***Monday, January 1, 2024, Commissioners did not meet due to the New Year’s holiday.

***Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.

9:00 a.m., Courthouse Maintenance Squire Fields joined the meeting to provide a department update. Mr. Fields updated Commissioners on work to include excessive moisture in the Courthouse, replacing the main Courthouse entryway doors, making updates to a vacant office for future use by the Planning and Zoning Department, and work needed at the Waterways Building.

The meeting with Mr. Fields ended at 9:07 a.m.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties until their next scheduled meeting at 9:30 a.m.

9:30 a.m., County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull joined the meeting.

9:30 a.m., Commissioner Robertson moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)b, to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public-school student. Commissioner Cossairt second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Robertson “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 9:43 a.m. No action was taken.

Attorney Hull briefly updated Commissioners on reviewing a request for residential property to be annexed into the Paradise Valley Fire District for fire protection.

Attorney Hull left the meeting at 9:49 a.m.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign a Certificate of Residency for Kierra Driggs. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.

10:00 a.m., Solid Waste Department Superintendent Richard Jenkins joined the meeting to give a department report. Mr. Jenkins submitted a written report and reviewed it with Commissioners. Those present discussed matters pertaining to the small community exemption for the landfill. Mr. Jenkins informed Commissioners that he would like to hold off on repairing various bins until the next year’s budget.

Mr. Jenkins informed Commissioners that he is interested in starting a pilot program for recycling electronics (e-recycling) at the landfill for cell phones and laptops. Pacific Steel has provided a quote for e-recycling at today’s prices, which is $200 per ton that would be owed to the landfill. Commissioner Robertson said he doesn’t see any drawbacks in doing e-recycling.

Mr. Jenkins discussed the matter of having a credit card assigned to him for the Solid Waste Department for department purchases. Commissioners didn’t have an issue with a card being assigned to Mr. Jenkins for the Solid Waste Department.
Those present discussed the condition of the D8K Dozer and 980 Loader. Mr. Jenkins informed Commissioners that he got the report on the current condition of the dozer and he was advised not to put money into it, because it would be extremely costly and other issues can still arise. Mr. Jenkins questioned running this machine until it is done or selling it at auction now. Chairman Bertling said it’s better to auction off a dozer if it’s in running condition and he suggested holding off until spring and looking into getting an estimate to repair it. The 980 Wheel Loader needs the transmission pump replaced and Mr. Jenkins listed possible other issues this wheel loader may have. This is a main machine for the landfill, so it would be wise to look at a fail-safe government option for leasing. This machine is used for many hours, according to Mr. Jenkins.

Those present discussed matters pertaining to the Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) review of the June 2020 Landfill Operating Plan. Commissioner Robertson asked about DEQ’s response on controlled burning. Mr. Jenkins and Commissioners discussed going through the permitting process through Maul Foster for an air burner.

The meeting with Mr. Jenkins ended at 10:36 a.m.

10:36 a.m., Chief Probation Officer Alisa Walker met with Commissioners to give the Probation Department report. Ms. Walker spoke of wanting to repaint the Probation Office, getting a quote for a camera system, updating the Probation Department Policy Manual, restructuring the work day for streamlining purposes, and adjusting the notice of office hours due to scheduled appointments. Those present discussed the proposed security camera and audio system.

The meeting with Ms. Walker ended at 10:56 a.m.

11:00 a.m., Boundary Economic Development Council (EDC) Director David Sims joined the meeting to update Commissioners on EDC matters. Mr. Sims briefly discussed the status of vacant buildings in Bonners Ferry, as well as reaching out to the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) about banners along the highway for the downtown area and he explained that the City of Bonners Ferry used to have banners. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a grant program for signage, and Mr. Sims said he would see if the city is interested. These would not be signs for specific businesses. Mr. Sims informed Commissioners that the broadband task force is working to determine how to get Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) funds. The City of Moyie Springs is planning on rerouting their sewer line a little bit due to Union Pacific Railroad’s right-of-way. A permit for the railroad’s right-of-way will cost $17,500.00 and the engineering fee to reroute the system is a little more than $16,000.00. Mr. Sims informed Commissioners that with Lisa Ailport leaving employment with the city, he is acting as the Urban Renewal District (URD) contact for now. Mr. Sims said he’s trying to get in touch with the County Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendent Renee Nelson about the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant for the Naples Bridge. The notice of funding opportunity is out and applications are due by the end of February. Mr. Sims said this program is allowing for zero match for rural areas. The Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) has hired a planner to help entities with filling out grant applications.

Mr. Sims asked if any of the Commissioners would be interested in meeting with a sales person about precast restrooms. Commissioner Robertson said he could meet with this representative.

Jake Garringer, North Idaho Field Director for Governor Brad Little’s Office, joined the meeting at 11:07 a.m.
The meeting with Mr. Sims ended at 11:16 a.m.

Mr. Garringer left the meeting.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation Form for the following properties and amounts due to the Homeowner’s Exemption benefit: RP63N01E201810A totaling $240.80, RP63N01E268843A totaling $346.60, RP65N01W200450A totaling $119.00, RP61N01E095515A totaling $507.46, RP60N01W057500A totaling $453.80, MH0003000003TA totaling $46.62, and RPB11200010010A totaling $735.38. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation Form for tax year 2023 for parcel RP60N02W218215A and to cancel $8.69 in late fees as the payment was postmarked on time for the first half of year 2023. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation Form for tax year 2023 for parcel SR65N01E347816A and to cancel $8.90 in late fees as late fees on the subroll parcel were added in error. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation Form for tax year 2023 for parcel PPB0000033933AA and to cancel $47.90 in late fees as the payment was postmarked on time for the first half of year 2023. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation Form for tax year 2023 for parcel RP61N01W010651A and to cancel $19.90 in late fees as the payment was postmarked on time for the first half of year 2023. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation Form for tax year 2023 for parcel SR009250000040A and to cancel $1,095.98 in tax, $139.32 in solid waste fees, and $10.00 in translator fees as the homeowner states the new construction should have been on the occupancy roll and pro-rated. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Robertson moved to rescind Commissioners’ prior motion made on December 26, 2023, to grant an extension of time to pay year 2023 taxes for parcel #MH61N02E04391BA until June 2024, as this length of extension is not permitted by Idaho Code. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Robertson moved to grant an extension of time to pay year 2023 taxes for parcel #MH61N02E04391BA and to accept the balance due of $105.90, plus late fees and interest no later than April 19, 2024. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2024-15. A resolution of Boundary County, ARPA Appropriation to Boundary County for Recreational Dumping Station for Recreational Vehicles. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously. Commissioners voted as follows:

RESOLUTION 2024-15
Boundary County
ARPA Appropriation to Boundary County
Recreational Dumping Station for Recreational Vehicles
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received ARPA funds to be used in payment, among other things, for Covid related expenses, and

WHEREAS, Boundary County has received $2,378,448.00 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

WHEREAS, the Boundary County Commissioners deem it in the best interest of the general public of Boundary County to improve and rebuild the current sewage dump station for Recreational Vehicles at the Boundary County Fairgrounds.

WHEREAS, the addition or distribution of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate to release the funds for the project completed by KG&T, in the amount of $27,950.00.

NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,

IT IS RESOLVED, that the amount of $27,950.00 is to be disbursed from the ARPA General Account #0107, these funds shall then be remitted to KG&T in the amount of $27,950.00 claim #2023-4536, $27,550.00 and claim #2023-3694 for $400.00 for the project and the final payments of the project.

IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk is instructed to deliver certified copies of this resolution to the Boundary County Treasurer and the Boundary County Auditor.

DATED this 2nd day of January, 2024.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/___________________________
Tim Bertling, Chairman
s/____________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/____________________________
Ben Robertson, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/______________________________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #296189

Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve and sign the Real Property Lease Agreement, Non-Aeronautical Lease Agreement with IM Fit, Inc. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve and sign the Real Property Lease Agreement with North Bench Volunteer Fire District, Inc. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.

11:50 a.m., Deputy Clerk April Isaac joined the meeting and Commissioners tended to an indigent matter. Deputy Clerk Isaac left the meeting.

Commissioners recessed for lunch at noon.

1:30 p.m., Commissioners met for the afternoon session with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Jake Garringer, North Idaho Field Director for Governor Brad Little’s Office, 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.

Ms. Nelson updated Commissioners on the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) Local Agreement for the Leading Idaho Bridge Program for the Kellogg Bridge located on Yukon Road. Ms. Nelson informed Commissioners that this agreement is with County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull for review and she covered some of the terms of this agreement. Ms. Nelson spoke of trying to get the load rating for this bridge revised to get the dead weight down to zero and replace the rails and running boards on the bridge. The county could have eligible reimbursement costs up to $215,000.00. Three cost estimates were done for this work. The reason for the figure of $215,000.00 is because that is the highest expense, so Road and Bridge wanted to make sure they’re covered as they want bridge repaired. This project is similar to the Skin Creek Bridge project. The project is considered self-performed, because Road and Bridge would put the plans together with HMH Engineering and do the construction oversight. Mr. Morris said the bridge will still be one lane, but it would handle full loads. Ms. Nelson thanks Mr. Garringer for the Governor’s assistance with this project.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council Local Agreement for the Leading Idaho Local Bridge Program, #KN30295, when approved by Legal Counsel. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.

Ms. Nelson and Commissioners briefly discussed the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant for possible funding for the Naples Bridge. Ms. Nelson said she plans on getting back to Mr. Sims about that.

Those present discussed loads limits for the bridge on Wilderness Road, and logging around the county pit in Moyie Springs. The purpose of logging around the pit is so Road and Bridge can put up a perimeter fence since the no trespassing signs are being ignored.

The meeting with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 2:00 p.m.

Commissioner Robertson moved to appoint Adam Reeves to the Waterways Advisory Board with a term to expire January 2026. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:15 p.m.

______________________________________
TIM BERTLING, Chairman
ATTEST:

_________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk