***Monday, December 4, 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., Courthouse Maintenance Squire Fields joined the meeting via telephone to provide his department report. Mr. Fields spoke of venting issues in the crawl space under the Courthouse and the need for improved ventilation, office remodeling, and mechanical issues with the main plow truck. Clerk Poston informed Commissioners of the ability to use the tractor that is shared with the Parks and Recreation Department. Mr. Fields said he would check in with the Extension Office to see what their snow plow needs are for behind their office.
The meeting with Mr. Fields ended at 9:05 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties until their next meeting.
Clerk Poston left the meeting.
9:30 a.m., County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull joined the meeting.
Commissioner Robertson moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)f, to communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated, and 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. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Robertson “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 10:10 a.m. No action was taken.
Attorney Hull left the meeting at 10:10 a.m.
10:10 a.m., Landfill Superintendent Richard Jenkins joined the meeting to give the department report and he reviewed bullet points listed in his written report, to include studies showing percentages of vehicle traffic at certain times of the day and a one-month study pertaining to wood and metal at the monitored sites. Mr. Jenkins updated Commissioners on a telephone discussion with the Department of Environmental Quality pertaining to a hydrogeologic study and the landfill closure/post closure plan. Those present also discussed landfill border buffer zones and equipment issues.
The meeting with Mr. Jenkins ended at 10:44 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the amended minutes for the week of October 9, 2023, to include the added claims for payment and to approve the minutes for the week of November 27, 2023. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation form for tax year 2023 for parcel RP65N02E106612A and to cancel $92.88 in solid waste fees due to removing the status of a motorhome and adding a dry cabin per the property owner. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation form for tax year 2023 and to cancel taxes due to the following properties receiving the Homeowner’s Exemption benefit as follows: RP005000010460A totaling $543.26, RP62N01E107705A totaling $390.70, RPB00000337250A totaling $583.04, RP62N01E266300A totaling $111.38, and RP62N01E162551A totaling $453.80. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Robertson moved to sign the plat map for Hittle Acres Subdivision, Section 13, 62 North, Range 1 East. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:54 a.m., Boundary Economic Development Council (EDC) Director David Sims joined the meeting to update Commissioners on various EDC projects, to include businesses moving into new building locations, highway signage near Three Mile, broadband and Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) funding, the Moyie Springs sewer project, changes to the local Selkirks-Pend Oreille Transit Authority (SPOT) service to Sandpoint, and the new Chamber of Commerce website.
Mr. Sims informed Commissioners that North Idaho College (NIC) is meeting to update their strategic plan and they’ve invited economic development councils to provide input.
Mr. Sims discussed the conversation he had with Commissioners last year when he relayed information as to the number of people who visited the fair and the software that tracks this information. Mr. Sims spoke of a federal grant that provides funding for large projects in which grant match requirements can be waived for disadvantaged areas and the Naples Bridge might be a fit for this program. Chairman Bertling said if something happens to the Naples Bridge, there is only the Highway 95 Bridge. A cost benefit analysis for these projects would need to be done and he feels the Naples Bridge project would rate high. Mr. Sims said he can discuss this with the Road and Bridge Department, HMH Engineering, and the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC).
Mr. Sims and Commissioners discussed biochar.
The meeting with Mr. Sims ended at 11:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m., Commissioners tended to Board of Equalization matters.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to add the Homeowner’s Exemption to parcel OC62N01E266300A. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:00 p.m.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
1:30 p.m., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris joined the meeting to give the department report. Attorney Tevis Hull also joined the meeting.
Commissioner Robertson moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)f, to communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. Commissioner Cossairt second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye”, and Commissioner Robertson “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 1:40 p.m. No action was taken.
Attorney Hull left the meeting
Mr. Morris presented a written Road and Bridge report and reviewed work being done.
Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris discussed the matter of Hillcrest Road in relation to a waterline easement being used as an access by a property owner. The resident is still using the easement as a road, but they need to go through the variance process. Mr. Morris said this resident is not supposed to be driving on this easement as it’s just for utilities and the adjacent neighbor is questioning the placement of his private road name sign/stop sign. Road and Bridge will need to consult with JRS Surveying about property pin locations and discussion took place about moving the road sign.
Chairman Bertling asked Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris if they had ever thought about constructing a roundabout at Blume Hill and Roosevelt Roads. Ms. Nelson said the county would have to buy right-of-way. Mr. Morris spoke of the truck traffic in that area and Chairman Bertling said the roundabout would have to be big.
Ms. Nelson discussed the population growth on Cow Creek Road near the former Rocky Mountain Academy campus and she commented on implementing traffic impact studies. Commissioner Robertson questioned what impacts would initiate having a study done.
The meeting with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 2:04 p.m.
2:04 p.m. Boundary Community Hospital CEO April Bennett and Hospital Board of Trustees Chairman Paul Hazdovac joined the meeting.
Commissioners were presented with Hospital Board of Trustees recommendations for reappointment.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to reappoint Sharlene Delaney, Henry “Stu” Willis and Chris Pease to the Hospital Board of Trustees with terms to expire January 1, 2027. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Bennett informed Commissioners that in year 2005, the county purchased a pickup for maintenance at the hospital. This truck is a 1996 and it’s no longer functional, but it has been used to maintain the entire hospital campus. It cannot keep up with everything any longer. Ms. Bennett questioned if the county would be willing to again help the hospital with purchasing a newer truck. Chairman Bertling suggested putting the 1996 truck up for auction using 3 Mile Auction. Mr. Hazdovac said the hospital is exploring all options.
Ms. Bennett said she was asked by a staff member if hospital employees were eligible for Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI) benefits and Clerk Poston provided the contact representative at PERSI.
Commissioner Robertson asked if the hospital has a budget for a newer truck. Mr. Hazdovac said no, but they can contribute some.
The meeting with Ms. Bennett and Mr. Hazdovac ended at 2:13 p.m.
2:20 p.m., Landfill Superintendent Richard Jenkins joined the meeting.
2:23 p.m., Kootenai Tribe of Idaho Council Chair Jennifer Porter and Kootenai Tribe Environmental Program Manager Karen Schumacher joined the meeting to update Commissioners on the Kootenai Tribe’s award of the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grant funding.
Ms. Schumacher said she’s wondering what efforts the county is going to play in this program. Chairman Bertling questioned how much area at the main landfill will be needed for the proposed composting program. Ms. Schumacher explained needing a point of contact for the county who can attend meetings and make decisions. Mr. Jenkins said he’s familiar with the plan and has read through it. Ms. Schumacher said the first task is to hire a consultant. Chairman Bertling said once the main landfill has an office manager, Mr. Jenkins will have more time. There will be many meetings during the planning phase as they will need to get input on equipment and where it would go, the proper electricity for this equipment, etc. An in-vessel composting unit was discussed. Ms. Schumacher said they would first need to have a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed and have someone keep the recording of the funds at the county side of things. This grant program is through an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fund. The first year consists of planning and getting a contact person, and Ms. Schumacher said she will facilitate that. She also spoke of reaching out to various businesses in order to get feed stock. Commissioner Robertson said the first planning meeting can include a consultant and all three Commissioners, and then an MOU can be shaped around that. Ms. Schumacher said for the legal dispersement of funds, they will need to also have a legal agreement in place. Ms. Schumacher explained that wood will need to be a part of the composting program. Mr. Jenkins said the Solid Waste Department could inform the public that green wood waste needs to be diverted to another area. Commissioner Robertson pointed out that the term profit was mentioned. Ms. Schumacher said yes, but the Kootenai Tribe would be allowed to have access to the compost. Mr. Jenkins said collection will be an important part.
Tribal Council Chair Jennifer Porter thanked Commissioners for their partnership on behalf of the Kootenai Tribe.
The meeting with Ms. Schumacher and Ms. Porter ended at 2:45 p.m.
Commissioners and Mr. Jenkins discussed the landfill’s need for sand.
Mr. Jenkins left the meeting at 3:13 p.m.
Chairman Bertling left the meeting.
4:58 p.m., Commissioners addressed a Board of Equalization matter for the 2023 Property Assessment Roll.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to add the Homeowner’s Exemption benefit to parcel #OC65N01W098250. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
There being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
***Tuesday, December 5, 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.
9:00 a.m., Ethan Durocher with HMH Engineering joined the meeting to discuss bids for the Deep Creek boat launch and dock grant project. Mr. Durocher said HMH Engineering reached out to various contractors and C.E. Kramer Crane and Contracting is the only contractor that submitted a bid. The project includes a floating dock and pile system and the added alternative is a concrete approach and gangway. The total approved grant amount is $139,205.00 with a county contribution of approximately $11,000.00. Mr. Durocher said in talking with Justin Shaw with HMH Engineering, we will work on the dock, piling, approach pier and gangway, and make sure to push gravel to make it Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant in order to get to an approach for now, and then they will look into doing rip rap at a later date. The Waterways Board has funds to cover the cost of rip rap to get it done. HMH Engineering is working on permitting, but will wait to do the rip rap in order to process paperwork. If Commissioners are interested, Mr. Durocher will let Mr. Shaw know. It was mentioned that Boundary County Waterways Board Chairman Darron Branson said the Waterways Board has the funds and to let’s get the project done. This is a three-phase grant and the next phase is getting signatures on the documents. HMH Engineering recommends awarding the project to C.E. Kramer Crane and Contracting as Mr. Kramer was the only bid, according to Mr. Durocher. Mr. Kramer will need to get the material to the site. It will be January or February 2024, before he could get started, once material shows up and get to the site.
The meeting with Mr. Durocher ended at 9:30 a.m.
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