***Monday, June 24, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Robertson moved to convene as a Board of Equalization. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
9:00 a.m., Commissioners discussed the possibility of contracting for tub grinder services to grind part of the wood pile at the landfill.
9:30 a.m., County Civil Attorney Bill Wilson joined the meeting to update Commissioners on various matters. Those present discussed the possibility of allowing the public to take items from the landfill if the county creates a free pile and if so, signage will need to be made stating the county is not liable for any injuries as a result. If the county allows this, climbing into the pile would not be allowed.
9:31 a.m., Courthouse Maintenance Squire Fields, Maintenance Assistant Mike Kralik and Prosecutor Andrakay Pluid joined the meeting.
Commissioner Robertson moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)b, to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public-school student. Commissioner Cossairt second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Robertson “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 9:46 a.m. No action was taken.
The meeting ended at 9:53 a.m.
10:00 a.m., Kootenai Tribe of Idaho Environmental Program Manager Karen Schumacher joined the meeting via conference call to discuss the proposed food waste composting program. Chairman Bertling informed Ms. Schumacher that the county hit some stumbling blocks with the landfill regarding the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Matters were not addressed in the past and they now have to be corrected. Unfortunately, at this time, it would be best for Ms. Schumacher to pursue a different avenue, because of what the county has on its plate. The county is in the process of trying to get permitted for an air curtain burner and Commissioners have to consider manpower and the footprint for this equipment. Chairman Bertling asked about Ms. Schumacher’s ability to get an extension for this program and Ms. Schumacher said it’s a three-year plan, so she needs to move forward with the Tribe’s portion and get together with the project manager. Ms. Schumacher said this is unfortunate. Commissioners agreed and added that with what is coming forward involving the landfill and what the county has to do is too much right now. Ms. Schumacher asked Commissioners to send her a letter stating why this project with the county needs to end so she can submit it to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and rework the program within budget and still move forward.
Commissioner Robertson said it really is unfortunate and what Chairman Bertling said is correct. Ms. Schumacher said she understands and appreciated the county’s enthusiasm. Chairman Bertling said Commissioners have had several meetings with DEQ over the last couple of months and have tried to get plans in place for the landfill and that was when the rubber hit the road.
The call with Ms. Schumacher ended at 10:06 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the New Private Road Name Request Form for Rugosa Drive. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:19 a.m., Commissioners considered the County Alcohol Beverage License Application for Boulder Creek Idaho Property LLC doing business as Boulder Creek Retreat, located at 372 Denali Lane, Bonners Ferry, to sell bottled, canned and draft beer and wine to be consumed on and off premises. Present were: Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. The meeting was recorded.
The completed county application, applicable fee, and 2024 State of Idaho Retail Alcohol Beverage License have been received. The 2024 Panhandle Health District Food Permit will be received when the establishment is ready and approved to serve food.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the 2024 County Alcohol Beverage License for Boulder Creek Idaho Property LLC doing business as Boulder Creek Retreat, located at 372 Denali Lane, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to sell bottled, canned and draft beer and wine on and off premises. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting ended at 10:20 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Engagement Letter with Hoover CPA for fiscal year end September 30, 2024. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Robertson moved to sign the Contract with Maria’s Cleaning Service to clean the Armory Offices, Courthouse and surrounding vicinity buildings, and the Extension Office. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign Requests for Reimbursements #004 and #005 for Airport Improvement Project #023 for the Slope Stabilization Project. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
Commissioners recessed for lunch.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
1:30 p.m., Road and Bridge Department Superintendent Brad Barton and Administrative Assistant Shelby Hooper joined the meeting to give the department report. Mr. Barton reviewed the written report he presented.
Ms. Hooper informed Commissioners that Epic Land Solutions’ Concurrence Letter concerning the Duarte property and the Riverside Road Improvement Project is not ready to sign.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Concurrence Letter for the Duarte property relating to the Riverside Road Improvement Project, once the document has been received. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Barton mentioned that there are three employee who have completed the Road Scholars Program.
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad is doing work on Deep Creek Loop to their crossing by Ruby Creek, so there will be a delay. Work will be in the afternoon of June 26 and possibly the morning of June 27th. Ms. Hooper said she posted this information for the public.
TC Energy needs to close Roosevelt Street with a hard closure between Zimmerman Road and a little past Northwest Energy Logs. They will not have a temporary route like they did with Blume Hill. The Idaho Transportation Department informed Road and Bridge that their highway project should be on the other side of the Moyie bridge after July 4th. Ms. Hooper mentioned work to be done on Maas Loop next week, but she doesn’t know if the road will be closed or have a temporary delay, so she’s looking into that.
Commissioners discussed the matter of a property owner who is requesting the county give up an easement that is adjacent to his property on Chute Canyon. Commissioners asked Road and Bridge to send a letter to this property owner informing him that Commissioners are not looking to relinquish an easement that adjoins his property.
The meeting with Mr. Barton and Ms. Hooper ended at 1:45 p.m.
2:00 p.m., Solid Waste Department Superintendent Richard Jenkins joined the meeting to discuss an estimate to replace a hydrant.
Mr. Jenkins provided an estimate from Mountaintop Plumbing for the main hydrant at the landfill. Mr. Jenkins said the existing hydrant is starting to leak and the key used to turn it on and off is completely stripped and worn out. This is the main fire suppression for the landfill. To dig it out and replace it is $4,000.00 and once approved this company will hopefully have the work done within two weeks. This hydrant is located next to the scale house door. Mr. Jenkins said this is the same line to be used when he has to run water over to the air curtain so he will put in a T so a stub line can be put in for the curtain. Commissioners had no problems moving forward with this work.
The meeting with Mr. Jenkins ended at 2:10 p.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
2:30 p.m., John Marquette with JRS Surveying and property owner Howard Seaman joined the meeting.
Mr. Marquette informed Commissioners that Mr. Seaman is requesting a variance from the Addressing Ordinance so he doesn’t have to change his address. Mr. Marquette and Mr. Seaman explained the reason for the request is due to a family member with health issues. Mr. Seaman explained that a relative has health issues and he would need to change the address information for various medical and government facilities. Mr. Seaman said government works slow and mistakes can be made, although it’s not impossible. Chairman Bertling asked if Mr. Seaman’s relative could keep their address and Mr. Seamen could change his address. The access in question only accesses two parcels; not three, so it doesn’t need to be issued a road name. Those present reviewed the plat map of the parcels in question. Mr. Seaman’s home is approximately 800 square foot, so it could be considered and accessory dwelling on the property.
2:42 p.m., Addressing Coordinator Debra Dreger joined the meeting at Commissioners’ request.
Commissioners and Mr. Marquette reviewed scenarios with Ms. Dreger. Ms. Dreger explained the ability to relocate the driveway for lots 3 and 4 so Mr. Seaman’s family member’s address wouldn’t need to change and a road name would not need to be assigned, but Mr. Seaman will need to change his house number. Mr. Seaman had no issue with that.
Ms. Dreger left the meeting at 2:51 p.m.
The meeting with Mr. Marquette and Mr. Seaman ended at 2:56 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.
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TIM BERTLING, Chairman
ATTEST:
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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk