***Monday, March 6, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Chairman Tim Bertling was out of the office.
Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Robertson moved to appoint Commissioner Wally Cossairt Acting Chairman in the absence of Chairman Tim Bertling. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Robertson moved to approve the minutes of February 13 & 14, 2023. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Robertson moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Jaden Byars, Emma Lucas and Becky Allred. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Robertson moved to reappoint Eldora Gatchell to the Restorium Board with a term to expire January 31, 2026. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Robertson moved to reappoint Jeannie Robinson to the Restorium Board with a term to expire January 31, 2024. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Robertson moved to approve Work Order #WO005 with Innovate! Inc. for Election Department support for an amount up to $15,000.00. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Robertson moved to sign BF Builders’ Proposal #1 for the Boundary County Snow Removal Equipment Building Lean-To Additions. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Robertson moved to ratify Commissioners’ prior motion to go out for bid for restroom and concession improvements for the Parks and Recreation Department at the Boundary County Fairgrounds. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Robertson moved to sign the letter to the State of Idaho supporting the appeal of the Boundary County School District and Boundary County Library trustee zones. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
9:30 a.m., County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull joined the meeting.
Those present discussed matters pertaining to the National Opioid Settlement fund and the requests for use of these funds.
9:40 a.m., Karen Schumacher joined the meeting.
Attorney Hull addressed various matters he’s working on to include: needing to make modifications to the Development Agreement between Boundary County and Dan and Linda DeHart and preparing a letter for Commissioners’ review regarding the LaBrosse Hill easement. Attorney Hull said he has heard from Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICRMP) on the matter of concealed carry in the Courthouse and ICRMP’s position is that they don’t get involved with any issues involving employees or Courthouse concealed carry and they said there is no issue with coverage, but he still is waiting to hear from the Trial Court Administrator.
9:43 a.m., Ms. Schumacher left the meeting.
9:43 a.m., Commissioner Robertson moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)b, to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public-school student; 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. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Commissioners voted as follows: Acting Chairman Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Robertson “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 9:51 a.m. No action was taken.
Karen Schumacher returned to the meeting.
9:53 a.m., Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen joined the meeting to give his department report.
Mr. Skeen provided Commissioners with quotes for an addition to the Solid Waste Office, which will provide more needed space. Mr. Skeen updated Commissioner Robertson on the reason for wanting to expand the building. Commissioners will add this subject to an upcoming agenda.
Mr. Skeen reviewed solid waste related topics to be discussed at an upcoming conference.
Ms. Schumacher asked what is available to the public as far as information on the amount of waste Boundary County processes. It was said Mr. Skeen has the woodpile at the landfill chipped as much as he can. The county had waited to have the metal pile baled because prices were too low, but the county will have the metal pile baled this year. The tonnage at the landfill has a limit of 20 tons per day. Mr. Skeen said the landfill probably recycles 12 to 15 tons per week, which is taken to the Smart Center in Spokane. The county can earn revenue from recycling aluminum, but it pays for recycling otherwise. Mr. Skeen said he looks for recycling options, but cost is one issue. The cost for recycling glass is $150.00 per ton, but the recycling facility is in Salt Lake City. The more we recycle, the better off we are. With the separation system, wood gets ground up and hauled off and the metal pile earns revenue so Mr. Skeen pays attention to costs. Tires go to L&S in Spokane and they recycle or retread the tires. Oil that is brought in is used to heat the landfill’s shop. Acting Chairman Cossairt said Mr. Skeen received approval to get a concrete crusher so he will crush concrete and spread it around at the landfill so it’s not so muddy. Ms. Schumacher explained that she’s working on a grant pertaining to food waste recycling to result in compost and a part of the compost system involves yard waste. The results of this program equate to $30.00 to $45.00 per cubic yard of compost at retail. Acting Chairman Cossairt said we’re always interested in how to reduce waste.
Ms. Schumacher left the meeting at 10:29 a.m.
The meeting with Mr. Skeen ended at 10:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m., Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown joined the meeting to give a department report.
Ms. Brown reviewed probation case-load information with Commissioners. Ms. Brown spoke of revamping the Diversion Program so juveniles are coming in to the office once per week and the Probation Office will have the ability to do urine analyses so she hopes it makes a difference.
Ms. Brown said the Probation Office has used a GPS monitoring system in the past that was as little as $10.00 per day, but now they can use the Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor (SCRAM) for alcohol. The drug court has this device and the court has also ordered a person to do SCRAM monitoring for alcohol through Boundary County and it seems to work fairly well. The cost is still $10.00 per day and it’s up to the courts as to who pays that cost.
Ms. Brown said over the last few years the State of Idaho has been out of compliance with juvenile justice funding and was losing 20% of funding from the federal government, but that has now been remedied. The state is now fully in compliance so the county will receive more funding from the federal government through to the state.
The meeting with Ms. Brown ended at 10:40 a.m.
Commissioner Robertson moved to adopt Resolution 2023-27. A resolution regarding ARPA transfer of account funds to the County General Government Fund, specific line item #107. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2023-27 reads as follows:
Boundary County
Resolution 2023-27
ARPA Transfer of Account Funds
Whereas, Boundary County is a political subdivision of the State of Idaho;
Whereas, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, has the authority to act on behalf of the Boundary County to accept and disburse American Rescue Plan (ARPA) received funds;
Whereas, Boundary County has received ARPA funds to be used in payment, among other things, for COVID-19 related expenses;
Whereas, Boundary County has received $2,378,448.00 from ARPA, plus accrued monthly interest;
Whereas, when the ARPA funds were received funds were placed into Boundary County Trust Account #9135 for the purpose of segregating the funds and allowing for tracking of the funds by resolution for accounting and transparency to the public;
Whereas, the Board of County Commissioners have by motion approved the following expenditures from the ARPA Trust Account for payment of the invoice when presented to the County, by prior resolutions cited below:
Cox Techs – I Pads – Restorium $9,392.82 2023-01 ARPA
BVA Equipment for Ambulance -Commissioners $24,733.80 2023-02 ARPA
BVA – Ambulance Purchase – Commissioners $234,156.98 2023-03 ARPA
RV Carports – carport – Sherriff Dept $5,760.00 2023-12 ARPA
Solid Waste Roll-off containers 2023-05 ARPA
BVA – Assist with Paramedic Program – Commissioners $70,000.00 2023-15 ARPA
Mission Cr Water – Line Locate – Commissioners $16,500.00 2023-06 ARPA
Sheriff Department – Generator 2023-07 ARPA
Sheriff Department - HVAC System Roof 2023-08 ARPA
BVA-Training Kits – Commissioners $22,029.00 2023-04 ARPA
Valence – 9 Radios – Sherriff Dept $25,252.03 2023-16 ARPA
Longwell & Trapp – Bathroom Architect $7,974.00
Longwell & Trapp – Bathroom Architect $8,026.05
Whereas, the total expenditures to date by resolutions is $423,824.68;
Whereas, the County has employed the use of an outside auditor who has recommended that the ARPA funds should be placed in the County General Government Fund as a specific line item #107;
Whereas, it is in the best interest of the County to follow the advice of the auditor and provide for transparency to the Public.
Now Therefore Be It Resolved:
1. That the Boundary County Clerk is directed to transfer all ARPA funds in Boundary County Trust Account #9135 to the County General Government Fund as a specific line item #107.
2. That the Clerk shall provide a summary of the amounts received and paid out of Boundary County Trust Account #9135 on or before March 15, 2023 and that Boundary County Trust Account #9135 shall be closed upon transfer of the funds to the General Government Fund #107.
3. That the Boundary County Clerk is directed to pay any outstanding balance from any invoices previously approved for an ARPA expenditure out of General Government Funds #107.
4. That all future ARPA moneys received, if any, shall be deposited in the County General Government Fund #107.
5. That all future expenditures and resolutions of ARPA funds shall reference the County General Government Funds #107.
Adopted by the Board of Commissioner for Boundary County, Idaho on March 6, 2023.
County of Boundary Board of County Commissioners
Absent________________________________ s/_______________________________________
Tim Bertling, Chairman Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/______________________________________
Ben Robertson, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/____________________________________________
Glenda Poston, Boundary County Clerk
Recorded as instrument #293761
Commissioner Robertson moved to adopt Resolution 2023-28. A resolution regarding the ARPA appropriation to the City of Bonners Ferry for the swimming pool for the 2023 season. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2023-28 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2023-28
Boundary County
ARPA Appropriation to the City of Bonners Ferry
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received ARPA funds to be used in payment, among other things, for Covid related expenses, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received $2,378,448.00 from the American Rescue Plan (ARPA)
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Commissioners deem it in the best interest of the general public of Boundary County to support the operation of the local City of Bonners Ferry Pool for the summer operations of 2023.
WHEREAS, the addition or distribution of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to release the funds to the City of Bonners Ferry in the amount of $80,000.00 based on the requested presented by the City of Bonners Ferry, and
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the amount of $80,000.00 to be disbursed from the ARPA Trust Account #0107 and these funds shall then be remitted to the City of Bonners Ferry, Pool Operations for 2023.
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 6th day of March, 2023
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Absent______________________
Tim Bertling, Chairman
s/___________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/___________________________
Ben Robertson, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/______________________________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #293762
Commissioner Robertson moved to adopt Resolution 2023-29. A resolution increasing the Restorium budget due to receipt of reimbursement revenue. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2023-29 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2023-29
INCREASING THE RESTORIUM BUDGET
DUE TO RECEIPT OF REIMBURSEMENT REVENUE
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for the Boundary County Restorium Budget for fiscal year 2022-2023, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received $3500.00 from Selkirk Pend Oreille Transit, as reimbursement for a duplicated payment, and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Restorium Budget is in need of additional revenue for fiscal year 2022-2023, 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 Justice Fund Revenue Account Number 08-00-0391-0018 and the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget Expense Account Number 08-02-499-0003, Maintenance Contracts, in the amount of $96.80, and
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the increase to the Boundary County Restorium Revenue Account Number 36-00-0391-0021 and the Boundary County Restorium Fund Budget Expense Account Number 36-00-0475-0000, Van Expense, in the amount of $3500.00 is hereby authorized and ordered, and
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 6th day of March, 2023
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Absent______________________
Tim Bertling, Chairman
s/___________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/___________________________
Ben Robertson, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/______________________________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #293763
Commissioner Robertson moved to adopt Resolution 2023-30. A resolution increasing the Justice Fund Sheriff budget due to receipt of unanticipated revenue. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2023-30 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2023-30
INCREASING THE JUSTICE FUND SHERIFF BUDGET
DUE TO RECEIPT OF UNANTICIPATED REVENUE
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget for fiscal year 2022-2023, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received reimbursement in the amount of $13,124.78 from the State of Idaho, Office of Drug Policy for reimbursement for the following needs, and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget is in need of additional revenue for fiscal year 2022-2023, 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 Justice Fund as follows:
Revenue Account Number Expense Account Number In the Amount of
0008-00-0391-0018 0008-02-0407-0000 7579.52 OT Hours
0008-00-0391-0018 0008-02-0410-0000 930.77 Persi
0008-00-0391-0018 0008-02-0411-0000 579.83 Soc Sec
0008-00-0391-0018 0008-02-0416-0000 303.18 Work Comp
0008-00-0391-0018 0008-02-0470-0000 830.28 Mileage
0008-00-0391-0018 0008-02-0899-0000 2668.01 Breath Testing
0008-00-391-0018 0008-02-0440-0000 233.19 Supplies/Equip
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the increase to the Boundary County Justice Fund Revenue Account Numbers and the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget Expense Account Numbers as outlined above is hereby authorized and ordered, and
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 6th day of March, 2023
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Absent____________________
Tim Bertling, Chairman
s/_________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/_________________________
Ben Robertson, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #293764
11:00 a.m., Courthouse Maintenance Squire Fields joined the meeting to give the department report.
Mr. Fields said he is setting up for the election. The upcoming surplus auction is slowly moving forward and he is gathering items. Mr. Fields commented on looking to start the interview process for the Courthouse Maintenance Assistant. The Extension Office move is in progress, according to Mr. Fields.
Mr. Fields provided Commissioners with a quote for movers to move the Extension Office to its new location. One company provided a quote of $1,400.00 and this was to be a high estimate. The cost is $180.00 per hour for three movers, a truck and a trailer. The remodel and installation of internet services are ongoing. Mr. Fields informed Commissioners that only one out of the four moving companies he called provided a quote. This company is located in Sandpoint and it’s the only company that does this type of moving. The movers will dismantle and reassemble desks, move cabinets, etc. Commissioners agree with Mr. Fields working with this moving company.
Mr. Fields spoke of getting a quote to repair the men’s restroom water line. KG & T Septic ran a camera and found the split, but they do not do internal plumbing. Commissioner Robertson said work for this project needs to be lined up together so the person doing the concrete is ready once the pipe is fixed.
11:07 a.m., Bonners Ferry Herald Staff Writer Emily Bonsant joined the meeting.
Mr. Fields informed Commissioners that test results came back from the air testing and we’re below the mold standards across the United States and the only thing that showed up on the results were cleaning supplies. A solvent chemical showed up in the Prosecutor’s Office, but the company said that can be perfume, etc., but it was still a non-toxic level. Across the board there was nothing of any concern.
Mr. Fields asked Commissioners about getting short term help for him when installing the microwave and stove into the new Extension Office location. Commissioners suggested he contact the Parks and Recreation maintenance person.
The meeting with Mr. Fields ended at 11:12 a.m.
11:30 a.m., Economic Development Council (EDC) Director David Sims joined the meeting to update Commissioners on various development projects.
Mr. Sims spoke of attending an advisory board meeting in February where discussion was held about the city’s local option tax. People did attend this meeting, but the businesses that were invited did not attend.
The Porthill Border delegation is still working on extending the US/Canadian border hours at this port.
Alta Forest Products wants to push their Rural Community Investment Fund (RCIF) grant application out to June so they’re looking at the overall plan now.
Mr. Sims discussed a broadband program through the Idaho Department of Commerce. The Idaho Department of Commerce is encouraging people to do their own speed test. The program has a short window of March 15th. The problem with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) map is that it’s not very accurate, according to Mr. Sims. Fiber services should be installed at the NIC building in a week.
Mr. Sims spoke of working with an individual who is buying a downtown business and he also mentioned there are two buildings in town that are slated for a trustee sale.
Mr. Sims mentioned working with a start-up wholesale business. The Idaho Talent Pipeline helps employers grow their own employees. Jobs Plus hired an employee last fall and they’ve started working on this program, which is designed for industry to determine what their needs are.
Michelle Noordam with the United States Department of Agriculture was in Boundary County to discuss grants and we may have two local ag producers apply for a grant.
The City of Bonners Ferry had their public hearing on their Comprehensive Plan and it’s now before the City Council for adoption. Their plan is for more residential areas to allow for multi-family homes.
Mr. Sims mentioned that the owner of the commercial portion of the Pape’ property is interested in selling the property.
Those present discussed new businesses coming to the county in relation to trying to find the workforce for them.
The meeting with Mr. Sims ended at 11:57 a.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:05 p.m.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Acting Chairman Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
1:30 p.m., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris joined the meeting to give the department report. A written report was provided and Mr. Morris and Ms. Nelson reviewed work listed in the report. Mr. Morris said in the next week Road and Bridge will most likely cut truck loads to half loads in the next week.
Ms. Nelson reviewed piggyback bid details for liquid asphalt through Power County and she added that she was informed Road and Bridge would be able to lease a tanker trailer like they did last year. Last year the prices for oils were as follows: CMS-2P at $599.00 per ton and HFE-150 at $584.00 per ton. This year the bid from Ergon is $540.00 per ton for CMS-2P and $550.00 per ton for HFE-150. The delivery fee is still $44.00 per ton.
Ms. Nelson mentioned to Commissioners that County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull has approved the bid documents and those present reviewed the information.
Commissioner Robertson moved to accept the piggyback bid with Ergon Asphalt and Emulsions for year 2023 (based on Power County bid) for CMS-2P and HFE-150 and to sign the Independent Contractor Agreement with Ergon Asphalt and Emulsions for 200 tons of CMS-2P liquid asphalt and 400 tons of HFE-150 liquid asphalt. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
2:00 p.m., Undersheriff Rich Stephens and Personnel Director Pam Barton joined the meeting.
Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris left the meeting at 2:03 p.m.
Undersheriff Stephens clarified positions the Sheriff’s Office is looking to fill. Commissioner Robertson mentioned not wanting to overlook any qualified employees who are already employed by the Sheriff’s Office. Undersheriff Stephens said he understood and agreed as well. The Sheriff’s Office will have to hire for the patrol sergeant soon as well as another position.
Acting Chairman Cossairt mentioned the issue of employees working a holiday and not taking another day off within the 30-day time frame. Commissioner Robertson questioned paying for the holiday worked in addition to overtime pay. Undersheriff Stephens said he feels employees would be fine with that, but it’s something that would be have to be in the budget. Clerk Poston spoke of budget issues, the Justice fund and the levy cap.
Clerk Poston and Undersheriff Stephens briefly discussed matters pertaining to the Stonegarden and ODP grants.
The meeting with Undersheriff Stephens ended at 2:33 p.m.
Ms. Barton left the meeting.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.
___________________________________
WALLY COSSAIRT, Acting Chairman
ATTEST:
______________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk