Advisory board directs staff to apply for CLG grant, prioritizing reconnaissance surveys

The Marion advisory board voted to direct staff to apply for a Certified Local Government (CLG) grant that prioritizes reconnaissance‑level historic surveys for parts of eastern Summit County, including Colville, Wanship and Rockport. Chair Jocelyn called the agenda item and led the discussion before the board moved to a voice vote approving the direction to staff.

Joe Frazier, the staff member presenting the options, told members the application deadline was imminent: "the application deadline is a week from tomorrow, the 14th," and asked the board which survey mix to prioritize. Frazier described two grant approaches: a reconnaissance‑level survey that could cover roughly 650–700 structures if the full $10,000 grant and match were secured, or a narrower application focused on intensive‑level surveys and National Register nomination work for properties identified last year.

Board members debated sequencing and scope, noting intensive surveys typically follow reconnaissance work and are more time‑consuming and costly. One member outlined an earlier tiered list of about 15 candidate properties for intensive work and estimated per‑property costs in the $1,000–$1,200 range. Several members recommended maximizing the grant request for reconnaissance work and using a separate county budget allocation to fund targeted intensive surveys.

The board passed a motion to "direct Joe Frazier to move forward with the CLG application prioritizing reconnaissance level surveys for parts of Eastern Summit County, including Colville, Wanship, Rockport, potentially POL," with a committee member moving the motion and another member seconding. The vote was taken by voice ('Aye'); the transcript does not record a roll‑call tally.

Next steps: staff will complete and submit the CLG application by the stated deadline and, depending on the award and county funds, advance intensive surveys on the prioritized list. The board adjourned at 4:16 p.m.