As mentioned yesterday in Part Three, the Archuleta Board of County Commissioners met for a special meeting on the morning of Thursday, August 21 to discuss the continued administration of the government, now that the County Manager, Jack Harper, had resigned on August 19.
When the former County Manager, Derek Woodman, resigned two years ago, the BOCC asked County Attorney Todd Weaver to act is interim County Manager, which he agreed to do. But Mr. Weaver himself resigned (rather suddenly?) last spring, and the brand new County Attorney, Cathleen Giovanini, was not asked to take on the role of interim administrator, considering — perhaps — her short tenure on the job.
At the August 21 special meeting, BOCC chair Veronica Medina asked her fellow commissioners to each pick a few County departments — not to micromanage them, but rather to serve as a ‘point of contact’ until a new County Manager can be selected.
The departments normally supervised by the County Manager:
Development Services
Finance
Public Works/Road & Bridge
Human Services
Public Health
Human Resources
County Airport
GIS/Information Technology
Veteran Services
CSU Extension
Commissioner Warren Brown offered to act as ‘point person’ for Development Services, Information Technology, and Public Health. Commissioner Medina then asked Commissioner John Ranson which departments he’d like to assist.
Commissioner Ranson had also picked Development Services and IT, along with Finance. “But I’m not in love with any of them…
“But before I get any of mine, I’d sure like to throw out the idea of… a weekly meeting of a core group… we’ve got so many good people, and I agree with you, they don’t need micromanagement from us. But maybe just a communications-type meeting with all of them…
“I’d rather have Development Services, because I’ve been in the middle of that for about six weeks.”
Commissioner Medina expressed her willingness to help with the Airport, HR, Human Services, and Veterans Services. Commissioner Brown then said he would be willing to hand oversight of Development Services off to Commissioner Ranson.
As noted previously in this editorial series, the mass of resignations at Development Services appears to have resulted from Commissioner Ranson’s efforts to dismantle that department this summer.
Commissioner Medina then spoke, somewhat hesitantly, expressing concerns about allowing Commissioner Ranson to continue his controversial involvement with Development Services.
” So again, this is… So, one of the staff members… that…
“When we, the commissioners, are up here talking, and one of the commissioners says something and the other two commissioners don’t necessarily agree… if we don’t say anything, then it’s silent approval.
“So I’m going to say it with the utmost respect, and I mean no disrespect by this. But… I will tell you that, yesterday, I had a few employees from Development Services ask — if we do this [division of oversight duties] — that it be Commissioner Brown. Because, frankly, they feel like that might be a better fit. Without saying much more…”
Not much more needed to be said, if we know anything about how people feel, watching their department get dismantled.
Commissioner Medina: “So I’m concerned, if… if it’s not [Commissioner Brown]… if maybe… other things.”
Presumably, the “other things” would include more resignations at Development Services.
But Commissioner Medina said she would leave the final decision to her two fellow commissioners. “It’s not about us micromanaging, it’s not about us… making decisions for them. It’s more about us assisting them.”
She stated that any changes to land use regulations and policies need to be made by the full BOCC acting in its official capacity.
Commissioner Brown: “Really, I am more than happy to take on [Development Services]. I really am. I think I could be helpful to them… I’m more than happy to do that… if it makes it easier for the employees, I’m all about it.
“So I throw it back to you, John.”
Commissioner Ranson did not sound pleased. “I’m okay with it. But I will answer your concerns. I couldn’t be happier with where we are right now [with Development Services]. There’s still people trying to interfere with our Development Services, from outside of this organization. I hope that’s cleared up…”
Commissioner Ranson did not clarify who, “outside of this organization”, he thought was trying to interfere with Development Services. Perhaps, the taxpayers who pay Commissioner Ranson’s salary, and who are concerned about a key County department no longer functioning during the busy construction season?
Commissioner Ranson referred to the BOCC ‘listening session’ with builders and developers, held the previous evening. “Last night gave me big encouragement, that we’re moving in the right direction.”
He then spoke disparagingly about efforts to address Archuleta County’s current housing crisis.
“We can talk about housing affordability all we want in this community. But if we don’t talk economic development, how we can create jobs… that’s backwards. So I’m thrilled with where we are right now. Looking forward, to moving forward in a positive way in Development Services.”
I find it fascinating to hear someone talking about “creating jobs” when employers in Archuleta County struggle to fill the job openings they already have, due mainly to the high cost and limited availability of housing. Apparently, commissioners can sometimes exhibit a limited grasp on reality.
Commissioner Brown agreed to take on oversight of Development Services, and agreed that the meeting with the builders and developers was “incredibly encouraging.”
Commissioner Medina summarized the proposed division of labor, and then asked for any additional commissioner comments.
Commissioner Brown spoke optimistically. “We are ‘where we are’, and we can either look at this as opportunity, or we can look at this as a negative place in time. I prefer to look at it as opportunity. I think we have a chance to move forward in a very positive way, and to create an environment for our employees that is workable and supportive, and that will help us provide a higher level of service to the community.”
Commissioner Ranson: “There has been bad stuff going on at the County, and I think some stuff has been cleaned up, and we can bring in the right leadership. I’m excited, and I think this week was a very positive step for the community…”
Apparently, this was in reference to the slew of employee resignations at Development Services. The interim Development Director is leaving at the end of this week, and Commissioner Medina asked that any applications for jobs at Development Services be copied to all three commissioners. HR Director Mitzi Bowman noted that three key jobs at Development Services have each received a half dozen applications so far.
Normally, the hiring of department employees would be handled by the County Manager. But the County currently has no one in that position.
Commissioner Medina asked Commissioner Ranson if he had thoughts about the hiring process.
Commissioner Ranson’s response sounded somewhat bitter. “Nope… I think you seem to be in control of this. Just do what you need to do.”
Commissioner Medina: “I’m not in control. I’m happy for all of us to review the applicants, and give your input to HR. That’s the point of having this discussion, so we all give input.”
Commissioner Ranson: “I think we heard, last night, very clearly, the direction we need to go… I’m listening to the people…”
“The people” meaning, apparently, builders and developers.
Commissioner Medina: “And that’s fine. We all can listen to the people, but we still need a process, and we can all participate in it. Unless you don’t want to participate in it, and if the decision doesn’t go the way you want it to go, then there’s no one to blame but yourself, for not participating…”
Commissioner Ranson: “You just go ahead and take control of it… I heard what the people want. You do what you want.”
Commissioner Medina: “…I thought we could work together as a team, but apparently that’s not what you want.”
With that, the meeting was adjourned.