Block grant of $53k received for local COVID-19 relief

POMEROY–In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Garfield County Commissioner Justin Dixon stated Garfield, Columbia and Walla Walla Counties applied for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) through the Washington State Department of Commerce and received $53,000 of the $8.1 million fund. The grant is for counties with current DCBG Public Services Grant contracts and will help with economic, social and health recovery resulting from a declared emergency or disaster. Dixon added that the funds will be sent to the Blue Mountain Action Council in Walla Walla for distribution. Until the fund allocations have been made, it is not known how the money will be specifically used.

Dixon also noted that the Southeast Washington Economic Development Association (SEWEDA) has had several requests from local businesses in Garfield County and Asotin County needing assistance due to COVID-19 shutdowns. These requests have prompted SEWEDA to move $100,000 out of their strategic funds in an effort to help small businesses stay afloat.

Dixon ask for a review of the resolution from 2013 addressing RV rental space at the fairgrounds, limiting the term to a maximum of 15 days, unless authorized for longer by the fairground’s manager. It also states that no fireworks are allowed on the fairground property. He requested an update fee schedules and restrictions, aligning it with the current rental agreements.

The commissioners approved the preliminary plat for the proposed Bryan Canyon Estates, after the Planning Commission had given its unanimous approval. The next step is to notify the applicant of the approval of the preliminary plat so the final plat can be made and reviewed for approval.

Dixon inquired on the status on candidates for appointment to County Auditor position which Donna Deal will vacate at the end of April. The Garfield County Democratic Party has not yet run an advertisement for a potential Democrat appointee.

Two bids were received for Seal Coat road work supplies; one from Idaho Asphalt Supply Inc., for $136,471.20 and the second bid of $155,400 from Western State Asphalt.

Idaho Asphalt Supply Inc., priced $384.12 per ton for 240 tons for one type of material, plus $369.02 per ton for 120 tons of another. Western State Asphalt, quoted $438 per ton for 240 tons for one type of material, plus $419 per ton for 120 tons of another. Both bids included tax. According to Grant Morgan, Garfield County Public Works Director, he had budgeted for $500 per ton, so he was pleased the bids came in lower than expected. Idaho Asphalt Supply is the apparent low bidder, and Morgan was approved by the commissioners to award the contract once all due diligence has been completed for accuracy.

Judge Tom Cox inquired on the status of the new sound system for the courtroom. Dixon stated that a bid package was in the works and Morgan said he had not seen it yet. Dixon will see what can be done to expedite it.

Morgan stated that work will start soon on Columbia Center to repair flood damage. He added inquiries need to be made into the reimbursed for the cost, but the present COVID-19 situation has made it difficult to reach the appropriate person. He also advised that strict instructions have been made to contractors that if any distancing requirements, which are still being compiled, are violated, their operations will be shut down immediately.

The recycling center remains open but the transfer station is under the judgement of Naslund Disposal. From reports of other county public works departments, Morgan has learned that almost all counties are staggering shifts of employees, reducing work hours, and requiring only essential functions. Some employees are working from home. He gets updates every Wednesday via teleconferences with the other counties.

The Garfield County Commissioners held their regular weekly meeting on Monday, March 30, 2020, by teleconference, with at least 12 people phoning in to participate.

The next meeting of the Garfield County Commissioners will be held by telephone conference, Monday, April 6, 2020, 9 a.m. Instructions for joining the teleconference may be found on the Garfield County website.