Sean Holmgren, representing the Columbia County Makerspace, asked commissioners for a $1-per-year lease on an unused room in a county building currently being remodeled for CareerSource so the group can run workforce development training in trade skills.

Holmgren said the Makerspace would not ask for direct county funding and provided letters of support from CareerSource and HACO, and described curriculum that would include OSHA and first-aid training, basic trade skills and supervised use of woodworking and computer-controlled equipment. He said the group would assemble machines over about three months and run short daily sessions rather than continuous production.

A commissioner said the presenter should meet with county staff and that the county would need to ensure the county had no liability; Holmgren said the Makerspace would carry insurance to match county limits. The board asked staff to schedule a follow-up meeting with commissioners and the presenter to discuss a possible lease and details.

No formal action or vote occurred at the meeting; staff and a commissioner agreed to meet to discuss terms.