***Monday, November 16, 2020, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby (via conference call), Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

Commissioners gave the opening invocation and said the Pledge of Allegiance.

9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Randy Morris and Renee Nelson contacted Commissioners via conference call to provide the department report. A written report was submitted. Mr. Morris said Road and Bridge will do more brushing on Westside Road north of the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge building, will also try to finish up on Chisholm Hill Road this week and provide a little more training on the salt brine truck so staff are comfortable. Mr. Morris briefly mentioned a brush pile that Road and Bridge will burn.

Mr. Morris commented that Road and Bridge received a call from the Sheriff’s Office regarding a guardrail on one of the bridges on Deep Creek Loop where someone drove into the creek north of Naples. Road and Bridge will look into safety precautions for that area.

Road and Bridge did receive a complaint about someone plowing on Lions Den Road. The person is someone Road and Bridge has had a conversation with before so they will visit that person again.

Chairman Dinning said he saw the work along Westside Road and the work that Road and Bridge is doing looks great.

Mr. Morris said Road and Bridge had a crew out plowing snow on Friday for approximately seven or eight hours and approximately four to five hours on Saturday. Commissioner Kirby said Road and Bridge took care of Roosevelt Road nicely as well.

Ms. Nelson commented that she received the invoice from CE Kramer Crane & Contracting for the Deep Creek #3 Bridge wingwall repair project so her office will work on getting that claim to the Clerk’s Office for payment.

Ms. Nelson explained that that Road and Bridge has been having computer issues and they’re getting worse. The computer is only allowing a certain number of emails before saying the Inbox is full. With all of the Planning and Zoning Applications for approaches, the County Mapper, Addressing Coordinator and Planning and Zoning Administrator are all having this problem. Ms. Nelson said she was told there was a cost if they wanted more space and she asked if more research could be done as to what the cost might be as she may need to pay that.

The call to Mr. Morris and Ms. Nelson ended.

Chairman Dinning said due to time sensitivity, Commissioners added a motion to nominate someone to the Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICRMP) Board and to sign a letter of support for two different projects associated with the Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative.

Commissioner Kirby moved to amend the agenda for today at 9:30 a.m., to add a motion regarding a nomination to the Idaho Counties Risk Management Program and to authorize the Chairman to sign letters of support for the Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative projects. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties until their next meeting at 9:30 a.m.

County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull joined the meeting.

9:30 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)a, to consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, wherein the respective qualities of individuals are to be evaluated in order to fill a particular vacancy or need; and 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 9:42 a.m. No action was taken.

Attorney Hull left the meeting at 9:44 a.m.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Fawnalilly Keyes, Jaron Figueroa, Jessica Hart, and Madison McIntyre. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Contract for Public Defender Services with Linda Payne. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Contract for Public Defender Services with Amanda Findlay of Findlay Law Firm. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners received two land use permits for snowmobile trail grooming and maintenance, etc. One agreement is with Stimson Lumber Company for a two year term and the other agreement is with the Idaho Department of Lands.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the Land Use Permits with Stimson Lumber Company and the Idaho Department of Lands for snowmobile grooming. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners commented on having signed a claim for a little more than $43,834.00 for EL Internet project #APP4247 that’s through the Idaho CARES Act Broadband grant.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign Contractor’s Application #1 for the Boundary County Airport Snow Removal Equipment Building for a payment amount of $39,335.94. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chairman Dinning explained that the ballot they have is to nominate a board member to replace Benewah County Commissioner Jack Buell on the Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICRMP) Board.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to nominate Phil Lampert to the Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICRMP) Board of Trustees for District 1. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Clerk Poston discussed fencing along the south side of the compound area at the armory and putting in a gate to separate two areas. Clerk Poston questioned if she should go ahead and look into that and Commissioners agreed and suggested looking into quotes. There is no need for privacy fencing as it’s an area that’s already within privacy fencing. Clerk Poston questioned if Commissioners are in agreement with purchasing fencing if the cost is approximately $7,000.00. Commissioners said yes.

Boundary Ambulance Service Board Chairperson Nancy Russell and Boundary Ambulance Service Chief Jeff Lindsey joined the meeting via conference call.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and to convene as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

*Please see Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board meeting minutes*

10:05 a.m. Commissioner Cossairt moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board and to reconvene as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

The call to Chief Lindsey and Ms. Russell ended.

Kootenai Tribe of Idaho Administrative Director and Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative Facilitator Rhonda Vogl joined the meeting at 10:34 a.m.

Ms. Vogl informed Commissioners the Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative is requesting a letter of support be signed and sent to the Forest Service and the Idaho Department of Lands as it pertains to Brandon Glaza and Jonathan Luhnow’s involvement in a citizen monitoring group regarding the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Subcommittee for KVRI. Mr. Glaza is a hydrologist for the Forest Service and Mr. Luhnow is a Forester with the Idaho Department of Lands. Ms. Vogl said this matter had consensus from the KVRI Board some time ago.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the support letter as it pertains to citizen monitoring for the KVRI Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) subcommittee for Jonathan Luhnow with the Idaho Department of lands and Brandon Glaza with the Forest Service. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Ms. Vogl said a letter is also requested regarding the support for additional fencing at the Copeland wildlife tunnels. Ms. Vogl commented that this particular underpass is not as well used as the others are and animals are seen on the road so the hope is that extending the fence will alleviate that issue. People will still be able to access the Brush Lake Road.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign a letter regarding fencing for the wildlife tunnel north of Brush Lake Road. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Ms. Vogl also mentioned a proposal by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game for the Hubbard Farm Conservation Project and they would like a letter of support from KVRI. Chairman Dinning voiced concerns and he said that KVRI has not issued support letters or any letters regarding these projects, but have just been made aware of them. Chairman Dinning said it is pretty dangerous grounds to go into this and if a project cannot get off the ground without KVRI’s support, then maybe it shouldn’t. Ms. Vogl informed Commissioners that Idaho Department of Fish and Game is telling Mitch Doherty with Vital Ground that he needs to have a support letter from KVRI. Chairman Dinning commented that Commissioners cannot act on this letter due to the timeline so Boundary County is unable to do anything and Commissioners cannot authorize the Chairman to sign the letter.

Ms. Vogl said the next KVRI meeting will take place on Monday, November 23rd as opposed to November 16th. The date of this meeting was just an oversight as it’s usually the third Monday of each month. Ms. Vogl spoke of the upcoming meeting’s agenda, which includes an overview on the new KVRI website and Facebook page with an online presentation and statistics by Ms. Vogl and Ms. Schumacher. Ms. Vogl further listed what will be reviewed and discussed at the KVRI meeting.

The meeting with Ms. Vogl ended at 10:55 a.m.

Commissioners recessed until their next meeting at 11:30 a.m.

11:33 a.m., Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen joined the meeting. Mr. Skeen said he would like to keep the rural sites open the current three days per week, but also add the roll offs for metal and wood.

Mr. Skeen said he spoke with representatives from Columbia Bank about a roll off truck and relayed the potential loan details to Commissioners. Clerk Poston questioned if the county could borrow against the landfill closure account. Mr. Skeen said the figure he presented is for a seven year term. The cost of a new truck is $180,000.00, with $30,000.00 down and a little more than $24,000.00 per year at an interest rate of 3.134%.

Chairman Dinning asked about the possibility of opening the Naples site more than three days per week. Mr. Skeen explained that usage is lower in the winter. Commissioner Cossairt said he thinks the rural sites will need to be open more days per week at some point, but is willing to let them stay open three days per week for a few more months. Commissioner Kirby said it would be nice for the public to have a few more day’s access so he tends to agree with Commissioner Cossairt. It was said two more employees will need to be hired if the rural sites are open full time. Commissioner Kirby said it might be better to purchase a new truck as opposed to dealing with an older one. Clerk Poston discussed budget. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners are in favor of a truck, but also need to speak with the county’s outside auditor. Chairman Dinning said Mr. Skeen will need to take a look at his budget needs going forward and speak with County outside auditor Leonard Schulte as far as terms and conditions for borrowing against the landfill closure account.

