***Monday, August 12, 2019, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, 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 Assistant Superintendent Renee Nelson and Foreman Randy Morris joined the meeting to give the departmental report. A written report was presented. Chairman Dinning informed Mr. Morris and Ms. Nelson that Paradise Valley Hill may need chip sealed as it’s forming alligator cracks.
Those present discussed the bad weather on Sunday.
Commissioners asked about metal versus plastic culverts. Ms. Nelson said HMH Engineering said if the culvert is plastic, it needs to be double walled with metal inside and more fill needs to be placed on top. Mr. Morris said he didn’t think the Forest Service allows plastic culverts. Ms. Nelson said she believes the State of Idaho does allow plastic, one reason being that plastic doesn’t rust.
Ms. Nelson and Commissioners discussed commercial driver’s license (CDL) endorsements. Road and Bridge operators need to have a Class A Endorsement, but they also need a tanker endorsement as well. Chairman Dinning said in the job descriptions it states an employee has to have a CDL so that is the responsibility of the employee. Ms. Nelson listed the other endorsements the county takes care of on behalf of the employee. The rate is approximately $15 for the endorsements and they need to be renewed every four years.
Commissioner Kirby moved to pay for the additional endorsements needed for County Road and Bridge Department employees. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Those present discussed a matter regarding a right-of-way on Round Mountain Road. Ms. Nelson informed Commissioners that Northern Lights wants Road and Bridge to brush the right-of-way so they can put power lines in for residents. Road and Bridge doesn’t maintain this, but it is a deeded right-of-way. Northern Lights also informed Road and Bridge that another resident in this area now wants electric. The road is built more to the east than where Northern Lights needs to be, according to Ms. Nelson. Chairman Dinning said we have 60 feet and the road is centered on the easement more to the east side. Commissioners questioned why not put the line along the east side of this section of road and Mr. Morris said that might work better. Chairman Dinning asked to see if Northern Lights can go underground. It was said that Northern Lights will not remove brush in the county’s right-of-way, but they can put in the utilities. Northern Lights has asked if the county would have an issue if the property owner removes the brush and Chairman Dinning said if there is a permit that says the property owner can remove brush, but not otherwise.
Commissioners informed Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris about a request made by residents, the Remiors, for dust abatement or chip seal on Green Pasture Road so Road and Bridge will contact the property owners to find out exactly what the request is.
Chairman Dinning asked about public involvement for the Riverside Road Improvement Project. Ms. Nelson mentioned having contacted the project engineer and Federal Highway and the county needs to decide if it wants one construction season or two. It was mentioned that the public had voiced their preference in having the construction over and done with as soon as possible, however they need to still get through. Along those lines, what kind of communication will there be with emergency services. Ms. Nelson referred to a document she had titled, “Section 156 for Public Traffic” and said it explains conditions for traffic and emergency services. It states that Riverside Road between Lions Den and Mirror Lake Road may be fully closed during a one-season construction period of April to October, with the following exceptions: a. Contractor to provide access at all times for emergency services, b. Contractor to coordinate access during construction directly with three residents living along the Kootenai River Levee portion of Riverside Road, as requested by the residents, c. Contractor to maintain a 16 foot wide access along Kootenai River Levee portion of Riverside Road during daytime hours of 7a.m. to 7p.m. to facilitate pre-approved farmers to move farm equipment, with maximum 30-minute delays, and d. Construction along the Kootenai River Levee portion of Riverside Road is limited to nighttime construction (only) during harvest season, of July 25th through September 5th, 8p.m. to 7a.m., to accommodate harvest traffic during daytime hours.
Dick Staples with JRS Surveying joined the meeting at 9:26 a.m.
Ms. Nelson stated that if public notice needs to be published in the newspaper, the publication deadline needs to be met.
Resident Kelly Vogel joined the meeting at 9:31 a.m.
Ms. Nelson said Road and Bridge will rebuild two parking lots on the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge that are in conjunction with this project.
Commissioners reviewed the Park Crest Subdivision final plat for property owner Jeffrey Veys prior to signing.
Commissioner Kirby moved to sign the final plat of the Park Crest Subdivision for property owner Jeffrey Veys. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Staples left the meeting at 9:34 a.m.
Commissioners debated requesting a one year construction season versus a two year season. Commissioner Kirby said it should be a one year season as it’s faster, cheaper and more popular with the citizens.
Commissioner Kirby moved to request a one year project construction timeline for the Riverside Road Improvement Project. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Nelson said now that Commissioners have chosen a timeline, the project engineer can list this timeline requirement in the documents and that there could be large repercussions if the timeline is not met.
9:40 a.m., Commissioners contacted County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull via telephone. Commissioners informed Attorney Hull of the need to send a letter to property owner Garvin Williams regarding a slab along the Farm to Market Road.
9:41 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. Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 10:05 a.m. No action was taken.
The meeting with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 10:05 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Devon Doyle, Clinten Hopkins, Noah Cordle, and Melissa Krejci. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Bonners Ferry District Forest Ranger Kevin Knauth, Assistant Fire Management Officer Lee Colson and Fire Fuels Specialist Jennifer Anderson joined the meeting.
Commissioners addressed Kelley Vogel’s request to purchase tax deeded property. Commissioners informed Ms. Vogel that they had declined her offer of $250 to purchase parcel #RP62N03E273620A. Chairman Dinning stated that an appraisal had been done and the property in question has an assessed value of $11,550 and delinquent taxes total approximately $3,000. This parcel was tax deeded in year 2012 and offered for sale at a tax deed auction at a later date. Ms. Vogel said the reason her offer is low is due to a lot of unknowns as to whether or not they can do anything with the property. Ms. Vogel added that she would be willing to take a chance with this property, but there are a lot of unknowns and she could probably offer as much as $1,500 to $2,000 and still feel comfortable. Commissioner Cossairt said he would like to receive the amount of tax due, which is approximately $3,000. Ms. Vogel stated that she would speak to her husband about it and get back to Commissioners.
Ms. Vogel left the meeting at 10:10 a.m.
Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the private road name of GoingToTheSun Road. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners informed Mr. Knauth that they had a list of starting points for the Schedule A Maintenance Agreement. Chairman Dinning said a lot of the roads on the list don’t go anywhere, as far as residences. It was said that Forest Service North Zone Roads Manager Joe Heisel provided Road and Bridge Department Assistant Supervisor Renee Nelson with an explanation regarding the roads. It was said that there is some private property that Molpus has sold and if the road is an open Forest Service road, they don’t have an easement to get to the private property that Molpus is selling. Mr. Knauth listed Snow Creek, Trout Creek, Camp Nine, etc., as roads that access private property. Ms. Nelson said she’s trying to figure out where a lot of these roads are centrally located or if they’re a benefit to the county as far as maintenance. It was said that Mr. Heisel also mentioned the schedule provides a starting point and the list can be updated every year. Chairman Dinning said Twentymile/Leona Road has private property at the lower end. Mr. Morris commented about going up Skin Creek. Ms. Nelson said she was talking about some of the roads on the list and how Mr. Morris would have to conduct an onsite visit as Road and Bridge might not be able to get equipment up these roads or be able to turn around.
Ms. Nelson said Deer Creek Road would be worth looking into for Road and Bridge. There is a no parking sign there and it’s a school bus turnaround area, but come winter time, snowmobilers disregard the signs. Ms. Nelson said she likes the mention of a quarter mile so they don’t have to back the trucks up in the winter, but other than that Road and Bridge can maintain the two miles. Ms. Nelson said she would review the schedule and Mr. Knauth could have a discussion or meeting with Mr. Heisel to discuss this so everyone is on the same page.
Those present discussed plowing snow and Mr. Knauth said the Forest Service doesn’t plow snow. Chairman Dinning said if there is that kind of work, it’s usually tied to a contract in a timber sale. Ms. Nelson said Mr. Heisel had also commented that the term “maintenance” can be defined in the schedule agreement.
Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris left the meeting at 10:23 a.m.
Mr. Knauth, Ms. Anderson and Mr. Colson spoke to Commissioners about the Idaho Buckhorn burn unit project. Mr. Colson said project paperwork is getting finished so the Forest Service is talking about burning. Mr. Colson briefly referenced a document he had that showed recent weather, which was mainly rain. Two large maps showing the area of the Idaho Buckhorn unit were presented for reference. For this project the Forest Service has a weather station that would be set up on the ridge line, but it might be hard to get a fire started. Mr. Colson listed which areas have already been burned and in what year they were burned. For this burn the Forest Service was going to start at area #9 on the map, a very northern unit that is clear on the Montana side. When this area was burned in year 1936, a lot of the burned area was logged and it would be a good place to have a foothold to work south. If the Forest Service could burn area #9, they could do a little burn in area #2 if it’s going well. It was said that area #2 is a little more complex due to a mine. It was said that there have been meetings about this project with the Kootenai National Forest. Mr. Colson and Ms. Anderson stated that they’re convinced these areas are wet. Chairman Dinning said this is a part of the community forest landscape restoration project. Ms. Anderson said if the Forest Service is going to put fire on the ground in August, it makes people a little nervous and there is the potential for smoke in the air and fire on the ground. If we get the fall weather, it would put the project out too late. A late summer window is when it’s best to meet objectives due to location and forest sites, and getting openings created in brush fields for wildlife habitat. Ms. Anderson said that Mr. Knauth had attended the Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative and talked about this project. Mr. Colson said there will be visible smoke and people will ask about it so Commissioners will need to know when this project happens. The Forest Service has tried fall burning before and it was not what they were looking for, but when burning took place in the spring, it worked. By the time the top ends of these ridge lines are dry enough to burn, it’s not spring time anymore, according to Mr. Colson. Ms. Anderson said other areas are too dry. Between areas 2, 3, 5, and 9 it equates to a couple thousand acres. The total project goal is approximately 4,000 acres, according to Mr. Colson. Chairman Dinning said when burning takes place, the news media will be your friend, as far as public awareness. Mr. Knauth said the key is if you hit October and smoke is in the air, people will call, but if they see smoke in August, there will be more concern. Commissioner Cossairt asked about marketable trees in the burn areas and Mr. Colson said there are trees of size there. Ms. Anderson said when talking about prescribed areas, they are big, but they are targeting specific areas. Mr. Colson commented they’re also trying to clear up conifer encroachment. Mr. Colson said a big component is notification and Ms. Anderson stated that there will be signage at the trail heads. Ms. Anderson said if the Forest Service could get 50% to 80% of the area burned where they put fire on the ground, it will be good. Mr. Colson said the Forest Service still has an active burn plan assigned for fall. Those present discussed reaching huckleberry limits. Mr. Colson said in year 2020, the Forest Service will look at spring burning as it takes five years for the huckleberries to grow back.
The meeting with Mr. Knauth, Mr. Colson and Ms. Anderson ended at 10:43 a.m.
Commissioner Kirby moved to approve minutes of July 29 & 30, 2019. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
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. Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 11:04 a.m. No action was taken.
Assistant Restorium Administrator Diana Lane joined the meeting to provide a Restorium update. Also present was Marty Martinez, Jeannie Robinson and one other unidentified person. Ms. Lane presented Restorium information for the months of May through July 2019. Those present discussed that the boiler had been inspected and how the company said they would not do the inspection again. Commissioners urged Ms. Lane to look into replacing the boiler before the next budget year begins, provided that payment would not be due until after the next budget year, beginning October 1, 2019.
The meeting ended at 11:15 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificate of Residency for Alexis Kunz. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners reviewed claims for payment. Fund totals are as follows:
Current Expense $ 67,597.25
Road & Bridge 316,517.59
Airport 16,166.31
District Court 4,950.54
Fair, County 50,400.00
Justice Fund 96,923.89
911 Funds 4,336.15
Health District 14,304.25
Hospital, Operation 90,000.00
Indigent & Charity 17,083.24
Parks and Recreation 9,263.19
Revaluation 1,752.51
Solid Waste 21,766.99
Tort 6,076.59
Veterans Memorial 144.77
Weeds 1,674.41
Restorium 15,607.90
Waterways 442.96
Hospital Supplemental Levy 150,465.20
Grant, Emergency Communication 5,467.43
Grants, Fire Mitigation 13,434.00
TOTAL $904,375.17
Trusts
Sales Tax Collected 414.36
Driver’s License Trust 11,322.00
Motor Vehicle Trust 189,639.05
Sheriff’s Trust Fund 525.15
Parks & Recreation Trust Fund 726.78
Odyssey Court Trust Account 33,467.11
Odyssey Bond Trust Account 1,400.00
Odyssey Restitution Trust Acct 1,979.51
TOTAL $239,473.96
GRAND TOTAL $1,143,849.13
Citizens are invited to inspect detailed records on file in the Courthouse (individual claims & Commissioners’ allowance & warrant register record 2018-2019).
11:25 a.m., Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen joined the meeting to give a departmental report.
Mr. Skeen said the documents for wood grinding look good and Cannon Hill Industries is the only company that returned a quote. Mr. Skeen said he recommended Cannon Hill.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to accept and sign the Independent Contractor Agreement for wood grinding as per the quote from Cannon Hill Industries at $44.50 per green ton. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Those present discussed filling a position in the Solid Waste Department. Mr. Skeen informed Commissioners that he won’t reach $130,000 in anticipated revenue, but he should reach $120,000. Commissioners asked about tonnage and Mr. Skeen said it’s at 17 to 18 tons per day. Mr. Skeen spoke of salvaging metal and wood from what goes into the hole at the landfill and deducting that tonnage.
The meeting with Mr. Skeen ended at 11:38 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2019-16A. A resolution amending Resolution 2019-16, authorizing the sale of surplus county property as public auction. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2019-16A reads as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-16A
A Resolution Amending Resolution 2019-16, 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.
WHEREAS, a clerical error was made in Resolution 2019-16 in listing the date of the auction as being held on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, when it is to actually be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2019; and
WHEREAS, the publications in the Bonners Ferry Herald did list the correct date of Wednesday, August 7, 2019, as the date of the auction;
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 Wednesday, August 7, 2019, at the location of the former National Guard Armory located at 6566 Main Street, Bonners Ferry, Idaho and that Resolution 2019-16A amends Resolution 2019-16.
DATED this 12th day of August, 2019.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/______________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/______________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/_______________________
Walt Kirby, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Glenda Poston
Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
s/____________________________________
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk
For Glenda Poston, Clerk
Recorded as instrument #278776
11:42 a.m., Commissioners considered approving the 2019 county alcoholic beverage license application for BABA Inc., doing business as Sam’s Stop & Shop #14, located at 6603 Main Street, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to sell bottled and canned beer and retail wine to be consumed off premises. Present are: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. The proceedings were recorded.
The completed county application and applicable fee, the 2019 State of Idaho Retail Alcoholic Beverage License and the 2019 City of Bonners Ferry Retail Alcoholic Beverage License have been received. Yet to be received is the 2019 Panhandle Health District permit.
Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the 2019 County Alcoholic Beverage License for BABA Inc., doing business as Sam’s Stop & Shop #14, located at 6603 Main Street, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to sell bottled and canned beer and retail wine to be consumed off premises, pending receipt of the 2019 Panhandle Health District permit. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
The proceedings for BABA Inc. doing business as Sam’s Stop & Shop #14 ended.
Commissioners considered the 2019 County Alcoholic Beverage License application for Jayceen Swisher doing business as The Badger’s Den, located at 6551 Main Street, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to sell bottled, canned and draft beer to be consumed on or off premises, and wine by the drink. Present are: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. The proceedings were recorded.
The completed county application and applicable fee, the 2019 State of Idaho Retail Alcoholic Beverage License and 2019 Panhandle Health District Permit have been received. Yet to be received is the 2019 City of Bonners Ferry Retail Alcoholic Beverage License.
Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the 2019 County Alcoholic Beverage License application for Jayceen Swisher doing business as The Badger’s Den, located at 6551 Main Street, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to sell bottled, canned and draft beer to be consumed on or off premises, and wine by the drink, pending receipt of the 2019 City of Bonners Ferry Retail Alcoholic Beverage License. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
The proceedings ended for Jayceen Swisher doing business as The Badger’s Den.
Chairman Dinning commented that he would like Commissioners to consider having Commissioner Wally Cossairt replace him on the Panhandle Area Council as he is unable to make a lot of the meetings.
Chairman Dinning said Commissioners received a claim to reimburse the former Parks and Recreation Activities Director for work she had done last spring, but there is nothing the Parks and Recreation Board meeting minutes authorizing it so Commissioners asked the Parks and Recreation Board to amend their minutes to authorize this reimbursement so Commissioner can pay it.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 12:30 p.m.
These minutes were approved on September 3, 2019.
____________________________________
DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk