***Monday, October 17, 2022, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Commissioners gave the opening invocation and said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Marty Martinez joined the meeting.
Commissioners discussed an email from Alex Wedel of Cubix regarding his timeline for completion of his portion of the Courthouse sidewalk improvement project. Commissioners suggested a new completion date of May 31, 2023.
9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendent Randy Morris joined the meeting to provide a department report. A written report was provided. Mr. Morris reviewed work listed in the written report to include grader patching, grading, making salt brine, and cleaning up the Durapatcher.
Commissioners discussed getting road oil contracts in place earlier this next year. Mr. Morris and Commissioners discussed loaders, belly dumps, dump trucks and pups.
The meeting with Mr. Morris ended at 9:16 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2022-50. A resolution increasing the E911 grant budget. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2022-50 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2022-50
INCREASING THE E911 GRANT BUDGET
Due to Unanticipated Revenue
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for the Boundary County E911 Budget for fiscal year 2021-2022, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received $40,060.18 from the State of Idaho, as reimbursement for equipment purchased for E911 Grants, and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County E911 Grant Budget is in need of additional revenue for fiscal year 2021-2022, and
WHEREAS, the addition of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to increase the Boundary County E911 Grant Fund Revenue Account Number 91-00-0324-0000 and the Boundary County E911 Grant Fund Budget Expense Account Number 91-00-0803-0000, for Capital Equipment in the amount of $40,060.18, and
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the increase to the Boundary County E911 Fund Revenue Account Number 91-00-0324-0000 and the Boundary County E911 Grant Fund Budget Expense Account Number 09-00-0803-0000, Capital Equipment., in the amount of $40,060.18 is hereby authorized and ordered, and
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk is instructed to deliver certified copies of this resolution to the Boundary County Treasurer and the Boundary County Auditor.
DATED this 17th day of October, 2022 to be effective September 30, 2022.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/__________________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/___________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/____________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/______________________________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #292882
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt resolution 2022-51. A resolution establishing the fire mitigation grant revenue account and expense budget due to receipt of unanticipated revenue from the Idaho Department of Lands. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2022-51 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2022-51
ESTABLISH FIRE MITIGATION GRANT REVENUE ACCOUNT AND EXPENSE BUDGET
DUE TO RECEIPT OF UNANTICIPATED REVENUE FROM THE IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF LANDS
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for fiscal year 2021-2022; and
WHEREAS, $101,415.02 in unanticipated grant funds has been received from the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) for fire mitigation purposes; and
WHEREAS, the addition of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to establish the Fire Mitigation Grant Revenue Budget Account Number 102-00-324-011 in the amount of $101,415.02 from revenue received in fiscal year 2021-2022; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to establish the Fire Mitigation Grant Expense Budget Account Number 102-02-709-00 in the amount of $146,795.66 in order to pay fire mitigation grant expenses.
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to note that $45,380.64 has been requested from the Idaho Department of Lands and will be received in the next fiscal year (2022-2023).
WHEREAS, Boundary County is required to pay for the work performed on these projects prior to receipt of the funds from IDL, or $45,380.64
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED that the establishment of the Fire Mitigation Revenue Budget Account Number 102-00-324-011 in the amount of $101,415.02 and Fire Mitigation Grant Expense Budget Account Number 102-02-709-00 in the amount of $146,795.66 is hereby authorized and ordered; and
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk is instructed to deliver certified copies of this resolution to the Boundary County Treasurer and the Boundary County Auditor.
PASSED this 17th day of October 2022 to be effective September 30, 2022.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
s/____________________________
DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
s/____________________________
WALLY COSSAIRT, Commissioner
s/_____________________________
TIM BERTLING, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/___________________________________
GLENDA POSTON
Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #292883
Commissioners discussed funding received from the National Opioid Settlement Notice and they questioned what to put the funds toward. The first allocation is approximately $13,000.00 and next year the payment to the county will be close to $60,000.00. The county has received a request for funding from the drug court as well as from Panhandle Health District. Commissioner Bertling commented that he was hoping to keep the funds for a local purpose. Clerk Poston said how the funds are used is Commissioners’ decision, but she does feel putting these funds toward a school resource officer would be a good use.
