***Monday, November 25, 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.
County resident Marty Martinez and Blue Sky Broadcasting News Reporter Mike Brown were 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.
Ms. Nelson asked Commissioners about having a ribbon ceremony for the completion of the Tobe Way/Plato Drive project. Commissioners scheduled the ribbon cutting ceremony for Monday, December 2, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. Those present discussed work needed to repair Ruby Creek Bridge #3. Ms. Nelson said HMH Engineering was hoping to be here to look at the bridge and they couldn’t make it, but HMH Engineering is trying to coordinate with Jeff Miles with the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) to get options for repairs to Ruby Creek Bridge #3 as well as learn of funding options so Road and Bridge is waiting for that information. This work still might get done this winter, according to Ms. Nelson. Chairman Dinning asked about updates on bridge ratings. Ms. Nelson said LHTAC is looking into why Boundary County doesn’t have clear information on its bridge ratings and those present questioned why the conditions of our bridges haven’t been brought up before with past inspections that have been done.
Those present discussed matters pertaining to support for Secure Rural Schools funding.
Ms. Nelson said she’s in the process of working on an application to get $100,000 for chip sealing and she would like to reconstruct at least two and one-half miles of McArthur Lake Road. Ms. Nelson spoke of using the cement base they had picked up and then use Local Rural Highway Improvement Program (LRHIP) funds for chip seal over that. Mr. Morris commented that work done would be from the four corners to Calvary Lane. Traffic levels support this work. It was said the funding of $100,000 would be for the oil and chips.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Local Rural Highway Investment Program (LRHIP) Construction Application for McArthur Lake Improvements. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Dinning commented that Road and Bridge might want to wait to do anything significant to the south end of McArthur Lake Road as the Highway 95 improvements at the McArthur Lake curve is scheduled for year 2023.
The meeting with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 9:26 a.m.
Clerk Poston requested Commissioners put on the agenda the discussion of possibly forming a census complete count committee.
Clerk Poston and Commissioners discussed allowing Boundary Community Hospital to use the gym at the armory on January 11, 2020, for an event. Clerk Poston said she would let hospital personnel know Commissioners have allowed this use.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Corinna Tye, Madison McIntyre, Liliana Brinkman, and Kelsey English. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the revised Federal Aviation Administration Federal Financial Report and the FY 2019 Annual Request for Reimbursement for Airport Improvement Project #3-16-0004-016-2019. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the Invoice Summary, Request for Reimbursement #2 for Airport Improvement Project #3-16-0004-016-2019. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Kirby moved to approve minutes of November 11 & 12, 2019. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to nominate Clerk Glenda Poston for District 1 Representative on the GEM Plan Board of Trustees. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the letter to Kootenai County’s Board of Commissioners thanking them for their donation of a 1984 International Truck/snow plow to the Boundary County Airport. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation form for year 2019 taxes totaling $6,569.54 for parcel #RP60N01W020023A due to a valuation error. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
9:36 a.m., County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull contacted Commissioners via telephone.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)c, to acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency, and Idaho Code 74-206(1)f, to communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. 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 9:46 a.m. No action was taken.
The call with Attorney Hull ended.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to continue the hearing for Planning and Zoning Application #19-145, a request for a zone amendment made by Dan Dehart, until Tuesday, January 21st at 10:30 a.m., upon the recommendation of the county civil attorney. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen joined the meeting at 10:00 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the replat for the Northland Woods, 1st Addition, Lot 3, Block 2, once it has been provided by JRS Surveying. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:05 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)b, to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school student. Commissioner Kirby second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 10:10 a.m. No action was taken.
Mr. Skeen presented Commissioners with the Boundary County Landfill Operations Plan Update from JUB Engineering. Mr. Skeen said this plan still needs to be sent off and reviewed by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Mr. Skeen briefly referenced the various topics and appendices in the document. Once Commissioners approve this plan, it will be sent to Panhandle Health District (PHD) and DEQ for review and then the Commissioners’ Office and the Clerk’s Office will need a final copy. Clerk Poston requested a copy for the county’s outside auditor. It was said that this plan has to be updated every three to five years. Mr. Skeen informed Commissioners that DEQ has requested that names be specific so if the plan lists Waste Management as working with the landfill and later another contractor replaces them, the plan needs to be updated for this name change. The map on page 2-1 lists the entire 40 acre landfill parcel and the site certification. Chapter 7 lists the closure, post closure and financial assurance and we don’t have that information yet, according to Chairman Dinning. Mr. Skeen said that would be completed approximately in year 2020/2021. Chairman Dinning said for clarification, this plan has to be in place first. It was said the plan lists the volume analysis on a daily basis.
The meeting with Mr. Skeen ended at 10:36 a.m.
Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac joined the meeting at Commissioners’ request to discuss a personnel matter. The meeting ended and Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac left at 10:54 a.m.
11:00 a.m., Matt Philbrook, Dave Wenk, Olivia Drake, and Jacob Hinrich joined the meeting.
Mr. Hinrich introduced himself as a member of Boundary Backcountry Access and he provided Commissioners with his background. Mr. Hinrich said recently the group he is involved in was reformed as the Boundary Backcountry Access and it’s a non-profit made up of diverse users of various outdoor activities. The club had originally formed in year 2006, but then died off. The public needs a club and their mission is to promote outdoor enjoyment and access to public lands. This group also enjoys public get togethers for various activities, such as snowmobile fun runs, etc. This club is committed to help keep forests clean and free of litter and they’re working on a multitude of local projects to include the Westside Restoration project. Mr. Hinrich listed other projects such as putting in trailhead parking areas at Myrtle Creek, ensure trails easements, building a trailhead at Pack River, horse trail turnarounds, as well as working on the winter plan. Boundary Backcountry Access works with many other organizations, such as Stimson Lumber Company regarding the damage their lands may sustain. This group is also committed to being informed and involved with what is going on in the county. Boundary Backcountry Access attends the Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative (KVRI), groomer board meetings, meetings of Sandpoint ATV and Winter Rider Clubs, etc. Mr. Hinrich said meetings for Boundary Backcountry Access are held the first Thursday of every month at Mugsy’s and they also welcome horseback riders, skiers, hikers, etc.
Chairman Dinning asked how Boundary Backcountry Access integrates with the county’s snowmobile board. Mr. Hinrich said this last meeting is the first chance he’s had to meet with them. Chairman Dinning stated that we want to be careful that Stimson Lumber Company doesn’t get mixed messages from different groups. It was said that Stimson’s property is their private property and there have been abuses so it will be up to private users if accesses will continue. Chairman Dinning said he will be meeting with Stimson on bigger issues and this matter will also be a part of that meeting. Mr. Hinrich mentioned conversations he’s had with John Finney about this matter. Chairman Dinning said Stimson has a right to protect their private property. Mr. Hinrich briefly spoke of his conversation he’s had with Britt Madison from Stimson. Chairman Dinning commented that the sad part is that a lot of users of this property are not from this area so there may not be the same respect.
Chairman Dinning said when these projects are designed, there is a portion of them set up to fund road improvements, restoration, etc. Chairman Dinning added that in the big picture, when they designate parts of a project, the forest funds that come to the county to maintain Road and Bridge with 30% of those funds going to the schools, are not eligible for the projects. The county wants and needs those forest funds. Chairman Dinning commented that Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funds guaranteed the county a figure for Road and Bridge and a portion for schools and that program has now expired so we fall back on the old 25% formula, which is 25% of forest receipts from the National Forest and we need those funds. We have all of these other projects, but we sometimes have to look at the bigger picture.
Those present discussed trails associated with the Stimson land use agreement. The roads included in this agreement that are groomed are Falls Creek. Ruby Creek was mentioned and it was said that Ruby Creek is also associated with Stimson Lumber Company and Idaho Department of Lands, but it’s not part of the agreement. Chairman Dinning said if we get a recommendation regarding Ruby Creek Road, we should look into that. Smith Creek Road was brought up, but it was said that this is Forest Service property.
Chairman Dinning asked Mr. Hinrich to keep Commissioners informed so different messages are not being conveyed to others and it was suggested to also keep other outdoor groups informed.
11:25 a.m., the meeting ended and Mr. Wenk, Mr. Hinrich, Mr. Philbrook, and Ms. Drake left.
Boundary County Emergency Manager Andrew O’Neel joined the meeting at 11:25 a.m.
Mr. O’Neel explained information for the 2018 Final Grant Adjustment Notice for the 2018 Emergency Management Performance Grant.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the Idaho Office of Emergency Management 2018 FINAL Grant Adjustment Notice for the 2018 Emergency Management Performance Grant for the amount of $3,071.45. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
11:30 a.m., Mr. O’Neel left the meeting.
11:30 a.m., Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen, Foreman Eric Owen and Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac joined the meeting.
11:30 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)b, to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school student. Commissioner Kirby second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously.
11:59 p.m., Mr. Skeen and Mr. Owen left the meeting.
The executive session ended at 12:14 p.m. No action was taken.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to amend the agenda for today at 1:55 p.m., in order to add a motion to approve the Findings and Decision for Planning and Zoning Application #19-168 for applicant Jean Plato, as it’s a time sensitive matter. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners recessed for lunch.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
1:30 p.m., Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee and Assistant Administrator Diana Lane joined the meeting to give an update on Restorium matters. Ms. Magee informed Commissioners that she doesn’t need to stop using the company associated with the smoke detector at the Restorium, but they will eliminate the box that is causing the issue. The quote for this work is $630.00 if Restorium maintenance person Squire Fields helps pull wiring, etc. This change will put the Restorium in compliance with the smoke alarm and once the alarm is wired in, it will signal where the issue is located if there is one.
Ms. Magee spoke of positions she would like to fill at the Restorium. Commissioners said they didn’t have any issues with Ms. Magee’s choices. Ms. Magee said she announced at her last staff meeting that the county would cover the cost of the flu vaccine for the part-time employees if they wanted to get one. Ms. Magee said she will contact the state representative about the county’s ability to recommend that the vaccine be administered.
The meeting with Ms. Magee and Ms. Lane ended at 1:55 p.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Findings and Decision for Planning and Zoning Application 19-168 for Applicant Jean Plato as presented as it’s a time sensitive matter. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac joined the meeting at 1:57 p.m.
1:58 p.m. Commissioner Cossairt moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)b, to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school student. Commissioner Kirby second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 2:26 p.m. No action was taken.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.
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DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk