HVAC project, new hires and money topics for BOCC

DAYTON–The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) discussed the Courthouse HVAC project with Public Works Director Grant Morgan; and the new Facilities Manager position, during the meetings on April 3 and 10. They were presented and approved two bids for hot mix asphalt supply and road stabilization. Emergency Management updates were given by Director Tina Bobbitt. Both the Dayton Chamber of Commerce and the Port of Columbia requested to be designated as the Associate Development Organization (ADO). Treasurer Carla Rowe approached the Commission for approval for the investment of County funds. The Commissioners declared April 9-15 as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.

Public Works Director Grant Morgan and Jason Laughery from Facilities Maintenance discussed the Courthouse HVAC Project and issues with the control system, valves, and pumps. Morgan said he has received three applications for a newly created Facilities Manager position and discussed having a panel of County representatives to interview the candidates.

Morgan said that Tucannon Road flood repair work has been approved from Marengo to the bridge and the process for work on the Hogeye, Vernon and Starbuck bridges is moving forward. Two bids were presented for hot mix asphalt supply and road stabilization and were approved during the April 10 meeting.

Tina Bobbitt informed the Commission that the department has two new hires who started on April 3. In addition, she is working through some technical issues with setting up text to 911 capability. Once ready, they will offer education and training to the public on how to use it with the goal set by the State to have it implemented by July.

Bobbitt is currently establishing an Emergency Management and Communications Advisory Board and plans to have the first meeting this month. They held a public hearing on March 30 for the Columbia County Hazard Mitigation Plan, and it has now been sent the State for review which can take 30 days. Some recent changes in policy will require some edits and it will again go back to the State and then it will go to FEMA to be reviewed for up to 45 days. It should then be approved.

Work continues on with the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, which is due by the end of year. She also has met with the Starbuck and Dayton schools to assess their emergency plans. She then went over several grants in process for the updated radio system including radio repeaters, hazardous materials training and preparedness and the satellite system for responders.

ADOs partner with the Washington State Department of Commerce and local government, public and non-profit entities to work towards economic and community development. Columbia County is allocated $75,000 per year from the State. Director for the Dayton Chamber of Commerce Melinda Larson formally requested the Chamber be designated as the ADO. Chamber Board Member Bette Lou Crothers was present and spoke on behalf of the Chamber.

The Port of Columbia has been the ADO for several years. Executive Director Jennie Dickinson demonstrated the number of ways the Port has and continues to provide economic and community development utilizing resources including available state and federal funding. Port Commission Chairman Seth Bryan provided comment in support of the Port's role as ADO. The BOCC voted unanimously to have the Port continue in the role.

Treasurer Carla Rowe requested to take advantage of reduced interest rates to add investment funds from the line items the Commission has control over such as the Soldier's Relief Fund, hotel/motel excise taxes and unemployment funding. Enough funds would remain to cover each line item and the investment would be fluid to be moved to cover unforeseen expenses if needed.

In addition, she told the Commission that the initial opioid settlement payments of $9,000 have been paid to the County from the State, and they will need to decide where it will be allocated. $4,000 is expected yearly. Commissioner Ryan Rundell suggested letting it build up to cover larger expenses, as well as to hold a meeting of stakeholders to decide what to do with the funds.

The Commission approved Resolution 2023-12 to affirm the proclamation of the week of April 9-15 as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week established to recognize the importance of those who work in dispatch for response to emergencies involving law enforcement, fire districts, and paramedics.