***Monday, May 17, 2021, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Chairman Dan Dinning was out of the office.
9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris joined the meeting to give the department report. A written report was submitted.
Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Bertling moved to appoint Commissioner Cossairt acting chairman in the absence of Chairman Dinning. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Morris said Road and Bridge has the crusher in operation, they finished cleaning up ditches on Mountain Meadows Road and they’re trying to figure out which roads to chip seal and where to stockpile the chips. The crusher is making 3/8ths chips and Mr. Morris mentioned planning to chip seal Frontier Village Road, part of McArthur Lake Road, some of Kootenai Trail Road, and more of Cow Creek Road. Woodside Road and Treetop Bluff may also be chip sealed.
Ms. Nelson mentioned wanting to turn in the Road and Bridge Department budget, but she needs to have a resolution pertaining to the Caterpillar buy back first so she will work with the Clerk’s Office on that.
Ms. Nelson said the items listed under “in progress” in the Road and Bridge report are still in progress.
Commissioner Bertling mentioned Paradise Valley Hill and maybe doing some sort of stabilization work as was done on Highland Flats Road. Ms. Nelson mentioned that being a rock buttress.
Ms. Nelson said Road and Bridge did have the final design meeting for a guardrail project to include guardrails for Moyie River Road as well as three locations for both Deep Creek Loop and Highland Flats Road. Ms. Nelson explained that this guardrail project is 100% reimbursable and there is no cost for the guardrails.
Commissioner Cossairt asked about the Riverside Road Improvement Project and Ms. Nelson said that project is still supposed to move forward this fall.
Those present discussed the increased costs of various construction materials.
The meeting with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 9:22 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
9:30 a.m., County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull joined the meeting via telephone.
Attorney Hull mentioned that he feels a few matters need to be addressed as it pertains to the Fixed Base Operator’s Agreement.
As it pertains to the use of E911 fees, Attorney Hull said he’s reviewed the job descriptions and the percentage of time spent on 911 issues needs to be determined by the department heads.
The matter regarding a resident on Lions Den Road in relation to damage to the road is an ongoing matter.
Attorney Hull said he sent Planning and Zoning Administrator Clare Marley an email asking the status of the proposed public hearing to adopt a county zone map so he’s just waiting for a response from her. The land lease with North Bench Fire Department is still ongoing, as well.
Attorney Hull said he’s working with Road and Bridge about changes to the Road Standards Ordinance as far as approaches in regard to lessening the restrictions and giving Road and Bridge standards to consider, etc.
Attorney Hull mentioned that Commissioners had questioned the need to increase liability insurance requirements from $1,000,000.00 to $2,000,000.00 in the county’s independent contractor agreements. The county had typically used $1,000,000.00 per individual and $2,000,000.00 aggregate, according to Attorney Hull. Attorney Hull spoke of impacts to the smaller contracts if the county were to request higher amounts of liability insurance. Attorney Hull suggested Commissioners reach out to the county’s insurance agent.
Attorney Hull informed Commissioners that they took care of the Byler approach last week so Road and Bridge will approve that approach permit.
Attorney Hull mentioned that the City of Moyie Springs had annexed a portion of a geographical area and within that was a county road, Eileen Road. The City of Moyie Springs had approached the county about maintaining this road and this road could be maintained, but any approaches through the city’s portion would be City of Moyie Springs’s responsibility. Attorney Hull said the City of Moyie Springs’s attorney is drafting an agreement about that.
Attorney Hull said he had drafted two other contracts for hangar leases and those are now before Airport Manager Dave Parker to look over. Attorney Hull said he did request a trust certification for one of the leases.
County resident John Becker had submitted a Special Event Permit for a Fourth of July event at the fairgrounds, but according to statute, there is an exception as it pertains to public facilities and in this case he’s renting the fairgrounds so Mr. Becker doesn’t need a special event permit. Mr. Becker, however, is inquiring about the possibility of having the county cover the liability insurance costs and he would like to shut down Riverside Road from 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Those are two issues that need to be discussed with regard to Commissioners, according to Attorney Hull. Attorney Hull said as it pertains to Riverside Road, he doesn’t know what agency controls that and it may be within the city limits. Commissioners will have to reach out to their insurance carrier regarding insurance matters.
Attorney Hull said he did send an email to Planning and Zoning Administrator Clare Marley about the Schneider’s property matter and there was discussion of possibly holding a public hearing for the neighbors about the Schneider development in order to provide a historic perspective and to explain that the county is bound by prior administrative decisions. That will be a recommendation coming to Commissioners fairly soon. Attorney Hull said also as it pertains to Ms. Marley, he’s working on language with regard to motions and advising people with rights to reconsideration, appeal, etc. and also language with regard to people who inquire about having a buildable lot, etc. In using the date of January 27, 1999, if you have a parcel that was developed prior to that date, it will be treated as a parcel of record. If the development was after that, a property owner can make application if the property is buildable, but that also depends on water, setbacks, etc., so Attorney Hull said he’s working on that language.
Commissioner Bertling asked about Mr. Becker’s events. Mr. Becker has already rented the fairgrounds for a motorcycle event, but he also wants to provide fireworks. If Mr. Becker doesn’t have to go through the special event permit process, then he needs to be advised about the exemption, however the county might or might not cover that event under insurance, but Commissioners first need to talk to their insurance agent. If Mr. Becker is requesting a road closure and that portion of Riverside Road is within city limits, he will need to approach the City of Bonners Ferry about that issue.
10:03 a.m., Boundary Ambulance Service Chief Jeff Lindsey joined the meeting.
The call to Attorney Hull ended at 10:04 a.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and to convene as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the minutes of April 19, 2021, of the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve placing a link on the county’s website for the Boundary Ambulance Service District. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners asked Chief Lindsey how much Boundary Ambulance saved in using an older chassis and Chief Lindsey said he saved approximately $55,000.00.
Chief Lindsey informed Commissioners that he is working on the language and information for a proposed override levy and he should have it ready by June.
The meeting with Chief Lindsey ended at 10:15 a.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board and to reconvene as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Public Defense Commission Financial Assistance Application. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Judah White, Aliah Bard, Roger Naylor, and Lexus Thomas. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to adopt Resolution 2021-13A. A resolution amending Resolution 2021-13 to correct the amount establishing broadband grant revenue account and expense budget due to receipt of unanticipated revenue from the Idaho Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES ACT). Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2021-13A reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2021-13A
AMENDING RESOLUTION 2021-13 TO CORRECT AMOUNT ESTABLISHING BROADBAND GRANT REVENUE ACCOUNT AND EXPENSE BUDGET DUE TO RECEIPT OF UNANTICIPATED REVENUE FROM THE IDAHO CORONAVIRUS AID RELIEF AND ECONOMIC SECURITY (CARES) ACT
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for fiscal year 2020-2021, and
WHEREAS, $1,059,055.72 in unanticipated grant funds has been received from the Idaho Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act for purposes of improvement and expansion of internet services in Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Commissioners deem it in the best interest of the general public of Boundary County to establish the Broadband Grant Fund for that purpose, and
WHEREAS, the addition of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to establish the Broadband Grant Revenue Budget Account Number 0099-00-0085-0000 in the amount of $1,059,055.72 from revenue received in fiscal year 2020-2021, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to establish the Broadband Grant Expense Budget Account Number 0099-00-0709-0000 in the amount of $1,059,055.72 in order to pay Broadband Grant expenses.
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED that the establishment of the Broadband Grant Budget and the Broadband Grant Revenue Budget Account Number 0099-00-0085-0000 and the Broadband Grant Expense Budget Account Number 0099-00-0709-0000 in the amount of $1,059,055.72 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.
PASSED this 17th day of May 2021.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Absent______________________
DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
s/__________________________
WALLY COSSAIRT, Commissioner
s/__________________________
TIM BERTLING, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/___________________________________
GLENDA POSTON
Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #286905
Commissioner Bertling moved to ratify the approval to purchase a roll off truck for the Solid Waste Department as it’s a time sensitive matter. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to accept the quote of $9,500.00 from Enz Electric to improve power to the Courthouse. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
11:00 a.m., Boundary County Parks and Recreation Board Chairman Rob Tompkins and 9B Trails Secretary Olivia Drake joined the meeting to inform Commissioners of a grant received for the Riverside Park project. 9B Trails President/Treasurer Tess Rae joined the meeting via telephone.