9:32 a.m., County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull joined the meeting via telephone to update Commissioners on various matters he’s working on. Attorney Hull, acting as an interpleader, has filed a claim on behalf of the Treasurer’s Office for a claim of interest resulting from a county tax deeded property sale. The county is holding approximately $7,000.00 and people are claiming competing interests so he’s turning the matter over to the courts to resolve.
Attorney Hull said the opioid funding matter is taken care of for this year and next year the county will receive a larger sum of money. Commissioners have received a request for funding from the drug courts. This money could also fund the local school resource officer position.
Attorney Hull prepared a letter to Alta Forest Products for Commissioners’ signature since Commissioners had already made a motion to sign this letter in a prior meeting. Attorney Hull mentioned that he had sent another letter to Tim Tucker regarding Mr. Tucker’s request to abandon a portion of Avonlea Farm Road. Crescent Road resident Tim Chaney will receive a letter informing him that he has until October 28, 2022, to remove a gate from this road.
Attorney Hull is following up on the Garvin Williams matter regarding a concrete pad that was poured too close to the county road. Attorney Hull further explained there is a document declaring the area near Mr. Williams’ property to be a state right-of-way, but he thinks it might now be a county right-of-way. Attorney Hull commented that he needs to look into that.
Commissioners brought up the question of providing healthcare for county employees who work a minimum of 30 hours per week. Attorney Hull said he asked Personnel Director Pam Barton to provide him with the portion of Obamacare that deals with this as it seems to be a very awkward position to take. An employee could be eligible for medical insurance one month, but then insurance is terminated the next month if they don’t work the 30 hours until they qualify again. It seems very disjointed, according to Attorney Hull. Chairman Dinning said if the employee is currently working over 30 hours per week, they would qualify for medical insurance coverage, but if they don’t work 30 hours the next week, they wouldn’t qualify. Obamacare states the hours have to be on a consistent basis so it prevents coverage from going up and down. Attorney Hull said he’s waiting for the specific piece of legislation since that is not how the draft resolution is reading.
Commissioners asked Attorney Hull if he could draft a memorandum of understanding or an agreement pertaining to requirements put in place for Boundary Ambulance Service equipment that is purchased using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
Attorney Hull reviewed details of the land lease the county entered into with Day Wireless System in year 2005. The land has been sold and is now owned by Nordic Crystal Falls (NCF) and Molpus Woodlands Group is the authorized agent and property manager for this company. NCF would like to continue this lease with the same terms. There is no termination date, but the lease can be terminated by either party by providing a 30 days’ written notice of termination. Chairman Dinning said it’s the 30-day termination provision that concerns him. There is no cost to this lease and it’s for the communication tower/repeater on this property for emergency services, etc.
Mr. Martinez left the meeting at 9:44 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 Bertling second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Bertling “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 9:55 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign a letter to be presented to a county employee and to place this letter in their personnel file. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
The call to Attorney Hull ended at 9:55 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to nominate Leslie Duncan as the District 1 representative on the Idaho Counties Risk Management Program Board. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
9:59 a.m., Boundary Ambulance Service Chief Jeff Lindsey joined the meeting.
10:00 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to recess as the Board of Boundary County Commissioners and to convene as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
*Please see Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board meeting minutes*
Chief Lindsey left the meeting at 10:06 a.m.
10:06 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to recess as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board and to convene as the Board of Boundary County Commissioners. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:12 a.m., County resident Bill Hayden stopped by Commissioners’ Office to update them on a property transaction issue. Mr. Hayden left the meeting at 10:23 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2022-52. A resolution establishing the Selkirk Cooperative Weed Management grant revenue account and expense budget due to receipt of unanticipated revenue from the Idaho Department of Agriculture. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2022-52 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2022-52
ESTABLISH THE SELKIRK COOPERATIVE WEED MANAGEMENT GRANT REVENUE ACCOUNT
AND EXPENSE BUDGET DUE TO RECEIPT OF UNANTICIPATED REVENUE
FROM THE IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for fiscal year 2021-2022, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County is a participant in the Idaho State Department of Agriculture Cost Share Program and the Selkirk Cooperative Weed Management Area, and
WHEREAS, the Selkirk Cooperative Weed Management Area has developed a plan for implementing noxious weed management projects in 2022, and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Auditor’s Office has agreed to administer the financial portion of the plan, and
WHEREAS, upon the advice of the Boundary County Outside Auditor, a grant fund is to be established to facilitate financial administration of the plan, and
WHEREAS, $18,951.91 in unanticipated State Cost Share Funds has been received from the Idaho Department of Agriculture for that purpose, and
WHEREAS, $3,534.30 of the State Cost Share Funds received in Fiscal Year 2020-2021 were not spent in that Fiscal Year and it is appropriate to carry those funds forward into fiscal year 2021- 2022
WHEREAS, the addition of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to establish the Selkirk Cooperative Weed Management Grant Revenue Budget Account Number 63-00-340-00 in the amount of $22,486.21. $18,951.91 from revenue received in fiscal year 2021-2022, and $3,534.30 from cash carry forward from fiscal year 2020-2021
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to establish the Selkirk Cooperative Weed Management Grant Expense Budget Account Number 63-00-709-00 in the amount of $22,486.21 in order to pay noxious weeds cost share expenses.
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED that the establishment of the Selkirk Cooperative Weed Management Grant Revenue Budget Account Number 63-00-340-00 and Expense Account Budget Account Number 63-00-709-00 in the amount of $22,486.21, is hereby authorized and ordered, and
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk is instructed to deliver certified copies of this resolution to the Boundary County Treasurer and the Boundary County Auditor.
PASSED this 17th day of October, 2022.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/____________________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/_____________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/_____________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/__________________________________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #292884
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2022-53. A resolution increasing the E911 grant budget due to unanticipated revenue. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Clerk’s Note for Reference: Resolution 2022-53 is a duplicate of Resolution 2022-50 and therefore Resolution 2022-53 does not need to be recorded.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2022-54. A resolution increasing the Justice Fund Sheriff budget due to receipt of unanticipated revenue. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2022-54 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2022-54
INCREASING THE JUSTICE FUND SHERIFF BUDGET
DUE TO RECEIPT OF UNANTICIPATED REVENUE
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget for fiscal year 2021-2022, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received $19,094.88 from the State Insurance Fund, as reimbursement for wages due to an industrial accident, and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget is in need of additional revenue for fiscal year 2021-2022, and
WHEREAS, the addition of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to increase the Boundary County Justice Fund Revenue Account Number 08-00-0391-0018 and the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget Expense Account Number 08-02-0402-0000, Salaries - Deputies, in the amount of $19,094.88, and
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the increase to the Boundary County Justice Fund Revenue Account Number 08-00-0391-0018 and the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget Expense Account Number 08-02-0402-0000, Salaries - Deputies, in the amount of $19,094.88 is hereby authorized and ordered, and
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk is instructed to deliver certified copies of this resolution to the Boundary County Treasurer and the Boundary County Auditor.
DATED this 17th day of October, 2022 to be effective September 30, 2022.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/__________________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/___________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/___________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/______________________________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #292885
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2022-55. A resolution transferring cash from Indigent Fund to Justice Fund. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2022-55 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2022-55
TRANSFERING CASH FROM INDIGENT FUND TO JUSTICE FUND
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for the Justice Fund for fiscal year 2022-2023, and
WHEREAS, money from the Indigent Fund has become inoperative for the purpose for which the fund was created, the Board of County Commissioners orders the transfer of said funds to the Justice Fund for the purpose of providing Public Defense
WHEREAS, the addition of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to increase the Justice Fund Cash in the amount of $242,159.43 and to decrease the same amount from the Indigent Fund Cash
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk is instructed to deliver certified copies of this resolution to the Boundary County Treasurer and the Boundary County Auditor.
PASSED this 17th day of October 2022 to be effective September 30, 2022.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/______________________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/______________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/______________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/________________________________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #292886
10:30 a.m., Kootenai Tribe of Idaho Administrative Director/Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative (KVRI) Facilitator Theresa Wheat and Bonners Ferry District Forest Ranger Kevin Knauth joined the meeting to update Commissioners on KVRI and Forest Service projects.
Mr. Knauth provided information on general Forest Service projects. There is still a fair amount of logging occurring. The next timber sale will be a smaller one and it comes out of the Camp Robin project. This sale should produce three million to five million board feet and the project is on schedule for the first quarter.
As far as fire activity, a fire was reported late in the day in the vicinity of the Boulder ghost town. The size of this fire is two to three acres, including the landing pile and the slash around it. Resources from the Kootenai River Complex fire had to be diverted to treat this fire. Mr. Knauth said he’s working with Boundary County Emergency Manager Andrew O’Neel and the Sheriff’s Office on the Kootenai River Complex fire to remove residences from the ready state and once that is done there will no longer be any homes that are in any kind of evacuation status. The fire is still fairly active in different spots along the Selkirks. A smoke column is being created each day, most recently at the head of the Burton Creek drainage so the Forest Service will go up and do another assessment of the Burton lookout. The lookout was wrapped for protection initially, but the wind blew some of the wrap off. There is still fire activity in the Fisher and Farnum Creek areas and there is a little bit of fire activity now and then in the southern part of Clark Creek. The Forest Service has been using a helicopter to quiet those areas when they act up. Our area is expecting a fair amount of moisture starting Thursday or Friday, but definitely on Saturday and Sunday. There is still six miles of hose along Westside Road so the Forest Service is starting to remove hose from areas where it makes sense. As we get closer to a rain event, more hose will be removed before it gets wet with rain and snow. The Forest Service will also try to remove approximately 40 pumps off the hill.
The Forest Service will assess the work to be, such as stabilizing Ball Creek and Trout Creek roads. The gates on these roads may remain locked since more trees are expected to come down over the winter. There will be a road side salvage along both of those road systems in the spring, according to Mr. Knauth. Chairman Dinning asked if Mr. Knauth would consider doing an emergency salvage on the road side before winter to avoid culverts getting plugged. Mr. Knauth said the timber crew is assessing where it is most logical to do that kind of work. They will create a map and hang flagging and paint trees in areas they believe will need that kind of work. The Forest Service also had tree fallers out there the last two days dropping the most immediately hazardous trees above the road in Trout Creek. After hearing from the marking crew, he will have a better idea, so it is possible this could happen before fall. The team will assess trying to keep culverts from being plugged and installing a cross drain. Mr. Knauth said he will keep these things in mind as they move forward to see if there is an opportunity to do more this fall. Forest Service personnel are tired and are ready for this fire to be done. Mr. Knauth informed Commissioners of the energy release component, which takes into consideration weather, how dry fuels are and their potential to burn, and how hot the area might burn. The number they had from Wednesday last week was equivalent to August 7th historically. This provides a picture of where we are with fuels up in that area.
Mission Creek Water Association President Darcy Lammers and Mike Ripatti joined the meeting at 10:43 a.m.
Ms. Wheat provided an update on topics of discussion at this evening’s KVRI meeting. Ms. Wheat said tonight’s meeting will include an update by Idaho Department of Fish and Game on the grizzly bear and a presentation on future plans.
Ms. Wheat added that District Forest Ranger Kevin Knauth will provide a fire update so it’s a fairly full agenda.
The meeting with Ms. Wheat and Mr. Knauth ended at 10:45 a.m.
11:00 a.m., Mr. Ripatti and Mr. Lammers met with Commissioners to discuss the status of the Mission Creek Water Association system and needed improvements. Mr. Ripatti said he is reaching out to Commissioners for the potential use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the Mission Creek Water system. Mr. Ripatti provided a detailed history of this water system. In 1948, the Mt. Hall School was built and later purchased water rights. A 5-inch steel line, 1 ¾ mile long, was installed and water was diverted from Mission Creek to Mt. Hall School that same year. There was an intake structure there. In 1964, rights to a certain amount of water was allowed for the donation of an easement. Then everyone started hooking onto everyone else for water, according to Mr. Ripatti. The school sold the line and intake for $10,000.00 in exchange for three memberships and 10 years of use. The system is now 74 years old. In 1977, the Clean Water Act was passed. From years 1948 to 1977 all kids drank untreated water so when the Clean Water Act was passed, a chlorinator system and a slow sand filter were installed, which worked for many years before they had to start cleaning it. Panhandle Health District and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) found out they were bypassing the system so another filter system was required. Mr. Ripatti said this water system had been classed as an irrigation district. A 50-gallon per minute well was installed and they had to put a meter in it. Testing for uranium started in 2005 since the Water Association needed to drill another government well. As a result, water flow decreased to 30-gallons per minute. This is just marginally above DEQ’s limit. People using this water needed a reserve osmosis system to get rid of the uranium. Membership prices increased from $7.00 per month to $70.00 per month. Mr. Ripatti said Mission Creek Water System still owes money on their government loan. The Water Association had a net operating gain of $2,000.00 for the entire year, but before that it had been less or nothing. Now the lines are leaking and trees have grown over the waterline.
Mr. Lammers explained that every time they get a leak, the line is above all of the system’s services so they generally find out about the leak when the monthly water samples are above the total coliform levels and DEQ uses that as an indicator.
Mr. Ripatti said the Water Association needs to fix this situation and replace this waterline. A cost estimate was put together, but it’s not certain the location of the waterlines. Locating and mapping the lines will cost $24,000.00. Mr. Ripatti listed the work that needs to be done and the costs associated with that for an estimated total cost of $424,000.00. The Water Association still owes $130,000.00 on an existing government loan. Mr. Ripatti said he doesn’t know what the county can do or what strings are attached to ARPA funds. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners have discussed this and the strings are on the county; not the Water Association. Commissioner Bertling added that from what he’s read the only strings attached pertain to seatbelts for federal employees. Commissioner Bertling commented that as far as executive orders there is nothing pertaining to private citizens. The government also relaxed these orders for federal employees as well.
Mr. Ripatti said the steel line is now 74 years old. Mr. Lammers added that the system won’t be able to keep supplying water, especially to Mt. Hall School. The storage tank and best well would have to be abandoned and the system could only support a few houses if they cannot improve the waterline. Mr. Ripatti said if they had another well, they would know how much water they have. Mr. Ripatti explained that there are people who have memberships and have never used them.
Chairman Dinning explained that Commissioners could not fund the improvements in a lump sum; but only as work is invoiced. Chairman Dinning mentioned possibly giving the funds to the school to coordinate and pay for repairs. Commissioner Bertling said it would be better to work or invoice the Water Association directly. Mr. Ripatti explained how to make the repairs. There are 30 memberships; Mt. Hall School has three memberships, the Mt. Hall Fire Department is hooked up to the system and the cemetery had been hooked up until recently. Ziply Fiber accidentally cut the line to the cemetery. So, there are 27 connections using water, plus the school. There are also others households who bought memberships, but don’t currently use them so there is also that potential for usage.
Mr. Lammers informed Commissioners that the Water Association is a 501©3, a nonprofit.
Mr. Ripatti said the Water Association needs to get the waterlines marked and located. Commissioner Bertling said locating the waterlines should be done first.
The meeting with Mr. Ripatti and Mr. Lammers ended at 11:36 a.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to fund the cost to locate and map the Mission Creek Water Association waterlines using ARPA funds at the estimated total of $24,000.00. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
11:40 a.m., Commissioners and Clerk Poston discussed the maintenance position for the Parks and Recreation Department. This position was regraded and the changes do not take effect until October 1, 2022, according to Clerk Poston. Clerk Poston added that the hours the Parks and Recreation Department has this person working is not in their budget as they hadn’t submitted additional labor. It might’ve been missed. This position has always been a seasonal, part-time position, but that can change. Clerk Poston mentioned that she doesn’t believe she’s seen a re-write of the job description since it’s been regraded, but hourly wage was increased. A question asked was if the county is providing medical insurance benefits for this position. Those present discussed providing medical benefits to county employees who only work 30 hours per week when other employees have to work 40 hours in order to receive benefits. Clerk Poston said this would be a nightmare to keep track of. Chairman Dinning said if the employee in this position worked 30 hours per week or more, they have to qualify for this benefit. Chairman Dinning added that he agrees that those who are not working 40 hours per week should pay a portion of that benefit and if they want their family covered under insurance, the employee will have to cover that cost. This could cause an accounting issue. Those present discussed withholding these costs from the employee’s paycheck. Personnel Director Pam Barton and County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull will need to look into the Obamacare details. Clerk Poston said the Parks and Recreation Department doesn’t have enough funds in their budget for labor, but they do have adequate funds in another line item.
The meeting to discuss the Parks and Recreation Department Maintenance position ended at 12:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m., There being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
***Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Commissioner Bertling was out of the office tending to other matters.
9:00 a.m., Commissioners held an elected officials/department heads meeting. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen, Noxious Weed Department Superintendent Dave Wenk, Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown, Treasurer Sue Larson, Deputy Assessor Olivia Drake, IT Director Matt Hodges, University of Idaho Extension Educator Amy Robertson, Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris, and Emergency Manager Andrew O’Neel.
The wall mounts for Narcan are set up and training on how to use Narcan can be done by the elected officials and department heads, who can pass on the instructions to their employees. The Sheriff’s Office will set this training up.
Chairman Dinning discussed having met with Todd Bateman who provided them with information for an alternative Medicare plan to Medicare supplements. This is a Medicare-approved plan that would be available if the county enters into an agreement for all current and past employees. Commissioners have only had one meeting about this. One question Commissioners have is what would happen if a future Board of Commissioners chooses not to be a part of this plan. Mr. Bateman had explained that this plan is a little less expensive than the regular Medicare plan. This plan is at no cost to the county; it’s for the employees to look into.
Commissioners commented on looking for ways to better retain employees. Chairman Dinning gave the example of if an employee is hired by the county and takes a course pertaining to their department, they may eligible for a pay increase. Commissioners discussed forming a committee to review this so its equitable across the board. The concern is how would existing employees who have everything they need to do their job be affected? Commissioner Cossairt said we have no idea what to do at this point as every department is different. Clerk Poston said for those employees who have perks already, how do they fit into this? Since this year’s budget has already been submitted, we will have to consider this for next year. Chairman Dinning gave an example that the Assessor’s Office has differing levels of appraisers and taking a course can change their level. Ms. Drake said if an employee takes a course and is eligible for the increase, they still have to be employed with the county for a certain period of time so it might coincide with the employee’s start date. Mr. Wenk wondered about this idea becoming a problem if there is a recession.
Commissioners went around the room for department updates. Treasurer Larson asked Commissioners about funds that came in from the federal government, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), for the amounts of $1,200.00 and $5,040.00. Commissioners explained that these funds are payments for the USDA’s rental of the county’s ballfields and airport property during the Kootenai River Complex fire. The Solid Waste Department will also receive similar funding.
Treasurer Larson said the levy should be authorized on Monday, October 24th. The Treasurer’s Office should start the tax bill process. Clerk Poston added that everything has been late in relation to the levy.
Chairman Dinning commented that there has been a lot of talk about property taxes increasing and that Commissioners are taxing people out of their houses. Chairman Dinning explained that this year the county raised the amount to levy for property taxes between $2,000.00 and $3,000.00; less than what the new construction paid in taxes. So, an increase of $2,000.00 was levied across all of the county’s taxpayers, except for the shift in the residential category that people are trying to blame Commissioners for. When new construction pays all but $2,000.00 or $3,000.00 of the increase, that’s being fairly fiscally conservative. The amount of $105,000.00 was the total changing new construction and the county left $165,000.00 that could have been levied for, but wasn’t. Chairman Dinning said because the county is receiving money from the state, we weren’t to use the $165,000.00, but the report on how we’re supposed to figure this out has not been received yet. Ms. Nelson said it might be helpful to have an article written about this to explain to the public. It was said the county also levied $200,000.00 for bridges with only a $2,000.00 increase.
Ms. Robertson explained that the 4H program is up and running. The Extension Office is interviewing someone for the Ag Extension position in November. Ms. Robertson said she’s still looking for two part-time AmeriCorp employees. Upcoming Extension Office classes were listed.
Mr. Skeen said he’s staying busy. The Solid Waste Department has a rural site monitor and operator position open. Commissioners informed Mr. Skeen that they want to purchase the eight roll-off containers they had recently received a quote for. The estimate for the containers was reduced by $500.00 per container. Mr. Claine will order the containers for Commissioners.
Ms. Brown said the Probation Office is staying busy and they’re working on year-end reports. The Probation Office is hosting a trunk or treat in the Annex parking lot on Halloween. Ms. Brown said she will have County IT Director Matt Hodges with her when meeting with Ziply Fiber to consider the cost of improving internet service from DSL to fiber.
Ms. Nelson said Commissioners held the bid opening for the Skin Creek Bridge replacement. Northwest Grading was the successful bidder. This project will probably start sometime this fall and continue into next year. The Forest Service will be informed when work is starting. Road and Bridge still has two positions open.
Mr. Wenk said he is finishing up spraying weeds. He is going to meet with the Parks and Recreation Department to discuss treatment for the fairgrounds. Mr. Wenk informed Commissioners that the number of applications received for the Selkirk Weed Management Areas (CWMA) program decreased about 25%. The unused funds for this program will be returned to the state. Mr. Wenk said he will do a direct request to the state this year rather than getting one-time funds, plus it will be less paperwork. Mr. Wenk briefly spoke of having participated in a couple of spray days with Bonner County. A new weed called Buffalobur was found in the Paradise Valley area by Ms. Robertson. This weed is very toxic to livestock. Overall not as many weeds were seen this year, according to Mr. Wenk.
Ms. Drake said the Assessor’s Office will get the various rolls to the Treasurer’s Office for collection.
Mr. O’Neel provided an update on the Kootenai River Complex fire. The evacuation status of “ready” was lifted yesterday so everyone is back to “no status”. A weather front is coming in on Friday with a lot of rain and mountain snow.
Mr. O’Neel attended the Emergency Management Preparedness and Cyber Security conference last week in Boise. There’s a lot of grant money available and this is a huge focus of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM). To be eligible for funding, you have to have a plan in place so someone would come in and assess the county’s vulnerabilities. This pertains to more than just email and if the county IT system is infiltrated, it can possibly affect other systems. Lumber mills, the Transcanada Gas Pipeline, etc., can be affected. If we are attacked, who do we call and get us back online?
Mr. Hodges said he is staying busy. Mr. Hodges mentioned that if people are having IT issues, he can be reached by phone and new email address. Mr. Hodges explained that he still provides IT services to Benewah County and on those days Boundary County can still reach out to him. Clerk Poston added that Mr. Hodges will also keep track of the Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICRMP) KnowBe4 Program that the county participates in and in return the county receives a discount in their annual ICRMP insurance premium.
Clerk Poston said the county is now in its new budget year and will be closing out with Computer Arts. The county audit will start on December 5, 2022, with County Outside Auditor Scott Hoover.
The elected officials/department heads meeting ended at 9:40 a.m.
9:40 a.m., Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk commented on Commissioners having declared an emergency disaster declaration for this summer’s fires and as a result of that there may be funding available for weed treatment. Chairman Dinning asked Mr. Wenk to look into what’s available for treating weeds and obtaining seeds.
Mr. Wenk informed Commissioners that he will look into the Idaho Noxious Weed Law. Currently counties have to publish information about the noxious weed law in the newspaper and Mr. Wenk said he would like to request that he can just state that this information can always be found on the county website. The notice for the paper is not a legal notice; just a notice. Mr. Wenk said the noxious weed law contradicts itself so he will ask for clarity.
Mr. Wenk asked about the county’s website and Commissioners informed him that there is a new owner of TechPartner.
The meeting with Mr. Wenk ended at 9:45 a.m.
Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown met with Commissioners to discuss upgrading their internet services through Ziply Fiber. Ms. Brown informed Commissioners the details of the improvements. Commissioners approved.
Ms. Brown left the meeting at 9:50 a.m.
Clerk Poston said she contacted the City of Bonners Ferry to see if they had received a grant for the school resource officer position. This is a position that the county contributes $6,000.00 toward. The City of Bonners Ferry doesn’t receive grants for this position. The School District funds $30,000.00 toward the school resource officer. Clerk Poston commented that she doesn’t know what the funds received from the National Opioid Settlement Notices will be used for, but at one point the county will need to decide. As it relates to these funds and the five northern counties, not all of these counties are designating their funds to the Panhandle Health District. The amount allotted to the five northern counties is $228,000.00. Chairman Dinning said like Commissioner Bertling stated, he would like to keep the funding local.
Commissioners received an email from Road and Bridge stating that Innovate needs access to the county’s 911 data system in order to work on the State of Idaho’s NextGen 911 project. Commissioners will reach out to Road and Bridge to see what information Innovate needs access to.
Commissioners recessed until their meeting with Undersheriff Rich Stephens.
Undersheriff Rich Stephens joined the meeting at 10:18 a.m.
The Sheriff’s Office received a quote (Quote #31091751 R1) from Western States CAT for the generator to be stationed at the Annex. This is not a quote for the concrete pad, prep work or electrical. Undersheriff Stephens said the Sheriff’s Office has been working with Mike’s Electric on the site. Commissioner Cossairt said the Sheriff’s Office should probably order the generator to get it going.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to authorize the Sheriff’s Office to order a Caterpillar D200GC Generator and accessories, Quote #31091751 R1, through Western States CAT/Sourcewell pricing using ARPA funds in the amount of $59,457.00. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with Undersheriff Stephens ended at 10:30 a.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.
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DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk