Posted on: September 24th, 2013

Notes on the IMA (InterMountain Alliance) meeting today, 9-24-13, in Nederland, by Gretchen Diefenderfer

 

The IMA came into being after the Fourmile Fire, to foster communication between the mountain communities particularly in an emergency, and to have a (semi) unified voice with the powers that be to help with our issues.  Rebecca Lawrence of Ward is the leader and representatives attended this meeting today (or skyped in,) from Lyons, Jamestown, Raymond/Riverside, Nederland, the Bar K, Allenspark, and Gold Hill to report on our needs post flood.  We also had many representatives from County Land Use, Transportation, and Public Health, as well as Garry Sanfacon, Flood Recovery Coordinator, and County Commissioner Cindy Domenico,  a Sheriff’s Deputy, a representative from Sen. Udall’s office, and agencies like Foothills United Way, boulderfloodrelief.org,,  BCARES and MERN (our emergency ham radio people), RTD and VIA.

 

I intended to write a short report just giving phone numbers and websites for information, which foloow, but got carried away wanting to give you all the amazing information I heard at this meeting.   The Important Phone numbers and websites are:

 

The IMA website, “Advocating for our Mountain Communities” with minutes of the last meetings and lots of great information

bouldermountainresources.org

 

Garry Sanfacon, Boulder County Flood Recovery Coordinator, 720-315-5381, gsanfacon@nullbouldercounty.org

 

The Office of Emergency Management website with flood information      http://www.bouldercounty.org/flood/pages/default.aspx

 

Amy Hardy at Foothills UnitedWay    ahardy@nullunitedwayfoothills.org

 

 

The representatives from Lyons and Jamestown gave heart-wrenching reports of their damage to their entire infrastructure as well as houses and businesses, and their needs.  Salina, of course, has suffered heavily as well, but did not have anyone at this meeting.  Lefthand Canyon residents, including Raymond and Riverside have lost many bridges and have serious access issues as well as security concerns for those who have had to evacuate..  The Captain Jack superfund site is reported to be fine, so far.

 

Several issues were widespread: access issues, destroyed roads and bridges, housing needs for displaced people, transportation, counseling for some who are seriously affected, mucking out mud & debris removal, rebuilding needs, loss of income for individuals and businesses, loss of phone, and internet access, and electricity – during the flood and continuing for many.

 

The County contact person is Garry Sanfacon, Flood Recovery Coordinator.   You can reach him at 720-315-5381, gsanfacon@nullbouldercounty.org., and he’ll find the information you need, work to get problems solved, or help navigate the system to put you in touch with whoever you need.  He listed bouldercountyflood.org as a source of much information. The best URL I found is:    http://www.bouldercounty.org/flood/pages/default.aspx    Garry reported that they inquired about more cell phone towers in the county after the Fourmile Fire, especially for emergency communication, but the carriers said that there is not enough business for them to put them in.

 

The County is working hard to open roads to all communities before winter ( in many cases dirt roads) and they do have a 4WD path punched through Salina now.  The State is aiming to have Boulder Canyon open within 3-4 weeks.  The County is also eliminating fees for many permits (culverts, minor repairs, etc.) through the end of the year at least, and streamlining the permit process whenever possible.  You are urged to get permits so they can give you information about size of culverts needed as well as ensure safety of bridges and any major repairs.  They will look at culvert and bridge replacements on a site by site basis.  They’re looking into temporary bridges for emergency access and to access people’s cars now trapped on the wrong side of creeks. Fill dirt is a problem and there is a possibility of a mobile crushing operation to enable the use of flood debris for road fill.  Grading and repair of private driveways and roads within the old locations will not require a permit.

 

Transit: RTD is providing service from Ned to Boulder and VIA is running again between Gold Hill and Boulder.  VIA Mobility is available for any flood affected people in Boulder, or who have made it into Boulder, call 303-447-2848.  Transportation is free to the Disaster Assistance Centers.

 

Angela from Housing and Human Services, the agency running the DACs (Disaster Assistance Centers) reports that they have served 2500 families (~5,200 individuals).  They have EFAA, Red Cross, Salvation Army, FEMA, SBA, Community Food Share all at the DACs.  They are looking at a possible Road Show to visit stricken communities to take the information to the people who can’t get out there.

 

Nederland did not suffer as heavily and is operating as sort of a mountain hub for us mountain folks who prefer to stay up here as much as possible.  They have a free food pantry and clothes closet, which they are working to replenish, and they will also provide a way through the public assistance maze – call 303-258-3266, for help.  They have Facebook pages for ride boards and housing lists.

 

Debris Removal: Hillary Collins from the County Resource Conservation Center (303-817-0505) reports that they have dumpsters out at several locations.  The transfer stations in Nederland and Allenspark will take household trash and flood debris – call them at 258-7878.  They also can provide portable toilets and handwash stations.  They will be addressing additional debris removal with FEMA.

 

Housing –It was suggested that the local communities have the best access to people who may be able to provide temporary or longer term housing as well as people needing it. The IMA will help work on this – how to connect these people.  Most of our mountain people have a strong commitment to living up here.  And some, if they have to evacuate could end up homeless in Boulder.  The IMA urged the County to help find ways to support those who have chosen to stay rather than evacuate.

 

County Land Use permits, etc.: They are looking at the regulations around rebuilding and the possibilities of rebuilding summer cabins as is, as much as possible while still providing for safety.  If your place needs to go through the historical review process, bring in pictures to expedite the process.  They are waiving fees for electrical repairs, minor drywall repairs, etc., but you do need to get permits to ensure safety and the use of licensed contractors.

 

Public Health has teams out looking at propane tanks – how to remove those that have washed away, how to restore those possible, and re-hook them up.  Well-testing?  They will put the information on the website (bouldercounty.org/flood/pages).

 

Cindy Domenico, County Commissioner, told us how good it is to have the IMA up here.  There are 17 counties in a disaster state in Colorado.  Federal partners and State partners have been doing amazing work to support everyone.  She thanked Senators Udall and Bennett for their help.  She stressed that the county people have been working 24/7 to help us, and asked us to keep safe, and have patience.

 

Counseling: Foothills United Way will again provide mental health vouchers as they did after the Fourmile Fire – contact Amy  ahardy@nullunitedwayfoothills.org.  Rebecca said that if we have a real concern about someone in particular, the Sheriff’s Department Victims Assistance can help – contact Rebecca directly on her cell 303-815-2980.

 

Rebecca also reported that we now have 2 additional ambulances  – one staged in Lyons and one on the Peak to Peak between Nederland and Ward because of our road/access issues.  The fire districts boundaries have changed in many places because of access issues and mutual aid is proving even more invaluable.

 

The Sheriff’s Department has increased deputy patrols to three 24/7 and has had no reports of looting or robberies so far.  They are trying to do their best to keep an eye on everything.  This is one reason for the check-points.  They are trying to be flexible for businesses and contractors, etc., while keeping out the lookyloos and potential problem people.

 

Foothills United Way – Amy reports that they have established a Flood Relief Fund, working with the Community Foundation and have collected and distributed some funds already.    These funds are for everyone affected, not just us mountain people, so we need to make sure our needs are known. .  There is a steering committee meeting M,W.F.  to decide how to award funds.  They want application forms (simple) from public assistance groups – need to be a 501 C-3.  Contact Amy for these funds as well as mental health vouchers:  ahardy@nullunitedwayfoothills.org  They are also working with Volunteers for Outdoor CO www.voc.org/welcome

And Hands On Connect www.handsonnetwork.org/actioncenters/handsonconnect‎  5,000 people have volunteered to help so far!

 

Steve (spkonieczka@nullgmail.com) reported that he is a part of Boulder relief – a group of people who have stood up in response to the flood (boulderfloodrelief.org).  They have lots of volunteers, have collected over $20,000, are interested in helping with the housing issues, can bring in supplies in trucks.  This is a loose organization, but they are working with the CU volunteers (CU Volunteer Resource Center) and will work to help solve problems in any way they can.  He said, “Tell us what you need.”  720-943-4482, 1033 Walnut in Boulder.

 

Ron with FEMA indicated that FEMA trailers will not be located in flood plains, but that trailers could be an option.  They can help with insurance issues

 

 

Notes on the IMA (InterMountain Alliance) meeting today, 9-24-13, in Nederland.

 

The IMA came into being after the Fourmile Fire, to foster communication between the mountain communities particularly in an emergency, and to have a (semi) unified voice with the powers that be to help with our issues.  Rebecca Lawrence of Ward is the leader and representatives attended this meeting today (or skyped in,) from Lyons, Jamestown, Raymond/Riverside, Nederland, the Bar K, Allenspark, and Gold Hill to report on our needs post flood.  We also had many representatives from County Land Use, Transportation, and Public Health, as well as Garry Sanfacon, Flood Recovery Coordinator, and County Commissioner Cindy Domenico,  a Sheriff’s Deputy, a representative from Sen. Udall’s office, and agencies like Foothills United Way, boulderfloodrelief.org,,  BCARES and MERN (our emergency ham radio people), RTD and VIA.

 

I intended to write a short report just giving phone numbers and websites for information, which foloow, but got carried away wanting to give you all the amazing information I heard at this meeting.   The Important Phone numbers and websites are:

 

The IMA website, “Advocating for our Mountain Communities” with minutes of the last meetings and lots of great information

bouldermountainresources.org

 

Garry Sanfacon, Boulder County Flood Recovery Coordinator, 720-315-5381, gsanfacon@nullbouldercounty.org

 

The Office of Emergency Management website with flood information      http://www.bouldercounty.org/flood/pages/default.aspx

 

Amy Hardy at Foothills UnitedWay    ahardy@nullunitedwayfoothills.org

 

 

The representatives from Lyons and Jamestown gave heart-wrenching reports of their damage to their entire infrastructure as well as houses and businesses, and their needs.  Salina, of course, has suffered heavily as well, but did not have anyone at this meeting.  Lefthand Canyon residents, including Raymond and Riverside have lost many bridges and have serious access issues as well as security concerns for those who have had to evacuate..  The Captain Jack superfund site is reported to be fine, so far.

 

Several issues were widespread: access issues, destroyed roads and bridges, housing needs for displaced people, transportation, counseling for some who are seriously affected, mucking out mud & debris removal, rebuilding needs, loss of income for individuals and businesses, loss of phone, and internet access, and electricity – during the flood and continuing for many.

 

The County contact person is Garry Sanfacon, Flood Recovery Coordinator.   You can reach him at 720-315-5381, gsanfacon@nullbouldercounty.org., and he’ll find the information you need, work to get problems solved, or help navigate the system to put you in touch with whoever you need.  He listed bouldercountyflood.org as a source of much information. The best URL I found is:    http://www.bouldercounty.org/flood/pages/default.aspx    Garry reported that they inquired about more cell phone towers in the county after the Fourmile Fire, especially for emergency communication, but the carriers said that there is not enough business for them to put them in.

 

The County is working hard to open roads to all communities before winter ( in many cases dirt roads) and they do have a 4WD path punched through Salina now.  The State is aiming to have Boulder Canyon open within 3-4 weeks.  The County is also eliminating fees for many permits (culverts, minor repairs, etc.) through the end of the year at least, and streamlining the permit process whenever possible.  You are urged to get permits so they can give you information about size of culverts needed as well as ensure safety of bridges and any major repairs.  They will look at culvert and bridge replacements on a site by site basis.  They’re looking into temporary bridges for emergency access and to access people’s cars now trapped on the wrong side of creeks. Fill dirt is a problem and there is a possibility of a mobile crushing operation to enable the use of flood debris for road fill.  Grading and repair of private driveways and roads within the old locations will not require a permit.

 

Transit: RTD is providing service from Ned to Boulder and VIA is running again between Gold Hill and Boulder.  VIA Mobility is available for any flood affected people in Boulder, or who have made it into Boulder, call 303-447-2848.  Transportation is free to the Disaster Assistance Centers.

 

Angela from Housing and Human Services, the agency running the DACs (Disaster Assistance Centers) reports that they have served 2500 families (~5,200 individuals).  They have EFAA, Red Cross, Salvation Army, FEMA, SBA, Community Food Share all at the DACs.  They are looking at a possible Road Show to visit stricken communities to take the information to the people who can’t get out there.

 

Nederland did not suffer as heavily and is operating as sort of a mountain hub for us mountain folks who prefer to stay up here as much as possible.  They have a free food pantry and clothes closet, which they are working to replenish, and they will also provide a way through the public assistance maze – call 303-258-3266, for help.  They have Facebook pages for ride boards and housing lists.

 

Debris Removal: Hillary Collins from the County Resource Conservation Center (303-817-0505) reports that they have dumpsters out at several locations.  The transfer stations in Nederland and Allenspark will take household trash and flood debris – call them at 258-7878.  They also can provide portable toilets and handwash stations.  They will be addressing additional debris removal with FEMA.

 

Housing –It was suggested that the local communities have the best access to people who may be able to provide temporary or longer term housing as well as people needing it. The IMA will help work on this – how to connect these people.  Most of our mountain people have a strong commitment to living up here.  And some, if they have to evacuate could end up homeless in Boulder.  The IMA urged the County to help find ways to support those who have chosen to stay rather than evacuate.

 

County Land Use permits, etc.: They are looking at the regulations around rebuilding and the possibilities of rebuilding summer cabins as is, as much as possible while still providing for safety.  If your place needs to go through the historical review process, bring in pictures to expedite the process.  They are waiving fees for electrical repairs, minor drywall repairs, etc., but you do need to get permits to ensure safety and the use of licensed contractors.

 

Public Health has teams out looking at propane tanks – how to remove those that have washed away, how to restore those possible, and re-hook them up.  Well-testing?  They will put the information on the website (bouldercounty.org/flood/pages).

 

Cindy Domenico, County Commissioner, told us how good it is to have the IMA up here.  There are 17 counties in a disaster state in Colorado.  Federal partners and State partners have been doing amazing work to support everyone.  She thanked Senators Udall and Bennett for their help.  She stressed that the county people have been working 24/7 to help us, and asked us to keep safe, and have patience.

 

Counseling: Foothills United Way will again provide mental health vouchers as they did after the Fourmile Fire – contact Amy  ahardy@nullunitedwayfoothills.org.  Rebecca said that if we have a real concern about someone in particular, the Sheriff’s Department Victims Assistance can help – contact Rebecca directly on her cell 303-815-2980.

 

Rebecca also reported that we now have 2 additional ambulances  – one staged in Lyons and one on the Peak to Peak between Nederland and Ward because of our road/access issues.  The fire districts boundaries have changed in many places because of access issues and mutual aid is proving even more invaluable.

 

The Sheriff’s Department has increased deputy patrols to three 24/7 and has had no reports of looting or robberies so far.  They are trying to do their best to keep an eye on everything.  This is one reason for the check-points.  They are trying to be flexible for businesses and contractors, etc., while keeping out the lookyloos and potential problem people.

 

Foothills United Way – Amy reports that they have established a Flood Relief Fund, working with the Community Foundation and have collected and distributed some funds already.    These funds are for everyone affected, not just us mountain people, so we need to make sure our needs are known. .  There is a steering committee meeting M,W.F.  to decide how to award funds.  They want application forms (simple) from public assistance groups – need to be a 501 C-3.  Contact Amy for these funds as well as mental health vouchers:  ahardy@nullunitedwayfoothills.org  They are also working with Volunteers for Outdoor CO www.voc.org/welcome

And Hands On Connect www.handsonnetwork.org/actioncenters/handsonconnect‎  5,000 people have volunteered to help so far!

 

Steve (spkonieczka@nullgmail.com) reported that he is a part of Boulder relief – a group of people who have stood up in response to the flood (boulderfloodrelief.org).  They have lots of volunteers, have collected over $20,000, are interested in helping with the housing issues, can bring in supplies in trucks.  This is a loose organization, but they are working with the CU volunteers (CU Volunteer Resource Center) and will work to help solve problems in any way they can.  He said, “Tell us what you need.”  720-943-4482, 1033 Walnut in Boulder.

 

Ron with FEMA indicated that FEMA trailers will not be located in flood plains, but that trailers could be an option.  They can help with insurance issues