***Monday, April 19, 2021, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Commissioners gave the opening invocation and said the Pledge of Allegiance.
9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris joined the meeting to give the department report. No written report was provided due to a prior power outage affecting computers. Mr. Morris said Road and Bridge has two crews looking for brush and trees over roads. The grader and Durapatcher are also out working. Road and Bridge is getting the crusher ready and all roads are open, according to Ms. Nelson.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Sales Agreement with Western States CAT for a 2021 Caterpillar 140 all-wheel drive motor grader, serial number EB300346. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt said the total balance due is $287,774.00.
Ms. Nelson said this second grader will be delivered around the 11th of June and the first payment isn’t due until October 15, 2021. The financing documents will come later.
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. Commissioner Bertling second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Bertling “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 9:30 a.m. No action was taken.
The meeting with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended.
North Bench Fire Department representatives Jack Douglas, Walter Burrow and Fred Nystrom joined the meeting at 9:30 a.m.
County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull joined the meeting via telephone at 9:30 a.m.
Commissioners reviewed Attorney Hull’s opinion of the proposed lease agreement as it pertains to a lease with North Bench Fire Department. Mr. Douglas said he didn’t make any drastic changes to this proposed lease compared to the original 1995 contract. Attorney Hull commented that there is just general language clean up in the draft. There is standard language for the insurance requirement of $1,000,000.00 and $2,000,000.00 aggregate and he doesn’t have any issues with a term of five years, but there were other things he wasn’t sure about how Commissioners felt. Chairman Dinning said the county was somewhat entering into this agreement to protect North Bench Fire Department in establishing and retaining a location. The county could enter into this lease and then consider selling the land. Attorney Hull said Commissioners need to make sure this arrangement is not in conflict with the Airport Master Plan. Attorney Hull said he could send a copy of this draft contract to Boundary County Airport Manager Dave Parker and Gary Gates with the Federal Aviation Administration to see if there are any effects to the airport.
Mr. Nystrom, Mr. Douglas and Mr. Burrow left the meeting at 9:38 a.m.
Attorney Hull informed Commissioners that he’s still in review of the Fixed Base Operator Agreement for the airport.
Chairman Dinning spoke of the prior workshop Commissioners had with Attorney Hull and Planning and Zoning Administrator Clare Marley regarding Planning and Zoning ordinances and he added that we need guidance on Ordinance 1999-6. Attorney Hull said Ordinance 1999-6 is the ordinance that initially set the date of 1999 regarding any property split prior to that date, in that there would be no issues with the split and the property would be a legal parcel of record. It’s only the parcels that are split after that that raise questions so Commissioners need to give Ms. Marley authority to apply that date. Attorney Hull added that is on a temporary basis. Attorney Hull said the only ordinance that posed an issue is the 2015 ordinance as there was no actual ordinance attached to the title page. The 2012 ordinance is of interest as it supersedes Ordinance 1999-6 and the 2012 ordinance also has the 1999 ordinance information language. It was said one issue the Commissioners are looking at is how the 2012 ordinance changed the ability to split property. So the county is looking at the ability to split property in the 2012 ordinance.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to instruct Planning and Zoning Administrator Clare Marley to accept January 27, 1999 as the date that all parcels created prior to that date are legal parcels of record. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
9:50 a.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. Commissioner Bertling second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Bertling “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 9:55 a.m. No action was taken.
Attorney Hull ended his call at 9:55 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Cory Clairmont, Tara Richards and Justin Robinson. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the minutes of April 5 & 6, 2021. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2021-15. A resolution increasing the Justice Fund Sheriff budget due to receipt of unanticipated revenue. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2021-15 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2021-15
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 2020-2021, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received $2,080.38 from the State of Idaho, Idaho Transportation Department as reimbursement for overtime wages for the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office for participation in a Winter Aggressive Driving Mobilization, and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Commissioners deem it in the best interest of the general public of Boundary County to increase the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Justice Fund Sheriff Budget for that purpose, and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget is in need of additional revenue for fiscal year 2020-2021, 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 08-00-0391-0000 and the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget Expense Account Number 08-02-0407-0000, Salaries – Overtime, in the amount of $2,080.38, and
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 08-00-0391-0000 and the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget Expense Account Number 08-02-0407-0000, Salaries - Overtime, in the amount of $2,080.38 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 19th day of April 2021
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/______________________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/______________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/______________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/__________________________________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #286540
9:56 a.m., Boundary Ambulance Service Chief Jeff Lindsey and Boundary Ambulance Service Board Chairperson Nancy Russell joined the meeting.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificate of Final Completion for snow removal equipment for the Boundary County Airport. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Federal Aviation Administration Request for Reimbursement #11 for Airport Improvement ending #017 for the Boundary County Airport Environmental Assessment Project. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
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 Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
*Please see Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board meeting minutes*
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board and to reconvene as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:29 a.m., Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative (KVRI) Facilitator Rhonda Vogl joined the meeting to provide Commissioners with an update on this evening’s KVRI meeting topics.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Idaho Department of Lands Wildland Urban Interface grant award documents for the South Boundary Hazardous Fuels Reduction II and Temple Deer II (#20HFR1-Boundary) projects. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve a new private road name of Destiny Way. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Vogl listed this evening’s agenda topics for the Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative to include forestry subcommittee and grizzly bear subcommittee updates. Ms. Vogl said also to be discussed is whether or not to have the next KVRI meeting as an in person or hybrid meeting, such as in person in addition to Zoom.
The meeting with Ms. Vogl ended at 10:40 a.m.
10:41 a.m., Deputy Clerk/Personnel Director Pam Barton joined the meeting to review a matter regarding a job description and it was determined that Ms. Barton will speak with the department head when they’re back from vacation.
Ms. Barton left the meeting at 10:55 a.m.
Treasurer Sue Larson joined the meeting at 11:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m., Commissioners held a tax deed hearing for delinquent year 2017 taxes. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, and Treasurer Sue Larson. The hearing was recorded.
Commissioners were presented with two parcels to tax deed for delinquent year 2017 taxes as follows: parcel #RPM0740002006DA, Tax 9 in Lot 6, Block 2, Moyie Springs Town site for an amount of $685.86 and parcel #RPB0240041012BA, Lots 10 through 12, Less east 20 feet of each to city, Block 41, Eaton, Section 26 Township 62 North Range 1 East for an amount of $962.42.
Treasurer Larson said the parties have been notified. The notice had been sent certified to the party in the city limits, but not for the party in the county, but notice is also posted in the Bonners Ferry Herald and the properties are posted as well. Now that the properties have been tax deeded, there is a redemption period until they’re put up for auction, which is no later than 14 months. A buyer will have to pay all taxes owed in addition to paying the estimate for year 2021 taxes, even though the county will not bill for that year until October, according to Treasurer Larson.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to tax deed the following parcels for delinquent year 2017 taxes: parcel #RPM0740002006DA, Tax 9 in Lot 6, Block 2, Moyie Springs Townsite for an amount of $685.86 and parcel #RPB0240041012BA, Lots 10 through 12, Less east 20 feet of each to city, Block 41, Eaton, Section 26 Township 62 North Range 1 East for an amount of $962.42. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
The tax deed hearing ended at 11:10 a.m.
Treasurer Larson left the meeting.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to transfer a couch and chair that has been declared surplus by the Restorium to the Extension Office. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 11:50 a.m.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
1:30 p.m., Boundary County Economic Development Council Director Dennis Weed joined the meeting at Commissioners’ request to discuss the grant for the regional sewer feasibility study.
Chairman Dinning informed Mr. Weed that he spoke to Charlie Parkins with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) about grant funding for the regional sewer feasibility study project and learned that the maximum DEQ is able to fund for this project is $65,000.00, and DEQ is treating this project as one opportunity. Chairman Dinning clarified that DEQ is not treating this project as two separate phases and he added that he didn’t think to ask about challenging that. Mr. Weed said he knows funding is available from other sources. Mr. Weed added that DEQ can send a check for funds directly to the county or they can send the check to the City of Moyie Springs, who would then write a check to the county. Mr. Weed said he would rather have a letter sent to DEQ from the county regarding tasks that didn’t get taken care. Chairman Dinning said he asked Mr. Parkins if there was other funding and Mr. Parkins had said no. Mr. Weed commented that he feels there will be additional funding and if the county doesn’t get the letter sent out about its funding need, we might not have an avenue for funding later on.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the letter to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality regarding funding of the Regional Sewer Feasibility Study once the letter has been prepared. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality Wastewater Planning Grant #WWG-397-2018-7 Agreement Amendment for Boundary County for up to $65,000.00. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Clerk Poston mentioned there being a motion to sign a letter to be sent to DEQ regarding funding for study for sewer in January 2021, but it had never been sent.
The meeting with Mr. Weed ended at 1:38 p.m.
1:45 p.m., There being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
***Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
9:00 a.m., Commissioners held an elected officials/department heads meeting. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Sheriff Dave Kramer, Veterans Service Officer Ron Self, Treasurer Sue Larson, University of Idaho Extension Educator Amy Robertson, Solid Waste Department Office Manager Richard Jenkins, Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee, Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk, and Personnel Director Pam Barton.
Chairman Dinning said budgets have been sent out so please review them as they need to be returned in early May. Also take a look at what agreements your department might have to see if any costs need to be renegotiated and dates renewed.
The county’s surplus personal property auction is being held on April 28, 2021.
Original personnel files need to be kept in the Clerk’s Office, but departments can retain copies.
COVID-19 leave offered by the county has been canceled as of April 1, 2021.
Chairman Dinning said Boundary County has been receiving Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding for Road and Bridge. Over the last six years there have been one or two years where the county had not received anything. Road and Bridge has been shorted approximately $6,000,000.00 so they’re operating on a shoestring.
Commissioners went around the room for department updates.
Sheriff Kramer said his office is just moving forward for spring and he mentioned having an ATV training course coming up on May 14th. Sheriff Kramer added that he is hoping to use the county’s gravel pit in Moyie Springs for the ATV course. Currently, the in-house jail population is down, according to Sheriff Kramer.
Treasurer Larson said she has a new employee, Kate Wood.
Ms. Robertson said things are going well at the Extension Office and she spoke of upcoming spring classes that she’s preparing for. Ms. Robertson explained that people can sign up for these classes now.
Mr. Jenkins said everything is going well at landfill. There are no changes.
Ms. Magee said it’s going well at the Restorium.
Mr. Wenk said the deadline in which to sign up for the Neighborhood Weed Coop Program is May 1, 2021. Mr. Wenk commented that he’s already started spraying weeds and when the weather warms up he will spray more.
Ms. Barton said Life Flight memberships are good until June so she will send out renewal notices with paychecks soon.
Mr. Self said everything is fine in the Veterans Service Office and the state veteran service officer is coming up soon.
Chairman Dinning said Commissioners will look at trying to hold the next elected officials/department heads meeting in person.
The elected officials/department heads meeting ended at 9:11 a.m.
9:15 a.m., Noxious Weed Department Superintendent Dave Wenk provided his department report via conference call. Mr. Wenk reiterated that applications for the Neighborhood Weed Coop Program are due by May 1, 2021. The Idaho Association of Counties will hold their annual June meeting in Coeur d’ Alene regarding noxious weeds. Mr. Wenk said he learned of an herbicide shortage while attending a conference in Salmon, Idaho. The biggest shortage is cardboard boxes for the herbicide and that shortage is contributed to Amazon. Shipping is also an issue. Mr. Wenk spoke of the Noxious Weed Control Book and said the Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) received a grant to publish this book so the CWMA will meet about that and if the project is approved, it will go to print. Mr. Wenk informed Commissioners that he’s the chairman of the Idaho Association of Counties Weed Control Superintendents as well as the Idaho Weed Control Association and he added that thankfully he can participate in meetings via Zoom instead of driving to Meridian.
Mr. Wenk commented that the only funding for weeds is through the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA), which is a cost sharing program and those funds have been decreasing so he’s trying to locate other funding sources. Mr. Wenk said there is a noxious weed fund associated with off road vehicles so he’s thinking about having hunting and fishing licenses include a provision for noxious weed funds. Mr. Wenk explained that this is funding at the county level; not the United States Department of Agriculture, etc.
Mr. Wenk commented that the snowmobile groomer operator probably won’t be returning so the Snowmobile Board will need to look for another operator. Mr. Wenk questioned if there is a way to take some of his Weed Department hours and use them for snowmobile labor. Mr. Wenk added that it would probably consist of approximately 300 to 400 hours during the months of approximately December through February. Boundary County has always contributed $3,000.00 toward the snowmobile budget, but it’s getting more and more expensive to groom. Chairman Dinning said he doesn’t know if there is the ability to levy for that fund. Mr. Wenk replied that he isn’t aware of any other funding. Chairman Dinning commented that at last night’s Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative (KVRI) meeting Deputy Forest Supervisor Kim Pierson mentioned the Great American Outdoors Act program for trails and recreation so Mr. Wenk may want to see if that program can assist with funding. Chairman Dinning said he doesn’t know if grooming would qualify, but he thinks it would.
The call with Mr. Wenk ended at 9:25 a.m.
Veterans Service Officer Ron Self provided Commissioners with an update on veteran matters. Mr. Self informed Commissioners the state veteran service officer will be at the Boundary County office on Thursday. Mr. Self commented that his office is getting busier.
Chairman Dinning explained that the Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICRMP) monitors county email security and they send out fake emails to county computers just to test employees’ diligence in checking emails before opening them to make sure it’s a legitimate email.
The meeting with Mr. Self ended at 9:30 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the minutes of April 12 & 13, 2021. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:30 a.m., Commissioners held the continuation of the public hearing to consider Application #6-2021, a variance to Boundary County Road Standards Ordinance 2020-2 requested by Shem Johnson. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, and Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris. The hearing was recorded.
Chairman Dinning explained that this hearing is a continuation, but that another continuation has been requested in order to obtain more information.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to continue the hearing for Application 6-2021, a variance to Road Standards Ordinance 2020-2 requested by Shem Johnson, to Monday, May 10, 2021, at 10:30 a.m., to be held in Commissioners’ Office. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
The hearing ended at 10:33 a.m.
Commissioners recessed for the morning session.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners held a hearing at the Boundary County Annex to consider Planning and Zoning Application #21-052, an application for a primitive subdivision filed by Ruth Eckblad. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Planning and Zoning Administrator Clare Marley, Corine Ladely, Mike Ladely, and Marchita Johnson. The hearing was recorded.
Commissioners opened the hearing for Application #21-052. Chairman Dinning stated that the Surveyor for the applicant, Steve Moyer with North Star Surveyor, has requested a continuation to allow more time for Panhandle Health District to dig test holes, etc., so Commissioners will continue this hearing.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to continue the public hearing for Planning and Zoning Application #21-052, for a primitive subdivision requested by Ruth Eckblad, to Monday, May 3, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. to be held in Commissioners’ Office. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
The hearing ended at 1:35 p.m.
Commissioners recessed until their next public hearing at 2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m., Commissioners held a public hearing to consider Planning and Zoning Applications #20-072 and #21-033. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Planning and Zoning Administrator Clare Marley, Greg Johnson, Sarah Jenkins, John Lozier with North Bench Fire Department, Jack Douglas, North Bench Fire Department Chief Gus Jackson, Sam Testa, Steve Russell, Duane Cameron, Bill Michalk, Mike Sykes, Ray Sulier, Nadine Sulier, Patricia Quail, Charles Becker, Travis Stolley, Jessica Stolley, and Chuck and Gayla Roady. The public hearing was recorded.
Chairman Dinning reviewed the public hearing procedures. No one had questions of the process. Commissioners did not have a conflict of interest.
Commissioners opened the hearing and asked the applicant for an opening statement. Bill Michalk gave an opening statement and provided information on the background this property, roads and accesses and how long area properties have been in his family, in addition to providing information that he was a pilot and engineer, etc. Mr. Michalk also spoke of how the county had purchased land from his family and spoke of the nearby airport. Mr. Michalk commented that he wasn’t aware of any airport overlay zones or restrictions until he got to the Planning and Zoning Department and he spoke of CFR airport regulations, how this working plan was formed and that it is to provide guidance. Mr. Michalk said Planning and Zoning voiced concerns regarding safety. Mr. Michalk provided height requirement information for areas near an airport. If a structure was within 5,000 feet of the airport, it would need to be less than 210 feet tall. This area would be located at the end of the subject property closest to the airport and Mr. Michalk said he’s not proposing a house that tall.
Mr. Michalk said because this property is within the traffic pattern, there is a noise requirement and the county would need to hire an engineer to conduct a sound study and study the traffic pattern. When developing the airport operating plan, there was a provision dependent on the number of propeller operations and the Boundary County Airport doesn’t see that much aircraft traffic. Mr. Michalk said if a sound study was done, it would probably fall under 50 decibels, but he cannot find information on housing density under flights and so far he’s seeing this as an Idaho Transportation Department guideline. This is a topic that he cannot locate in the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Michalk said he would like to see this property as one dwelling per one acre lot. The City of Bonners Ferry will eventually expand in the direction of this property. A zone change and more homes will be requested. Mr. Michalk said the subdivision to the south of the airport is the most restricted and he feels having one acre sites with a home on it won’t be an impact and homes won’t need sound reducing insulation. The lots won’t be in critical zones. If a noise study was done and it limited housing, it would probably generate a study of the airport.
Chairman Dinning stated that this testimony has to do with the Comprehensive Plan and the zone map and he clarified some of the questions Mr. Michalk raised.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Clare Marley provided a staff report and reviewed Comprehensive Plan and zone map backgrounds. Ms. Marley mentioned this area is outside of the area of impact. Right now this area is zoned rural residential, which has a five acre minimum. Ms. Marley showed a slide showing a diagram of the flight traffic patterns. Ms. Marley commented on the need to consider the ability to provide services, such as water, fire protection, etc.
Commissioners opened the hearing to public testimony and asked for comment from those in favor of the proposal. Greg Johnson commented that he farms this property and he also builds houses. Mr. Johnson said it doesn’t make sense to put a lot of money into infrastructure if the lots are going to be five acres. Two acres are better, but one acre lots would be optional. In looking at infrastructure; it’s there, and Mr. Johnson listed what utilities can be provided. This property is too close for planes to fly over with regard to approaches and take off as the planes turn too wide. Mr. Johnson said the zone change is along the lines of what’s happening in the county; referencing subdivisions to the north and south. The proposal is consistent with what’s there already.
Sam Testa said he is a pilot and realtor and he is strongly in favor of the application. The county needs single family homes. Mr. Testa explained that he is a pilot and the danger factor is not there. It makes sense that this subdivision is this close to town so it’s consistent to what’s going on.
Travis Stolley said he also has an interest in building. This subdivision is consistent to the area, such as it’s similar to the Heights Loop Subdivision. There won’t be any construction until utilities are available. Mr. Stolley said he would much rather see cluster development in this area. There would be traffic, but that would be worked out with the Idaho Transportation Department and Road and Bridge.
Speaking uncommitted was Patricia Quail. Ms. Quail said she sees planes and helicopters flying over her house all of the time and saw a jet rev its engine over that subject property. Ms. Ms. Quail commented that she wanted to explain what her experience has been.
North Bench Fire Department Chief Jackson said he’s uncommitted, but this will be a major impact on the service area. This proposal would put a big hurt on agencies, especially the water supply. Chief Jackson commented that if this project involves another water source, he would like to be involved.
Speaking in opposition was Steve Russell. Mr. Russell said Bonners Ferry is so unique and neighbors can have trees in between them; adding that one acre parcels are not “Bonners Ferry-ish” and to please not put this subdivision in this location.
Chuck Roady said he owns land near this site and he’s been neighbors with the Platos through three generations. Mr. Roady read his statement into the record and provided it in written form to the Commissioners’ deputy clerk. Mr. Roady listed issues such as wind, strains on utilities, and traffic on the highway. Mr. Roady commented that he has all of the respect in the world for the Platos, but this location is not the right place for this subdivision.
Michael Sykes said three houses in the other nearby subdivision just sold for $500,000.00 and he questioned how that is affordable. Mr. Sykes commented that he’s watched many planes fly over his house; and he added that as it pertains to septic services, his property has clay at four feet down.
Sara Jenkins said she agrees that we need affordable housing, but her issue is the increased traffic. Ms. Jenkins explained the number of times she has almost been hit by another car. Ms. Jenkins reiterated that traffic is her issue.
Duane Cameron said there is already an issue with speed. Mr. Cameron commented that he’s lived in this area for a year; adding that this area is definitely in the flight path. There are always lawsuits involving airports. There is a quality of life issue here. If more homes are built, it impacts traffic and he mentioned that he doesn’t want to see the impacts such as the ones in the county to the south. Mr. Cameron briefly commented on the lack of bed space at the jail and impacts to the fire service.
Charles Becker said he used to live in a big city and he listed the attributes of a rural area. Three Mile Water District is already backed up one and one half years as it pertains to memberships. Mr. Becker said he understands a property owner wanting to make the most of their property. This proposal would destroy the area’s character.
Mr. Michalk was asked if he would like to provide a rebuttal to the public testimony. Mr. Michalk said there is a need to have affordable housing, even at $500,000.00. This is “not in my background”, according to Mr. Michalk. Mr. Michalk commented that he is considering doing his own septic system. He also discussed road intersection and traffic issues. Mr. Michalk said the airport overlay map is not to standards. A jet flying over the subdivision is not flying properly and he mentioned that there has only been one traffic pattern crash in that area. Mr. Michalk said this area has been perk tested over the years and it’s pure sand down to 300 feet. Mr. Michalk commented about the county being sued or complaints about the landfill and he said that our area is going to change and if someone wants to buy property, then they can do that.
Mr. Michalk briefly mentioned holding the county harmless regarding the landfill and he explained the number of large plastic garbage bags that would blow off of the landfill property into his cow pasture, which are harmful to cows if ingested, but the landfill had developed a system so sacks don’t blow off the perimeter.
Chairman Dinning said there are just a few things that he would like to clarify and to also get a better handle on airport regulations as it pertains to this property.
Commissioners continued this hearing to Monday, May 10, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. to be held at the County Annex.
The hearing ended at 3:42 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:42 p.m.
___________________________________
DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
__________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk