Allen Cooper

The agenda included the approval of financial reports, covering December information and grants/funding updates. New business items focused on the Board Reorganization, the introduction of a new Timekeeping Policy aimed at ensuring accurate labor cost allocation and compliance, and a revision to the Cost Allocation Policy to better identify and proportionally allocate personal services costs across funded programs. The Board also addressed Body Art Regulations. Directors' reports were scheduled from the Environmental Health Specialist and the Public Health representative.

The meeting included discussions on various topics such as the approval of the agenda and consent agenda, scheduling public hearings for on-site wastewater treatment system regulations and a proposed service plan for the Arkansas Valley ambulance district. Also, the county clerk's monthly report was reviewed, and the implementation of a new statewide computer system in motor vehicle offices was discussed. Additionally, updates were provided on county projects, including jail inspections, meetings with USDA representatives, and the Boys and Girls Club breakfast. The board also recognized local citizens for their help with code enforcement. The board also discussed tunnel rehabilitation, temporary use permits for farms, airport land leases, and budget appropriations.

The Fremont County Zoning Commission meeting included discussions and decisions on several requests. A minor subdivision request for Lazy J Ranch was reviewed, involving a property split and modifications to the plat. A commercial development plan for Yard Crafters was discussed, including waiver requests for hard surfacing, landscaping, and buffering, along with contingencies for access permits and drainage plan revisions. Additionally, a request for Howard Creek Farm, which has been operating under a temporary use permit for three years, was reviewed, including a waiver request for hard surfacing in the parking area and conditions related to drainage, restroom facilities, and parking.

The meeting included an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda and consent agenda were approved. Updates were provided on employment opportunities, the housing strategies project, and various RFPs available on the county website. The sales and use tax report was presented, showing collections above the projected budget for retail sales tax and auto use tax. The Fremont County Clerk discussed the June primary election, encouraging residents to vote. A commissioner discussed the fire danger and stage one fire restrictions, emphasizing the prohibition of fireworks. A citizen addressed the commissioners regarding special education services and court-related issues.

The meeting included discussions and updates on several key areas. The agenda included a public hearing scheduled for April 27th regarding a zone change request. Updates were provided on the second-floor courtroom project, the community center at Pathfinder Park, and the EPA Brownfields grant program. The 2021 cleanup program was also discussed, with details to be announced soon. Additionally, retail sales tax collections, auto use tax, construction use tax, lodging tax, and sheriff one percent sales tax were reviewed. Public health updates were given, including COVID-19 statistics, testing, and vaccine distribution. Changes to the dial and mask mandates were discussed, including the potential for Fremont County to move to level green.