baylie and Terry Blevins.
Rayetta Palmer led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes of the December 6, 2006 Board of Directors regular monthly meeting were reviewed. Larry Shutte moved the Minutes of the December 6, 2006 Board meeting be approved as mailed. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Jo Downey circulated the Financial Report and list of bills, which showed total payroll of $23,696.41, and the total for bills listed for December was $56,237.09. Steve Burgess moved to approve the Financial Report and to pay the monthly bills. Carl Hapes Jr. seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Unfinished Business
Energy Impact Grant Requests
Jo Downey told the Board that the next application deadline for state Energy Impact Assistance grant funds is April 1, 2007, and she is unaware of any local government applications from this region for this round of funding. Steve Burgess said Lincoln County might seek funds for road improvements. Jo said other application deadlines this year would be August 1 and December 1.
2007 Transit Grant Capital Equipment Purchase
Terry Baylie explained that Colorado Department of Transportation's Transit Unit did not request bids on narrow BOC (body-on-chassis) vehicles for 2006. Since the 2006 bids will be used for 2007 equipment, ECCOG has been advised that standard BOC vehicles will be purchased, instead. The standard vehicles are 20 inches longer and 11 inches wider than the narrow vehicles. There is no change in the floor plans or lift locations for either vehicle.
Terry also advised the Board that, due to issues encountered with a new computer system, Colorado Department of Transportation has been unable to reimburse ECCOG for transit expenditures during the last quarter of 2006, and has not issued contracts or change orders for 2007 transit programs. The same issues have delayed ordering new vehicles for 2007.
2007 Municipal and County ECCOG Board Members
Jo Downey reported there were no competing nominations for next year's municipal representatives on the ECCOG Board of Directors. Representatives will include Kiowa Mayor Luke Bond, representing Elbert County's municipalities; Burlington City Council member Kerry Korsvold, representing Kit Carson County's municipalities; Cheyenne Wells Town Trustee Rayetta Palmer, representing Cheyenne County's municipalities; and Limon Mayor Del Beattie, representing Lincoln County's municipalities. Jo said the commissioners in each of the four counties will meet January 9th to reorganize and will name their ECCOG Board representatives at that time. The ECCOG Board meeting in February will be the first meeting for the new Board. There actually will be two meetings, a reorganization meeting and the February regular meeting, she said.
2007-2008 Prairie Development Corporation At-Large Member
Jo Downey outlined the representation on the Prairie Development Corporation Board of Directors, which includes two members from each county, appointed by the respective county commissioners, and one at-large member appointed by the ECCOG Board of Directors. She said the present at-large member is Dana Siekman, a Stratton banker. Dana is willing to serve another term, and Jo recommended the Board consider reappointment of Dana Siekman. She said Dana would provide some continuity on a Board facing a 30 percent turnover due to resignations and death of previous members. Del Beattie moved the Board reappoint Dana Siekman as the at-large member of the Prairie Development Corporation Board of Directors for a two-year term, 2007-2008. Larry Shutte seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Other
There was no other unfinished business to come before the Board.
New Business
Homeland Security Programs Fiscal Agent Continuation
Jo Downey asked the Board to consider continuing to serve as the fiscal agent for the three Homeland Security grants benefiting the 11-county Northeast Colorado All-Hazards Region. She said ECCOG staff performed this interesting work during the past year without seeing any negative impact on other programs. Steve Burgess moved the ECCOG continue as the Homeland Security grant fiscal agent for the Northeast Colorado All-Hazards Region. Carl Hapes Jr. seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
County Councils on Aging
Terry Baylie told the Board that it is increasingly difficult to have a quorum present for most County Council on Aging meetings in this region. The county councils are sub-units of the Senior Services Advisory Board, she explained, and have quarterly meetings in each of the region's counties to disseminate information and to act as advocates for area senior citizens. In the past, one member from each county council has been nominated to the Senior Services Advisory Board. Terry suggested the lack of interest in the county council meetings might indicate the lack of need for the councils. Federal rules used to require a county council on aging in any county having 1% or more of the state's population aged 60 and older. New federal rules do not mention county councils, Terry said, pointing out that none of the counties in this region have 1% or more of the state's 60+ population anyway. She said it might be possible to fulfill the functions of the county councils in some other way. However, disbanding the county councils would require an ECCOG policy and procedure change. Rayetta Palmer suggested the council on aging meetings be scheduled in conjunction with other activities, such as senior meals, when people gather anyway. She said it would be a good time to exchange information. Terry didn't request any formal action at this meeting. She will get input from the Senior Services Advisory Board and report to the ECCOG Board at a later date.
Enhanced Rural Enterprise Zone Designation
Jo Downey reported that three of the four counties in this region, Cheyenne, Kit Carson and Lincoln, were designated as Enhanced Rural Enterprise Zone counties for 2007-08. This new designation gives businesses in these counties extra credit for job creation and expands the time period that credits can be carried forward from five years to seven years. Jo reminded the Board that all four counties are within the enterprise zone, except for a small parcel in western Elbert County, and that all other Enterprise Zone tax credits remain the same for all four counties.
Transit Advisory Committee Appointments
Terry Baylie stated there are several nominations for ECCOG's Transit Advisory Committee for the Board to consider. Dynamic Dimensions, Inc. of Burlington has nominated Debbie Lamm to replace former DDI employee Cathy Beebe, and the City of Burlington nominated Jeff Prochaska to replace former councilman Moe Eberhart on the TAC. Larry Shutte moved the Board appoint Debbie Lamm and Jeff Prochaska to the Transit Advisory Committee. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Terry Baylie reminded the county representatives on the ECCOG Board that the counties should appoint their own representatives to the TAC at the annual reorganization meetings January 9th.
Upcoming workshops for GOCO Grants and ED Performance Incentive Programs
Great Outdoors Colorado applications for Local Government/Parks and Recreation, Open Space and Planning grants are now available for local governments, Jo Downey reported. Nine technical assistance workshops have been scheduled to help potential applicants with project selection and grant application preparation. Those nearest this region will be January 25th at the Lamar Community Building, 9-11 a.m.; January 26th at the Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Building, 9-11 a.m.; January 29th at the Old Fire Hall in Brush, 1-3 p.m.; and February 6th at the Adams County Parks Administration Building in Brighton, 10 a.m. to noon. Other workshops will be at Montrose, Alamosa, Fort Collins, Steamboat Springs and Glenwood Springs. Jo strongly encouraged local government representatives to participate in this meeting.
Jo also reported that the Colorado Office of Economic Development is offering two new job creation incentive programs, the Colorado Job Creation Performance Incentive Fund (PIF) and Enhanced Incentive Program (EIP). These programs provide performance-based incentive payments to qualifying companies creating new net jobs paying above-average wages. Training sessions on these programs will be held in Limon on January 16th, and also in Denver, Walsenburg, Durango and Grand Junction.
Other
There was no other new business to come before the Board.
February Meeting Date/Location
The next regular meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors normally would be Wednesday, February 7, 2007. However, Jo Downey has a conflict with that meeting date. By consensus of the Board members present, the next meeting of the ECCOG Board will be Tuesday, February 6.
There being no further business, Rayetta Palmer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
East Central Council of Local Governments
Board of Directors Annual Reorganization Meeting Minutes
February 6, 2007
Call to Order
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 7:10 p.m. on February 6, 2007 by Board Vice-chairman Rayetta Palmer.
Introduction of 2007 Board of Directors
In addition to Rayetta Palmer, Board members present included Del Beattie, Kerry Korsvold, Ronald Howard, John Nichols and Steve Burgess. John Metli and Luke Bond were unable to attend.
Introduction of Guests
Joe Kiely, Limon Town Manager, was present as a guest. Staff present included Jo Downey and Terry Blevins.
Nominating Committee Report
Del Beattie reported from the Nominating Committee, consisting of Del, Steve Burgess and John Nichols. Del reported the current officers were willing to serve again.
Election of 2007 Officers
There being no nominations from the floor, Del Beattie moved the Board accept the nominating committee's report and elect John Metli, Chairman; Rayetta Palmer, Vice-Chairman; and John Nichols, Secretary-Treasurer. Steve Burgess seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Other
There was no other business to come before the Board at the reorganization meeting.
Adjournment
Rayetta Palmer declared the meeting adjourned at 7:13 p.m.
East Central Council of Local Governments
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
February 6, 2007
Call to Order
The regular monthly meeting of the East Central Council of Local Governments Board of Directors was called to order at the Limon Town Hall at 7:15 p.m. on February 6, 2007 by Board Vice-chairman Rayetta Palmer.
Roll Call/Introduction of Guests
Rayetta Palmer dispensed with the roll call and introduction of guests as everyone was introduced in the reorganization meeting immediately preceding the regular meeting.
Approval of Minutes of January 3, 2007
Steve Burgess moved the Minutes of the January 3, 2007 meeting be approved as submitted. Ron Howard seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Financial Report/Approval of the Bills
Jo Downey circulated the Financial Report and list of bills, which showed total payroll of $24,640.64, and the total for bills listed for January was $70,609.89. For the benefit of new members, Jo briefly summarized the format and contents of the financial report, explaining that the COG Budget is larger this year because of the Homeland Security Grant funds that are administered by ECCOG as fiscal agent for the Northeast Colorado All-Hazards Region. Del Beattie moved the Board accept the financial report and approve payment of the bills. Steve Burgess seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Unfinished Business
Energy Impact Grant Requests/Upcoming Hearings
Jo Downey reported that hearings on Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Grant requests that were submitted in the December 2006 cycle will be held March 22-23 at Trinidad. Applications to be considered at Trinidad include one from Cheyenne County for equipment and renovations to the hospital at Cheyenne Wells and one from Kit Carson County for road improvements. The next deadline for submitting grant requests under this program will be April 1. Jo said it now appears requests may come from the Kiowa Fire Department for a truck purchase, from the Town of Simla and Big Sandy School District for a street and parking lot paving project, from the Town of Limon for improvements to the depot portion of the Limon Heritage Museum, and from Lincoln County for road improvements.
Transit 2006 Reimbursements/2007 Change Letter/Capital Equipment Contracts
In the absence of Terry Baylie, director of the transit program, Terry Blevins reported that the transit program finally received reimbursement of funds spent during September, October and November 2006, totaling $39,215. The change order for the additional $17,700 allocated for last year was received as well. A request for the December reimbursement was submitted January 26, and CDoT hopes to make more timely responses to reimbursement requests in the future.
The Bilateral Change Order Letter extending the transit program's contract with CDoT and increasing administrative and operational allocations for all of 2007 has been received. Terry explained this letter is not the funding document for these allocations. John Nichols moved the Board accept the Bilateral Change Order Letter and authorize the Chairman to sign on behalf of ECCOG. Kerry Korsvold seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Terry reminded the Board that resolutions committing local matching funds for Elbert County and Dynamic Dimensions bus purchases were adopted recently. However, actual costs of the buses will be somewhat less than anticipated and revised resolutions are needed. Contracts for the purchase of this equipment were expected this week. Steve Burgess moved the Board adopt the revised resolutions as distributed and authorize the Chairman to sign on behalf of ECCOG. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
FTA Audit of Drug Testing Program
Terry Blevins told the Board that only one recommendation from the recent audit of ECCOG's drug testing program, relative to pre-employment testing, will result in an addition to the policy manual. On page 5, Section 3.1 of the substance abuse policy, this wording will be added after the first paragraph: “The Agency must investigate the past two years of employment history regarding positive drug and alcohol testing for each new employee who had previously worked in a safety-sensitive position.” Kerry Korsvold moved ECCOG's substance abuse policy be amended as suggested. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Heritage Tourism Program Status for 2007 Summer Season
Jo Downey reported that work is underway on the 2007 Heritage Tourism Program. Participating museums have urged continuation of the program, she said, so 2007 tickets giving free admission to the museums will be printed, the “Name That Town” insert is being updated, as are the lists of area historic resources, bed and breakfast businesses and antique shops. This year, another museum insert is being created for the Lincoln County Hedlund House Museum. She said another brochure with eventual inserts discussing New Deal resources in the region also will be initiated.
Jo said she recently attended a Colorado Council on the Arts meeting in Limon to learn more about minigrants and larger grants available for cultural and historic attractions. She proposed a new project entitled “Little Songs on the Prairie,” which would use grant funds to bring musical artists and groups to perform in conjunction with area museums. She said the museums will be asked to provide some matching funds to help leverage this grant. If there is adequate interest to proceed, she added, the grant applicant will be Prairie Development Corporation.
2008-2011 Four-Year Plan for Aging Services
Terry Blevins reported that the Area Agency on Aging's four-year plan was approved by the Colorado Aging Services Unit. He said services mandated by the federal Older Americans Act were prioritized in order of their importance to senior citizens in this region: 1. the senior nutrition program; 2. the transit program; 3. in-home services; 4. outreach and information and referral services; 5. the long term care ombudsman program; and 6. health promotion and medical management. Terry said no optional services will be provided unless additional funds become available for them.
Other
There was no other unfinished business to come before the Board.
New Business
Enterprise Zone Credit Summary
Jo Downey gave the Board a brief summary of the state Enterprise Zone tax credit program that now is 20 years old. The Investment Tax Credit continues to be the most beneficial to taxpayers in the East Central Enterprise Zone, although Jo said there may be reduced credits in 2007 for 2006 investments due to the drought. Credits claimed in 2006 totaled 355, representing $1,047,862 in state tax dollars that remained in this region, Jo said. Another benefit of the Enterprise Zone is the contribution credit available for donating to local Enterprise Zone Contribution Projects. In 2006, a total of $30,600 was donated to four projects in Kit Carson County and to five projects in Lincoln County. These donations resulted in 25% tax credits for the donors totaling $7,650, Jo said.
Substance Abuse Testing Contract
In December, the ECCOG Board authorized a change from a Georgia-based company to ToxMed Services, a firm located in Burlington, for random substance abuse testing of applicable ECCOG employees. Terry Blevins presented a contract for services with ToxMed for the Board's review at this meeting. Steve Burgess moved the Board approve the contract with ToxMed Services and authorize the chairman to sign the contract, with the stipulation that testing be conducted locally within each county, to the extent possible. John Nichols seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
2007 Salary Schedule Amendment
Jo Downey told the Board that the 2007 salary schedule for waged employees has been amended to enable ECCOG to comply with new Colorado minimum wage regulations that were effective January 1. A copy of the revised schedule was included in the Board's meeting information packets. Ron Howard moved the amended 2007 salary schedule be approved as recommended. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Other
There was no other new business to come before the Board.
March Meeting Date/Location
The next regular meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors will be Wednesday March 7, 2007 at Limon.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Rayetta Palmer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:39 p.m.
East Central Council of Local Governments
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
March 7, 2007
Call to Order
Chairman John Metli called the regular monthly meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors to order at 7:12 p.m., March 7, 2007 at the Town Hall in Limon, Colorado.
In addition to John Metli, board members present included: Luke Bond, Ronald Howard, John Nichols, Del Beattie and Steve Burgess. Staff members present included Jo Downey, Terry Baylie and Terry Blevins.
John Metli asked Jo Downey to lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes of the February 6, 2007 Board of Directors annual reorganization meeting were reviewed. Steve Burgess moved the Minutes of the annual reorganization meeting be approved as mailed. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Minutes of the regular February 6 meeting were then considered. Steve Burgess moved the Minutes of the regular meeting be approved as mailed. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Jo Downey circulated the Financial Report and list of bills, which showed total payroll of $25,909.66, and the total for bills listed for February was $53,351.40. John Nichols moved to approve the Financial Report and to pay the monthly bills. Ron Howard seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Unfinished Business
Energy Impact Grant Requests/Upcoming Hearings
Jo Downey told the Board that hearings for grant applications submitted in the December 1, 2006 cycle from this region would be held during the morning, March 23 in Trinidad. Applicants include: Cheyenne County, seeking $500,000 for hospital repairs and equipment upgrades, with $553,500 in matching funds; the Cheyenne Wells school district, seeking $58,750 for a building addition, with $31,250 in matching funds; the Town of Kiowa, seeking $45,000 for water system improvements, with $45,000 in matching funds; Kit Carson County, seeking $379,770 for road improvements, with $282,012 in matching funds; and the Town of Stratton, seeking $300,000 for water storage and treatment improvements, with $493,000 in matching funds. Luke Bond stated that Kiowa may decide to withdraw the town's application now and submit a more comprehensive water request in the next cycle.
The next application deadline is April 1, 2007. Jo said she anticipates applications from Simla and the Big Sandy School District, for a parking area project; from the Kiowa Fire District for a brush truck and wild fire equipment; from Lincoln County, for road improvements; and from the Kit Carson County Hospital, for diagnostic equipment.
Jo advised the Board that there are many proposed bills in the State Legislature that, if successful in their current form, could change the amount of State Severance Tax revenues from energy impact and Federal Mineral Lease funds available for competitive grants to local governments.
2006 Services for Senior Programs and Transit
Included in Board members' pre-meeting packets were copies of year-end senior and transit program-related statistical information. Terry Baylie reviewed the information and responded to questions from Board members.
Heritage Tourism Program/Project Status for 2007 Summer Season
Jo Downey reported museums in Limon, Hugo, Cheyenne Wells, Flagler and Burlington expressed interest in the “Little Songs on the Prairie” project that was described last month. Prairie Development Corporation will apply for this grant in March, and will know if the application was successful in April.
Other work underway in anticipation of the 2007 season includes printing the new brochure insert for the Lincoln County Museum at Hugo, completing the work of the museum consultant, updating the “free admission” Our Journey pass, selecting prizes for visitors having the requisite number of stamps on their passes, and updating the “Name That Town,” the national and state historic register sites, and the bed & breakfast/antique shop brochure inserts. By next year, Jo said, PDC may need to reprint the primary Our Journey brochure, and it's planned to have a new brochure focusing on the New Deal's impact in this region. Jo told the Board that one heritage tourism ad will be published in the Colorado Vacation Planning Guide, but most of PDC's marketing efforts for Our Journey will be directed to a 2007 public relations campaign because a similar campaign proved highly successful in 2006.
2007 Capital Equipment Contracts
Terry Baylie reminded members that the scope of work for 2007 capital equipment purchase contracts had been reviewed by the Board at an earlier meeting, along with the resolution obligating ECCOG's share of equipment costs which was adopted. Available at this meeting were copies of the first pages and signature pages of the contracts. Terry said bids on this equipment expire April 5 and the Colorado Department of Transportation must have the signed contracts back in time to issue purchase orders by that date. Steve Burgess moved the ECCOG enter into a contract with CDOT for the purchase of a vehicle for Dynamic Dimensions, Inc. in Burlington. Ron Howard seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Del Beattie moved the ECCOG entered into a contract with CDOT for the purchase of a vehicle to be based in Kiowa. John Nichols seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Terry said the estimated delivery date for the equipment is not known at this time; she hopes the buses will be delivered this summer.
Other
There was no other unfinished business to come before the Board.
New Business
Elbert County Commuter Service
At a recent meeting with the staff of the Elbert County Department of Human Services, ECCOG was asked to explore the possibility of a commuter transit service from Elbert County to somewhere in Douglas County, linking with other transit services en route to Denver or Colorado Springs. Terry Baylie said she was told that Elbert County Coalition Outreach (ECCO) is prepared to take the lead in developing this service. Terry plans to meet with ECCO during March. Terry distributed a spreadsheet showing preliminary numbers for the possible commuter service, explaining that many details must be worked out pertaining to documentation of need, necessary equipment and funding sources. She has advised the local residents that they need to do all the up-front investigations. Also, the idea should be reviewed by the Eastern TPR and be considered in the regional transportation plan. Terry told the Board that there was not a quorum present at the recent Transit Advisory Committee meeting, however, those present supported further investigation. She said Joe Kiely, Limon Town Manager, suggested a study be completed on the pros and cons of the idea, paid from a state technical assistance grant. COG Board members agreed there are many serious issues to be considered before implementation of such a program, and they were concerned that the problem and any solution for it probably are too large an undertaking for an organization the size of Outback Express.
Terry also distributed copies of the timeline for the 2008/09 Federal Transportation Administration grant application. Information for grantees should be available this month, and the application is due to the Colorado Department of Transportation sometime in June. As the schedule is somewhat nebulous, Terry would like to have the application completed and reviewed by the Transit Advisory Committee in April and approved by the ECCOG Board in May.
As the TAC has been unable to meet with a quorum in attendance for the past year, Terry said members present at the last meeting urged her to contact all members regarding alternative meeting times and to explore the possibility of meeting by conference telephone call. These meetings are important ways of getting grassroots input to the ECCOG Board of Directors regarding transit matters, she said, and the April meeting is necessary for the progress of the new grant application. Following discussion, Steve Burgess moved the TAC meetings be scheduled in conjunction with the ECCOG Board meetings, beginning in May, with supper at 5:30 p.m., TAC to meet at 6:30 and ECCOG Board to meet at 7:30 p.m. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Enterprise Zone Annual Report
Jo Downey circulated copies of the 2006 Business Development Objectives Summary report for the East Central Enterprise Zone. She explained the objectives are measured in terms of non-residential assessed value. It was the consensus of those present to continue the same objectives and the same method of measurement.
2006 Area Agency on Aging Carry-Over Funds
Terry Baylie reviewed the unaudited 2006 carry-over amounts available to the Title III senior programs. She noted that Senior Services Advisory Board recommendation for allocation of these funds was included on the spreadsheet distributed to the Board, and she asked for final approval for the allocation of these funds. Del Beattie moved the Board approve allocation of the unaudited 2006 carry-over funds as recommended by the staff and Senior Services Advisory Board. Ron Howard seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
County Councils on Aging
Terry Baylie reported that the Senior Services Advisory Board (SSB) concurred with the ECCOG Board's suggestions regarding the four County Councils on Aging, and instructed her to begin developing Aging Coordination Committees in each county. Terry will be recommending appropriate changes to the Policy and Procedures Manual to the SSB and to the ECCOG Board.
Other
Jo Downey said ECCOG is gathering information from local communities for the 2007 events guide. This guide is available to visitors to the region and is sent home with local students from the schools. It also is posted on the tourism website, www.ourjourney.info. Jo asked Board members to help get the word out regarding the need for information for the events guide.
Jo also reported the resignation of Clint Goldenstein as coordinator for the Northeast Colorado All-Hazards Region Homeland Security program. He has accepted a position at the state level at Tacoma, Washington, she said. It probably will be mid-May before a replacement is named.
April Meeting Date/Location
The next regular meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors will be Wednesday, April 4, 2007.
There being no further business, John Metli declared the meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m.
East Central Council of Local Governments
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
April 4, 2007
Call to Order
Chairman John Metli called the regular monthly meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors to order at 7:11 p.m., April 4, 2007 at the Town Hall in Limon, Colorado.
In addition to John Metli, board members present included: Ronald Howard, John Nichols, Del Beattie and Kerry Korsvold. Staff members present included Jo Downey, Terry Baylie and Terry Blevins. John Hill of the Ranchland News in Simla was a guest.
John Metli asked Del Beattie to lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes of the regular March 7, 2007 meeting of the Board of Directors were reviewed. John Nichols moved the Minutes of the March 7, 2007 meeting be approved as mailed. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Jo Downey circulated the Financial Report and list of bills, which showed total payroll of $26,061.88, and the total for bills listed for March was $51,255.19. Del Beattie moved to approve the Financial Report and to pay the monthly bills. Ron Howard seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Jo reported a temporary cash flow problem, caused principally by new back-up information requirements from the Department of Homeland Security that slow down reimbursements. There also have been delays in receiving reimbursement payments from the Colorado Department of Transportation. Jo said she will withhold mailing the current Homeland Security checks until the cash flow improves.
Unfinished Business
Energy Impact Grant Requests
Jo Downey told the Board that all area applicants did well at the Energy and Mineral Impact grant hearings in Trinidad March 23, and she remains hopeful that all will receive full funding from the December 1 cycle. In the application cycle ending April 1, Jo said grant applications came from the Kit Carson County Hospital for funds to purchase diagnostic equipment and a building to put it in; from Lincoln County for road improvements; from the Town of Simla, working with the Big Sandy School District, for street improvements and school parking lot paving; and from the Town of Limon, for museum improvements. Jo said she had no information regarding potential applications for the cycle ending August 1.
Jo also reported that former Logan County Commissioner Greg Etl has been named to replace the late Kent Gumina as Department of Local Affairs field representative. His service area will include Cheyenne, Kit Carson and Lincoln counties. Clay Brown is field representative for Elbert County.
Human Services Transportation Coordination Plan
Terry Baylie explained to the Board that the Human Services Transportation Coordination Plan previously was known as “the Transit Element” of the Eastern Transportation Planning Region plan. She said the final draft of the plan will be reviewed at a meeting in Holyoke on April 23rd. Any changes resulting from that review will be made before the plan is submitted to the Eastern TPR for final approval.
2007 Events Guide
A draft of the copy for the 2007 regional events guide recently was given to the Prairie Development Corporation Board of Directors for review. Jo said an updated draft will be sent to members of the COG Board in the mail, and she asked for members' input soon as it's nearly time for the guide to go to press.
Other
Terry Baylie distributed a revised timeline for the Colorado Department of Transportation/Federal Transportation Administration grant application. The application document won't be available until May 1, Terry said, which will be too late for the Transit Advisory Committee to review the application document at the scheduled May 2 meeting. Therefore, she said, that meeting has been rescheduled for 6:30 p.m. June 6, immediately prior to the COG Board meeting, which will begin at 7:30. Applications must be submitted by June 14. Terry told the Board there are several changes to the application process and requirements this time. Among them is reduction of the local matching fund requirement for administrative grant funds from 30 percent to 20 percent. Also, Terry said CDOT will give less weight to the merit of the application and more weight to performance objectives and service area populations. These changes should prove beneficial to rural transit systems, she added. Terry said it is anticipated that funding levels will see an increase in the next grant cycle. And finally, Terry said the new Kiowa-based bus for Elbert County and the new Dynamic Dimensions bus should be received around the end of August.
New Business
Senior Services Funding Request
Terry Baylie told the Board that ECCOG's first contract with the State Unit on Aging for senior services will expire June 30. Terry said the President has signed a funding bill that guarantees full funding for Older Americans Act Title III and VII programs for the balance of the state fiscal year but funding levels for next year are unknown. For this reason, Terry said, the State Unit on Aging cannot issue forms and instructions for the state fiscal year 2008 funding request; forms and instructions were supposed to be sent to area agencies on aging by mid-March, as completed packets are due back to the state by the end of April. Terry said she expects the state to issue a funding letter based on the current year's allocations. Local planning is moving forward, Terry said, and proposed services and units of service will be reviewed by the Senior Services Advisory Board April 12, with final approval being requested of the ECCOG Board of Directors May 2. Contracts need to be in place by July 1.
Certification and Affidavit Regarding Illegal Aliens
Terry Baylie asked the Board to review and approve the Certification and Affidavit Regarding Illegal Aliens, which affirms that ECCOG will not employ, or contract for services with illegal immigrants. She said this document must be in place if ECCOG is to continue receiving grant funds for senior services.
Kelly Korsvold moved the Certification and Affidavit Regarding Illegal Aliens be approved. Ron Howard seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Our Journey Public Relations
Jo Downey told the Board that PDC is contracting with The Gene Pool again for providing public relations for the Our Journey marketing program. The PR campaign last year was very successful, she said. This year, the effort will begin earlier than it did last year, and new Our Journey packets should be available by the end of April. Jo said local attractions are encouraged to utilize The Gene Pool for publicity for specific and unique local events. Also this year, Jo said she hopes to utilize a clipping service to track publicity efforts.
This year, the ticket has been expanded to include the new Arriba Museum. Visitors having tickets stamped by seven of the 11 area museums will receive a copy of Kit Carson's autobiography and will be eligible for the end-of-season drawing for two complimentary nights at an area bed and breakfast.
In another month, Jo said she should know about the Little Songs On The Prairie grant application to the Colorado Council on the Arts.
CDBG Business Loan Capitalization Application
Jo Downey reminded the Board that the Prairie Development Corporation's business loan capital comes from a Community Development Block Grant contract with Lincoln County, acting on behalf of all four counties in the region. This grant contract expires June 30, Jo said, and cannot be renewed. At the present time, $185,000 remains available for loans under this contract. She said a $100,000 loan has been approved from this balance, but it must also be approved by the State before it can be disbursed. If the funds are not all spent by June 30, the balance will be deobligated. Jo said she will be holding public hearings in conjunction with meetings with the commissioners in all four counties, in preparation of an application for a new capitalization grant. Loan funds from this grant must be used to create or retain jobs, with 51% of those jobs being filled by low- to moderate-income persons. The application process will begin in June, Jo said.
Other
Jo amended her earlier Energy and Mineral Impact grant report by saying the Kiowa Fire District also applied for funds in the April cycle to purchase a new brush truck, the City of Burlington may request funds for a drainage project, connected with the hospital expansion, in the August cycle.
May Meeting Date/Location (Transit Advisory Council and ECCOG Board)
The next regular meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors will be Wednesday, May 2, 2007 at 7 p.m. The regional Transit Advisory Council originally scheduled for the same day has been rescheduled for June 6.
There being no further business, John Metli declared the meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m.
East Central Council of Local Governments
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2007
Call to Order
Vice-chairman Rayetta Palmer called the regular monthly meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors to order at 7:03 p.m., May 2, 2007 at the Town Hall in Limon, Colorado.
In addition to Rayetta Palmer, board members present included: Ronald Howard, John Nichols, Del Beattie, Luke Bond and Steve Burgess. Staff members present included Jo Downey, Terry Baylie and Terry Blevins.
Rayetta Palmer led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes of the regular April 4, 2007 meeting of the Board of Directors were reviewed. John Nichols moved the Minutes of the April 4, 2007 meeting be approved as mailed. Ron Howard seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Jo Downey circulated the Financial Report and list of bills, which showed total payroll of $26,234.55, and the total for bills listed for April was $83,353.40. Jo reported that delays in reimbursement for expenses from the Homeland Security grant and Colorado Department of Transportation grants would require ECCOG to withhold payment of some bills pending receipt of those reimbursements. Steve Burgess moved to approve the Financial Report and to pay the monthly bills. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Unfinished Business
Energy Impact Grant Requests
Jo Downey told the Board that the December 2006 round of Energy and Mineral Impact grant applications had resulted in these grant awards: $500,000 to the Cheyenne County Hospital for repairs and equipment upgrades; $45,000 to the Cheyenne Wells School District for a building addition; $300,000 to the Town of Stratton for water storage and treatment improvements; and $350,000 to Kit Carson County for road improvements. Hearings on applications filed for the April 2007 cycle will be in Meeker July 26-27. Jo said this region's applicants include the Town of Simla, in an intergovernmental application with the Big Sandy School District for street and parking lot improvements; The Town of Kiowa for water system improvements; Kiowa Fire District for a brush truck; the Town of Limon for museum repairs/renovation; Kit Carson County for hospital diagnostic equipment and a building to put it in; the Limon School District for athletic track repairs; and Lincoln County for road improvements.
The Town of Genoa has applied out of cycle for a study grant to being a master plan for the town, Jo said. The next Energy and Mineral Impact grant application deadline will be August 1.
Federal Transit Administration Reimbursement
Terry Baylie stated that ECCOG received notice April 13 that the transit program could again request reimbursements. January and February requests were sent in that day, and the March request was sent April 25. On the 26th, ECCOG was notified that payments would be made as soon as the executed change orders are processed. Some were completed already, and the Colorado Department of Transportation expected ECCOG's change order to be processed this week. Terry said payment by Electronic Fund Transfer can be accomplished in 3 to 5 days, while payment by check will take a week to 10 days. ECCOG completed the EFT form for 2007 before the end of last year, but CDOT can't find the form on file. Terry is unable to speculate, at this point, as to when or how ECCOG's reimbursements will occur. Jo Downey assured the Board that if the reimbursement had not been received by the close of business Friday, May 4, a formal written request for reimbursement will be sent to CDOT with copies to this region's state legislators.
2007 Events Guide
Jo Downey reported the 2007 events guide is being printed now. It has been expanded in size by addition of a fourth panel to feature all of the area's golf tournaments. The guides should be delivered by May 8, and will be distributed to the region's school districts where copies can be sent home with students. A primary goal for the Events Guide is to make local residents more aware of their own community activities, Jo said. The guide also can be accessed on the Internet via www.prairiedevelopment.com, the Prairie Development Corporation website, or the Heritage Tourism website (www.ourjourney.info).
Revised Senior Services Advisory Board By-laws
Terry Baylie told the Board that the recent decision to temporarily suspend County Council on Aging meetings in all four counties required revisions to the Senior Services Advisory Board By-laws and to the ECCOG Policy and Procedure Manual. Terry reviewed the changes and reported the Senior Services Advisory Board has recommended Board approval. Steve Burgess moved the Board adopt the revised Senior Services Advisory Board By-laws and ECCOG Policy and Procedure Manual. Ron Howard seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Other
There was no other old business to come before the Board of Directors.
New Business
Senior Services 2008 Funding Request
Copies of the State Fiscal Year 2008 Title III and Title VII Funding Request and the 2008 State Funding for Senior Services Request were included in the Board members' pre-meeting packets. Terry Baylie reminded the Board that projected 2008 expenditures initially were included on 2007 forms in the absence of the correct forms from the state. This method was necessary to meet the application timeline. On April 12, the Senior Services Advisory Board approved the proposed request and recommended the numbers be transferred to the new forms as soon as they are available. The application is due June 14, and the Board will have another opportunity to review it in its final form, if desired. However, Terry reminded the Board that the transit grant application will be on that agenda, as well. The Board agreed by consensus to consider the original funding request for the balance of 2007, and to consider uses of any additional dollars as undetermined until development of the 2008 ECCOG budget.
There continues to be some question as to the 2008 State Funding level, but Terry said HB1100, authorizing a $2 million increase, has passed the Appropriations Committee. While the Governor has stated he will sign the bill, it was not signed, as of today. If the funding is increased, local budget lines for in-home services and for material aid will be doubled, due to increasing service demand, and $5,000 would be budgeted for capital equipment. If the funding is not increased, all budget lines will remain unchanged from the current year. Terry said the advisory board recommended the COG Board approve the state funding request, whether it ultimately comes from the $5 million or the $7 million appropriation. Del Beattie moved the Board authorize the Area Agency on Aging to submit the Title III and Title VII and the State funding requests with “to be determined” inserted where applicable to accommodate a potential larger grant amount. Ron Howard seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
2008 Salary Schedule
Jo Downey asked the Board to approve the proposed 2008 ECCOG salary schedule. The salary schedule, which will be used in developing next year's budget document, is basically the same schedule approved for 2005-2006 and again for 2006-2007. Jo said the salary schedule was amended last year as a result of increases in the minimum wage. Ron Howard moved the 2008 salary schedule be approved as presented. Luke Bond seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
State Division of Insurance Contract
Terry Baylie explained that the new contract with the Colorado Division of Insurance for April 2007 through March 2008 has been received. This contract pays for Medicare health insurance counseling and fraud education programs. She said ECCOG will receive $9,500 to provide individual Medicare/Medigap insurance counseling (including Part D prescription drug plans, general Medicare education presentations and Medicare fraud presentations). The Senior Services Advisory Board has recommended the ECCOG enter into this contract, she said. John Nichols moved ECCOG enter into the new contract with the Colorado Division of Insurance. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Homeland Security Fiscal Agency Discussion
In March, the Colorado Department of Local Affairs implemented new accounting requirements for reimbursement of expenses charged to the Homeland Security grant, Jo Downey said. The new rules resulted in an undue burden on ECCOG staff, and Jo said she notified DOLA April 30 that, if the new regulations remained in effect, she would have to recommend to the Board that ECCOG withdraw as fiscal agent for the grant in the Northeast All-Hazards Region. Jo said Susan Kilpatrick and George Epps of DOLA were both “extremely cooperative,” and the new regulations were rescinded May 1. As a result, the latest Homeland Security reimbursement payment should be received by ECCOG by May 3.
Other
While the Homeland Security reimbursement payment should arrive soon, Jo said it is unknown when ECCOG will receive reimbursement payments from CDOT and from the State Department of Human Services. The CDOT reimbursements are very late, she reminded the Board, however the Human Services payments typically are received in a timely manner. She asked the Board to consider a resolution that would authorize ECCOG to obtain a short-term bridge loan from the bank, if necessary to meet expenses before reimbursement payments are received. Jo said the resolution authorizes a loan up to $100,000, but the actual total loan amount probably would be less than $40,000. It would be obtained from the bank in increments as needed and would be repaid immediately as reimbursements are received. Interest on the loan would be paid from the ECCOG General Fund.
John Nichols moved Resolution #07-16 be adopted contingent on ECCOG's withdrawal as fiscal agent for the Homeland Security grant. The motion failed for lack of a second.
Steve Burgess moved Resolution #07-16 be adopted as presented. Luke Bond seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
June Meeting Date/Location (Transit Advisory Council and ECCOG Board)
The next regular meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors will be Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. The regional Transit Advisory Council will meet at the same location at 6:30 p.m. the same day.
There being no further business, Rayetta Palmer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.
East Central Council of Local Governments
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
June 6, 2007
Call to Order
Chairman John Metli called the regular monthly meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors to order at 7:36 p.m., June 6, 2007 at the Town Hall in Limon, Colorado.
In addition to John Metli, board members present included: Rayetta Palmer, Ronald Howard, John Nichols, Del Beattie, Luke Bond, Kerry Korsvold and Steve Burgess. Art Schmidt of the Transit Advisory Committee and John Hill of the Ranchland News were guests. Staff members present included Jo Downey, Executive Director; Terry Baylie, Senior & Transit Services Director; Terry Blevins, Special Projects Coordinator; and Debby Conrads, Senior & Transit Services Assistant Director.
John Metli asked Del Beattie to lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes of the regular May 2, 2007 meeting of the Board of Directors were reviewed. Rayetta Palmer moved the Minutes of the May 2, 2007 meeting be approved as mailed. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Jo Downey circulated the Financial Report and list of bills, which showed total payroll of $27,116.97, and the total for bills listed for May was $54,560.07. Jo reported that the ECCOG did not have to borrow funds as authorized at the last meeting. However, two Homeland Security checks will still be held until ECCOG is reimbursed for those expenses. Jo said ECCOG should see a better cash flow situation for normal operations and for minor Homeland Security expenses beginning next month. Rayetta Palmer moved to approve the Financial Report and to pay the monthly bills. Steve Burgess seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Unfinished Business
Energy Impact Grant Requests
Jo Downey told the Board there was nothing new to report since the May meeting. A Seibert water project and a Burlington drainage project are possibilities for grant applications in the August 1 cycle.
Federal Transit Administration Reimbursement
Terry Baylie told the Board that the 2007 Change Order was received from Colorado Department of Transportation May 11 and local project cost reimbursements were received for the months of January, February and March 2007. She said CDOT has been billed for reimbursement of April expenses, and a bill for reimbursement of May expenses will be sent soon.
2007 Events Guide
The 2007 regional events guide was printed as scheduled and has been distributed. Jo Downey said events guides were sent home with the region's school children with the hope that local families will be more knowledgeable about events in their own areas. The events guide is included in every packet of informational material mailed in response to an Our Journey request, she added, and it has been posted on the www.ourjourney.info website. The events guide also can be reached by following a link from Prairie Development Corporation's website, www.prairiedevelopment.com.
Revised Transit Advisory Committee (TAC) By-laws
Terry Baylie presented revisions to the Transit Advisory Committee By-laws, which she said had been adopted by the TAC. The revisions accommodate a change in the number of committee members, and also change the number of members required to constitute a quorum from 51 percent to 50 percent. The revisions included a number of other housekeeping changes, she said.
Federal Title III 2008 Funding Request Revision
Terry Baylie reviewed a one-page summary comparing the original Title III 2008 Funding Request (approved in May) with revisions showing plans for additional funds allocated to the region. The recent adoption of a new salary schedule to reflect statutory changes in the minimum wage required much of the increase, she said, but the balance of $2336 was budgeted for legal services. In answer to a question, Terry said most legal services for seniors involve preparation of simple wills.
CDBG Grant Contract Extension and New Application Status
Jo Downey reported that the Colorado Office of Economic Development has decided to extend the current Community Development Block Grant, which provides funds for the regional business loan program to the end of December to give the program additional opportunity to create or retain the necessary number of jobs. Jo said Prairie Development Corporation will close on one loan of $100,000 next week, and may consider a new loan application for $75,000 at the next PDC Board meeting. If necessary, she added, the contract may be amended to accommodate larger loans before the contract end. In the meantime, Jo has begun the process for applying for a new capitalization grant. The public hearings required for closing out the old contract and for applying for new grant funds will be combined. The capitalization grant leverages three private source dollars for every grant dollar loaned, and creates or retains one job for every $20,000 loaned. There have been no administrative dollars remaining from the old grant for the past 18 months, Jo added.
Other
There was no other old business to come before the Board of Directors.
New Business
Federal Transit Administration 2008/2009 Grant Application
Copies of the 2008/2009 Federal Transit Administration grant application for continued funding for the Outback Express Transit System were included in the Board members' pre-meeting packets. Terry Baylie reviewed the application, explaining that ECCOG is requesting $126,000 in operating grant funds, $42,000 in administrative funds, and $3,200 in capital equipment funds (for purchase of computers) for 2008. For 2009, ECCOG is requesting $132,300 in operating grant funds and $44,100 in administrative funds. The bus owned by the Town of Limon was the only vehicle on the replacement schedule for 2009, but the town decided to not replace the vehicle during this grant cycle. The Town of Limon has asked for the option of replacing the vehicle during the 2010/2011 grant cycle. Terry said the TAC recommended ECCOG Board approval of this application.
Rayetta Palmer suggested one way to conserve administrative costs would be to require new employees to pay for their own background checks. Terry said that background checks are not currently required for bus drivers. The only background check ECCOG does is through the Area Agency on Aging on the LTC Ombudsman staff, which is required by the Colorado Department of Human Services. Jo said new drivers typically have lower incomes and are not as well paid as desired, and such a requirement might be an added burden on them. However, Terry said staff would determine the actual cost of the check for each employee and decide whether to implement a requirement for background checks and the suggestion for having new employees pay the cost.
Terry Baylie also noted that Lincoln County requires its own driver be used for charter bus trips, for insurance reasons, and she suggested other bus owners might want to consider similar policies. Jo Downey suggested an insurance presentation be included on the agenda for a future meeting of the Transit Advisory Committee.
Luke Bond moved the Federal Transit Administration 2008/2009 Grant Application be submitted as proposed. Kerry Korsvold seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
2006 Audit
Jo Downey told the Board that the ECCOG auditors were unable to attend the meeting to present the report in person, as in the past. However, she reported the 2006 books received a “clean” audit, with the only comment relative to a need for another party to review ECCOG's asset schedule. Steve Burgess moved the 2006 audit report be accepted. Rayetta Palmer seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Our Journey Public Relations Project
Jo Downey said the major component of the Our Journey marketing effort again this year is public relations. Already, Our Journey has been featured on a number of radio and television programs on the Front Range, resulting in number phone calls and website hits. More publicity is scheduled in Front Range publications, she said. Because of the number of packets mailed out, there is a need to plan for reprinting several of the museum inserts. Next year, Jo said the project hopes to add the Elbert County Museum and the Cheyenne Wells Telephone Museum to the Our Journey ticket. In addition, she said Terry Blevins is working on narratives about Russian thistles (tumbleweeds) and the New Deal for use on the website and in the packets, and to serve as a basis for future interpretation of historic sites.
Museum Consulting Program
Jo Downey circulated copies of sample reports from Rand Hood, museum consultant. She said the project will provide new sign frames for all public museums in the region except Old Town, which has its own signage in place. The museum owners will pay for signs for the frames.
Other
There was no other new business to come before the Board.
July and August Meeting Dates
The next regular meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors will be Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. No meetings will be held in July or August because of holiday and county fair scheduling conflicts. The time of the September meeting may be adjusted if necessary to call a Transit Advisory Committee meeting.
There being no further business, John Metli declared the meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
East Central Council of Local Governments
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
July 2007
No ECCOG Board of Directors meeting was scheduled for July 2007.
East Central Council of Local Governments
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
August 2007
No ECCOG Board of Directors meeting was scheduled for August 2007.
East Central Council of Local Governments
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
September 5, 2007
Call to Order
Chairman John Metli called the regular monthly meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors to order at 7:05 p.m., September 5, 2007 at the Town Hall in Limon, Colorado.
In addition to John Metli, board members present included: Rayetta Palmer, Ronald Howard, John Nichols, Del Beattie, Luke Bond, and Steve Burgess. John Hill of the Ranchland News in Simla was a guest. Staff members present included Jo Downey, Executive Director; Terry Baylie, Senior & Transit Services Director; and Terry Blevins, Special Projects Coordinator.
John Metli asked Luke Bond to lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes of the regular June 6, 2007 meeting of the Board of Directors were reviewed. Rayetta Palmer moved the Minutes of the June 6, 2007 meeting be approved as mailed. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Jo Downey circulated the Financial Report and list of bills, which showed total payroll of $25,476.41, and the total for bills listed for August was $48,439.10. Ron Howard moved to approve the Financial Report and to pay the monthly bills. Steve Burgess seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Steve Burgess, who had to leave the meeting early, asked that agenda items relative to the Homeland Security grant and travel reimbursement increase be moved forward in the meeting and the Board concurred.
Homeland Security Grant Fiscal Agent
Not long after Jo Downey had asked ECCOG in February to continue as Homeland Security Grant fiscal agent, and following a large turnover in state staff connected with the program, she learned that work required of the fiscal agent would become much more complex. Because of the extra requirements that slowed reimbursements and caused cash flow issues for ECCOG, Jo said she had withheld payment of some grant-related bills until reimbursement was received. This decision created the need for many explanations, and Jo said she became concerned about COG's reputation for sound fiscal management. In addition, the extra requirements have created too much work for the existing COG staff. Now, she continued, there are other issues. The 2007 Homeland Security Grant funds might be much less. The funds available to the NE Region may not be such that a fulltime coordinator can be hired. The present steering committee has no legal standing. All of these issues have combined to make ECCOG's continuing as the Homeland Security Grant fiscal agent very burdensome and potentially liable. Jo said she believes it is ECCOG's moral and professional obligation to finish out the present year as fiscal agent. Steve Burgess moved ECCOG cease acting as the Homeland Security Grant fiscal agent once the current contracts have been completed. Rayetta Palmer seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Travel Reimbursement Increase
Jo Downey asked the Board to consider increasing the current mileage reimbursement rate of 30 cents per mile to the State of Colorado rate of 38 cents per mile, effective January 1, 2008. The federal rate is 48 cents per mile. Steve Burgess was concerned about the effect of such an increase on ECCOG's budget. He said Lincoln County had held reimbursement at 30 cents per mile to encourage employees to use county-owned vehicles. Jo explained that ECCOG owns two vehicles, one a van used principally for commodity foods deliveries. However use of those vehicles is reimbursed at the same rate as for personal vehicles to build a fund for their ultimate replacement. Jo also stated ECCOG program directors believe the increased rate will not have adverse impacts on their program budgets. Other Board members spoke in favor of the increase. John Nichols moved the ECCOG mileage reimbursement rate be increased to 38 cents per mile, effective January 1, 2008. Ron Howard seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Unfinished Business
Energy Impact Grant Requests
Jo Downey told the Board that all funding requests from this region except one received full or partial funding in the most recent Energy and Mineral Impact grant cycle. A joint request of the Town of Simla and the Big Sandy School District for assistance with street improvements was withdrawn, Jo said, because it was not easy to tie the need to mineral impacts. Applications for the next grant cycle are due December 1. At this time, Jo said she knows of no local government application scheduled for this cycle, however, Rayetta Palmer stated the Town of Cheyenne Wells probably will be applying for funds.
Jo said an interim legislative committee is looking at the Energy and Mineral Impact grant program and the use of the grant funds this summer and fall. She said she has asked that staff or elected officials from the Eastern Plains testify before the committee regarding the value of the Impact grant funds to local governments in this part of the state.
Area Agency on Aging Desk Audit
Terry Baylie explained that the desk audit, previously referred to as the self-assessment, was completed by Area Agency on Aging staff and was submitted to the state unit on aging on May 4th. ECCOG Board members received a copy of the letter received from the state unit on July 23rd. Copies of the ECCOG's Area Agency on Aging corrective action plan were reviewed. Also distributed was a copy of the state unit letter dated July 31st, acknowledging receipt and acceptance of the corrective action plan. Only one compliance issue was identified, she said, and the issue can be resolved with an addition to the Policy and Procedures Manual. Terry asked the Board to adopt the necessary addition to the Policies and Procedures Manual with regard to this corrective action. Luke Bond moved the Policies and Procedures Manual be amended as recommended. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
2007 Our Journey Program Status
Jo Downey shared with the Board a summary of the public relations opportunities created for
the Our Journey Program during the season just concluded. She also shared reports from the website, www.ourjourney.info, which showed website hits in 2007 increased over the 2006 season by about 34 percent. She said the ECCOG office mailed out more than 550 Our Journey packets in response to queries. In addition, some visitors elected to print their own Our Journey tickets from the website. Overall, regional museum attendance was down slightly from the preceding year. Jo said she suspects gasoline prices and hot temperatures had an impact on tourism this year.
Regarding the Heritage Tourism capacity project, Jo said designs have been completed for public museum signs and were submitted to the museum committees for approval. All of the signs are specific to the respective museums, but have a “similar feel” across the Our Journey region. Metal sign frames were purchased with grant funds from the Cooper-Clark Foundation and by the Heritage Tourism grant. The actual signs will be purchased by the museum owners.
Jo said she recently attended a Colorado Tourism seminar, and as a result, will be applying for a $15,000 grant to help share marketing expenses. If needed, ECCOG will help the museums seek funds for implementation of the Heritage Tourism capacity project recommendations.
She told the Board that museums elsewhere are watching the Our Journey marketing program. Rayetta Palmer, who worked at the Kit Carson County Carousel this past season, told the other Board members that Front Range visitors to the Carousel provided a lot of positive feedback regarding the marketing effort.
2007 Bus Purchases
Terry Baylie said the new transit vehicles were delivered August 31. The 20% matching funds must be paid at the time of delivery, the remaining 80% will be requested from CDOT and will be paid to the vendor when reimbursement has been received in the ECCOG office. She said she hopes payment can be made in about 10 days. Terry said the door opening assembly on the new buses has been replaced with an electronic door opener to make room for the wheelchair lift. The lift has been moved to the front of the bus for stability and safety reasons, she said. In the past, Terry added, some older passengers have used the manual door opening assembly to assist them in entering the bus. Since that assembly is gone, it may be necessary to install handrails for these passengers.
CDBG Grant Application Public Hearings
Jo Downey said she held public hearings in all four counties to accept input regarding the existing Community Development Block Grant business loan program along with input regarding proposed expenditures of CDBG funds. She said no one attended the hearings, and no written comments were submitted. Jo intends to have a draft CDBG grant application for the ECCOG Board to review by November.
There remains $85,000 available for additional business loans in the current CDBG grant contract; these funds will be de-obligated if not loaned and if the necessary jobs are not created or retained by the end of December.
Jo told the Board this new CDBG grant application is the fifth to be submitted for this purpose in the past 21 years.
Other
There was no other old business to come before the Board of Directors.
New Business
Senior and Transit Service Statistics
Included in Board packets were spreadsheets containing program statistics for January through June 2007 for both the regional senior services and the public transit system. Board members had no questions for Terry Baylie as a result of these reports.
2008 Community Development Services Application/Impact Funds Discussion
Jo Downey told the Board ECCOG has requested $45,000 in Community Development technical assistance grant funds from the State Department of Local Affairs Energy and Mineral Impact program. Last year, Jo said, ECCOG requested $42,000 and received a grant of $40,000 for Community Development services. This particular grant is important to ECCOG's operation because provides a source of flexible funding to the budget. Jo expects the state to make decisions about the applications soon because of agency budget schedules. If the grant is approved, Jo will bring the notice of grant award to the ECCOG Board and ask the Board to consider entering into a contract with DOLA for this grant.
Senior Speak-Out XXXI
The Senior Speak-Out, a legislative conference for senior citizens in the 16 eastern Colorado counties, is hosted in 2007 by the East Central region and will be held in Stratton at the Stratton Activity Center with housing at the Golden Prairie Inn. Terry Baylie reviewed the tentative agenda and registration form that was included in Board packets, and told the Board Speak-Out planners this year have taken a less formal approach to the conference activities.
Population Estimates/2008 ECCOG Contribution Summary
Jo Downey circulated population estimates for Region V counties and municipalities as of July 1, 2006. Jo said these estimates are used by the state to award state lottery funds to local governments, and are used by ECCOG for assessing the annual ECCOG dues. She pointed out that three of the four counties had lost population from the previous year, and only Burlington and Kiowa among the municipalities gained population in that time.
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
At a business finance forum in Limon last month, a representative of the federal Economic Development Administration encouraged the four counties in East Central Colorado to form an EDA district, which would make additional federal funds available for economic development projects. Jo Downey said the region is eligible to apply to become an EDA district because Lincoln County's per capita income is below average. The EDA grant would be given on a 70%/30% matching basis. Prairie Development Corporation and a Lincoln County group working on a new learning center project both support the concept.
Jo said the first step in becoming an EDA district is to complete a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Among other components of the CEDs would be discussions of ECCOG's Our Journey Heritage Tourism marketing program and the impact on the region's revenue caused by the potential loss of irrigation for agriculture. She estimated it would take a year to complete the CEDS. A grant-funded consultant would be used to complete parts of it.
The EDA district would require a board of directors comprised of a minimum of 51% elected officials and a minimum of 35% members from the private sector. At the present time, Jo said, neither the
ECCOG Board nor the Prairie Development Corporation Board meet that requirement. As ECCOG's board is composed entirely of elected officials, it could not then be the administrative unit for an EDA district, but if the district became a reality, Jo said, PDC would have up to one full year after the district was formed to change the make-up of its board. ECCOG could complete the CEDS for the region.
Rayetta Palmer moved that ECCOG submit an application for a planning grant to help complete the CEDS for the four ECCOG counties. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried.
Other
There was no other new business to come before the Board.
October and November Meeting Dates
The next regular meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors will be Wednesday, October 3, 2007 at 7:30 p.m., following a regional Transit Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Future ECCOG Board meetings will be November 7th and December 5th.
There being no further business, John Metli declared the meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.
East Central Council of Local Governments
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
October 3, 2007
Call to Order
Vice-Chair Rayetta Palmer called the regular monthly meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors to order at 7:58 p.m., October 3, 2007 at the Town Hall in Limon, Colorado.
In addition to Rayetta Palmer, board members present included: Ronald Howard, John Nichols, Del Beattie, Kerry Korsvold, and Steve Burgess. Staff members present included Jo Downey, Executive Director; Terry Baylie, Senior & Transit Services Director; Debby Conrads, Senior & Transit Services Assistant Director; and Terry Blevins, Special Projects Coordinator. Joe Kiely, Limon Town Manager, also attended.
Rayetta Palmer led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Jo Downey asked that the following items be added to the agenda under new business: Joe Kiely will report on the Transportation Finance Committee and Rail Relocation, Phase II; Jo will discuss the Local Update Census Addressing Program survey.
Minutes of the regular September 5, 2007 meeting of the Board of Directors were reviewed. John Nichols moved the Minutes of the September 5, 2007 meeting be approved as mailed. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Jo Downey circulated the Financial Report and list of bills, which showed total payroll of $26,200.47, and the total for bills listed for September was $366,184.02. This total was larger than usual due to purchase of a special vehicle using Homeland Security grant funds. Ron Howard moved to approve the Financial Report and to pay the monthly bills. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Unfinished Business
Energy Impact Grant Requests
Jo Downey told the Board she is not working on any Energy Impact Grant Assistance projects at this time. An Arriba-Flagler School District proposal that was withdrawn earlier probably will be resubmitted in December 1 round, however, Jo said she doesn't work on school district applications. The next grant hearings will be October 18-19 at Westcliffe. No proposals from this region will be heard this time.
Senior Speakout
Terry Baylie reported that 91 persons had registered for this annual conference, set for October 4-5. Most of the registrants, 57, live within this region. Sixteen persons will come from Region I to the north of us, and eighteen will come from Region VI, in southeastern Colorado. State Senator Greg Brophy and State Representative Cory Gardner will participate in the legislative portion of the Speakout, along with representatives of U. S. Senators Ken Salazar and Wayne Allard and U. S. Representative Marilyn Musgrave.
Population Numbers (Just for the Fun of It!)
Members of the Board received Region V census information for the counties and towns for U. S. Census years 1900 through 2000, along with population estimates from the State Demographer's office for 2002, 2004 and 2006. Jo Downey told the Board the handout was for information purposes only.
Our Journey Prize Winner
Jo Downey said about 30 Our Journey tickets with the appropriate number of museum stamps were entered in the competition for the two free nights and a free dinner at the Claremont Inn in Stratton. It was intended that the winning ticket would be drawn at this Board meeting, but as the tickets weren't available, Jo said the drawing would be held at the ECCOG offices at a later date. Rayetta Palmer requested the winners be announced in these Board Minutes. The drawing subsequently was held, and the winners were Kay and George Kennedy of Golden, Colorado. This competition was started in the 2005 museum season, and Limon residents were the winners in both previous drawings, Jo said.
CDBG Grant Application
Jo Downey said she will be finalizing this grant application next week. The application requests $535,000, including $400,000 to recapitalize Prairie Development Corporation's business loan fund, $55,000 for potential feasibility studies and $80,000 for administration. Presently, $85,000 remains in the loan fund from the previous grant; this amount will be deobligated December 31, if not loaned before that date. However, if new loan applications are ready for closing, including job creation or retention commitments, the December 31 deadline may be extended with more dollars added to the loan fund as needed, Jo said.
Other
There was no other unfinished business to come before the Board.
New Business
Transit Service Recommendations
Terry Baylie reported the Transit Advisory Committee voted to increase Outback Express passenger fares from 5.5 cents per mile to nine cents per mile, and to not require background investigations of new transit system employees at this time. These decisions did not require a vote of affirmation from the ECCOG Board.
Colorado Municipal League Regional Meeting
Jo Downey announced the regional meeting of the Colorado Municipal League will be at Limon October 17th, and will include an overview of legislative and ballot issues, an update from state and federal agencies, and a report on recent CML activities. Jo said she will be attending the meeting, and she encouraged Board members to participate as well, saying they would find the information helpful and the networking opportunities valuable.
Fuel Award 2007
Terry Baylie reported the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has granted a fuel award of $8,524 for use by public transit vehicles in this region for 2007. The funds will be paid to the East Central Council of Local Governments, then passed through to owners of the buses based on miles traveled. Allocations will be: Town of Limon, 2% ($170); City of Burlington, 13% ($1,108); Elbert County, 13% ($1,108); Lincoln County, 20% ($1,705); Cheyenne County, 16% ($1,364); and Kit Carson County, 36% ($3,069).
Health Insurance Review/Update
Jo Downey summarized changes to the employee health care insurance coverages announced in September by County Technical Services, Inc. (CTSI). Among those changes was a premium increase in the medical and prescription drug plans of six percent for the 2008 plan year. Jo briefly discussed information from the U. S. Department of the Treasury regarding health savings accounts. These accounts permit their owners to save for future medical expenses, and offer other advantages, including favorable tax treatment. Jo said she doesn't recommend offering health savings accounts for employees at this time.
Charter Trips
The ECCOG Board previously had asked Terry Baylie whether there were vehicle insurance issues related to charter bus trips. At this meeting, she circulated charter policies for three of the four counties. Kit Carson's policies were inadvertently overlooked, she said. Terry told the Board that only Lincoln County has responded to insurance issues by requiring all charter trips using the county vehicle to use drivers employed by the county.
Terry also reported that a new law requiring criminal history checks for all charter trip bus drivers does not apply to the Outback Express vehicles used for charters from this region, since none of them can carry more than 32 passengers at one time.
Project SMILE Bank Account in Cheyenne Wells
Terry Baylie said staffing changes in Cheyenne Wells made it necessary to change the authorized signatures on the Project SMILE bank account there. Banking regulations now require such changes be done by Board resolution, she added. The account requires two signatures on any check, and Terry suggested the Board authorize three staff persons to sign checks. John Nichols moved that Dana Ball, Sheryl Gerky and Priscilla Harvie be authorized to sign on all Project SMILE nutrition program accounts at the Eastern Colorado Bank of Cheyenne Wells. Ron Howard seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
FFY2008 Carry-Over Funding Request
Terry also asked the Board to approve Area Agency on Aging's request for use of Older Americans Act Title III and Title VII carryover funds. She said this request must be submitted to the state by October 19th, and she was unable to present it to the Senior Services Advisory Board prior to this ECCOG Board meeting. That group will see the request October 11. The carryover funds total $22,137. Of this amount, Terry said the AAA would allocate $5,000 to legal services, $5,000 to material aid and $4,733 to coordination, advocacy and program development. The balance would be allocated to home-delivered meals, health insurance counseling and respite care services. Kerry Korsvold moved the AAA's request for use of Title III and VII carryover funds, conditional on approval by the Senior Services Advisory Board. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
2008 Draft FTA Awards/Resolutions
Terry Baylie said the Transit Advisory Committee, meeting immediately prior to this ECCOG Board meeting, had recommended the ECCOG Board adopt resolutions 08-13, entering into a contract with CDOT for 2008 administrative and operating funds under FTA Section 5311, and 08-14, entering into a contract with CDOT for 2008 capital equipment funds under FTA Section 5311, and committing local matching funds to the programs as required. Terry said this region would receive $155,000 in FTA grant funds that will be matched by $124,850 in local funds. The grant funds include $37,800 for administration, $114,800 for operating costs, and $2,400 for capital equipment purchases (a computer and printer). The new award represents an increase over 2007 in the administration and operating lines, but a large decrease in the capital equipment line since no buses will be purchased in 2008. Steve Burgess moved the Board accept the TAC recommendations and approve ECCOG resolutions 08-13 and 08-14. Ron Howard seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
2008 ECCOG Board Member Selection Process
By the end of October, Jo Downey will send letters to all member municipalities requesting nominations for municipal representatives on the 2008 ECCOG Board of Directors. If only one nomination is received from the municipalities in a county, that individual is elected automatically. If there are multiple nominations, the municipalities in that county will vote on the nominees. In the event of a tie vote, the commissioners of that county will break the tie. Jo said the county representatives to the ECCOG Board will be selected by the respective boards of commissioners at the annual reorganization meeting in January.
November and December Meeting Dates/Locations
The Board decided to cancel the November Board meeting; regular business will be handled by mail. The next meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors will be December 5 at Stratton. That agenda will include first reading of the proposed 2008 ECCOG budget.
Other
Jo Downey reminded Board members of the survey sent to local governments by the U. S. Census Bureau in August. She said participation in the LUCA would be beneficial to all local governments by identifying unknown residences and thereby increasing the accuracy of the Census count. Incomplete counts could result in loss of grant program dollars that are allocated based on population, she said. She encouraged local governments to complete the survey forms, even if they choose to not participate in the LUCA program.
Joe Kiely briefly discussed the challenges facing the Colorado Transportation Finance and Implementation Panel, a Blue Ribbon committee appointed to identify future sustainable transportation programs and funding options. The committee has been meeting since April, and is expected to have recommendations to the Governor by November of this year. Joe is a member of this panel. Maintaining transportation programs at current levels or improving them will create increased cost, Joe said, and the panel has looked at two primary ways to deal with the increase, user fees and taxation
Joe also gave a brief update on Rail Relocation Implementation Study. Phase I of the study determined that it would be to the benefit of the general public to relocate through freight train operations through rural eastern Colorado. Phase II of this committee's work, which will begin soon, will consider alternate routes for the relocated freight service. Right now, he said, the eastern-most route would run from Boyero, in Lincoln County, south to Las Animas. Joe also serves on an advisory committee to this study group
Jo Downey advised the Board that an open house will be in Akron October 29 featuring the 2035 Statewide Transportation Plan.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Rayetta Palmer declared the meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
East Central Council of Local Governments
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
November 2007
No ECCOG Board of Directors meeting was scheduled for November 2007.
East Central Council of Local Governments
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
December 5, 2007
Call to Order
Chairman John Metli called the regular monthly meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors to order at 7:33 p.m., December 5, 2007 at the Claremont Inn in Stratton, Colorado.
In addition to John Metli, board members present included: John Nichols, Rayetta Palmer, Steve Burgess, Kerry Korsvold, Del Beattie and Ron Howard. Staff members present included Jo Downey, ECCOG Executive Director, Terry Baylie, Senior and Transit Services Director, and Terry Blevins, Special Projects Coordinator.
John Metli led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
There being no meeting in November, Minutes of the October 3, 2007 Board of Directors regular monthly meeting were reviewed. John Nichols moved the Minutes of the October 3, 2007 Board meeting be approved as mailed. Kerry Korsvold seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Jo Downey circulated the Financial Report and list of bills, which showed total payroll of $25,888.66, and the total for bills listed for October was $33,921.15. John Nichols moved to approve the Financial Report and to pay the monthly bills. Rayetta Palmer seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Unfinished Business
Energy Impact Grant Requests
Jo Downey stated she knew of area Impact grant applications in the December cycle submitted by Lincoln County, for courthouse improvements, by Cheyenne County for new clinic construction, by Cheyenne Wells for water system improvements, and by Arriba, also for water system improvements.
Jo reported that Colorado Department of Local Affairs has proposed changes in the Mineral and Energy Impact Assistance Grant Program that could reduce the number of applications that needed to be reviewed by the Advisory Committee each year, increase the maximum grant allowed, and encourage more local match. These proposed changes will be the subject of statewide public hearings in February and March 2008, and could be implemented by March 2009.
Drug and Alcohol Policy Review/Recommendations
Terry Baylie reminded the Board that the most recent state review of this region's transit policies resulted in recommendations for several changes. The revised policies were mailed to the Board prior to this meeting for review. Kerry Korsvold moved the Board adopt the revised policies to bring the regional transit program into compliance with state requirements. Rayetta Palmer seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Terry said recommended policy changes also were sent to the Town of Limon and the City of Burlington. Recommendations there remain under advisement by the local officials.
Policy on Criminal History Background Check
In the last Board meeting, members discussed the potential need for criminal history background checks on future new ECCOG employees. A draft policy was presented to the Board for its consideration at this meeting. Following discussion, Steve Burgess moved this item be removed from the Board's agenda. Ron Howard seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Federal Transit Funding for 2008 for the Town of Limon
Terry Baylie told the Board that, in recent months, Colorado Department of Transportation increasingly has required reports and other paperwork from ECCOG's subgrantees that historically were prepared by ECCOG staff from information generated locally. Because the subgrantees do not receive funding for administration of their transit operations, these demands have become such a burden that the Town of Limon has stated it may not continue providing transit services as part of the regional program.
Comments by Del Beattie, who also is Limon's mayor, indicated there may be some misunderstanding as to the state's requirements, and Terry Baylie agreed to attend the December 6 Limon Town Board of Trustees meeting to answer any questions the Board may have.
Senior Speak-Out XXXI
Terry Baylie reviewed the financial information and evaluation results of the 31st annual Senior Speak-Out held in Stratton in October. She noted that more senior citizens from this region attended the Speak-Out than attended from the northeast or southeast Colorado regions. In 2008, the Speak-Out will be hosted by the northeast region, probably in Sterling or Fort Morgan.
Other
New Business
There was no other unfinished business to come before the Board.
Direct Service On-Site Visits and Contract Desk Assessments
Terry Baylie said on-site visits were scheduled for all 12 direct service contracts during September and October, but due to unforeseen events, only five were actually completed to date. The other seven will be rescheduled for early in 2008, she said. Desk assessments were completed for the five service contracts. Terry provided copies of a sample summary report for two of the direct services and two of the contracts. She told the Board she intends to use this format as a tool for determining program cuts, should the need ever arise.
Professional Services Agreement between ECCOG and PDC
An updated professional services agreement between ECCOG and Prairie Development Corporation was included in Board members' pre-meeting materials. Jo Downey explained that PDC has no staff of its own and all staff time is provided by ECCOG under the terms of this agreement. The updated agreement was submitted to PDC in October, and Board members were asked to contact Jo with any recommended changes. As none were recommended, Jo asked the ECCOG Board to approve the agreement. Kelly Korsvold moved the updated professional services agreement between ECCOG and PDC be approved. Del Beattie seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
New/Revised Human Services Information and Resource Directory
The Information and Resource Directory maintained by the Area Agency on Aging has been updated and revised to a new stream-lined format, according to Terry Baylie. It replaces a document that was an inch and a half thick and that contained much outdated and/or unnecessary information, she said. Terry asked the Board to review the directory and to contact her with any recommended changes or corrections.
Tourism Regional Marketing Grant
Jo Downey reported that Prairie Development Corporation has applied for a $15,000 Colorado Tourism Board Regional Marketing grant to supplement and expand the Our Journey heritage tourism marketing project. This grant would be matched with $8,000 in local funds.
If funded, this grant would allow production of an eight-panel version of the primary Out Journey booklet for use as a cross-marketing brochure. This would be a less expensive piece that could be distributed at the Welcome Centers and by local museums in the region, with the goal of capturing the interest of tourists passing through the area. Plans call for printing 75,000 of these brochures, which should last through three tourism seasons. The grant also would pay for 10,000 smaller versions of the Our Journey ticket for use by museums and others within the region to encourage increased local participation in the attractions in 2008.
Second, the grant would be used to create “B-Roll” film, stock video footage of the region's attractions that could be used to illustrate various Our Journey promotions on television.
Region V 2008 Impact Community Development Grant
ECCOG has been awarded a $45,000 community development grant for use with special projects during the next year. Funds come from the Mineral and Energy Impact Assistance Grant program. No matching funds are required. Steve Burgess moved the ECCOG enter into this the contract for use of these funds and to authorize the chairman or vice-chair to sign the contract. Kerry Korsvold seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
CDBG Grant Extension (one more time!!)
The state has agreed to extend Lincoln County's Community Development Block Grant, which provides the funding for Prairie Development Corporation's business loan fund serving all four counties. The contract was due to expire December 31, but Jo Downey said it has been extended to June 30, 2008. And because there are some good loan prospects, an additional $100,000 was added to the grant total. Jo said this extension is beneficial because it sustains the loan program until the new grant can be implemented.
The new CDBG grant for the loan fund is in the final application stage. The completed application has been signed by three of the four counties, and Jo said it would be signed by Elbert County next week.
2008 Budget Draft/First Reading
The 2008 budget was presented to the Board for first reading. ECCOG will not be serving as fiscal agent for the All Hazards Homeland Security 2008 grant program; otherwise, Jo said, the budget is much the same as in past years. The carryover Homeland funds from 2006 and 2007 are in the 2008 budget, but eventually will be transferred to the new fiscal agent, Weld County. After that occurs, ECCOG will need to amend the 2008 budget.
She noted that the increased staff reimbursement for mileage expense is included in this budget.
Del Beattie moved the 2008 ECCOG budget be adopted as presented. Ron Howard seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Municipal Board Members for 2008
Jo Downey reported that municipal representatives to the ECCOG Board from Cheyenne, Kit Carson and Lincoln counties will remain unchanged. However, no nominations were received from Elbert County municipalities. Jo said she has written to the mayors of all three incorporated towns in that county encouraging them to address the issue. While the Board can function adequately with seven members, she said she reminded the mayors that their municipalities would then be unrepresented on the ECCOG Board.
January Meeting Date/Location
Because the New Year's holiday would interfere with preparation of fiscal reports for the Board meeting on January 2, John Nichols moved that the next regular meeting of the ECCOG Board of Directors be Monday, January 7, 2008 at Limon, with payroll released to employees by January 4. Steve Burgess seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Other
There was no other new business to come before the Board.
Adjournment
There being no further business, John Metli declared the meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
