***Monday, March 11, 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.
County resident Marty Martinez and Blue Sky Broadcasting News Reporter Mike Brown were in attendance of the meetings off and on throughout the day.
Randy Wedel with B.F. Builders joined the meeting.
9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Superintendent Clint Kimball and Assistant Superintendent Renee Nelson joined the meeting to give the departmental report. Mr. Kimball presented a written report.
Commissioners gave the opening invocation and said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Kirby moved to amend the agenda for today to allow the Chairman to sign the letter to the Forest Service supporting the extension of funding for community forest landscape restoration projects as it is a time sensitive matter. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
9:01 a.m., Commissioners held a bid opening for Ruby Creek Bridge #1 repairs. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Road and Bridge Department Superintendent Clint Kimball, Assistant Superintendent Renee Nelson, Randy Wedel with B.F. Builders, Marty Martinez, and Blue Sky Broadcasting News Reporter Mike Brown. The bid opening was recorded.
The first sealed bid opened was from B.F. Builders. Included in their bid was the Surety Proposal for five percent (5%) of the total amount bid, Certification of Debarment, etc. The total amount bid was $32,726.
The second sealed bid opened was from C.E. Kramer Crane and Contracting. This bid also included a Surety Proposal Bond in the amount of five percent (5%) of the total amount bid, Certification of Debarment, Public Works License, etc. The total bid amount was $55,400.00
Chairman Dinning explained that if a bid is $50,000 or more, the bidder needs to provide a public works license. B.F. Builders did not need to provide a public works license as their bid was less than $50,000. Mr. Wedel said the public works license number and expiration date information for B.F. Builders is listed in the bid documentation provided.
Commissioners said they would let Mr. Kimball review both bids and make a recommendation to Commissioners.
Mr. Wedel left the meeting.
Mr. Kimball reviewed his department report and said it has been pretty calm at Road and Bridge other than weather changes so they will be posting roads for load limits. Mr. Kimball explained that there are certain areas where you can see ruts in the roads and he listed various parts of the county that are being affected. The frost is three feet deep and Road and Bridge can see that same depth on their sand piles. The farmers are saying frost is approximately one foot deep in their fields under the snow, according to Mr. Kimball. Roads will be posted 24 hours ahead of time.
It was said the Crossport Road/Cow Creek Road Guardrail project is 100% reimbursable and the project cost is approximately $180,000.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the Local Public Agency’s Certificate of Completion of Right-Of-Way Activities, Key No. 19846, Project No. A019(846) for the Crossport Road/Cow Creek Road Guardrail project. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Kimball explained to Commissioners that the Pedestrian Safety Grant Project for Naples was not funded.
Commissioners and Mr. Kimball briefly discussed Union Pacific Railroad’s inquiry about how the county takes a road into its system. Commissioners will review that process.
Those present also reviewed the Ms. Nelson’s Excel spreadsheet that keeps track of Road and Bridge project costs and reimbursements.
Mr. Kimball informed Commissioners that he will be taking some time off.
The meeting with Mr. Kimball and Ms. Nelson ended at 9:20 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the comment letter supporting the extension of Community Forest Landscape Restoration projects (CFLRP) and continued CFLRP funding. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to appoint David Hollabaugh to the Planning and Zoning Commission, replacing Marciavee Cossette who has stepped down, with a term to expire January 2023. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2019-9. A resolution appointing David Hollabaugh to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2019-9 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION APPOINTING MEMBER TO
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-9
WHEREAS, Chapter 65 of Title 67 does empower Boundary County to create a Planning and Zoning Commission, and Chapter 3 of the Boundary County Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance did establish such a commission; and
WHEREAS, member Marciavee Cossette, has completed her position consisting of two terms on the commission and does not wish for reappointment; and
WHEREAS; David Hollabaugh has expressed interest in and does qualify to serve on the commission and does meet the residency requirements set forth at Section 67-6504, IC; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners are desirous of appointing David Hollabaugh as a member of the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission with a term to expire January 31, 2023; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Boundary County, Idaho, that David Hollabaugh be appointed to membership on the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission for a term commencing March 11, 2019, and ending on January 31, 2023.
Regularly passed and approved on this 11th day of March, 2019.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
s/___________________________
DAN R. DINNING, CHAIRMAN
s/___________________________
WALLY COSSAIRT, COMMISSIONER
s/___________________________
WALT KIRBY, COMMISSIONER
ATTEST:
s/___________________________
GLENDA POSTON
Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #277121
Commissioner Cossairt moved to reappoint Tim Heenan to the Planning and Zoning Commission with a term to expire January 2023. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificates of Residency for Melissa Krejci and Allora Higens. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve and sign the engagement letter for legal representation with Perkins Coie LLP regarding Bog Creek. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
9:32 a.m., Commissioners contacted County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull via telephone.
Chairman Dinning discussed the Land Manager’s Statement documentation for fishing outfitters and guides that they received in terms of how Commissioners wanted to insert instructions on use of docks and requiring liability insurance. Attorney Hull said docks are currently being used, but the danger is that a business could occupy a public facility at no cost so there has to be some limitation with regard to using the docks. Attorney Hull said an outfitting company or guide does not take preference over the public and that is always the concern in his experience with guides. They don’t have control or preference because they’re a guide. Commissioners could require a statement of liability and also require that as it pertains to the use of the docks, a guide has to be in and out as far as loading and unloading. With regards to parking, the county has limited space so he doesn’t know how to address that other than say the guide and their party has to be in and out. Attorney Hull said it’s ingress and egress, not a parking space and they can wait in line just like everyone else. Commissioners can also require that this agreement be renewed annually and that it can be revoked for any violation.
9:40 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)c, to acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency; and Idaho Code 74-206(1)f, to communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated regarding a real estate transaction. Commissioner Kirby second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 9:45 a.m. No action was taken.
The call to Attorney Hull ended at 9:46 a.m.
Commissioner Kirby moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the letter to the county’s outside auditor regarding the county’s internal policies. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners reviewed claims for payment. Fund totals are as follows:
Current Expense $ 78,012.49
Road & Bridge 463,452.23
Airport 4,432.60
District Court 10,952.18
Justice Fund 85,903.22
911 Funds 9,803.21
Indigent & Charity 11,620.89
Parks and Recreation 2,482.61
Revaluation 44,604.73
Solid Waste 97,401.37
Veterans Memorial 162.81
Weeds 2,562.70
Restorium 53,534.17
Waterways 540.77
Grant, Boat Safety 47.16
TOTAL $865,513.14
Trusts
Auditor’s Trust - *Misc. 46.51
Boundary Co. Drug Court Trust 102.47
Driver’s License Trust 7,539.00
Magistrate Trust 119.80
Motor Vehicle Trust 87,793.50
Worker’s Comp-Comm Service 120.00
Sheriff’s Trust Fund 195.75
Drug Forfeiture Trust Fund 500.00
Odyssey Court Trust Account 15,948.00
Odyssey Bond Trust Account 423.00
TOTAL $112,788.03
GRAND TOTAL $978,301.17
Citizens are invited to inspect detailed records on file in the Courthouse (individual claims & Commissioners’ allowance & warrant register record 2018-2019).
9:55 a.m., Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen and Assistant Superintendent Eric Owen joined the meeting to continue the discussion on a hazardous materials incident training course. Mr. Skeen said it’s a 40 hour class that is to be held in Spokane. With there being new chemicals arriving at the landfill, it will be good training for the employee who will attend and then come back and update and train the other landfill employees on what was learned. Down the road, all of Solid Waste Department employees may need to have updated training. Mr. Skeen explained the costs related to this course and he said the cost for lodging won’t be necessary. Mr. Skeen informed Commissioners that he has four employees who will attend the hazmat incident course held locally that was mentioned by Boundary County Emergency Manager Mike Meier. Mr. Skeen said eventually the county will have to have some type of hazmat program where chemicals are shipped out. The cost for the hazmat course held in Spokane will be $900, but the employee won’t need to worry about mileage and lodging costs. Commissioners agreed to send this landfill employee to this course in Spokane.
Mr. Skeen spoke of a letter he received from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) about the ability to burn authorized types of wood. Chairman Dinning asked about the cost of shipping wood and Mr. Skeen said the cost was $44.50 per green ton. Chairman Dinning questioned just chipping treated wood and Mr. Skeen said that would cost approximately $100 per ton at another facility. Mr. Skeen added that the company that hauls the county’s recycling can also take this wood to have it ground up so he will need to get more information on that. Mr. Skeen said furniture is put into the wood pile, but if that’s not allowed to be burned, he doesn’t want to bury furniture so it will have to be shipped out with other treated wood. Chairman Dinning said he doesn’t know if the question between DEQ and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was resolved as far as the rules of burning. It’s a benefit to be able to burn, according to Mr. Skeen. Commissioners asked how much treated wood is in the pile at the landfill and Mr. Skeen said approximately 10% to 15%. Chairman Dinning asked if painted wood can be used as a landfill cover. Mr. Skeen said that’s the question he needs answered by DEQ and Panhandle Health District. Mr. Skeen asked Commissioners if they want to keep the fee structure for wood and he added that his recommendation is to keep it. Chairman Dinning said we will have to see what the impact is.
The meeting with Mr. Skeen and Mr. Owen ended at 10:14 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
10:30 a.m., County resident Bob Vickaryous joined the meeting.
Mr. Vickaryous informed Commissioners that he’s been having an issue with being flooded by the neighboring property owner, which is the Department of Fish and Game. Mr. Vickaryous explained that when he went to cut hay the swather made a funny noise and he found it to be full of water. Mr. Vickaryous stated he had replanted everything and then in year 2017 it flooded again. Water came through the dike onto Fish and Game’s property and at that time the river level was up so the flood gate couldn’t open and water then backed up onto his property. The water level dropped after one or two weeks, but by then the damage had been done. Mr. Vickaryous read allowed to Commissioners a letter he wrote to the Department of Fish and Game on May 20, 1017 in which he discussed this matter as this had been the second time flooding occurred. Some of the water levels were adjusted, but the damage was already done. The latest occurrence had water pouring in from a gravity drain from Smith Creek. The Department of Fish and Game was notified and one of their employees came out, but he didn’t see what the issue was. There was already soil saturation at this time. Another Fish and Game employee was not able to come out so Mr. Vickaryous stated that he contacted the Department of Fish and Game Region 1 Supervisor, Chip Corsi. Mr. Vickaryous said he can do anything he wanted to his side of the property, but not to Fish and Game’s property. Mr. Vickaryous informed Commissioners that he took immediate action and hired a diver who closed the drain and then reported that to Mr. Corsi, who wouldn’t commit to pay for the cost of the diver. Mr. Vickaryous said the Department of Fish and Game was concerned and under the impression that he had made a threat to bury the end of their pipe, but it’s just a common ordinary action to be taken when your place is getting flooded. Mr. Vickaryous said he wasn’t trying to ruffle feathers as he was just trying to tell them what needs to be done. Mr. Vickaryous spoke of how water can build up sand and gravel when the levels vary and he added that he reviewed the Idaho Code section that discusses allowed immediate action in emergency situations to protect private property. It’s necessary to safeguard the life of the property during the emergency. Mr. Vickaryous said the Department of Fish and Game thought he was acting out of line, but if this issue happens again, he will do the same thing.
Commissioner Cossairt said for clarification that this is coming from the Smith Creek side and Mr. Vickaryous explained that this comes from that side and from Fish and Game’s pond, through the dike and onto his property. There are no provisions or plans to get rid of the water and the gravity drain can’t open when the river level is high. Chairman Dinning said going forward Mr. Vickaryous wanted to get compensated for property damages and loss of production. Mr. Vickaryous said the cost is approximately $20,000 and someone did want to settle up on the damages, which to him would be to agree to a cost, but this person couldn’t do anything as Mr. Vickaryous hadn’t documented the extent of damages with the Farm Agency. Chairman Dinning said in the meantime, he visited with the University of Idaho Extension Program Educator Kate Painter, who came out to the property and took pictures and provided her assessment of the situation. The plants had experienced a lack of oxygen, according to Mr. Vickaryous. Chairman Dinning informed Mr. Vickaryous that Ms. Painter has now received permission to estimate the damages for him if he is okay with that and this is acceptable to the Department of Fish and Game as well.
Road and Bridge Department Superintendent Clint Kimball joined the meeting at 10:45 a.m.
Chairman Dinning suggested Mr. Vickaryous speak with Ms. Painter about this now. Chairman Dinning added that this is not uncommon, but there will probably be management groups checking on this more often now as there are groups for this issue. Chairman Dinning suggested Mr. Vickaryous attend the next Boundary/Smith Creek Management Group meeting about his issue.
The meeting with Mr. Vickaryous ended at 10:48 a.m.
10:48 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Superintendent Clint Kimball met with Commissioners to make his recommendation for the Ruby Creek Bridge #1 Repair Project. The bid decision was recorded. Mr. Kimball’s recommendation was B.F. Builders with a bid total of $32,726.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to accept the bid of $32,726.00 from B.F. Builders for the Ruby Creek Bridge #1 Structural Repair project. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
The bid decision ended at 10:49 a.m.
Mr. Kimball left the meeting.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to amend his motion to state the acceptance of the bid for the Ruby Creek Bridge #1 Structural Repair project is to also include signing any associated documents necessary to include the Independent Contractor Agreement. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:55 a.m., Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee joined the meeting to give the department report. Commissioners reviewed the report of Restorium statistics to include hours worked, full time staff averages, billed amount for rooms, Medicaid resident percentage, average Medicaid rent total, room and board only received, accounts receivable over 30 days, revenue including lunches, revenue including payroll, etc. Ms. Magee explained the reasons for a delay in payment. The Restorium currently has 35 residents. Those present discussed a current billing matter. Chairman Dinning said the biggest thing to understand is that there are expenses to operate for one month and the other expense are hours worked. Those present discussed the cost to install keypad door locks.
Ms. Magee informed Commissioners of plumbing issues at the Restorium that have since been fixed. Ms. Magee said sink stations had been moved to another building and the copper lines froze and cracked so that had to be replaced. Commissioners asked if Ms. Magee has had any luck in returning the funds that had been donated. Ms. Magee said no, but she will make a couple more attempts. Chairman Dinning said whatever funds are left as of April 15th will be sent to the department for unclaimed property in Boise as people had been deceived about lack of funding.
Chairman Dinning asked if there is anything to prepare for going forward. Ms. Magee said there is nothing she knows of pertaining to regulations, but the call system for residents to use if they need help will need to be replaced soon and the current unit is becoming obsolete. Commissioners asked Ms. Magee to research costs for a new call system.
11:17 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 11:25 a.m. No action was taken.
Ms. Magee left the meeting at 11:31 a.m.
11:30 a.m., Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Field Manager Kurt Pavlat joined the meeting to provide Commissioners with an update on BLM matters.
Mr. Pavlat explained that his report to Commissioners is a repeat from previous years, but he will review it for them. Mr. Pavlat said the BLM has 4,400 acres in Boundary County, which is the least amount of BLM land owned as compared to land they own in other counties. As far as other vegetation projects the BLM is not currently considering any timber sales or fuels projects in the county, but their staff will be coming up to check on their parcels. A survey crew will come up and mark their property lines on properties such as Parker Ridge. The Hideaway Islands have a weed issue so the BLM will get a handle on that and spray weeds, according to Mr. Pavlat.
