***Monday, January 28, 2019, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

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

Blue Sky Broadcasting News Reporter Mike Brown and county resident Marty Martinez were in attendance of the meetings off and on throughout the day.

9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Superintendent Clint Kimball joined the meeting to give the department report. A written report was provided. Chairman Dinning said he thought the employee in the Road and Bridge Department crusher position was only a part-time employee, but Commissioners will look through their minutes to see what they find on that. Mr. Kimball questioned if Commissioners want to look into funding for repairing the Myrtle Creek Bridge. Those present discussed work needed for the Ruby Creek Bridges.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to authorize the Chairman to sign Caribou Creek Bridge Replacement closeout documents when the documents are ready. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Kimball said his course of action for Ruby Creek Bridge #1 is to work on that right now with an engineer, get a projection of costs, go to bid, and get the project done as soon as possible. For Ruby Creek Bridge #2, Road and Bridge will see if it can use its own materials to get the bridge strong enough to get propane and half loads across. For Ruby Creek Bridge #3, Mr. Kimball said he will work on getting a design drafted to put a new deck on it, possibly with or without using county forces. The cost for materials would be $20,000 to $30,000 for materials.

Mr. Kimball asked if it looks like Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funds will be received, would Road and Bridge be able to budget for the upcoming match for projects. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners don’t know if SRS will be reauthorized. It was said that Senator Crapo is trying to get legislation going and Chairman Dinning added that we need to plan as if the county is not going to receive SRS funds. Chairman Dinning said before Mr. Kimball began working for Road and Bridge, the county had to plan on not receiving SRS funds for two years. Mr. Kimball asked how it stands with reserves and Clerk Poston said we have what we said we are going to spend and what we’re going to get. Mr. Kimball said he knows Road and Bridge didn’t get the funding out, but his department also didn’t have the expenditures so it’s a wash. Mr. Kimball added that the last Commissioner said he didn’t need to know what was in the reserves, but he as the Road and Bridge Superintendent would like to know and he doesn’t think it’s too much to ask how much is in his reserve budget. Clerk Poston said reserves and cash are two different things. Chairman Dinning said the reserve account is what comes in beyond what is anticipated and whatever doesn’t come in reduces that reserve amount. Mr. Kimball said he would like to know what the cash amount is for the Road and Bridge Department as that would help him plan for projects.

Chairman Dinning asked if Road and Bridge employees are working staggered shifts. Mr. Kimball said he would say yes as he’s had employees working Fridays and Saturdays, but not Sundays unless there is a snow event. Mr. Kimball said Road and Bridge is quite busy, he is busy, and Road Foreman Randy Morris is also busy. There is a lot of GIS work and Mr. Kimball commented that he likes to have the larger share of his employees working Monday through Thursday because school is in session. The other thing is having employees out with sickness and an injury. Mr. Kimball said he believes today that he is down in his overtime budget, partially due to having a light winter and using sand on the roads. If Commissioners want to split the Road and Bridge crew in half, they can do it. Chairman Dinning said what staggering the work schedule is intended to do is to cover sanding hills, etc., on the weekends, such as there being issues with hills approximately three or more weeks ago. Mr. Kimball said he’s had his employees out taking care of roads. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners have asked before if the Road and Bridge Office is closed on Fridays. Mr. Kimball said the Office Assistant Kenna Watson worked last Friday and he has been working a few Fridays so he does check messages. Mr. Kimball said he could have Ms. Watson work Fridays and Chairman Dinning commented that Ms. Watson could take another day off instead. Commissioner Cossairt said it would be nice to have someone working in the office on Fridays. Mr. Kimball said there would be phone coverage on Fridays.

Those present discussed compensatory time versus overtime. Chairman Dinning said he’s thought a lot about it and he added that we’re down on overtime now, but to keep employees available to work the best we can, it’s probably best to pay them overtime. Commissioner Cossairt said he’s personally received compensatory time and he liked overtime. Commissioner Cossairt said as it pertains to compensatory time, he thinks there should be a time frame in which to use it and he feels the current time limit allowed is a little long. Mr. Kimball said he thinks there is something in the county policy that talks about using compensatory time as another county department has had an issue with it. Mr. Kimball said if compensatory time is changing, it should be changed by resolution. Chairman Dinning said the time should be paid for and he briefly mentioned what overtime costs the county initially with Public Employees Retirement System (PERSI) and withholdings. On the other hand, what does it cost Road and Bridge when that department doesn’t have the staff available and projects are held up? Mr. Kimball said former Commissioner Pinkerton had once discussed businesses that operate 365 days per year, but in the case of Road and Bridge, it will soon be too muddy to do projects and his employees can use their compensatory time then. It’s a morale booster, according to Mr. Kimball. Commissioner Cossairt said if Mr. Kimball can really encourage his employees to use that time up, then it’s great. Commissioners’ departments have paid overtime and if they change that policy for one department, they have to change it for everyone. Chairman Dinning said he wants the overtime to be paid as we have been doing. Mr. Kimball said he just needs to know what Commissioners want and he added that it would make it clearer to make a change by resolution, not saying Commissioners have to do something.

Commissioners agreed that overtime will be paid to the employee, that a Road and Bridge Office employee will work on Fridays and no compensatory time will be given until the budget for overtime is exhausted.

Commissioners also agreed that Mr. Kimball should apply for bridge repair funds for Myrtle Creek Bridge.

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

Commissioner Kirby moved to amend the agenda for tomorrow to include a discussion of Planning and Zoning matters. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chairman Dinning clarified that the discussion on Planning and Zoning matters had been added to the agenda within the 48 business hour timeline, but Commissioners will look into the need to amend the agenda in this type of scenario.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificate of Residency for Ella Huggins. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Dinning said he’s still planning to write a letter to the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) requesting a boat checking station for Boundary County, but other entities are interested in this matter so he will wait to write a letter until a conference call is scheduled with ISDA so that everyone can receive the same information.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to authorize the Chairman to sign a letter of support for the Seniors Hospitality Center as it pertains to insurance coverage for their new bus. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to reappoint Larry Hall to the Restorium Board with a term to expire January 31, 2022. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the Petroleum Storage Tank Fund Insurance Renewal Application for the airport. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chairman Dinning stated that the Commissioners’ Office received a telephone call from Lee Harris requesting to build a snow sculpture in the northeast corner of the Probation Office parking lot.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to allow county resident Lee Harris to build a snow sculpture in the parking lot of the Probation Office. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

9:46 a.m., Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac joined the meeting at Commissioners’ request to provide an update on matters pertaining to the sick leave bank.

Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac left the meeting at 9:54 a.m.

9:56 a.m., Boundary Ambulance Service Chief Jeff Lindsey joined the meeting.

10:00 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to recess as the Board of Boundary County Commissioners and to convene as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the minutes of December 17, 2018. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “abstained” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed.

Commissioner Cossairt explained that he abstained from making a motion to approve the minutes as he was not in office at that time.

Chairman Dinning brought up a matter involving utilities at the ambulance barn. Clerk Poston mentioned the billing matter concerning utilities has been resolved.

Chairman Dinning said Commissioners need Chief Lindsey to let them know what the Boundary Ambulance Service needs for a facility. Commissioners informed Chief Lindsey that they haven’t had anyone tell them whether or not it would be better to remodel the existing structure on the Felsted property or tear it down. Chief Lindsey said he does like the layout in the existing building as he did go out and take a look at it, but he doesn’t know about structure remodel or not.
Chief Lindsey said the flu is going around so he’s dealing with that, but everything seems stable otherwise. Those present questioned utilities that may need to be installed for the proposed new facility for Boundary Ambulance Service to use.

10:05 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District and to reconvene as the Board of Boundary County Commissioners. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chief Lindsey left the meeting.

10:06 a.m., County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull contacted Commissioners’ via telephone to update them on various documents he is reviewing or working on.

Attorney Hull said there is conflicting language in the easement for the Felsted property pertaining to an ingress/egress easement and parking so he visited with Attorney Featherston who agreed the language needs to be cleaned up and exhibits need to be provided. Chairman Dinning said he wants to know about easements, etc. Those present discussed a proposed street to be developed to the west side of the Felsted property.

Attorney Hull said he is still working on the letter to Garvin Williams regarding the concrete pad.

The call with Attorney Hull ended at 10:10 a.m.

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the minutes of January 14 & 15, 2019. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chairman Dinning informed Commissioners that Doug Ladely Sr. stopped by Commissioners’ Office last week to discuss the south end of Tamarack Drive/Court as it pertains to where the city limits end and maintenance. Chairman Dinning said this issue has come up before, for many years now, and he would like to find some answers.

10:17 a.m., Commissioner Kirby 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 Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 10:40 a.m. No action was taken.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

11:00 a.m., Commissioners held a public hearing to consider Planning and Zoning Application #19-023. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Planning and Zoning Administrator John Moss, Applicant Clark Fairchild, Marty Martinez, and Coral DeWilliam-Studer. The hearing was recorded.

Application #19-023 is a request made by Clark Fairchild to amend parcel #RP63N01E366010A, consisting of 39.5 acres, to change the zone from agriculture/forestry to rural residential. This request is made in conjunction with Ordinance 9B18LOV1, Chapter 18.1., Quasi-Judicial Zone Map Amendments.
Chairman Dinning reviewed the public hearing procedures. No member cited a conflict of interest. Commissioners opened the hearing and asked for an opening statement from the applicant.

Mr. Fairchild said he just started the process for the amendment and he is here to update Commissioners on his plans for his property. Mr. Fairchild said he purchased his property three years ago with plans to build a home on it. There is an existing home on the property that he rents, but he is not sure how long he wants to have a rental. Mr. Fairchild said he would like to rezone because if he sells that home, he doesn’t want to sell the acreage. The area is zoned for 10 acres minimum so that doesn’t work to sell smaller parcels to his children in the future. There are no plans to subdivide at this point; just plans to build a home on it, according to Mr. Fairchild. The rezone fits well with parcels to the west of the subject property and it appears the rezone would fit with what is already in place. Zoning to the west is rural residential, which has a five acre minimum. Immediately to the south is possibly the agriculture/forestry zone and to the north is state land. Chairman Dinning asked if there are parcels to the west and south that are less than 10 acres. Mr. Fairchild said to the east, yes and to the west there are many parcels that are less than five acres and to the south the majority of land belongs to Brad Studer, but he doesn’t know what the parcel sizes are.

Commissioners had no questions.

Mr. Moss provided a staff report and said the process addresses the request for an amendment to change the zone from agriculture/forest to rural residential. Agriculture/forestry has a 10 acre minimum and rural residential has a five acre minimum. Mr. Moss said in his report is the procedure for accommodating the amendment and following his staff report is information identifying the parcel and its size. The applicant owns 40 acres and wishes to provide for future family use with smaller parcels, but the current zone limitation of 10 acres prevents further division. In reading through the staff analysis, the proposal is to change the zoning to rural residential because the applicant wants to create five acre parcels. The option to gift deed to children is no longer available in the ordinance. The surrounding zones include rural community commercial to the south and the location of EL Automation with the Bamboo Room. There is no overlay or hazardous areas and the parcel has immediate access to Highway 95 and Smith Lake Road, according to Mr. Moss.

Applicable sections of the Land Use Ordinance were reviewed. Mr. Moss said the Comprehensive Plan for rural residential and agriculture/forestry are very similar and he reviewed the definition information for the different zone sections. Mr. Moss commented that the zones essentially have the same use flexibility and because the immediate property is attached to the large rural residential area, it is not spot zoning. Mr. Moss said Bee Line Water Association was notified of the application and this doesn’t seem to be an issue for them. The fact that the property is on Smith Lake Road makes it available to emergency services vehicles. Mr. Moss added that the County Cartographer/Mapper, Olivia Drake, has looked at the request and has indicated she would like to have her response in written comment form for the record. Ms. Drake states that she is neutral, but she provided comments, which are included in the application.

Chairman Dinning said for clarification that to the west is rural residential, to the south is agriculture/forestry and it appears there is already a smaller parcel than the 10 acre minimum. To the east is the agriculture/forestry zone with parcels less than 10 acres as well. Chairman Dinning commented that he doesn’t believe there has been any development proposal brought forward so why do Commissioners need to worry about water availability…unless development is coming forward? The Planning and Zoning Commissions’ recommendation is to approve the application.
Commissioners had no questions and Chairman Dinning asked for public comment in the order of those in favor of the application, uncommitted and opposed and no one from the public spoke.

Mr. Fairchild said he’s glad that water or access is not a concern, but he’s not looking into that at this point. Mr. Fairchild had nothing else to add.

Commissioners closed the hearing to public comment and called for discussion amongst members and staff.

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve Planning and Zoning Application #19-023 for applicant Clark Fairchild as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Board and to authorize the Planning and Zoning Administrator to prepare the Findings and Decision. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

The public hearing to consider Planning and Zoning Application #19-023 ended at 11:24 a.m.

Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:05 p.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. Commissioner Kirby was out of the office tending to a personal matter.

1:30 p.m., Boundary County property owner Art Coddington joined the meeting. Road and Bridge Department Superintendent Clint Kimball also joined the meeting.

Mr. Coddington stated he is requesting the first two miles of District Five Road be paved. Mr. Kimball replied that paving is not included in the county’s Transportation Plan or deferred maintenance program. Mr. Kimball added that his opinion at this time is to hear a reasoning as to why paving two miles of District Five Road would benefit people. Mr. Coddington said District 5 Road starts approximately at Kaniksu Street and Mission Road. Mr. Coddington commented that the Iversons are on the right, followed by the Pedey’s property and then it is his property, which is part of the hole Hubbard complex. When you drive throughout parts of the county, there is a fair amount of paved road, but not the District Five Road.

Mr. Coddington presented Commissioners with a document explaining particle pollution, also known as particulate matter and associated health affects as a result of breathing in particle pollution.

Mr. Coddington mentioned that at one time an easement for the state had gone through his property, but because the title company had missed picking up the easement an alternate easement had to be established. Mr. Coddington spoke of the Wishbone-Caboose Complex and the Ford Stewardship Plan as well as discussed the sandy soil condition consisting of fine sandy loam sediment. Mr. Coddington added that Steve Moyer had collected three soil samples off the easement and had them analyzed and the results were a composition of a particulate matter at a level 10. The entire area is comprised pretty much of the same soil, according to Mr. Coddington. Those present reviewed information discussing fine particles that can get into lungs, etc., and associated negative health effects.

Mr. Coddington presented Commissioners with trail camera pictures taken in five second increments that show dust generated from westerly winds. Mr. Coddington said when he’s at his property to clean it up and he touches limbs and brush, the dust falls off and it’s horrible dust so he’s trying not to breathe it in. Mr. Coddington said he’s trying to save the county money in the long run although paving is expensive initially. It’s to try to eliminate dust. This particular dust can travel for miles and many people can be exposed to it. Mr. Coddington informed Commissioners that he plans on constructing an outbuilding on his property in year 2020 and then construct the main building in year 2021, and he and his wife are trying to be good stewards in cleaning up the property of noxious weeds, etc. It’s not certain how many people within the two miles of District Five Road would benefit from paving, but it would be of some benefit to not breathe in the dust. Mr. Coddington said he has not contacted his neighbors further north, but he could and they would probably speak of the dust as well. Mr. Coddington explained that he purchased his property in year 2002 from Jerry Mortenson.

Chairman Dinning said as Mr. Kimball indicated, paving a portion of District Five Road is not in the Transportation Plan or deferred maintenance plan. The County Road and Bridge Department has huge budget restraints and their budget doesn’t come from property taxes, it comes from funds available to the county through gas tax. For every dollar it would be partial pennies coming back to the county. The county used to receive forest apportionment through Craig-Wyden funds, then through Secure Rural Schools funds and that will also end soon. Road and Bridge is really short on funding and Mr. Kimball and Commissioners just had this discussion this morning when Mr. Kimball asked if the county could ask for assistance in obtaining match funding for projects. Just the purchase of asphalt could be up to a couple hundred thousand dollars. Traffic counters would have to be set up to justify the work and to operate in a fair manner. Commissioners said they could entertain the thought of doing this work if someone else can fund it. Chairman Dinning said just this morning Mr. Kimball listed six bridges in the county that are just about in an emergency situation as it pertains to their deteriorating condition and these are life safety issues as people need these bridges for access.

Chairman Dinning explained that prior to Craig-Wyden funding, the Forest Service agreed to provide the county with 25% of gross proceeds and of that 25%, 75% of those funds went to Road and Bridge and the remaining 30% was for the school district. Over the years, timber receipts declined drastically and Craig-Wyden funds were established, which is a formula based on the monies that used to be received. Secure Rural Schools funding started after Craig-Wyden, but those funds were not reauthorized in fiscal year 2016-2017 and that had made up 40% to 50% of the County Road and Bridge Department budget. From there the government reauthorized those funds for fiscal year 2017-2018 and skipped year 2016. If the county had all the money in the world, every road would be paved, but Commissioners have to look at the needs of the community. Mr. Kimball said Road and Bridge and Commissioners can offer Mr. Coddington the ability to purchase additional calcium chloride himself at the county’s cost and the county will prepare the road for whomever is going to apply it. Mr. Coddington questioned what frequency for application is recommended.

Commissioner Kirby returned to the meeting at 1:46 p.m.

Mr. Kimball informed Mr. Coddington that the cost for calcium chloride is $455 per ton and he could find out exactly how much that amount covers and let him know if he can have his phone number. Chairman Dinning said he isn’t sure if Mr. Coddington would necessarily need to treat two miles. Mr. Coddington said he and his wife have been working on the property to clear it, burning, etc., and they will be breathing that dust in so they should probably wear masks. It was said that hopefully the road might be paved someday. Chairman Dinning said he doesn’t see why Road and Bridge couldn’t help prepare the road if Mr. Coddington purchased the material. Mr. Coddington said that is a possibility.

The meeting with Mr. Coddington ended at 1:51 p.m.
Commissioners talked to Mr. Kimball about the visit Chairman Dinning had with Doug Ladely Sr. on the matter of maintenance of the south end of Tamarack Lane. Chairman Dinning said a long time ago when Mr. Philbrook built another apartment building, Mr. Ladely said Mr. Philbrook had a 60 foot easement at the south end of the road. It isn’t certain if the county ever maintained that road, although he knows Tamarack Road was maintained. Mr. Kimball said he doesn’t know if he has any records of maintaining that portion of road. Chairman Dinning said there had been a public hearing held once that addressed this question. Mr. Ladely’s current issue has to do with removing the stop sign at the entrance to the road leading to the high school.

Chairman Dinning said someone at the upper part of Moyie River Road or Meadow Creek Road informed him that the county’s snow plow will come north and then stop and plow the side roads, but why not plow the main road and take care of the other roads on the way back. Mr. Kimball said the plow typically discharges to the right and if you go up, you go to the right hand and go to someone’s house and turnaround.

Mr. Kimball left the meeting at 2:00 p.m.

***Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

9:00 a.m., Airport Manager Dave Parker, T-O Engineer Trey Dail, Airport Board member Bob Blanford, and Deputy Clerk Nancy Ryals joined the meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss applying for funds for snow removal equipment, updating Commissioners on the Airport Master Plan and to sign the agreement for engineering and planning services with T-O Engineering.

Mr. Parker introduced Mr. Dail as the engineer from T-O engineering who will work with Boundary County a majority of the time.

Mr. Parker informed Commissioners that the airport still uses a 1970s model truck to plow snow, but he has submitted paperwork to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to get the ball rolling to possibly apply for funding for new snow removal equipment as Gary Gates with the FAA has agreed to the process and amounts.

It was explained to Commissioners that the agreement with T-O Engineering is a legal agreement and eventually there will be a scope of work for each airport project that is taken on. After the scopes of work are agreed upon, the cost information will be determined and that will also need to be agreed upon. Mr. Dail said the agreement is 11 pages and half of it consists of federal clauses that T-O Engineering has no power over. This agreement is a non-dollar amount; it’s a scope agreement that allows the execution of projects that T-O Engineering was accepted for with two projects in mind. The two projects are FAA planning services and engineering services. The agreements are exactly the same except one is for planning and the other agreement is for the airport improvements.

Commissioners asked for the status of completion of the Airport Master Plan that current engineering firm, RPA is working on. Mr. Parker explained that Mr. Donaldson with RPA will get the information for the Airport Layout Plan, but the FAA had been shut down for a bit. Mr. Parker said he thinks the Master Plan is close to being done.

Airport Board Chairman Jay Wages joined the meeting at 9:05 a.m.

Chairman Dinning asked if the county can move forward with the agreement with T-O Engineering without having Master Plan completed by RPA. Mr. Parker said yes, he is under the impression Commissioners can move forward with T-O Engineering and snow removal equipment. Mr. Parker said he will not be able to do transactions pertaining to land, etc., but the application for snow removal equipment doesn’t have anything to do with land, environmental issues, etc.

Mr. Parker said the Airport Board is pushing for a truck with a snow plow as the airport currently uses an underpowered truck with a failing transmission. The best option would be a four-wheel drive truck with a 14 foot blade that has the ability to throw the snow and can get the snow past the runway lights. The FAA would match 90% and state would match between 3% and 5%, depending on what projects other airports are working on. The truck would cost the county between $17,000 and $24,000 for what could be a $300,000 truck. Chairman Dinning asked if the airport has funds in their budget for the grant match and Mr. Parker said yes, they do. Mr. Parker said the FAA wants a building that will house the snow plow and he talked to the FAA and they are not backing off on that so a building will be needed in the next year. The recommendation was to work on planning for a building so the airport can go out to bid early for that the following year. The FAA would provide 90% of the cost for a building, the State of Idaho will provide 3% to 5% and the county will make up the difference. The building does not need to be elaborate, but it would have radiant heat, metal roof and siding, drainage, concrete floors, two bay doors, and enough room to store a new piece of equipment and the existing loader. The cost would be approximately $300,000 and the county’s portion would be approximately $15,000. Mr. Parker said the airport does have a hangar it leases to Northern Air so that hangar can be used in the meantime until a new building is constructed.

Mr. Parker said once the Master Plan is approved, he can show Commissioners a slide presentation and explain what came with that Master Plan. One proposal will be to shift the runway away from the highway to the south.

Mr. Parker said as it pertains to snow removal equipment, the next step is to sign the agreement with T-O Engineering, sign the agreement for the grant in June and then the airport can go out for bids. Chairman Dinning questioned if there is a piggyback bid that could be used for the snow removal equipment.

Mr. Parker said regarding the Howard property, there was discussion of purchasing all of that land in the older airport layout plan, but in the newer Airport Layout Plan the suggestion is just to purchase a strip of land as opposed to the entire piece. Chairman Dinning said the county can offer Mr. Howard access and just purchase the portion of the property that is infringing.

Mr. Parker said the airport has room for one more hangar for utilities and there are funds established to eventually have the utilities installed. Chairman Dinning informed those present of the regional sewer feasibility study project that is going on and since there will be a mainline, to think about how to tie all the septic systems together the best we can if the project proceeds.

The meeting to discuss airport matters ended at 9:25 a.m.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to grant an extension of time to pay year 2018 taxes for parcel #MH61N01E12470BA and to accept the first half of the tax amount due by February 1, 2019 and to accept the second half of the tax amount due by March 1, 2019. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

10:00 a.m., Restorium Board members Larry Hall, Marty Martinez, Brad Holifield, and Jeanne Robinson met with Commissioners to clarify a donation given to the Restorium.

Mr. Hall said the reasons for this meeting is the Restorium Board is wondering about the soliciting of funds for the Restorium. Chairman Dinning explained that approximately two weeks ago, a gentleman off the street came to Commissioners’ Office and informed them that he had raised approximately $22,000 or $23,000 for a kitchen project at the Restorium as there apparently was no money in the Restorium budget to do the project. Chairman Dinning said this person did not tell Commissioners who had told him that information. Chairman Dinning stated that the Restorium’s budget does have money to do the remodel. The county has the community’s trust that we have to uphold, and this person sought donations with good intentions, however he did it, but it was misrepresented to the community because the Restorium does have the money for the project. It’s not known where this person got his information from, but it was inaccurate. Chairman Dinning said he contacted a major contributor of funds for this donation, informed him of the actual situation, and asked him for his advice, and it was suggested the funds be given back to those who donated.

Commissioner Cossairt said Commissioners are not pointing fingers at anybody. Chairman Dinning said $7,070 in donated funds were brought in to the Clerk’s Office and that is all the county was concerned with as that is what amount the administrator had. Someone wanted to give money to the Friends of the Restorium, but it was not necessarily solicited using the correct information. The gentleman who informed Commissioners of the funds he raised also had with him a quote for the work to be done that was outdated. Commissioners don’t want to break the trust of the community. No one had authorized this person to seek these funds.

Mr. Hall said that wires had gotten crossed and he and Mr. Holifield did check on this person. Mr. Holifield said this all started back at the end of the last fiscal year when there were a couple projects involving telephones, the nurse’s station and the kitchen. Mr. Holifield said he thinks that in this process a work bid was brought forward to Commissioners and Commissioners had wanted changes, such as stainless counters, etc., so the Restorium’s administrator went to resubmit the bid, he thought. Then the matter got caught up in this deal where work had to start, but it couldn’t bridge over into the next fiscal year, etc. Mr. Holifield said we then get to October and things like flooring needed to be done. Commissioners said they would provide $6,900 to be used to start these certain projects, but there was no indication that Commissioners ever said they were going to get the ball rolling and fund the rest of the project. Mr. Holifield said he can’t speak to that, it’s public record, so people could’ve said there’s no funding. Once information gets out in the community the story changes.

Chairman Dinning said this is a situation just like Mr. Holifield described. What Commissioners were told is that the project was stopped because the contractor could not get to it so it was extended to the next fiscal year. The county paid for what work had been done to that point and there is money budgeted to do the project. No one put it on hold and the administrator has the money to do the project. Mr. Holifield said Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee is not here so he can’t speak to that and he added that one issue is communication and he feels that is a component as to why the Restorium Board is here for this meeting today. Mr. Holifield added that if Commissioners had told Ms. Magee that there is money for the project, we wouldn’t be here right now. Chairman Dinning said from Commissioners’ perspective, they did talk about it and so they were really caught off guard with what occurred. Mr. Holifield said he is just working with information in meeting minutes.

Ms. Robinson said she thought the project was funded, but that some of the work had to be done in the next budget year. Ms. Robinson said the contractor was going to do the job and there were funds in the fiscal year 2017-2018 budget so why put the project into next year as the project was not stopped; it was ongoing. Chairman Dinning explained that according to the county’s outside auditor, the county cannot pay for work that is not done and he added that there was no conversation from Ms. Magee to tell Commissioners what was going on with the project. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners are always the bad guy when it comes to the Restorium and he is not understanding why. Commissioners fund everything at the Restorium and are the ones getting attacked. Commissioners communicate with the Restorium administer and make decisions based on what they are told or not told. Mr. Hall said we can argue until the world goes flat, but what about using the funds that were donated to make the improvements to the kitchen instead of taxpayer funds. Chairman Dinning said those funds were raised under false pretenses. Commissioner Cossairt said the gentlemen sat in front of Commissioners and said he had collected these funds because there were no funds. Commissioners have no problem with a fundraiser, but the information has to be truthful and it wasn’t and some of the people who had donated want their funds back. That is Commissioners only problem, according to Commissioner Cossairt. If someone wants to have a fundraiser, Commissioners have no problem with that, but it’s just that one statement given that was not made by the Commissioners or the Restorium Board. Ms. Robinson said it wasn’t false pretenses. Chairman Dinning said it was the information. Ms. Robinson said there weren’t funds available as they weren’t designated for that project and that is where the information came from. Chairman Dinning said he spoke of two people who donated to the Friends of the Restorium and they do not want their money returned and two checks were written for the kitchen remodel so he wanted to be sure. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners aren’t involved with the Friends of the Restorium, but are involved with the Restorium Memorial Trust. The funds raised totaling $7,070 were put into the Memorial Trust, but that is a county fund, in essence. Mr. Hall asked who has control over the Memorial Funds, Commissioners or the Restorium Advisory Board. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners have that control. Mr. Hall said he would look into that. Clerk Poston explained that Commissioners have to sign off on claims for payment and how they don’t or rarely disapprove claim, but they have to sign off.

Commissioner Cossairt said funds were raised and there are funds that were not earmarked, but they are discretionary for Mr. Magee to use, so Ms. Robinson is right, there isn’t a kitchen only fund. Ms. Robinson said there was money in the fiscal year 2017-2018 budget. Ms. Robinson said if she had known ahead of time, she could’ve put the funds toward that purpose. Commissioner Cossairt said that was a sad misunderstanding.

Clerk Poston said moving forward, in the Restorium budget there is $20,000 in the line item for capital construction, which was the same as in the 2017-2018 budget for construction and whatever the purpose of the funds may be, she doesn’t know. The line item for furniture is $13,000 and some of that has been used so there remains $30,000 in the capital line item as a whole.

Mr. Holifield said when Commissioners notify any county office that they need to know what is going to be spent in the next year and the proposed budget request is submitted with the information, are Commissioners saying if some sort of emergency arises, Commissioners are not going to spend the funds on those requested items, but they will spend those funds on the emergency that arises? If an office spends a certain dollar figure on something, does that office need to spend the money on that specific item as opposed to something else? Chairman Dinning said if the funds are budgeted for a specific project and if that project doesn’t occur, those funds can be spent on other things with approval. In this case, there wasn’t that communication. Clerk Poston informed the members of the Restorium Board that the budget requests have to be turned back in to her by mid-May. There have been prior budget requests for specific things wanted to be done and sometimes there were no amounts listed for those items, which can be relatively large items sometimes.

Commissioner Cossairt said part of problem is a lot of contractors are busy. Mr. Hall said the new back door at the Restorium is now installed and work on the kitchen will start.

Blue Sky Broadcasting News Reporter Mike Brown joined the meeting 10:20 a.m.

Mr. Holifield said this goes back to communication and Commissioners are invited to the meetings on the third Friday of every month. The Restorium Board has questions and understands that the Clerk and Commissioners are busy. It’s hard to make a decision that lines up with where the county is going and there is no way of communicating. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners have a meeting every month with Ms. Magee and he added that he doesn’t think communication with the Restorium Board is the problem. Mr. Hall said the Restorium managers need accolades as they have to bend under the budget and deserve some credit. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners have never said the managers don’t do a good job and that was not the issue.

Commissioner Kirby explained that Commissioners and the Clerk have a process for the budget and they see the budget requests at a certain point and Commissioners go through these requests to see what is being requested. In some cases it’s different than what is asked for generally for anyone and to his knowledge he has never seen a budget request from the Restorium that wasn’t fulfilled to the penny. Commissioner Kirby said he’s never had any real panic hit him when there is an emergency situation at the Restorium that needs funding and his feeling is the Restorium Board has gotten anything they wanted and Commissioners have not cut the budget. Mr. Hall said the Restorium Board is not complaining about the budget, but is wondering where the wires got crossed. Those present spoke of misinformation that went out to the public. Commissioner Kirby spoke of the donations that came in and how some were addressed to the Friends of the Restorium, but the whole issue is somehow a crew of strangers got into the Restorium kitchen and were ushered around to show what improvements were needed and someone decided for them. The reason that work wasn’t being done wasn’t brought forward or brought up and the answer must have been that there was no money, etc., but in fact there was plenty of money to make the improvements and it was fairly well known the work would start again and there was money to pay for it. Commissioners took the heat for stopping the work. Commissioner Kirby said his impression is that there is someone out there banging on doors for donations because Commissioners stopped the project. Commissioners’ understanding is that as work was progressing, it was a billing matter and a time issue as the contractor was busy and had to stop. Commissioners didn’t hear that scenario, but would’ve said that is fine. Somebody let this slip through, not saying that the Restorium Board let it slip through. Commissioner Kirby said the Restorium has been fully funded for 15 years and an emergency would be funded if someone notifies Commissioners of such a situation. If the Friends of the Restorium want to help fund projects, Commissioners would be fine with that. Ms. Robinson commented that $300,000 has been paid by the Friends of the Restorium for projects. Commissioner Kirby said it’s appreciated. The question is how did this situation happen and how to stop it.

Ms. Robinson discussed going over budget with the Restorium Administrator and getting on the same page as it pertains to carry forward and it’s such a sad thing that it didn’t happen. Ms. Robinson said that is food for thought for getting together before one budget period ends and the next one begins. Chairman Dinning suggested not waiting until September to meet as the budget is already set and published in the newspaper.

Clerk Poston commented that from her point of view, if she has approximately $7,000 in the Memorial Trust fund, and if Commissioners adopt a resolution, she needs to know who those donated funds go back to because Commissioners have no idea. Ms. Robinson asked if that is an advisory board issue. Chairman Dinning said the Restorium Advisory Board doesn’t control funding. If it’s the Memorial Fund, it should be at the county level. Clerk Poston said she cannot issue funds without Commissioners’ approval as they are the final say for this money. Clerk Poston said other than that, the funds shouldn’t have ever hit the county’s revenue. Clerk Poston reiterated that if the county holds onto the funds from the Friends of the Restorium, Commissioners have the final say, not her nor the Restorium Board.

Mr. Hall said for guidance, if someone wants to donate to the Restorium, do they get directed to the Friends of the Restorium or are they directed to donate the funds to the Memorial Fund. Chairman Dinning said this is a unique situation. Mr. Holifield said if the Restorium has a specific need, can those funds go into the Memorial Fund for that need. Chairman Dinning said as long as people keep track of what those funds are for.

Mr. Hall said back to the problem at hand. Chairman Dinning said first off, no one knew the fundraising was occurring so there is no one to blame, but we need to fix what occurred. Commissioner Cossairt said the Restorium Board, Commissioners, or Friends of the Restorium didn’t approve the fundraising, someone just did it. Ms. Robinson said it was done out of the goodness of their heart so that is why she doesn’t like the statement of it being under a false pretense. Chairman Dinning said it was misinformation. Commissioner Cossairt said the cause was good, it was just the occasional statement that was made. Ms. Robinson mentioned there were funds in the coffer, but they were not earmarked and she added that she thought the funds in the fiscal year 2017-2018 budget weren’t available because that budget year was over. Ms. Robinson said she can see why the person trying to raise funds got that understanding so it is too bad. Mr. Hall asked if the money is going to be given back. Chairman Dinning said yes, when the people who donated have been identified, they will be asked if they want the money back. Ms. Robinson spoke of teamwork and said it would be great if Commissioners and the Board could all get together when there is a Restorium Board meeting.

It was said the Restorium Administrator is doing a great job and has had to deal with a lot. When the Restorium receives gold stars for inspections, including the State Fire Marshal, the administrator is doing a good job.

The meeting to discuss the Restorium ended at 10:41 a.m.

10:42 a.m., North Bench Fire Department Chief Gus Jackson, North Bench Fire Department Board member Walter Burrow, and Three Mile Water District Board member Doug Higgins joined the meeting.

Commissioners said they received the estimate Mr. Higgins had sent them. Chairman Dinning asked if it was the Solid Waste Department or Road and Bridge Department who requested a fire hydrant and he has questioned if it’s a county obligation to pay those costs. Chief Jackson said he made the request as a result of there being multiple fires on scene so he was told it would make sense to approach Commissioners about it. Road and Bridge was not aware of the request. Chairman Dinning said when a hydrant is installed in a growing area, the developer pays the cost for that. Mr. Higgins said that has never happened and he generally runs a cheap ship and has not had to pay for that. Chairman Dinning mentioned wanting to get a recommendation from the Solid Waste Department Superintendent. Mr. Higgins spoke of the request being brought to the Three Mile Water District and he added that after a meeting, he brought the possibility of doing a water line extension and how he would reach out to the fire department to see if it would be beneficial to them and to share in that cost with them. Mr. Burrow stated that discussion of setting aside funds to help with fire hydrants in new subdivisions will be put on the North Bench Fire Department agenda for February. It’s not known if there are any state requirements or regulations pertaining to hydrants. Chairman Dinning said he is not against the idea; he just has to get these questions answered. Mr. Higgins said this has to be brought up to the Three Mile Water District Board, but he’s certain they wouldn’t be against it either. The State of Idaho used to require 1,000 gallons per minute and Boundary County cannot provide that anywhere. Chairman Dinning said because of the fire on Fleming Creek, if he were to use that same scenario for areas near the landfill and there are adequate hydrants, it would help things. Chief Jackson spoke of there being hydrants south of the landfill. Mr. Higgins said if this takes place, there might be a bit of minor engineering required, but he would find out. It would work out smoothest for the Three Mile Water District to draw out plans and to obtain bids to present to County Commissioners. Chairman Dinning spoke of getting more accurate costs. Chairman Dinning questioned if the water line for the landfill can become the county’s property if there is the ability for the county to dig the ditch and have the waterline come across the road. A six inch main line would have to be engineered and it would still belong to the Three Mile Water District. Mr. Higgins said it would serve the public better to have the hydrant at the county road.

Mr. Higgins, Mr. Burrow, and Chief Jackson left the meeting at 10:52 a.m.

Commissioner Kirby moved to write a letter to Acorn Stairlifts declining the purchase of chair stairlift for the Courthouse. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chairman Dinning said last week grant funds were received for the purchase of a synthetic ice skating rink and Commissioners need to make a motion to authorize the expenditure.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the expenditure of grant funds for the purchase of a synthetic ice skating rink at a cost of $55,036. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Clerk Poston said the Parks and Recreation Department should also mention the ice skate sharpener that goes with the rink as the sharpener will also become county property.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the letter of support to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation for the East Bonner County/Boundary County Grooming Program in their efforts to submit a grant application for a groomer. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners discussed special events as it relates to the County’s Land Use Ordinance pertaining to mud bogs, motocrosses and events of that nature. There have been very public concerns over a proposed motocross track that was supposed to be implemented in the Copeland rea. Chairman Dinning informed Commissioners that he also received a call from someone voicing their support of these events. Commissioners need to take a look at the county ordinance to see how this fits in relation to distance of nearby residences and if Commissioners agree, they probably need to meet with Planning and Zoning Administrator John Moss and Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Caleb Davis to discuss the concerns that Commissioners hear and decide how to go forward. Commissioner Cossairt agreed and mentioned discussing setbacks. Chairman Dinning added the need to discuss density, setback, etc. Commissioner Kirby spoke of egress as he’s heard discussion of people using private easements to access the locations where these events are held.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to grant an extension of time to pay year 2018 taxes for parcel #MH61N01E307200A and to accept the first half of the tax amount due by March 1, 2019, and to accept the second half of the tax amount due by April 30, 2019. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Kirby left the meeting at 11:07 a.m.

Commissioners recessed for lunch at 11:40 a.m.

Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

3:00 p.m., Commissioners participated in the Idaho Association of Counties legislative conference call for District 1. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Treasurer Sue Larson, Idaho Association of Counties Executive Director Seth Grigg, and various elected officials from the remaining four northern counties. The purpose of the call is to discuss upcoming proposed legislation.

The conference call ended at 3:43 p.m.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Kelly Little and Jordan Young. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Kirby left the meeting at 4:19 p.m.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:20 p.m.

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DAN R. DINNING, Chairman

ATTEST:

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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk