VIENNA — Maries County commissions on Feb. 5 addressed ongoing Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursement documentation for storm-damaged county roads.

A portion of the meeting focused on FEMA projects and the need to correct discrepancies between damage inventory documents and force account cost summary spreadsheets. FEMA reviewers identified inconsistencies involving Road One, where additional roads appeared on cost summaries that were not listed in the original supplemental damage inventory submitted within the required 60-day deadline following the disaster event.

County commissioners clarified during a conference call with FEMA case manager Kevin Haskin that Road Two documentation was not an issue, but Road One materials would need to be revised so the listed roads exactly match those included in the original damage inventory. FEMA officials advised the county to submit a simple letter on county letterhead describing the damage and outlining how the affected roads were restored to pre-disaster condition, such as through grading and gravel placement.

Haskin is working toward a Feb. 18 deadline to wrap up projects and warned that missing documentation could trigger a formal request for information, which would require a response within 15 days to avoid further eligibility review.

In other business, commissioners discussed recent safety concerns involving the courthouse elevator, attended Phelps and Maries County Day and reviewed testimony given at a state legislative hearing on proposed solar regulations.

Commissioners reported on recent problems involving the courthouse elevator after, discussed recent safety concerns involving the courthouse elevator, attended Phelps and Maries County Day and reviewed testimony given at a state legislative hearing on proposed solar regulations.

Commissioners discussed repairs for the courthouse elevator after a report that an individual became stuck between floors over the weekend. The elevator remains under warranty and a service technician was contacted. Presiding Commissioner Vic Stratman tested the elevator following the incident and reported that the alarm and emergency phone were functioning properly, though concerns were raised about communication lapses when issues occurred after hours.

Stratman also found an uninstalled buzzer on top of the soda machine next to the elevator that appeared to be in new condition. A phone call to the company led to the explanation that it was a second buzzer for the elevator and was the property of Maries County.

Commissioners agreed that future elevator malfunctions should be fully documented to ensure warranty coverage and accountability if problems continue.

In other business, commissioners discussed their attendance at a legislative hearing on Feb. 3 at the Missouri Capitol regarding proposed solar regulations. Western District Commissioner Patrick Kleffner, who attended along with Stratman, said testimony from landowners and local residents expressed concerns about glare from solar panels, impacts on property values, and long-term land use following the expiration of solar leases.

Commissioners initially were in Jefferson City to attend Phelps and Maries County Day at the Capitol but departed early due to a schedule conflict to attend the solar hearing in another part of the building.