***Monday, November 11, 2019, Commissioners did not meet due to the Veterans Day Holiday.
***Tuesday, November 12, 2019, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Blue Sky Broadcasting News Reporter Mike Brown was in attendance of the meetings off and on throughout the day.
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 provided.
Mr. Morris and Ms. Nelson brought up the condition of Ruby Creek Bridge #3. Ms. Nelson said that the Idaho Transportation Department’s (ITD) Bridge Department will be bringing up road signs to restrict weight on Ruby Creek Bridge #3. The weight allowed will be 6.4 tons per axel, meaning sand trucks, fire trucks, and propane trucks will not be able to travel over this bridge. ITD will let Road and Bridge know what the situation is as next month, ITD will have immediate access to bridge reports. The deck and superstructure have to be replaced and Mr. Morris said he was told the I-beams are not laying right. Ms. Nelson said she contacted Matt Hall with HMH Engineering to pass on this information and there will need to be coordination with ITD to see what needs to be done to this bridge and get a bid packet together. Ms. Nelson said a pickup with a plow and a small salt truck can get by, but not when the restriction signs are put up. Mr. Morris said Bridge #3 has been in place since approximately year 1972. Road and Bridge will have the salt weighed. Ms. Nelson spoke of notifying State Legislators about this because if there really is an issue with the bridge, there should be better notice given and information explained.
Ms. Nelson spoke of the coveralls Road and Bridge crew wear when servicing equipment and how they’re cleaned through Aramark. Ms. Nelson said Aramark’s costs are increasing and she would like to get out of the agreement with them, but Road and Bridge still needs something in place to clean the coveralls. Road and Bridge is trying to figure out how to keep this service going, but keep prices down. Six coveralls and mats cost $3,500 per year to have cleaned. Ms. Nelson commented that she would like to get quotes from Alpine and Chairman Dinning suggested she also check with Bonner County to see what company they use.
Nelson informed Commissioners that she received a message from Parks and Recreation Board member Brandon Glaza asking if Road and Bridge can help out with plowing the fairgrounds parking lot as it’s related to use of the new ice rink. Generally Road and Bridge plows just the road and only ever plowed the parking lot if there was an event taking place. Ms. Nelson said she could let Mr. Glaza know that Road and Bridge can help out with plowing the parking lot, but only after the roads are dealt with.
Those present discussed the status of establishing geographic information system (GIS) computer equipment. Road and Bridge did get quotes for the computer firewall and someone is there hooking it up. It’s approximately $7,000 for all of this work and Ms. Nelson asked about the ability to get a demand warrant for this work.
Ms. Nelson spoke of coming into the next application process and how Road and Bridge can apply for a federal aid bridge project. Ms. Nelson mentioned that she knows Myrtle Creek Bridge still needs to be taken care of. Chairman Dinning said the total match for this project would be less than $100,000, but if Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) funds are used, the match would be over $200,000. Ms. Nelson said if it seems logical, she would get an estimate from one of the engineers to see if the project made sense.
Commissioner Cossairt questioned the route trucks would take during the Westside Restoration work.
Mr. Morris said the heavy equipment operator position notification ends today and interviews are scheduled.
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. Commissioner Kirby second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. The executive session ended at 9:42 a.m. No action was taken.
Commissioner Kirby moved to sign the letter of support for the Transportation Alternatives Program for the Naples Elementary School Pedestrian Improvement Project. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Those present discussed water runoff as it pertains to the Maintenance Agreement with the City of Bonners Ferry for Pine Island Road. Concerns regarding certain verbiage in the agreement were reviewed. Chairman Dinning commented that if culverts are too small, holdings ponds will be needed.
The meeting with Mr. Morris and Ms. Nelson ended at 9:48 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Brady Hinthorn, Emily Sanchez, Ally Wages, Lily Blackmore, Dina Cook-Petty, and Jonathan Kagi. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Kirby moved to nominate Dan McDonald as the Catastrophic Health Care Cost Program representative for District 1. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners discussed the draft contract with Ruen-Yeager as it pertains to assisting the County’s Planning and Zoning Office. It was suggested that Commissioners put a cap on the cost of their services. Commissioners will contact Ruen-Yeager about the contract.
Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the minutes of October 14 & 15, 2019. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:00 a.m., Commissioners canvassed ballots from the elections for the City of Bonners Ferry, the City of Moyie Springs and the Cabinet Mountains Water District held on November 5, 2019.
Commissioner Cossairt moved that as a Board of Canvassers they’ve been provided with the full, true and complete copy of the abstract of votes for the candidates therein named and/or the questions as they appeared on the election ballot on November 5, 2019 for the City of Bonners Ferry, the City of Moyie Springs, and the Cabinet Mountains Water District as shown by the records of Board of Canvassers filed in the Clerk’s Office this 12th day of November, 2019. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
The canvassing of the ballots ended at 10:05 a.m.
Commissioners reviewed claims for payment. Fund totals are as follows:
Current Expense $ 43,937.47
Road & Bridge 175,466.50
Airport 5,278.79
District Court 4,034.77
Justice Fund 27,394.97
911 Funds 14,385.21
Indigent & Charity 15,237.78
Junior College Tuition 26,874.00
Parks and Recreation 2,100.14
Revaluation 78.60
Solid Waste 71,374.44
Tort 1,500.00
Veterans Memorial 64.89
Weeds 227.87
Restorium 13,704.87
Waterways 587.71
Grant, Boat Safety 521.96
Grants, Fire Mitigation 81,796.87
TOTAL $484,566.84
Trusts
Auditors Trust – Misc 92.30
Boundary Co. Drug Court Trust 113.41
Driver’s License Trust 9,811.50
Motor Vehicle Trust 165,578.61
Sheriff’s Trust Fund 786.00
Playground / Ice Rink Trust 1,509.44
Odyssey Court Trust Account 26,001.45
Odyssey Bond Trust Account 51,000.00
Odyssey Restitution Trust Acct 1,150.95
TOTAL $256,043.66
GRAND TOTAL $740,610.50
Citizens are invited to inspect detailed records on file in the Courthouse (individual claims & Commissioners’ allowance & warrant register record 2019-2020).
10:11 a.m., Planning and Zoning Department Administrator John Moss joined the meeting to discuss computer program upgrades for his office. Mr. Moss informed Commissioners that a large part of what he does involves creating a staff report in the Filemaker Pro Program and he explained aspects related to that task. Mr. Moss explained in length the process of this data entry and he said there is one process of putting information into Filemaker Pro for whatever is taking place to include hearings, staff reports, etc. Mr. Moss discussed the process and which county departments he sends the initial application to in order to get their input.
Mr. Moss spoke of the process to determine which parcels are within 300 feet of the subject parcel and the mailing process for public notification, as well as what a staff report involves and how the document would need to be redesigned if he were to use another program. Mr. Moss commented on having a protected Planning and Zoning folder that other specific county departments have access to in order to provide their input relating to requirements for applications.
Mr. Moss informed Commissioners that he has contacted a company called Savvy Data Systems and he explained how they had helped him streamline a filing system he was having issues with.
Mr. Moss questioned how anyone can help him get work done if they don’t know the job. The best method is to have someone in his office, but he doesn’t know how it will turn out working with someone remotely. Chairman Dinning explained his thoughts on how Mr. Moss can be helped and he said it would be important, once there is an application within the current program, to make it available to Ruen-Yeager just as Mr. Moss does for the county mapper, etc. Then Mr. Moss can get caught up and Commissioners and Mr. Moss can look at needs going forward. Mr. Moss suggested having someone help him with the older applications. It was said that the county will get to where Ruen-Yeager, Road and Bridge and the County Mapper will have access to the system for staff reports, etc.
The meeting with Mr. Moss ended at 10:40 a.m.
10:40 a.m. Assistant Restorium Administrator Diana Lane and Activities Director Sheila Benson joined the meeting to give the Restorium report for the months of August through October 2019.
Ms. Lane said the Restorium had 36 residents, but that number has increased to 37. Ms. Lane informed Commissioners that the Restorium was given the donation of an estimated 1,213 pounds in meat from the fair. Those present discussed flu shots for part-time Restorium employees. Panhandle Health District does administer this vaccine, but the cost is uncertain. Ms. Lane said she thinks the cost is within the range of what the grocery store pharmacy charges. Commissioners contemplated offering to cover the cost of the flu vaccine to the Restorium’s part-time employees. Chairman Dinning asked about a certain line item in the report and Ms. Lane said she would include lunch money in with room and board received for the next report.
Commissioners asked the status of the boiler for the Restorium. Ms. Lane said the new boiler should be finished with installation today. The Restorium got a new range hood as well, according to Ms. Lane.
Those present questioned a request from a citizen to view video footage of an area outside of the Restorium as it may have captured video of an auto accident. Commissioners asked Ms. Lane to email her question to Commissioners.
The meeting with Ms. Lane and Ms. Benson ended at 10:54 a.m.
11:10 a.m., Ramon Rose and Darrelyn Rose joined the meeting to discuss the current hangar/ground lease agreements.
Mat Surprenant with E.L. Automation joined the meeting.
Mr. Rose said that he is looking to purchase a hangar at the airport and if he does, he would have to sign a 26 page lease. Mr. Rose said he has asked in the past that Commissioners read the lease and once they did to let him know if the document is something they would sign. It was said that the Airport Board doesn’t want to change the lease. Mr. Rose informed Commissioners that he’s been approved to purchase the C-2 hangar, which is a 60 foot by 60 foot building. Mr. Rose said his goal is not to create enemies, but to leave a legacy and he added that he would like to see a hangar or flying club and he would like to see the county own the T hangars. The county would control or own the hangars and could lease them out. Currently Burt Wolff owns the only T hangars, according to Mr. Rose. The goal is to turn over the hangar to the veterans. Chairman Dinning referred to the hangar leases and Mr. Rose said the lease is very much written by a lawyer for a lawyer with a lawyer in mind and he would like to see it rewritten. The Airport Board is very aware of Mr. Rose’s issues and he asked if there is a possibility of changing the leases. Mr. Rose said Dave Parker is the airport manager as well as the owner of Northern Air and he added that Mr. Parker got him flying and is supportive of matters at the airport. Mr. Rose commented that he wants to see the airport be a community airport, not a Northern Air airport. Mr. Rose requested that Commissioners read the lease agreement and get back to him and he explained that he’s only got one or two years left of flying and then he’s done. Chairman Dinning said if there are specific statements that Mr. Rose would like to have changed, then he could email those suggestions to Commissioners. Mr. Rose said he just doesn’t want to go through this over and over again. Chairman Dinning suggested Mr. Rose inform Commissioners of what the areas of concern are.
The meeting with Mr. and Ms. Rose ended at 11:28 a.m.
11:30 a.m., Boundary Economic Development Council (EDC) Director Dennis Weed joined the meeting to update Commissioners on EDC projects.
Mr. Weed handed Commissioners a draft scope of work document from Keller Associates as it pertains to the regional sewer feasibility study from this point going forward. For the scope of work provided the total billed amount would be $130,000, but there are tasks that can be removed. Mr. Weed said with the City of Moyie Springs, they’re getting more requests to hook up and those will be hard to deny once the sewer system is retrofitted. The 200 hookups that were planned for could get squeezed. The county has approximately 100 hookups and the City of Moyie Springs has approximately 78 to 80 hookups. Mr. Weed said he gets requests from people who are looking to build and they all want sewer. Chairman Dinning said this is, in essence, what Keller Associates says the county needs to look at for the big picture. Mr. Weed spoke of geographic information system (GIS) mapping to determine where the sewer is going to go and to be specific. There would be more specific professional public involvement for this process and it would entail looking more into the future, according to Mr. Weed. Mr. Weed added that as soon as the sewer system is put in we need to make sure to have Three Mile Water on board. If there isn’t the availability for water, then we will be in a situation so when development comes there needs to be sewer and water to meet that demand. Mr. Weed said he spoke to Kyle Meschko with Keller Associates about the need to ensure that Three Mile Water is caught up. Mr. Weed mentioned time lines for progress and Chairman Dinning said if the county enters into an agreement for the scope of work outlined, how long is it valid for, such as if Three Mile Water chooses to wait five years, etc. Mr. Weed said he will ask those questions. Chairman Dinning said he doesn’t want to do the study then have to redo it in another so many years when nothing on ground has changed.
The county’s project for this could cost $6,000,000 to $8,000,000. The City of Moyie Spring’s cost is decreasing, though, as originally the plan included a cooling system, but the Department of Environmental Quality didn’t require it and now there are other savings, according to Mr. Weed. It was said that the City of Moyie Springs may have errored by not putting in a consumer price index inflation rate. Mr. Weed commented that with how the costs are coming in, rates may be close to what residents are already paying today. Mr. Weed recommended a teleconference between Commissioners and Keller Associates. Mr. Weed briefly spoke of how water is an issue across the board now. Commissioner Cossairt questioned Mr. Weed about the preferred time frame for the county to get started on its portion of the sewer study or if he wants to get the City of Moyie Springs project going first to see how it works out.
Mr. Surprenant left the meeting at 11:49 a.m.
11:49 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)d, to consider records that are exempt from disclosure. Commissioner Cossairt second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 11:55 a.m. No action was taken.
Mr. Weed left the meeting at 12:00 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 12:00 p.m.
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DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk