***Commissioners did not meet the week of September 27, 2021.

***Monday, October 4, 2021, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning (via telephone for the day), Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Commissioner Wally Cossairt was out of the office tending to other matters.

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

9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris joined the meeting to give the department report. Mr. Morris provided a written report and Ms. Nelson reviewed the work done by Road and Bridge.

The discussion regarding details for a cleaning service for the Road and Bridge Office will be continued to next week.

Ms. Nelson informed Commissioners that Alta Forest Group contacted Road and Bridge late last week inviting them to attend a meeting with Alta Forest Group, Union Pacific Railroad and Union Pacific Railroad’s engineers. The railroad has a siding road project that was to be five years out, but now it sounds like this project will be in the next year or two. Road and Bridge Foreman Brad Barton and another Road and Bridge employee attended this meeting. This meeting was just a concept plan and Ms. Nelson said Road and Bridge needs to review plans, present these plans to Commissioners, discuss a crossing agreement, etc. Ms. Nelson reviewed questions she and Mr. Morris had pertaining to this project. Mr. Barton will get updated traffic counts as the counts that were presented at Friday’s meeting were lower than the counts that Road and Bridge has. There was discussion on lighting and costs, as well as discussion that the trains can be stopped on the siding as well as on School House Road.

Those present discussed hiring a consultant for right-of-way acquisitions for the Riverside Road Improvement project.

Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the new private road name request for Crab Apple Lane. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Those present discussed documents Commissioners will need to sign pertaining to the Riverside Road Improvement Project.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign documents for the Riverside Road Improvement Project once they’ve been prepared, to include the temporary construction easement, right-of-way acquisition waiver and letter of offer, subject to attorney approval. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Ms. Nelson and Commissioners discussed a matter regarding a question pertaining to land division. Planning and Zoning had referred to a code section and informed this particular property owner that he has to build the road to the width and drainage of the current Road Standards Manual. If this is a private road, the county only deals with the approach and beyond that, it’s outside of the county’s jurisdiction.

Ms. Nelson said Road and Bridge is working with the Kootenai Tribe’s transportation planner for Twin Rivers Road. There is a portion of this road that the county doesn’t maintain that the planner feels it was deeded back to the property owners. Chairman Dinning suggested Ms. Nelson contact a title company for this information in the essence of saving time.
Ms. Nelson commented that she is going to list the heavy equipment operator position vacancy in the Bonners Ferry Herald again.

The 2022 Western Star truck is supposed to arrive this week.

Ms. Nelson informed Commissioners that Road and Bridge removed the old asphalt on Parker Creek Bridge and replaced it and next the bridge will be rated for loads.

Commissioners contacted County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull via telephone at 9:30 a.m.

Commissioners commented to Attorney Hull that when a parcel is split, either Road and Bridge or the Idaho Transportation Department signs off for an approved access to every parcel created. Ms. Nelson said Road and Bridge doesn’t sign those as they don’t verify the easement if it’s out of the county’s right-of-way. Ms. Nelson mentioned that she will inform survey companies that Road and Bridge doesn’t verify easements.

Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris left the meeting at 9:43 a.m.

Those present discussed the National Opioid Settlement Notice. It was said the county would have to make an acknowledgement to opt into the settlement prior to January and would also have to put together a plan, etc. Attorney Hull questioned if the county wants to opt into this settlement, and he added that if the county doesn’t use the funds for what they’re designed for, the county would have to pay them back. It was said that this is a program that has a trickle-in payout.

Commissioners commented that Jerry Mortensen had created his own subdivision without filing any type of application. Mr. Mortensen took property in a 20-acre minimum zone and split it into 10-acre pieces. The newer owners feel they have a legally divided parcel, but Planning and Zoning disagrees as the property had been in a 20-are minimum zone and it was not legally created. Chairman Dinning said it’s been a long time since the county had a 20-acre minimum. It was mentioned checking the proper ordinance this split would’ve fallen under at the time.

10:00 a.m., Commissioner Bertling 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. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye” and Commissioner Bertling “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 10:08 a.m. No action was taken.

10:09 a.m., Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen joined the meeting to give his department report. Mr. Skeen mentioned that Cannon Hill Industries submitted another quote of $55.00 per green ton to chip and dispose of the wood pile at the landfill for this new fiscal year. Clerk Poston said she needs the invoice for the work Cannon Hill did in the last budget year. Mr. Skeen informed Commissioners that he discovered the claim for the three roll-offs hadn’t been submitted so he turned that in as well as the claim for Cannon Hill.

Commissioner Bertling moved to accept the quote from Cannon Hill for $55.00 per green ton to chip and dispose of the wood pile at the landfill for an amount not to exceed $100,000.00. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Independent Contractor Agreement with Cannon Hill to chip and dispose of the wood pile at the landfill for fiscal year 2021-2022. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

10:14 a.m., Commissioner Bertling moved to go into executive session under 74-206(1)a, to consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye” and Commissioner Bertling “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 10:30 a.m. No action was taken.

10:30 a.m., Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown joined the meeting.

Commissioners and Mr. Skeen spoke briefly of amending the Solid Waste Department’s hours of operation. Chairman Dinning said let’s wait until we have everything in place.

The meeting with Mr. Skeen ended at 10:30 a.m.

10:31 a.m., Ms. Brown met with Commissioners to give the Probation Department report. There aren’t any participants in the diversion program currently. There are 16 juveniles on probation with four cases pending, 36 people on adult misdemeanor probation, 167 people on unsupervised program, and six people in drug court.

Ms. Brown informed Commissioners that she has Youth Accountability Board files dating back to 1998. The Youth Accountability Board is a program where a person under age 18 can go through this program and not have a criminal record after completing the program. Ms. Brown said she feels these records should be destroyed once the person turns 18. Commissioners asked Ms. Brown to contact County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull to get advice about records retention law, etc.

The meeting with Ms. Brown ended 10:35 a.m.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Certificate of Residency for Nicole Nairn. Acting Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners reviewed fiscal year-end claims for fiscal year 2020-2021. Fund totals are as follows:

Current Expense $ 53,743.21
Road & Bridge 319,838.76
Airport 11,678.68
District Court 7,694.41
Justice Fund 19,900.38
911 Funds 2,371.53
Indigent & Charity 25,504.68
Parks and Recreation 21,976.15
Revaluation 2,031.93
Solid Waste 434,080.12
Veterans Memorial 37.01
Weeds 808.50
Restorium 15,970.30
Waterways 207.45
Grant, Airport 2,922.32
Grant, Selkirk Coop Weed Mgmt 6,956.13
Hospital Supplemental Levy 259.99
Grants, Fire Mitigation 6,595.72

TOTAL $932,577.27
Trusts
Boundary Co. Drug Court Trust 16.54

TOTAL $16.54

GRAND TOTAL $932,593.81

Citizens are invited to inspect detailed records on file in the Courthouse (individual claims & Commissioners’ allowance & warrant register record 2020-2021).

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Request for Reimbursement #15 for Airport Improvement Project #3-16-0004-017-2020 for the environmental assessment project for the Boundary County Airport. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Findings and Decision for Planning & Zoning File #21-056, DeHart Comprehensive Plan and Conditional Zoning Map Amendment from commercial/light industrial to rural residential. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Idaho Office of Emergency Management 2021 Subrecipient Agreement for Boundary County Grant Adjustment Notice (GAN) for the 2021 Emergency Management Performance Grant for the period of October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2022. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to ratify signing the Idaho Office of Emergency Management 2019 Grant Adjustment Notice (GAN) close-out documents for the 2019 Emergency Management Performance Grant for the period of October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2020, as it was a time sensitive matter. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to adopt Resolution 2021-35. A resolution to establish fire mitigation grant revenue account and expense budget due to receipt of unanticipated revenue from the Idaho Department of Lands. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2021-35 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2021-35
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 2020-2021; and

WHEREAS, $114,008.44 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 $114,008.44 from revenue received in fiscal year 2020-2021; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate to establish the Fire Mitigation Grant Expense Budget Account Number 102-02-709-00 in the amount of $114,008.44 in order to pay fire mitigation grant expenses.

NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,

IT IS RESOLVED that the establishment of the Fire Mitigation Grant Revenue Budget Account Number 102-00-324-011 and Fire Mitigation Grant Expense Budget Account Number 102-02-709-00 in the amount of $114,008.44 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 4th day of October 2021 to be effective September 30, 2021.

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 #288780

Commissioner Bertling moved to adopt Resolution 2021-36. A resolution to establish the Selkirk Cooperative Weed Management grant revenue account and expense budget due to receipt of unanticipated revenue from the Idaho Department of Agriculture and unanticipated cash carry forward. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2021-36 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2021-36

ESTABLISH THE SELKIRK COOPERATIVE WEED MANAGEMENT GRANT
REVENUE ACCOUNT AND EXPENSE BUDGET DUE TO RECEIPT OF
UNANTICIPATED REVENUE FROM THE IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE AND UNANTICIPATED CASH CARRY FORWARD

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for fiscal year 2020-2021, 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 2021, 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, $21,753.74 in unanticipated State Cost Share Funds has been received from the Idaho Department of Agriculture for that purpose in fiscal year 2020-2021, and

WHEREAS, $4,410.02 of the State Cost Share Funds received in fiscal year 2019-2020 were not spent in that fiscal year and it is appropriate to carry those funds forward into fiscal year 2020-2021, and

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 $26,163.76, $21,753.74 from revenue received in fiscal year 2020-2021 and $4,410.02 from cash carry forward from fiscal year 2019-2020, and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate to establish the Selkirk Cooperative Weed Management Grant Expense Budget Account Number 63-00-709-00 in the amount of $26,163.76 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 $26,163.76, 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 4th day of October 2021 to be effective September 30, 2021.
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 #288781

Commissioner Bertling moved to adopt Resolution 2021-37. A resolution establishing Boundary County Restorium Room and Board fees. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2021-37 reads as follows:

RESOLUTION 2021-37

Establishing Boundary County Restorium Room and Board Fees

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did hold a public hearing on August 24, 2021, to receive public comment on a proposal to increase Restorium room and board fees for new residents, and

WHEREAS, nobody from the public was present to provide comment, and the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, find it in the public interest to increase the room and board fees to help fund the cost of operating the Restorium, and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Restorium room and board fees are set as follows effective October 1, 2021:

Double Occupancy (half room) $2,827.00 per month
Double Occupancy $5,656.00 per month

Private Room with shared restroom $3,765.00 per month
Private Room with private restroom $4,112.00 per month

DATED this 4th day of October, 2021.
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 #288782

Commissioner Bertling moved to adopt Resolution 2021-38. A resolution establishing Boundary County Airport Hangar/Ground Lease rate per square foot and new hangar application fee. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2021-38 reads as follows:

RESOLUTION 2021-38

Establishing Boundary County Airport Hangar/Ground Lease Rate per Square Foot
and New Hangar Application Fee

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did hold a public hearing on August 24, 2021, to receive public comment on a proposal to increase the Airport Hangar/Ground lease rate per square foot as well as to increase the new hangar application fee, and

WHEREAS, nobody from the public was present to provide comment, and the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, find it in the public interest to increase these fees to help fund the cost of operating the Boundary County Airport; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Boundary County Airport Hangar/Ground Lease rate per square foot and new hangar application fee increases became effective August 24, 2021, and are listed as follows:

HANGAR/GROUND LEASE RATE PER SQUARE FOOT

From To

$.13 $.15

NEW HANGAR APPLICATION FEE

From To

$2,000.00 $3,000.00

DATED this 4th day of October, 2021.
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 #288783

Commissioner Bertling moved to adopt Resolution 2021-39. A resolution establishing Boundary County Department of Motor Vehicle administrative fees. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2021-39 reads as follows:

RESOLUTION 2021-39

Establishing Boundary County Department of Motor Vehicle Administrative Fees

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did hold a public hearing on August 24, 2021, to receive public comment on a proposal to increase the Department of Motor Vehicle administrative fees, and

WHEREAS, nobody from the public was present to provide comment, and the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, find it in the public interest to increase the fees to help fund the cost of operating this department, and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Department of Motor Vehicle administrative fees are effective August 24, 2021, and are listed as follows:

From To

$4.00 $6.50

DATED this 4th day of October, 2021.

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 #288784

Commissioner Bertling moved to adopt Resolution 2022-1. A resolution authorizing the disposition of jury selection and service records stored by the Boundary County Clerk of Court. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2022-1 reads as follows:

RESOLUTION 2022-1

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSITION OF JURY SELECTION AND SERVICE RECORDS
STORED BY THE BOUNDARY COUNTY CLERK OF COURT

WHEREAS, the Boundary County Clerk’s Office is currently storing records in connection with selection and service of jurors for the First Judicial District of Idaho in and for Boundary County, as required by Idaho Code Title 2 Section 2 – 214.
WHEREAS, the expiration of the required 4-year record retention under Idaho Code Title 2 Section 2-214 has passed for a great many of the records, the Boundary County Clerk’s Office requests permission to securely dispose of jury selection and service records older than 4 years, excluding any records for jury trials in which a sentence of life in prison or death was imposed.
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Civil Attorney has advised the Board of Boundary County Commissioners regarding the classification of such records pursuant to Idaho Title 2 Section 2 – 214.

NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,

IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the following records are classified and shall be disposed of as follows:

The Boundary County Commissioners, on the advice of the County’s Civil Attorney deem the following records older than 4 years and according to Idaho Code Title 2 Section 2-214 are eligible for destruction and are to be shredded.

• Jury selection and service records older than 4 years, excluding any such records for jury trials in which the Court imposed a sentence of life in prison or death.

Regularly passed and approved on this 4th day of October, 2021.

COUNTY OF BOUNDARY COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
s/_______________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/_______________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/_______________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner

Reviewed by and on advice of the County’s Civil Attorney this 27th day of September, 2021.

s/____________________________
Andrakay Pluid
Boundary County Prosecuting Attorney
ATTEST:
s/____________________________________
GLENDA POSTON
Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #288785

Reference:

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Boundary County, Idaho, Ambulance Service Agreement for the period of October 1, 2021 through September 20, 2023. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Sales Agreement with Kelley Connect for a copy/printer for the Clerk’s Office. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Professional Services Contract and Retainer as First Appearance Counsel for Indigent Persons with Attorney Eric Anderson. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the minutes for September 20, 2021. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

10:55 a.m., Commissioners contacted Road and Bridge via telephone to inquire about concerns voiced to Commissioners regarding a gravel pit on Turkey Hollow Road. The call ended at 11:01 a.m.

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

11:30 a.m., Boundary Economic Development Council (EDC) Director Dennis Weed joined the meeting to update Commissioners on EDC projects.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the State of Idaho Department of Commerce Work Plan for the Economic Development Professional (EDPro) program. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Weed informed Commissioners that the City of Moyie Springs is interested in expanding its sewer system so he will contact the Department of Environmental Quality about it. Mr. Weed commented that unemployment is still low and it’s been in the 200 range for the last five years. The labor rate is getting closer to $20.00 per hour. Mr. Weed mentioned that the funding rate for the EDC position is also increasing from $30,000.00 to $35,000.00.

Mr. Weed said he doesn’t see things changing at the border with Canada.

11:38 a.m., Commissioner Bertling 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. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye” and Commissioner Bertling “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 11:52 a.m. No action was taken.

The meeting with Mr. Weed ended.

Commissioners recessed for lunch at noon.

1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

1:30 p.m., County resident Nick Lewis joined the meeting.

Mr. Lewis said he lives on Parker Canyon Road and for the past three months Wood’s Crushing has excavated approximately 90,000 tons from the quarry on Turkey Hollow Road and has hauled it to the Alta Mill in Naples. That’s over 6,000 trips made from that quarry in three months, approximately 500 trips per week, 100 per day, and approximately 1 truck every six minutes, according to Mr. Lewis. The trucks have caused a considerable amount of damage to Turkey Hollow, Parker Canyon, Cow Creek, etc. Sections of road that had been previously patched have now sunk and the road is like a wash board in areas. Mr. Lewis questioned who is going to pay to repair this road and what can be done to prohibit this type of damage to our county roads in the future. Chairman Dinning said as he understands, this pit has been in existence for many years. Mr. Lewis said the pit has been there for as long as he’s been there, but it’s been dormant the vast majority of time.
Commissioner Bertling commented that he didn’t see damage to Cow Creek and that he did drive down Parker Canyon, but he hasn’t seen the damage. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners spoke with Road and Bridge about the approaches off of Turkey Hollow and those approaches have been there for a long time. The county can only make someone pay for damages if the person is using the road during spring road closures. Unless something was done illegally, the county can’t make someone pay. Mr. Lewis said he doesn’t have before and after pictures, but he has noticed the road deteriorate in the past from what it was four months ago, to today. Commissioner Bertling said the way Woods Crushing is working is the safest way to do it. After Wood’s Crushing is done with this, you probably won’t have to worry about it for another 20 years, according to Commissioner Bertling. Mr. Lewis said he had been told the work would last only so long and he added that he wants to make the Commission aware. Mr. Lewis said he doesn’t understand why the quarry falls outside of Planning and Zoning regulations. Commissioner Bertling said it’s because it existed prior to there being Planning and Zoning so it would be grandfathered.

The meeting with Mr. Lewis ended.

2:00 p.m., Boundary County Emergency Manager Andrew O’Neel joined the meeting.

Mr. O’Neel informed Commissioners that he needs approval or permission from Commissioners to publish a request for proposals to update the county’s the All-Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan was last updated in year 2014 and it is supposed to be updated every five years. If the plan is not current, the county will not be eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mitigation funding grants. This program is a 75%/25% grant so FEMA is paying $23,433.00, which is 75% to pay for a contractor to work on the plan. The amount of approximately $7,000.00 is 25% that will be paid for with in-kind contributions. This project will include work done by county employees, such as the Sheriff’s Office, Road and Bridge, Commissioners, and Mr. O’Neel so that time will contribute as in-kind. The amount not to exceed is $23,433.00. The plan needs to be updated and approved by FEMA by November of 2022.

Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the request for proposals for the purpose of updating the county’s All-Hazard Mitigation Plan. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. O’Neel discussed a proposal for a mass fatality trailer to be shared by the five northern counties. Mr. O’Neel explained that nobody has a trailer like this; it’s a refrigerated trailer so if there is a plane crash, pandemic, etc., you have something in which to place the bodies. Kootenai County came up with a proposal to purchase a trailer. The cost is $53,000.00 and Kootenai County was awarded a grant that will cover $34,000.00, which leaves a balance of $19,000.00 to $20,000.00 and they’re asking the remaining four northern counties for $5,000.00 each to help cover that remaining cost. The trailer would be housed in Kootenai County and they would maintain it. Mr. O’Neel said he spoke to Coroner Mick Mellett last week about the trailer and Coroner Mellett mentioned possibly being able to help with funding toward this cost from the Coroner’s budget.
The meeting with Mr. O’Neel ended at 2:30 p.m.

There being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 1:30 p.m.

***Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at 1:30 p.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Commissioner Wally Cossairt was out of the office tending to other matters.

1:30 p.m., Sheriff Dave Kramer, Undersheriff Rich Stephens, Jail Sergeant Bryant Brown, and April Lee and Ben Wolfinger with Performance Leadership Institute joined the meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to review Mr. Wolfinger’s findings as a result of his assessment of the Boundary County jail.

Mr. Wolfinger spoke of being able to give a fair look at the jail and spoke of how the Sheriff’s Office staff and crew were great to work with. The jail facility has huge issues with plumbing and electrical, which is listed in the report. Mr. Wolfinger said there is not enough power and if the system is being overloaded, it’s a fire hazard. Electrical is an issue. The plumbing is getting nickeled and dimed and Mr. Wolfinger recommended the county look for solutions. The roof of the Sheriff’s Office leaks. Mr. Wolfinger said his recommendation is to get a new facility and have it be located away from the train tracks. Mr. Wolfinger added that he knows funding is an unknown and through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), there is a grant/loan program in which the USDA can pay up to 75% of a public utility. It was suggested that Commissioners contact Howard Lunderstadt, who specializes in rural development and community programs for the USDA, to explore grant opportunities. Mr. Wolfinger said these issues will continue to nickel and dime the county. The jail doesn’t have a good way of segregating female inmates and there also isn’t a good way of segregating inmates who have an illness. The general feeling is that people wouldn’t support a bond unless it’s really sold at a grass roots level. Mr. Wolfinger said that takes a lot of work and when he did it in Kootenai County, he got 71% of the votes for jail improvements. Mr. Wolfinger further explained that he didn’t promote the bond, but he explained what the facts were.

The jail should have 36 beds. Boundary County’s population is continuing to grow and the jail will also have to grow. The type of people is changing whereas you used to only see misdemeanors, but today it’s more felons, hardcore criminals and drug dealers and they need to be segregated.

Sheriff Kramer said they look at the needs now and down the road for inmate housing. If looking at an expansion or a new jail, we can look at building out to a point that would allow for expansion in the future.

Chairman Dinning said as we grow and build something new, is there generally an increase in personnel costs or can that be reduced. Chairman Dinning said we have to supplement the county’s justice fund from approximately three-quarters of one million dollars so that’s what we need to look at. Mr. Wolfinger mentioned looking into partnering with the state. If a facility was built to federal standards, the jail would house more state and federal inmates and there are contracts for that. The federal government will pay to reserve beds, even if they’re not used.

Ms. Lee said this jail is very insufficiently designed and a new jail design would not be designed that way so less staffing would be required. Ms. Lee said a key piece that is missed is not planning for a big enough kitchen.

Chairman Dinning said one recommendation was to relocate the jail. Mr. Wolfinger added to build a jail that is farther away from the railroad and he explained hazardous leaks that can occur in accidents involving trains, resulting in evacuations.

Ms. Lee provided a background and said that often the solution is to build a new jail and then use the old jail as office/administration space and that is somewhat occurring here now. It solves a space problem, but creates other organizational space issues. When you have command staff in one location and other staff in another location, morale issues and supervision issues can result.

Sheriff Kramer said he’s heard from the population about changing and needs. Sheriff Kramer also spoke of challenges facing staff that are becoming more frequent. What used to be a once or twice occurrence with inmates is more of a routine, according to Sheriff Kramer. It’s not just misdemeanors so now there aren’t people who can be released on their own recognizance as these are people who need to be in jail.

Mr. Brown spoke of seeing more violent and mentally unstable people in the jail and how it’s not a safe situation for inmates or staff. Chairman Dinning explained hearing that we accept mediocrity and the reason is financial. Three-quarters of Boundary County is state or federally owned property so the remaining 25% is paying the tax tab. It’s not people saying we don’t want to do this, it’s getting to a place to saying how can we do this. We need to come up with a solution that the county will accept and it’s one that’s beyond a mediocre fix, according to Chairman Dinning.

Mr. Wolfinger spoke of a jail assessment that was done in Oregon by Performance Leadership Institute. That jail facility had to have a point system and inmates were assigned points based on their crimes, work, residence, etc. For example, it was learned that if an inmate had 101 points and another inmate had 102 points, the inmate who had 101 points got out of jail and that is not what you want for this county, according to Mr. Wolfinger. Sheriff Kramer spoke of wanting to increase safety to the community and looking toward grants. The Sheriff’s Office did get grant funding to build a secondary fence and it was the only property the county owns, but it provides a bit more security. Sheriff Kramer said if the county could get a grant and contract with the federal government, it would help offset other costs. Ms. Lee said the level of public education and information will take a couple years.

Undersheriff Stephens explained that there is a lot of effort on a daily basis by him and the jail sergeant in dealing with problem inmates, working with the prosecutor, the hospital, etc. The Sheriff’s Office doesn’t have the facility to handle these issues and he spoke of liability when dealing with violent inmates.

Commissioner Bertling said historically people would support more of a jail facility than the school system. Mr. Wolfinger said people want to feel safe and Ms. Lee added that we’re at a cultural tipping point and are fortunate that we have people who support law enforcement. Mr. Wolfinger said if the county is to go down the road with an architect to do a design, expansion, or remodel, to make sure the county gets a good architect who knows jails.

The meeting with Sheriff Kramer, Undersheriff Stephens, Jail Sergeant Brown, Ms. Lee and Mr. Wolfinger ended at 2:08 p.m.

Commissioners and Clerk Poston discussed a generator that had caught fire, and as far as the county is concerned, this generator now belongs to Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICRMP) who can do with it what they want. Clerk Poston spoke of providing documentation of this matter.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

2:31 p.m., Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee joined the meeting to give an update on Restorium matters.

Ms. Magee informed Commissioners that the Restorium currently has 28 residents, but there might be more soon. The surveyors are to return to the Restorium soon and the fire inspection is also to be done soon. Chairman Dinning said the downside of the county covering the costs for certified nursing assistant courses for a potential employee is that if the employee is a high school student, they are unable to pay that cost.

The meeting with Ms. Magee ended at 3:00 p.m.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:10 p.m.

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DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:

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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk