***Monday, May 27, 2024, Commissioners did not meet due to the Memorial Day Holiday.
***Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.
9:00 a.m., Sheriff Dave Kramer and City of Bonners Ferry Chief of Police Willie Cowell joined the meeting.
Sheriff Dave Kramer joined the meeting at Commissioners’ request to discuss the agreements the Sheriff’s Office has with the City of Bonners Ferry and Kootenai Tribe. Sheriff Kramer spoke briefly of the upcoming budget and he explained that in the past, the City would provide funding for one dispatcher position and that did occur, but it didn’t work out due of the pay differential between the city and county officers. Over the years, when the city had financial shortfalls, the contract funding increase was less. In year 2023, the City of Bonners Ferry paid the contract rate of approximately $36,000.00, but the cost for one dispatcher was a little over $77,000.00. It was said that we should probably look at a cost adjustment in order to be more in line. Sheriff Kramer mentioned that the City’s use of dispatch is approximately 70% and he added that he feels the decision on compensation from the city should be up to Commissioners and Bonners Ferry City Council. The City of Bonners Ferry receives 90% of all fines for tickets they write and the county does not, so a portion of those fines could go toward dispatch services. The City currently pays $38,190.00 for the Dispatch Agreement, which is a little less than half of the cost of a dispatcher. Clerk Poston said verbiage in the contract originally was to cover cost of one dispatcher and that is currently $77,000.00 with benefits and everything else.
Sheriff Kramer mentioned the Prosecutor’s need to look into medical clearance costs, because the arresting agency is responsible for medical costs. An inmate is supposed to be cleared before going to jail. It was said that cost would fall to the county, but that is a different opinion from former County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull.
Sheriff Kramer said he suggests leaving the terms of the Adult Detention Agreement with the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho the same.
Commissioner Robertson asked Chief Cowell if there have been discussions with City Council about this agreement and Chief Cowell said not since he’s been promoted. Commissioner Cossairt said the proposed increase is a big ask for one year and he thinks there needs to be step increases. Clerk Poston said there have been years when the city has been stagnant with no increases to catch up. It was when Ron Smith was a commissioner that she thought discussions took place about covering the cost of one dispatcher. Chairman Bertling spoke of implementing a 5% increase to reach the cost level of one dispatcher.
Commissioner Robertson moved to sign the Contract for Law Enforcement Services and Adult Detention Agreement with the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and the City/County Dispatch Agreement. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Robertson moved to sign the Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) 2021 Subrecipient Agreement/State Homeland Security Grant Program/Operation Stonegarden for the Sheriff’s Office. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
9:16 a.m., Sheriff Kramer and Police Chief Cowell left the meeting.
Property owner John Martling stopped by Commissioners’ Office to update them on an issue involving the number of allowed mobile homes on his property. Mr. Martling has a large piece of property with multiple mobile homes, which are used as rentals. Mr. Martling spoke of being given incorrect information from a prior Planning and Zoning Administrator in the past and how he’s having to address this with the current Planning and Zoning Office. Chairman Bertling said he would look into it.
The meeting with Mr. Martling ended at 9:45 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign Certificate of Residency for Mollie Rennie. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2024-29. A resolution regarding ARPA appropriation to Boundary County for water drilling/well for Parks and Recreation and Fairgrounds. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2024-29 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2024-29
Boundary County
ARPA Appropriation to Boundary County
Water Drilling/Well for Parks/Rec and Fairgrounds
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 Act (ARPA)
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Commissioners deem it in the best interest of the general public of Boundary County to improve the availability of water at the Parks/Fairgrounds within Boundary County.
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 for the purchase of 3 drinking fountains from Global Industries in the amount of $29,800.00
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the amount of $29,800.00 is to be disbursed from the ARPA General Account #0107, these funds shall then be remitted to Universal Well Drilling in the amount of $29,800.00 claim #2024-2747
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 28th day of May, 2024
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/__________________________
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 #297190
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2024-30. A resolution regarding ARPA appropriation to Boundary County for flooring improvements at the Boundary County Community Restorium. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2024-30 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2024-30
Boundary County
ARPA Appropriation to Boundary County
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 Act (ARPA)
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Commissioners deem it in the best interest of the general public of Boundary County to aid with the needs and improvements to the Boundary County Community Restorium, an elder care facility for a total amount of $19,168.09 (Carpet/Flooring Replacement)
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 for the project completed by the following in the amount of $6,173.00 for the improvements to the Restorium
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the amount of $19,168.09 is to be disbursed from the ARPA General Account #0107, these funds shall then be remitted to Carpet One in the amount of $19,168.09 claim #2024-1883, 2578, 1504 and 3058
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 28th day of May, 2024
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/__________________________
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 #297191
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2024-31. A resolution regarding ARPA appropriation to Boundary County for the remodel of the Extension Office for the Assessor’s Office. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2024-31 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2024-31
Boundary County
ARPA Appropriation to Boundary County
Remodel of Extension Office for Assessor Office
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 Act (ARPA)
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Commissioners deem it in the best interest of the general public of Boundary County to improve and remodel the former Extension Office into the Assessor’s Office for Boundary County, and
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 for the project completed by Gardner Custom Homes, in the amount of $72,014.37, and
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the amount of $72,014.37 is to be disbursed from the ARPA General Account #0107, these funds shall then be remitted to Gardner Custom Homes in the amount of $72,014.37 claim #2024-2086, 2241, and 3055. Boundary County believes this to be all of the costs associated with this remodel, 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 28th day of May, 2024
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/__________________________
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 #297192
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2024-32. A resolution regarding ARPA appropriation to Boundary County for revised final architectural work for Parks and Recreation. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2024-32 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2024-32
Boundary County
ARPA Appropriation to Boundary County
Revised Final Architectural Work for Park & Rec
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 Act (ARPA)
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Commissioners deem it in the best interest of the general public of Boundary County to improve the final phase of design for the tennis courts at the Parks within Boundary County.
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 for the revised final design work to Longwell Trapp for the tennis court design in the amount of $1,131.00
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the amount of $1,131.00 is to be disbursed from the ARPA General Account #0107, these funds shall then be remitted to Longwell Trapp in the amount of $1,131.00 claim #2024-1755
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 28th day of May, 2024
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/___________________________
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 #297193
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the 2024 No Spray Weed Control Agreements. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Memorandum of Agreement to Support the Community Based Alternative Services (CBAS) Program and The Substance Use Disorder Services (SUDS) Program. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:20 a.m., Commissioners canvased the ballots cast from the Primary Election held on May 21, 2024. Clerk Poston said there had been no issues with anything.
Commissioner Cossairt moved that, we the Commissioners of the county and state aforesaid, acting as a Board of Canvassers of Election, do hereby state that the attached is a true and complete abstract of all votes cast within this county for the candidates and/or questions as they appeared at the election held on May 21, 2024 as shown by the records now on file in the County Clerk’s Office. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
Commissioners recessed for lunch.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners met in regular session at the County Annex with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
1:30 p.m., Road and Bridge Department Superintendent Brad Barton and Assistant Adam Ryals joined the meeting to give the department report.
Mr. Barton reviewed work as listed in the written department report.
Commissioner Robertson moved to sign the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) Leading Idaho Bridge Program Work Order for Key No. 30295 for the Yukon Road – Kellogg Bridge repairs. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Road and Bridge will handle any further related paperwork for the Kellogg Bridge repairs.
Those present discussed an invoice received from Wink Inc. that they will forward to Tony Zimmerman for rock that was needed on Westside Road due to Mr. Zimmerman’s logging project. Mr. Barton said that Mr. Zimmerman had agreed to pay the invoice.
Those present discussed looking into the amount of storage fees that have accumulated as a result of a bidder not picking up the Link Belt equipment at a county public auction. Mr. Ryals said he will look into that. Chairman Bertling said we need to get that equipment out of storage. Commissioners asked the status of the truck that was damaged while in route to be delivered to Road and Bridge. Chairman Bertling said the invoice needs to be sent to the carrier company. Commissioner Robertson added that if the truck is totaled, it belongs to the insurance company. Mr. Ryals said he did reach out about this, but didn’t hear back, so he will reach out again.
The meeting with Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals ended at 1:55 p.m.
2:00 p.m., Solid Waste Department Superintendent Richard Jenkins, Panhandle Health District Director Erik Ketner, Maul Foster Alongi Engineer Ellery Howard, and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) representatives Dan McCracken, Dean Kenney and Ben Jarvis joined the meeting.
Mr. McCracken said since the last meeting in February, they had talked about ground water monitoring and putting in wells. There has been a positive update with a proposed task order and information that DEQ can access ARPA funds. The less positive news, is that there are a handful of violations with the biggest one that leads to a compliance agreement, which is waste volume. Clearly there is over 20 tons of garbage per day that qualifies for a small community exemption. So, really DEQ needs to move forward with an enforcement action and then put together a task order. DEQ will sit down to formalize a path forward and put that into an agreement. The alternative is if we can’t agree, DEQ would enforce against the county. Mr. Jarvis spoke of the compliance agreement schedule and he clarified that there are no associated fines or formal enforcement actions. It’s just to get the county landfill back into compliance and the hope is to give the county a lot of time. Mr. Jarvis referred to his documentation and said #5 talks about the site visit from February. Gas monitoring has been done and the runoff control aspect will be addressed in the task itself. There is also mention of setbacks as far as the property boundaries and the wood pile. The task order does work to resolve this.
Mr. Jarvis said page 2 of the agreement schedule is straight forward, such as prohibiting waste from outside of the county. Mr. Jenkins talked about possibly implementing a sticker program to alleviate that. The second topic is the submission of a hydrological study and groundwater monitoring, which would be paid for by DEQ using ARPA funds. DEQ will have the personnel who would determine where the wells go. The complete first year of ground water monitoring is also paid for by DEQ using ARPA funds. Quarterly monitoring would be done the first year. Developing a fill plan is required by the Code of Federal Regulations for controlling run-on and run-off and DEQ will also pay for that. Section E talks about discontinuing the diversion of wood waste until an incinerator is operational. It also allows for wood waste disposal. Chairman Bertling said the only thing about Section E is saying a “dedicated” person. Mr. Jarvis said if the county started using an air curtain, the permits require it to be really clean, so someone would have to be there to remove any material that would be painted. Having this employee would be a condition, otherwise, all of it would go into the landfill. Chairman Bertling asked why have a person in the landfill office oversee what is dumped into the air curtain incinerator and have someone else with proper training recognize that, such as sorting. Mr. McCracken said instead of having a dedicated employee, he suggested having some kind of screening plan. Mr. Jarvis said DEQ could make modifications to allow for that. Chairman Bertling spoke of wanting to make biochar at some point, which would benefit the community. Mr. Jarvis said DEQ could be open to that, if they had language for that the county would like to propose. Mr. Jenkins said the issue he sees is when someone comes in with a mixed load, the homeowner will have to do that sorting. Chairman Bertling said we will need to educate people and Mr. Jenkins said it will take a lot of education. Mr. Howard said that use is something he’s helping Mr. Jenkins with and he could get language that is dual use and how Mr. Jenkins wants to operate it and then run that by DEQ. Commissioners mentioned being told that approximately 5% of dirty wood waste would be allowed. Mr. Jarvis said he would have to look at that. Commissioner Cossairt said that is what Commissioners were allowed to believe, that up to 10% of dirty wood waste could be used. Mr. McCracken said dimensional lumber is considered trade waste. Mr. Ketner said the education is for the masses as far as what is considered dirty wood waste.
Mr. Jarvis referred to Section F of his information and he commented that he has talked to his program manager about using ARPA funds, so there isn’t a lot of time to make the decision. If the county wants to move forward, DEQ’s program administrator wants that information by the end of June. If we decide to do an analysis study now, it wouldn’t necessarily be up to date in 10 years. The study looks at what options are available when the landfill closes. Chairman Bertling and Commissioner Robertson commented that they had no problem with that.
Mr. Ketner said even though pricing may change, it will still be relative to each other as far as operating a landfill versus shipping out. It’s understanding the options. Mr. Jenkins said it helps prepare for the actual costs. ARPA money needs to be obligated by the end of September and spent by the end of December 2026, so there needs to be an answer by the end of June. Commissioner Robertson said if we’re using ARPA, he thinks it would be wise to have this done. Mr. Jarvis said he will make that ask.
Those present discussed submitting the Landfill Closure Plan, then submitting the receipt of the landfill’s last load of municipal waste. The dates listed in the information are all negotiable and can be changed. A lot of this is driven by the hydrogeological study, according to Mr. Jarvis.
Commissioner Robertson asked if the last receipt of waste is a hard and fast date and Mr. Jarvis said the community would not be considered a small community landfill and this option allows the most time to operate before closing. 10 years is the longest DEQ can do. Commissioner Robertson said if we can truck out the overage and just keep it at 20 tons. Mr. Jarvis explained that shipping the overage is demonstrating a feasible alternative and the county needs to show there is no feasible alternative. Mr. Jarvis said diversion is one option that is available, in response to Commissioner Cossairt asking about composting. Mr. Jarvis said the entity that engages can meet with DEQ once per year and renegotiate and he commented on if the county could report if it can divert enough to show it is under 20 tons of garbage. Mr. McCracken said due to population, he thinks the county will have a hard time getting under 20 tons. Mr. Jenkins asked if grant funding is available for diversion programs. Mr. Jarvis said he’s supposed to be hearing if DEQ is receiving funding for diversion programs, but he doesn’t have information yet.
Chairman Bertling said the Kootenai Tribe was awarded a grant for a composting program, but the county is trying to determine how to make the personnel aspect of that work. Chairman Bertling asked about the ability to use wood and dirt as cover. Mr. Kenney said if wood waste is going to be used for daily cover, it would have to be a fairly low percentage and be lower than a 50/50 mix and he referenced comments about moisture with an unlined landfill.
Chairman Bertling asked how other counties deal with sludge and Mr. Jarvis said it depends, as some areas send it to other sites. Mr. Jarvis said he isn’t sure which facilities accept sump waste. Mr. Jarvis said it would be in the operating plan. It was said that Kootenai County had no interest in talking about car wash sludge, according to Mr. Ketner.
Commissioner Cossairt said being a rural area, people will dispose of garbage wherever you don’t want it. If you make it hard to get rid of waste, people will find a way. Mr. Jarvis said random people he’s spoken to have said that Idaho has the lowest tipping fees by far. Bonner County is taking their waste to Ritzville, Washington. Commissioner Robertson asked if it’s a written law that the county could not truck out an extra five tons. Mr. Jarvis said it’s in the CFR. Commissioner Cossairt said that he grew up with burn barrels and that’s not necessarily a good idea either. Mr. Jarvis said they will look into alternatives to deal with sludge.
Mr. Ketner said this is a significant challenge for Boundary County. Other counties have had to do this and it wasn’t pleasant then either. Now we are at a point that we need to look hard at alternatives and it won’t be pleasant. Mr. Howard mentioned that the information for confirming the site for the air curtain incinerator should be able to be submitted soon. Mr. McCracken said once an application has been submitted, it can take approximately six months for a permit, but it’s been taking a little longer now, more like 8 to 10 months.
Commissioner Robertson asked about a chipper and Mr. Jarvis said there isn’t a mechanism to get a chipper here. Mr. Jarvis asked if there are any questions about ground water monitoring. The way the monitoring it set up is if there are elevated levels of contamination, they would have to do an assessment to determine if it’s from the landfill. If the source was identified as coming from the landfill, it triggers corrective action. Chairman Bertling asked about hypotheticals if the wells were drilled and contamination was found. Mr. Jarvis said the number of hypotheticals is infinite. If there was the worst- case scenario, it’s removing and transporting garbage. Mr. McCracken spoke of the worst-case scenario, but commented on thinking they will find that everything is clean. If there isn’t an imminent health risk, it will just be monitoring. Mr. McCracken said he doesn’t think they will find something that will cause the need to close down the landfill. Mr. Howard asked about depth of the groundwater. Mr. Jarvis said they do know that it’s deep. Mr. Jenkins questioned, with the receipt of last garbage, well monitoring is after 30 years? Mr. Jarvis said yes. Mr. Howard asked for clarification in using wood waste as landfill cover as he would like to explore that option, so we know one way or another and they can decide what to do. Chairman Bertling said the wood would be a lot smaller if it was ground down. Mr. Howard said it’s a matter of closure or compliance in 10 years. Mr. Jenkins said wood waste would need to go into the waste stream at a certain amount per day. Mr. Jenkins said part of the issue is that maybe the county could chip the wood if they could do so onsite. Mr. Jenkins said when you chip you have smaller particles and it would be part of the leachate. Chairman Bertling asked for information as to the cost to each resident to have garbage shipped out.
Those present discussed recycling various materials and associated expenses and revenue. Chairman Bertling briefly mentioned the ability to recycle glass. Mr. Jarvis said there needs to be a special designation for a beneficial use and incorporate it into the rules, which is a legislative action. Recycled glass would need to be clean and labels removed.
The meeting to discuss the landfill ended at 3:50 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting recessed until the special meeting on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.
***Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., Commissioners met in special session with Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Prosecutor Andrakay Pluid, Courthouse Maintenance Squire Fields and Assistant Mike Kralik, Bonners Ferry Herald Staff Writer Emily Bonsant, and Jerry Higgs. County Civil Attorney Bill Wilson joined the meeting via conference call. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss entering into a contract to treat moisture in the Courthouse to prevent mold.
Commissioner Robertson moved to appoint Commissioner Wally Cossairt acting chairman in the absence of Chairman Tim Bertling. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Prosecutor Pluid said after the discussion of moisture issues and mold in the Courthouse last week, she received a motion in a criminal case to continue the jury trial, and one reason is that the Courthouse is not safe to bring in a jury and the defendant is compromised, so this would be hazardous to his health. Prosecutor Pluid said she does think this issue will gain traction due to Judge Berecz’s comments. In talking with Mr. Fields, he spoke of having abatement done. If Commissioners can sign a contract, the treatment company would be able to treat the Courthouse in the next weekend in advance of the trial. This issue is serious and it needs to be treated seriously, according to Prosecutor Pluid. We have employees and members of the public who don’t have a choice to be here and they would be subjected to this issue. We need to treat this sooner rather than later and then determine a long-term solution.
Acting Chairman Cossairt said the cost for treatment is $32,400.00. Mr. Fields said that was to treat all three floors, every office and closet. An access point will be drilled into the attic and every area you can treat will be addressed. Mr. Fields said it will be good to get this fixed and caught up to where mold cannot grow back, then we can tackle the next step. Commissioner Robertson said he’s sure it works. Commissioner Robertson said Commissioners tried to do work to mitigate and were told no for maybe or maybe not justified reasons, so we’re here held at gunpoint for something that could’ve been mitigated a year ago. Prosecutor Pluid said she doesn’t think that is accurate. Commissioner Robertson said this issue could have been investigated. Prosecutor Pluid said the judge’s situation is different than the effects in other offices.
Attorney Wilson commented about funding and he said this would be a good use of a contingency fund. The cost is $32,400.00 and we would need to make sure it’s all together on where funds are coming from. The county doesn’t have a lot of discretion that this needs to happen, according to Attorney Wilson. Clerk Poston said we have funds in capital building improvements totaling $31,600.00, but she didn’t know if it’s been spoken for. Mr. Fields said that is accurate right now and there are no plans for expenses this summer. Mr. Fields said it should be good to go. Attorney Wilson said given the timing, this is the right time of year to be thinking ahead, so we should be doing that as well. Commissioner Robertson said he doesn’t know about spending the entire Courthouse Maintenance budget, but a portion of it could come out of the LCTF funds. More expenses will be coming forward, according to Commissioner Robertson. Clerk Poston said there is money in the budget and if it’s something that will be done every year, Mr. Fields can budget for it.
Commissioner Robertson moved to sign an agreement with Pure Environmental for mold mitigation at a cost of $32,400. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Fields discussed getting the treatment scheduled for the next weekend and he explained the process and how it is safe.
Mr. Kralik explained having to tear into the wall that had the chimney behind it in Judge Julian’s office, so they will need access there and get that area treated and get it done. Commissioner Robertson said while we’re at it, we need to scope the chimney. Mr. Kralik said this treatment will provide a remedy for a bit, but we need to find the source. Mr. Kralik commented on scoping the drains and chimney. Mr. Fields said the mold company says this has been going on for 10 to 20 years and it’s finally worked its way to the lowest layer. Commissioner Roberson said if moisture had been going on for that long, the boards would look different and they look like relatively new boards, so he respectfully disagrees. Acting Chairman Cossairt agreed. Commissioner Robertson said something has happened, but it hasn’t been that long. Clerk Poston explained how saturated the lawn gets on the northwest side of the Courthouse, so that needs to be looked into as well. Commissioner Robertson asked if the city can look into that and isolate an issue. Mr. Fields said John Delaney with the City said there never has been water in that area. Mr. Field said they’ve had cameras down into all of the roof drains and all have been clear.
Boundary Economic Development Council (EDC) Director David Sims joined the meeting at 1:20 p.m.
Cory Trapp with Longwell+Trapp Architects joined the meeting.
Mr. Fields updated Mr. Trapp on the moisture issues in the Courthouse and what has been done to try and determine the cause of the issue. The roof was resealed last summer and no leaks were experienced. It’s odd that the leak is from the Courthouse ceiling and the high points. Mr. Trapp said the first place he would look into is the roof.
Mr. Trapp met with Commissioners to review ideas they might have for use of the former Safeway building, such as what offices might be relocated there. Clerk Poston said she would speak on behalf of her office staff. Mr. Trapp said code drives the number of restrooms needed based on the number of employees. Certain restrooms need to be kept separate from each other, as far as court positions. Clerk Poston explained the number of offices she would need for her staff. Included in the discussion was what is needed for courtrooms, a bigger jury box, public and staff restrooms, and more room in general.
Commissioners, Clerk Poston, Prosecutor Andrakay Pluid, Mr. Trapp, Mr. Fields, and Mr. Kralik toured the Courthouse.
The meeting regarding the Courthouse and former Safeway building ended.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
________________________________
TIM BERTLING, Chairman
ATTEST:
____________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk