1 00:00:04,960 --> 00:00:20,020 Good afternoon. Good morning and welcome. Thank you so much for joining us today. Today is Tuesday, September 22nd, 26th. We are here today for the administrative matters meeting for the Lermary County Board of County Commissioners here in the hearing room on the first floor of the Lermary County Administrative Services Building. 2 00:00:20,860 --> 00:00:26,460 I call this mean to order and I ask that we, as our tradition, to stand as your able or 3 00:00:26,460 --> 00:00:27,660 enjoy as for the pledge of allegiance. 4 00:00:27,960 --> 00:00:28,740 Thank you. 5 00:00:40,800 --> 00:00:41,220 Thank you. 6 00:00:48,060 --> 00:00:49,700 Again, thank you so much. 7 00:00:50,840 --> 00:00:52,120 I'm Lairmer County Commissioner Joyce. 8 00:00:52,280 --> 00:00:53,020 I'm McDally. 9 00:00:53,280 --> 00:00:56,580 Chair of the Board of County Commissioners, and we welcome you to our meeting today. 10 00:00:57,320 --> 00:01:01,360 Joining me at the Diaz today is Commissioner Stevens and Commissioner Caffallis. 11 00:01:01,440 --> 00:01:05,960 Also, we have, joining us from the Clerk and Recorders Office, our clerk to the Board 12 00:01:05,960 --> 00:01:08,400 today, Deja O'Neill, Good morning, Deja, Deja, 13 00:01:08,580 --> 00:01:09,340 thanks for being here. 14 00:01:09,640 --> 00:01:11,660 We have our county manager, Lorenda Volker, 15 00:01:11,960 --> 00:01:15,120 morning, Lorenda, Tom Clayton from the Information Office. 16 00:01:15,600 --> 00:01:17,200 Good to see you, Tom, and Sarah Martin 17 00:01:17,200 --> 00:01:18,480 from the Commissioners Office, Sarah. 18 00:01:18,680 --> 00:01:19,900 Thank you for all that you do. 19 00:01:20,260 --> 00:01:22,420 And all those, and I'm also Melissa and Brenda. 20 00:01:22,620 --> 00:01:23,840 You guys are quite the team. 21 00:01:24,480 --> 00:01:26,720 So we appreciate you being here for this meeting. 22 00:01:27,020 --> 00:01:29,020 Childless, do all the things we do. 23 00:01:29,560 --> 00:01:31,660 We're going to start with public comment. 24 00:01:31,780 --> 00:01:34,160 I don't see him and signed up for public comment. 25 00:01:34,160 --> 00:01:40,960 But we'll go ahead and see if there's anybody in the audience who is not else engaged with the meeting. 26 00:01:41,400 --> 00:01:43,060 See if everyone wants to be here for public comment. 27 00:01:43,060 --> 00:01:45,160 I don't see anybody indicating that. 28 00:01:45,760 --> 00:01:50,240 Sarah did we have anybody online or either things that were submitted or anything like that. 29 00:01:50,400 --> 00:01:50,840 No commissioner. 30 00:01:51,660 --> 00:01:51,820 Okay. 31 00:01:52,220 --> 00:01:54,980 So we're going to go ahead and close public comment. 32 00:01:55,360 --> 00:02:00,420 And now we're going to move on to that portion of the meeting for approval of the minutes. 33 00:02:01,400 --> 00:02:05,200 Commissioners, did you have the item she wished to? Okay, so Commissioners, 34 00:02:05,200 --> 00:02:08,880 Stevens, I would ask you please to make that motion. Yes, Madam Chair, I 35 00:02:08,880 --> 00:02:13,400 moved to approve the minutes for the week of September 14th, 2026. Thank you so 36 00:02:13,400 --> 00:02:18,600 much. There's a motion on the table, any further deliberation, all those in favor? I. 37 00:02:19,400 --> 00:02:24,740 All right, moving on to the schedule, Sarah, if you went mind reading through that. 38 00:02:25,200 --> 00:02:30,380 This is the Commissioner's schedule for September 28th through October 3rd, 2026. 39 00:02:31,200 --> 00:02:36,740 On Monday, September 28th from 130 PM to 230 PM, there will be a work session with Leslie 40 00:02:36,740 --> 00:02:41,520 Ellis, Director of Community Planning, Infrastructure and Resources in the Commissioner's 41 00:02:41,520 --> 00:02:46,760 Conference Room on the second floor. From 2 PM to 3 PM, Commissioner Stevens may participate 42 00:02:46,760 --> 00:02:52,780 in the virtual Colorado County's Inc. Road and Bridge working group meeting. From 3 PM to 8 PM, 43 00:02:52,920 --> 00:02:56,260 there will be land use items with the development review team. It's a hybrid meeting, 44 00:02:56,400 --> 00:02:59,820 and person it will be in the hearing room on the first floor or virtually via Zoom. 45 00:03:00,560 --> 00:03:07,160 On Tuesday, September 29th, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. there will be an administrative matters meeting in the hearing room of the first floor. 46 00:03:09,150 --> 00:03:16,710 From 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. commissioner Shadak Bengnalli may participate in the virtual National Association of Counties, Environment, Energy and Land Use. 47 00:03:17,270 --> 00:03:18,990 Policy Steering Committee meeting. 48 00:03:19,830 --> 00:03:26,710 From 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. commissioner Catholic may attend the Mission Reconnect, Veteran and Service Member Coalition meeting at the hybrid meeting. 49 00:03:26,710 --> 00:03:31,410 In person, it will be in the Boyd Light Conference Room, or virtually via Zoom. 50 00:03:32,430 --> 00:03:38,810 From 1.30 pm to 3 pm, there will be administrative direction accounting management in this break-light conference room on the second floor. 51 00:03:40,650 --> 00:03:50,290 On Wednesday, September 30th, from 8 am to 5 pm, Commissioner Shedding Wake Nowly will attend the Colorado Opioid Abatement Conference in Frisco. 52 00:03:51,070 --> 00:03:54,950 From 9.30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Commissioner Catholic will attend the Black 53 00:03:54,950 --> 00:04:00,990 Colors and Solar Complex ribbon cutting ceremony in severance. From 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. 54 00:04:01,030 --> 00:04:05,570 commissioners may participate in the virtual Colorado County's Inc Public Utilities Commission 55 00:04:05,570 --> 00:04:11,390 rulemaking update meeting. From 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. commissioners may attend the 56 00:04:11,390 --> 00:04:17,050 Lairmer and locked office of emergency management at the office of emergency management. Wait 57 00:04:17,050 --> 00:04:22,730 The Lairmore Unlocked Office of Emergency Management at 4872 in Deborah Drive in John's 58 00:04:22,730 --> 00:04:23,210 Town. 59 00:04:24,250 --> 00:04:29,410 On Thursday, October 1, from 8.30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Commissioner Stevens may participate 60 00:04:29,410 --> 00:04:33,130 in the virtual statewide transportation advisory committee meeting. 61 00:04:34,170 --> 00:04:39,950 From 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Commissioner Stevens may participate in the virtual National Association 62 00:04:39,950 --> 00:04:43,310 of County's Transportation Policy Steering Committee meeting. 63 00:04:43,310 --> 00:04:50,430 From 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Commissioner Catholic may participate in the virtual protect Colorado's future coalition meeting. 64 00:04:51,310 --> 00:05:00,750 From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Commissioner Catholic may attend the Colorado State University Veterinary Hospital and Education Complex Grand Opening Event. 65 00:05:01,630 --> 00:05:11,710 At 300 West Drake Road in Fort Collins. From 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Commissioner Suits may participate in the virtual US 34 coalition meeting. 66 00:05:12,330 --> 00:05:15,750 From 5 p.m. to 730 p.m. commissioners can follow us and 67 00:05:15,750 --> 00:05:19,090 shut it may now may attend the Fort Collins Human Relations Commission 68 00:05:19,650 --> 00:05:23,310 belonging mixer at the Fort Collins Senior Center at 69 00:05:23,310 --> 00:05:25,850 1,200 rain tree drive and Fort Collins. 70 00:05:28,040 --> 00:05:31,300 From 6 p.m. to 730 p.m. commissioner can follow us may attend the 71 00:05:31,300 --> 00:05:35,820 2026 General Election Community Kickoff event at the Lairmore County 72 00:05:35,820 --> 00:05:40,060 Administrative Services Building at 200 West Oak Street and Fort Collins. 73 00:05:40,060 --> 00:05:45,620 From 6pm to 8pm, Commissioner Stevens will attend the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning 74 00:05:45,620 --> 00:05:48,340 Organization Transportation Planning Council meeting. 75 00:05:48,580 --> 00:05:49,460 It's a hybrid meeting. 76 00:05:50,200 --> 00:05:55,980 In person, it will be at 2-2-2 report Avenue in Fort Collins or Virtually via Microsoft 77 00:05:55,980 --> 00:05:57,200 Teams. 78 00:05:58,200 --> 00:06:04,620 On Friday, October 2, 8pm to 9.30am, Commissioner Shaddenmeenali may participate in the virtual 79 00:06:04,620 --> 00:06:07,220 Forest Health Council Legislative Committee meeting. 80 00:06:07,220 --> 00:06:18,480 From 8.30 a.m. to 3. p.m. Commissioner Stevens may attend the Regional Air Quality Council Board meeting at the Longmont Museum at 400 Quail Road in Longmont. 81 00:06:20,760 --> 00:06:27,800 On Saturday, October 3, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. there will be common grounds with Commissioner Shadic McNally. 82 00:06:27,800 --> 00:06:34,380 topic and location will be announced prior to the meeting. From 11am to 4pm commissioner 83 00:06:34,380 --> 00:06:39,280 Shedding Wingnelly may attend the Northern Colorado Equality Pride event at Fort Collins 84 00:06:39,280 --> 00:06:46,880 Senior Center at 1200 rain-tree drive and Fort Collins. And from 5pm to 8pm commissioners 85 00:06:46,880 --> 00:06:53,820 Catholic students may attend the family center, La Familia's Fiesta Gala at Odell Brewing 86 00:06:53,820 --> 00:06:56,880 at 800 East Lincoln Avenue in Fort Collins. 87 00:07:00,220 --> 00:07:02,580 Thank you Sarah, appreciate all of that. 88 00:07:02,740 --> 00:07:04,800 Commissioner's yummy changes or additions. 89 00:07:05,380 --> 00:07:06,980 Commissioner, go follow us. 90 00:07:08,490 --> 00:07:09,350 Commissioner Stevens. 91 00:07:11,730 --> 00:07:12,670 Oh, just a couple of things. 92 00:07:13,230 --> 00:07:16,030 I think on September, Wednesday, September 30th, 93 00:07:16,090 --> 00:07:20,010 I will attend the Nico mid-sized county caucus meeting. 94 00:07:20,250 --> 00:07:23,430 That's online and it's from 1030 to 1130. 95 00:07:23,430 --> 00:07:25,150 I think they've just added that to my calendar. 96 00:07:25,610 --> 00:07:29,250 And then I'm going to try to stop by the Northern Colorado E.C. 97 00:07:32,980 --> 00:07:33,980 Okay, 98 00:07:36,110 --> 00:07:58,490 sir, I'm also going to be attending the NACOME size county caucus. I'm also 99 00:07:58,490 --> 00:08:05,320 there at that and then also I've didn't put on my calendar, but I probably should is the 100 00:08:07,290 --> 00:08:14,830 commissioners, the lot to Amelia, I'm going to the same event. And I'm wondering if we're 101 00:08:14,830 --> 00:08:19,050 taking a tour of the ranch with some others, Commissioner Steven Zayn will both be there 102 00:08:19,050 --> 00:08:26,610 on Monday, the 28th. I'm assuming she's still coming, but we're going to be doing, we should 103 00:08:26,610 --> 00:08:28,150 probably noticed that. 104 00:08:28,510 --> 00:08:34,650 So we're going to be there from about 10, 30, to 11, 30, 105 00:08:34,930 --> 00:08:37,470 at the ranch, meeting at Blue Arena to start. 106 00:08:38,570 --> 00:08:40,050 And we're going to be, Commissioner Seans, 107 00:08:40,130 --> 00:08:42,150 I will be doing a tour of the ranch together. 108 00:08:43,470 --> 00:08:43,610 OK. 109 00:08:45,190 --> 00:08:46,450 I think that's it. 110 00:08:46,610 --> 00:08:47,870 Thank you very much. 111 00:08:50,860 --> 00:08:55,180 So we'll move on now to the rest of the agenda 112 00:08:55,180 --> 00:09:01,940 And moving on to the consent agenda, which is the consent agenda consists of items of no 113 00:09:01,940 --> 00:09:07,020 perceived controversy and routine administrative actions such as abatements, e.g. 114 00:09:07,100 --> 00:09:10,980 Agreements, deeds, final plaats, liquor, license, resolutions and other matters previously 115 00:09:10,980 --> 00:09:13,120 reviewed by the Board of County Commissioners. 116 00:09:13,420 --> 00:09:17,780 Staff recommends approval of the consent agenda and a commissioner may request and not 117 00:09:17,780 --> 00:09:18,480 be pulled off. 118 00:09:18,580 --> 00:09:22,700 The agenda considers separately an item that are pulled off separately will be considered 119 00:09:22,700 --> 00:09:28,880 after the board takes action on the rest of the consent agenda. For those watching a line in person, 120 00:09:29,560 --> 00:09:33,180 just so you know I'm going to read this at a very high level if there are items you're in 121 00:09:33,180 --> 00:09:37,520 more interested in or meeting our details, you can go to Board of County Commission's website on 122 00:09:37,520 --> 00:09:45,520 learnware.gov and our packets and our agendas and emails and loop videos and meetings are all there 123 00:09:45,520 --> 00:09:49,020 and there's lots of information there. So if you'd like to learn more about any of these items, 124 00:09:49,020 --> 00:09:50,560 you can do that on the website. 125 00:09:51,520 --> 00:09:54,540 So for today, for the consent agenda, for Tuesday, September 20, 126 00:09:55,000 --> 00:09:57,780 second, 2020, six, and happy Equinox, 127 00:09:57,940 --> 00:10:00,160 but everyone, by the way, fall Equinox, 128 00:10:01,140 --> 00:10:03,060 we have several agreements. 129 00:10:03,760 --> 00:10:05,060 And these agreements are all related. 130 00:10:05,060 --> 00:10:07,100 I'm going to read through them very quickly. 131 00:10:08,020 --> 00:10:12,600 All of them are all about fire protection. 132 00:10:12,880 --> 00:10:18,360 And so we have the first, we have the SS Valley Fire Protection 133 00:10:18,360 --> 00:10:23,380 district, which is a cooperative agreement for WALFAR Resiliency Code Administration Enforcement. 134 00:10:24,300 --> 00:10:28,360 We also have number two, as we have the Level in Fire Rescue Authority, a cooperative 135 00:10:28,360 --> 00:10:31,540 agreement for the WALFAR Resiliency Code Administration Enforcement. 136 00:10:32,080 --> 00:10:36,840 We have the third one is the Allen's Park Fire Protection District, the Cooperative Agreement, 137 00:10:37,300 --> 00:10:41,100 for the WALFAR Resiliency Code Administration Administration Enforcement. 138 00:10:41,420 --> 00:10:43,820 And the last one is the Alliance Fire Protection District. 139 00:10:43,820 --> 00:10:50,120 They cooperative agreement for the wildfire resiliency code administration enforcement and this is all 140 00:10:50,120 --> 00:10:57,020 You know request for approval of a cooperative agreement that designate slurmer county as essential authority for plan review field inspections and enforcement 141 00:10:57,820 --> 00:11:04,460 Regarding adopted the statewide adopted wildfire resiliency code that the state passed few years ago, and we are 142 00:11:04,840 --> 00:11:09,800 Certainly in compliance and probably ahead of the game there, so thank you to all those who are involved with that 143 00:11:09,800 --> 00:11:11,160 important work 144 00:11:11,160 --> 00:11:12,100 for our county 145 00:11:12,100 --> 00:11:17,860 And we also have an appointment, which is the recommended youth appointment to the Environmental Science Advisory Board. 146 00:11:18,360 --> 00:11:27,920 We have one liquor license, the Licor license renewal, Legacy Pi, Company LLC, and this is for the Carral Cherry Company for Alliance Colorado. 147 00:11:28,360 --> 00:11:39,280 And that's for Baron Wine. And then we have one miscellaneous item, which is the 2027 through 2028 Lerimer County Legislative agenda, submitted by our Public Affairs Office and the Commissioners Office. 148 00:11:39,280 --> 00:11:48,880 And this is a legislative agenda for 2027 through 2028 and direct staff to finalize the document and publish in the fourth quarter of 2026. 149 00:11:49,820 --> 00:11:53,440 So, commissioners, is there any items you wish to pull from the consent agenda? 150 00:11:55,220 --> 00:12:00,020 If not, then I don't see any, so I will ask commissioner Kofolls to make that motion please. 151 00:12:00,460 --> 00:12:06,360 Thank you, Madam Chair. I move to approve the consent agenda for September 22, 2020. 152 00:12:06,980 --> 00:12:08,820 Thank you for the motion, all those in favor. 153 00:12:09,880 --> 00:12:10,520 All right. 154 00:12:10,780 --> 00:12:11,100 Okay. 155 00:12:11,520 --> 00:12:11,960 Thank you. 156 00:12:12,080 --> 00:12:14,560 I don't see any commissioners guessed today, but we do have. 157 00:12:14,600 --> 00:12:15,360 Thank you. 158 00:12:15,500 --> 00:12:17,000 Ms. White, we appreciate your work. 159 00:12:17,660 --> 00:12:18,600 Now we're going to move on. 160 00:12:18,680 --> 00:12:19,460 We have one discussion. 161 00:12:19,680 --> 00:12:20,540 I know which. 162 00:12:21,580 --> 00:12:24,920 As being a caregiver for my grandparents and my parents. 163 00:12:25,460 --> 00:12:27,200 This is really special in near dinner. 164 00:12:27,220 --> 00:12:27,660 My heart. 165 00:12:27,860 --> 00:12:30,600 Something I've been doing for 15 to 20 years. 166 00:12:30,940 --> 00:12:33,040 And so I really excited that we are. 167 00:12:33,040 --> 00:12:38,360 your proclamation today, Desiq dating September 2026 as caregiver appreciation month. 168 00:12:39,400 --> 00:12:45,080 And this is submitted by Katie Heckman, the Deputy Division Manager from Human Services. 169 00:12:45,660 --> 00:12:51,220 And this proclamation, Desiq September 2026, as caregiver appreciation month in Lairmer County, 170 00:12:51,660 --> 00:12:59,040 honoring and appreciating the vital role of foster parents, kinship givers, and child 171 00:12:59,040 --> 00:13:06,720 where child welfare professionals in giving stable and supportive homes for youth and and thank you 172 00:13:06,720 --> 00:13:12,160 for that because these are all caregivers of all sorts from youth to older adults are really 173 00:13:12,160 --> 00:13:16,920 kind of the backbone of our communities is is really important taking care of those in our community 174 00:13:16,920 --> 00:13:21,840 that are vulnerable. So really want to welcome and thank you Katie for bringing this and I'll 175 00:13:21,840 --> 00:13:24,220 I'll turn it over to you. Thank you. 176 00:13:24,260 --> 00:13:33,200 Thank you. Good morning, commissioners. My name is Katie Heckman, Deputy Division Manager at the Department of Human Services and the Children's Family and Adult Protection Division. 177 00:13:33,900 --> 00:13:38,740 I am honored to be here today to present the Proclamation for caregiver appreciation month. 178 00:13:39,220 --> 00:13:46,940 Dad Paul wishes he could be here, but due to schedule conflicts with the state meeting and the ability to ensure we could have individuals with lived experience today. 179 00:13:46,940 --> 00:13:48,820 I am acting in his study. 180 00:13:49,660 --> 00:13:53,460 This year is a little different than in the past, and that we have made the decision to 181 00:13:53,460 --> 00:14:00,060 combine foster and kinship care proclamations into one, a unified caregiver proclamation. 182 00:14:00,420 --> 00:14:05,000 Celebrating the extraordinary efforts and support, the foster parents and kinship providers 183 00:14:05,000 --> 00:14:09,060 do to support children, placed out of their home through the court. 184 00:14:10,260 --> 00:14:15,900 Every day in Lairmer County, foster and kinship parents open their hearts and homes to children 185 00:14:15,900 --> 00:14:19,160 who are navigating change, fear, and loss. 186 00:14:19,840 --> 00:14:25,760 Fostering Kinship caregivers set up step-up during family crises to open their doors to provide 187 00:14:25,760 --> 00:14:29,480 safety to children they may or may not have ever met. 188 00:14:30,200 --> 00:14:34,300 The strength and compassion required to do this work cannot be overstated. 189 00:14:34,740 --> 00:14:40,040 It requires resilience to offer care and patience to children who are experiencing this 190 00:14:40,040 --> 00:14:45,220 loss, to guidance through trauma and to build a foundation where they can experience a safe 191 00:14:45,220 --> 00:14:46,340 and secure attachment. 192 00:14:47,480 --> 00:14:49,460 Larimer County is committed to ensuring 193 00:14:49,460 --> 00:14:52,560 every child in our care receives the highest quality 194 00:14:52,560 --> 00:14:53,900 temporary home possible. 195 00:14:54,640 --> 00:14:57,540 A place where they can be safe, heal, and grow. 196 00:14:58,280 --> 00:14:59,980 Our caregivers step forward to open. 197 00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:16,000 Open their hearts and homes without knowing what the timeline will be. Their often asked about the possibility of providing a forever home is needed while actively supporting the ultimate goal, holding space for parents to heal so that children can safely return home whenever possible. 198 00:15:16,980 --> 00:15:23,540 We are grateful for these dedicated caregivers. They give our children a safe place to land and a brighter path forward. 199 00:15:23,540 --> 00:15:31,300 On behalf of our team, we celebrate their commitment today, and respectfully request your approval and adoption of this proclamation. 200 00:15:32,360 --> 00:15:38,960 At this time, I would like to introduce some of us of Ann Cotin, the lead case worker and our foster care unit to speak with you, 201 00:15:39,020 --> 00:15:42,660 and then introduce the caregivers who are here today to share their experience. 202 00:15:47,260 --> 00:15:48,320 Good morning and welcome. 203 00:15:48,320 --> 00:15:49,480 Hi, good morning. 204 00:15:50,100 --> 00:15:51,520 My name is Melissa, I'm co-in. 205 00:15:51,520 --> 00:15:54,300 I'm a fostering kinship worker with Lamor County. 206 00:15:55,140 --> 00:15:58,540 And today we have three providers who are going to speak 207 00:15:58,540 --> 00:16:00,040 and about their experiences. 208 00:16:00,720 --> 00:16:05,220 We have Tamara Kums, who's a certified kinship provider. 209 00:16:05,960 --> 00:16:09,120 And Rachel Buel, who's also a kinship provider. 210 00:16:09,400 --> 00:16:13,360 And then we have Jennifer Hilt, who's a foster care parent. 211 00:16:14,440 --> 00:16:17,640 And I'm going to start by reading something on behalf 212 00:16:17,640 --> 00:16:20,580 as to Mara Kulms, if you want to come up tomorrow. 213 00:16:21,980 --> 00:16:23,500 Yeah, come on up. Yeah, try me. 214 00:16:24,460 --> 00:16:24,940 Okay, 215 00:16:31,280 --> 00:16:32,560 this was her invite to Mara. 216 00:16:33,140 --> 00:16:37,280 A little girl, engaged five, came to live with me in November of 2025. 217 00:16:38,180 --> 00:16:42,820 I'm December 5th, 2025. I took it to the doctor's suit to a low-grade fever 218 00:16:42,820 --> 00:16:47,260 and pain in her back. She was diagnosed with stage three cancer. 219 00:16:48,140 --> 00:16:52,560 I went straight into panic mode. The adjustment of fostering was one thing. 220 00:16:52,820 --> 00:16:56,780 but now carrying for a little girl with cancer and felt scary with so many unknowns. 221 00:16:57,940 --> 00:17:01,560 I had already made several financial cuts so that I could have her. 222 00:17:02,200 --> 00:17:05,180 As a single provider, I wasn't sure how it was going to manage. 223 00:17:06,400 --> 00:17:11,560 I did know that I would not give up on her. Not carrying for her was simply not an option. 224 00:17:12,740 --> 00:17:16,120 I reached out to my caseworkers and advised them of the diagnosis. 225 00:17:17,300 --> 00:17:20,040 My caseworker and Colorado has been amazing through the process. 226 00:17:20,040 --> 00:17:25,140 always remain in common and always having an answer for me and making resources available to me. 227 00:17:26,140 --> 00:17:31,760 I have an incredible support system between work, friends, and family, and I can guarantee I 228 00:17:31,760 --> 00:17:37,460 probably would not have made it through the last year without their support. The cancer treatments 229 00:17:37,460 --> 00:17:42,840 made it difficult to build a bond with her as she was physically and emotionally going through so much 230 00:17:42,840 --> 00:17:49,140 trauma, and that was the only one that should take out her frustration, confusion, and fear on. 231 00:17:50,540 --> 00:17:53,660 And to her, at that time, I was still a bit of a stranger. 232 00:17:54,900 --> 00:17:57,100 I spent quite a few days and nights and tears. 233 00:17:57,760 --> 00:18:00,820 But over time she began to trust me and depend on me, 234 00:18:00,920 --> 00:18:03,940 and I became the person she looked to to get through the heart days. 235 00:18:04,620 --> 00:18:07,380 I had to learn through this experience to let go of control. 236 00:18:08,280 --> 00:18:10,680 My dear routine was to fight her for me by doctors, 237 00:18:10,880 --> 00:18:12,300 which is challenging for me. 238 00:18:13,260 --> 00:18:16,500 After this experience, I will say one of the most important things to have 239 00:18:16,500 --> 00:18:18,260 if you're planning on being a cancer provider 240 00:18:18,260 --> 00:18:20,160 as a strong support system. 241 00:18:21,000 --> 00:18:23,260 I am blessed to have the people I have in my life. 242 00:18:23,480 --> 00:18:25,500 And I am blessed that I have parent in my life. 243 00:18:26,140 --> 00:18:28,300 She is an amazing, vibrant, intelligent, 244 00:18:28,660 --> 00:18:30,940 and beautiful little girl who is my hero. 245 00:18:34,240 --> 00:18:36,800 Rachel, you all, if you want to come up and share? 246 00:18:46,060 --> 00:18:46,500 Good morning. 247 00:18:47,380 --> 00:18:49,760 The 16 days from now will mark the two-year anniversary 248 00:18:49,760 --> 00:18:51,320 of a phone call that I received. 249 00:18:51,880 --> 00:18:53,240 I thought it was a play date request. 250 00:18:53,540 --> 00:18:54,780 So I was already thinking about 251 00:18:54,780 --> 00:18:59,900 some leaves and crunchy leaves on the trampoline for my six-year-old and her bestie. 252 00:19:01,120 --> 00:19:05,760 But what I heard on the phone was not what I expected. I heard a mother in crisis. 253 00:19:07,220 --> 00:19:14,320 She had nobody else to turn to. She asked if her six-year-old daughter and her eight-month-old son 254 00:19:14,320 --> 00:19:20,040 could come and live with us for a little while and our house was certainly not outfitted to be a family 255 00:19:20,040 --> 00:19:27,940 of sex and was not baby-proofed. And we had all the forgotten smell of pure green beans by 256 00:19:27,940 --> 00:19:33,860 this point. But these two children that we already deeply cared for needed us. They needed 257 00:19:33,860 --> 00:19:42,100 a yes. And when you're there, people regardless of blood, you say yes. And you figure out the rest. 258 00:19:42,420 --> 00:19:47,960 And the rest is what I wanted to draw attention to today. As you would expect, doctors appointments, 259 00:19:47,960 --> 00:19:53,800 dentists, appointments, academic tutoring, those sorts of things, but what I didn't expect 260 00:19:53,800 --> 00:20:00,980 was just how busy it is to be a child in foster care. Case for her visits, conversations 261 00:20:00,980 --> 00:20:07,260 with Guardian and Lidham, weekly costs of visits, scheduled family time with Mom, scheduled 262 00:20:07,260 --> 00:20:13,480 family time with Dad, which could be separate in a lot of cases or in some cases. On separate 263 00:20:13,480 --> 00:20:20,400 days. All of those things are very important. And it's important to keep in mind, though, that 264 00:20:20,400 --> 00:20:26,160 they're all being added to the calendar of a child. A child who already has a full-time 265 00:20:27,040 --> 00:20:36,360 job of being a child. Her schedule was at one point in first grade. It became too much 266 00:20:36,360 --> 00:20:42,520 for her and she broke down. There were just too many obligations to many adults who needed 267 00:20:43,900 --> 00:20:49,700 her five day a week schedule was completely full of one to three requirements. 268 00:20:50,960 --> 00:20:54,440 So that's when I realized that one of the most important jobs that I had was to protect 269 00:20:54,440 --> 00:20:56,080 some empty space in her calendar. 270 00:20:57,840 --> 00:21:03,660 And I make calls, I pulled strings, I pushed, I hounded, I finagled, I rearranged, I got creative 271 00:21:04,220 --> 00:21:08,440 so that I could get just one day for her. 272 00:21:08,440 --> 00:21:20,360 We throw around a phrase in child welfare a lot, the best interest of the child, it took me longer than I wish it had to realize that sometimes the best interest of the child is a Tuesday afternoon. 273 00:21:21,720 --> 00:21:32,620 Nothing to schedule, nothing to process, nobody coming over just a Tuesday afternoon, because childhood does not stop when adults are making important decisions about your life. 274 00:21:32,620 --> 00:21:37,620 And that's one of the things I just didn't understand about foster care until we were living it. 275 00:21:38,400 --> 00:21:42,740 So as we recognize Kinship caregivers today, that was something from our journey that I wanted to share. 276 00:21:43,220 --> 00:21:50,520 Because now when I think about caring for a child in foster care, I think about those important people and important supports and services. 277 00:21:50,720 --> 00:21:59,620 But I also think about the Tuesday afternoon, a backpack thrown on the floor and running outside to play with friends until dinner time. 278 00:22:00,120 --> 00:22:03,940 and a little girl who just gets to be a kid. 279 00:22:04,340 --> 00:22:05,040 Thank you. 280 00:22:05,300 --> 00:22:06,920 Thank you so much for sharing your story. 281 00:22:13,680 --> 00:22:16,000 And then we have Foster Care Provider Jennifer Hills. 282 00:22:21,980 --> 00:22:22,140 Welcome. 283 00:22:24,610 --> 00:22:25,170 Thank you. 284 00:22:26,850 --> 00:22:29,970 Hey, my name is Jennifer Hopes, and I've been Liesons Foster Parent and Lamer. 285 00:22:30,000 --> 00:22:59,980 County for a little over two and a half years. But I feel like I've lived to many lives in those two and a half years. I have learned, and do believe, one of the most important skills to value and cultivate as a foster parent is connection. Early on, you hear all of the time, parenting classes, connection before correction, connecting with the children and our cares obvious, but the connection between foster parents and families, where they've been appropriate, of course. Connection between caseworkers and GALs and casas and schools and all of the people coming together to 286 00:22:59,980 --> 00:23:02,080 around these kids and families for support. 287 00:23:03,220 --> 00:23:05,640 Looking at my journey towards choosing to become a foster parent, 288 00:23:05,840 --> 00:23:08,380 I can definitely connect the benefits from my past experiences 289 00:23:08,380 --> 00:23:10,660 with the betterment of myself as a foster parent. 290 00:23:11,600 --> 00:23:14,600 I have a somewhat unorthodox journey leading up to this point 291 00:23:14,600 --> 00:23:16,880 and I've dabbled in a few careers before settling, 292 00:23:17,580 --> 00:23:21,480 but I believe those experiences truly have helped me to be the best foster parent I can be. 293 00:23:22,920 --> 00:23:26,820 In college, I loved learning about psychology. I took as many 294 00:23:26,820 --> 00:23:32,320 site classes that I could have normal site, developmental, even cognitive neuroscience, but 295 00:23:32,320 --> 00:23:36,760 the one I found the most fascinating was called the psychology of at risk youth, and 296 00:23:36,760 --> 00:23:37,920 that planted the seed. 297 00:23:39,860 --> 00:23:45,400 I later worked as a paraprofessional in elementary and middle school, and that gave me insight 298 00:23:45,400 --> 00:23:50,160 into the education system, and the importance of advocacy in the creative ways you can encourage 299 00:23:50,160 --> 00:23:51,580 and cultivate a level of learning. 300 00:23:51,580 --> 00:23:56,540 And now that I've settled for the past few years into my current role as a builder for pediatric therapies, 301 00:23:57,140 --> 00:24:02,980 I'm able to see the immense benefit in connecting kids with services like occupational therapy, 302 00:24:03,540 --> 00:24:08,820 speech therapy, physical therapy, music and equine therapy, and that tremendous impact they can make on healing. 303 00:24:09,780 --> 00:24:14,560 It is also offered me the adequate of being surrounded every day by smart and caring people, 304 00:24:14,780 --> 00:24:20,080 always willing to help me brainstorm creative new strategies for managing and managing behaviors. 305 00:24:20,880 --> 00:24:26,560 When I first began fostering I was living with my sister and at the time seven year old nephew and we decided to get 306 00:24:26,560 --> 00:24:32,500 licensed together and start this crazy journey. Because of the close connection I have with my sisters, I've always 307 00:24:32,500 --> 00:24:38,100 felt a strong belief in the power of the sibling bond and importance of keeping siblings together. We chose to 308 00:24:38,100 --> 00:24:45,230 start out easing ourselves into this world by just offering respite care. That lasted about a month 309 00:24:45,990 --> 00:24:53,030 as a respite provider until before we had our first respite placement of weight court for siblings. 310 00:24:54,570 --> 00:25:01,410 That turned into an eight month long term placement where midway through my sister and if you moved. 311 00:25:02,470 --> 00:25:05,650 Looking back, I sometimes wonder how I did that to myself. 312 00:25:06,690 --> 00:25:13,110 But near this essay, when they returned home around Christmas, I was devastated and truly did not think I could continue to foster. 313 00:25:13,790 --> 00:25:18,410 But in February, I completed my research application and with a little time and a bit of therapy. 314 00:25:18,930 --> 00:25:22,110 I found myself saying yes to a placement of two boys a couple of months later. 315 00:25:23,010 --> 00:25:26,190 Oh, boy, those boys give me a run for my money. Let me tell you. 316 00:25:27,890 --> 00:25:31,170 I did not a lot from that placement. It's got very fast. One of them was a runner. 317 00:25:32,270 --> 00:25:34,870 And over time developed a really good relationship with their mom. 318 00:25:35,430 --> 00:25:39,450 When they were able to return home in December, I was genuinely so happy for their family. 319 00:25:39,970 --> 00:25:52,690 Don't get me wrong. It isn't all rainbows and butterflies navigating within the system. Sometimes there are holes in communication, frustratingly long promises, staff turnover, confusing procedures and muddy roles, but I love children and I love to help. 320 00:25:52,990 --> 00:25:59,770 So I continue to choose to foster and do my best in my role supporting families and loving and advocating fiercely for the children of my care. 321 00:25:59,770 --> 00:26:02,190 I genuinely choose to believe the best in people 322 00:26:02,190 --> 00:26:03,710 and know that healing is possible. 323 00:26:04,110 --> 00:26:05,130 I've seen it. 324 00:26:05,150 --> 00:26:07,090 I've witnessed beautiful relationships formed 325 00:26:07,090 --> 00:26:09,010 amid trauma and brokenness. 326 00:26:09,410 --> 00:26:10,890 The connections we make are so important 327 00:26:10,890 --> 00:26:12,170 and I am beyond grateful 328 00:26:12,170 --> 00:26:13,870 to be able to maintain relationships 329 00:26:14,410 --> 00:26:16,030 and have the opportunity to continue 330 00:26:16,030 --> 00:26:17,870 to offer support, encouragement, 331 00:26:18,310 --> 00:26:20,410 and love to my previous long-term placements 332 00:26:20,410 --> 00:26:21,310 and their families. 333 00:26:22,210 --> 00:26:24,870 As one of the greatest speakers of our time, Ted Lasso 334 00:26:24,870 --> 00:26:27,670 says, featureious, not judgmental. 335 00:26:27,670 --> 00:26:33,770 And, man, if there is one place that should exist in the benefit of a lot more curiosity and a little 336 00:26:33,770 --> 00:26:39,850 less judgment, it's a foster care system. Fortunately, I see people every day working hard to make the system 337 00:26:39,850 --> 00:26:45,530 better and doing their best to support foster parents, encourage and strengthen families and most importantly, 338 00:26:45,890 --> 00:26:50,710 care, champion, and connect with children here in Lairmore County. Thank you. 339 00:26:50,710 --> 00:26:51,770 Thank you. 340 00:26:58,710 --> 00:26:59,190 Good morning. 341 00:26:59,370 --> 00:27:00,950 Good morning, commissioners. 342 00:27:01,050 --> 00:27:02,950 Chan and Reef Deputy Director of Human Services. 343 00:27:03,510 --> 00:27:07,870 I'm humbled and honored to stand in front of you today with these amazing dedicated caregivers 344 00:27:07,870 --> 00:27:11,030 and the incredible team that walks alongside them. 345 00:27:11,450 --> 00:27:16,010 As we read this path to a Mason today, we officially honored the extraordinary heart of our community. 346 00:27:16,650 --> 00:27:22,490 Care givers who step up without hesitation to ensure our young people are safe, seen, and cared for. 347 00:27:22,490 --> 00:27:34,090 But this Proclamation may offer our heartfelt thanks to every caregiver renewing our pledge to stand beside you, support your journey, and provide you the partnership and resources you need to be successful. 348 00:27:34,930 --> 00:27:35,730 Thank you so much. 349 00:27:35,990 --> 00:27:36,710 Thank you so much. 350 00:27:37,130 --> 00:27:38,930 Appreciate y'all being here today. 351 00:27:40,230 --> 00:27:45,750 Once you and Katie both come up and we'll see you both being here and we'll read the Proclamation a minute. 352 00:27:45,750 --> 00:27:52,110 But first, I'll see if we're going to get questions first and we'll see if there's any questions 353 00:27:52,110 --> 00:27:52,830 for the commissioners. 354 00:27:52,990 --> 00:27:54,030 Start with Commissioner Capolis. 355 00:27:56,280 --> 00:27:58,200 I do not have any questions. 356 00:27:59,200 --> 00:27:59,580 Commissioner Stevens? 357 00:28:00,440 --> 00:28:00,540 Yeah. 358 00:28:00,640 --> 00:28:01,700 Thank you both for being here. 359 00:28:02,000 --> 00:28:07,140 One of the questions I have is how many, can you let folks know how many folks that we have 360 00:28:07,140 --> 00:28:11,200 that are either doing kinship care or foster care in our community? 361 00:28:12,260 --> 00:28:13,580 Just enough to be exact. 362 00:28:14,320 --> 00:28:14,580 Yeah. 363 00:28:14,580 --> 00:28:23,040 But the foster care number is a little hard to say because there's some, we have some 364 00:28:23,040 --> 00:28:27,180 birth certified foster parents that currently have placements, some that don't. 365 00:28:28,040 --> 00:28:35,260 But approximately between 30 and 40, and any given day foster care providers, and we, as 366 00:28:35,260 --> 00:28:42,460 far as the kinship numbers, I have been really proud to say that's been an effort in our 367 00:28:42,460 --> 00:28:48,200 for the last year, longer than last year, but some significant improvement in the last year 368 00:28:48,200 --> 00:28:54,620 in our efforts to place with Ken, and I think the last number that I heard was that we were 369 00:28:54,620 --> 00:29:00,320 creeping up towards 70% of kinships, placements being in Lairmer County, which is higher than 370 00:29:00,320 --> 00:29:08,480 we've been, and really getting near our goal of 8%. Great, thank you. That was my question, 371 00:29:08,480 --> 00:29:15,800 so we'll make your repeat it. So we're going to go ahead then and have commissioner Stevens read 372 00:29:15,800 --> 00:29:20,780 the proclamation and make the motion and then we'll make some comments before we vote on it. 373 00:29:21,020 --> 00:29:25,080 Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. This is a proclamation 374 00:29:25,080 --> 00:29:32,280 designating September 2026 as caregiver appreciation month. Whereas every child in Learmor County 375 00:29:32,280 --> 00:29:37,620 deserves a loving, stable and supportive home and our community flourishes when families, 376 00:29:37,620 --> 00:29:41,720 caregivers and local partners stand together to protect and nurture our youth. 377 00:29:42,640 --> 00:29:47,480 And whereas Kinship caregivers, including grandparents, relatives, and close family 378 00:29:47,480 --> 00:29:53,360 friends, alongside dedicated foster families, and by the extraordinary compassion by opening 379 00:29:53,360 --> 00:29:57,360 their hearts and homes to children in times of crisis and transition. 380 00:29:58,300 --> 00:29:59,960 And whereas in late 2020... 381 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:11,540 May 5, the Lairmer County Department of Human Services, operationalized a division-wide teaming model, founded on the core belief that the child and family outcome is everyone's outcome. 382 00:30:12,420 --> 00:30:19,120 Uniting teams across the agency to support caregiver families early and keep children connected to their loved ones. 383 00:30:19,120 --> 00:30:27,280 And whereas Lairmer County's collaborative approach, prioritizes Kinship Care as an initial placement option from day one. 384 00:30:27,900 --> 00:30:35,740 Minimizing trauma and preserving essential family bonds, cultural heritage and community connections for children entering care. 385 00:30:36,540 --> 00:30:43,360 And whereas if Kinship Care is unavailable, Lairmer County's prioritization of Lairmer County foster homes 386 00:30:43,360 --> 00:30:49,220 to allow children to stay in their communities, schools, and connected to parents, minimizing 387 00:30:49,220 --> 00:30:55,680 changing of schools, friends, and routines. And whereas, though early intervention and proactive 388 00:30:55,680 --> 00:31:02,960 support grounded in relational care, through early intervention and proactive support grounded 389 00:31:02,960 --> 00:31:07,920 in relational care, Lairmer County has strengthened placements stability, successfully reducing 390 00:31:07,920 --> 00:31:14,200 placement move rates by 40 percent. And whereas a vast array of community organizations such 391 00:31:14,200 --> 00:31:19,640 as Summit Stone Health Partners, the Jacob Center, the Matthews House, Casa, Colorado State 392 00:31:19,640 --> 00:31:26,320 University, and others provide indispensable resources, advocacy, and guidance to empower caregivers 393 00:31:26,320 --> 00:31:32,360 and strengthen families. And whereas we honor the unwavering commitment of foster parents, 394 00:31:32,360 --> 00:31:38,260 relationship caregivers and child welfare professionals whose dedication ensures that every child 395 00:31:38,260 --> 00:31:44,380 receives the stability, love, and sense of belonging that they deserve. Now, therefore, 396 00:31:44,600 --> 00:31:48,340 be it resolved that the Board of County Commissioners of Lairmer County does here 397 00:31:48,340 --> 00:31:54,600 bribe per claim September 2026 as caregiver appreciation month, calling upon all residents to 398 00:31:54,600 --> 00:31:59,780 celebrate honor and support the remarkable caregivers who build a brighter, more resilient 399 00:31:59,780 --> 00:32:06,060 future for our community. And then I'll move to the motion. Thank you. I move to approve the 400 00:32:06,060 --> 00:32:11,860 Proclamation declaring September 2026 as caregiver appreciation month. Thank you, Commissioner 401 00:32:11,860 --> 00:32:16,520 Stevens. Would you like to go ahead and start with comments? Sure. Thank you, Madam Chair. Well, 402 00:32:16,520 --> 00:32:21,200 thank you, Shannon Kay, for being here. And thank you for tomorrow, Rachel and Jennifer, for sharing 403 00:32:21,200 --> 00:32:26,760 your stories. Really, just really grateful that we have such kind and giving people in our community 404 00:32:26,760 --> 00:32:31,660 think of back to children. Thank you for all the staff that are here to for the work that you do 405 00:32:31,660 --> 00:32:38,380 to support those families. Really is so important. Things like a scary cancer diagnosis or 406 00:32:38,380 --> 00:32:42,820 or not, you know, being familiar with an infant anymore. I mean those are very 407 00:32:43,500 --> 00:32:48,320 things that people can't necessarily always navigate on their own. And so having that support team 408 00:32:48,320 --> 00:32:54,180 available for people who are willing to open up their homes generously, open up their homes to take 409 00:32:54,180 --> 00:33:01,940 of little ones is just something I'm glad we're able to acknowledge and applaud and let 410 00:33:01,940 --> 00:33:07,340 our community know that we are a giving community and that we care about the kids in our 411 00:33:07,340 --> 00:33:12,980 community. So well done everyone, you know, encourage people to find out if you're interested 412 00:33:12,980 --> 00:33:20,060 in being a foster parent. It is a wonderful way to give back to our community and the children of 413 00:33:20,060 --> 00:33:28,580 community. So just really always grateful to have the opportunity to give thanks for this kind of work in our community. Thanks everyone. 414 00:33:29,300 --> 00:33:30,140 Thank you, Commissioner Stephens. 415 00:33:30,220 --> 00:33:32,240 Commissioner Cifos, would you like to make some comments? 416 00:33:33,940 --> 00:33:44,220 Yes. First of all, thank you to the folks that are here. Certainly the caregivers. 417 00:33:45,740 --> 00:33:53,700 foster parents, kinship caregivers, appreciate you being brave and vulnerable to sharing 418 00:33:53,700 --> 00:34:03,440 your personal stories. To team effort as I always say, and also many thanks to the folks 419 00:34:03,440 --> 00:34:08,980 who work in this profession child welfare trial protection, I understand it's not an easy 420 00:34:08,980 --> 00:34:16,540 profession, lots of things to consider, but I think we do a great job here in 421 00:34:16,540 --> 00:34:17,520 Lairmore County. 422 00:34:20,080 --> 00:34:23,660 I think one of the most fundamental important responsibilities of the 423 00:34:23,660 --> 00:34:29,320 county is to make sure that the children are well and it's really not rocket science to 424 00:34:29,320 --> 00:34:41,140 know that a child growing up in a safe, loving, nurturing environment as much greater 425 00:34:41,140 --> 00:34:44,620 chances of being successful and moving forward in their lives. 426 00:34:45,720 --> 00:34:52,200 So I think the Kenji of Care folks and foster parents, the child welfare professionals, 427 00:34:52,820 --> 00:34:59,440 we do a great job to make sure that more and more kids, especially children that are at risk, 428 00:34:59,820 --> 00:35:05,760 have that kind of setting to grow up in and have the potential greater potential to live 429 00:35:05,760 --> 00:35:08,520 out their lives in a meaningful, fulfilling way. 430 00:35:09,160 --> 00:35:16,260 So thank you all very much, glad we're doing the proclamation, you deserve all sorts of appreciation 431 00:35:17,020 --> 00:35:25,440 and prizes and more money to praise the kids and it's also heartening when I think at least 432 00:35:25,440 --> 00:35:33,620 one person shared maybe a couple of folks that after a period of time, I mean the goal is to 433 00:35:33,620 --> 00:35:39,640 you and my family that makes sense and that's possible and I think often it is and I think 434 00:35:39,640 --> 00:35:49,380 it helps that it's a team effort. I've shared in the past that my wife's sisters in 435 00:35:49,380 --> 00:35:58,680 loveland was a foster parent for some a child who was quite abused very young and they were 436 00:35:58,680 --> 00:36:06,720 together for until that young person aged out, so it was over 10 years, and we still have 437 00:36:06,720 --> 00:36:12,360 a relationship with that young woman who has a family and trying to make a goal of life, 438 00:36:13,040 --> 00:36:17,800 so I think what you all do is really, really wonderful and important, and thank you very 439 00:36:17,800 --> 00:36:18,140 much. 440 00:36:19,720 --> 00:36:20,240 Thank you. 441 00:36:20,460 --> 00:36:21,100 Thank you. 442 00:36:23,830 --> 00:36:30,590 First, Shannon, listen, Katie, thank you for organizing all this today to bring all these 443 00:36:30,590 --> 00:36:38,410 wonderful folks and your wonderful staff for this recognition of the work that you do, and 444 00:36:38,410 --> 00:36:44,590 then to organize and bring some amazing folks, especially someone quoting Ted Lasso, that's 445 00:36:44,590 --> 00:36:49,990 pretty cool, that would just appreciate all the work you do. 446 00:36:50,750 --> 00:36:56,690 And I think, you know, looking, thinking about this, and I have some friends who are 447 00:36:56,690 --> 00:37:00,750 leadership providers in another part of the state. 448 00:37:01,290 --> 00:37:08,130 And it does make a huge difference in the lives of the children for sure, but you know, 449 00:37:08,210 --> 00:37:10,090 everyone around it, it's impactful. 450 00:37:10,810 --> 00:37:17,970 And I feel like, when you talk about the teaming and operationalizing the teaming, it's 451 00:37:17,970 --> 00:37:23,730 and how you brought these two together in one proclamation, it just really is focused on 452 00:37:23,730 --> 00:37:24,690 that core belief. 453 00:37:24,690 --> 00:37:26,290 And I know it says in a proclamation, 454 00:37:26,330 --> 00:37:28,110 but I just want to emphasize that, again, 455 00:37:28,910 --> 00:37:29,850 that the core believed it. 456 00:37:30,000 --> 00:37:37,500 Child and family outcome is everyone's outcome. And I know that you all recognize that all care, both of 457 00:37:37,500 --> 00:37:44,920 these kinship care of foster care, both forms of care, really transform trauma into trust. 458 00:37:47,140 --> 00:37:47,720 Uncertainty 459 00:37:47,720 --> 00:37:54,140 into nurturing environments and improving that safety is not just providing a safe place, physical 460 00:37:54,140 --> 00:37:59,280 place, but really a promise that no one's going to, there are a lot of people care about you 461 00:37:59,280 --> 00:38:01,980 won't give up on you for the children. So, and so important. 462 00:38:04,800 --> 00:38:07,220 And I just, this is such an impactful 463 00:38:08,680 --> 00:38:14,320 proclamation, and I want to thank Tamara and Rachel and Jennifer for sharing their stories. 464 00:38:15,780 --> 00:38:23,260 And especially, you know, Tamara, I just, I'm glad you had some read your story in that you came and stood. 465 00:38:23,580 --> 00:38:29,080 And we can send you lots of love and care, because I can't imagine how scary that all has been. 466 00:38:29,080 --> 00:38:35,020 to do what deal with cancer and especially with a child who just probably doesn't understand what 467 00:38:35,020 --> 00:38:42,480 the heck's going on. And you provided a rock of foundation and love and support. And that speaks 468 00:38:42,480 --> 00:38:50,520 volumes to who you are and I just wanted to say thank you. And to Rachel, taking in your child's 469 00:38:51,400 --> 00:39:17,560 And the brother, I mean, just wonderful loving family to bring in, and not an extra layer of familiarity and someone knowing that, you know, that being that just as volumes is speaking of how that probably helped that those two children have a much easier transition, because they had somewhere familiar and safe that they are new and so that's pretty cool. 470 00:39:17,560 --> 00:39:25,320 And Jennifer just, you know, I think about, and I'm not sure who said I talked about Karen 471 00:39:25,320 --> 00:39:30,880 connection, but, yeah, being curious and trying to be open and thinking about, you know, 472 00:39:31,000 --> 00:39:34,700 especially not being judgmental, we're all walking through this life and we don't know at any 473 00:39:34,700 --> 00:39:40,100 time at any time day where so when it was that we look at the street, smile at them and you don't know 474 00:39:40,100 --> 00:39:42,640 how bad their day is. 475 00:39:45,720 --> 00:39:49,020 It's meaningful today, so Karen can actually every day with everybody. 476 00:39:49,420 --> 00:39:51,360 even stranger is so important. 477 00:39:54,240 --> 00:39:57,580 So well, thank you so much for bringing these wonderful people 478 00:39:57,580 --> 00:40:00,200 today and just really impactful. 479 00:40:00,980 --> 00:40:05,320 So we appreciate all that you're doing and the hard work. 480 00:40:06,220 --> 00:40:08,260 But it's really about love, caring, connection, 481 00:40:08,400 --> 00:40:09,600 and I just want to say thanks. 482 00:40:11,840 --> 00:40:13,980 So our promotion on the table. 483 00:40:14,740 --> 00:40:18,100 But first I'm going to ask Lorenda to add any extra comment 484 00:40:18,100 --> 00:40:20,140 She'd like to make. Thank you. 485 00:40:20,280 --> 00:40:21,900 I just want to say thank you. 486 00:40:22,300 --> 00:40:25,140 Caregivers are a special kind of people. 487 00:40:25,940 --> 00:40:28,580 And we got to meet you today, and thank you for coming. 488 00:40:29,280 --> 00:40:30,840 It's vulnerable to tell your story. 489 00:40:31,420 --> 00:40:34,860 It's sort of microphone, and it feels uncomfortable, and it's so important. 490 00:40:35,860 --> 00:40:38,460 And to the staff who support them, thank you. 491 00:40:38,960 --> 00:40:41,760 This work could not be done without you, and it is not easy work. 492 00:40:42,000 --> 00:40:43,840 Being a caregiver or being a support staff. 493 00:40:44,400 --> 00:40:46,460 So you are a great team, great team together. 494 00:40:47,080 --> 00:40:54,560 Shannon or Katie, if people want it to be inspired by this and sign up to become a certified foster caregiver, how might they do that? 495 00:40:55,140 --> 00:41:02,400 They could go on our website and we are actually really trying to increase our outreach and recruitment. 496 00:41:02,720 --> 00:41:09,460 So if they wouldn't go on our website and inquire, Melissa Van Coen would actually get back to them and give them some information. 497 00:41:09,660 --> 00:41:13,400 And we would love to have as many foster parents as are interested. 498 00:41:13,940 --> 00:41:14,320 Wonderful. 499 00:41:14,440 --> 00:41:15,360 Thank you. 500 00:41:17,280 --> 00:41:22,920 Thank you and forgive my emotional thing, but just talk about wrenching my heart into something 501 00:41:22,920 --> 00:41:25,280 I appreciate it. Thank you to staff and to 502 00:41:25,800 --> 00:41:32,720 To tomorrow Rachel and Jenin for we appreciate all of that and we're gonna pop. We're gonna make this vote and we're gonna pause and take a photo with a 503 00:41:32,720 --> 00:41:34,940 Proclamation, so we will start 504 00:41:35,440 --> 00:41:37,280 Just by taking this vote and 505 00:41:38,240 --> 00:41:41,020 There's motion on the table all those in favor. I 506 00:41:41,020 --> 00:41:46,600 All right passes three zero for those of you online. We're gonna take a brief moment to take this photo on number 507 00:41:46,600 --> 00:41:49,200 be returning momentarily. Thank you. 508 00:41:56,590 --> 00:41:59,190 Thank you all for your patience as though we returned from 509 00:41:59,190 --> 00:42:06,110 doing our population designated September 226. It's caregiver appreciation month and this is for 510 00:42:06,110 --> 00:42:12,790 honoring the vital role of foster parents, caregivers and child welfare professionals that just 511 00:42:12,790 --> 00:42:18,810 tirelessly and lovingly provide stable support of homes for youth and there's just just amazing 512 00:42:18,810 --> 00:42:24,170 working to being done just it's just amazing what we just learned. So we're moving on the agenda. 513 00:42:24,330 --> 00:42:29,530 We have a county manager update. Lorinda, I know you've been busy lots of budget things as well. 514 00:42:29,750 --> 00:42:33,930 I'll turn it over to you. Lots of budget things. Thank you. So those were a very time 515 00:42:33,930 --> 00:42:38,950 consuming the past week as we've been for the weeks before. And you know, I regularly meet with 516 00:42:38,950 --> 00:42:43,730 leaders across the region. This past week I met with us just part-town manager Travis Machaylic 517 00:42:43,730 --> 00:42:47,550 and see a extension for our arranged regional director, 518 00:42:48,250 --> 00:42:48,730 Kerry Rollins. 519 00:42:48,930 --> 00:42:51,570 I also met internally with our coroner, Stephen Hanks, 520 00:42:51,650 --> 00:42:52,930 and our sheriff, John Fein. 521 00:42:53,030 --> 00:42:53,970 Thank you for the time. 522 00:42:54,310 --> 00:42:55,130 Everyone's been. 523 00:42:55,510 --> 00:42:57,810 It's really important to collaborate and coordinate. 524 00:42:58,510 --> 00:43:01,030 Commissioner Kofollas and I had the opportunity 525 00:43:01,030 --> 00:43:04,090 to hear a client speak at the Community Corrections 526 00:43:04,090 --> 00:43:05,930 Advisory Board this past week. 527 00:43:06,230 --> 00:43:10,950 What a moving experience and a real testament to the work 528 00:43:10,950 --> 00:43:15,670 that our staff does to support people, meet the where they are and give them the kind of 529 00:43:15,670 --> 00:43:20,450 support that they need regardless of where they come from or how hard life they have been 530 00:43:20,450 --> 00:43:26,490 before. And then finally, you know, I'm on the Board of Directors for the Association of Colorado 531 00:43:26,490 --> 00:43:31,310 County Administrators. We had a board meeting last week. I am in charge of the education program 532 00:43:31,310 --> 00:43:37,290 for the year and so we did some planning around that about how we can better support our commissioners 533 00:43:37,290 --> 00:43:44,190 and our staff. That's it. Thank you. Thank you, Lorenda. I appreciate you if I have questions for Lorenda. 534 00:43:44,890 --> 00:43:49,010 All right, we'll go on to Commissioner reports. We'll start with Commissioner Kofollis. 535 00:43:49,130 --> 00:43:54,010 Once again, I will yield my time. Commissioner Stevens. 536 00:43:54,930 --> 00:44:04,030 Yeah, just a couple things for me. So first on Tuesday evening, last week, I went up to Wellington to 537 00:44:04,030 --> 00:44:11,570 their work session with our MPO, Metropolitan Planning Organization, Executive Director, Elizabeth 538 00:44:11,570 --> 00:44:17,730 Relford. Wellington is very interested in joining the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning 539 00:44:17,730 --> 00:44:24,430 Organization, which is an organization that does regional planning between Weld and 540 00:44:24,430 --> 00:44:29,310 Lairmer County. Right now, there are a member of the upper front range transportation 541 00:44:29,310 --> 00:44:36,270 planning region and they don't feel like they have a lot in common or common needs with the 542 00:44:36,270 --> 00:44:42,350 communities that are in the upper front range TPR which include which includes Morgan County 543 00:44:42,350 --> 00:44:50,550 and rural areas of Weld and Lairmer County. They would like to be with their 544 00:44:50,550 --> 00:44:57,210 peer cities where they have commute patterns like Fort Collins. They're very interested and 545 00:44:57,210 --> 00:44:59,510 or urbanized transportation. 546 00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:12,000 Including multimodal and potentially transit. And so they really feel like being in an urbanized areas where they belong, clearly, a third largest community in Lairmer County. 547 00:45:12,780 --> 00:45:20,160 So Elizabeth and I discussed sort of what it looks like to join the North front range MPL and leave the upper front range TPR. 548 00:45:21,180 --> 00:45:28,000 They were not included in that urbanized area during the last census, which is how that would normally happen. 549 00:45:28,580 --> 00:45:31,440 And they don't want to wait till the next census. 550 00:45:31,820 --> 00:45:34,480 We feel like it might be a good time for them to make that move. 551 00:45:35,740 --> 00:45:42,640 So that requires them being sort of released from the upper front range TPR and accepted into the North 552 00:45:42,640 --> 00:45:44,560 front range MPO. 553 00:45:44,740 --> 00:45:49,900 So both those entities need to agree, the members and those entities need to agree to that 554 00:45:49,900 --> 00:45:50,280 move. 555 00:45:50,620 --> 00:45:53,180 And then there needs to be support from the governor. 556 00:45:53,180 --> 00:45:58,720 So that that will be an ongoing conversation as we look at the possibility of that happening, 557 00:45:58,940 --> 00:46:06,540 but like I said, it would help them to be part of that regional transportation planning, 558 00:46:07,100 --> 00:46:13,230 that they desire. Their commute patterns support this. They are also part of their 559 00:46:13,780 --> 00:46:21,480 community is in the non-attainment area for ground level ozone. And so there are numerous reasons 560 00:46:21,480 --> 00:46:27,600 why this move makes sense so we will look to see if we can get support from the member communities 561 00:46:27,600 --> 00:46:32,260 and go from there but I think they really appreciated the presentation and learning more about 562 00:46:32,260 --> 00:46:37,620 what it means to be in an MPO, what an MPO does and how they can be active members in the MPO. 563 00:46:37,720 --> 00:46:42,760 So it was a great discussion that we had. Then on Thursday I did receive notice that I received 564 00:46:42,760 --> 00:46:50,220 the Robe Dell Fellowship so that is a national fellowship for local and state leaders 565 00:46:50,220 --> 00:46:54,600 to read and discuss texts that are essential to our democracy. 566 00:46:55,320 --> 00:46:57,920 So, really excited to get to work on that. 567 00:46:57,940 --> 00:47:00,280 I appreciate a fellowship that includes reading. 568 00:47:01,180 --> 00:47:05,760 And then finally, on Thursday evening, celebrated without reach for Collins, 569 00:47:07,020 --> 00:47:10,600 they have been doing work in our community for 10 years. 570 00:47:11,400 --> 00:47:13,760 For the folks who don't know about reach for Collins, 571 00:47:17,080 --> 00:47:24,180 In the downtown area and near the main public library, they give resources to people experiencing homelessness. 572 00:47:25,280 --> 00:47:28,820 They do things as simple as maybe helping them write a letter to a loved one, 573 00:47:29,220 --> 00:47:33,680 but they do things as big as reunification and finding people housing. 574 00:47:34,940 --> 00:47:37,440 And so they're sort of the eyes and ears on the ground. 575 00:47:37,440 --> 00:47:44,220 If business owners need help with maybe behaviors that are not illegal, but certainly 576 00:47:44,220 --> 00:47:50,100 are concerning, reach for columns as they are to help those business owners sort of deal 577 00:47:50,100 --> 00:47:50,860 with that. 578 00:47:51,400 --> 00:47:57,600 So really happy to celebrate with them, to raise some dollars with them and to celebrate 579 00:47:57,600 --> 00:48:01,580 the work which I think is pretty unique to a lot of communities. 580 00:48:01,840 --> 00:48:04,940 They don't really necessarily have sort of a street outreach program. 581 00:48:05,560 --> 00:48:12,620 This program was based on a program that when I was sitting for Collins, we looked into a program that was being done in Burlington, Vermont. 582 00:48:13,200 --> 00:48:19,360 But I think that street outreach for Collins has really taken that model and just expanded it in new ways. 583 00:48:20,280 --> 00:48:23,940 And so they're again happy to celebrate with them. And that's all for me. Thank you. 584 00:48:24,740 --> 00:48:27,680 Thank you, Commissioner Stephens and congratulations on your fellowship. 585 00:48:28,720 --> 00:48:35,960 So I'll start back with, September 15th, I attended the Fort Collins Latinee Hispanic Heritage 586 00:48:35,960 --> 00:48:41,160 Month's Reception and Proclamation, which was well attended and I actually handed out 587 00:48:41,160 --> 00:48:47,660 our population to the one in board members who's working on their setting up a museum. 588 00:48:47,920 --> 00:48:51,120 I think it says statewide museum and they were there to share and they're going to actually 589 00:48:51,120 --> 00:48:55,280 at our proclamation into the museum as a local, 590 00:48:55,280 --> 00:48:58,160 as an example, a local proclamation work. 591 00:48:58,380 --> 00:48:59,700 And so, really excited about that. 592 00:49:00,060 --> 00:49:02,500 Then I went to the lovelin, proclamation was, 593 00:49:02,500 --> 00:49:04,640 and lovelin city council, which 594 00:49:04,640 --> 00:49:07,860 do does our proclamations now before their meetings 595 00:49:07,860 --> 00:49:09,520 and outside on the steps. 596 00:49:09,800 --> 00:49:13,900 And so, I was able to give that proclamation heart and soul 597 00:49:13,900 --> 00:49:16,880 of lovelin and attend that. 598 00:49:16,880 --> 00:49:26,380 and it was great the sea council of loveland was very happy that I attended and was present. 599 00:49:27,220 --> 00:49:32,720 I had some coffee with the superintendent who were school district to have some discussions 600 00:49:33,500 --> 00:49:39,120 on Wednesday about some of the things that they're coming forward and so that was really 601 00:49:39,120 --> 00:49:43,580 interesting to hear. I'm sure we're going to hear from them. I didn't care any details or anything 602 00:49:43,580 --> 00:49:48,900 about what's coming forward, but just they wanted to have just a chance to just kind 603 00:49:48,900 --> 00:49:51,420 of give us some background on the process. 604 00:49:51,740 --> 00:49:53,360 And so I learned a lot about their process. 605 00:49:54,620 --> 00:50:04,120 And then on the 17th, it was the last part day, first we also had, I met with the Carl 606 00:50:04,120 --> 00:50:09,000 for Self Council as a chair legislative committee, met with representative and speaker 607 00:50:09,000 --> 00:50:27,040 of the House on Drew Basin-Ecker, and T is actually going to take up one of our four self-council priorities, and I'm really excited about that, and so I appreciate him, and our new legislative coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources for the State, and that was a great conversation. 608 00:50:27,700 --> 00:50:38,900 And then I had my common grounds at the Kain Coffee, and I'll court and I actually had quite a few people come and even from the DeHose Valley and there's lots of conversations that we had. 609 00:50:38,900 --> 00:50:43,000 And I wanted to share that I EVX had come and wrote Miller 610 00:50:43,000 --> 00:50:46,820 and they had received a $1 million grant from the Foundation 611 00:50:46,820 --> 00:50:49,960 and they are going to be looking for a larger building 612 00:50:49,960 --> 00:50:51,820 and a renovated or doing something 613 00:50:51,820 --> 00:50:54,440 in the Justice Park and expanding the already fantastic work 614 00:50:54,440 --> 00:50:55,040 that they're doing. 615 00:50:55,720 --> 00:50:57,740 And so very excited for EVX and what they do 616 00:50:57,740 --> 00:50:59,580 for the community up there in Estus. 617 00:50:59,900 --> 00:51:02,020 They're doing great work and I just want to congratulate 618 00:51:02,020 --> 00:51:05,240 Ruth and everyone else really excited for that. 619 00:51:05,440 --> 00:51:07,960 And then we had a visit SS Park Board meeting 620 00:51:07,960 --> 00:51:16,540 on the vice chair of that board and we had a presentation about lots of things that are happening 621 00:51:18,240 --> 00:51:25,700 and about some of the work from the tourism summit, which had 150 people, but I was able 622 00:51:25,700 --> 00:51:29,260 to go last week because I see here for the proclamation and things, but they had quite a few 623 00:51:29,260 --> 00:51:34,600 people in my video message and other things as well received and it was a great summit and so 624 00:51:34,600 --> 00:51:41,540 great to hear about that. I'm very excited. I got my first glow in the dark dark sky stickers from 625 00:51:41,540 --> 00:51:48,220 Visit us with Park. I got here where I'm going to put it very cool. New stickers in the dark sky 626 00:51:48,220 --> 00:51:59,000 initiative is progressing and then I showed our choices video from our gun safety work and also 627 00:51:59,000 --> 00:52:03,780 some other information from the county and that was well received and then we say goodbye to 628 00:52:03,780 --> 00:52:09,520 the, he's been there for a few, about three or four years, Mike, who was the CFO of the 629 00:52:09,520 --> 00:52:17,140 Visitors Park, he's retiring and moving on and so now we have, forgot his name, but a person 630 00:52:17,140 --> 00:52:24,000 who's local and he is actually going to be a phenomenal addition, I believe. So it was very 631 00:52:24,000 --> 00:52:28,740 excited to have that, but I wasn't able to stay for the going away party because I came down 632 00:52:28,740 --> 00:52:29,980 to turn it the limer on. 633 00:52:30,000 --> 00:52:38,460 Locked at Longview. It was really well attended. I wanted to thank Dr. Brooks for her. Well, wonderful, warm welcome, and Amy 634 00:52:38,460 --> 00:52:48,560 Martinist, director of behavioral health and a fantastic overview. And it was really well done. And so I stayed for 635 00:52:49,380 --> 00:52:53,600 more than half of it. And it was great just to see and hear about all the questions people had. It was 636 00:52:53,600 --> 00:52:58,860 packed. And I just really grateful for that opportunity to be there and experience that with other folks. 637 00:53:00,000 --> 00:53:05,940 I was, I had my Colorado Legislative Committee and we had an update from the group that has been 638 00:53:05,940 --> 00:53:12,280 working together called, while if our Watershed's Initiative for Resilient Colorado, which has 639 00:53:12,280 --> 00:53:21,020 a lot of folks, lots of communities that I work on with Forself Council, DNR, and keystone policy 640 00:53:21,020 --> 00:53:25,800 group, lots of folks. And it was a great conversation and we're working on getting our bills, 641 00:53:26,060 --> 00:53:29,660 I'm meeting with some other legislators this week, and then we're already working on 2020 legislative 642 00:53:29,660 --> 00:53:36,240 priorities. Then we was in the CCI steering community meetings. We presented our three legislative proposals 643 00:53:37,160 --> 00:53:41,920 to and ask for straw polls for all three and it was a long meeting. There's lots of policy 644 00:53:41,920 --> 00:53:47,020 talk and policy statements and it was a long meeting but a very healthy and robust conversation. 645 00:53:47,940 --> 00:53:54,780 So, grateful for the time that people gave. I went to the climate meet-up in Adora Park for the 646 00:53:54,780 --> 00:54:01,580 Northern Carl 360 movement and shared a lot about our climate smart program and talking about 647 00:54:01,580 --> 00:54:08,040 we have a new climate smart climate sustainability manager and I hope they all get a chance to meet them 648 00:54:09,280 --> 00:54:14,660 state center Kathy Kipp spoke as well and I spoke and we was able to share a lot about the county 649 00:54:14,660 --> 00:54:21,040 what we're doing related climate and then I went that evening to fight the stigma with Dr. 650 00:54:21,040 --> 00:54:25,820 And others, it's the fourth year and it was at Albert Goddard number. 651 00:54:26,320 --> 00:54:29,300 Oh, Lori, the music was phenomenal. It was so good. 652 00:54:29,460 --> 00:54:32,200 And there was just packed house, packed outside inside. 653 00:54:33,000 --> 00:54:37,220 And it was the fundraiser and working on just trying to lower and 654 00:54:37,220 --> 00:54:39,180 fight the Sigma for behavioral health issues. 655 00:54:39,680 --> 00:54:44,620 And I understand that it's been asked to be expanded across state of Colorado. 656 00:54:44,980 --> 00:54:48,840 And some big music names are now interested in maybe being a part of that. 657 00:54:48,840 --> 00:54:52,600 I'm really excited to see where that goes and thanks to Dr. 658 00:54:52,600 --> 00:54:57,060 Dube and Angelie Dube and all their family and everyone and all the other co-founders who were 659 00:54:57,060 --> 00:54:58,280 doing some great work. 660 00:54:58,760 --> 00:55:04,720 It was great to see lots of folks and it was wide range of younger and older folks. 661 00:55:05,880 --> 00:55:12,600 And then yesterday I did go to the National Active and Retired Federal Employees, luncheon and 662 00:55:12,600 --> 00:55:17,880 presented about our community engagement process for data centers and shared some of our survey 663 00:55:17,880 --> 00:55:20,200 results, and also shared about some of the other 664 00:55:20,200 --> 00:55:21,320 validations and things that I'm 665 00:55:21,320 --> 00:55:22,980 recalling is looking at, and that was really 666 00:55:22,980 --> 00:55:26,380 well received, and I wanted to just share that because 667 00:55:26,380 --> 00:55:30,320 it's a group that gets it about federal, 668 00:55:30,320 --> 00:55:33,720 state, and local policy, and I appreciate their 669 00:55:33,720 --> 00:55:36,400 willingness to ask really good questions, and to 670 00:55:36,400 --> 00:55:38,920 engage that. And so that was, I wanted to share how 671 00:55:38,920 --> 00:55:41,320 productive, and that was, I know, a lot of people are 672 00:55:41,320 --> 00:55:44,140 asking staff to be presentations, but there's 673 00:55:44,140 --> 00:55:46,380 not enough time, staff doesn't have time to run all 674 00:55:46,380 --> 00:55:51,760 so I was glad to do that for them. So the last one I wanted to share because I thought that was 675 00:55:51,760 --> 00:55:59,640 relevant and important to share for the public and looking at the clock at 958. There is no 676 00:55:59,640 --> 00:56:06,080 legal matters or executive sessions on our agenda. Nothing on our agenda so we at 958 are 677 00:56:06,080 --> 00:56:10,420 adjourned. I hope you have a wonderful day and in great week and thank you again for joining us.