Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Damage topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County orders damage assessment of Bowman building as part of FEMA documentation efforts
Summary
County staff reported plans to hire an engineering team to perform a damage assessment and roof perforation testing at the Bowman building to support FEMA project worksheets and renovation planning; the board authorized proceeding with the assessment and a FEMA-compliant contract addendum and RFQ waiver were discussed.
Mitchell County commissioners discussed and authorized steps to secure a building damage assessment of the Bowman facility to document storm-related damage and support FEMA project worksheets. County staff said the county has a pre-storm assessment from January 2024 and intends to contract the same engineering firm to produce a post-storm benchmark that FEMA will accept. The assessment will include a roof perforation test on the main building above the library and will examine electrical systems damaged when water entered the boiler/utility area. A presenter said the boiler room experienced roughly 8 feet of water during the storm and that the county will seek to document damage that might qualify for FEMA assistance; staff cautioned FEMA approval is uncertain and that FEMA may request additional documentation. County counsel recommended contract language changes before engagement: add FEMA-compliant provisions (an addendum) and limit standard liability clauses, and the attorney recommended waiving the standard request-for-qualifications (RFQ) process because the firm is familiar with the project and the proposed price is within the waiver threshold. A motion to approve the assessment and to include the attorney’s recommended contract changes and an RFQ waiver was made and seconded; the board approved that motion by voice vote (tally not specified). The transcript indicates the county expects the assessment cost may be reimbursed by FEMA if the project qualifies but that reimbursement is not guaranteed.
