Park County Commissioners appointed three Fair Board members at their February 3 meeting and decided to keep Resolution 2026-08 in place pending legal review. The board approved April Myers, Jean Gottenborg, and Esad Siplovic for Fair Board positions while deferring Allie Salmon’s appointment to a future meeting. Commissioners discussed amending the resolution regarding county funding for legal representation of elected officials after attorney John Evans identified language issues. The board decided by consensus to maintain the resolution until Evans provides revised language within two weeks.
Fair Board Appointments
Commissioners unanimously approved April Myers, Jean Gottenborg, and Esad Siplovic to the Fair Board after interviews. Myers is a 4-H leader for six to seven years who operates a ranch with yak and goats. She said the Fair Board is spread extremely thin and she wants to provide another contact point for youth and vendors.
Gottenborg owns Eagle Rock Ranch at Tarryall Reservoir with a hay and cow-calf operation since 2012. She said she wants to address inconsistencies at the fair and noted her daughter serves on the state fair board committee. Commissioners said the Fair Board is the hardest working and longest committed board the county has. Siplovic owns Pyramid Construction and Spitting Moose Ranch in Saddle Mountain Valley with 150.5 acres and said his construction background could help with bathroom and arena facility improvements the county is considering.
Commissioners asked about working relationships between the board and fair board. Siplovic said both groups should work together on substantial matters like funding and personnel while the fair board handles minor operational decisions. Allie Salmon did not attend the meeting and commissioners postponed her appointment.
Legal Representation Resolution
Commissioners kept Resolution 2026-08 in place while attorney John Evans reviews language issues. The resolution clarifies county funding limits for legal representation of elected officials and was adopted January 21. Officials said the resolution addresses potential lawsuits from other elected officials against the board.
Evans identified concerns with the resolution based on recent statutes and court decisions. He told commissioners he needs time to review the resolution against newer legal developments and expects to provide recommendations within two weeks. Commissioners said the board will not fund both defense and offense in potential legal actions.
Commissioners discussed suspending or rescinding the resolution but decided keeping it in place limits financial exposure during the review period. Officials expressed concern that rescinding the resolution could leave the county without protection. Commissioners decided by consensus to maintain the resolution until Evans provides revised language.
Public Comment
Dave Santo asked about the 2024 county financial audit, noting it was not submitted in December as scheduled. County Manager Lucas Meyer said documents were completed that morning and would be submitted immediately. Meyer attributed the delay to staff absences during 2024 and 2025 for personal reasons and said the county is realigning positions to prevent future delays.
Santo commented that maintaining a potentially defective resolution creates its own risk. He suggested returning to the status quo that existed before Resolution 2026-08 was adopted.
Other Business
Commissioners approved the consent agenda including January 21 minutes and vouchers for January 28 totaling $24,300. Officials noted the county is limiting expenditures during the budget transition period. The board also approved a notice letter regarding license and permit term bonds.
The board discussed Colorado Counties Inc. legislative positions for the February 6-7 meeting in Woodland Park. Park County will cast one vote on positions regarding approximately 30 state bills covering topics from renewable energy to local government authority. Each of Colorado’s 64 counties has one vote at CCI meetings, with position options of oppose, support, amend, or monitor.
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