***Monday, April 13, 2020, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

Commissioners gave the opening invocation and said the Pledge of Allegiance.

9:00 a.m., Commissioners held an elected officials/department heads meeting. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Chief Deputy Prosecutor Tevis Hull, Sheriff Dave Kramer, Treasurer Sue Larson, University of Idaho Extension Educator Amy Robertson, Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown, Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen, Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley, Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee, Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris, Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk, Veterans Service Officer Ron Self, Airport Manager Dave Parker, Assessor Dave Ryals, and Emergency Services Manager/County Public Information Officer Andrew O’Neel.

Chairman Dinning stated that Governor Brad Little is to come out with a new order sometime today or tomorrow and Commissioners will talk about holding a special meeting after it’s known what Governor Little is going to do about his order. Boundary County’s order expires a day or two after the state’s, according to Chairman Dinning.

Commissioners asked for department updates.

Assessor Ryals said there is nothing new to report for his office. The Assessor’s Office and Department of Motor Vehicles Office will now be opened to telephone calls only five days per week as opposed to three days per week. Assessor Ryals commented that he would notify the public of this change.

Clerk Poston said she had nothing new to report.

Attorney Hull said he had nothing new to discuss. Chairman Dinning said he had heard that the mud bog had been canceled, but that information has not been confirmed.

Sheriff Kramer, Treasurer Larson, Ms. Robertson, Ms. Brown, Mr. Skeen, Mr. Self, Mr. Moss, and Ms. Magee said they did not have information to add.

Mr. Buckley said he’s doing well and to let him know if he’s needed.

Mr. Morris said Road and Bridge is just plugging along and they will probably get more roads open today. Mr. Morris added that approximately 75% to 90% of the county roads are open now.

Mr. Wenk said he’s been working for the Sheriff’s Office in Dispatch, but he will probably start treating weeds sometime next week.

Mr. Parker said he had nothing new to report for the airport and he added that the airport is still fairly slow.

Mr. O’Neel said new cases of COVID-19 in Idaho are trending lower. Bonner County has 4 cases of the virus and Kootenai County now has 45. In Boundary County there have been 29 negative tests and 5 tests results are pending. There are no confirmed cases in Boundary County despite what is reported by the New York Times. Panhandle Health has confirmed that there are no cases of COVID-19 in Boundary County. Mr. O’Neel said he’s working on getting personal protective equipment and he has hand sanitizer coming in this week. There is a company in Utah that supplies masks that is working with Mr. O’Neel, but they’re having trouble with a supplier so he will probably have to look elsewhere. Chairman Dinning asked about new cases over the weekend and Mr. O’Neel said there were no new cases over weekend.

Prosecutor Douglas joined the call and clarified that he had been experiencing phone troubles.

Chairman Dinning stated there had been discussions at the state level and the concerns are that in the larger areas traffic citations, tickets or charges are being held right now and when we come out of the virus situation there will be a mass filing so should we anticipate that here? Prosecutor Douglas said he hadn’t heard of that. Attorney Hull said because we’re not seeing arrests come in by virtue of the courts, he’s not seeing anything that’s going to cause the Prosecutor’s Office a host of cases going forward. The only thing going forward out of that office is typically law enforcement will cite people. It’s the felony charges that are currently under investigation that might be filed, but there is no stockpiling of any cases in the Prosecutor’s Office, according to Attorney Hull.

Chairman Dinning asked those on the call to be safe and thanked them for their efforts.

The elected officials/department heads meeting ended at 9:13 a.m.

9:14 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris stayed on the conference call to provide their department report. Mr. Morris informed Commissioners that they got another two direction snowplow from the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) for $750.00. Ms. Nelson commented that she is still waiting for the invoice from ITD and she asked about getting a demand payment when it comes in. Mr. Morris discussed obtaining a flatbed trailer deck from Glen McClellan. The deck is off of a 53 foot flatbed, with no axels, and Road and Bridge is looking to use this deck for bridge work as it would make a nice temporary bridge or walking bridge. The cost is $800.00. If it works out, Road and Bridge will see if they can purchase it.

Commissioner Kirby moved to go out to bid for calcium chloride dust palliative materials for year 2020. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

The meeting with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 9:21 a.m.

Commissioners reviewed claims for payment. Fund totals are as follows:

Current Expense $ 232,892.26
Road & Bridge 122,131.17
Airport 4,685.40
District Court 7,055.33
Justice Fund 158,619.47
911 Funds 7,948.43
Indigent & Charity 11,948.53
Parks and Recreation 2,972.61
Animal Damage Control 5,000.00
Revaluation 209.39
Solid Waste 30,807.74
Tort 375.27
Veterans Memorial 430.35
Weeds 100.80
Restorium 40,145.02
Waterways 889.66
Grant, Airport 9,153.33
Grant, Boat Safety 639.10

TOTAL $636,003.86
Trusts
Auditor’s Trust 121,342.99
Boundary Co. Drug Court Trust 177.60
Driver’s License Trust 4,962.00
Motor Vehicle Trust 120,590.94
Insurance Reimbursement Trust 8,543.00
Sheriff’s Trust Fund 499.25
Odyssey Court Trust Account 22,328.03
Odyssey Bond Trust Account 178.75
Odyssey Restitution Trust Account 4,251.91

TOTAL $282,874.47

GRAND TOTAL $918,878.33

Citizens are invited to inspect detailed records on file in the Courthouse (individual claims & Commissioners’ allowance & warrant register record 2019-2020).

Chairman Dinning said Commissioners had received an email from Panhandle Health District in which, on behalf of Governor Brad Little, they’re requesting opinions from Commissioners as to what the thoughts are about extending or lifting the Stay Home Order. Chairman Dinning said he’s not in favor of mass gatherings yet. Commissioner Kirby agreed.

9:26 a.m., County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull contacted Commissioners via conference call.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)f, to communicate with counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. Commissioner Kirby second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 9:40 a.m. No action was taken.

Chairman Dinning informed Commissioners that BF Builders is getting ready to replace carpet in the front offices of the armory.

Commissioners discussed receiving correspondence from a local realtor informing Commissioners of property for sale near the Riverside park ballfield that they felt would be good for the county to purchase.

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the minutes from the weeks of March 16, 2020, March 23, 2020, and March 30, 2020. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chairman Dinning commented that Northwest Paint & Pre-Stain was ready to paint the outside of the Courthouse. Chairman Dinning said his thinking is that Commissioners agreed to have this work done and signed the agreement so they should probably see it through. Commissioners agreed to have the painting done.

Commissioners discussed the matter regarding the possible purchase of a roll off truck for the Solid Waste Department. Chairman Dinning said he doesn’t know if the county needs to spend $40,000.00 at this time. Commissioner Cossairt clarified that it would cost more than $40,000.00 as Mr. Skeen also needed nine more roll off containers. Commissioners said they were just waiting for Mr. Skeen to come back with more information. Commissioners discussed having Mr. Skeen leave the old bins in place so if the roll off truck breaks down, the compactor trucks can be used.

10:00 a.m., Commissioners held a continuation of the tax deed hearing for delinquent year 2016 taxes. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Treasurer Sue Larson, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. The hearing was recorded.

Treasurer Larson informed Commissioners that she checked the bank this morning and nothing has come back as far as the payments property owners have made toward their delinquent taxes. For parcel RPB0820004010CA in the name of Deborah A. Bellmore, a check was received for the entire tax amount due for year 2016, and Treasurer Larson said she needed time for the payment to clear.

Commissioners continued the tax deed hearing for parcel RPB0820004010CA in the name of Deborah A. Bellmore until Monday, April 27, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.

The hearing ended at 10:10 a.m.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

10:20 a.m., Commissioners held proceedings to consider the Boundary County Alcoholic Beverage License Application for Land Seal LLC doing business as Grocery Outlet of Bonners Ferry, located at 6355 Main Street, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to sell bottled and/or canned beer and retail wine to be consumed off premises. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. The proceedings were recorded.

The completed application, applicable fee, and a copy of the 2020 State of Idaho Retail Alcoholic Beverage License, 2020 City of Bonners Ferry Retail Alcoholic Beverage License, and 2020 Panhandle Health District Permit have been received.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the Boundary County Alcoholic Beverage License for Land Seal LLC doing business as Grocery Outlet of Bonners Ferry, located at 6355 Main Street, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to sell bottled and/or canned beer and retail wine to be consumed off premises. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

The meeting to consider the alcoholic beverage license for Grocery Outlet of Bonners Ferry ended at 10:21 a.m.
10:25 a.m., Commissioners stated for the record that there were no Board of Equalization matters to address.

10:30 a.m., Boundary County Emergency Services Manager Andrew O’Neel contacted Commissioners via telephone to participate in Commissioners’ meeting to discuss the county emergency declaration that is to expire tomorrow. Commissioners said they are contemplating extending the declaration to the end of May, unless revoked and it was clarified that this was the declaration of emergency, not the Public Health Emergency Order pertaining to restaurants and bars. There is a statewide emergency and some counties have their declarations run concurrently or until the state lifts its declaration. Mr. O’Neel said his thought would be to extend the emergency declaration to June 1st as well. The Public Health Emergency Declaration can be revoked or modified separately from the emergency declaration. Having the emergency declaration in place allows the county to continue to re-coop any costs associated with this event and it’s definitely not over, according to Mr. O’Neel. Mr. O’Neel said he would expect to see confirmed cases start to increase once restaurant restrictions are lifted and testing is available.

Commissioner Kirby moved to extend the Emergency Declaration associated with COVID-19 that was set to expire Tuesday, April 14, 2020, and that was amended on March 19, 2020, to extend to June 1, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign Amended Disaster Emergency Declaration #2 (COVID-19). Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chairman Dinning said the county had signed the county’s Public Health Emergency Order #1 pertaining to restaurants and bars that expires on April 17th and then approximately one hour later Governor Little adopted the statewide order. Chairman Dinning said he doesn’t want a situation where the county has an order that expires on April 17th when Governor Little may change things on April 15th as he would like to fall in line with what the Governor puts on statewide so it’s not too restrictive. Chairman Dinning added that his thought is to amend the Public Health Emergency Order to mirror the Governor’s restrictions. Governor Little is expected to make a decision soon. The county could just let its own order expire as Governor Little’s order supersedes the county’s order. Chairman Dinning said if the Governor’s order is lessened, he feels the county should just abide by that. Commissioners discussed holding a special meeting on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. to discuss this further as by then it should be known what Governor Little will do.

Mr. O’Neel informed Commissioners that there had been a misunderstanding and he had been given incorrect cost information for hand sanitizer. Commissioners said they were fine with him ordering the hand sanitizer at the corrected cost.

The call to Mr. O’Neel ended at 10:45 a.m.

10:45 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)b, to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school student. Commissioner Cossairt second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 10:50 a.m. No action was taken.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
11:22 a.m., Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee contacted Commissioners via telephone to give a department report. Ms. Magee said she’s still in need of a backup thermometer and she’s passed that request on to the Clerk’s Office so the order can be placed. Ms. Magee explained that the existing thermometer is acting up and she doesn’t want to be without one. Ms. Magee commented that she has a good supply of hand sanitizer. Ms. Magee informed Commissioners of a pest issue that she has already started addressing. Commissioners asked how the Restorium is doing on staffing and were told that staffing is going okay. Ms. Magee updated Commissioners on working with the Kootenai River Inn to obtain produce for the Restorium.

The call with Ms. Magee ended at 11:31 a.m.

11:31 a.m., Commissioners discussed the need to increase the fees associated with Planning and Zoning applications. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners will prepare the notice of public hearing to consider an increase in Planning and Zoning application fees and they will continue the discussion regarding these fees on Thursday, April 16, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.

Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:00 p.m.

1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

1:30 p.m., County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull and Erika Malmen, Attorney with Perkins Coie, contacted Commissioners via telephone.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)f, to communicate with counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. Commissioner Kirby second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 2:20 p.m. No action was taken.

The call with Attorney Hull and Attorney Malmen ended.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

2:55 p.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)b, to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school student. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 3:15 p.m. No action was taken.

There being no further business, the meeting recessed until Thursday, April 16, 2020, at 9:00 a.m.

***Thursday, April 16, 2020, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in special session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt and Commissioner Walt Kirby via telephone, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
9:00 a.m., Commissioners held an elected officials/department heads meeting via conference call. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Assessor Dave Ryals, Treasurer Sue Larson, Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee, Veterans Service Officer Ron Self, Deputy Clerk Pam Barton, Undersheriff Rich Stephens, University of Idaho Extension Educator Amy Robertson, Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown, Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen, Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley, Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendent Randy Morris, Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk, Airport Manager Dave Parker, and Boundary County Emergency Manager/Public Information Officer Andrew O’Neel.

Chairman Dinning mentioned that Governor Brad Little had extended his Stay Home Order until April 30, 2020, so Boundary County will continue as we have been. Commissioner Cossairt told everyone to keep up the good work. Commissioner Kirby said he didn’t have anything new to report. Commissioners asked for department updates.

Assessor Dave Ryals, Treasurer Sue Larson, Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee, and Veterans Service Officer Ron Self said they had nothing new to report.

Ms. Barton said she received a message from the State Insurance Fund and they are tracking hours of county employees who are at home and not working due to COVID-19 and they will deduct those hours from their billing. Ms. Barton asked those on the call to have employees track their hours for time off due to COVID-19 on their time sheet. Mr. Wenk questioned how his hours spent working at the Sheriff’s Office due to COVID-19 should be tracked and Ms. Barton said there is another category on the time sheet for those types of hours.

Undersheriff Stephens said he really didn’t have anything new to report. The number of inmates is low and they had seven inmates yesterday. Undersheriff Stephens discussed the changes made to staffing schedules at the Sheriff’s Office.

Ms. Robertson discussed the animal market sale and said it has not been canceled. The Extension Office is still moving forward with planning to have a fair. The animal weigh in process might have to be canceled and then another way to identify animals will need to be determined.

Ms. Brown said there is nothing new to report for the Probation Department. The new flooring is being installed in the hallway at the armory, but Probation staff have moved back into their offices.

Mr. Skeen said the Solid Waste Department has been staying busy.

Mr. Buckley said he’s been quite busy. The painters are working on the roof of the Courthouse today and tomorrow, and will work on the front of the Courthouse after that. Painting should be done sometime next week. Mr. Buckley said after the Courthouse has been painted he will paint the steps and hand railing.

Mr. Morris said he had nothing new to report. The Ruby Creek Bridge #4 deck replacement project is now done.

Mr. Wenk spoke of starting to spray weeds in the next week.

Mr. Parker said it’s still slow at the airport. Mr. Parker informed Commissioners of funds totaling $30,000.00 that Boundary County will receive for the airport.

Mr. O’Neel provided information on the number of people in Boundary County who have been tested for COVID-19. Commissioners have authorized the purchase of a large quantity of hand sanitizer and it’s being delivered this afternoon. Len Pine with the Chaplains’ Corp has volunteered to coordinate distribution of the hand sanitizer. Mr. O’Neel said his concern is about getting this sanitizer to health care workers, first responders, and etc., and he also needs guidance for getting this sanitizer to the county offices. County offices that work more closely with the public should be prioritized. Chairman Dinning and Clerk Poston suggested putting the hand sanitizer in the Courthouse storage area so staff can grab it as needed. Mr. Buckley said he would pick it up from Mr. Pine.

Chairman Dinning mentioned that in this extended Order from Governor Little it states that anyone coming in to Idaho from out of state, who is not coming here to work, needs to quarantine themselves for a period of time. Chairman Dinning explained that the Governor’s Order is what stands in place. The county’s Public Health Emergency Order will expire tomorrow and that had to do with restaurants and bars, but the Governor’s order will still cover that matter so there is no change in that. Commissioners want to make sure there is no misunderstanding that just because the County’s Public Health Emergency Order expired that restaurants and bars can open as that is not correct. The Governor’s Order still stands and the county will also stand behind that, including the requirement for people coming in from out of state to quarantine for two weeks.

Mr. O’Neel said the City of Moyie Springs had also enacted an emergency declaration that expires April 17, 2020, and he asked if the county was aware of that. Chairman Dinning said the entities we’re all going to have, or have had, meetings to address this and he urged Mr. O’Neel to keep in touch with the cities. Chairman Dinning added the reminder that the Governor’s order still overlays each entity so that is what is in place.

The elected officials/department heads meeting ended at 9:19 a.m.

9:30 a.m., Commissioners discussed the county’s Public Health Emergency Order #1 pertaining to restaurants and bars and whether or not this order should continue or terminate. Chairman Dinning said this order expires, but Commissioners can extend it, rescind it or just let it lapse tomorrow. Commissioner Cossairt said we can just let the Governor’s order proceed as the county’s order is not any more rigid. Clerk Poston suggested that Commissioners release a statement to that effect. Commissioner Cossairt suggested letting their order term out and just follow the state’s order. Commissioner Kirby said whatever is the simplest is what he would suggest doing. Commissioners will follow the State of Idaho order from Governor Brad Little and that will continue through April 30, 2020.

9:22 a.m., Commissioners resumed their discussion on proposed fee increases for Planning and Zoning applications. Commissioner Cossairt said the fees can be increased and then Commissioners can address them again at a later date and adjust them if need be.

Commissioners and Clerk Poston discussed a matter of correcting an employees’ compensation of time off due to COVID-19. Chairman Dinning said the county would correct that.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:25 a.m.

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DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:

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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk