Kiowa County

This document is a regional hazard mitigation plan update developed by the Southeast Colorado Emergency Managers Association, a consortium of six counties. Its primary purpose is to guide hazard mitigation planning, protect people and property from natural hazards, and maintain eligibility for federal disaster assistance programs. The plan outlines a comprehensive process including risk assessment, hazard identification, and mitigation strategies. Key focus areas include maintaining FEMA eligibility, improving county capabilities to reduce disaster losses, reducing loss of life and property damage from various hazards, and increasing public awareness of potential hazard losses. The plan details specific mitigation actions for each participating county and emphasizes ongoing implementation and maintenance.

The Kiowa County Commissioners held a regular meeting where they discussed various topics. The Road & Bridge Department's assistance with the Town of Eads Chip Sealing Project was acknowledged, and the possibility of future assistance in 2019 was discussed. The State Historical Grant and the NPS Cooperative Agreement for the Murdock Building Project were addressed. Court Security Funding and potential courthouse security improvements were reviewed. The Kiowa County Grant Policies & Procedures Manual was adopted. Landfill fees, staffing, and soil testing results were discussed, along with the potential use of a tarp for daily coverage. The Commissioners agreed to request an Ag and Natural Resources agent for the area. Other topics included the Useful Public Service Program, CHP Benefits Option, Road & Bridge Fair Time and Hours, flooring repairs for the American Legion Hall, the Fair & Demolition Derby, and County Road 49/May Valley Road.

The Kiowa County Commissioners convened to discuss several topics including grant updates, landfill and recycling, planning and zoning, and county equipment. Updates were provided on the CDOT Transit Grant and the RREO Grant, and the potential use of Underfunded Courthouse Grant funds for electrical upgrades in the courtroom was discussed. The meeting also covered the statewide closures of Veteran's Offices, housing projects in Kiowa County, and improvements in Sheridan Lake, Haswell, and Eads. Additional discussions included the need for new water meters for the Brandon Water District, repairs to a broken water line, and the impact of Senate Bill 2013 on body cameras. The commissioners also discussed accounting issues, reviewed the Arkansas Valley Conduit, and addressed a residential solar permit, a subdivision exemption request, a misuse of ROW letter, and a Public Health Task Agreement. An executive session was held for consultation with the County Attorney.

The Kiowa County Commissioners meeting included discussions on the SCEDD Housing Project and the need for broadband in eastern Kiowa County. The commissioners considered solar energy's potential impact and cost savings. A property issue with the railroad was discussed. The meeting also covered impact fees, transportation funding, and updates on the Housing Project. Additionally, the commissioners reviewed fair theme entries, discussed a new hire report, approved a Public Health Master Task Order Contract, and addressed the possibility of using the Community Building as a shelter during storms. They also discussed an employee wage correction, a leave donation request, and ARPA money for housing.

The meeting included discussions on the Veterans Memorial, transit van cell phone issues, and a DTR contract for the Sheridan Lake tower. An update was given on the Murdock Building project DOLA grant application. The Commissioners discussed pre-school arrangements at the day care, the Brownfields grant, and public health matters. They also covered transit cell phones, pretrial services programs, and reports from the Sheriff, Veterans, TV tower, and Model Traffic Code. Donations to Rural Philanthropy Days were discussed, along with a Joint Resolution for the 15th Judicial District Community Corrections Board and a CSBG Reimbursement. The proposal to repair the Prairie Pines Assisted Living swimming pool and the CT scanner building proposal were also addressed. Road and Bridge issues, including V-plows and maintainers, were discussed, along with damage to a road by a farmer. The Public Health building was considered for sale to the Hospital, with plans to move Public Health to the old ground-level day care building.