June 19, 2013

Special City Council Minutes July 31, 2012

STERLING,COLORADO

JULY 31, 2012

STATE OF COLORADO)

COUNTYOFLOGAN     ) ss

CITY OF STERLING      

As required by the Colorado Sunshine Law, the meeting was posted timely in the City Hall lobby more than twenty-four hours in advance of the meeting.

There was no invocation.  Mayor Brungardt led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The City Council of the City of Sterling, Colorado, met for a special meeting in Council Chambers of City Hall on July 31, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.  Mayor Brungardt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Councilmembers present:

                        Mayor                                       Brungardt

                        Councilmembers                       Brigham

                                                                                  Flores

                                                                                 Lawson

                                                                                 Rice

Also present:

City Manager                             Kiolbasa

City Attorney                             Penny

City Clerk                                  Forbes

Deputy City Clerk                      Brandt

Public Works Director                Allen

Citizens present:            7

INTERVIEW OF APPLICANTS FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE VACANCIES ON CITY COUNCIL:

The purpose of the meeting was to interview applicants for the Ward 1 and Ward 2 Councilmember vacancies.  There was discussion regarding the questions.  The questions asked were:

  1. In your opinion what are the top issues facing the City of Sterling?
  2. Why do you want to become a City Councilmember?
  3. Having worked for or in close contact with various government agencies, what is one thing you believe the City of Sterling does poorly and should be changed?
  4. Would you find it difficult to vote in public on a controversial issue and have you had the opportunity to?
  5. How do you see yourself working with other Councilmember and City staff?
  6. Other than your own budget, do you have experience working with a budget?
  7. Would you be willing to serve on other boards as a Councilmember? (i.e. – RTA Board)
  8. In making decisions, do you rely on your personal beliefs or do you prefer to do research?

Those interviewed were:  David Crawford, Ward 1; Dan Torres, Jr., Ward 1; William Wright, Ward 1; Kenneth Enslow, Ward 1; and Alice Pitcher, Ward 2.

Councilmember Brigham made a motion to appoint Alice Pitcher to fill the Ward 2 vacancy.  Councilmember Flores seconded the motion.  By a five-yes vote, the motion was approved.

Council had discussion regarding the four applicants for Ward 1.  After discussion, it was the consensus that the top two were Dan Torres and David Crawford.

Councilmember Brigham made a motion to appoint Dan Torres to fill the Ward 1 vacancy.  Councilmember Rice seconded the motion.  By a three-yes and two-no vote, the motion was approved with a question.  Voting was as follows:

            Brigham            yes                   Rice                  yes

            Brungardt          no                    Lawson             no

            Flores               yes

A question was asked if a three/two vote was enough to pass the motion or if four votes were needed.

City Attorney Penny and Deputy City Attorney Matuszczak went to do research.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:

City Manager Kiolbasa advised Council that there is a suggestion to show the Council packet on screen for the audience to see.

There was discussion regarding the openings on the boards.

INTERVIEW OF APPLICANTS FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE VACANCIES ON CITY COUNCIL CONTINUED:

City Attorney Penny returned and advised Council that it is very broad regarding appointment of Council.  He advised that there is nothing that says it has to be the majority of the seven Councilmembers.  City Attorney Penny advised he felt that if Council felt it was okay for the majority of the five that it was fine. 

The vote stood.

The new Councilmembers were advised that Ward 1 remaining term goes through November 2013 and Ward 2 remaining term goes through November 2015.

On August 14, 2012, the two new Councilmembers will be sworn in.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS CONTINUED:

City Manager Kiolbasa advised regarding the retention issue from the previous Council meeting.  The Personnel Board will be meeting on August 14.  This is the first time that they are available to be all together.  He advised he is also proceeding with the excess funds in the Police Pension Fund.

ADJOURNMENT:

The Council meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

 MAYOR

ATTEST:

CITY CLERK