October 10, 2013
A Colorado Community Media Publication Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 9, Issue 20
Election: Arvada City Council candidates respond to questions. See Page 8
ourarvadanews.com
Jeffco deputies sue for alleged unpaid wages County attorney files a motion to dismiss case By Amy Woodward
awoodward@ourcoloradonews.com At least 10 deputies from the Jeffco Sheriff’s office have filed a complaint in federal district court against Sheriff Ted Mink and the Board of County Commissioners. The county attorneys have filed a motion to dismiss the case in response. The deputies’ complaint was filed in December 2012. They claim that under the Fair Labor Standards Act, they are entitled
to unpaid wages from the county for overtime work. The Fair Labor Standards Act passed by Congress in 1938 set the standards and regulations of operations between employer and worker including minimum wage, overtime compensation and other additional provisions. State law dictates the sheriff is responsible for setting salaries and wages for employees subject to the approval of the commissioners according to state statute. According to the complaint, the sheriff allegedly published set salaries and wages in a posted document titled “Salary Schedule.” Plaintiffs argue the salaries listed on the
schedules posted for the years 2010, 2011, and 2012 are not the amount they received for those years. Attorneys for the plaintiffs argue that both the salary schedule, and the policy and procedures manual constituted a promise made by the county to the plaintiffs. In a brief interview with Sheriff Ted Mink he stated the “Salary Schedule” was not a document reflecting promised salary rates, but an internal document based on the results of a countywide salary survey conducted by a consulting firm hired by the commissioners. The results were used as a basis for what their step-in-grade program should be, and was never publically posted or published by
Sheriff Mink. “It was only a recommendation that we put together internally,” Sheriff Mink said and those recommendations were never funded by the commissioners. Pat Gilbert, county attorney, argues in the latest motion that “any alleged promises to pay is unenforceable because the commissioners did not approve the salary schedule as required,” and plaintiffs have not provided sufficient facts to show their rates of pay were salary scheduled rates. “We don’t believe they stated a federal claim for an overtime violation,” Gilbert said. Counsel for the plaintiff’s did not comment by press time.
Eco-devo department earns special certification Arvada among top teams internationally By Crystal Anderson
canderson@ourcoloradonews.com
Throughout September’s floods, 53 horses were kept safe and warm in the stalls of the Arvada Indoor Equestrian Arena. Photo courtesy of the city of Arvada
Community gift aids equestrian community Indoor Equestrian Arena served as horse haven amidst floods By Crystal Anderson
canderson@ourcoloradonews.com When the rains struck, it caused houses to flood, roads to wash out and left many temporarily homeless, including a large part of Arvada’s equestrian community. September’s storms threatened a large part of Arvada’s equestrian community, including the horses boarding at JK Ranch, who had to immediately relocated to safer ground. For the JK Ranch horses and dozens of others, that safe ground, along with a strong roof and dry stalls, came in the form of Arvada’s new equestrian arena. “Just being here calmed everyone, the horses and their owners; everyone was happy,” said Arvada’s Manager of Parks, Seventeen horse stalls line the sides of the indoor arena. Photo by Crystal Anderson Michael McDonnell. Arvada’s Indoor Equestrian Center was donated in summer of 2012 by Sydusink said. “So they led the horses, one really well.” ney Keith as a gift to the community. It’s at a time, through the rain to get them Prior to the flooding, the Arvada Inthe largest single donation the Arvada here.” door Equestrian Arena building and park system has ever received. A total of 53 horses were housed at property had been undergoing necesAlthough the arena wasn’t open for the arena for about a week and a half. sary repairs to be readied for use. use, with the approval of the Arvada Every stall was occupied, and some had The grounds surrounding the arena, Parks, Golf and Hospitality Director Gorto be doubled up. which span 7.5 acres, include four strucdon Reusink, it swiftly became an un“That night, we were here and they tures, a groundskeeper house; two outexpected shelter and temporary home (the horses) were really talking they door barns and the main building, the for those horses that were displaced by were happy to be here,” McDonnell said. flooding. “Timing is everything and it worked out Horse continues on Page 9 “It was dark, foggy and raining,” Re-
Arvada’s Economic Development Association (AEDA) was named one of only 37 internationally certified economic development organizations last week. The certification came from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). “AEDA displays the professionalism, commitment, and technical expertise that is deserving of this honor,” said IEDC President and CEO Jeff Finkle in a press release. Out of the 4,000 worldwide members of the IEDC, only 37 have become accredited. To earn the certification, the nominated organization must distinguish themselves through a two-phase comprehensive peer review process. First, the council performs a documentation review to assess different aspects of the organization including the candidate’s funding, structure and staff. The second phase consists of an on-site visit of the nominated community. To achieve this ranking, the candidate organization must prove, through these two processes, that they strive for and have obtained a high level of trust, support and excellence within the community. According to the press release, Arvada’s Mayor Marc Williams, is looking forward to see what’s in store for AEDA and its partnership with the city council. “Arvada City Council has the utmost respect and appreciation for AEDA’s accomplishments,” Williams said. “We remain committed to this collaborative partnership and expect that we will continue to achieve important economic development results together in the future.” AEDA serves the community by being the business-to-government liaison, providing resources and support for local businesses, creating jobs and increasing revenue throughout the city. This organization is the first within Colorado to receive this honor, and second in the Rocky Mountain Region.
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