Commissioners recapped that the monitored sites will stay on the same schedule they currently are and will look into details for the roll off truck. Commissioner Cossairt said if and when this truck is purchased, the rural sites will be opened seven days per week.

The meeting with Mr. Skeen ended at 11:47 a.m.

11:49 a.m., Deputy Clerk Pam Barton joined the meeting at Commissioners’ request to discuss matters related to the communication specialist position. If a person in this position completes a certain course, they are to increase one grade level. Clerk Poston questioned if there had been any discussion about this in Commissioners’ meeting minutes or had it just been the prior personnel director’s take. It was said there had been discussion in the minutes, but it was not definitive. Clerk Poston explained that the grade level increase is by position; not by person. Commissioners did sign a document regarding a grade increase once the communications specialist completes certain courses.
Ms. Barton left the meeting at 11:55 a.m.

Commissioners recessed for lunch at noon.

2:00 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Chairman Dinning was out of the office tending to other matters.

2:00 p.m., Commissioners held a public meeting in the Extension Office to consider the proposed use of the area known as Tamarack Lane and Tamarack Drive. Present were: Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull, Doug Ladely Sr., Barbara Ladely, Attorney Jason Wing with Lake City Law, Cori Ladely, Mike Ladely, Matt Philbrook, and Donna Wilson Funkhouser.

Commissioner Kirby moved to appoint Commissioner Cossairt acting chairman in the absence of Chairman Dinning. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners explained that this hearing is the continuation of the public hearing held on October 5, 2020. Attorney Hull introduced himself to those present and explained that Chairman Dan Dinning had excused himself from this process due to a conflict. Attorney Hull provided a brief scenario of what took place at the prior hearing and how Commissioners were at the point of taking the public’s input. Attorney Hull said Attorney Fonda Jovick with Lake City Law spoke on behalf of her clients and listed Idaho Code statute. The hearing was continued and once a new hearing date was determined Deputy Clerk Rohrwasser contacted those who had attended the first hearing as she was instructed to do.

Attorney Hull explained that Chairman Dan Dinning’s son, Brian Dinning had made an offer on a piece of property and his realtor came to Commissioners about easement access. Attorney Hull said Road and Bridge had been contacted to see if this easement access had ever been maintained and it was determined this access had not been maintained.

Attorney Jason Wing explained that he was standing in for Attorney Fonda Jovick and is representing Matt Philbrook. Attorney Wing commented on the notice of public hearing language and this hearing being listed on Commissioners’ agenda as an action item, and how it’s vague with more information needed, more specifically as to the actual action to be taken. Attorney Wing referenced Idaho Code 40-202. The county has had this property for years and now needs to withhold it for a future public right-of-way, but nobody, the adjoining property owners, have voiced a need for that. Attorney Wing referenced Idaho Code 40-2312 regarding widths of highways in relation as to the way the county is adopting this access, which is only a 20 foot right-of-way. Attorney Wing questioned if the county recognizes it will take over maintenance for this right-of-way. The county will be stuck with a 20 foot road and he questioned what the necessity is.

Mr. Philbrook commented on having built the four-plex in the vicinity and that he owns both the eastern and western property where the four-plex sits. Mr. Philbrook added that he went through the Planning and Zoning process for the county and the county told him that was Tamarack Drive. It was said that South Hill Water had installed the six inch water line.

Doug Ladely Sr. said he’s lived at this same location since 1963. The city limits were at Alderson Lane at that time and Tamarack Lane came to his property at city limits. Now, the city limits stops at the high school. Mr. Ladely Sr., said the right-of-way, Tamarack Drive, has been 50 feet wide for as long as he’s lived there. Attorney Hull mentioned that Mr. Philbrook commented that right-of-way was 20 feet wide. Mr. Philbrook disputed that access as being 50 feet wide. Mr. Ladely Sr. said the old house sat on the corner and he built right behind it. Mr. Ladely Sr. provided Attorney Hull with a map and explained the length of 150 feet. This map will be marked as “Exhibit 1”.

Mike Ladely said in the first hearing it was said this right-of-way was a gift from the Shivelys and Attorney Hull had asked if it had ever been adopted as a county road. It was learned that the county does own this access so it had been given to the county.

Doug Ladely Jr., had no comments.

Mr. Philbrook said when he had the four-plex built, the deed he received from Ms. Nelson with the Road and Bridge Department listed the width of the access so he knows what his property location is as well as the Ladely’s. The deed would list the dimensions.

Attorney Wing said the road wouldn’t be the actual description, he referred to Idaho Code 40-2312, and stated that he doesn’t think the legal description is the actual road that’s accepted, but the surface is. Mr. Ladely Sr. spoke of the road surface and how he has plowed snow on Tamarack Lane and Tamarack Drive for four years. Mr. Ladely commented that it’s a 100 foot lane.

Attorney Hull read aloud what the hearing notice stated to those present. Attorney Hull added that the issue of building is not for today. The singular issue is not the width of the road or right-of-way and because it’s so small, it’s for the entire right-of-way; not a portion of it. We are not here to determine this as being a county road. Attorney Hull referenced Idaho Code 40-202 and he said the county doesn’t have an obligation to maintain this access as a public road as it’s not within the highway; it’s just about access. Attorney Hull commented that Commissioners are not addressing a private individual.

Mr. Philbrook said when looking at daily trips, will they increase? Attorney Hull said he can appreciate what Mr. Philbrook is asking. This is not a county road, but it is county property. Attorney Hull added that Commissioners had made it clear and this is different from someone making application to the Planning and Zoning office. This is a public piece of property and Commissioners are only considering making this a public right-of-way. Commissioners did not have an application before them, but they were asked what they’re going to do with this area.

Donna Wilson-Funkhouser said if it’s a driveway, is it a private drive of a residence or the county? Attorney Hull said it’s not a private drive, although residents may have used it that way.

It was asked why the county would want to pave this access if permission was sought to install utilities.

Attorney Hull said Ms. Wilson-Funkhouser made a good point in that there are untrue assumptions being made.

Mr. Philbrook questioned if the county is going to maintain this access. Attorney Hull said it seems like people want to hear if the county is going to formalize this as a roadway. Mr. Philbrook questioned access in relation to emergency services vehicles in the event of a fire. Attorney Hull said the only issue is if a strip of land was taken and made public or private.

Mr. Ladely Sr. said he paid for and installed the hydrant that is there now.

Ms. Wilson-Funkhouser questioned if the county would have restrictions as it pertains to neglect if the county were to make this access public.

Mr. Ladely Jr. provided a brief history of maintenance from the early 1980’s in that the City of Bonners Ferry once had an agreement to plow this access all of the way to the end, but the county also did the chipsealing originally. The city limit line is at the fence and the county had it beyond that. Year 2006 is when the city water service merged with South Hill Water and Sewer. Mr. Ladely Jr. spoke of service installation.

Acting Chairman Cossairt closed the hearing to public testimony and questioned if Commissioners want to make this access a public or private right-of-way. Commissioner Kirby said to him this access serves the public. Acting Chairman Cossairt said a person cannot sell their property without having legal access. Attorney Hull commented that Commissioners haven’t heard of there being any feuds. This is the opportunity for Commissioners to make this a public access. Acting Chairman Cossairt said the county can make this a legal access.

Commissioner Kirby moved to make the property commonly known as Tamarack Drive a public access for ingress/egress. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Attorney Hull commented that since this access has been made a public right-of-way, a resolution and right-of-way deed will be recorded stating it’s a public right-of-way for ingress/egress for the public.

The hearing ended at 3:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m., There being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.

***Tuesday, November 17, 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.

9:00 a.m., Commissioners held an elected officials/department heads meeting via conference call. Present were: Commissioners, Clerk Glenda Poston, Emergency Manager Andrew O’Neel, Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk, Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley, Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen, Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown, Extension Educator Amy Robertson, Treasurer Sue Larson, and Assessor Dave Ryals.

Commissioners informed everyone that Governor Little issued a modified Stage 2 Order last week due to COVID-19. No more than 10 people can be in a meeting. Phil Firestone is now inside in the Courthouse lobby keeping track of how many people are coming in and out of the Courthouse. Chairman Dinning said to please pass on to county employees information about following all rules and processes put in place. We need to wear masks and follow those orders, especially in the Courthouse or where employees are in close contact with coworkers. Assessor Ryals asked if that applies to employees if they’re behind the plexi-glass screens. Chairman Dinning said if they’re behind the screens and separated from other employees, then it’s probably okay, but they should still wear a mask when working with the public. Clerk Poston commented that her employees are to wear masks when they exit their desk area. Treasurer Larson said she will do that as well. Clerk Poston added that for those who are uncomfortable, she has a variety of mask styles. Assessor Ryals said the clerks in the Auto License Department are on their feet from the moment they get to work so they would have to have a mask on the entire day. Chairman Dinning said to be sure that everyone understands that this Order is what we’re looking at and we don’t want to jeopardize liability.

Clerk Poston said everyone should’ve received their budget for fiscal year 2020-2021. Yesterday Deputy Clerk April Isaac sent a memo regarding COVID-19 expenditures and we’re fast approaching December 11, 2020, so if there is a COVID-19 expenditure, please do a demand claim and let her office know it’s coming, otherwise that cost will need to come out of that department’s budget.

Chairman Dinning said the Courthouse is getting a large amount of personal FED Ex and UPS deliveries and he asks that personal deliveries be made to the employee’s home or another location; not the Courthouse.

Assessor Ryals said he had nothing new to discuss. He is back to full staffing for revals and the Department of Motor Vehicle is getting better with transactions, but they’re not doing well with the Idaho Transportation Department’s (ITD) new system as far as balancing with the Clerk’s Office so he’s asked ITD for their assistance.

Prosecutor’s Office Manager Tammie Goggia joined the call.

Ms. Goggia said she joined the call late and asked for an update on wearing masks. Chairman Dinning said employees have to wear masks when working with the public.

Sheriff Dave Kramer joined the call at 9:08 a.m.

Sheriff Kramer spoke of getting items moved out of the rental building his office has been using and he hopes to have the upper level cleared out by December 1st. Sheriff Kramer spoke of moving his office’s surplus items down to the fairgrounds until the county has a surplus auction. Chairman Dinning mentioned before surplus items are offered for sale at a public auction, a list of those items needs to be compiled and distributed to other county offices to see if they have a use for any item.

Treasurer Larson said her office is just working hard. Treasurer Larson asked if she could place a payment box in the lobby so the public doesn’t have to come into the Treasurer’s Office

Ms. Robertson said things are going well for the Extension Office. Ms. Robertson mentioned that she is currently looking for an assistant for the 4H Friday Friends, which consists of 10 hours on Fridays.

Ms. Brown said she is staying busy. Probation staff are asking questions of the public when they come into their office and they’re trying to use Zoom more as opposed to people coming in. Probation is also doing swabs and urine analyses. Ms. Brown said her staff has been using their offices and Zoom for meeting with people and she hasn’t seen much of a need yet for meeting in the conference room. Clerk Poston questioned if they need plexi-glass screens. Ms. Brown said Mr. Buckley had already installed a portable screen.

Mr. Buckley commented that he just trying to maintain and keep going.

Mr. Morris said Road and Bridge did some plowing on Friday and Saturday and did some cleaning on Monday. There is still brush to clean on the Westside Road. Mr. Morris mentioned Road and Bridge employees taking a winter related course.

Mr. Wenk said everything is going well. The new puncture vine had shown up on a particular property so he’s been working on that. Mr. Wenk spoke of working on the cost share grant and the grant for the informational weed booklets. Mr. Wenk said he doesn’t need to meet with Commissioners for his department report scheduled for 9:30 a.m.

Mr. O’Neel said Idaho did revert to a modified Stage 2 as of Friday, and that’s based on positive COVID-19 cases, the number of new cases and the status of hospitals across the state, etc. As of yesterday, Boundary County had 122 active cases and those are known positive cases, which is probably just the tip of the iceberg due to contact with other family members. Mr. O’Neel urged people to keep six foot distancing. Positive cases are being seen at seven or eight new cases per day over the last six weeks. The test positivity rate is 16% to 17%. Panhandle Health District shows 19%, and Boundary County is well above the average at 22% so we will keep seeing new numbers.

The White House coronavirus task force ranks states and Idaho is in the red and is the second highest state in the country for positive tests. The age range of people with the highest positivity rate are people in their 20s. The hospital status across the state is at or near capacity. Bonner General Hospital is in contingency mode and are close to having to postpone essential care that is less urgent in order to deal with COVID-19. Panhandle Health District is getting 150 to 180 new cases of COVID-19 every day for the last week or so and they’ve stopped doing contact tracing. They’re just focusing on contacting people who have tested positive via telephone and if they can’t reach someone, they are sending a letter. This modified Stage 2 is not as restrictive as the prior Stage 2 in May. People must adhere to mandatory physical distancing and sanitation requirements. Gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited and patrons of bars and nightclubs must be seated and not mill around. The local schools are in stage yellow, which means half of the class time is in person and the other half is remote learning, with the exception of Naples Elementary School.

Sheriff Kramer asked if any CARES Act funding is coming in and Clerk Poston said not to anyone’s knowledge. Mr. O’Neel said funding may come in under another name as opposed to CARES funding, but that’s not certain yet.

Sheriff Kramer thanked Mr. Skeen for bringing over dumpsters during the Sheriff’s Office relocation.

Chairman Dinning said Commissioners will send the elected officials and department heads information from Panhandle Health District about when to start and stop isolation/quarantine. If an employee has to stay home, please have them speak with their elected official or department head to see what can be done remotely or if they can come in after normal work hours in order to keep production going.

The elected officials/department heads meeting ended at 9:30 a.m.

Mr. Morris and Ms. Nelson remained on the conference call and asked Commissioners about a 10 year old Western Star truck for Road and Bridge at a cost of $65,000.00. Chairman Dinning advised taking into consideration the Road and Bridge budget. Ms. Nelson spoke of having budgeted $43,000.00 for payments. Ms. Nelson added that she had contacted Columbia Bank to review information in order to determine what the payment would be and she does have budget for the payment now. Chairman Dinning said to take a look at what the payment would be for a two year term. Clerk Poston asked if that removes the need for a new truck. Morris said no, it’s just filling in for the truck that has a broken frame. Mr. Morris said this is just to hold the fleet together as the fleet is almost 20 years old.

The call with Mr. Morris and Ms. Nelson ended at 9:31 a.m.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificate of Residency for Ana Chase. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties until their next meeting at 10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m., Sheriff Dave Kramer, Sheriff’s Office Administrator Crystal Denton and Undersheriff Rich Stephens joined the meeting via conference call to discuss going out for quotes for a new vehicle for the Sheriff’s Office and requesting bollards for the parking lot at the annex.

Sheriff Kramer said he has budget for a new patrol vehicle and even if one was ordered now, it wouldn’t come in until early spring, such as April or May of 2021. Sheriff Kramer said he’s looked at a state bid for a Chevrolet Tahoe and the state bid prices for police Tahoe is under $38,000.00 for governmental assistance. The retail price is approximately $50,000.00. The Sheriff’s Office can get the police package for less than $38,000.00. Chairman Dinning said we just need to make sure that the state bid qualifies under a piggyback provision. Sheriff Kramer said he did check with County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull and he said we can piggyback off of other government bids in Idaho. There is budget of $59,000.00, but that includes getting a vehicle outfitted as the Sheriff’s Office will take the other vehicle out of service or keep it as backup.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to authorize the Sheriff to seek bids for a new Chevrolet Tahoe or GMC using a piggyback off a state bid. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chairman Dinning commented that the county can take a look at purchasing bollards for the armory next spring. Discussion was held about having contacted Idaho Office of Emergency Management Local Area Field Officer Jay Baker to discuss a grant for surveillance and bollards are also needed. Sheriff Kramer questioned if he can get approval to put the bollards up even if it doesn’t occur until next spring. The backside of the annex already has them, but not on one particular side and Sheriff Kramer explained where he would like to have them placed. Commissioners and Sheriff Kramer discussed how they could possibly be mounted so as not to damage the concrete and allow for the possibility of removal. It was said the county would have to have a complete plan for grant purposes. Chairman Dinning said we have not yet applied for this grant. Sheriff Kramer replied that he wanted to have Commissioners’ blessing to put the bollards on that side of the building so it can be included in the grant. Chairman Dinning asked what else is involved besides cameras and bollards. Sheriff Kramer spoke of matters pertaining to the doors on the annex that are not locked, such as the public doors for the Driver’s License and the back-up court room as it pertains to a way these doors can be locked quickly in case of a breach. Also requested in this grant would be an intercom system in case of a lockdown. Mr. Baker had said if those pieces can be added, the grant would most likely be approved. Chairman Dinning said to also factor in installation work, as Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley can’t do that work.

Looking to fill a dispatch position was discussed.

Clerk Poston asked if the inmates have Zoom capabilities so they can go to an area that is private. Sheriff Kramer replied that they’ve already been doing that for the court. Clerk Poston commented that she’s of the understanding the system can be improved upon and she added that the costs that are associated with this relocation for Zoom meetings may need to be submitted soon if it’s associated with COVID-19. It was said the prior wiring didn’t provide for good visual, etc., so it’s hard wired now. Those present continued their discussion regarding the process of inmates meeting with their legal representation.

The meeting with Sheriff Kramer, Undersheriff Rich Stephens and Ms. Denton ended at 10:50 a.m.

Commissioners recessed until their next meeting at 11:00 a.m.

Commissioners and Clerk Poston discussed pay increases as had been mentioned during the budget hearing. When budget was passed, Commissioners stated they would revisit the percentage of the pay increase. The budget had been passed to include a 5% cost of living increase, but the county started with 3% increase before checking revenues, etc. In checking with Clerk Poston on sales tax, which is ahead of her budgeted projections, this discussion is about Commissioners possibly granting the additional 2% and if it would go retroactive to October 1, 2020, but come out of the December checks, etc. Clerk Poston said another reason is for this discussion is that on December 11, 2020, CARE Act funding ends. Clerk Poston said when she had worked on this, she estimated high and the state ran with it so if we have to true things up, we’re going to receive less from the state. It was said that we’ve received 36% to 38% of first quarter revenue so it has been exceeded by 12% to 14%. Clerk Poston added that funds are coming in okay and she was conservative with her budget and it is a conservative budget. Commissioners had no comment.

Commissioners stated that they approved the budgeted additional 2% cost of living increase. Clerk Poston said she will add 2% in for the month of November and add it to checks. The county will add the additional 2% for the first of November, which at the end of November going back to September 30, 2020, will be the 5% cost of living increase. The month of October will require a special payroll or the increase will be added to November, then the cost of living increase will be 5%. Clerk Poston said in her mind this needs to be taken care of prior to December 10, 2020.

Commissioner Kirby moved to grant the additional 2% pay increase according to the budgeted 5% to be reflected in the November paychecks and the 2% will be added to the November paycheck and will be retroactive. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

The meeting ended at 11:05 a.m.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:37 a.m.

____________________________________
DAN R. DINNING, Chairman

ATTEST:

________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk