City submitting proposal to administer funds

by Nancy C. Butler

City of Orofino will be submitting a proposal to the Clearwater County Economic Development (CCED) Board to administer their funds.

City Administrator Rick Laam explained to the city council Monday evening that Clearwater County is unique with CCED. When the program was started, funds came both from the state and federal dollars through the Economic Development Association. Funds also came from the county and incorporated cities. As time progresses, the local entities are expected to pay more of the costs as EDA funding diminishes. Other economic development specialists in the state are funded by state and local entities.

Because CCED had federal funding, the financial part of the program had to be administered by Clearwater Economic Development Association, the local economic development agency. Without those EDA funds, the program may be administered by other governmental entities, Laam said.

At this point the board is seeking proposals for the administration of the funds in hope that it will save funds. Besides CEDA, Orofino, Weippe, Pierce and Elk River are eligible to administer the funds. Laam said if Orofino is chosen, Economic Development Specialist Chris Kuykendall, from the funding standpoint would be part of city staff. Which would mean they would do her payroll, benefits, etc. However, the CCED board would continue to set policy and guide the program. She would continue to work on economic development in the entire county.

Laam said he feels that city staff is very capable of handling the administration of the funding. The costs they are submitting for doing the work are not available to the public until the bid opening because it is a competitive process. The council approved submission of the proposal.

Mike Young and Pete Miller addressed their concerns about a neighbor on Hartford that has what they consider to be materials covered by the city's nuisance ordinance on their property. They submitted information and pictures of the problems. The city had at one point worked with the property owner to get the property cleaned up, but not to the extent that the two men feel is needed. The matter was referred to the Police Committee for review. Miller asked if he would still need a permit to build a fence high enough to block his view of the neighbor's property. He will consult with Building Inspector John Elliott.

In other business:

• Water/Wastewater Supervisor Larry Annen said that treating water from the water had been a challenge over the weekend due to high water and all the precipitation. They were in good shape by Monday.
• Police Chief Ron Pomerinke reported that 13 people are expected to test Friday for a position open on his staff.
• Elliott said it has been a good month in the Building Department because construction is picking up. There is one new "stick built" dwelling going up on Calland Dr.
• Mayor Joe Pippenger said the Mayor's Youth Advisory Council will have a meeting Friday. There will be six members. There were originally seven positions planned, but only six young people applied and they want to proceed with the program.