***Monday, May 11, 2020, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby (via telephone), Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Commissioners gave the opening invocation and said the Pledge of Allegiance.
9:00 a.m., Commissioners held an elected officials/department heads meeting. Participating in the call were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Treasurer Sue Larson, Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley, Assessor Dave Ryals, Veterans Service Officer Ron Self, Boundary County Emergency Manager/Public Information Officer Andrew O’Neel, Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk, Prosecutor Jack Douglas, Airport Manager Dave Parker, and Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee.
Assessor Ryals said he had nothing new, but his offices will be back to normal staffing levels on Monday, May 18th.
Clerk Poston informed everyone on the call that budgets are due on Monday, May 18th.
Sheriff Kramer said his office is more-so back to normal with a full staff and regular shifts. Sheriff Kramer added that this is National Peace Officer Memorial Week and flags should be lowered to half-staff on Friday, May 15th.
Treasurer Larson, Ms. Robertson, Ms. Brown, Mr. Moss, Ms. Magee, Prosecutor Douglas, and Mr. Self all said they had nothing new to report. Mr. Skeen said the Solid Waste Department is staying busy.
Mr. Buckley said he is working on the last of the office desk splatter shield partitions and he asked that if someone needs something of him, to let him know.
Mr. Morris asked if people still need to make an appointment for a Driver’s License and Sheriff Kramer said yes.
Mr. Wenk said he planned on spraying weeds, but the winds are too high. Mr. Wenk asked about the Supreme Court requirement about wearing masks in the Courthouse and Chairman Dinning said yes, everyone needs to wear a mask in the Courthouse.
Those on the call were reminded that Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac is having a retirement gathering on the Courthouse lawn on Friday, May 15, 2020, between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. and cake will be served. People who want to attend will need to keep social distancing in mind and keep at least six feet apart.
Mr. O’Neel said the weather will continue with high winds through today. Northern Lights had reported some outages over the weekend due to winds, which also causes concerns about burn piles spreading. Mr. O’Neel mentioned there had been an accident involving a tractor trailer on Highway 95, which resulted in a small diesel spill so that is currently being monitored.
Mr. O’Neel informed those on the call that there are 2,232 cases of COVID-19 in Idaho and there are still approximately 20 to 30 cases of the virus emerging daily. There has been no spike in cases as of yet. Kootenai County has 63 cases of the virus reported and there have been no changes in Bonner County. Boundary Community Hospital has administered 70 tests with 69 negative results and one case still pending. Chairman Dinning questioned sending out the protocol for reopening the Courthouse on May 18th. Mr. O’Neel said he could send the information out any time Commissioners would like. Chairman Dinning said reopening the Courthouse is subject to the Governor’s order. Chairman Dinning reviewed conditions for entering the Courthouse when it opens to the public and he commented that last week the county hired someone to greet the public out front to monitor and limit how many people come into the Courthouse at one time. Chairman Dinning encouraged county employees to use the back door of the Courthouse so not to cause confusion for the public during limited access.
Mr. Wenk said he has 20 N95 masks if anyone needs them and Commissioners asked Mr. Wenk to hold onto those masks.
Mr. Parker said the airport is a bit busier, but is still 20% of normal.
The elected officials/department heads meeting conference call ended at 9:20 a.m.
Commissioners, Treasurer Larson and Clerk Poston discussed how many people to have at their office counters when the Courthouse reopens.
9:22 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris provided the department report via conference call. A written report was provided. Mr. Morris said Road and Bridge brushed Round Mountain Road, graveled Deer Creek Road and Perkins Lake Road and is working to get the crusher set up. Road and Bridge is also still grading roads and is about to get caught up with sweeping. The Durapatcher was used until it broke down, according to Mr. Morris. More brushing and grading will be done next week. Mr. Morris spoke of needing to pull the sand out from under the guardrail on Paradise Valley Hill. It was said that Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) will hold their training and Ms. Nelson said she would have people spread out. Mr. Morris said Road and Bridge Foreman Brad Barton discussed mixing grout with gravel and doing a test spot near the location of the former barber shop at the fairgrounds. Ms. Nelson, Mr. Morris and Commissioners discussed budgeting for staff and the plan for Road and Bridge to hire someone to fill a vacancy. This is a position that would be nice to have as a full time position as opposed to part time so not to go over the budget for overtime in the winter, according to Mr. Morris.
Ms. Nelson discussed a computer program that would take care of all road reports, maintenance and sign data and fleet data, etc. and Road and Bridge will get to try this program out until September 30, 2020, at a reduced rate of $600.00. Ms. Nelson commented that she had a staff member view a webinar for this program as it’s compatible with the mapping program the county uses. All Road and Bridge Department signs and sections where we have chip sealed or want to chip seal and do bridge work will be reflected in the report and there will be maps. The program is very user friendly and Road and Bridge can try it until September, but will also plan on budgeting for it. The cost of have this program is $8,000.00 per year and there are no additional maintenance fees. Commissioners were in favor of testing out this program. Ms. Nelson said she has $10,000.00 to $15,000.00 in her budget for the computer reporting program.
Ms. Nelson informed Commissioners that she sent County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull the Westside Road-Trout Creek Bridge documents to review, but she has not heard back from him yet.
Commissioner Kirby moved to sign the KN 13419 Westside Road-Trout Creek Bridge Local Professional Services Agreement Number 95564 for Engineer of Record Project Services and to also sign the KN 13419 Westside Road Trout Creek Bridge local Professional Services Agreement for Construction Engineering & Inspection Project Services subject to the county civil attorney’s review and approval. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Nelson said she doesn’t have a date for the preconstruction meeting for the Westside Road-Trout Creek Bridge project as they’re probably waiting for the documents. Ms. Nelson said there is no county out of pocket costs for this project. Ms. Nelson explained that the county will have a $30,000.00 match to pay, but other expenses are covered under the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) program. It was clarified that LHTAC will cover the costs for the project other than the additional match amount of $30,000.00 the county owes since the project came in over the engineer’s budget. The county paid $58,000.00 for the construction match, but the project came in over the engineer’s budget so the county owes an extra $30,000.00 in match funds.
Ms. Nelson asked the status of Attorney Hull’s opinion concerning the county’s Road Standards Ordinance in relation to variances. Chairman Dinning said the Road Standards do state that the applications regarding approaches prior to the Road Standards Ordinance do get a variance. Chairman Dinning added that Commissioners will be talking with Attorney Hull about it.
Chairman Dinning asked about costs associated with reconstructing a road.
Mr. Morris said Woods Crushing and Hauling will come up sometime before the first of June to work or measure the asphalt at the armory. Road and Bridge will remove the existing concrete and prep the site.
The call with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 9:47 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the meeting minutes for the weeks of April 20, 2020 and April 27, 2020. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificate of Residency for Lanilyn Hughes. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners reviewed claims for payment. Fund totals are as follows:
Current Expense $ 205,131.22
Road & Bridge 45,037.35
Airport 4,270.21
District Court 3,993.42
Justice Fund 27,767.94
911 Funds 9,388.66
Health District 13,773.00
Indigent & Charity 11,110.54
Junior College Tuition 18,272.00
Parks and Recreation 1,003.97
Revaluation 52.02
Solid Waste 21,498.20
Tort 3,815.07
Veterans Memorial 101.93
Weeds 314.65
Restorium 19,601.35
Waterways 537.07
Grant, Airport 3,432.34
TOTAL $389,100.94
Trusts
Boundary Co. Drug Court Trust 172.00
Sales Tax Collected 217.07
Driver’s License Trust 5,829.00
Indigent Reimbursement 22,524.55
Motor Vehicle Trust 104,382.71
Sheriff’s Trust Fund 1,777.85
Drug Forfeiture Trust Fund 93.47
Odyssey Court Trust Account 13,180.87
Odyssey Bond Trust Account 477.00
Odyssey Restitution Trust Account 1,308.72
TOTAL $149,963.24
GRAND TOTAL $539,064.18
Citizens are invited to inspect detailed records on file in the Courthouse (individual claims & Commissioners’ allowance & warrant register record 2019-2020).
Clerk Poston informed Commissioners that the courts are experiencing internet problems so an expenditure will be made for a designated server or internet for the court system.
Clerk Poston discussed an insurance matter as it pertains to county coverage for Boundary Community Hospital.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
10:14 a.m., County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull contacted Commissioners via telephone to check on the status of various topics to include a variance in relation to the Road Standards Ordinance. Attorney Hull said he would work on drafting an application for a variance. County Civil Attorney Hull approved the hospital matter regarding coverage. Attorney Hull said as it pertains to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security (CARES) Act funding, that money can only be spent on certain things so Airport Manager Dave Parker needs to be very careful about that. There will probably be more audits in relation to those expenditures of up to $30,000.00.
Attorney Hull and Commissioners discussed the irregularity in bids received for the airport improvement project for the snow removal equipment building. Attorney Hull stated that the engineer is going to get the information to correct the irregularity. Attorney Hull suggested in future bid documents that verbiage be included to state that the supplier and subcontractor information or other requested information must be submitted with the bid and if not, the bid will automatically be rejected.
The call to Attorney Hull ended at 10:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m., Commissioners held a bid opening for chloride dust palliative materials for year 2020. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, and Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendent Renee Nelson. The bid opening was recorded.
One sealed bid was received. The bid was from Oxford Inc. and it included a bid bond for 5% of the total amount bid, which is $57,000.00. Also included is a certificate of liability insurance. Ms. Nelson asked about tonnage. The bid is based on 120 tons and the bid was for $475.00 per ton. Ms. Nelson stated that she thinks the price fits fine as Road and Bridge had budgeted $75,000.00 so the bid amount of $57,000.00 will allow Road and Bridge to use more material. Ms. Nelson recommended accepting the bid from Oxford Inc.
Commissioner Kirby moved to accept the bid from Oxford Inc. totaling $57,000.00 for 120 tons of CaCl Mini-Pellets (94%). Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Independent Contractor Agreement with Oxford Inc. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
The bid opening ended at 10:38 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
11:00 a.m., Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee contacted Commissioners via conference call to provide her department report. Ms. Magee informed Commissioners that the Restorium has 35 residents. The Restorium has started receiving its products through Sysco and URM is now available as well. Chairman Dinning said there have been no issues at the Sheriff’s Office in using Sysco. Commissioner Kirby said it’s worth spending some time comparing prices. Commissioner Cossairt said it’s the matter of being left high and dry by URM as opposed to costs. Chairman Dinning said URM left the Restorium high and dry and the county had to go out and compete with our local citizens in our stores. Sysco started delivering as soon as Restorium got their account set up and the business that recommended Sysco to the county has said they’ve never had a problem with them. Chairman Dinning said he placed two phone calls to URM and asked for management to return his call and that has never happened so he would suggest staying with Sysco. Ms. Magee commented that she had purchased the Restorium’s dishwasher through URM and they will service the dishwasher at no cost if the Restorium purchases the chemical through them, but she doesn’t think they will deliver just the chemical. Ms. Magee added that she could purchase the chemical through Sysco, but it will cost her to have the machine maintained by URM when needed.
Chairman Dinning said when we get to stage 4 of the Idaho Rebound Plan and can open county offices up, is Ms. Magee still thinking of some kind of restrictions for visitors. Ms. Magee said she’s concerned that once the Restorium opens up she will have many wanting to visit. Clerk Poston suggested setting a schedule for visitors to come. Chairman Dinning added that Ms. Magee can set up the restrictions she wants in place. Ms. Magee said she can insert a write up as to what her plans for visitors are in the Restorium’s newsletter. Chairman Dinning said as it pertains to Restorium employees over the July 4th holiday and All Class Reunion event, we need to stress being cautious at events. Ms. Magee said she still wants to take the temperatures of people who come into the Restorium. Ms. Magee expressed her concern regarding her budget due to having vacant rooms.
The call to Ms. Magee ended at 11:15 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
Commissioner Kirby moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the Economic Development Professional (EDPRO) Program match letter. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 11:30 a.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., Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen joined the meeting to discuss budget and staffing matters. Chairman Dinning said with the budgetary needs for the county to take care of the things it needs to take care of, Commissioners have looked into the request to fill a part-time vacancy position for a rural site monitor and are considering holding off on filling that position until the county gets to the point of opening the sites again. Commissioners are also looking at the assistant superintendent position as the operation seems to function well without that position, which would help fund other things such as roll off containers, etc. Mr. Skeen said it’s nice to have someone who is in control over the weekend as the weekends can be a bit bumpy. Commissioners said they need to look forward, especially as we can’t afford to raise fees this year because the economy is not conducive to it. The Solid Waste Department is not the only department Commissioners are looking into, especially since operations at the landfill have functioned pretty well without that supervision. Mr. Skeen said it functions, but not the way he wants it to. Mr. Skeen questioned where the ball drops if he is gone. Chairman Dinning said he doesn’t want to call it an assistant superintendent, but that role could be where an existing employee steps up. Commissioner Kirby said it’s a difficult position, but it’s been operating so someone could step up if available. Commissioner Cossairt commented that someone needs to be somewhat in charge on weekends, but that could be worked out within an existing employee’s position and not have an assistant superintendent four days per week. Commissioner Kirby said it’s worth talking about. Mr. Skeen said he doesn’t want the weekend shift making big decisions. Chairman Dinning informed Mr. Skeen that this is what Commissioners are considering as budgets are tight and the county cannot request a fee increase this year. Gas tax will be way off this year and there will be a significant increase in property taxes depending on the type of property, according to Chairman Dinning.
The call to Mr. Skeen ended at 1:38 p.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
2:00 p.m., Boundary Search and Dive Rescue President Tony Jeppesen contacted Commissioners via telephone to discuss budget matters. Commissioners received the budget request from Boundary Search and Dive Rescue and Chairman Dinning commented that the county had not received a budget request from Search and Rescue for the last few years. Mr. Jeppesen said part of the reason is that Search and Rescue had done a really good job with their fundraisers, but now Search and Rescue’s board is concerned about a down turn in donations due to COVID-19 so they want to be sure they can operate throughout the year. Clerk Poston said she recalled Search and Rescue having once been funded by the Emergency Services budget for things such as radios, etc., so she is concerned about what those funds can be used for. Mr. Jeppesen said office supplies needed would consist of paper and ink for printers, etc. Clerk Poston said she was thinking funding was for equipment such as ropes, radios etc., so she’s not sure if office supplies would qualify as emergent. Mr. Jeppesen said the funds requested would mainly go toward oil changes, fuel and one vehicle needs a set of tires. Mr. Jeppesen added that he probably needs to look through his information further, but Search and Rescue would also like to have a bit of a cushion in case there is a vehicle that breaks down so it can be put back into service. Chairman Dinning said he thought Search and Rescue fell under the Sheriff’s Office and Mr. Jeppesen said they do fall under that office as far as jurisdictional purposes and operational control. Search and Rescue is not technically part of the Sheriff’s Office as they are a 501c3, which enables them to hold fundraisers. Search and Rescue is under the Sheriff’s purview, but generally the finances have always been separate. Chairman Dinning said in speaking with the county’s insurance agent, Darrell Kerby, this was maybe the impetus for Search and Rescue becoming a 501c3, but the county is not allowed to give credit to a non-governmental entity. Mr. Jeppesen said Search and Rescue is actually having this discussion with its board of directors. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners will ask the Clerk to look into what the money can and cannot be used for and probably have a conversation with Sheriff Kramer as to what his thoughts are on what the funds can be used for as he thought Search and Rescue could use the Sheriff’s Office’s gas account at Dyck’s. Mr. Jeppesen informed Commissioners that Search and Rescue has not been on the Sheriff’s account for the last eight years. Mr. Jeppesen said unfortunately the whole Search and Rescue system is convoluted the way it’s set up in the state.
Clerk Poston referred to Idaho Code 49-452 and she commented the county does receive funding through EMS fees and that is where the county would pay for Search and Rescue’s radios. Clerk Poston added that that was the justification behind that purchase as those radios were used for communication if a situation occurs. Mr. Jeppesen said Search and Rescue is scheduled to do an in-house inventory check so he will get a totally accurate count of equipment. Chairman Dinning informed Mr. Jeppesen that now is the time to submit the budget request even though the new budget doesn’t take effect until October 1, 2020.
The call to Mr. Jeppesen ended at 2:15 p.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Boundary County National Peace Officer Memorial Week Proclamation for year 2020. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
3:00 p.m., There being no further business, the meeting was recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
***Tuesday, May 12, 2020, 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 Civil Attorney Hull joined the meeting at 9:00 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt 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 Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 10:00 a.m. No action was taken.
There being no further business, the meeting recessed until Thursday, May 14, 2020
***Thursday, May 14, 2020, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in special session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby (via telephone), Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
9:00 a.m., Commissioners held an elected officials/department heads meeting. Participating in the call were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Treasurer Sue Larson, Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley, Assessor Dave Ryals, Veterans Service Officer Ron Self, Boundary County Emergency Manager/Public Information Officer Andrew O’Neel, Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk, Prosecutor Jack Douglas, Airport Manager Dave Parker, University of Idaho Extension Educator Amy Robertson, Victim’s Services Advocate Becky Lang, Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen, and Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee.
Chairman Dinning stated that according to the Governor’s press release, it appears that Idaho will move to stage 2 on Saturday, May 16th, but a formal announcement will be made today. Commissioners will send out a press release sometime after that. On Monday, May 18th the Courthouse will accept a limited number of the public inside at one time. Court takes place on Monday as well. Stage 2 allows barbers, hair stylists, gyms, etc. to open up. Senior living facilities, jails, bars, nightclubs, and movie theaters will still be closed.
Assessor Ryals, Prosecutor Douglas, Ms. Robertson, Mr. Skeen, Mr. Moss, Ms. Magee, and Ms. Lang all said they had nothing new to report.
Clerk Poston reminded everyone that budgets are due on Monday, May 18th.
Sheriff Kramer said scheduling for the Driver’s License Office seems to be working well.
Treasurer Larson asked for clarification on court related foot traffic being counted toward the limited number of people being let into the Courthouse.
Ms. Brown stated that Maria’s Cleaning Service came to the office the prior evening and did a great job. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners had curtailed cleaning so now the cleaning schedule is back to the normal schedule with the addition of cleaning the restrooms and wiping down the counters on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Commissioners commented that Maria’s have been great.
Mr. Buckley said he’s finishing up the last of the splatter screens for desks and if anyone has other requests, to let him know. Chairman Dinning thanked Mr. Buckley for all he is doing
Mr. Morris said there wasn’t much for Road and Bridge. Mr. Buckley did get the splatter guard screens up at the Road and Bridge Office.
Mr. Wenk said he will start spraying weeds this morning.
Chairman Dinning reminded everyone of the retirement gathering on Friday, May 15th for Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac.
Mr. Self said Veterans Service is good and Mr. Buckley got the splatter shield installed.
Mr. Parker said there was nothing to report for the airport. Chairman Dinning reminded Mr. Parker that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security (CARES) Act funds are really specific as what they can be used for.
Mr. O’Neel said there has been no change in the five northern counties for COVID-19 cases. Statewide there are 2,324 cases, which is an increase of 31 confirmed cases. There is still no discernible upward trend. Stage 2 starts Saturday and it sounds like it will go ahead as planned, according to Mr. O’Neel. There has been a downward trend in emergency room visits from people with COVID-like symptoms and the number of cases are still averaging zero to one per day. This information is what the Governor was taking into consideration. Mr. O’Neel said as far as stage 2 for offices, if you have any questions about how to rearrange partitions in an office, Panhandle Health District has staff designated to help businesses and offices on how to rearrange things. The press release for the Courthouse will go out sometime soon after the Governor’s announcement.
Chairman Dinning informed everyone that the county hired a monitor to be stationed at the front door of the Courthouse starting Monday, May 18th and he’s there to limit the number of people coming into the Courthouse at one time.
Mr. O’Neel spoke of starting to see the opening of restaurants and dining room operations, gyms, recreational facilities, and close contact services like nail salons, etc. Panhandle Health District has provided a lot of 11 x 17 inch posters for businesses to put in their windows explaining that customers shouldn’t come in if they have certain symptoms so Boundary County will get approximately 125 posters.
Chairman Dinning said on Monday, if you have a meeting with Commissioners and want to continue to call in for that meeting, it’s fine, but there will be some instances in which Commissioners may ask to meet in person. Commissioners ask that only up to two people come to meet with them and they will need to wear masks.
Chairman Dinning said offices within the Courthouse are having a lot of non-county internet use occurring, such as streaming, not shutting down the internet, etc. and it’s gotten to the point that it’s eating so much band width that the courts could not function well. Chairman Dinning urged those on the call to please tell their employees to stay off of the internet, especially continuous streaming as it has gotten to the point that it’s crucial.
Mr. Buckley said he has signs that he is going to put up pertaining to limiting public in the Courthouse, etc.
The conference call ended at 9:15 a.m.
Commissioners and Clerk Poston discussed verbiage to have on signs to be placed around the Courthouse, and reviewed the Governor’s press release, etc.
Clerk Poston left the meeting at 9:50 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
10:20 a.m., Treasurer Sue Larson joined the meeting to clarify the process for the upcoming county tax deeded property auction because it will be held by conference call. Treasurer Larson left the meeting.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:35 a.m.
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DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk