***Monday, December 18, 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., Solid Waste Department Superintendent Richard Jenkins joined the meeting and presented a written department report. Mr. Jenkins updated Commissioners on a proposed employee position change. This particular employee is in favor of taking another position at the landfill with a condition.
Mr. Jenkins discussed the possibility of closing earlier in the day for the holidays. Commissioners said if employees want to close early, they would need to use their vacation time. Chairman Bertling said 3:00 p.m. seems like a reasonable time for closing early.
Mr. Jenkins informed Commissioners that he received an estimate to have a French drain placed around the side of the main landfill office. The cost is almost $2,600.00 to complete the job, but he wasn’t sure if he needed to get more estimates. Chairman Bertling suggested Mr. Jenkins attempt to get an additional estimate.
The estimate for repairing the transmission pump on the 980 Loader is $3,900.00 for labor and $3,200.00 for parts, and it will be two to three days that this equipment will be out of service. Mr. Jenkins said the landfill needs to cover garbage daily, so he’s looking at renting or borrowing a loader in mid-January. Chairman Bertling said Commissioners could talk with Road and Bridge later today to see if they might have a loader available.
Mr. Jenkins spoke of setting up a meeting with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in January and he informed Commissioners that he asked Erik Ketner with DEQ for clarification regarding a 200-foot buffer around the main landfill. Idaho Statute sets the distance of a buffer and Mr. Jenkins needs to re-measure the property to the west to make sure it’s 200 feet. Mr. Jenkins spoke of looking into where a permanent road will be built along the westside of the property and he said that should help eliminate drainage issues.
Mr. Jenkins informed Commissioners that the tare weight of trucks and containers has been incorrect, so the numbers going forward should look a lot better. Commissioner Cossairt questioned what will help lessen the daily tonnage and they commented that recycling doesn’t weigh that much, but glass is heavier. Mr. Jenkins gave an example of a secondhand store that disposes of clothes once per week. Mr. Jenkins added that he is looking at other ways to eliminate electronic waste, so it doesn’t go into the waste stream. Other counties no longer accept plastics and they just throw it into their waste stream.
Chairman Bertling said he found a hammermill in Bellingham, Washington, that will break glass down to sand.
The meeting with Mr. Jenkins ended at 9:21 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve Commissioners’ meeting minutes for the week of December 11, 2023. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
9:30 a.m., County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull joined the meeting to update Commissioners on various matters he’s working on.
9:38 a.m., Commissioner Robertson moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)a, to consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, wherein the respective qualities of individuals are to be evaluated in order to fill a particular vacancy or need. Commissioner Cossairt second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Robertson “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 9:46 a.m. and was continued to Friday, December 22, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. No action was taken.
Attorney Hull left the meeting at 9:46 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Funds Transfer Agreement, US Department of Transportation Western Federal Lands Highway Division, FHWA Agreement #69056718K500010, Amendment 0003, for the ID FLAP Boundary 5806(1) Riverside Road Improvements Project. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve and sign the Property Tax Cancellation Form for Tax Year 2023 for the following parcels and amounts as a result of the cancellation of property taxes due to the Homeowner’s Exemption: #0470100008A0A totaling $453.80, #RP656N01W098250A totaling $158.02, RP63N01E263200A totaling $119.00, MH60N01W104960A totaling $32.84, RP60N01W104960A totaling $189.18, RPM06500000060A totaling $155.52, RP009250000070A totaling $453.80, and #RP62N01E357500A totaling $507.46. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to send a concurrence statement to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) authorizing the contribution of Sheriff’s Office funds toward the purchase of a Sheriff’s Office vehicle. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
South Boundary Fire Protection District Fire Chief Allen Merritt joined the meeting.
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.
*Please see Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board meeting minutes*
Chief Merritt left the meeting.
10:07 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 sign the Property Tax Cancellation Form for Tax Year 2023 for parcel #MH00030000028AA and to cancel tax totaling $11.70, solid waste fees totaling $185.76 and translator fees totaling $20.00 since the mobile home was moved/destroyed before this tax year and notices were not getting to the correct person to be able to notify the county. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificate of Residency for Becky Allred. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to grant an extension of time to pay year 2023 taxes until January 10, 2024, for parcel MH61N01W25615BA. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Annual Road and Street Report. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
11:00 a.m., Commissioners discussed the request made by Boundary Community Hospital to assist the hospital with a down payment for a newer maintenance truck for use on hospital property. Commissioners commented that at this point in time ARPA funds have been designated to other projects and purposes, so Commissioners are not able to assist with a down payment.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties until 11:30 a.m.
Commissioner Robertson moved to approve and sign the declaration regarding a sole source vendor pertaining to the 2023 Air Burner, Model #S223. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners recessed for lunch.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners met for the afternoon session with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Waterways Board member Caleb Watts joined the meeting.
County resident Carmen Stern joined the meeting.
1:30 p.m., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris joined the meeting to give a department report. Mr. Morris presented a written report and reviewed work being done to include: salt brine and salting slick roads, putting up and moving traffic counters, brushing on and around Chokecherry Drive, and working with the City of Bonners Ferry on the annexation maps.
Ms. Nelson discussed the application submitted for repairs to the Wilderness Road bridge and she explained that Road and Bridge will be doing the work themselves. Ms. Nelson relayed the cost of materials and she commented that most materials can be found locally. Then there is the cost of equipment and labor. The project will cost less than $100,000.00, but Ms. Nelson said she is not sure exactly how much it will be. The Leading Idaho Local Bridge Program will cover the cost of the new bridge and be responsible for drilling and surveying. Ms. Nelson spoke of recently getting a propane truck across this bridge for the residents in that area and she also commented on determining South Boundary Fire District’s ability to get a brush truck across the bridge. Paperwork has been sent to the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) to determine if South Boundary Fire District could get their truck across the bridge if it’s loaded. Boundary Ambulance Service Operations Captain Drew Rinella has contacted Road and Bridge about accessing this bridge and they will have their ambulance unit weighed in order to get its weight and axel space and that information will also be sent to ITD. With all of this information, Road and Bridge will submit the project description with the application and see if Burlington Northern will expedite the permit. ITD guaranteed that when this work is done, they will conduct an inspection and if requirements are met, they will take the restrictions off and then replace the bridge. This work can be done as soon as Road and Bridge gets the permit. Ms. Nelson said South Boundary Fire Chief Allen Merritt worked with other fire departments to figure out how the brush trucks could be used. If the brush trucks can go across the bridge empty, they can fill up with water on the other side of the bridge. Ms. Nelson discussed needing to carry over a day or so of vacation hours due to this permit work.
Ms. Nelson referenced information Road and Bridge has pertaining to the south end of Paradise Valley Road and the work that has been done to it. If the county wants to change the surfacing, they will also need to change the culvert and bring in rock in order to raise the height. This area can be widened a bit, but that may generate public concerns for guardrails. Mr. Morris said Road and Bridge had not planned on putting a new culvert there and it wouldn’t hurt to do that, but it’s not a place that was scheduled to be done. Ms. Nelson said Road and Bridge will be working on Brown Creek Road next year and if they get a permit for culvert work, they could possibly resurface the south end of Paradise Valley Road since they will be in the same area.
Chairman Bertling asked about the cost of last year’s new plow for a county pickup. Mr. Morris said the SnowDogg brand was a bit cheaper than the Boss brand. Chairman Bertling asked if all Road and Bridge loaders are busy and he explained that the loader at the landfill is going to be down for a few days. Mr. Morris said there is a loader at Road and Bridge that is not used as much.
Mr. Watts explained that the Waterways Advisory Board is asking for help, if it’s possible. There is a bank erosion issue at the Rocky Point boat launch property by the gangway and building. The Waterways Board has quotes for riprap, but it’s quite expensive so they don’t know what access the county has for equipment or riprap. Mr. Morris asked if the rip rap needs to be placed or dumped and Mr. Watts said he isn’t certain. Twenty loads of riprap would equate to 200 yards. Mr. Morris commented that he would talk to Road and Bridge Department Road Foreman Brad Barton to see what material they have. Mr. Watts said he would follow up in January. Those present questioned the ability to use concrete as opposed to rock.
Mr. Watts left the meeting.
Carmen Stern introduced herself to Commissioners and explained that she just wanted to hear directly from the source what the plans were for the Wilderness bridge since she has been concerned about it. Ms. Stern said last week she reached out to Ms. Nelson and South Boundary Fire District and she wanted to put on record that she is a concerned citizen. She explained that she is a professionally paid firefighter/paramedic and is very well versed with wait and time frames and she is concerned. There really is no access at this point and she heard some of the solutions that were mentioned and they’re not logical safe solutions. Dumping the tank on a fire truck and drafting on the other side is not a safe solution. Ms. Stern said she just wanted to hear what the ultimate plan is. Ms. Stern said she had spoken to a representative of the State and dating back to year 2018, there have been high priority needs for this bridge and the list just keeps getting longer. She has worked for government for almost 30 years and knows that money is always an issue. Even if only one resident lives there, it’s just as important as 30 residents. When crossing the bridge, medical is doable, but not fire emergencies and she is just very concerned. She heard Road and Bridge state that it will be a month before the paperwork will be cleared up, but is Road and Bridge formulating an end result? Are the residents on their own? Ms. Stern said drafting water for a fire truck takes a lot of time, so she feels they will be on their own during that period of time. Ms. Stern spoke of having talked with state inspectors last October and they said they’re just there to evaluate and they have no responsibility as it’s all on the county. It’s a county bridge. Commissioner Robertson said this matter has been a topic of concern and they’ve been discussing solutions. It was said the county road foreman has talked with residents about alternate routes that could be used. Discussion took place about when weight restrictions for axels were placed and it was said at the time the state felt this bridge was not as much of a worry, but then something happened this summer. Now it’s just a matter of working through everyone’s process. Commissioner Robertson said it’s encouraging that we have a direction. Ms. Stern mentioned that she understands the cost and that there is only so much money. The residents just need to have access and the solutions she has heard so far were just not a viable thing when referencing having to dump water. Ms. Stern said to please let her know if she can do anything to help as a resident. Those present discussed weather conditions that could cause delays. Ms. Stern asked what the weight goal is for the bridge and Ms. Nelson said she understood that it’s to remove the reduced five-ton limit, but this bridge is programmed to be replaced with a new bridge.
The meeting with Road and Bridge and Ms. Stern ended at 2:04 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
***Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session at the County 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 at the County Annex. Present were: Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Sheriff Dave Kramer, Chief Probation Officer Alisa Walker, Veterans Service Officer Brooke Blagrove, University of Idaho Extension Educator Amy Robertson, Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendent Renee Nelson, Solid Waste Department Superintendent Richard Jenkins, Emergency Manager Andrew O’Neel, Coroner Chad Workman, Assessor Olivia Drake, and Interim Restorium Administrator Duane Holdeman.
Chairman Bertling relayed the importance of timely filing of time sheets. Clerk Poston added that missing documentation can hold up and delay all employees’ paychecks from being processed. Chairman Bertling explained the difference between demand payments and regular claims. Demand claims for payment are only for time sensitive payments; not invoices that can be paid during the regular billing cycle. Ms. Nelson asked about invoices from companies that list net 10 or 15-day deadlines. Clerk Poston encouraged contacting and notifying vendors about the county’s timeline to pay invoices and she stated that this provision is in Idaho Code.
Commissioners went around the room for department updates.
The elected officials/department heads meeting ended at 9:25 a.m.
9:25 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendent Renee Nelson remained in Commissioners’ meeting.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the Burlington Northern Sana Fe Railroad Temporary Occupancy Permit Application for the Emergency Repair to the Wilderness Bridge and associated fees. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Nelson informed Commissioners that this permit is an online permit process and she is still waiting to get more information from HMH Engineering.
Ms. Nelson left the meeting at 9:29 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the State of Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Request for Retention of County Vessel Funds. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
9:30 a.m., There being no further business, the meeting recessed until Friday, December 22, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.
***Friday, December 22, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met to continue their executive session with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
9:00 a.m., Commissioner Robertson moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)a, to consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, wherein the respective qualities of individuals are to be evaluated in order to fill a particular vacancy or need. Commissioner Cossairt second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Robertson “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 9:30 a.m. No action was taken.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 a.m.
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TIM BERTLING, Chairman
ATTEST:
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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk