***Monday, June 18, 2018, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton was out of the office.
County resident Marty Martinez and Blue Sky Broadcasting News Reporter Mike Brown were in attendance of the meetings off and on throughout the day.
Commissioners gave the opening invocation and said the Pledge of Allegiance.
9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Superintendent Clint Kimball joined the meeting to give the departmental report. A written report was presented.
Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the minutes of June 4 & 5, 2018. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Kimball said Road and Bridge has been busy mowing, using the Durapatcher and will start brushing on Tree Top Bluff. Mr. Kimball and members of the Federal Highways Administration will conduct site visits tomorrow for work done on Westside and Cow Creek Roads. Two sections of bridge were delivered last week for Snow Creek and Caribou Creek bridges. Mr. Kimball said the bridge projects are most likely two month projects, but they could be completed sooner due to fisheries.
9:04 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)a, to consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session at 9:15 a.m. No action was taken.
Commissioners and Mr. Kimball discussed manpower for the bridge projects and chip sealing.
The meeting with Mr. Kimball ended at 9:13 a.m.
Commissioner Kirby moved to sign the Certificates of Residency for Colton Hubbell and Malcolm David. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the volunteer list for the July Fourth event for year 2018. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Kirby moved to adopt Resolution 2018-15. A resolution authorizing the disposition of records of Boundary County. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2018-15 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2018-15
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSITION OF RECORDS OF BOUNDARY COUNTY
WHEREAS, Idaho Code 31-871 pertains to the classification and retention of records and allows records not classified therein to be classified as permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary by the Board of County Commissioners and upon the advice of the office of the Prosecuting Attorney, and further provides that records may be disposed of by Resolution of the Board of County Commissioners after regular audit and upon the advice of the Prosecuting Attorney, and
WHEREAS, due to a lack of storage space, the Boundary County Clerk’s Office has requested permission to dispose of old records, and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has reviewed the request and has no objection thereto, and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has advised the Board of Boundary County Commissioners regarding the classification of such records pursuant to Idaho Code 31-871, and
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that the following records be classified and disposed of as follows under the supervision of the Clerk of the Board of Commissioners:
The following records have been deemed semi-permanent by the Boundary County Commissioners on the advice of the office of the Prosecuting Attorney and semi-permanent records must be kept for a minimum of five years. The following records are to be disposed of by shredding.
• Beverage License Applications, 2000-2012
The following records have been deemed permanent by the Boundary County Commissioners on the advice of the office of the Prosecuting Attorney and permanent records must be kept for a minimum of ten years. The following records are to be disposed of in the county landfill
• Audio Tapes of Commissioner Hearings for the Years 1998 Through 2003
DATED THIS 18th day of June 2018
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/___________________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
Absent________________________
LeAlan L. Pinkerton, Commissioner
s/____________________________
Walt Kirby, Commissioner
Reviewed by and on advice of the County’s Civil Attorney this 20th day of June, 2018
s/___________________________________
Tevis Hull, Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
ATTEST:
s/_________________________________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #274479
Commissioner Kirby moved to adopt Resolution 2018-16. A resolution to increase Road and Bridge budget due to receipt of unanticipated funds. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2018-16 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2018-16
INCREASE ROAD & BRIDGE BUDGET DUE TO RECEIPT OF UNANTICIPATED FUNDS
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for the Road & Bridge Fund for fiscal year 2017-2018, and
WHEREAS, $2,000.00 has been received from the Friends of the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge as a contribution to be used as match for engineering services on the Riverside Road Improvement Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) project, and
WHEREAS, the Road & Bridge Fund for fiscal year 2017-2018 is in need of this additional revenue, and
WHEREAS, the addition of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to increase the Boundary County Road & Bridge Fund Revenue Account Number 02-00-099-006 in the amount of $2,000.00 and the Road & Bridge Expense Account Number 02-00-484-00, Professional Services, in the amount of $2,000.00 to be used for that purpose, and
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED that the increase in the Boundary County Road & Bridge Fund Revenue Account Number 02-00-099-006 in the amount of $2,000.00 and the Road & Bridge Expense Account Number 02-00-484-00, Professional Services, in the amount of $2,000.00 is hereby authorized and ordered.
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 18th day of June 2018
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/________________________ ______
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
Absent__________________________
LeAlan L. Pinkerton, Commissioner
s/_______________________________
Walt Kirby, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/_________________________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #274480
Commissioner Kirby moved to approve and sign the GEM Grant Agreement through the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality for an amount of $25,000 for the regional sewer feasibility study. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Kirby moved to sign the Amendment to the North Idaho College Lease for fiscal year 2018-2019. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners contacted County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull via telephone at 9:30 a.m., to receive an update on various matters Attorney Hull is working on.
Attorney Hull informed Commissioners that he is waiting for a document from Latah County pertaining to herd districts before being able to address the matter brought up by a local resident. The updated Ambulance Service Contract is approved and ready for Commissioners’ signature. Attorney Hull said he is still working on the matter regarding a subpoena for information and he listed questions he is finding answers to pertaining to that subject.
9:32 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. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 9:40 a.m. No action was taken.
9:43 a.m., Commissioners held a meeting to consider the 2018 beverage license application for Two Tones Public House, LLC., doing business as Two Tones Café to sell bottled and canned beer to be consumed on premises and wine by the drink. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, and county resident Marty Martinez. The proceedings were recorded.
Chairman Dinning stated the completed application, applicable fee, 2018 State of Idaho Retail Alcohol Beverage License, and the 2018 City of Bonners Ferry have been received. Yet to be received is the 2018 Panhandle Health District Permit.
Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the 2018 County Alcoholic Beverage License for Two Tones Public House, LLC., doing business as Two Tones Café to sell canned and bottled beer on premises and wine by the drink, pending receipt of the 2018 Panhandle Health District Permit. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting to consider the alcohol beverage license for Two Tones Café ended at 9:45 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
10:00 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to recess as the Board of Boundary County Commissioners and convene as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the minutes of the Boundary County Ambulance Service District for May 21, 2018. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Dinning mentioned Ambulance Chief Jeff Lindsey’s request to Commissioners for a portable office unit placed on the armory property as well using one of the vehicle bays. A mobile office space would save Boundary Ambulance money and time as they would no longer have to pay for their current office space. Commissioner Kirby said this wouldn’t affect anything other than the chance the county may not be able to acquire the entire property. Chairman Dinning said the cost for this type of office space is approximately $1,200 to $1,500 per month, which would be savings for Boundary Ambulance. Chairman Dinning said one thing Commissioners need to do is to sit down with the City of Bonners Ferry to find out what is involved with remodeling, permits, does the city have input on a new build, and what a cost for that would be. Those present discussed the high cost of permits required by the City of Bonners Ferry based on information learned from people who have had to pay for them.
10:04 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board and to reconvene as the Board of Boundary County Commissioners. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:05 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and reconvene as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Dinning stated that Ambulance Service District Governing Board will hold a special meeting on Monday, June 25, 2018, at 9:25 a.m., in order to sign the updated Contract for Ambulance Services the same day they will sign the contract as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners.
10:06 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board and reconvene as the Board of Boundary County Commissioners. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
10:20 a.m., Patty Perry and Rhonda Vogl with the Kootenai Tribe joined the meeting.
Ms. Perry introduced Ms. Vogl as the new Administrative Director for the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and Facilitator for the Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative (KVRI). Ms. Vogl handed out this evening’s KVRI meeting agenda. Ms. Perry explained that at the KVRI meeting Bob Steed will present the addendum to the Deep Creek and Boundary Creek projects so that’s the only matter on the agenda that requires approval or concurrence from the Board. Chairman Dinning said if there is a matter to address such as the addendum, Commissioners will make a formal motion.
Commissioner Kirby moved to authorize the Chairman to comment on the Department of Environmental Quality Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) update and addendum. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Dinning asked if there is any talk through the process of changing management pertaining to McArthur Lake. Ms. Perry said not through the TMDL’s. Ms. Perry said Kootenai Tribe’s Environmental Director Kevin Greenleaf has put together all citizen-based monitoring data, but he hasn’t received anything from the Department of Fish and Game so he will make contact with them. Mr. Greenleaf needs to know the difference at the confluence of the Kootenai River and the mouth of Deep Creek, such as if there a heat source, or not. There is enough inflow from other tributaries so it isn’t known, according to Ms. Perry.
Chairman Dinning said as it pertains to the draft EIS for the Bog Creek Road, is it just a comment letter or is there more. Ms. Perry said it’s just the letter saying there is going to be an open house on the matter.
Bonners Ferry District Forest Service Ranger Kevin Knauth joined the meeting at 10:32 a.m.
Mr. Knauth presented Commissioners with a planning document for the Bog Creek Road matter and the table that gives the actual final breakdown of the narrative. Mr. Knauth said when the Forest Service did the transportation analysis they started with roads within the project area and talked about their current conditions and whether the specialist saw a short or longer term need. Mr. Knauth said if Bog Creek Road is going to be open, then other roads leading to it also have to be open. Mr. Knauth said the list he provided contains the roads that will have a description in the narrative and they are the roads the Forest Service team actually made a recommendation on. Also included is a proposal of what that prescription would be. Mr. Knauth said this team did not carry it through to that point as they were not asked to do so and they, as a team, were not involved in building the alternatives. If the team had this information, it’s what they would have recommended. Chairman Dinning asked where road #1012 is on the map. Mr. Knauth said he has not found it. Ms. Perry said that road hasn’t been used in 30 years or longer and the comment that was relayed is that there is no need to have this road on the map. Chairman Dinning asked Mr. Knauth if he can locate Road #1012 on the map for him. Mr. Knauth said he was looking for it as well.
Ms. Perry said she was curious about the status of Road #1322 and #1322A being listed as stable so why decommission them. Mr. Knauth said these roads are not needed. Mr. Knauth said Roads #1322 and #1322A run through Management Area (MA) 5, which is an area not typically managed for timber and it’s adjacent to recommended wilderness so it’s not likely an area the Forest Service will manage. Chairman Dinning said in the past the cost to decommission a road versus storing a road was significant. Storing a road keeps it in the system if it is ever needed. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners have always wanted to keep roads stored as you never know what the needs might be in years ahead. To classify a road as stable, the Forest Service should think about storage as opposed to decommission. Mr. Knauth said when asking if a road was needed for access, that wasn’t found to be needed in those discussions. In general, the Forest Service doesn’t do much decommissioning. Ms. Perry asked for the reason to decommission a road versus storing a road. Mr. Knauth said decommissioning takes a road out of the system. It just depends on the situation and the road. The Forest Service doesn’t take decommissioning lightly, but that is where these recommendations landed, according to Mr. Knauth.
Chairman Dinning said we’re looking at roads #1322, #1322A, #1013D, and #1013C, and all four are listed as generally stable and he added that he is just thinking of costs. It was said that road #1388 is to be stored. Ms. Vogl said Road #1364 is listed as “store or decommission.” Chairman Dinning said Malcom Creek, Road #1012 is barely seen on the map, but the information says Bog Creek Road. Then toward the west there is a yellow triangle on Bog Creek Road and there is a road drawn on there and Chairman Dinning said he thinks that is Road #1012, but he’s not sure. Ms. Vogl asked if a road has been decommissioned, are they removed from the maps. Mr. Knauth said yes. Chairman Dinning said there is a recommendation to store Road #636, Grass Creek. It was clarified that the number of road miles needing to be stored is 25. One alternative ends up storing 26 road miles, but the other two alternatives store 25 miles. Chairman Dinning said in this, if he’s looking at different alternatives and modifications, who do Commissioners ask about impact on core? Mr. Knauth said Brett Lyndaker as he did all the calculations for the analysis. The team was done under a contract and Mr. Lyndaker lent some help, but primarily it was all done by contractors. Mr. Knauth added that Lydia Allen also weighed in from the Forest Service’s regional office, but by and large it was done by the Supervisor’s Office. The team was put together by the Border Patrol, according to Mr. Knauth. Mr. Knauth said the prescription perspective is that it was felt road #1012 needed to go away and other roads were a mixed discussion. It was said the cost for decommissioning is unknown as the Forest Service doesn’t do a lot of it. Ms. Perry said she would take this information to the Tribe. Mr. Knauth said the Border Patrol and Bonner County would also like a copy of this information.
Ms. Perry asked Mr. Knauth if there is any information on the roads in Canada adding that she would like to know what roads are open there. Mr. Knauth said the impression is that the roads in Canada are open roads, but he will check to see what information he has on that. Chairman Dinning asked for the map for road #2252A and #2252C as they don’t show on the map he has. Ms. Perry said it’s good to know where these roads are if there are going to be proposed alternatives, etc. Those present listed which roads they can and cannot find in the information Mr. Knauth handed out at the beginning of the meeting.
Chairman Dinning said going back to the Boundary Creek settlement, all the roads out there, road #2251 and beyond, were all to remain seasonably restricted, but he didn’t know if road #2252 became a part of that. In that settlement it also talked about the trail down Boundary Creek. Mr. Knauth said this is not a traditional travel analysis process (TAPS) and so that may be why this looks different than the Forest Service’s table. Chairman Dinning questioned if Commissioners should meet with Joseph Zidron, who is with the Border Patrol, or if they should meet with the Forest Service. Mr. Knauth said he is sure there is most likely a map that goes with this TAPS.
Chairman Dinning asked who would know about the status of roads on the Canadian side and Mr. Knauth said he isn’t sure. Chairman Dinning said if those roads are open, that paints a whole different picture of animals moving, or does it? Mr. Knauth said it begs to question, if they can make it across the gauntlet of roads to make it across. Chairman Dinning asked if the Border Patrol is the deciding entity pertaining to the roads. Mr. Knauth said no, the Forest Service is the deciding factor. Mr. Knauth said he doesn’t think the Border Patrol cares how the Forest Service deals with the bear management unit (BMU) as they just want access from east to west. The Border Patrol has also expressed interest in other road systems that would help them do their job better. Ms. Vogl said possibly the Border Patrol on the Canadian side may be in contract with the United States’ side in this matter and it’s just a matter of whether or not that information would be shared.
Chairman Dinning said on page 8 of the EIS, the Decision Framework, it shows it’s between the Border Patrol and the Forest Service as far as repairs and maintenance of Bog Creek Road. The Border Patrol is to approve funding and the Forest Service is to decide whether or not to implement motorized closure.
Mr. Knauth informed those present that there will be a public meeting on this issue in Priest River on Tuesday, Sandpoint on Wednesday and the Bonners Ferry on Thursday. These are all Forest Service District Offices, according to Mr. Knauth. Mr. Knauth added that if anyone has questions on the Grouse BMU, those questions can be asked at the meeting in Sandpoint.
The meeting with Mr. Knauth, Ms. Perry and Ms. Vogl ended at 11:21 a.m.
11:30 a.m., Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen and Assistant Superintendent Eric Owen joined the meeting.
Chairman Dinning said Commissioners have the most recent budget scenario as presented last week and there have been no changes made since and the review is coming to an end. The Solid Waste Department is budgeting $60,000 for wood debris removal this next year and Mr. Skeen said yes. The next budget for this department is $982,200. Mr. Skeen said correct. There is an anticipated increase in additional revenue consisting of fees totaling approximately $47,000 if the increased fee structure is approved. Chairman Dinning said at the end of fiscal year 2019, having the 8% increase in fees, will this department have about the same amount of carry forward as this year. Clerk Poston said the carry forward may be a little bit more. Mr. Skeen said soon he will have all the grindings dealt with.
Mr. Skeen spoke of looking at putting the new fee structure in place and it was said the county will need to hold a public hearing as the amount of the increase is above 5%. Those present discussed other counties that have used the sticker process to determine county residency and if those counties felt that system worked.
The meeting with Mr. Skeen and Mr. Owen ended at 11:43 a.m.
There being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
***Tuesday, June 19, 2018, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
9:00 a.m., Commissioners held an elected officials/department heads meeting. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen, Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac, University of Idaho Extension Agent Kate Painter, Prosecutor’s Office Manager Tammie Goggia, Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee, Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown, Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley, Assessor Dave Ryals, Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk, Treasurer Sue Larson, and Sheriff Dave Kramer.
Chairman Dinning reminded everyone that the new Open Meeting Laws will become effective July 1, 2018, at which time Commissioners will no longer be able to amend their agenda, any topic Commissioners need to make a motion on will state “Action Item” after it and advisory boards will also have to post their agendas online. Commissioners said the advisory boards should send their agendas to Commissioners so they can have it posted online. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners are not sure if they will be able to amend their agenda to go into executive session at this point.
Commissioners said budgets are in and they are being reviewed.
Chairman Dinning informed those present that as it pertains to personnel files, if a department keeps a separate personnel file, every bit of information in that file also needs to be given to Chief Deputy Clerk/Personnel Director Tracie Isaac to put in the official personnel files here at the Courthouse. These official files have to have equal to or more information than the file a department may be housing.
Chairman Dinning informed everyone that if they are interested, the Forest Service will be hosting a meeting regarding the Bog Creek Road.
Commissioners went around the room for department updates.
Mr. Wenk said he’s been spraying weeds and working on the Lower Kootenai River Watershed Restoration project for the Farnsworth property. Commissioners were informed that Mr. Wenk is going to try treating areas for weeds every third year as opposed to spot spraying every year. Mr. Wenk stated he has two quotes for treating weeds near the airport and he is currently waiting for the third quote.
Mr. Buckley said he’s just been busy with tasks that come up and he added that it has been nice having Tom Joyce help him out.
Assessor Ryals said his office sent out the valuation notices two weeks ago and so far there hasn’t been a lot of response. Assessor Ryals stated that Commissioners have received two formal property value appeals. The county’s ProVal server has been down for a week now and the Assessor’s Office staff cannot review anything so not having this issue fixed may cause problems with statutory timelines.
Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac said LifeFlight memberships are now effective as of June 1st.
Ms. Painter said Mr. Buckley did a good job installing the new stove in the Extension Office. Ms. Painter informed Commissioners that the Idaho Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics training is taking place and Extension Office Educator Amy Robertson and two other Extension Office staff members are attending. Ms. Painter listed information on events coming up such as variety trials on June 28th, talking about sophisticated marking techniques, the Village Project, summer school starting on July 9th, and a lot of other summer programs for kids. Ms. Painter informed everyone that the Extension Office is lucky to have two local University of Idaho attendees interning in her office.
Treasurer Larson said Tuesday is the end of tax season.
Mr. Skeen said the metal pile at the landfill has been baled and hauled away and the wood pile has been taken care of as well.
Ms. Goggia spoke of difficulties involving the new Odyssey computer program.
Ms. Brown said the number of those on probation has increased. The Probation Office is up to date as far as inputting information pertaining to probation into the Odyssey program. Ms. Brown informed Commissioners that law enforcement is doing a great job working with her office.
Sheriff Kramer said his office has gotten the Sheriff’s labor program up and running and work is getting done to paint the restrooms at the Deep Creek boat launch and Waterways building. Mr. Buckley is also assisting the Sheriff’s Office in obtaining quotes for a new roof for the Sheriff’s Office. The jail inspection took place recently and it seems to have gone well, but like with all jails, the issue is overcrowding, according to Sheriff Kramer. The Sheriff’s Office is has a lot of concerns with matters involving driver’s License Office being closed as the State’s computers are experiencing issues. The system is being looked at, but these issues reflect poorly on the Driver’s License Office. Sheriff Kramer mentioned discussion on wanting to bill the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) for lost wages that were paid to employees as well as there being discussion about turning this office over to ITD so they can deal with it. It was said the Auto License Office has also been shut down due to these issues. Sheriff Kramer mentioned that City of Bonners Ferry electrical has a grant focusing on commercial public buildings to replace lights with LED lights and he is looking into that program for the Sheriff’s Office, but maybe other offices can benefit from this program as well.
Ms. Magee said the Friends of the Restorium are hosting a BBQ at the Restorium this Sunday and the meals are $7 per person or $20 per family. The Restorium is looking for a part-time personal services assistant as well as a kitchen helper. Ms. Magee thanked Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown for allowing the kids on probation to work at the Restorium as well as Road and Bridge for the gravel they had delivered to the Restorium.
Clerk Poston said the Odyssey program has crashed three time in her office so her staff is having issues with that as well. Chairman Dinning and Clerk Poston attended the meeting on the Public Defenders rule making process last week. Clerk Poston said other than that she is working on budgets.
The elected officials/department heads meeting ended at 9:22 a.m.
9:25 a.m., County Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk remained after the elected officials/department heads meeting to present his department report. Mr. Wenk informed Commissioners that he did check gravel for weeds at the Winkelseth gravel pit as requested, but it is not a guarantee it is weed free.
Mr. Wenk informed Commissioners that he had graduate students from British Columbia working on a survey regarding houndstongue and he said Boundary County has the weevil that will eat this weed. The Idaho State Department of Agriculture came up and floated Deep Creek to check out weed infestations. Mr. Wenk said he gave a lot of informational signs pertaining to invasive weeds to the Waterways Board so they can place them at the boat launches. Mr. Wenk informed Commissioners that he attended the farm tour last month and talked about what the Weed Department does. Mr. Wenk spoke of working on two small projects for the Lower Kootenai River Watershed Restoration project.
Commissioners and Mr. Wenk discussed quotes received for treating weeds on airport property. Chairman Dinning said he would contact the Airport Board Chairman to discuss this with him.
Commissioner Kirby moved to accept the quote from KC Pest and Weed Control totaling $1,460 to treat weeds on airport property, off the end of the runway at the south end. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Wenk said the other quote was to treat the 20 acres at a cost of $3,000 so the other quote was lower.
Mr. Wenk informed Commissioners that he received a quote of $14,200 from Boundary Tractor for a side by side for his department.
Mr. Wenk informed Commissioners that the Idaho State Department of Agriculture increased their rates for in-kind contribution for weed departments as it pertains to grant.
The meeting with Mr. Wenk ended at 10:00 a.m.
Commissioners stated that Commissioners had no Board of Equalization matters to address today.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to hold a public hearing to consider an increase to the annual solid waste fees as well as to consider implementing new fees pertaining to tire, concrete and wood/stump disposal. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton 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 Kirby second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously.
County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull joined the executive session at 10:28 a.m. The executive session ended at 10:50 a.m. No action was taken.
Attorney Hull left the meeting.
Planning and Zoning Administrator John Moss and Commissioners discussed demands on Mr. Moss’s time at work and how busy his office has gotten. Mr. Moss currently works 24 hours per week and is now allowed one more eight hour day to work. Mr. Moss said the business of his office is a peak and valley situation and he suggested working a 10 hour day and being allowed to close his office door for two hours in order to handle the business. Mr. Moss said he needs a 10 hour day on a three day per week basis. It was determined that Mr. Moss will meet with Commissioners again on Tuesday, June 26, 2018, to discuss Mr. Moss’s office hours further.
The meeting with Mr. Moss ended at 10:55 a.m.
11:00 a.m., Waterways Board members Darron Branson, Brion Poston and Dick Hollenbeck joined the meeting to discuss matters pertaining to the Waterway Board. Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley and Blue Sky Broadcasting News Reporter Mike Brown also joined the meeting.
Mr. Branson informed Commissioners that he, Mr. Poston and Mr. Hollenbeck are representing the Waterways Board and to his knowledge they’ve never met with Commissioners as a board. Chairman Dinning informed Mr. Branson that Commissioners have been unable to find anything for the Waterways Board such as a charter, etc., and his understanding is that anything to do with waterways would pertain to that board. Commissioners just located information on specific projects, according to Chairman Dinning. It was said there are three or four boat launch sites. The Waterways boat launch is one of those sites and the original grant application for the waterways building was a 50/50 collaboration between the Waterways Board and Search and Rescue. Chairman Dinning said the four boat launch sites are the primary things to look after, such as the condition of the docks and upgrading them in the future. Using the docks at Perkins Lake as an example, there can also be coordination with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Mr. Branson said the Forest Service have also had grant funds they’ve used and have supplied docks, which was great and the Waterways Board had given funds to the Forest Service for some time and that had also worked well. Mr. Poston clarified that if the Waterways Board wants to do a project, are they to meet with Commissioners to make a recommendation?
Mr. Branson asked how to better keep track of the launch sites as people have complained about debris getting caught in the launches. Chairman Dinning said in the past, Commissioners had contacted the Road and Bridge Department and they would clear the mud and debris from the launch. Mr. Branson said the Waterways Board are looking at more of a daily tracking procedure for maintenance and he explained that last year the same private party was a bit disgruntled about the launch and used his own excavator to clear the launch area. It was explained that debris in the water near Copeland circles back around the boat launch when the water level is high enough and Mr. Branson said the thought is that installing a culvert would keep that area flushed. There is a need to keep track of the sites on a regular basis as opposed to just when the public notifies them of an issue. One option is to contract with a party to excavate the area, according to Commissioners. Mr. Branson discussed wanting to keep additional eyes on the ramp at the Deep Creek site as it is a continual problem. Chairman Dinning said Sue Ireland with the Kootenai Tribe and the Goodfellows Bros. Company may have an ideas on how to solve some of these issues. Chairman Dinning said Goodfellows Bros. could maybe also take a look at river flows as far as keeping the debris away from the launch sites.
Mr. Branson asked Commissioners who takes care of general weed eating. Commissioners said Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley visits every single dock every week of the year, cleans the restrooms, and clears the parking lots areas of debris, etc., so he basically maintains the area. Mr. Buckley just had the restroom at Deep Creek repainted and the cinderblock restrooms at the waterways building is getting painted as well. Mr. Buckley mentioned having made some repairs to the docks in the past as he did not get responses from those who would when he tried to contact them. Mr. Buckley said he can let the Waterways Board know if something needs addressed. Chairman Dinning said if the Waterways Board can think of a resolution to some of these issues, they can bring it before Commissioners.
Chairman Dinning clarified that Mr. Buckley doesn’t do anything to the Waterways Building, except in an emergency. Chairman Dinning explained that several times in the winter people have turned the heat up or down in this building and left without changing it back so Mr. Buckley has had to take care of that. Mr. Branson asked who is to take care of the condition of the restrooms. Chairman Dinning said we do have a cleaning service, but that service would need to be paid out of the waterways budget.
It was mentioned that the Waterways Board plan on holding their board meetings in the Waterways Building and those present discussed the need to find out how often Search and Rescue uses this same building. Both Mr. Poston and Mr. Branson felt sharing an even split for the cost of electricity would be fair. Those present discussed heating the waterways building and questioned which portion of the building is not insulated. Mr. Buckley said the garage area is not insulated. Mr. Branson mentioned looking into the cost of insulation in order to save on heating costs and he stated that these are things the Waterways Board have talked about and they just want to be on the same page.
Chairman Dinning stated that Mr. Buckley has been looking into a handicap access fishing dock. Mr. Branson said the dock at Rocky Point is not Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant and that was a condition of the grant. Mr. Buckley said he has information to make that happen now and he added that he had talked to former Waterways Board Chairman Vern Wilson about it several times as well as Charlie Kramer, who built the dock. Mr. Buckley mentioned having obtained bids to widen the dock and make it ADA accessible. Clerk Poston said there is a Waterways grant so that project should go through Waterways. Clerk Poston also mentioned needing information from the Waterways Board as far as any future projects they may want to do so they can be planned for.
Mr. Branson said the county truck that Sheriff Kramer is driving was purchased with Waterways grant funds and he asked if the vehicle’s current use by the Sheriff was an authorized use by Commissioners. Chairman Dinning said he believes Commissioners did permit this use and there was an understanding that there is another truck that can pull the boat.
Mr. Hollenbeck mentioned that there are a lot of people using the Waterways boat launch so when the lot gets full people park every which way, especially on the weekend, so signs might be needed. Mr. Branson said the Waterways Board talked about signage that would point out the waterways launch as well as the Deep Creek launch so people at the waterways launch would be made aware of another boat launch. Mr. Branson also questioned a video surveillance system at boat launches. Chairman Dinning said there is already a security system at one of the launches. Those present discussed things that could be done at the various boat launches to deter vandalism.
Mr. Branson informed Commissioners that he learned the boat stop at the Samuels gas station doesn’t require inspection stops for north bound boats. Mr. Branson suggested it might be beneficial for Commissioners to write a letter to the appropriate agency to get these north bound inspections started.
Those present briefly questioned the cost for fuel for the boat and Clerk Poston explained that cost comes out of the boat safety fund.
11:46 a.m., Sheriff Dave Kramer and Chief Deputy Sheriff Rich Stephens joined the meeting.
Chairman Dinning explained matters pertaining to advisory board meetings and the Open Meeting Law. The Waterways Advisory Board meetings are all open to the public. The Waterways Board needs to set a specific date for their meetings each month and then post that information. Chairman Dinning explained that if the county is currently putting agendas on their website, they must continue to do so, but he doesn’t yet know if advisory boards have to post their agendas online if they have not already been doing that. Agendas do have to be posted 48 hours, week days, in advance of the meetings and the agenda cannot be changed once it is within the timeline. Any agenda item being discussed at the meeting requiring a motion by the board needs to have the term “ACTION ITEM” written on the agenda after the heading of that topic. Sheriff Kramer said County Public Information Officer Mike Meier can also post news articles to the website if they want to get new projects or information out to the public.
The meeting with members of the Waterways Board ended at 11:55 a.m.
There being no further business, the meetings recessed until Thursday, June 21, 2018, at 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 21, 2018, at 3:00 p.m., Commissioners met in special session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
3:00 p.m., Border Patrol Acting Patrol Agent in Charge from the Bonners Ferry Office Jason Coby Lane, Border Patrol Assistant Chief with the Washington D.C. Office Shelly Lubin, Patrol Agent in Charge from the Metaline Falls Rick Petrey, Deputy Patrol Agent in Charge from the Metaline Falls Office David Orozco, Border Patrol Environmental Planner John Petrilla; Idaho Panhandle National Forest (USFS) Deputy Forest Supervisor Kim Pierson, USFS Public Affairs Officer Shoshana Cooper, USFS Wildlife Biologist Brett Lyndaker; and Kootenai Tribe of Idaho Administrator Director Rhonda Vogl and Patty Perry with the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho joined the meeting at Commissioners’ request to continue discussion and get clarification on matters pertaining to the Bog Creek Road.
Introductions of those present were made. Chairman Dinning mentioned that there are some roads that are not shown on the map and Mr. Lyndaker replied that those roads are shown on Map #1. Roads shown in brown are previously stored or decommissioned roads. Chairman Dinning said if you look at maybe all of the alternatives Forest Service road #636, Grass Creek Road, in Alternative #3, it shows a significant amount of that road as being stored. Chairman Dinning said in his visit with county resident Mike Ripatti, who runs cattle in that area, he needs that access to place salt out for his animals. Those present also clarified another route in which Mr. Ripatti would need access. If you look at lower and upper Road #2464 going to Marsh Creek, Mr. Ripatti would need access through there so he can get salt to his cows on both side of the creek. Chairman Dinning said Mr. Ripatti also mentioned on his own that if the Forest Service didn’t need Road #2253, east of the upper and lower area shown in blue, that road could be stored from Marsh Creek on up as well. Chairman Dinning asked if that would create more core. Mr. Lyndaker said that option would be in Alternative #3. Chairman Dinning asked what that option would look like in Alternative #4 and Mr. Lyndaker said it would similar to Alternative #2 with the difference being open road density.
Chairman Dinning said Alternative #4 was somewhere in the 30% range and Alternatives #2 and # 3 are in the 20% range. Chairman Dinning asked if modifying Alternative #4 would change density. It was said modification wouldn’t change density. Ms. Perry said if Road #2253 were closed, it would create more core. Mr. Lyndaker agreed.
Those present reviewed the alternatives provided. Chairman Dinning said in looking at Alternative #4, if the area was stored from Road #2253, from Marsh Creek south, including Road #2254 or #2252, would that increase or decrease the percentage? Mr. Lyndaker said he doesn’t know if that study was run. Mr. Lyndaker mentioned he would say that the entire length of Road #2464 is not a good road and he added that in recent years, Mr. Ripatti is the only person who has used that road. There is a salt station at the south end, but he’s not sure about the north end. Chairman Dinning said Mr. Ripatti has gone to Marsh Creek from the north end to salt. Mr. Lyndaker said he doesn’t think Mr. Ripatti could drive to Marsh Creek right now. Mr. Lyndaker added that he has heard different information on this particular subject. Chairman Dinning said Alternative #4 will get us to the percentage. In essence, it’s trying to replace a percentage that is being taken away and replacing it with another percentage and he doesn’t think that it will reach that. Mr. Lyndaker said they could look at that. From the Forest Service’s standpoint, Road #2464 doesn’t do much. Mr. Lyndaker said Mr. Amoth is not grazing per se, but he manages perfectly well and he cannot drive any of it.
Ms. Pierson provided a recap of the conversation and Commissioners’ request for different roads to be moved and if so, is that something the Forest Service can take a look at. Ms. Pierson added that is something Commissioners can request to be considered in their comment letter. Ms. Pierson said the Forest Service is in between the draft and the letter stage so Commissioners can ask that their request be looked into. Chairman Dinning spoke of having worked with the Forest Service in the past and having the ability to comment. Ms. Pierson said she preferred having a verbal conversation as opposed to sending letters back and forth.
Those present discussed various roads on the west side of Continental Mountain. Mr. Lyndaker said Road # 1012 may already be decommissioned and gone and he added that Road #1322 is contoured into a rock. Commissioners asked if Road #1388 is going to be stored or decommissioned in Alternative #4. Commissioner Pinkerton said in Alternative #4 pertaining to Road #1388, he thought this road was going to be decommissioned and would lose winter travel. Mr. Lyndaker said in the travel analysis process (TAPS) that is one road the Forest Service would most likely want in the future.
Chairman Dinning said the assumption is that the roads in Canada are open. Agent Petrey said as far as he knows, those roads are open. Mr. Lyndaker said there has been some changes to that status in the last 10 years. Chairman Dinning said the other thing to mention is the trail to American Falls as it is a high use trail. Mr. Lyndaker said this trail is not high use yet, but if it becomes high use, it will be treated as an open road. Mr. Lyndaker said most use of this trail comes from the end of the road by Continental Creek, Priest Falls Trail #28. Chairman Dinning said we’re looking at one & one half to two miles to the falls so if that trail became high use at some future date, could that impact the open road density. Mr. Lyndaker said it could not impact road density, only core. Chairman Dinning questioned the status of the core and Mr. Lyndaker said we probably wouldn’t make it for core within Alternatives #2 and #4, but Alternative #3 meets core as it sits today. Chairman Dinning said as it today for Alternative #4, we meet core standards. Mr. Lyndaker said yes and he added that all alternatives meet core standards. Chairman Dinning said so would it be out of the question to comment that this matter be considered from the standpoint of never being allowed to become high use. Mr. Lyndaker said from the Continental Divide, the high use designation is going to be dropped. Chairman Dinning said maybe that is what he is hoping occurs. When the Forest Service closes a portion of Road #2253, enough core might be gained. Mr. Lyndaker said the only reason some of those units in that area are not 100% core is due to trails.
Commissioner Dinning said when the county settled the Boundary Creek lawsuit there was supposed to be a good look at reconstructing the trail up Boundary Creek to Road #2450. It was said the Forest Service did propose that in the past, but the matter went nowhere. It would be looking at the feasibility of reconstruction from the wildlife management area (WMA) to Road #2450, part of the Boundary Creek Road.
Commissioners said they really meant to talk about Alternative #4 and where it could be tweaked. Hopefully there could be a gain in core. Chairman Dinning said then Commissioners needed some clarity as in using Alternative #2, there is a high core standard and the road density is either 22 or 23, so there is a 10% difference for open road density. Chairman Dinning asked how bear management units (BMU) meet standards. Mr. Lyndaker said roads within the BMUs still need to be maintained and roads cannot be transferred from one BMU to another.
Ms. Pierson said the Forest Service can take a look to see if there is some flexibility and see if there is anything gained, etc., within the scope of not looking for additional alternatives, but in the public process is where they can possibly hear something.
Ms. Perry said if there is a discussion on changing Alternative #2, and if there is a request for public access for limited time, like after spring bear or before the fall hunt, that would allow access? Could that be allowed under a current alternative or would that prompt a new alternative? Such as if there is a request for east to west access on Bog Creek Road when bears are most likely to be somewhere else. Mr. Lyndaker said there would probably be a benign effect to bears in the months of July and August. Chairman Dinning asked if the Forest Service has to take into consideration the Canadian roads for impact. It was said anything within 900 meters of the border would have impact. Commissioner Pinkerton said he tried for 10 years ago to get the Royal Mounted Canadian Police (RCMP) to work on that.
The meeting with members of the Kootenai Tribe, Forest Service, and the Border Patrol ended at 3:52 p.m.
Chairman Dinning said also on the agenda for today is to consider quotes for resealing various county parking lots.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to accept Selkirk Sealcoat’s quote, Estimates 1277, 1276, 1275, and 1278, dated May 12, 2018, to seal coat the parking lots for the Restorium, fairgrounds, Courthouse, and the parking lot shared between the Restorium and Panhandle Health District Office. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
________________________________________ DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
Attest:
____________________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk