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COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
June 27, 2022
Commissioners Scott Miller, Scott Blain, and Bill Bullock; and Administrative Officer Angela Newell; Disaster and Emergency Services (DES) Coordinator Cyrina Allen, and Robert Molacek were present.
9:00 Emergency watershed protection program looked at Orchard Canal and Frank Ditch; both appear to be eligible. Also believe Rock Creek / Clear Creek Ditch is eligible. NRCS program will reimburse 75% of the project construction costs and the sponsor is responsible for 25% (can be in-kind) will pay 100% of design and employee costs. Waylan Boggio Chair of Conservation District noted the District will be the sponsor and can coordinate with individual ditch companies for projects. Funding for reimbursement is available now on a limited basis, additional funds are expected to be appropriated at a later date.
Blain discussed debris removal from waterways. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) has some debris removal programs for agricultural producers, but people need to make the request through them to trigger the funding. Robert from NRCS asked about an agreement for the County to be the sponsor; the Carbon County Conservation District has agreed to act as the sponsor rather than the County.
The FEMA applicant briefing will be later this morning where an exploratory meeting will be scheduled. Carbon County will have 60 days following the exploratory meeting to produce a final project list.
Multi-Agency Resource Center will be at the Red Lodge Civic Center Tuesday from 1400-1900 and at the Fromberg Civic Center Thursday from 1600-1900.
Discussion regarding command structure going forward. Bullock asked if it would be helpful to produce a Public Information chart regarding what the government can/will and can’t / will not do. 9:25 Jeff Gates from State DES joined the meeting. The following were identified as Incident Command: Logistics Commissioners, Finance Newell, Incident Commander Allen, Public Information Officer Maggie Karas, Planning Commissioners. There was a discussion about the municipalities and their need for a designated DES Representative for communication with the State; Allen could serve in this capacity for all entities, but would need to be formally designated. Discussion regarding items that may not be reimbursable (ie roll off dumpsters) and role of the Army Corps of Engineers. Discussion about financial reporting; municipalities will have to do their own financial reporting, but Gates stressed the importance of a centralized Incident Command. Discussion about tourism and economic implications. Discussion about Highway 212 and Beartooth Pass repairs.
Individual assistance assessments have happened and been sent to the Governor and President. The Individual Assistance threshold is based on the level of destruction to affected houses (if over 50% damage/lost). Normally the Individual Assistance Designation process is three months, but the State hopes to have a presidential determination at the end of the week.
Look at about 6 months before the disaster declaration should be rescinded, but the emergency has passed (there is not a “State of Emergency” on the State level). There is a State Disaster Declaration for three (3) counties and Gates expects three (3) more to be added.
12:00 Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted: Angela Newell, Administrative Officer