***Monday, April 29, 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.

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

9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Superintendent Clint Kimball joined the meeting to give the department report. A written report was submitted. Chairman Dinning asked about the Plato Road/Tobe Way bid. Mr. Kimball said the bid documents for this project are about 95% ready to go. Road and Bridge will partner up and install three culverts to get the project ready and that will also help keep the bids lower.

Chairman Dinning questioned the cost of one of the Ruby Creek Bridge replacement projects as he thought he recalled seeing on Ms. Nelson’s report that the cost is approximately $1,000,000. Mr. Kimball said that would be Bridge #2, but that is not the case. Work on this bridge was scheduled for this year, but funding is backed up so it will now be next year.

Mr. Kimball reviewed his department report and he informed Commissioners that Turner Hill Road is extra soft, as is Kucera Road, so it’s been tidied up a bit. Mr. Kimball said even Brown Creek Road is too soft. There is a lot of damage and Mr. Kimball said he’s not sure if he will be able to get all the complete asphalt tabulations as it is sizable.

Mr. Kimball said he feels Commissioners should know that he anticipates the Skin Creek Bridge will have issues when the State’s inspection team comes up. In case the Skin Creek Bridge does get de-rated, Mr. Kimball feels the Forest Service will work with the county on this bridge as they will need to haul a lot of logs this year. It was said the thought is the Forest Service could get a 60 foot bridge and Mr. Kimball said he’s worked that out with the forest ranger and State’s district engineer. Commissioner Cossairt said the Forest Service is pretty good to work with.

Mr. Kimball said Road and Bridge will work on Tobe Way and get the culverts installed and otherwise Road and Bridge has been doing some brushing. Those present discussed the brusher and Mr. Kimball said it’s approximately 30 to 40 years old, and it is a Tiger brand on an old Ford tractor.

Mr. Kimball spoke of filling slopes and areas that need work. There are also slopes that need filled on Brown Creek Road, Fleming Creek Road and Snow Creek Road and these are areas that have been a constant battle. Mr. Kimball suggested looking into using something that can retain these areas and he mentioned that Road and Bridge has jersey walls and ecology blocks in its possession.

Mr. Kimball informed Commissioners that they might start receiving telephone calls from residents on Camp Nine Road complaining about drivers speeding along the lower portion of the road. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners had just received a call about that.

Mr. Kimball said he needs to submit the annual payment of $50 for a permit to receive up to 1.6 million gallons of water from the State of Idaho Department of Water Resources for all creeks and ponds it takes water from. Even if on private property Road and Bridge would need written permission from the landowner and a permit from the state when taking water from a pond or creek, etc., and it doesn’t apply to just public agencies. Mr. Kimball explained that Road and Bridge would need water for cleaning roads, dust and using water while blading roads.

Mr. Kimball said he is going to check out the Atkins Canyon site after his meeting.

Mr. Kimball informed Commissioners that he came up with a reasonable plan for repairs to Ruby Creek Bridge #3 that will be the least expensive option. Road and Bridge will try to get a permit to install a culvert for the construction part of this project for a month or however long it takes to get a low water flow. That is the first choice.

The meeting with Mr. Kimball ended at 9:20 a.m.

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

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation form for year 2018 and to cancel late fees totaling $15.83 and $.88 for parcels #RP65N01W117951A and #RP65N01W114810A due to error. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chairman Dinning stated that the Panhandle Health District came up to conduct an inspection of the county’s landfill last week so he’s hoping Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen will come and provide Commissioners with a report on that.

9:24 a.m., Deputy Clerk Nancy Ryals joined the meeting.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to deny indigent case 2019-18. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Deputy Clerk Ryals left the meeting at 9:25 a.m.

9:30 a.m., Commissioners spoke to County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull via telephone.

Commissioner Kirby moved to go into executive session pursuant to 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 Cossairt second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 9:40 a.m.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to authorize the county civil attorney to send a letter to the Department of Corrections regarding a writ of mandamus. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Attorney Hull provided Commissioners with a response to a question raised by a member of the Translator Board. Attorney Hull said as long as this Translator Board member is not bidding for a Translator Board project, he doesn’t see a conflict if he bids are on other county projects.

Attorney Hull referenced researching paperwork pertaining to the procedure the county is to take when considering taking a road into the county system. Chairman Dinning said he thought Road and Bridge needs to provide Commissioners with a recommendation and then Commissioners have to hold a public hearing. It was added that there should be documents from the Union Pacific Railroad recommending the county take over the road as well.

Chairman Dinning said Commissioners have run into a workers compensation insurance issue. For self-employed people, the State of Idaho is saying they don’t have to have this insurance, but for the county, the state is saying for the county to protect itself, a person working for the county should have this coverage. Chairman Dinning said he wants some kind of policy about that and it probably just needs to state that someone working for the county needs to have workers compensation insurance. There are no self-insured related documents, etc. Attorney Hull was asked to provide new verbiage pertaining to the requirement of having workers compensation insurance so it can be inserted into the county’s independent contractor agreements. Attorney Hull said the State of Idaho says the business owner doesn’t need this coverage because the owner owns a percentage of the company, but a self-employed person will hire outside workers to do the work so the employer does need to get this insurance coverage and factor that cost into their bid.

Chairman Dinning asked Attorney Hull about a draft ordinance he might’ve been sent to review regarding use of the county’s docks. Attorney Hull said he is reviewing the information.

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the minutes of April 8 & 9, 2019. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners recessed until their next meeting at 11:07 a.m.

Clerk Poston updated Commissioners on topics reviewed at a meeting she attended last week.

11:00 a.m., Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee met with Commissioners to provide a department report. Also present was Donna Jo Dirks.

Ms. Magee said she found the quotes for a call system from 2017 so she will look into getting an updated quote as the rooms at the Restorium have been reconfigured. The quote from year 2017 was approximately $20,000.00 to $24,000.00 and one of the quotes provided was for a wireless system. The state will have to approve a new system. Currently the Restorium is using more of an intercom as opposed to a call system and it’s grandfathered in for that system right now, but it’s looked at as an invasion of privacy so that is another reason to get a new system and a wireless system would be nicer.

The Western States generator at the Restorium is due for an inspection and that cost is $741.00. There is maintenance that needs to be done to the generator as well and Ms. Magee provided Commissioners with the estimate of $1,270.24 for costs associated with replacing engine coolant, thermostat and hoses, v-belts, etc. Ms. Magee informed Commissioners that the representative would cancel travel costs if the county agrees to have this work done when he comes up for the inspection. The belt does have some wear on it, according to Ms. Magee. Commissioners agreed to have this work done when the inspection is done.

Ms. Magee provided Commissioners with a new service agreement through Western States at a cost of $741.00 so it can be added to the next week’s agenda to sign.
Commissioners asked Ms. Magee about the fence and alarm at the Restorium. Ms. Magee said there is a fence with a magnate that keeps the gate closed and you have to have a code to get out and in, but it’s not the type of system that’s considered a secure gate.

Ms. Magee said she is still looking to hire staff. There are three residents left at the Restorium who are paying the old rate. Those present discussed considering raising room rates by 4.9% and also increasing the new admission room rate. The county will need to hold a public hearing if the increase is more than 4.9%. Clerk Poston said she will need to know by the end of June what the proposed increase will be, although Ms. Magee will have to notice this in her budget. Clerk Poston said she will also need to know if Ms. Magee plans to hire another full-time employee as well.

Those present discussed the elevator inspection process.

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

The meeting with Ms. Magee ended at 11:20 a.m.

11:20 a.m., Treasurer Sue Larson joined the meeting.