Mr. Pavlat said BLM representatives will continue attending the Kootenai Valley Resource Initiatives (KVRI) meetings. The BLM will put a renewed emphasis on classic multiple-use, such as commodity extraction, recreation, public land access and conservation and decision making will try to be made locally, according to Mr. Pavlat. Mr. Pavlat explained that Brian Steed, BLM Deputy Director for Policy and Plans, is performing duties of the director. The BLM is a small agency that actually makes money for the taxpayers through coal, timber and gas receipts, rents for rights-of-way grants, etc., according to Mr. Pavlat.
Chairman Dinning said some time ago he inquired about a wilderness study area at Parker Creek. The reason being in anticipation of Parker Creek/Long Canyon becoming a designated wilderness study area, but at that time the BLM recommended that to not occur, but it did happen. Chairman Dinning said the land nearly sits at the county road so it almost doesn’t qualify as what you would call wilderness. Commissioners could put on their agenda the discussion about removing that designation and talking to the congressional designation about that.
Mr. Pavlat said the Forest Service is looking at constructing another building and the BLM will share that building with the Forest Service.
Commissioners and Mr. Pavlat discussed the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and Mr. Pavlat said there is no reason it should drag on for years and the BLM is trying to streamline that process.
The meeting with Mr. Pavlat ended at 11:45 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to grant an extension of time of time to pay year 2015 taxes for parcel #RPB0120012021AA and to accept a payment amount of $400.00 today and another payment of $400.00 due March 27, 2019, and the balance remaining will be due in full on or before May 1, 2019. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:03 p.m.
1:30 p.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.
1:30 p.m., Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac joined the meeting and those present reviewed the county’s personnel policy for changes and updates. The meeting ended at 3:51 p.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificate of Residency for Kylie Underhill. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Kirby left the meeting at 3:53 p.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
4:35 p.m., There being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 2:30 p.m.
***Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at 2:30 p.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
2:30 p.m., Boundary County Emergency Services Director Mike Meier joined the meeting at Commissioners’ request to review matters pertaining to the draft Post Evacuation Plan and Re-Entry Plan.
The meeting with Mr. Meier ended at 2:45 p.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
3:00 p.m., Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Treasurer Sue Larson, Idaho Association of Counties Executive Director Seth Grigg and various elected officials from the remaining four northern counties participated in the Idaho Associated of Counties legislative conference call for District 1 to review upcoming legislation. The call ended at 3:30 p.m.
Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the minutes from the weeks of February 11, 2019, February 25, 2019, and March 4, 2019. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
5:00 p.m., There being no further business, the meeting recessed until Thursday, March 14, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. to attend the Three Mile Water District Board meeting to discuss the regional sewer feasibility study.
***Thursday, March 14, 2019, at 6:00 p.m., Commissioners met in special session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser at the Office of Youngwirth Davis & Associates for the purpose of attending the Three Mile Water District’s March board meeting to discuss the Regional Sewer Feasibility Study Project. Present were: Boundary County Commissioners Dan Dinning, Wally Cossairt and Walt Kirby; Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Boundary County Economic Development Director Dennis Weed, board members of the Three Mile Water District, Crista Davis with Youngwirth Davis & Associates, Dustin Ridgley, Bryon Regehr, Robert and Darlene Young, and approximately two to three other members of the public.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Three Mile Water District Board Chairman Doug Higgins asked Commissioners to discuss their topic. Chairman Dinning explained that approximately one to two years ago the City of Moyie Springs ran into problems with their sewer system in regards to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) compliance requirements and the alternative was too expensive. Boundary County got involved and had a sewer feasibility study conducted by Keller Associates Engineering who provided another alternative. The City of Moyie Springs will run a bond election for this project. Those present referred to a diagram/map of the Three Mile area that runs to the City of Moyie Springs and over the hill toward the Kootenai River. The second page of this information consists of a cost analysis, but that cost may increase. All Commissioners are saying is that it’s not certain what the county will do, but they will talk with a bond attorney to ask questions and also look at other funding sources, according to Chairman Dinning. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners wanted to update the Three Mile Water District Board members about this as this project is in their district and Commissioners wanted to ask them to think about whether or not they might want to take over the operational side of this sewer system as they’re already operational and have things in place.
Mr. Weed commented that The Log Cabin has expanded and they will eventually need a sewer system as DEQ will require a larger leach field so they will need another option.
Mr. Higgins asked about funding and Mr. Weed replied that if the sewer project became a district, with the City of Moyie Springs’ funding, other opportunities for funding increase to include funding from DEQ, United States Department of Agriculture, etc. If this just involves the City of Moyie Springs, funding is 1% of the household income. If the area involved becomes a district, lenders can be approached and asked how much funding they could provide. Commissioners said they could not speculate what the costs would be. Mr. Weed provided a brief explanation as to how homes and businesses are broken down into equivalent dwelling units. If someone is already on a septic system, they can most likely remain on that system until they have a failure, then if they’re within 200 feet of the sewer system, they may be required to hook up to that new system.
Mr. Higgins reviewed costs based on the total number of hookups without the costs for maintenance. Mr. Weed said it’s hard to determine figures at this point without knowing details about funding and loan forgiveness. Mr. Regehr said what gets him is that someone is paying for these grants. Mr. Regehr added that the Log Inn has a leach field and has the money for improvements. If we could get more businesses to come in, the costs can be spread out further. Mr. Weed said businesses want sewer systems. Mr. Regehr said our area needs more growth that is not the service industry. Mr. Weed spoke of the difference between Bonner County and Boundary County as far as age of residents, etc. and said Boundary County’s population of 55 years of age and older is lower than Bonner County and Boundary County has a higher family base. In order to get higher paying jobs, we need the infrastructure and we’re running out of room. Mr. Regehr said he’s concerned that monthly sewer costs will be more than $40 or $80. Mr. Regehr added that we’re too far away from highways, etc. for this type of development.
Chairman Dinning spoke of issues in trying to establish a sewer system in the Three Mile area in the past, and as it did not go through, we are now out of room. Mr. Regehr asked why the system can’t go south. Chairman Dinning replied that that area is the City of Bonners Ferry’s jurisdiction. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners have always heard that the county doesn’t do anything to bring in new businesses. The county is looking into a sewer system and if there is one, businesses will come on their own. Commissioners are going to have a discussion with Panhandle Area Council regarding urban renewal districts, etc. Mr. Regehr voiced concerns that businesses won’t be able to support it. Ms. Young asked how many businesses have looked into relocating to Boundary County as we will need a lot to relocate.
It was asked why the City of Bonners Ferry won’t do anything to look into doing anything for their sewer system. Mr. Regehr spoke of difficulties with providing water and having enough capacity. Mr. Higgins said a large amount of growth would hurt the city. Commissioner Kirby said maybe that’s why the city is limiting users.
A member of the public stated that he lives in the Whispering Pines Subdivision and he asked if a sewer line runs down Roosevelt Street, will he have to hook, up to it. Commissioner Cossairt said not unless there is a failure. Mr. Regehr added that you won’t if you have acreage for a new leach field.
Chairman Dinning said when the Three Mile area was formed, they found a way to provide water otherwise residents wouldn’t have water at their homes now so Commissioners are seeing what they can do. Mr. Regehr replied, only if you want the community to grow. Chairman Dinning commented that Commissioners will do what they can and he added that he doesn’t know what this project will look like and they will help out the City of Moyie Springs. Commissioners just wanted to let the Three Mile Water District Board know what’s going on, but they don’t yet know how it will go. It was said only the users of the sewer system will pay for it. Mr. Higgins spoke of what’s involved with taxation. Commissioner Kirby said Commissioners don’t have all the answers, but they do have to move forward. Mr. Weed said we’re trying to think outside of the box to see how this system can be funded.
Ms. Young said eventually something will have to be done, but is this getting the cart before the horse and she referenced the empty store fronts in town. There is nothing for people to do here and nothing for kids, etc. Even if something was created for businesses, people won’t come here to recreate, according to Ms. Young.
Commissioners left the meeting at 6:55 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
_____________________________
DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
__________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk