***Monday, August 06, 2018 at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
County resident Marty Martinez and Blue Sky Broadcasting News Reporter Mike Brown were in attendance of the meetings off and on throughout the day.
9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Superintendent Clint Kimball joined the meeting to give the departmental report. A written report was presented. Those present discussed sending out the award letter and Independent Contractor Agreement to Northwest Grading for the Deep Creek Loop MP 1.1 ERF248 repair project and to Selkirk Sealcoat for work to fill cracks on Meadow Creek Road. Those present also discussed a list of improvements from the Waterways Board pertaining to boat dock sites. Mr. Kimball said Road and Bridge will help out at the docks if they finish up other projects and can be available. Commissioners said it would be fine for Mr. Kimball to contact Waterways Board Chairman Darron Branson directly.
Mr. Kimball asked the status of the Duarte approach matter. Chairman Dinning said the Duarte’s simple subdivision application was approved in year 2010 and Commissioners reaffirmed the application in year 2017 when questions came up from the Planning and Zoning Administrator. It was said the arch at one of the driveway entrances will not change. Chairman Dinning said the record of survey was approved and Commissioners reviewed the record of survey for clarity. Mr. Kimball wanted to know if the Duarte’s have just one access or the existing five accesses. Chairman Dinning said the approval was for the five accesses so that is what is approved. Mr. Kimball said that is not the correct answer. Commissioners explained the Planning and Zoning process at the time allowed the approaches and they informed Mr. Kimball that the Duarte subdivision was approved back in year 2009. The Land Use Ordinance at the time did not have a clause for a date to be completed so there are even more subdivisions like this in the county. Commissioner Pinkerton said the application that had been approved and what Commissioners feel should be done are two different things and you cannot go back now and tell the Duartes they cannot do what was approved. Mr. Kimball said he was recently told that since he, himself, didn’t go through with his plans for his own property, he would need to go through Planning and Zoning again. Commissioners and Mr. Kimball discussed issues pertaining to addressing and emergency services in relation to the Duarte’s accesses to the subdivision.
Chairman Dinning informed Mr. Kimball that Commissioners need something in writing, such as information in a calendar form that will show them when Road and Bridge project funds are anticipated being spent, etc. Mr. Kimball explained that his staff is working hard and is busy at Road and Bridge adding how it can be difficult to put that together as there is not a cut and dried way to pinning to that time frame. The Road and Bridge proposed budget is approximately $7,000,000, and except for the operational side, it is funded by project reimbursements. Mr. Kimball said there are a couple ambiguous figures and Road and Bridge does have an excess of $2,000,000 in cash. Clerk Poston said she agrees with having a time frame in which to list the time line of expenditures, but not a time frame of a year later. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners want to know how the operation is going to work. Mr. Kimball asked if Commissioners anticipate using the reserve. Chairman Dinning questioned why it is such an issue for Mr. Kimball to see what funds are anticipated. Chairman Dinning said what Ms. Nelson put together for project expenditures was great, but it would be better understood if it were in a calendar format. Chairman Dinning said the purpose is to be able to anticipate the timing of payments. Mr. Kimball said his office can work on it, but they do have a work schedule.
The meeting with Mr. Kimball ended at 9:31 a.m.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the Independent Contractor Agreement with Selkirk Sealcoat to fill lateral cracks on Meadow Creek Road. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the Independent Contractor Agreement with Northwest Grading, Inc., for the Deep Creek Loop MP 1.1 ERF248 repair project. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Cody Smith, Trevor Pew, Nickolas Yercheck, Heidi Overman, Robert Endicott, and Victoria Aribalo. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners contacted County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull at 9:34 a.m.
Commissioners discussed designating Attorney Hull as Boundary County’s contact for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) class action lawsuit. Attorney Hull agreed to be the point of contact.
Attorney Hull informed Commissioners he has reviewed the Emergency Facilities and Land Use Agreement with the Forest Service for their use of airport property and it is okay for Commissioners to sign. This agreement is for the Forest Service to use the Boundary County Airport as a temporary airbase location for government owned and contracted aircraft providing support to wildfire incidents in the area.
Chairman Dinning said Boundary County received a reply from the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) pertaining to the armory. Chairman Dinning reviewed the letter informing Commissioners of the costs associated with the purchase. Attorney Hull questioned if IDL would be willing to accept half of those costs. If this building were to be sold to someone else, IDL would have to share in that cost with the county, who has half ownership. Commissioners will draft a letter for Attorney Hull to review pertaining to costs.
Attorney Hull said he is working on airport ground/hangar leases and is just waiting to hear back from Airport Manager Dave Parker.
Attorney Hull said he had spoken to Sheriff Dave Kramer, who was able to make contact with a representative for the Kootenai Lumber Company about the county’s ability to use the parking area across from the Waterways boat launch. It was agreed that the draft agreement will be modified and then Attorney Hull will review it. There is a bee keeper who uses part of the mill’s property so the agreement will take that use into account when determining what area the county can use. Attorney Hull said this will be an annual lease; nothing long term.
Commissioner Kirby moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 67-206(1)c, to acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 9:53 a.m. No action was taken.
The call to Attorney Hull ended at 9:53 a.m.
10:00 a.m., Solid Waste Superintendent Claine Skeen and Assistant Superintendent Eric Owen joined the meeting to give the department report.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the Emergency Facilities and Land Use Agreement with the United States Forest Service for their temporary use of county airport property while fighting fires. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve obtaining an appraisal of property subject to the subdivision of property being possible. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Skeen said the landfill is adjusting to the card reader system and will probably go online sometime this week.
Mr. Skeen asked about his existing budget for disposing of tires and Chairman Dinning suggested Mr. Skeen meet with Clerk Poston to discuss that. It was said $130,000 is in the landfill’s existing budget for anticipated revenue and that should be close using the figures discussed. Mr. Skeen said he will still have $10,000 to $15,000 coming in so that budget will exceed $130,000. Mr. Skeen inquired if he could purchase a reader board and traffic arm with the additional funds. The reader board is three feet by nine feet so he can put information on it for the public such as listing disposal costs. The other purchase proposed is a traffic arm as there is an issue with people not stopping at the landfill office. The total cost for both of these items is approximately $8,000. Commissioners and Mr. Skeen reviewed the process of weighing debris such as brush, etc. Mr. Owen said it’s the same process that is occurring right now and the traffic arm will keep people from driving past the office at the front gate. Mr. Skeen said he’s going over revenue in his budget and it’s to the positive so he questioned if he can use the additional funds to purchase those items. Mr. Skeen said the traffic arm from National Barricade is $4,700 and the reader board is $3,300, but he can get a smaller reader board for $2,500. Chairman Dinning suggested waiting to see where Mr. Skeen’s budget is at the end of this fiscal year.
Chairman Dinning informed Mr. Skeen that he spoke to Dan Redline with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality about the plan for the landfill and the county was advised to just sit still for now.
The meeting with Mr. Skeen and Mr. Owen ended at 10:17 a.m.
10:25 a.m., Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown joined the meeting to give the department report.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to appoint Attorney Hull as point of contact for Boundary County for the payment in lieu of taxes (PILT) class action lawsuit. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the minutes of July 23 & 24, 2018. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Dinning informed Commissioners that the Translator Board did present their budget to Boundary County as required by Idaho Code.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to adopt Resolution 2018-20. A resolution increasing the Justice Fund Sheriff budget due to receipt of unanticipated revenue. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2018-20 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2018-20
INCREASING THE JUSTICE FUND SHERIFF BUDGET
DUE TO RECEIPT OF UNANTICIPATED REVENUE
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget for fiscal year 2017-2018, and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office is now participating in an Off Highway Vehicle Safety Program which qualifies the Sheriff’s Office to receive $1.00 from each off highway vehicle (OHV) registered, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County previously received $1,284.42 from the State of Idaho Parks & Recreation Department from OHV registration fees to be used for OHV law enforcement, and
WHEREAS, the State of Idaho had remaining funds from the original allocation of the OHV registration fees, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County applied for and has received $3,780.00 as Boundary County’s share of those remaining funds, and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget is in need of additional revenue for fiscal year 2017-2018, and
WHEREAS, the addition of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to increase the Boundary County Justice Fund Revenue Account Number 08-00-0391-0091 in the amount of $3,780.00 and the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget Expense Account Number 08-02-801-00, Capital Vehicles, in the amount of $2,900.00 and Expense Account Number 08-02-440-02, Supplies – Deputies, in the amount of $880.00 to be used for off road patrol gear.
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the increase to the Boundary County Justice Fund Revenue Account Number 08-00-0391-0091 in the amount of $3,780.00 and the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget Expense Account Number 08-02-801-00, Capital Vehicles, in the amount of $2,900.00 and Expense Account Number 08-02-440-02, Supplies – Deputies, in the amount of $880.00 to be used for off road patrol gear is hereby authorized and ordered, and
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk is instructed to deliver certified copies of this resolution to the Boundary County Treasurer and the Boundary County Auditor.
DATED this 6th day of August 2018
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/_______________________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/________________________________
LeAlan L. Pinkerton, Commissioner
s/________________________________
Walt Kirby, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #274925
Chairman Dinning discussed the Lower Kootenai River Watershed Restoration Grant in relation to amending its budget. There were funds of approximately $1,200 that John Ailport, Project Manager for Inland Forest Management proposed putting into the weeds training category and there are also additional funds of approximately $2,000 proposed for educational purposes such as conducting a field trip. Commissioners need to make a motion to amend the budget for this, according to Chairman Dinning.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the amended budget for the Lower Kootenai River Watershed Restoration grant. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Dinning said there was also a matter of lack of funding for grant administration, but that’s not the county’s concern at this point.
Ms. Brown provided an update on probation statistics. There are 138 people on unsupervised probation, four people in the Diversion Program with two more pending, 25 people on juvenile probation with two more pending, and 44 people on adult probation. The probationers are doing a lot of community service work, such as working at the Restorium to prepare for their summer BBQ and weeding. The Restorium would actually like more help with weeding, according to Ms. Brown. A couple of youths on juvenile probation are working at the high school as well as Grandview Cemetery with Jim Thompson. Ms. Brown said her office is staying busy. Ms. Brown informed Commissioners that her staff now has radios so if there is a man down situation, the Sheriff’s Office will be made aware and will know who is having the issue. Chairman Dinning informed Ms. Brown that Commissioners will try to close on the armory property on October 1, 2018.
The meeting with Ms. Brown ended at 10:30 a.m.
Deputy Clerk Nancy Ryals joined the meeting at 10:30 a.m.
Commissioner Kirby moved to go into closed session pursuant to Idaho Code 31-874. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. 10:34 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to go out of closed session. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. No action was taken.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to deny indigent case 2018-19. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Deputy Clerk Ryals left the meeting.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the portion of the minutes from July 2, 2018, pertaining to the Board of Equalization appeal hearing for Selva and Haley Kumar for parcel #RPB0080006009AA. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
11:00 a.m., Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley joined the meeting to give a department report. Assessor Dave Ryals also joined the meeting.
Mr. Buckley briefly discussed having the Courthouse parking lot sealcoated. Mr. Buckley presented Commissioners with two quotes for an air conditioning unit for the Appraisers’ Office. One quote is for an air conditioning unit only and the second quote is for a combination air conditioner and heater and the difference between the two quotes is $1,200. Mr. Buckley informed Commissioners that the furnace in this office is quite dated.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to accept the quote for the combination air conditioner and heating unit for the Appraiser’s Office. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Buckley mentioned to Commissioners that he is going to remove the large satellite dish from the roof of the Extension Office so the roof can be resealed.
Chairman Dinning asked about the budget for repairs to the Sheriff’s Office roof. Clerk Poston said that is budgeted for the next year. There is only budget of $25,000 for this as no one had mentioned a cost estimate of approximately $40,000. Those present discussed Assistant Restorium Administrator Pam Barton having information on costs for roof patchwork and repairs involving power, heat tape, etc.
The meeting with Mr. Buckley ended at 11:19 a.m.
Boundary Economic Development Director Dennis Weed joined the meeting at 11:30 a.m.
Mr. Weed mentioned that he had met with Keller and Associates Engineer Kyle Meschko about the regional sewer feasibility study and after looking into the airport property, state land, etc., Mr. Meschko had a different feel. Mr. Weed spoke of the land situation being positive if they can look at airport property or state land, adding that Mr. Meschko didn’t see any issue going forward. In looking at what is involved, the costs are decreasing so he will look at the numbers again. Mr. Weed said he is feeling good about the project as far as keeping costs down and using the option involving Three Mile and Moyie Springs.
Commissioners said they learned that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has loans available for water districts, rural communities, etc. Mr. Weed informed Commissioners that the USDA keeps holding off on releasing their grant funds and he’s now hearing it will be mid-August, because the USDA received more money and they want to look at how they are allocating funding for the projects. Mr. Weed said he is waiting for the word on funding before approaching Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) and other companies. Mr. Weed said $30,000 is available from the Department of Environmental Quality and he is waiting for $30,000 from the USDA.
Mr. Weed said Fatbeam did sign an agreement with the City of Bonners Ferry for a local area network (LAN). There will also be a pole agreement and an agreement with Northern Lights. The plan is to get LAN in between the Mt. Hall area and Naples, then to Canada, and it will hook into the post office protocol (POP) in Sandpoint. The service will consist of 1 gig. If the service goes into Canada, we will be able to use a Canadian or U.S. provider.
Mr. Weed said he has been talking to T-Mobile about leasing tower space from EL Automation and American Tower in Moyie Springs. Chairman Dinning asked how that works with Verizon and Mr. Weed listed the areas of Boundary County that would have access to T-Mobile’s service that have otherwise had issues with Verizon. Mr. Weed said Verizon doesn’t want to expand into more rural areas.
Mr. Weed said he is still working with a couple area businesses on growth. Alta Mill did increase their wages, which also increased their number of employees. Mr. Weed said he is working on getting the mill capital tax credits, which will get them equipment they need and a skilled labor force.
Commissioner asked about the opportunity zone. Mr. Weed said he did do research on this and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) bulletin is supposed to come out the end of August, but other Economic Development Directors in the state are stating that the program may not be what it seems. Other Economic Development Directors are explaining what this program involves and if a company makes that investment March 1st, and the IRS bulletin comes out June 1st, that business loses out so he is not telling anyone about it, but when he does he will advise them to talk to their tax attorney.
Mr. Weed informed Commissioners that his office has moved from the Plaza and he is currently at City Hall for now. Mr. Weed and Commissioners agreed said that it would be best for Mr. Weed to have an office that is visible in the community so he can easily be located.
Those present resumed their discussion on internet service and Mr. Weed said he would like to see the entire county blanketed for service.
11:51 a.m., Commissioner Pinkerton moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)c, to acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency. Commissioner Kirby second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 12:08 p.m. No action was taken.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:12 p.m.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
1:30 p.m., Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee and Assistant Administrator Pam Barton joined the meeting.
Chairman Dinning asked if more applications came in for the nursing position. Ms. Magee said no, only one application came in. Those present discussed rates of pay for the nursing position as well as discussed the current nursing situation. Ms. Magee said the current registered nurse (RN) can provide 12 hours per week and it was mentioned a licensed practical nurse (LPN) could cover the remaining hours needed. Chairman Dinning suggested paying the RN position by the hour as opposed to salary and the LPN would be hourly as well; not salaried as Commissioners want to track the hours. Both positions would not be benefitted. Commissioner Pinkerton asked how often the RN has to be there. Ms. Magee said once every 90 days. Ms. Barton mentioned that residents’ health conditions do change on a daily basis, etc. Ms. Magee explained that an LPN can assess a patient under the oversight of the RN. Chairman Dinning said the state requires that an RN only has to be there once every 90 days or as needed and he added if the county uses an LPN underneath that RN, we could use them part-time at 28 hours per month. It was said an LPN can perform most functions that an RN can. Commissioners questioned if an LPN can do the paperwork the RN is responsible for. Chairman Dinning said the Restorium should schedule the RN to come in on the off days, in the evening three hours a day, for four days and then have the LPN cover the rest of the time. Ms. Magee said it has been her experience that the nurses don’t see the value in the benefits and instead they want the pay.
Ms. Barton explained that the residents have both a hard and soft chart and it is fairly common to have a lot of medical conditions change. Ms. Barton and Ms. Magee said there really is a need.
Chairman Dinning said the county could hire an RN to work 12 hours and an LPN to work 20 hours and neither position would be benefitted. Commissioners agreed. Chairman Dining said we could also list the RN position as up to 12 hours. Clerk Poston questioned if the LPN could incorporate other job duties such as medication coordinator, etc. Commissioner Pinkerton suggested Ms. Magee and Ms. Barton focus on what they can do to hire an LPN. The LPN is not a position needed to keep the Restorium in operation; it’s something the county wants to have. Commissioner Pinkerton said the LPN could absorb the position of the Medication Coordinator if the Restorium feels that position is more important. Commissioner Pinkerton mentioned issues in the past with finding available nurses and retaining nurses.
The meeting with Ms. Magee and Ms. Barton ended at 2:11 p.m.
2:11 p.m., County resident Jim Thompson joined the meeting.
Mr. Thompson said he wanted to meet with Commissioners to see if the county could contribute any funds towards bringing water to the Grandview Cemetery. Mr. Thompson informed Commissioners of the total cost of the project and explained that the water line would need to be brought one mile to one and one half miles uphill to the cemetery. Mr. Thompson explained that the City of Bonners Ferry was not able to provide funds to a private organization. Chairman Dinning said the county cannot provide funds to a private organization as well. The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) will make donations and Mountain West Bank will look into donating funds and challenge the other local banks to donate, according to Mr. Thompson. Chairman Dinning suggested Mr. Thompson contact Avista about possible donations. Mr. Thompson informed Commissioners that if anyone wants to make a donation, they can do so at Mountain West Bank. Clerk Poston informed Mr. Thompson that he may want to approach Rotary about this. Mr. Thompson explained the poor condition of the existing water pipes at the cemetery. Chairman Dinning said for a cost of $60,000 a well could be drilled. Commissioner Pinkerton mentioned that someone could set up a “Go Fund Me” account for donations. Chairman Dinning said approximately 14 or so years ago there was an election to form a cemetery district, but it didn’t pass.
The meeting with Mr. Thompson ended at 2:27 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
***Monday, August 7, 2018, at 10:30 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Sheriff’s Office Deputy Caleb Watts joined the meeting.
10:30 a.m., Commissioners discussed receiving a notice about people camping at county park properties and of the concerns associated with that. Deputy Watts informed Commissioners of the issues caused by people camping at the boat launches as well and those present discussed issues with parking at boat launches, garbage being left behind, graffiti, etc. It was questioned at what point do we expend all these resources? It was said the county doesn’t want to have to have all these rules, but we do need them so the rest of the community is not adversely affected, according to Deputy Watts.
It was said the campers at Riverside Park near the river have apparently moved on. It was mentioned that Commissioners had adopted an ordinance for the snowmobile park property as groups of people would camp and take over the area; not allowing room for anyone else, etc.
Blue Sky Broadcasting Reporter Mike Brown joined the meeting at 10:38 a.m.
Chairman Dinning read aloud Ordinance 2014-1 pertaining to use of the snowmobile park regarding campers, noise, animals, etc.
Deputy Watts said although he agrees with Commissioner Pinkerton about not wanting to have too many rules, there are some things that would help. Deputy Watts mentioned the increasing population and a larger number of people from outside of Boundary County who use the local waterways. Commissioner Pinkerton questioned how to promote the waterways use without pushing people away. Those present discussed the issues with Deep Creek boat launch pertaining to the continual buildup of silt.
Deputy Watts left the meeting at 10:47 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
11:15 a.m., Commissioners tended to administrative duties until their meeting with Aaron Freudenthal with the Idaho Public Defense Commission.
11:16 a.m., State of Idaho Public Defense Commission Coordinator Aaron Freudenthal joined the meeting to update Commissioners on matters pertaining to Public Defense. Also present were: Supervisory Court Clerk Della Armstrong and Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac.
Mr. Freudenthal said this is just his quarterly check in with Commissioners. Mr. Freudenthal spoke of trying to set up a meeting to review public defender workload standards so if Chairman Dinning hadn’t responded yet, there is an email he has sent out. The tentative dates for a meeting on rule making are October 22nd or October 23rd so he will find out which days work best soon.
In terms of work load standards Boundary County is looking good with the public defenders they have, according to Mr. Freudenthal. Mr. Freudenthal said he has only had to encourage one county to hire an additional public defender. Boundary County is not even close to case load numbers. If there are more complicated cases, the number of cases will be smaller, according to Mr. Freudenthal.
Commissioners were made aware that attorney contracts will come out and the Public Defense Commission will try to provide sample contracts. One matter to be addressed is judges appointing attorneys and he explained that when an attorney is appointed they receive an order of appointment. The Public Defense Commission wants to create a short one or two page contract for that. Mr. Freudenthal said only one attorney has been appointed in Boundary County and this attorney has only had two or three cases.
Mr. Freudenthal said another matter is attorney reporting. In the language there isn’t a requirement for the public defenders’ annual report, but the rules will probably have public defenders start using the Public Defense Commission’s form.
Mr. Freudenthal reiterated that his visit is a basic check-in as Boundary County is doing fine. Those present discussed getting a court video system working. Chairman Dinning said he knows the system is up and running with Bonner County Juvenile Detention Center. Supervisory Court Clerk Armstrong said there is a lot of talk that the Polycom system doesn’t work with Bonner County anymore. Chairman Dinning said there is now discussion of the Lifesize Video Conferencing system and he thinks that test was okay.
Bailiff Ben Reinhardt joined the meeting at Commissioners’ request at 11:21 a.m.
Mr. Reinhardt said Lifesize is set up in one of Bonner County’s courtrooms with the camera, but he hasn’t had a case here yet so he will have Bonner County insert our address and try it out. It was said the judge in Bonner County and Judge Meulenberg are okay with this system. Mr. Reinhardt listed one case in which the feedback was very poor. It was said that the public defenders haven’t been contacted about this yet and the thought was the Clerk was arranging that. Mr. Freudenthal said that is good and the process is a lot farther than other counties have gotten with this. It was said the Lifesize system is a lot more cost effective.
Mr. Reinhardt left the meeting at 11:25 a.m.
Mr. Freudenthal asked Commissioners to thank the Clerk for the reimbursement for the extraordinary litigation fund (ELF) and he added that there might be one more small expense he might be able to get reimbursement. Both Supervisory Court Clerk Armstrong and Clerk Poston have done a lot of work for the ELF, according to Mr. Freudenthal. Mr. Freudenthal said the state hadn’t funded enough for the ELF funds, but there are still enough funds to cover the existing requests.
Chairman Dinning was informed that the next Public Defense Commission meeting will be on August 23rd and then on September 26th.
Chairman Dinning questioned if there had been any more discussion on regionalizing the public defenders offices. Chairman Dinning said it might be good for the Public Defense Commission to actually contract with Lifewise Video Conferencing on behalf of the counties as it might be less expensive to acquire licenses. One site is $650, according to Mr. Freudenthal.
Mr. Freudenthal mentioned that there might be one thing that could affect Boundary County. There is a situation in southern Idaho where an experienced attorney no longer takes on public cases and in this case the county’s client is now having to pay the costs for witnesses as he is indigent.
Chairman Dinning asked about post-conviction relief issues. Mr. Freudenthal said he will bring that matter up and see what can be done.
The meeting with Mr. Freudenthal ended at 11:40 a.m.
11:53 a.m., There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
____________________________________
DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
_______________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk