***Monday, February 18, 2019, Commissioners did not meet due to the Presidents’ Day holiday.
***Tuesday, February 19, 2019, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Commissioner Walt Kirby was out of the office tending to other matters.
9:00 a.m., Commissioners held an elected officials/department heads meeting. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Treasurer Sue Larson, Prosecutor’s Office Manager Tammie Goggia, Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown, Sheriff Dave Kramer, Emergency Services Director Mike Meier, Assistant Restorium Administrator Pam Barton, Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk, Road and Bridge Department Superintendent Clint Kimball, Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen, University of Idaho Extension Educator Amy Robertson, Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac, Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley, Assessor Dave Ryals, and Planning and Zoning Administrator John Moss. Blue Sky Broadcasting news Reporter Mike Brown also joined the meeting and was present off and on throughout the day.
Chairman Dinning discussed cybersecurity and he explained a hacking issue that occurred in another county involving an email from an employee that looked legitimate, but turned out not to be. Chairman Dinning said employees might go online, etc., and if a cybersecurity issue occurs, it will be extremely costly to the county to resolve and Boundary County has already experienced being hacked once. It really needs to be impressed upon the employees not to use county computers in that way as it would cost the county a lot of money and a lot of information. Elected officials and department heads present voiced experiences they’ve had with security issues. Mr. Meier informed those present that he is sponsoring a free cyber security class in April at the armory and whoever wishes to participate in the class needs to register for the class online.
Chairman Dinning informed those present that he is on the Idaho Association of Counties (IAC) Legislative Committee so he provided an update on different possible legislation changes to include jail medical, mail ballot threshold, flat fee recordings, Odyssey program fines and fees collected, local option sales tax to build jails, and raising liability insurance minimums. Chairman Dinning mentioned that there are IAC legislative conference calls for District 1 held on Tuesday’s at 3:00 p.m. pacific time. Mr. Kimball mentioned that if a local option sales tax is a possibility for jails, maybe a local option sales tax could be imposed for transportation.
Commissioners went around the room for department updates.
Treasurer Larson asked if there has been any updates on Secure Rural Schools funding. Chairman Dinning said he hasn’t heard of any progress, but he does know that Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) was reauthorized. Treasurer Larson said her office is working on tax deeding and are just staying busy.
Ms. Goggia said she just got back from vacation so she is catching up.
Ms. Brown asked for the link for proposed legislation and Chairman Dinning said information on bills can be found on the Idaho Association of Counties’ website. Clerk Poston suggested Ms. Brown look for the senate bills. Ms. Brown said her office is staying busy and the number of people on probation is increasing. Ms. Brown informed Commissioners that her office will need more parking spots to be made available in the back of the building.
Sheriff Kramer said the Sheriff’s Office is still busy, but everything is going well.
Mr. Meier said he was appointed Vice President of the Idaho Emergency Managers’ Association for Region One. Mr. Meier spoke of two free courses to be held at the armory pertaining to cybersecurity and biological incident awareness. The cybersecurity course will be held on April 23rd and the biological awareness course will be held on March 21st. Both classes are free, but participants in the course need to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to get a student identification number ahead of time.
Ms. Barton said the Restorium will be involved in a healthcare symposium at the Kootenai River Inn in March and she listed the speakers at this symposium. Ms. Barton reported that there are 35 residents at the Restorium at this time.
Mr. Moss said Planning and Zoning is very busy.
Mr. Wenk encouraged people to sign up for the Neighborhood Coop Weed Control Program.
Mr. Kimball said Road and Bridge is working with the snow, but the freezing conditions are hard for the sand trucks so there have been some struggles and there has been a large number of various breakdowns. Mr. Kimball stated that Boundary County has 344 miles of county road, which equates to plowing approximately 700 lane miles. Road and Bridge has four trucks and on Sunday two trucks had issues so it’s been hard to make everyone happy, according to Mr. Kimball. Road and Bridge now has the advisory/warning signs to post for the restrictions on Ruby Creek Bridge #1. Allowed axel tonnage will be 4.3 tons per axel. Mr. Kimball said he is trying to see how access can be allowed, but then there are issues with Ruby Creek Bridge #3.
Mr. Skeen said the landfill is plowing a lot of snow. Mr. Skeen advised people to be careful at the junction site at Highway 95/Highway 1 due to snow sliding off the roof. This matter will be addressed for the next year so people don’t need to go near the roof.
Ms. Robertson listed courses offered through the University of Idaho Extension Office.
Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac said for year 2019 the county’s sick leave bank has 73 employees either join or renew their memberships and there are over 5,000 hours in the sick leave bank. Chairman Dinning stated that Commissioners debated setting a cap for the hours donated, but decided not to. A member of the sick leave bank can use up to 520 hours. Sheriff Kramer asked about the use of an independent doctor and Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac said someone from the local hospital was supposed to have gotten back to her, but they haven’t so she will look into that again. Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac spoke of working on updating the County’s Personnel Policy.
Mr. Buckley has been dealing with snow and keeping busy.
Assessor Ryals said his office has just been working.
Clerk Poston said ProX has installed new carpet in the small courtroom, witness and jury rooms. The budget process is starting and notices will be sent out soon. There will be an election on March 12th for the school district’s maintenance and operation levy.
Chairman Dinning informed those present that the county has almost completed the regional sewer feasibility study for the area of Three Mile to Moyie Springs. The Moyie Springs City Council will go out for a bond vote sometime in May for this project and Moyie Springs’ residents can vote for the total cost of the project, but what it boils down to is there are also loans and grants that could lower that cost. The Cabinet Mountains Water District may also look into a bond at the same time as they are at capacity and sometimes experience low flows.
Chairman Dinning said the county’s personnel policy is under review currently. Commissioners urged those present to work with local businesses as much as possible and where feasible and reasonable.
Chairman Dinning asked those present to please replace the large water bottles used for drinking if they see that the bottle is empty and to also relay this information to their employees.
The elected officials/department heads meeting ended at 9:37 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
Commissioners discussed receiving the airport grant application for snow removal equipment for a cost of $390,000, $300,000 for a building, $45,000 for engineering of a building and $45,000 for preliminary expenses so Chairman Dinning wants to know what the engineering and preliminary charges are.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Findings and Decisions for Planning and Zoning Applications #18-119, #18-120, and #18-130. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the Findings and Decision for Planning and Zoning Application #19-023. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to ratify approving the reappointment of Patrick Gardiner, Tim Dillin and Phil Allegretti to the County’s Noxious Weeds Advisory Board. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificate of Residency for Cassidy Anderson. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation form for parcel #RP61N01E024801T and to cancel $2,457.40 in deferred tax for tax year 2018 due to error. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation form for parcel #MHB006000W007VA for tax year 2018 and to cancel tax in the amount of $7.30, Solid Waste fees in the amount of $118.56, translator fees in the amount of $20.00, and late fees in the amount of $1.46 for a total of $147.32, plus current interest as the mobile home burned in year 2018. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:05 a.m., Western States Regional Sales Manager John Rollins, Machine Sales Representative Jim Jordan and Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen joined the meeting to discuss a compactor for the landfill and other landfill matters. Also present was Blue Sky Broadcasting Reporter Mike Brown and Doug Higgins with Three Mile Water District.
Mr. Jordan provided Commissioners with information on hourly use for a new compactor on a pay for use agreement. Mr. Rollins said the combined rate for maintenance on used equipment would have to be evaluated, etc., then base that fee on that risk whereas on a new machine, that matter would be covered. The savings on the machine would be offset by repairs and costs per hour. Chairman Dinning asked how many hours and Clerk Poston said 14,000 hours. Chairman Dinning questioned how much pay for use agreement terms would be and was told $96,640 annually. Mr. Rollins said if Commissioners are looking more long term, they can structure the pay for use agreement however the county wants to and have a longer term. Mr. Rollins said Western States/CAT probably cannot enter into a 10 year agreement, but he could check to see if they can possibly do a seven or nine year agreement. Chairman Dinning said it is just a budgetary matter and the landfill doesn’t have $90,000. With a buyback, the county would have a bit of equity, according to Mr. Rollins. Commissioner Cossairt said the big clincher is the waste pile and if the county could go back to burning that pile, it would save $60,000. Chairman Dinning said Commissioner Kirby had indicated he was in favor of a rebuilt compactor. The county needs to deal with a solution for now and the county’s had a good relationship with Western States.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the rebuild of the existing compactor for the landfill. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
County resident Mike Stephens joined the meeting at 10:26 a.m.
Mr. Jordan and Mr. Rollins left the meeting at 10:27 a.m.
Chairman Dinning brought up the bike event sponsored by Rotary in relation to public use of the Solid Waste Department’s monitored site’s port-a-potty and giving landfill employee’s a bad time. Mr. Skeen said there had even been issues the year before and he recommended another location for the riders to stop and take a break. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners will make contact with Rotary members and suggest another port-a-potty for the riders be placed outside of the gate.
Chairman Dinning said the request for a fire hydrant to be placed near the landfill came from North Bench Fire Department, apparently. Those present discussed the location of the already existing hydrant and Mr. Higgins said the existing hydrant is approximately 1,000 feet away and is located at the east side of the landfill. If a new hydrant is installed at the corner, Mr. Skeen was thinking it puts the distance at approximately 500 feet. A main waterline extension would need to be done if a hydrant was installed at the landfill’s entrance. Mr. Higgins mentioned the fire chief for North Bench Fire Department did not want to block the road twice with hose lines. Chairman Dinning said the county is just starting its budget process and he asked what the cost is for the installation of a hydrant. It was said the quote received was $4,600, not counting engineering. Mr. Higgins said for a hydrant at the landfill, we would have to physically look for water lines and not get in the way of plowing, etc. Chairman Dinning reiterated the budget process will soon start for Boundary County. Mr. Skeen said to estimate approximately $6,000. Clerk Poston said she is still not clear on the final price and asked if someone can get her that information prior to May. Mr. Higgins said he would need to get a bid out to get a solid price. Chairman Dinning said not to worry about doing that.
The meeting with Mr. Skeen and Mr. Higgins ended at 10:38 a.m.
10:38 a.m., Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee and Assistant Administrator Pam Barton joined the meeting.
Mike Stephens briefly discussed licensing for septage as it pertains to the Grove property and he said the last agreement for that licensing with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) was in year 2013. There was a five year agreement in 2014 and as of December 31, 2018, it had expired and has not been renewed. Mr. Stephens questioned if these facts in any way delete the grandfathering of this system. Chairman Dinning said that is a DEQ issue as it pertains to permitting. It is just zoned with the grandfather clause and the county does not regulate DEQ. Mr. Stephens said since no new septage disposal can come in to the county without going through Commissioners, his thinking is that this would qualify as a new agreement. Chairman Dinning suggested Mr. Stephens submit a letter listing his questions to the county’s attorney. Mr. Stephens said his thinking is that since the agreement has not been renewed, this is a new system.
Mr. Stephens left the meeting at 10:41 a.m.
Ms. Barton and Ms. Magee met with Commissioners to provide an update on Restorium matters. Ms. Barton reported that there are 35 residents as of January 31, 2019, and she provided information on the billed amount for rooms, Medicaid rate percentages, staff hours worked, room and board received, accounts receivable over 30 days, revenue, expenses including and excluding payroll, costs for food per person per day, etc. Clerk Poston informed Ms. Barton about expenses as a result of paying workers compensation. Ms. Barton informed Commissioners the kitchen remodel will get started next week.
Those present discussed the washer and dryers at the Restorium and how their starting to have issues. There is a claim of $1,000 for the deposit on one commercial set and the total cost for one set is $4,465 with installation provided and a warranty.
Commissioners asked about a matter involving a request made by the Panhandle Health District to contract with staff at the Restorium to shovel snow for them. Commissioners also discussed the Restorium working to determine who wants reimbursed for donations made for the kitchen remodel. Clerk Poston informed Ms. Barton and Ms. Magee that the budget process will begin soon and Chairman Dinning added that he would like good communication concerning budgets. Chairman Dinning asked what average can be used for the number of residents at the Restorium and Ms. Barton said 35. Chairman Dinning asked where we’re at with charging for rooms. Ms. Magee said $2,975 is the rate for a normal room. Chairman Dinning questioned what a room rate increase should look like moving forward while not penalizing the existing residents.
11:01 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Superintendent Clint Kimball joined the meeting to give the departmental report. A written report was provided.
The meeting with Ms. Magee and Ms. Barton ended at 11:03 a.m.
Mr. Kimball provided Commissioners with information he found pertaining to Tamarack Lane in regards to the matter being brought up by Doug Ladely. Chairman Dinning stated paperwork Mr. Kimball provided shows this road never belonged to Boundary County and it has never been maintained. Mr. Kimball said County Civil Attorney Hull has mentioned that easements could be vacated at any time so he doesn’t advocate anyone thinking they have an easement.
Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac joined meeting at Commissioners’ request.
Mr. Kimball spoke of mechanical issues his department has experienced and general funding concerns. Mr. Kimball also discussed how he would like the Road and Bridge Department to have its own fuel tank due to the time it takes to drive to get fuel and how various other issues take up so much time. Those present discussed how the county will receive the payment for PILT, but Commissioners don’t know about next year. Those present discussed the work that Road and Bridge does, the calls that come from the public pertaining to Road and Bridge, and how residents learn that they’re not paying taxes for Road and Bridge services.
Mr. Kimball brought up how private landowners are plowing county roads themselves, blocking areas, and how the Sheriff’s Office is starting to ticket people for doing that. Mr. Kimball spoke of an issue involving mud and a driveway on Brown Creek Road, east of Bridle Path.
11:27 a.m., Fair Board Secretary Paula Burt joined the meeting.
The meeting with Mr. Kimball ended at 11:30 a.m.
Commissioners informed Ms. Burt that the bid advertisement for roof repairs for the exhibit hall at the fairgrounds was approved by the county attorney. The cost range for these repairs falls between $42,000 and $120,000. Ms. Burt said the costs are unknown as it’s not certain what issues will be found. Chairman Dinning said the Fair Board will be basing their acceptance of a bid on that issue so it’s only what was requested. This bid is just to replace the roof, underlayment and provide a new drip edge. Ms. Burt said the Fair Board is concerned that there is a lot more rot than is anticipated and if the cost increases another $10,000, where does that money come from. It was said the estimate is $50,000 and that is in the Fair’s budget. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners have set aside a certain amount as well. Clerk Poston said if this cost was to totally deplete the Fair’s budget for this, the Fair Board can meet with Commissioners to discuss that.
Ms. Burt left at 11:50 a.m.
Deputy Clerk Nancy Ryals joined the meeting at 11:50 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to deny indigent case 2019-9 as per the Clerk’s recommendation. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Deputy Clerk Ryals left the meeting.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:10 a.m.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
1:30 p.m., Cassie Olson, Tom Daniel and Greg Becker with the Boundary Soil Conservation District and Natural Resource Conservation Services Office joined the meeting to discuss projects and funding.
Ms. Olson said they’re here to request the yearly funding from the county and she updated Commissioner Cossairt on the Soil District’s yearly meetings with Commissioners. Last year the county contributed $9,000 to the Boundary Soil Conservation District and those funds were matched by the State of Idaho for programs. Commissioners reviewed information on the various projects. Ms. Olson spoke of the yearly nomination of farmer of the year and participating in the City of Moyie Springs Capital for the Day Event as well as bringing in money from tree sales. Ms. Olson spoke of starting a new seedling sale program, partnering with Idaho Farm Bureau on focusing on local businesses, helping out with the 5th grade outdoor school in Chewelah, animal tracking identification, soil identification, etc. Ms. Olson informed Commissioners that the Soil District had received the phone call that there were leftover funds available through the Department of Environmental Quality so they did the Fleming Creek project as they had already applied for this project and were denied so they got it going again. Chairman Dinning spoke of various 319 grant projects that have occurred locally such as the Fleming Creek project. All the culverts for this project were paid for by funds through DEQ totaling $45,000 and the Soil Conservation District was able to reimburse Boundary County $16,075.50. Ms. Olson said the Soil Conservation District really appreciates the funding given by the county as they wouldn’t be able to operate otherwise.
Mr. Daniel spoke of the upcoming meeting on a proposed boat check station. Those present discussed fish passage along Cow Creek Road. It was said a resident in that area doesn’t want that area to go back to its original condition as it affects the middle of their field. Chairman Dinning said there are good points to the project, but it is that resident’s land. Those present spoke of building a berm on the eastside of that area and commented that a lot can be done to retain the water. Chairman Dinning informed those present that in the 1940’s or 1960’s there was a proposal to turn that area into a lake that would be 10 to 20 feet deep.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the letter of intent for the Boundary Soil Conservation District. The motion died for lack of a second in order to make a motion that is more specific.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the letter of intent for the Boundary Soil Conservation District in the amount of $9,000. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Olson, Mr. Daniel and Mr. Becker left the meeting at 2:00 p.m.
2:10 p.m., Commissioners spoke to County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull via telephone and Commissioners voiced their concern regarding property lines as it pertains to the Felsted property, which the county is interested in purchasing. Chairman Dinning said the adjoining landowner wants a permanent easement as currently when the other landowner opens the door to their building it puts them onto the county’s proposed property. Chairman Dinning proposed a lot line adjustment that will make everyone whole.
The call with Attorney Hull ended at 2:20 p.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
3:00 p.m., Commissioners participated in the Idaho Association of Counties legislative conference call. Participating in the conference call were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Clerk Glenda Poston, Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown, Probation Office Assistant & Junior Probation Officer/Misdemeanor Probation Officer April Isaac, Treasurer Sue Larson, Assessor Dave Ryals, Idaho Association of Counties Executive Director Seth Grigg, and various elected officials from the remaining four northern counties. Those participating in the conference call learned the status of upcoming legislative bills. The call ended at 3:40 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:05 p.m.
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DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk