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2021-09-07 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) planningAmerican Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) planning September 7, 2021 10:03 a.m. Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, Becky Butler, Erik Martin, J.P. Anderson, Josh Metcalf, Austin Majors, Lara McRea, Lindsey Shankle, Amber Smith, Todd Chapput, Richard DeBolt Guests: Nic Scott, Willie Painter, Jeff Baine, Tyberius Tretheway Recorder: Tammy Martin EDC Update: Todd Chapput said the High Dynamic Range (HDR) mapping is approximately 85% complete. The Lewis EDC is going to incorporate a scoring system that mirrors Lewis County Public Works’ scoring system for projects. Todd has been meeting with Josh Metcalf to increase data compilation for the GIS mapping in order to have clear, defined projects. They have been meeting with their stakeholders to establish current data, upcoming projects and long-range plans. Todd said the needs at Boistfort water district are great and the Lewis EDC have been trying to apply for sewer / water infrastructure grants. American Rescue Plan Act funds (ARPA funds) cannot be used to match federal funds. Any opportunities for grants received through the LEDC are shared with the community. Commissioner Pollock asked how the LEDC is leveraging funds. Richard DeBolt said the LEDC has access to grant writers to help apply for simple grants. Becky Becky said she is looking into how to provide support for grant management for these projects. Lost revenue: Becky Butler said she is working on a second review regarding lost revenue incurred by Lewis County due to COVID-19 and will have a final audit from the Auditor’s Office soon. Funding requests: Becky said J-works projects will be coming. She also noted the Lewis County Jail is hosting a UV-C light demonstration by R-Zero for UV-C Units on Sept 8, 2021. The UVC light units are touchless units with UV germicidal bulbs that emit very short ultraviolet wavelengths that damage the DNA of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Becky said there has been a community funding request from Public Health Social Services. Becky said the goal with ARPA funds will be to use a request for proposals (rfp) and as we receive requests, the same principals should be used as in the past for COVID Relief funds. Becky said the Department of Commerce has other avenues of funding available for grants and she forwards them onto others as she receives them. Becky said there are updates with requirements for reporting to the Department of Treasury due to errors with the current reporting process. Josh Metcalf said Public Works selected HDR Consulting and that Public Works will submit a draft scope soon. Josh said as soon as the scope is complete, he will submit it to the Board for approval. Public Works will collaborate with the Lewis EDC for projects and there will be GIS projects that tie into this as well. J.P. Anderson said Lindsey Shankle has been conducting stakeholder meetings. Lindsey said over the last few weeks, there have been meetings with behavioral health providers, school counselors and pediatricians in effort to find needs related to behavioral health. Lindsey is looking for broader issues to deal with the recent influx of COVID cases. County broadband projects: Erik Martin said the best way to fund county broadband projects is to begin the Request for Proposal (RFP) process. This would be a broad RFP limited to the resources available. The RFP would be fairly general. Commissioner Pollock agreed with the RFP process. Richard DeBolt said he feels the timing could create conflicts for the EDC’s ability to provide a proposal. Erik did say having a rolling RFP would be acceptable. Becky would like to know how the Board will review the projects. Commissioner Swope felt that Erik should provide a full presentation of qualified applicants. Erik said he will review and present efficient and complete projects. Becky said there have been a few applications and an email requesting funds to pay for needs related to COVID. She is requesting to know what the board would like to see such as FTE’s, on-going costs, or additional costs from COVID. Commissioner Pollock felt individual purchases could be approved. Erik would review and approve the requests or delegate those requests to Becky based on reporting requirements from the Department of Treasury guidance. Commissioner Pollock said the focus should be on larger long-term projects. Commissioner Pollock feels there should be a set amount allocated for internal projects and then Erik or Becky could approve requests within the set budget. Meeting ended 10:58 a.m.