Treasurer Larson met with Commissioners to update them on the status of all accounts the county has as of the end of March 2019. Treasurer Larson informed Commissioners that the overage from the Sheriff’s sale of the Hanson property is not included in this information. Funds are doing considerably better with interest this year. The state pool is at 2.5% whereas last year it was 1.5%, Columbia Bank went from .15% and this year interest is now 2.02%, according to Treasurer Larson.

Treasurer Larson said there are a lot of funds tied up in years 2021 and 2022 and she wishes they were spread out more evenly, but anytime you have a decent interest rate they call the bond and you need to replace it. The county is not to have any accounts over 50% so not to have all eggs in one basket or one type of investment.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the Certificates of Compliance with Mountain West Bank and Potlatch Credit Union. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the list of Boundary County accounts dated March 31, 2019. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer Larson discussed a matter pertaining to delinquent taxes. The property owner is paying $50 per month faithfully, but is just now paying off year 2014 taxes for parcel #RP60N01W348990A. Treasurer Larson said if Commissioners agreed to write off the late fees and interest, it would take 10 months for the property owner to pay off year 2015 taxes. It was mentioned that the dwelling may not be livable. Commissioners considered canceling late fees and interest for year 2015, but would address it when presented with the Property Tax Cancellation form.

The meeting with Treasurer Larson ended.

Mr. Martinez and Ms. Dirks left the meeting.

11:34 a.m., Commissioner Kirby 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 Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at noon. No action was taken.

Commissioners recessed for lunch at noon.

1:30 p.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificate of Residency for MacKenzie Jackson. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

1:30 p.m., Mindy Thorp and Rikkie Wallace with the U.S. Census Bureau, Assessor Dave Ryals, and Boundary County Economic Development Director Dennis Weed joined the meeting to discuss matters pertaining to the upcoming 2020 census. Also present were: Mat and Valerie Suprenant with E.L. Automation.

Ms. Thorp informed Commissioners that she had initially spoke at a Panhandle Area Council (PAC) meeting and wanted to discuss a couple areas, being Bonner County and Boundary County, and she informed Commissioners that she representatives the 10 northern counties in Idaho. Mr. Weed said discussion at the PAC meeting was about how to get as accurate an accounting as possible and how to get off-grid residents on the census roll.

Ms. Thorp said the census has been happening every ten years since 1790 and it’s a housing count besides being a population count. Ms. Thorp handed out information pertaining to the census and the reason for it and she explained how the census information helps determine how billions of dollars are distributed to states and communities across the states annually. Out of $883,094,042.00 Idaho received $3,646,592,592 in year 2016 based on census information collected. Main core standard programs that receive funding include: Head Start; Women, Infants, and Children programs (WIC); programs for seniors and communities; and road and infrastructure. Ms. Thorp explained that if there isn’t a good count for the census, we don’t get a fair share of the funds. The fact is that Idaho is the fastest growing state in the nation, tied with Nevada. Smaller counties need to be ready to make sure they’re represented, but there is a high number of people who don’t respond. Ms. Thorp commented that Boundary County is a challenging county for obtaining replies for information out of the 10 northern counties she represents. There is approximately 25% of the county’s population who will not respond so Boundary County could go without those funds every year and this is over the course of 10 years so it’s a lot of money that this county could potentially lose and those funds could get distributed somewhere else, according to Ms. Thorp. Children at the age of five and under is one area that is hard to calculate.

Ms. Thorp referred to another document titled Census 101 and said it explains what the census is and is not. There can be a lot of concerns for people worried about what data is collected and what it’s used for. Ms. Thorp explained that there has been discussion regarding a long form and short form, but that is something different than the census; that’s the American Community Survey. The census is decennial and it asks questions pertaining to home ownership versus renting, names, phone numbers, etc., and this information can now be provided online so it helps to save money. Around mid-March of year 2020, people will receive information on the option to participate in the census via email. People will be able to respond via email, regular mail, telephone or by the numerators coming out. Chairman Dinning asked when the American Community Survey comes out. Ms. Long said that survey is every five years. Those present agreed that it will be confusing to know the difference between the actual decennial census versus the American Community Survey. Ms. Thorp said she just wants people in Boundary County to be prepared and ready when invitations to participate come.

Ms. Wallace said she’s been running around town providing brochures advertising for census worker positions. The pay is $14-$15 per hour and .58 cents per mile for travel reimbursement. The Census Bureau is looking for local workers to take these jobs as opposed to someone from out of town as someone local will know more about the community. Applicants need to apply now, but they may not hear back about a position until May or June.

Assessor Ryals explained that Boundary County has a lot of ultra conservative people who move here and he has appraisers who won’t go to certain addresses as they feel they might get shot. The Sheriff’s Office may have better information on locations a census worker wouldn’t want to go to, according to Assessor Ryals. Chairman Dinning asked if the individuals who get hired would be treated as self-employed and responsible for their taxes. Ms. Thorp said she’s under the impression these are positions in which the employee would receive a W2 form. Ms. Wallace said there will also be training provided for the position. Chairman Dinning said the concern might be with the other American Community Survey form that comes out at the same time as the census and he said he would encourage the forms to come out at different times. Chairman Dinning explained that some of his constituents will resent some of the questions being asked. Commissioners suggested information be made available through the noon talk radio program on KPND to help spread information on the census process. Clerk Poston questioned if there would be a representative from the U.S. Census Bureau at the local fair. Ms. Thorp said she is the only representative for the 10 northern counties so she is spread thin, but it is something she could do if it will help. Bonners Ferry Rotary is another option, according to Clerk Poston.

Mr. Weed said the census workers will go door to door to try to collect information from the last 20% or 25% of the population who hadn’t responded initially. If someone has a gate that says no trespassing, the census worker will leave a card on the gate to get attention. Ms. Wallace said the workers are told they still have permission to go there, but that is where the local people come in. Assessor Ryals said in this community we actually have people who live here who will refuse to apply for the homeowner’s exemption benefit as they don’t want a government handout.

Chairman Dinning said Ms. Thorp touched on something in that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) shares information and people will resent that. Ms. Thorp reiterated that they, the Census Bureau, does not share information and those present discussed people who like their privacy. Ms. Thorp mentioned those same people might have kids who fall and need emergency care and some of the funds generated as a result of the census information received go to fund those emergency services. Chairman Dinning explained that Boundary County doesn’t have that type of service here. The emergency medical services here are tax funded and funded by their EMS billings.

Ms. Thorp and Ms. Wallace thanked Commissioners for their time.

Ms. Thorp and Ms. Wallace left the meeting.

Mr. Weed said the Economic Development program grant came out last week so he’s looking into those details. The difference this year is that funding is dropping to $30,000 whereas last year and the year prior the budget was $54,000. This year’s match is for every two dollars you’re awarded, you match one dollar so that is $15,000. Mr. Weed said the first year he had this job the grant was for $58,000. A note has been sent to the Economic Development Council (EDC) about setting the budget for this year and to inquire as to what the entities involved want as far as associated tasks within that budget. The grant application is due May 24th. Chairman Dinning asked if travel costs are included. Mr. Weed said if he charged for travel, the budget would be much larger than the EDC board wants it to be. Mr. Weed said as Commissioners and the Clerk, what do they want going forward as far as tasks? What are the things the county does not want to be done or does the county want to add things? Mr. Weed added that before he can write the grant he will need that information, but he also doesn’t want to list something if there isn’t going to be budget for it. Chairman Dinning said we need realistic costs. Somewhere there needs to be information on if travel will be fully funded for the work being done, but unfortunately the state sent out the information later in the year than before.

Mr. Weed informed Commissioners that he’s still working with a Verizon engineer on phone issues. Calls are also getting dropped in town as well as certain other places, but he himself is not having an issue now. Verizon is asking for information such as when the dropped calls occur and the location so they can look into it. The engineer for Verizon is aware that there is an issue in the area just north of Three Mile and if the phone number was given to the engineer, it would help determine the issue. The signal for Verizon has been increased, but he just received a message from a realtor saying the situation is still bad, if not worse. The bottom line is that Verizon is working with us and keeping connected.

Blue Sky Broadcasting Radio News Reporter Mike Brown joined the meeting at 2:24 p.m.

Mr. Weed said the first public meeting regarding the sewer project was held in Moyie Springs and all the comments that came back were positive.

The meeting with Mr. Weed ended at 2:26 p.m.

Mr. Weed, Mr. Suprenant and Ms. Suprenant left the meeting.

2:30 p.m., Sheriff’s Office Marine Deputy Caleb Watts, Sheriff Dave Kramer, Parks and Recreation Board Chairman Rob Tompkins, Search and Rescue Commander Tony Jeppesen, and Waterways Board Chairman Darron Branson and Board Member Genny Hoyle joined the meeting to discuss drafting an ordinance pertaining to the use of the county’s docks.

Chairman Dinning clarified that Commissioners could not discuss the ordinance pertaining to regulating uses on county property that is on the agenda for this next week. It was said the reason for the proposed ordinance on use of docks is mainly due to lack of respect by some users and it’s also a way to promote certain behaviors when using the boat docks. Mr. Branson said the Waterways Board has reviewed ordinances from other counties and put together a second or third rough draft of language. Bonner and Kootenai Counties have extensive ordinances, but Boundary County doesn’t need that.

Deputy Watts said he proposed a no wake zone for our waterways and he commented that it’s already an issue for our area. Some of the provisions in the proposed ordinances are to back up state law, such as the use of water craft. In the state ordinance there is to be no wake within 100 feet of a dock, swimmer or shore. Deputy Watts said there are certain areas, such as the beach across from the waterways dock that a no wake zone is proposed for. There is always going to be a state law that there is to be no wake within 100 feet away from a bridge, dock, or structure. It would apply to any dock, bridge, etc.

Mr. Branson said we’re looking at a no wake zone for the waterways dock area. Chairman Dinning said in state code it says there is to be a no wake zone within 100 feet of a dock so in applying that here, the area of the waterways dock is to be defined as no wake zone, beyond state code, to just past the swim area across the river. Deputy Watts said it’s not only for safety reasons, but also to protect against erosion of the river banks, etc. Those present discussed the difference in wakes caused by a boat with a prop versus a jet boat. Mr. Branson discussed safety around the swim area on the corner across the river from the waterways dock. Ms. Hoyle said law enforcement needs some teeth for some people on the river, unfortunately.

If someone is having a boat issue and someone else has parked and left their vehicle at the dock, other people cannot get out. Sheriff Kramer said we’re seeing more use and it will only continue on our river and he commented the proposed ordinance is appropriate for the Kootenai River. The Waterways Board is a lot more active in trying to make improvements and making it better boating for people.

Discussion turned to overnight stays at boat launches and Deputy Watts said these sites are parks and recreation sites and they’re specifically built for the boater and recreation on the water; not camping or staying all night. Camping is when a lot of damage to the facilities occurs.

It was said the Waterways Board wanted to make sure access to the boat ramp is not blocked unless someone is loading or unloading. Overnight parking of boats, trailers, etc., was briefly discussed and it was said the language can be changed as it’s only a draft. Mr. Branson said there is a section in the proposed ordinance pertaining to impounding that the county’s legal counsel could look over. Ms. Hoyle said this gives law enforcement discretion to address more chronic habitual people abusing these areas and making it difficult for other people to use. Mr. Branson said the Waterways Board is working with the county’s legal counsel.

Mr. Jeppesen said he can attest to the silliness in that area near the waterways building and Search and Rescue is also on board with putting an ordinance in place. It’s something that’s needed. Parking issues are more unique for Search and Rescue members as they have equipment stored in the waterways building and people have blocked them in by parking in front of the building. Deputy Watts has put up signage, which has helped somewhat as at least people are no longer parking right in front of the building.

The meeting ended at 2:30 p.m.

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

***Tuesday, April 30, 2019, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Chairman Dan Dinning was out of the office tending to other matters.

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

9:00 a.m., Commissioners continued the tax deed hearing for delinquent year 2015 taxes. Present were: Acting Chairman Walt Kirby, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Clerk Glenda Poston, Treasurer Sue Larson, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. The hearing was recorded.

The properties involved for this hearing are parcel #RP65N02E264490A and parcel #RPB0120012021AA. Treasurer Larson said there were two property owners who promised to pay their year 2015 taxes ahead of this hearing and they did pay as agreed, in cash, so Commissioners can now close the hearing.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to close the tax deed hearing for delinquent year 2015 taxes. Acting Chairman Kirby yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

The tax deed hearing ended.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Point & Pay Agreement for the Treasurer’s Office for use of the credit card machine. Acting Chairman Kirby yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the minutes for the week of April 22, 2019. Acting Chairman Kirby yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

9:30 a.m., Boundary Community Hospital CEO/CFO Craig Johnson and Hospital Board of Trustees Chairman Elden joined the meeting to provide Commissioners with an update on hospital matters.

Mr. Johnson stated the 2018 audit for the hospital has been completed. Including levy dollars, the hospital has a slight profit, but has a loss without those dollars and that includes depreciation as well. Commissioners will receive a copy of the audit after the Hospital’s May board meeting. There were no material findings or deficiencies and it’s a standard, clean audit, according to Mr. Johnson.

Mr. Johnson said he is working on the budget for the hospital so that will be forthcoming. The health fair and fun run takes place on May 11th. The event will have 62 vendors so it should be busy and there should be good information available.

The hospital is working on its certification for stroke and ST-Elevation Mycardial Infarction (STEMI). Sometime in June the STEMI survey team will visit the hospital to see if everything is in place prior to issuing certifications. The Hospital Board of Trustees and Fry Foundation have been working on grants and a capital campaign in order to secure 3D mammography equipment and the hope is to get this in place by October as that is breast cancer awareness month. Mr. Koon said 3D mammography is approximately 40% more accurate than 2D capabilities. It was said that physicians are referring local patients to other medical locations that have 3D mammography machines so Boundary Community Hospital is looking to get this machine and they’ve applied for grants for this purpose. Clerk Poston asked Mr. Johnson about letters of support for the grant. Mr. Johnson said that hasn’t been required yet. The Murdock Charitable Trust may request support letters, but they haven’t yet.

Those present discussed a matter regarding colonoscopy services and Mr. Johnson said there is false information about what is available at Boundary Community Hospital as the hospital has all the equipment it needs to perform colonoscopies. From a radiology standpoint, Boundary Community Hospital is equal to or superior to other regional locations. The reading radiologists are the same people who read for Bonner and Kootenai Counties. You can have procedures performed at Boundary Community Hospital with confidence, according to Mr. Johnson and he added that it’s unfortunate that physicians refer patients to other locations. Mr. Johnson said the hospital has been working for years to have their services equal or superior to other locations.
The subject of grant matches was mentioned and Mr. Johnson clarified that the hospital is not looking for grants requiring matches, but is looking for actual dollars. The funding sources are foundations that work with small rural hospitals to provide grant opportunities for equipment such as mammography machines.

The meeting with Mr. Koon and Mr. Johnson ended at 9:38 a.m.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

University of Idaho Extension Educators Amy Robertson and Kate Painter joined the meeting to update Commissioners on programs offered through the Extension Office.

Ms. Painter referred to multiple courses that were recently held last winter as well as upcoming spring and summer classes to be offered through the University of Idaho Extension Office for the 2019 season. Classes included wreath making, pesticide recertification, marketing your products online, saving garden seeds, and cereal schools, which is a course the Idaho Wheat and Barley Association funds, according to Ms. Painter. Other courses are grafting and fruit tree courses, deer proofing yards and gardens, tree trimming demonstrations, and vermiculture.

Ms. Robertson handed out flyers to talk about Boundary County’s Extension Office. Ms. Robertson listed various courses she has taught, such as gift in a jar class, working on budgets and holiday savings, germs and handwashing for all lower elementary level classes, canning and dehydrating, cooking under presser classes, and hosting a cooking school in Nampa with 650 participants.

Ms. Robertson spoke of providing quality assurance training for livestock for 4H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) groups. New members will now go through this course while existing members will take it every three years. The Extension Office wants to make sure all businesses that put forward a lot of money for 4H and FFA are getting a good product and preventing sick animals from coming to the fair, etc.

More courses offered were training 4H leaders and hosting a food handlers training. Ms. Robertson said she trained kids from Echo Springs, TLC Daycare and she can train staff from the Restorium who need a food handler’s certificate. This course is open to anyone. There will also be a lot of day camps this year and a flyer should be available soon.

Ms. Robertson informed Commissioners that she did apply for grants for various programs through the Idaho Community Foundation for the Idaho futures Fund and also the Equinox Program. Ms. Robertson spoke of having just started a master food safety course, which is similar to the master gardeners course, but it’s for food preservation, storage and safety.

Ms. Robertson spoke of starting a new project for 4H involving ATVs and working with the Sheriff’s Office and the State of Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. The Extension Office is also partnering with 9B Quilters who will award a sewing machine to a 4H member who is involved in sewing or is interested in sewing.

Ms. Robertson said she and Ms. Painter have hired their summer interns and it is the University of Idaho that funds these two positions. Ms. Painter said the intern program is new and it’s a good program for college age kids. These interns will help with research and other programs.

Ms. Robertson informed Commissioners that she will be working on the healthy diabetes plate class starting this Friday and it lasts the next four Fridays. This class is free and it provides good information on nutrition.

Ms. Robertson stated that the Extension Office will request two small increases for their budget. One increase requested will be for the line item pertaining to organization dues, etc. The other budget matter is rolling funds over into the next year for the Capital Outlay line item. Ms. Robertson explained that the kitchen cabinets in the meeting room as well as the cabinets on the other side of that room are old and the doors are constantly falling off. These cupboards need help and Ms. Robertson said she has carry forward budget in order to make improvements. An estimate for new cupboards was put together, but she hasn’t seen it yet. When the cupboards were getting measured a local resident who works at North Idaho Grant stated they would donate a granite island countertop.

Ms. Painter listed the field tour events coming up, such as native plants, crop tours, etc. Ms. Robertson spoke of trying to get a freeze dryer and holding a class on that if there is interest. Now that the “cooking under pressure” courses are starting to slow down Ms. Robinson said she will work with educators from southern Idaho on smoking meats.

Ms. Painter spoke of concerns pertaining to a particular fruit fly and commented that it is something she’s worried about although there are insecticides for it. It’s an Asian fruit fly that results in worms in cherries, etc. There will be a one day event called Idaho Gives that will consist of over 500 non-profits that will advertise what services they provide, etc. The website is “Idahogives.org” and there is a fee to those who want to participate.

Ms. Painter commented that she has applied or requested funding through the High Five Grant/Blue Cross foundation to help with the GROW Program. The goal is to try to get more people to realize what the Grow Garden program is. Also discussed was starting a little free garden program around town. Ms. Painter said she’s looking at approximately 10 little gardens and then will see how it goes.

Commissioner Cossairt asked if there any classes on spraying trees. Ms. Painter said yes, and that she would bring him information on that.

The meeting with Ms. Robertson and Ms. Painter ended at 10:30 a.m.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m.

_______________________________________
DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:

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