***Monday, December 20, 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 Chief Deputy Clerk Nancy Ryals.

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

Todd Engel joined the meeting.

9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendent Randy Morris joined the meeting to give the departmental report. A written report was provided.

Mrs. Carll dropped by with information regarding Pinnacle Lane which was copied for Road & Bridge and Commissioners. Commissioners informed her that the topic wasn’t on the agenda so they will accept the copied information and put it on the agenda to discuss at another time.

Mr. Morris said Road & Bridge does not have the Union Pacific Railroad Lease Agreement for the Moyie River Road Guardrail Project or anything regarding the Alta Forest Products proposed siding on Stagecoach Road yet.

Discussion was held regarding a used vehicle Road & Bridge wishes to purchase. The vehicle will be picked up in Lewiston.

Commissioner Cossairt suggested putting out a notice that 350 miles of road takes more than a day to plow. Also, there should be something about people plowing across the county road creating berms, according to Commissioner Cossairt. Chairman Dinning suggested that the county could send those plowing across the county road a note. Plowing this weekend went well, according to Mr. Morris.

The shed needed for Gypsy Lane will be measured today. Clerk Poston asked if there is a damage report on it and asked that Mr. Morris check on that. The damage was caused by wind. Clerk Poston asked for a copy of the report.

There is a road variance hearing coming up tomorrow for Archibald/Majors. The request is for a second driveway on Stellar Jay. Mr. Morris asked if Planning & Zoning is okay with it. Chairman Dinning said we are only concerned with the road and don’t care what Planning & Zoning says at this time. Mr. Morris said sight distance is fine. Chairman Dinning asked Mr. Morris to check on it and if the public hearing for the variance needs to be continued, Commissioners can continue it.

Chairman Dinning asked about the turnaround at Avonlea Lane and questioned who was going to put rock on it. Close to 100 yards of the road has been requested to be abandoned. Road & Bridge will maintain the road for now as they have been.

Chairman Dinning reported to those present that he and Clerk Poston met with Richard Hunter of the State Industrial Commission last week.

Commissioner Cossairt asked if the policy is to plow when there is four inches of snow. Mr. Morris said yes, but if there is slush, it could be less. There were a couple of broken chains on the trucks this weekend and one truck went off the road but was able to be pulled back on the road using another truck.
Mr. Morris left the meeting at 9:18 a.m.

Mr. Engel said he just wanted to inquire about the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Chairman Dinning said there is nothing new to report. Chairman Dinning said the county received the money in March or April of this year and it is just sitting in an account. Commissioners don’t plan on doing anything until they know what the money can be used for. Discussion was held regarding the state funds. Mr. Engel spoke of the strings attached. Mr. Engel said he is running for state legislator against Sage Dixon.

Mr. Engel left the meeting at 9:21 a.m.

Discussion was held regarding the list of those who can charge on Boundary County accounts at Pro-X. Clerk Poston said the list needs to be reduced. Commissioners will mention it at the elected officials/department heads meeting tomorrow. The due date for claims will also be mentioned at that meeting.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the minutes of December 6 and 7, 2021. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificate of Residency for Alexandra Maas. Commissioner Bertling second. Chairman Dinning abstained. Motion passed.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation form for tax year 2021 and to cancel taxes in the amount of $402.62 for parcel #RP62N01E112100A as the homeowner’s exemption was received after the July abstract cutoff. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation form for tax year 2021 and to cancel taxes in the amount of $55.72 and specials in the amount of $194.24 for a total of $249.96 for parcel #MH61N01E284210A as mobile home 2020 taxes were prepaid and the mobile home was moved out of state in May of 2020 so there should be no 2021 property taxes billed. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation form for tax year 2021 and to cancel taxes in the amount of $902.08 for parcel #RP64N01E280911A as the homeowner’s exemption was received after the July abstract cutoff. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation form for tax year 2021 and to cancel taxes on parcel #OC003350000230A in the amount of $187.66 and $29.04 in solid waste fees for a total of $216.70 as the occupancy should be for four months rather than the six months they were billed for. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation form for tax year 2021 on parcel #SR60N01W035101A and to cancel taxes in the amount of $636.32 and $87.12 in solid waste fees for a total of $723.44 as the parcel was billed with a residence but it is actually a shed with a lean-to over a camp trailer with part time occupancy. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation form for tax year 2021 and to cancel taxes in the amount of $1,043.92 for parcel #RPB0160001009EA as the homeowner’s exemption was received after the July abstract cutoff. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to grant the extension of time to pay taxes on parcel #MHB00000228425A to pay the first half taxes by January 21, 2022. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Gregory Lamberty joined the meeting.

9:33 a.m., County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull was present via telephone to give an update on various pending matters. Attorney Hull said his computer went down last week and he still has to get a new one delivered. Chairman Dinning said he can get new maps from county GIS Mapper Olivia Drake on the Mountain Springs Church parking lot for the North Idaho College building. Attorney Hull said he also needs the legal descriptions.

LaBrosse Hill Road was discussed. Attorney Hull said he needs to get with Road & Bridge to obtain more information. Discussion was held regarding prescriptive use. Chairman Dinning said all we have to do is get to Mastre’s property. The width of the travel way is on the property across the way. Chairman Dinning believes all of the residents in the area would want the county to maintain it. Attorney Hull said there was only one person objecting to it.

Clerk Poston informed Commissioners and Attorney Hull that Public Defender Amanda Finley informed her last week that she is giving her notice.

Gregory Lamberty left the meeting.

9:42 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 9:47 a.m. No action was taken.

The phone call with Attorney Hull ended at 9:48 a.m.

Gregory Lamberty returned to the meeting.

Discussion was held regarding county vessel funds for Waterways. Commissioner Bertling said we need docks at Riverside. Clerk Poston said those are included.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the State of Idaho Parks & Recreation Request for Retention of County Vessel Funds. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Selkirk Cooperative Weed Management Area Annual Operation Plan for 2022. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Discussion was held regarding the purchase of a vehicle for the Restorium. If the Friends of the Restorium don’t pay for it, the county will.

Chairman Dinning stated that there isn’t going to be a discussion regarding the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding as there is nothing new. Mr. Lamberty thanked Chairman Dinning for telling him and said that he wished to stay and just observe.

Commissioner Bertling moved to purchase a Kia van from Dyck’s Oil & Auto for $5,000.00 for the Restorium. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

Discussion was held regarding COVID cases in the Idaho Panhandle.

10:10 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and reconvene 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*

10:20 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to recess 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.

10:21 a.m., Kimber Glidden, the new Boundary Community Library Director joined the meeting. Sandy Ashworth and Bob Blanford joined the meeting at 10:22 a.m. 10:25 a.m., the group met for introductions. Ms. Glidden is the new director as of December 1, 2021. Her professional background is in finance, according to Ms. Glidden. She has worked in libraries before and worked at the Sandpoint Library for the last four years.

Ms. Glidden, Ms. Ashworth, and Mr. Blanford left the meeting at 10:49 a.m.

Roger Morter dropped by at 10:49 a.m. and wanted to speak with Commissioners regarding county roads. Chairman Dinning stated that the Road Superintendent position has been split into two positions, one more administrative and one more for the working side. Mr. Morter said he lives on the westside 25 miles north of town. He asked what Commissioners would do if they didn’t have rock on their county road for 25 years. Mr. Morter said the gravel roads have to have gravel on them and there are ruts on the roads. Mr. Morter asked why those roads aren’t closed in the springtime like other roads. Mr. Morter said he is trying to run a business there. Mr. Morter said people drive that road just to drive through and they have no business to be there. Chairman Dinning said people would have to check their farms in the area. Chairman Dinning said there are load limits on some roads in the spring to protect the roads, but those roads aren’t closed to traffic. Chairman Dinning said maybe Commissioners need to go for a ride and look at that road. Mr. Morter said there are a lot of stretches of the road that haven’t been graveled since 1995.

Mr. Morter said the snow plow just throws the gravel off the road. Mr. Morter spoke regarding a road crew needing to care about what they are doing. Mr. Morter said on the Westside Road a couple of weeks ago there were two county road employees just sitting in a county pickup and when asked what they were doing they said they were out checking roads. Mr. Morter said they were just trying to kill the day. Chairman Dinning said most of the road crew is new within the last year and it is a younger crew. Mr. Morter asked how they get trained. Mr. Morter asked who teaches them how to grade the road and Chairman Dinning said that he thinks that Randy Morris does.

Commissioner Bertling said that as far as plowing and kicking the gravel off, it might just be a matter of making the crew aware of that. Mr. Morter said there is no use in plowing two inches of snow. Commissioner Bertling said that just this morning Road & Bridge reported that they plow when there is a minimum of four inches of snow. Chairman Dinning said for many years they didn’t plow the area Mr. Morter is talking about. Mr. Morter said he is okay with that because he will plow himself, but there are locals who would want to get through. Chairman Dinning said that the locals would probably get stuck.

Mr. Morter said the main thing is to build morale. Mr. Morter said if he were a Commissioner, he would be asking instead of how many hours do I have to work today, how much can I get done today. The challenge is to get people to care about what they are doing, according to Mr. Morter. Mr. Morter said that it used to be Randy Morris would be out grading all day long but now days there is a pickup out there watching someone grade the road. Commissioner Cossairt said that the pickup is probably someone who is there training the grader operator. Mr. Morter said the purpose is to smooth the road. Commissioner Bertling said you have to put a crown on the road. Mr. Morter agreed stating you have to get the water off the road. Mr. Morter said that he does spray to keep the vegetation off the road. Mr. Morter said that trying to build morale and training is the key. Commissioner Bertling agreed that training and education is essential. Chairman Dinning said that what Mr. Morter is talking about is the culture. Chairman Dinning suggested that Mr. Morter speak with Road & Bridge. Mr. Morter asked about the availability of gravel in that area. Chairman Dinning said the county hasn’t found a source of gravel in that area.

Mr. Morter left the meeting at 11:10 a.m.

11:17 a.m., Commissioners placed a phone call to Public Defender Amanda Finley. Ms. Finley said that she has been searching for an associate to help with her case load. In February she is taking over as public defender in Shoshone County. Ms. Finley stated that she has to give notice to Boundary County. Ms. Finley said she did find someone to take over her contract who has criminal defense and public defense experience. Ms. Finley said she can stay on as long as needed to make it a smooth transition. Dana Bowes is the name of the person who is interested in assuming the contract. She lives in Sandpoint but her office is in Post Falls. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners need something in writing from Ms. Finley stating that she is leaving and they would like Ms. Finley to have Ms. Bowes contact Commissioners. Ms. Finley will email Ms. Bowes’ contact information to Clerk Poston. Chairman Dinning thanked Ms. Finley and stated that Commissioners appreciate the notice. The phone call with Ms. Finley ended at 11:22 a.m.

Chairman Dinning called Judge Julian to inform him that Ms. Finley will be stepping down as public defender and gave Commissioners the name of someone who would be interested in the position.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties. Discussion was held briefly regarding county roads and law enforcement.

11:45 a.m. Commissioners recessed the meeting until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.

***Tuesday, December 21, 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.

9:00 a.m., Commissioners held an elected officials/department heads meeting. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Veterans Service Officer Ron Self, Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown, Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen, Sheriff Dave Kramer, Personnel Director Pam Barton, University of Idaho Extension Educator Amy Robertson, Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley, Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendent Randy Morris, Prosecutor Andrakay Pluid, and Assessor Dave Ryals.

Chairman Dinning said to fill out an accident report if there is an injury as the county needs documentation when an accident occurs.

As it pertains to the status of employees who have completed the KnowBe4 training, all Sheriff’s Office staff have completed the training.

Chairman Dinning said offices need to check to see which county personnel are authorized to charge items at stores, such as Pro X, as there are names of employees still in the Pro X system who no longer work for the county.

Chairman Dinning said to those present that if there is any way to call the telephone companies to see if we can get a different billing date so not to incur late charges due to the county’s bill paying cycle. Changing a bill’s due date to approximately the 25th of each month would be better. Clerk Poston said processing a demand payment is not a problem, but the demand folder is getting bigger. Clerk Poston added that demand payments need to be received prior to the day they need paid. If a demand is brought in on the Monday of when it needs to go out, the invoice won’t be paid as reports have already been generated.

Chairman Dinning asked which departments have position vacancies. Sheriff Kramer said his office has a new detention deputy and Jason Trujillo will start as a patrol deputy. Ms. Robertson said the University of Idaho will start the process of looking for a new ag extension educator in June or July. It was said that Boundary County is the only county in the State of Idaho that contributes to the University of Idaho’s ag extension agent’s salary. Mr. Skeen said the Solid Waste Department is fully staffed now. Mr. Buckley said he is retiring in May of 2022. Ms. Brown said the Probation Office will have a part-time position available for a male probation assistant. Mr. Morris said Road and Bridge is doing good with staff. Clerk Poston said she hired Devon Chivera a couple weeks ago for revenue work.

Commissioners went around the room for office updates.

The county outside auditors are working on the annual audit, according to Clerk Poston.

Mr. Morris said Road and Bridge is busy plowing snow.

Mr. Self said he’s had a full schedule lately in the Veterans Service Office.

Prosecutor Pluid said courts can start having jury trials as of the first week of January. Prosecutor Pluid added that people no longer have to wear masks in the Clerk’s Office and court rooms at this moment.

Ms. Barton said time sheets are due on Thursday. The next meeting for the sick leave bank is on December 29th at 9:00 a.m. Ms. Barton said she has the vacation accruals for employees.

Ms. Brown said the Probation Office is staying busy.

Mr. Buckley said it looks like snow is coming again so that’s what he will be dealing with.

Assessor Ryals said his office is done with this year’s values so his staff will work on the next year.

Mr. Buckley said the City of Bonners Ferry came and replaced some outside lighting so the county didn’t have to pay for it. The lighting is between the Courthouse and Appraisers’ Office building.

Mr. Skeen said January 3rd is when he plans on opening the landfill’s monitored dumpster sites six days per week. Both the monitored sites and the landfill will be closed on Sunday. Mr. Skeen spoke of being able to accept furniture at the monitored sites again. The monitors have been telling the general public about the proposed new hours, but a public notice will also be posted.

Ms. Robertson said enrollment for 4H fair participation is due by January 10, 2022, and after that date a person can participate, but they cannot exhibit their project in the fair. Ms. Robertson spoke of the upcoming robotics course and she also listed upcoming classes offered through the University of Idaho Extension Office.

Sheriff Kramer said he and Jail Sergeant Bryant Brown attended a conference in Boise last week and Boundary County received a certificate of compliance for jail standards. Sheriff Kramer informed those present that the Drivers’ License Office will now be open during the noon hour. Sheriff Kramer mentioned legislation about the local sales tax bill. Summit Food Services is working well for the jail’s food service, according to Sheriff Kramer.

The elected officials/department heads meeting ended at 9:21 a.m.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

The Noxious Weed Department report was cancelled.

Veterans Service Officer Ron Self met with Commissioners to update them on Veterans Service Office matters. Mr. Self said the contact information for his office has been updated on the county website now, but he noticed there are also other online sites for his office with incorrect information so he’s working to clean those up. Mr. Self informed Commissioners that he’s been busy working with veterans.

The meeting with Mr. Self ended at 9:38 a.m.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificate of Residency for Kirsten Steinhart. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

10:15 a.m., Commissioners spoke of having participated in a Zoom meeting regarding the over snow travel plan. Two committees are being formed; one for process and another committee for voting. Commissioner Bertling said he would sit on the committee for voting and Chairman Dinning said he would sit on the committee for process, but all Commissioners will be involved.

11:00 a.m. Commissioners held a public hearing to consider Variance Application #1-2022 for Archibald-Major. This is an application for an additional approach and is a variance to Boundary County Road Standards Ordinance 2020-2. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. The hearing was recorded.

Chairman Dinning stated that this hearing needed to be continued as Commissioners don’t have a staff report and they don’t expect to have one soon.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to continue the public hearing for Variance Application #1-2022 to Road Standards Ordinance 2020-2 to Monday, January 10, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. to be held in Commissioners’ Office. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

The hearing ended at 11:01 a.m.

11:02 a.m., Treasurer Sue Larson joined the meeting to discuss tax cancellation matters. Treasurer Larson stated that Commissioners had made a motion to cancel taxes for a trailer that had been moved, but the owner would not provide its new location. The tax amount has since been paid, but Commissioners had previously canceled the tax so she didn’t know what Commissioners wanted to do. Commissioners upheld their motion to cancel the tax.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation form for tax year 2021 and to cancel tax totaling $640.72 for parcel #RP61N01E152355A as the homeowner’s exemption was received after the July abstract cutoff. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation form for tax year 2021 and to cancel tax totaling $1,095.12 for parcel #RPM00000223410A as the homeowner’s exemption was received after the July abstract cutoff. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation form for tax year 2021 and to cancel tax totaling $662.46 for parcel #RP61N01E218411A as the homeowner’s exemption was received after the July abstract cutoff. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation form for tax year 2021 and to cancel tax totaling $198.90 for parcel #RP62N02E210610A as the homeowner’s exemption was received after the July abstract cutoff. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation form for tax year 2021 and to cancel tax totaling $549.54 for parcel #SR62N02E210610A as the homeowner’s exemption was received after the July abstract cutoff. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners updated Treasurer Larson on topics discussed during the elected officials/department heads meeting.
Treasurer Larson left the meeting at 11:18 a.m.

11:35 a.m., Boundary Economic Development (EDC) Director Dennis Weed joined the meeting.

Mr. Weed said a meeting was held for the Economic Development Council to review applicants for the EDC director position. The council had some in-depth discussions as the applications received were not sufficient and they need to get more applicants into the pool. Mr. Weed said he proposed a salary increase of $45,000.00 for the director’s position, to list the hours as 32 to 40 hours per week with those hours being partly remote, and to provide medical benefits. Mr. Weed said he thinks providing medical coverage will bring in more applicants. Mr. Weed said he’s just going back to the county and City of Bonners Ferry and inquiring if they will raise next year’s contribution for the EDC Director position to $12,000.00, when it had been $10,000.00. Mr. Weed said at the time he was hired for the position, he lowered the contribution amount to $8,000.00. Chairman Dinning asked if Mr. Weed means the increase is for the next budget year and Mr. Weed said it would be for this next July. Clerk Poston asked about the City of Moyie Springs and Kootenai Tribe. Mr. Weed said the City of Moyie Springs has already increased their contribution and he will approach the Kootenai Tribe about an increase. Mr. Weed said he will also approach Avista Utilities, who has been contributing $500.00, but an Avista representative is going to see if he can get more funding. If medical insurance is provided, it would be for the employee in the director position only. Clerk Poston said if there is a break in service for this position, will the state also have a break in payments. Mr. Weed said he will ask the state how they will prorate. Mr. Weed spoke of already getting the first half of funding, but he will request the second half and prorate it back to the county.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to increase the county’s contribution toward the Boundary Economic Development Director’s position to $12,000.00 per year, subject to the City of Bonners Ferry matching the increase. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

The meeting with Mr. Weed ended at 12:05 p.m.

Commissioners recessed for lunch.

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., Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee and Assistant Administrator Diana Lane joined the meeting to update Commissioners on Restorium matters. Ms. Lane said Juanita Jantz did renew her administrator’s license for the Restorium and was told the county will cover that cost. Commissioners informed Ms. Magee that they are going to set up a meeting with Rawlings Community Counseling to discuss offering counseling sessions for Restorium employees.

Commissioner Bertling said he took a look at the large spruce tree that is causing the sidewalk at the Restorium to heave. Ms. Magee said the quote from Matt Petefish was $6,000.00 to remove the tree. Commissioner Bertling suggested limbing the tree and if three people were doing it, it would be a day’s work. The tree is over two feet at the base, but it’s not that tall. There is no falling it, according to Commissioner Bertling. Commissioners said they would get more quotes.

Ms. Magee informed Commissioners that she does have a temporary fence installed at the Restorium and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Surveyor Tom Moss called to inquire about it. Ms. Magee said a temporary fence was installed temporarily due to winter, but residents cannot get out of it. Mr. Moss was satisfied with the temporary fence. The new door for the Restorium has not yet come in. Ms. Magee spoke of having enough gowns and gloves ordered for the Restorium.

Ms. Magee said the Restorium is up to 22 residents and a new resident is coming on Thursday.

Commissioners informed Ms. Magee that their budget will pay for the vehicle for the Restorium to help transport residents to doctor’s appointments, etc. The cost is approximately $5,000.00. Ms. Magee said she was informed the Restorium van/bus doesn’t have snow tires on it so she will check tire prices.

The meeting with Ms. Magee and Ms. Lane ended at 1:55 p.m.

1:55 p.m., Boundary County Sheriff Dave Kramer, Undersheriff Rich Stephens, City of Bonners Ferry Police Chief Brian Zimmerman and Assistant Police Chief Marty Ryan joined the meeting.

2:10 p.m., City of Bonners Ferry Mayor Dick Staples and City Councilman Rick Alonzo joined the meeting.

Mayor Staples said the reason for the meeting is that the City of Bonners Ferry is thinking of cutting back hours for its policy officers, but it also involves the county so it makes sense to be together to talk about it. If hours were to be cut back, it’s not certain what the time frame would be. A decision has not been made that the City of Bonners Ferry will do this, but they’ve been thinking about it for budgetary reasons. Mayor Staples said Chief Zimmerman brought this proposal to him and the council members and it made sense.

Sheriff Kramer spoke of having spent 30 years in law enforcement with the city and as sheriff and he commented that in the past the city always prided itself for not leaving the city and they worked with the county. They would not leave one law enforcement officer as it’s not safe to only have one. Sheriff Kramer said he did talk to Chief Zimmerman and Assistant Chief Ryan about this and he understands the reasoning for cutting back, but personally for the county and its position, this is leaving a period of time uncovered in the city. Sheriff Kramer asked about the possibility of city officers switching to an eight hour per day, five days per week shift until they can go the 10 hours per day, four days per week schedule. Another position is really needed in order to provide coverage because of sick and paid time off and it does put deputies in a bind to back fill. To suddenly go with no coverage, if anything could it just be a short-term thing. Sheriff Kramer mentioned picking a time frame when it would be easier for the county. Sheriff Kramer reiterated that he understands Chief Zimmerman and Assistant Chief Ryan’s reasons, but he doesn’t want to see one officer covering both the city and the county. From the officer safety standpoint, he would like to see city law enforcement temporarily work five, eight-hour days, then when the city hires another officer, go back to working four, 10-hour days. Sheriff Kramer said he and Undersheriff Stephens have shared this thought with Chief Zimmerman and Assistant Chief Ryan, who are good partners, but he would hate to see a reduction in officers.

Undersheriff Stephens said if this reduction goes through, the Sheriff’s Office may look at moving the deputies’ schedules around in order to try and extend coverage as best as possible, but there are definitely times when the Sheriff’s Office can’t provide that coverage. Sheriff Kramer spoke of trying the four, 10-hour day work schedule, but he’s finding the need for the five, eight-hour schedule.

Chief Zimmerman commented on what motivated this change for him and Assistant Chief Ryan. Chief Zimmerman said he’s worked 17 years as a trooper by himself and almost every enforcement action was done by himself. It’s not the best as it’s always better to have two officers. The city no longer has the officer for the school resource officer position and that brought to light to the remaining officers and sergeant that they feel they can’t take it anymore. The city pays $30,000.00 to $40,000.00 in overtime per year. If an officer calls in sick etc., or is attending training, another officer has to come in to cover that shift. Four, ten-hour shifts are about the only appeal to the officers and two of them may quit if the city can only go to eight-hour days, five-days per week shifts, as far as morale goes. If officers are getting burned out and looking to work elsewhere, we want to slow that bleed. Chief Zimmerman spoke of scheduling issues and officers having to come in. Aside from getting another position in the city, the city could find a block of time of about four hours where there are fewer calls within the city and Chief Zimmerman mentioned there being a low level of calls during certain months within the year, but if the call volume was higher, he would have to look at that again. Assistant Chief Ryan said it’s also public contacts and the city likes to have its own officers make contacts within the city, and he listed the mornings have rush hour, activity around schools and people notifying them of break-ins, and these occur around 7:00 a.m. Chief Zimmerman said this was a hard decision and he wanted to maintain coverage, but when he is hearing about city officers wanting to leave, he wants to slow this down and keep morale higher. Chief Zimmerman spoke of not being comfortable with not having the officers. Chief Zimmerman spoke of wanting to cut back, but he always knows there will be overtime. By cutting back the hours it will be the first time the Police Department won’t have scheduled overtime. The officers are getting burned out. Assistant Chief Ryan spoke of officer’s guilt in that an officer will feel guilty if they call in sick because they know another officer will have to come in on their day off.

Sheriff Kramer said Bonner County sometimes has five officers and Sandpoint has police officers so it’s not a matter of having no coverage. Sheriff Kramer added that he agrees as to the burden that officers are working and he referred to working overtime, and he mentioned there being traffic grants. Traffic calls are probably lower, but there are calls that you can’t predict. Sheriff Kramer said if the city does cut back on hours, pick some hours when the Sheriff’s Office has more deputies on shift.

Assistant Chief Ryan said he had worked for Bonner County for eight years and he has also worked for the City of Ponderay and he appreciated the support. There were plenty of times when he covered the entire eastside. Assistant Chief Ryan said he’s never had a Sandpoint police officer cover for him so he was dazed to hear Sheriff Kramer comment about coverage in that area.

Chief Zimmerman said the old days of having officers applying for jobs are over. Chief Zimmerman explained how he had done the hiring for the Idaho State Police and when they held an academy with 24 availabilities, he would receive 1,000 applicants so he had a lot of people to choose from. Now they will receive 100 applicants to select 24 from. Chief Zimmerman said in looking down the horizon, he doesn’t see how he can get the applicants. Chairman Dinning thanked those present for letting Commissioners know as this is addressing a common group of people and this communication is what he values in these situations.

Chairman Dinning said today Commissioners were discussing a similar situation, but he knows that Dave Anderson was mayor at the time, Vic Watson was the police chief and the city was down three or more officers. Mayor Anderson and Chairman Dinning were questioning how to fix the issue and somehow figure out a combination between the city and county, but he doesn’t know what that looks like. Such as take city officers and contract with the county as that was one of the options going forward. Assistant Chief Ryan said that’s a great conversation to have with those who are present. Sheriff Kramer said he and the former city police chief had started looking at what some of the options would be if the police department folded, but then Chief Zimmerman joined the department. Chief Zimmerman spoke of how much he worked when he came on board.

Mayor Staples said as a group, do we see any way that would work, if we had the city and county force, but under one guidance or have a chief as well. Is that possible? Sheriff Kramer spoke of areas where the sheriff has a deputy assigned as the police chief for the city. Chief Zimmerman listed situations in which another county has deputies who are assigned to the city. Mr. Alonzo said the challenge would be to have the type of coverage that we’ve grown to expect. Chairman Dinning said there are all of these unknowns. For the short term, if the city officers were willing to work the eight hours per day, five days per week shift until another solution was worked out, would they be willing to do that. Chief Zimmerman said if he could show his officers there is a light at the end of the tunnel, but he doesn’t see any light. The city losing the school resource officer just brought this issue to light, but it’s not the cause as the city will fill the position and will still have the overtime. Assistant Chief Ryan said they’ve thought they’ve seen the light at the end of the tunnel, but then personnel matters pop up again.

Chief Zimmerman said during the budget talks there would be talk about getting a hold of the overtime budget, but he can’t. If he had the budget, it still doesn’t help the morale of the officers. We have to do what we can. Assistant Chief Ryan said the city lost three officers to the county. It’s important to give all they can to the officers.

Mayor Staples said from the beginning it’s been felt that it’s important that this be an open discussion and he felt Chief Zimmerman was open to figure out how to work this out. Chief Zimmerman said he’s been with the city for three and one-half years and he’s lost the whole department; seven officers.

Undersheriff Stephens said Chief Zimmerman has been a great communicator and he added that the Sheriff’s Office would rather the city not reduce their hours, but if they do, the Sheriff’s Office will still work with them. There might be some grumbling about it as guys are guys, but there won’t be any animosity about it. The Sheriff’s Office will also need to promote in the best interest for the county deputies. Sheriff Kramer spoke of the city being able to offer some light to its officers, like Chief Zimmerman had mentioned, and if there were some positive matters being looked into, such as the city police needs another full-time position to back fill and provide that coverage.

Chairman Dinning said prior to year 2001, if there was a government that would met with local entities separately, people would hear things differently. Now we have the Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative (KVRI) and people can hear the same information at the same time and that is what this meeting also promotes. We will all hear the same thing and he appreciates these discussions. We may have an option to come up with something and it’s not the city against the county and a solution may not be perfect, according to Chairman Dinning.

Commissioner Bertling said with those certain hours not being covered, time will tell if that will work or not. Mayor Staples said it’s not certain what the hours will be, but it’s good to experiment.

Sheriff Kramer spoke of needed structural jail improvements and he referred to issues with inmates who cannot be in the same area. The question is if it would be more feasible to build a new jail or remodel the existing one and the cost to determine that is approximately $50,000.00. Chairman Dinning said this is something that affects all of us. Sheriff Kramer said part of the study determined that it might be cheaper to build a new jail.
It was said that the city does have budget for overtime, but the officers are losing their paid time off and are not seeing their families. Chief Zimmerman spoke of physical adjustments as far as the time frame it takes for an officer to physically adjust from a shift change, which is stated to be approximately 28 days. Sheriff Kramer said he realizes the bind the city police force is in, but he hates to see them go away from 24-hour coverage. Sheriff Kramer briefly explained that in the past the city had pulled eight-hour police coverage without telling anyone.

The meeting to discuss the matter pertaining to law enforcement coverage ended at 3:05 p.m.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m.

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DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:

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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk