Commissioners' Meeting Minutes - Week of April 17, 2023

***Monday, April 17, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.

9:00 a.m., Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee and Assistant Administrator Diana Lane joined the meeting to update Commissioners on Restorium matters.

Restorium Board member Marty Martinez also joined the meeting.

Commissioners asked about possible incoming residents. Ms. Lane said the improvements to one of the restrooms at the Restorium are almost done. Ms. Magee discussed matters pertaining to nurses, the medication coordinator position and wages. Clerk Poston reviewed budget for the medication coordinator position. Commissioners said budget for this position will remain as it currently is and Commissioners can re-address it in August. Chairman Bertling discussed the hot water tank that is needed for the Restorium and he said the county may need to purchase the water tank that is approximately $3,200.00. It’s an efficient hot water storage tank.

The meeting with Ms. Magee and Ms. Lane ended at 9:25 a.m.

Fay Almond joined the meeting at 9:25 a.m.

9:38 a.m., County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull joined the meeting via conference call and provided an update on the matters of trade marking the county seal, road sweeper quotes and public records requests.

9:41 a.m., Ken Thomas briefly joined the meeting to raise an issue pertaining to the landfill’s no scavenging policy.

Attorney Hull spoke of the agreement with Second Chance Animal Adoption in relation the county ordinance and collecting fees. In 1984, when the ordinance was adopted, the collection of fees was to offset the costs of taking care of the stray animal. The contract the county has with Second Chance Animal Adoption now permits Second Chance to collect those fees. Attorney Hull said he doesn’t think it’s the situation where we need to collect the fee for the county, because the contract itself permits Second Chance Animal Adoption to collect fees. Ultimately, the county will need to amend the ordinance to allow the collection of fees.

Attorney Hull provided an update regarding North Bench Fire Department in relation to having an appraisal done for the property their fire station sits on. The appraiser charges between $2,500.00 and $5,000.00 to do the appraisal. North Bench Fire Department has narrowed down how much land they want to lease and their attorney will talk to them at their next meeting. The appraisal will be put on hold now so if the county can get a land rental in that corridor, we can come up with a price itself and see if that satisfies the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Airport Manager Dave Parker knew that North Bench Fire Department provided fire services to the airport, but he wasn’t aware of other county properties North Bench Fire Department serves.

Attorney Hull and Commissioners reviewed the status of Tim Tucker’s request for the county to vacate a portion of Avonlea Farm Road, the LaBrosse Hill Road easement and looking into a delinquent account of a former resident at the Restorium.

9:55 a.m., the call to Attorney Hull ended.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve and sign the New Private Road Name Request Form for Spud Way. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners briefly discussed the request of Carpet Warehouse for the county to pay 50% of the cost for new flooring up front for the Restorium flooring project. Commissioners said they will hold off on addressing that until Carpet Warehouse gets their public works license.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificate of Residency for Helene Rae. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.

Boundary County Ambulance Service Chief Jeff Lindsey contacted Commissioners via telephone at 10:00 a.m.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and convene as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chief Lindsey reviewed first quarter information for Commissioners from January 1st through the end of March and he said there are about the same number of calls as last year. The big take away is that Boundary Ambulance Service is running 4% more on the amount of patient transports. The ambulance had been running on less of these calls, which makes it not a good revenue source when the patient doesn’t utilize their service.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the minutes for the week of March 20, 2023. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.

10:05 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board and reconvene as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the meeting minutes of April 10 and 11, 2023. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2023-38 ARPA. A resolution regarding ARPA appropriation to Boundary County. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2038-38 ARPA reads as follows:

Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2023-37. A Resolution authorizing the sale of surplus county property at public auction. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2023-37 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-37
A Resolution Authorizing the Sale of Surplus County Property at Public Auction

WHEREAS, Boundary County owns surplus personal property, which is not being used by the County and for which the County is presently obliged to provide storage space, and which the various department heads and the Board of Boundary County Commissioners have determined is not necessary for the County’s use; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Boundary County Commissioners are authorized under Idaho Code Section 31-808 to sell or offer for sale at public auction, after not less than ten days’ previous notice given by publication in a newspaper of the county, any property, real or personal, belonging to the County but not necessary for its use; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Boundary County Commissioners believes it is in the best interest of the County that the surplus property described as in “Attachment A” be sold and therefore desire to sell the property so described at public auction as provided in Idaho Code Section 31-808.

NOW, THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried, it is

RESOLVED that, after publication of notice in the Bonners Ferry Herald in the manner and for the time required by Idaho Code, the personal property of Boundary County described as in “Attachment A” be offered for sale at public auction at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, May 5, 2023, in the indoor arena at the Boundary County Fairgrounds located at 6567 Recreation Park Road, Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

DATED this 17th day of April, 2023.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/______________________
Tim Bertling, Chairman
s/______________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/_______________________
Ben Robertson, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Glenda Poston
Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
s/___________________________________
Recorded as instrument #294141
Clerk’s note: “Attachment A” can be found with the original resolution located in the Clerk’s Office vault.

Commissioners reviewed a quote from Bogie and Sons Roofing and Siding to recoat the roofs of the Courthouse, former Extension Office and the new Extension Office location at the former North Idaho College building.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the quote from Bogie & Sons Roofing and Siding for white coating of the roofs of the Courthouse for the amount of $7,674.00, the former Extension Office for the amount of $6,898.00 and the new Extension Office location at the former North Idaho College building for the cost of $7,191.00. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Independent Contractor Agreement with Bogie and Sons. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Professional Services Agreement with HMH Engineering associated with the Deep Creek Boat Launch site grant through the State of Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

Attorney Hull contacted Commissioners via telephone at 10:20 a.m.

Mr. Martinez and Ms. Almond left the meeting.

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; and Idaho Code 74-206(f), to communicate with legal 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 Robertson second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Robertson “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 10:35 a.m. No action was taken.

The call to Attorney Hull ended.

10:35 a.m., Kootenai Tribe of Idaho Administrative Director/Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative (KVRI) Facilitator Theresa Wheat joined the meeting.

Tom Daniel also joined the meeting.

Ms. Wheat reviewed the agenda for this evening’s Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative (KVRI) meeting.

The meeting with Ms. Wheat ended at 10:43 a.m.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties until their meeting at 11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m., Jay Strom with the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections (IDJC) and Boundary County Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown joined the meeting to provide an update on IDJC matters. Mr. Strom reviewed various statistics to include the number of arrests, petitions and types of charges, detention admissions, youth petitions, status offenses, probation and diversion programs, average ages for youth offenders, probation success rate for years 2020 to present, years of community service, and state legislative funding.

11:06 a.m., Justin Terrell with the Office of Species Conservation and Darcy Lammers joined the meeting.

Ms. Brown spoke of enriching the diversion program so juveniles can address their offense without having a record.

The meeting with Ms. Brown and Mr. Strom ended at 11:11 a.m.

Bonners Ferry Herald Staff Writer Emily Bonsant joined the meeting.

Commissioners recessed until their next meeting at 11:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m., Mr. Lammers proposed the idea of a resolution supporting the delisting of grizzly bears. Idaho had petitioned to have grizzly bears in the lower 48 states delisted, but the Fish and Wildlife Service stated the request was unwarranted. Mr. Lammers said he wants the Fish and Wildlife Service to reconsider the petition and he added that he would also call on the Congressional delegation to get on board if the Fish and Wildlife Service won’t. Mr. Lammers commented on adopting a resolution and other states supporting it.

Commissioners reviewed the proposed draft resolution. Mr. Lammers said people are tracking depredation, but it’s hard to find the data on the number of grizzly bear attacks on humans. Depredations go along with the chart showing what animals were lost according to county. There is data from the Selkirk Cabinet-Yaak ecosystems and we’re connected through the Northern Continental Divide, especially through Canada. Mr. Lammers said he feels if Commissioners adopted a resolution, it would be helpful in the efforts. Commissioners said they did not have a problem with that. Commissioner Robertson said he sees no drawbacks. Chairman Bertling spoke of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail in relation to grizzly bears. Mr. Lammers said if they could get grizzly bears delisted, those issues are a lot easier to work through at a local level as opposed to the Fish and Wildlife Service.

Commissioner Robertson moved to adopt Resolution 2023-39. A resolution supporting swift delisting of grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) in the conterminous “lower 48” United States from the ESA list of endangered and threatened wildlife, including where listed as an experimental population. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2023-39 reads as follows:

RESOLUTION NO. 2023-39
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING SWIFT DELISTING OF GRIZZLY BEAR (Ursus arctos horribilis) IN THE CONTERMINOUS “lower 48” UNITED STATES FROM THE ESA LIST OF ENDANGERED AND THREATENED WILDLIFE, INCLUDING WHERE LISTED AS AN EXPERIMENTAL POPULATION.

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Boundary County, Idaho finds that it is in the best interest of the citizens of Boundary County to adopt this resolution;

WHEREAS, Grizzly bear distribution has expanded such that they now occur regularly in unsuitable habitat in rural agricultural lands and communities, where they pose risks to public safety, livestock and other domestic animals, and property;

WHEREAS, Each year grizzly bears cause significant property damage, with residents in Boundary County losing more than fifty-six (56) livestock to confirmed or probable grizzly bear depredations since 2019;

WHEREAS, A recent and significant increase in human-bear conflicts has caused serious public safety issues for Boundary County citizens;

WHEREAS, Grizzly bear population recovery and conservation success can be directly attributed to the support and efforts of the state of Idaho, Boundary County, and its citizens;

WHEREAS, as stated in the petition to delist submitted March 9, 2022 by The Honorable Brad Little Governor;
WHEREAS, as stated in the letter to USFWS submitted November 17, 2022 by Idaho Congressional Delegation;
WHEREAS, Grizzly bears number approximately 60,000, with approximately 2,000 in Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming;

WHEREAS, Grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) is a subspecies of the brown bear species (Ursus arctos), and both the species and subspecies are secure and do not warrant protection under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA);

WHEREAS, Grizzly bears in the conterminous (lower-48) states are not a species as defined by the ESA;

WHEREAS, Grizzly bears in Idaho and adjacent states form the southern extension of grizzly bears ranging northward across western Canada to Alaska, with bears in Boundary County being a portion of a population crossing international and state boundaries;

WHEREAS, Grizzly bears in Idaho and adjacent states have rebounded and recovered from their historically low numbers and limited distribution in northern Idaho and the Greater Yellowstone Area;

WHEREAS, Grizzly bears in Idaho and adjacent states are protected by state and local regulatory and conservation measures, and suitable grizzly bear habitat is protected by regulatory and conservation measures on federal, state, tribal and private lands;

WHEREAS, Successful conflict management is paramount to maintaining public support in Idaho for grizzly bear conservation;

WHEREAS, Each year people are injured or killed by grizzly bear attacks in Idaho and adjacent states and provinces;

WHEREAS, Continued grizzly bear conservation, including conflict management and prevention, is best accomplished outside of the ESA framework under state management;

WHEREAS, That the continued expenditure of funds and manpower directed toward a recovered population of grizzly bears undermines the possibility for recovery of other species;

WHEREAS, The USFWS has ignored federal legal standards and best available science to find that Idaho’s petition to delist grizzly bear in the lower 48 states does not warrant further action;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners of Boundary County, Idaho, calls upon Congress to act promptly to delist grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) in the lower 48 states from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife, including where listed as an experimental population.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board calls upon the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to, consistent with federal law, policy, and science, to reverse USFWS’ determination on Idaho’s delisting petition, and to proceed with delisting of grizzly bear in the lower 48 states.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board supports continued proactive state, local, and community actions to:

(a) Identify and implement proactive collaborative grizzly bear conflict prevention measures.
(b) Manage grizzly bears as a species in need of management, to prioritize and ensure public safety.
(c) Manage grizzly bear populations at levels to maintain their recovered status, to include the management of mortalities from all sources.
(d) Prevent and promptly respond to grizzly bear conflict and nuisance situations, through the use of all available tools and methods, including but not limited to public education, aversive bear conditioning, and lethal removal of bears.
(e) Bring or otherwise participate in litigation to protect Idaho’s sovereign interests regarding the appropriate delisting and management of grizzly bears.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Boundary County Clerk and Recorder be, and is hereby authorized and directed to forward a copy of this Resolution to the, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the Idaho Board of County Commissioners of Bonner, Kootenai, Fremont, Teton, Madison, and Clark Counties, The Montana Board of County Commissioners of Lincoln, Sanders, Flathead, Lake, Missoula, and Mineral Counties, and to the Congressional delegations representing the State of Idaho, the State of Montana, and the State of Wyoming in the Congress of the United States.

PASSED THIS 17th DAY OF APRIL, 2023, BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BOUNDARY COUNTY, IDAHO.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS BOUNDARY COUNTY, IDAHO
s/_____________________________
TIM BERTLING, Chairman
s/_____________________________
WALLY COSSAIRT, Commissioner
s/_____________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/______________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
Recorded as instrument #294107

Commissioners recessed for lunch at noon.

1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

1:30 p.m., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris joined the meeting to give the department report. Mr. Morris presented a written report.

Mr. Morris said crews are removing some of the closed road signs and patching potholes. Brushing is taking place on Cow Creek Road and Old Highway Two Loop.

Ms. Nelson said she had quotes for a self-propelled broom. Requests for quotes were sent out to Pape´ Machinery, Pac West Machinery and Metroquip. Metroquip chose not to reply, but there is a paper trail of communication, according to Ms. Nelson. The quote for Pape´ Machinery was $72,785.00 and Pac West Machinery provided a quote of $70,500.00. The biggest difference is the 2 year/2,000-hour warranty through Pape´ and the one year/1,000-hour warranty through Pac West. Quotes that were rejected included a delivery date of one year and Road and Bridge cannot wait that long. Pape´ has a broom with a John Deere engine and Pac West’s broom has a Cummins engine. Ms. Nelson discussed budget for equipment and mentioned there is a shortage of approximately $10,000.00. Clerk Poston reviewed budget and mentioned there is an additional $30,000.00, which she usually carries forward, but she can carry over $20,000.00 if Road and Bridge needs $10,000.00.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to accept the quote of $70,500.00 from Pac West Machinery for a self-propelled sweeper. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Ms. Nelson spoke of surplus Road and Bridge equipment and said they have two vehicles, but didn’t know if Squire Fields in Courthouse Maintenance need a vehicle. Chairman Bertling said Mr. Fields might not need it since he is going to take a look at another one.

Ms. Nelson commented briefly on the inspection tour for the guardrail project on Moyie River Road, Deep Creek Loop and Highland Flats Road.

Ms. Nelson discussed liquid chloride and a price of $32,274.00 for 30 gallons. This price is $8,300.00 more than the prior year. For Durapatch oil, Idaho Asphalt is the only vendor for that. Ms. Nelson said she will get quotes for Durapatch oil and mag chloride on the agenda for next week.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) refresher training is next week.

The meeting with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 1:55 p.m.

There being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.

***Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session at the Annex with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

9:00 a.m., Commissioners held an elected officials/department heads meeting. Present were: Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Veterans Service Officer Ron Self, Coroner Chad Workman, Assessor Olivia Drake, Personnel Director Pam Barton, Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown, Restorium Maintenance Kevin Schnuerle, Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen, Undersheriff Rich Stephens, University of Idaho Ag Extension Amy Robertson, Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris, and Courthouse Maintenance Squire Fields.

Chairman Bertling said Commissioners need information on the larger county equipment and vehicles for a future surplus auction. Commissioners have a meeting today with Mike McGinnis with Three Mile Auction to inquire about hosting an auction.

Commissioners have talked about implementing an employee of the quarter for county employees. The deadline for submitting names to Commissioners is the first of June.

Commissioners went around the room for department updates.

The elected officials/department heads meeting ended at 9:30 a.m.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificate of Residency for Guenevere O’Griffin. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties until 10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m., Deputy Clerk April Isaac joined the meeting.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the Certificate of Cremation for indigent case #2023-01. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.

Deputy Clerk Isaac left the meeting.

Commissioner Robertson moved to reappoint Pat Gardiner and Rick Durden to the Boundary County Airport Board with terms to expire February 2026. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

10:30 a.m., Mike and Denise McGinnis of 3 Mile Auction joined the meeting to discuss a proposal to manage current and future auction needs of the county.

Chairman Bertling asked about putting minimum bids on items and Mr. McGinnis said they can do that. Mr. McGinnis said they held an auction for someone who had a lot of vehicles and they put minimum bids on them and the selling price ended up right where they needed to be. Ms. McGinnis spoke of advertising for their auctions in multiple states. Chairman Bertling said the county’s vehicles and equipment are in different locations. It was said that each department can write a list of their items with descriptions, their location, whether or not they run, and information on what the vehicle or equipment needs and it will make it easier for 3 Mile Auction. Ms. McGinnis said she needs photos of the equipment or vehicles. Chairman Bertling suggested having this auction in May. Ms. McGinnis said the auctions close in five days’ time, but they can extend that and also allow for viewing.

The meeting with Mr. and Ms. McGinnis ended at 10:50 a.m.

11:00 a.m., Commissioners held a public hearing to consider Variance Application #6-2023, for Parcel #RP009250000010A, Roosevelt Road, for Applicant Dayton Skrivseth, as it pertains to a variance to Road Standards Ordinance 2020-2 regarding an approach location. Present were: Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris, and Michael Reed. The applicant was not present. The hearing was recorded.

Chairman Bertling reviewed the public hearing procedures. Commissioners had no conflict of interest.

Ms. Nelson gave a staff report and referenced Road Standards Ordinance 2020-2 Section 3.3.B., which sets 330 feet for distance from an existing access, or the intersection or two public road rights-of-way on collector or arterial roads and 200 feet of distance from an existing access or intersection of two public road rights-of-way on local roads. Roosevelt Road is a major collector road so the 330 feet requirement in Section 3.3.B. applies. Section 3.3.F. sets the sight distance for new approaches entering arterial, collector or local access roads at a minimum of 300 feet and a minimum sight triangle of 40 feet.

The parcel is 2.16 acres. The proposed use for the approach is as a primary approach to Lot 1 of Roosevelt Place Subdivision. The proposed approach is for a direct access from Roosevelt Road instead use of the existing easement location. The proposed access is 103 feet east of address 968 Roosevelt Road and 112 feet west of address 1014 Roosevelt Road.

For considerations, Chapter 6.4.4.1., Road and Bridge would not have approved this location. Per Road Standards Variance #5-2021, the application for an approach for a proposed subdivision, the location for the proposed approach was to be for utility only and one main approach to the subdivision was approved with allowance for an existing approach at address 1014 Roosevelt to remain for Lot 2. Access to Lot 1 of the subdivision was proposed to be through Lot 2 and was finally through Lot 3. Planning and Zoning Application #20-0164 for the subdivision required access be shown on the final plat and the final plat provides access to Lot 1 through an easement on Lot 3. Ms. Nelson reviewed the average daily traffic count and stated a traffic impact study was not required.

A summary of public comments made mention of the concerns for the safety of motorists and residences, concentration of traffic with Split Rock Road, Star Road, Breezee Acres and Holly Place and an existing driveway at 1014 Roosevelt Road. Congestion would be impacted by adding another approach. The applicant has already requested another approach at Holly Place. Ms. Nelson commented on existing subdivisions and parcels in the area. Planning and Zoning commented and requested conditions. Road and Bridge provided comments and the Addressing Coordinator also commented that an address change would be needed.

Commissioners had no questions for staff. The applicant was not present to give an opening statement. Commissioners opened the hearing to public testimony.

Speaking in favor was Michael Reed, 102 Holly Place. Mr. Reed said his lot is the one that has the easement through it and he’s not thrilled about the easement going through his property. When he learned about the easement, he checked out the proposed approach and didn’t see anything that was very challenging. Mr. Reed said he does understand there are rules. He’s in favor of this application as it’s an easier way to get to that lot and it gets rid of the easement. There are kids and dogs playing and having another driveway poses concerns. He understands that he bought his house after the fact. Mr. Reed said he’s here to support the application. No one spoke uncommitted or opposed to the application. Commissioner Cossairt stated for the record that two letters had been received in opposition to the application.

The hearing was closed to further public testimony.

Commissioners Robertson questioned if an easement at the county road was asked about. Mr. Morris said Road and Bridge recommended going into the driveway and to have the Holly Place approach and have a frontage road, but they didn’t want to do that and they wanted to have the homestead in its natural place. Ms. Nelson said when they had the subdivision hearing, a question was how was Lot 1 going to be accessed. Originally it was through Lot 2, but Commissioners said as long as there is access when the final plat was signed and the applicant chose to go through Lot 3. They had to show where Lot 1 was getting access. Mr. Reed said he is the owner of Lot 3.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to deny the variance request of Applicant Dayton Skrivseth, Parcel Number RP009250000010A, for an approach that does not meet Road Standards Ordinance 2020-2, and direct staff to prepare written findings and decision, finding that the proposal does not meet Boundary County Road Standards Ordinance 2020-2. The approach is closer than 330 feet, the access is for utility only and there are safety impacts for allowing another access in a congested area. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.

The hearing ended at 11:20 a.m.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.

_____________________________________
TIM BERTLING, Chairman

ATTEST:

_____________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk

Date: 
Thursday, April 27, 2023 - 08:30
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