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DAYTON–Public Works Director/County Engineer Grant Morgan presented Columbia County Commissioners (BOCC) a resolution for work on two county roads–Kellogg Hollow Phase 3 and pavement preservation on several roads: McKay-Alto Road, past mile post 1 to 12, North Touchet just past Mile Post 1 to past 13, the start of Thorn Hollow to Mile Post 5 and from the start of Eckler Mountain Road to mile post 16.
Morgan discussed a need in the Public Works Department for a Facilities Manager position which would be funded by Current Expense and Public Works budgets.
He also reviewed the roof needs of the Senior Center. The issue started with water damage for which they have made an insurance claim and are waiting for the insurance adjuster to assess it, he said. The 30-year-old roof is leaking, resulting in black mold and other interior damage. They are considering doing repairs rather than replacing the entire roof.
Representatives from Umatilla National Forest attended to present an annual review for the program of work for timber salvage and harvest up by Godman and on Maloney Mountain for commercial and non-commercial thinning. Also in the plan is restoration and repair work along the Tucannon on roads and bridges. The Mill Creek Watershed project will thin new tree growth to reduce fire hazards there and is currently open to receive public comment from constituents. Also, they have a project for thinning trees around the upper Touchet River area where some fall within the Bluewood Ski Area that could open the potential for new runs.
Dimita Warren from Blue Mountain Counseling appeared before the Commission to discuss the opioid funding settlement. Plans need to be in place for use of the funds that can be applied in various ways. Funding will be dispersed over 17 years, according to Warren, and will come from different sources. The first installment will be from Johnson & Johnson. County Prosecuting Attorney Dale Slack contributed to say that the anticipated amount to be received over the term is about $120,000.
The Flood Control Zone District convened, and Morgan announced FEMA reimbursements coming into the district are imminent. Once received, along with other grant funding, FZCD officers will move forward with dissolving the district and dispersing the money to the County. He spoke about the need to update the flood management plan. They are considering partnering with Waitsburg to apply for more grant funding that would expand mitigation work into Columbia County. One goal is to clean up the levy system and have a plan in place for prevention and management of flood events.
Emergency Management Director Tina Bobbitt presented updates on the Emergency Management Department beginning with E911. Of note, she said they are working to implement text to 911 capability. She requested that emergency calls be enabled to roll over to her phone which would cost upwards of $50,000, as well as to pursue the Radio Repeater Project that could be funded partly with a portion of the second and final installment of the American Rescue Plan Act funds and other grant funding. She updated the Emergency Management Hazard Mitigation Plan and sent it to the State office. She is applying for several annual grants for funding including one for Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness that will fund education and training for recruits.
In other business, a letter of support for the Administrative Office of the Courts to approve funding for increased courthouse security measures was drafted and signed by the Commission and will be signed by other County officials including Sheriff Joe Helm.
The Board of Health convened to request approval to advertise a request for proposals for the administration of a community-needs assessment, required by the State Foundational Health every two years to receive funding. Public Health Administrator Katie Roughton said she hopes getting community-wide feedback will help build trust in the government as they use it to make changes to the strategic plan where needed.