It was stated that 9B Trails received notice that they were awarded a grant totaling $74,000.00 for the Riverside Park trail project. Ms. Rae listed what is to be included, such as signage, kiosks, trail markers, steel in-ground benches, etc. Ms. Rae mentioned working with the Museum and Kootenai Tribe on this project. All the wish list items were approved in the grant, according to Ms. Rae. Mr. Tompkins commented that the City of Bonners Ferry is starting to work with the railroad on connecting the trail to the north side and maybe pressure can be applied now that the grant is approved. Mr. Tompkins said people are already using this area so this should make it official. Ms. Rae spoke of past conversations with the City of Bonners Ferry about this project. Ms. Drake said at some point an estimate was obtained from the railroad for permitting, but the cost for that alone was fairly high and it’s also not a guarantee of being granted a permit. It was said there is no problem with doing the work on the dike that 9B Trails planned on doing and there is no permit required for that work. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation had concerns about the area around the man-made pond, but now it’s thought that there are no issues. The only issue is the road in that area might be addressed as it needs some work and if a non-motorized boat ramp is put into place and the Waterways Board wants to do that, but the road needs work. Ms. Rae mentioned looking for a parking area. It was said that the hope is to clean up the dike area as people are already using it. Ms. Rae mentioned checking with Brian Woods on his availability.
Ms. Drake said she realized the Voluntary Maintenance Agreement needs to be renewed. This agreement allows 9B Trails to provide maintenance long term without the county being liable. Acting Chairman Cossairt asked how many volunteers show up to help and Ms. Drake said they’ve had 12 volunteers show up.
Ms. Rae informed Commissioners that 9B Trails has submitted another grant to complete the Section 16 trails so if they’re awarded the grant, they can possibly get six more miles established.
11:15 a.m., Planning and Zoning Administrator Clare Marley joined the meeting.
The meeting with Ms. Rae, Ms. Drake and Mr. Tompkins ended at 11:15 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
11:30 a.m., Commissioners held a public hearing for Planning and Zoning Application #21-053, a long plat subdivision filed by Harley and Margaret Mastre. Present were: Acting Chairman Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, and Planning and Zoning Administrator Clare Marley. The applicant was not present. The hearing was recorded.
Acting Chairman Cossairt reviewed the public hearing procedures. Commissioners cited no conflict of interest. Acting Chairman Cossairt opened the hearing.
Ms. Marley said the applicant is not present so she provided her staff report.
The application is for preliminary plat approval for a two-lot replat of commercial/industrial property on Plato Drive and Tobe Way. The subdivision would create two 0.70-acre lots from an existing lot of 1.40 acres. Ms. Marley said this is a two-lot long plat, but county code requires that anything commercial or industrial needs to go through this process. Road and Bridge did have approach questions and the Assessor’s Office asked about the area being sufficient to accommodate the use and those questions were answered. Ms. Marley said development will need to meet setbacks when they’re at that point. The County Addressing Coordinator had no comments. Ms. Marley said there are five conditions of approval: a final plat shall be recorded within two years of the issuance date of this long plat or the preliminary plat approval shall expire; if the two year deadline cannot be met, a one year extension may be requested; the property owner may need to obtain a completion bond; the law requires the need to establish electrical and water services to both lots; and the fee schedule allows the county to recover costs for mailing and advertising.
Ms. Marley said there was no public testimony given at the Planning and Zoning Commission hearing for this application. Commissioners had no questions.
Commissioners commented that as far as public testimony, no one from the public was present to comment in favor, uncommitted or opposed to the application.
Commissioners closed the hearing to public testimony.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the preliminary plat of Lot 1A, the replat of Lot 1, Block 3, Northland Woods 1st Addition, as written. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
The hearing ended at 11:39 a.m.
Ms. Marley informed Commissioners that Planning and Zoning has received 150 permits as of today and the fiscal year is only halfway through. Last year Planning and Zoning received a total of 200 permits.
Ms. Marley left the meeting.
Commissioners recessed for lunch.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Acting Chairman Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
1:30 p.m., County residents Matt Haerr, Trish Haerr, Wayne Dyck, Linda Collier, and Scott Cameron joined the meeting to voice concerns they’d heard about the proposed use of county property west of the landfill. Resident Connie Morrissey participated via telephone.
Mr. Haerr commented that those present wanted to bring up the issue of the possibility of a sandpit on county property west of the landfill and he added that this was something he had contacted Chairman Dinning about. A petition was presented to Commissioners requesting that there not be a sandpit developed on that property as it impacts them all directly as immediate neighbors. There are over 50 signatures on the petition and more signatures could’ve been obtained. Mr. Haerr said they’re contending that the sandpit doesn’t belong in a rural or residential area. Zoning regulations prohibit this type of use and it will significantly impact their way of life. A sandpit operation will disturb the entire environment and drive away the wildlife. This is basically mining and that specifically makes it a quarry or mining operation. This use will affect the resident’s way of life and their property values. It’s an inappropriate use of land according to the ordinance. The plan for this use is old and had been drawn up when very few people lived there and it’s no longer feasible to have a sandpit in this area. Mr. Haerr said at this point, they’re just presenting a petition to Commissioners.
If the county were to add to the truck and tractor traffic, it would dramatically increase the effects. The sandpit doesn’t fit with the Comprehensive Plan’s vision statement or the county’s zoning ordinance. Mr. Haerr referred to chapters of the zoning ordinance he had highlighted. Mr. Haerr said the Comprehensive Plan talks about peaceful lifestyle, etc., and in addition when you look at zoning, we are residential and are backed up to that field. So in being bordered by the residential zone, it doesn’t allow for commercial activity. Anything outside of that use would have to be done under a conditional use permit. There had been a conditional use permit filed in year 2016, but no action was taken and the permit expired. If there is a conditional use permit required, that’s asking for an exception to the rule. It seems wrong for this area, although it might’ve been appropriate many years ago.
Mr. Haerr referred to Zoning Ordinance Chapter 13.5.5 pertaining to residential zoning and Chapter 13.5.7. referring to rural residential and he commented that these heavy industrial and land intensive uses are actually prohibited. In Section 14.2., there is an acknowledgement that states disruptive land uses detracts from use by the general public. It’s saying that we recognize there are some things that are inappropriate and therefore should not be done. Section 15.6, doesn’t permit any mining, quarrying or land intensive use in this zone, according to Mr. Haerr. All of these things go against this sandpit being in this neighborhood. It would severely impact the neighborhood with noise, dust, etc., and even if these activities are allowed, they would have to be mitigated. Mr. Haerr said to please seek another source for sand.
Mr. Cameron asked Commissioners to look at this matter from a different view. Mr. Cameron said he and his wife chose to be here and they would like the area to stay the same. This isn’t about anything other than quality of life. Mr. Cameron said he’s been astounded at how great people are here and that is irreplaceable. He would hate to see this area become more industrial. Mr. Cameron commented that they were aware of the landfill when they moved there and they are aware of dust, etc., but if a mining operation and pit were added, that would push into the far end of that.
Ms. Collier said she had just moved here in January from a town where they were going to do a mining operation as well. There are other health impacts connected with sandpits. Ms. Collier commented that she knows the landfill is there and it really has no impact as far as what’s going in and out of there. People at the landfill are friendly and conscientious.
Mr. Dyck informed Commissioners that he had moved to the states from British Columbia 17 years ago and he recently purchased 15 acres adjacent to the 30 acre piece owned by the county. Mr. Dyck said when he built the house on his property and dug into the sand, the amount of dust and sand was incredible and still is even now, and he added that he would love to plant grass as soon as he can. Mr. Dyck mentioned that he has a special needs daughter and he explained how dust, health issues and large operational noises is difficult for her.
Ms. Haerr said her father was a fighter pilot who fought for a way of life. It’s for the people, by the people; it’s not dominance of the government when it’s not good for the people. Ms. Haerr said she believes that this is a beautiful area and people are very kind here. The hope is for all who fought so they could be free, to have this way of life, and to consider it’s for the people.
Mr. Haerr said he has a concern about the pit himself. If there is a sandpit in that location, eventually there is a big hole in the ground so what do you do with that hole and what do you fill it with? If it’s garbage, then there’s going to be another landfill. Mr. Haerr explained that crows pick up garbage from the existing landfill and drop it on their property. There is not enough quantity to fill that hole up. Ms. Haerr said people use the property as a shooting area. Commissioner Bertling said that property was fine on a dirt bike when he was a kid.
Ms. Collier said the health issues were just crazy as a result of the sand from doing something like this. Ms. Haerr voiced an issue with diesel driven equipment and the smell this equipment puts off. Mr. Haerr referred to statements in the Comprehensive Plan and said that he hopes Commissioners are sympathetic or empathetic to them and he added that the people are all taxpayers and voters and they should all be counted and not run over in the process.
Ms. Haerr said when getting signatures on this petition, many people hadn’t been aware of this proposed use of the property. For those who did know, there had been a permit drawn and the permit had expired so it was thought the matter was a dead deal.
Acting Chairman Cossairt said the county had purchased this land for that purpose so that is the intended use. Commissioner Bertling added that there would have to be a public hearing if Commissioners were to look at this use again. Mr. Haerr said he wants to stop the process before it gets to the point of holding a public hearing. Commissioner Bertling said Road and Bridge has been getting sand from the state at this point.
Mr. Haerr said he wanted a public statement that Commissioners won’t use this land for a sandpit source. Ms. Haerr mentioned that realtors are not telling buyers about this county property and she added that it’s not a matter of not being told; it’s a matter of lying. Commissioner Bertling stated that if people are looking for Commissioners to sign something today, he’s not going to do that. Ms. Haerr spoke of there being a matter of public record.
Mr. Dyck said he understands that there is a process, but they will also keep pursuing it. Mr. Haerr said it’s better for both sides to do offense.
Commissioner Bertling asked if those present had thought of the flip side of this matter and he added that if you cannot use the property for its intended purpose, with what you see going on in the bench area, which is a housing development, you might have a housing development on that land. Mr. Dyck said he would much rather have a housing development than a pit. Ms. Collier said a housing development is completely different. Acting Chairman Cossairt said the county has no plans to create a pit on that land. Clerk Poston spoke of the county having purchased this property for that purpose.
Commissioners said it sounds like Mr. Haerr doesn’t want this property to be rezoned to allow for this development or to hand the property off to some other state agency to do that. Ms. Haerr said the taxes people pay on these homes is really an influx to the county’s ability to do what it’s doing and if you do anything to deplete that value, it’s shooting yourself in the foot. Commissioner Bertling said you’re looking at resources the county has and when you’re looking at county resources, you have to weigh those out. Commissioner Bertling said no one is going to get a rock solid answer as Commissioners are just hearing this today. Mr. Haerr said the county does have many resources. Commissioner Bertling said the county does not have many resources and commented that there is a limited amount of land in this county.
Clerk Poston asked how this concern came about and Mr. Haerr replied that they had heard about it from one of their neighbors who had attended the prior public hearing.
Mr. Wayne said it would be better even if this land was used as just a buffer.
Commissioner Bertling voiced his preference for houses to be built closer to city limits. Mr. Cameron spoke of having attended public hearings and Ms. Collier said realtors need to know what is going on around the area.
The meeting with Mr. Haerr, Ms. Haerr, Mr. Dyck, Ms. Collier, Mr. Cameron and Ms. Morrissey ended at 2:26 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
***Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Acting Chairman Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
9:00 a.m., Commissioners held an elected officials/department heads meeting. Present were: Acting Chairman Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Assessor Olivia Drake, Prosecutor Andrakay Pluid, Undersheriff Rich Stephens, Treasurer Sue Larson, University of Idaho Extension Educator Amy Robertson, Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown, Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen, Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley, Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee, Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendent Randy Morris, Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk, Personnel Director Pam Barton, and Emergency Manager Andrew O’Neel.
Acting Chairman Cossairt informed those on the call that budgets are due. Clerk Poston clarified that budgets were due yesterday and departments also need to look at their contracts as far as reaching out to those they have agreements with regarding any negotiations.
Ms. Barton said the renewal date for Life Flight memberships is May 25th.
Ms. Drake explained that she was filling in for Assessor Ryals. The Assessor’s Office is getting ready to mail valuation notices out this next month. There are a lot of legislative changes coming up, such as the homeowner’s exemption amount is increasing, there are also changes to the circuit breaker and new construction roll, and the personal property tax exemption is increasing.
Clerk Poston said Cabinet Mountain Water District has an election today and it’s only for the people who reside within that district.
Prosecutor’s Office Manager Tammie Goggia said everything is busy and the Prosecutor’s Office is doing great.
Undersheriff Stephens said the Sheriff’s Office is always busy. They got through the mud bog where there were approximately 9,000 attendees. There were no real big problems as a result of the mud bog and the Idaho State Police presence helped.
Treasurer Larson said she didn’t have much to report.
Ms. Robertson said the Extension Office is keeping busy and getting day camps set up and sending flyers out through the schools.
Ms. Brown said the Probation Office is busy.
Mr. Skeen said he’s been staying busy and he will soon go out for quotes to grind up the wood pile at the landfill.
Mr. Buckley said he’s been incredibly busy.
Ms. Magee said she’s been very busy and she commented that she has quite a few positions open at the Restorium.
Mr. Morris said Road and Bridge has also been busy and working on a lot of permits and approaches. Road and Bridge is getting the road grading done for spring and if it rains, they will grade the rough spots again. Calcium chloride work will start soon and hopefully Road and Bridge will get new guardrails installed at some of the dangerous curves in the county before winter.
Undersheriff Stephens thanked Road and Bridge for allowing use of the county’s gravel pit in Moyie Springs for their dirt bike course.
Mr. Wenk said he would be busier treating weeds if the weather cooperated, but he might start root spraying in the south end of the county next week.
Ms. Barton reiterated that the Life Flight membership renewals are due by May 25th.
Mr. O’Neel said there are only three active cases of COVID-19 in the county currently, whereas there hadn’t been any cases for a couple weeks, with the exception of yesterday. Approximately 40% of adults over the age of 18 in Idaho have been vaccinated. The transmission risk is still minimal as rated by Panhandle Health District. Last week on May 11th Governor Brad Little moved Idaho into stage 4 of the reopening plan. This stage’s only requirement is that people going into long care facilities wear masks; anything else is just a recommendation. Social distancing is still recommended.
Mr. O’Neel gave a reminder that wildfire season is here and there have been many fires already. Firefighters have been busy and most fires have been caused by humans. Please be careful….especially with windy conditions.
The elected officials/department heads meeting ended at 9:13 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties until their next meeting at 9:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m., Commissioners discussed Stage 4 of the Idaho Rebounds/Reopening. Acting Chairman Cossairt said in Stage 4, anyone participating in court business must wear a mask and social distance. Clerk Poston explained that the State of Idaho’s Stage 4 is separate from the Supreme Court Order, but Boundary County’s Courthouse houses other offices in the building. It was said that Judge Julian is not opposed to lightening the restrictions in the Courthouse. As far as the courts are concerned, those are still under the Idaho Supreme Court regulations and the thought is that anyone on the third floor must still wear a mask, as well as those who go into the Clerk’s Office and Prosecutor’s Office to do court business. Clerk Poston commented that she’s not sure how that affects the Victim’s Services Office. Clerk Poston said we could always relocate the signs about wearing masks to the top of stairs where court is held, as well any location that is associated with court business due to the mask requirement. Clerk Poston said she does feel better about lifting the restrictions since they’re keeping the screens in place. It’s more of a Commissioners’ direction as to if we can do this. There is usually only 20 hours of court in a week, according to Clerk Poston. Commissioner Bertling said with the way the Idaho Supreme Court Order is written, he doesn’t see why the mandate for masks in the Courthouse couldn’t be lifted.
Commissioners will continue this discussion on the agenda for this next week as an action item.
10:00 a.m., County Veteran Service Officer Ron Self contacted Commissioners to give them an update on Veteran Service matters. Mr. Self said everything is going well and he will be busy tomorrow. Clerk Poston asked Mr. Self about budget matters. Mr. Self informed Clerk Poston that he’s noticed the exterior door to the annex has been left unlocked. Commissioners will send an email giving a reminder to lock the meeting room door and exterior door after having used the facility.
The call to Mr. Self ended at 10:02 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley joined the meeting to discuss matters pertaining to boiler systems and sidewalk improvements. Mr. Buckley spoke of his plans to do maintenance on the Courthouse boiler once the weather warms and he can shut the boiler down. Mr. Buckley commented as to where he thinks the leak is.
Mr. Buckley said one contractor has looked at the sidewalk so he will send him the scope of work. The project should also include glycol tubes, etc. Mr. Buckley said his experience with heating involves approaches and buildings, but not glycol in sidewalks. The portion of the walkway that leads to the Sheriff’s Office will also be heated. We’re looking at approximately 2,200 square feet of sidewalk, according to Mr. Buckley. It was said there will need to be three quotes for this work to qualify for funds.
10:30 a.m., University of Idaho Extension Program Educators Kate Painter and Amy Robertson joined the meeting to update Commissioners on various programs.
Mr. Buckley left the meeting.
Ms. Painter handed out a list of classes she is associated with, provided a background on the courses and explained which courses are held via Zoom. Ms. Painter spoke of the Community Garden Program and she commented that there are till plots available to rent. This program is not used as much as hoped, according to Ms. Painter. Ms. Painter listed the fees for various size plots and she commented about irrigation being an issue.
Ms. Robertson informed Commissioners of various classes she has taught and is currently teaching, as well as presentations being held at the local schools for kids. Ms. Robertson presented flyers for various youth 4H camps to include Camp Clover 2021, Babysitting 101, Cooking Camp, Youth Farm Tour, and A Day in Nature Camp. The Extension Office still has an AmeriCorps helper for classes. Ms. Robertson spoke of animal weigh-ins and she commented that there are 245 kids enrolled in traditional 4H.
Ms. Robertson informed Commissioners that two grant applications have been submitted for 4H Friday Friends. Recently $3,000.00 worth of equipment for shooting sports was donated by Kootenai Valley Sportsman’s Association. The Selkirk Association of Realtors donated $320.00 and the National Rifle Association provided $4,200.00 worth of equipment.
The meeting with Ms. Robertson and Ms. Painter ended at 11:01 a.m.
11:04 a.m., Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley returned to the meeting to mention that he forgot to talk about lighting for the sidewalks. Mr. Buckley mentioned needing to replace a few lights attached to the Courthouse for better nighttime visibility. Clerk Poston explained how dark it is in the winter time walking down the sidewalks in front of the Courthouse. It was said that it would be nice to keep the same style of lighting as the city already has. Mr. Buckley said the time to install lighting is when demolishing the sidewalks.
Mr. Buckley left the meeting at 11:07 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
11:30 a.m., Cassie Olson and Tom Daniel from the Boundary Soil Conservation District joined the meeting. Mr. Daniel explained that this is just the normal meeting to request funding. Ms. Olson mentioned the requested amount is still $9,000.00. The county’s funding will be matched by the state the full two to one, which hasn’t happened before. Ms. Olson explained how COVID-19 affected the Soil District’s programs last year. Those present discussed the tree seedling program and over 25,000 trees were sold between this year and last year and over 30,000 trees are projected to sell this next year. Ms. Olson listed the various nurseries where the seedlings are grown. Ms. Olson spoke of working with forestry consultants and participating in the Arbor Day event with the Forest Service, Idaho Department of Lands and University of Idaho for public outreach and get information out. As far as projects, the Soil Conservation District doesn’t have anything going right now and the Fry Creek project is still on the back burner, according to Mr. Daniel.
Ms. Olson informed Commissioners that this will be her last meeting so she will train someone new who might have new and fresh ideas.
Commissioner Bertling moved to authorize the Acting Chairman to sign the form to the Soil Conservation District regarding the intent to provide funding in the amount of $9,000.00 for the 2022 State fiscal year. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Acting Chairman Cossairt passed on a message to Mr. Daniel and Ms. Olson that a county resident has inquired about the status of a fish latter in the vicinity of Cow Creek Road. Mr. Daniel replied that would be a Fish and Game project, but the Soil District wouldn’t mind working with Fish and Game on that.
Those present discussed general matters pertaining to the legislature.
The meeting with Ms. Olson and Mr. Daniel ended at 11:51 a.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:10 p.m.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
1:30 p.m., Boundary Economic Development Director Dennis Weed joined the meeting. Mr. Weed presented Commissioners with the annual grant match letter for the Economic Development Council program. Mr. Weed said the grant amount is the same as it has been for the last four years. The City of Bonners Ferry’s contribution is also $8,000.00. Other contributions consist of $3,000.00, $2,500.00, and $500.00 and Mr. Weed listed who the contributors are. Mr. Weed explained that funding consists of $2.00 state funding for every $1.00 of other funding raised.
Mr. Weed informed Commissioners that the job description for the Economic Development Council Director position was posted last Friday by the Department of Labor.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Rural Economic Development Professional Grant Match Letter for the Economic Development Council Program for a funding amount of $8,000.00 for fiscal year July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with Mr. Weed ended at 1:33 p.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
2:00 p.m., Deputy Clerk Pam Barton joined the meeting.
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 Bertling second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Bertling “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 2:23 p.m. No action was required.
Deputy Clerk Barton left the meeting at 2:23 p.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
2:34 p.m., Deputy Clerk Pam Barton returned to the meeting to discuss personnel matters.
Deputy Clerk Barton left the meeting at 2:53 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m.
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WALLY COSSAIRT, Acting Chairman
ATTEST:
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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk