***Monday, August 31, 2020, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
9:00 a.m., Commissioners held a public hearing in the County Extension Office to consider the proposed fiscal year 2020-2021 county budget. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Assessor Dave Ryals, and Treasurer Sue Larson. The budget hearing was recorded.
Chairman Dinning stated that the proposed fiscal year 2020-2021 county budget was published in the newspaper on August 20, 2020, and again on August 27, 2020. It was said the budget was reduced and Clerk Poston replied it was reduced by $7.00.
Chairman Dinning reviewed budget highlights as follows: the county has the ability to levy $5,545,202.00, which includes the 3% allowable increase, plus new construction, but this levy does not include any available forgone amount of $480,840.00. Boundary County has chosen to take the Governor’s Public Safety Grant Initiative (GPSGI), which does not include the 3% increase, but it does contain new construction and provides a one-time property tax relief to all property owners within Boundary County. The 2020-2021 levy with the GPSGI reduction will be $4,124,946.00.
Clerk Poston spoke of changing market values. With the GPSGI, the budget was reduced and Chairman Dinning added that without this initiative, the budget was $5,382,846.00.
The full amount of the GPSGI is $1,308,090.00 with reserved amounts for urban renewal and administrative support, which will lower the amount by $50,190.00. Boundary County’s total budget expenses including grants is $19,600,813.00. There was $18,437,111.00 of new construction value for the county for an increase of new construction in the amount of $96,634.00. Operating property values are not yet available from the State Tax Commission at this time. There is a 4.9% rate/fee increase for Solid Waste and effective October 1, 2020, there will be new Planning and Zoning fees in effect. There is a 5% salary increase included in the budget for employees and a 3% increase to the starting wages.
Chairman Dinning asked for comments from Commissioners. Commissioner Cossairt said he feels employee salaries should increase 3% as opposed to 5%. Clerk Poston commented that this budget is available at 5%. The county did cover insurance, but that doesn’t put food on the table and she feels the employees need the 5%. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners are approving the budget and they can see how it is disbursed. Commissioner Kirby said he is in favor of a 5% employee salary increase.
Treasurer Larson asked if the pay increase would be taken away from employees if the county was to experience hard times.
Assessor Ryals said he agrees with Clerk Poston and the budget for the 5% increase is there. Employees deserve it. Commissioners could provide the 3% increase and then see where we are at. If everything is good, then Commissioners could provide for the 5% increase retroactively. Chairman Dinning and Assessor Ryals said they felt that was reasonable.
No other public comment was offered.
It was said the forgone balance, including this year’s figure, which is $480,840.00 and $162,356.00 totals $643,196.00.
Commissioner Kirby moved to approve and adopt the fiscal year 2020-2021 Boundary County budget as presented. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved that Boundary County has a forgone tax amount of $643,196.00 that it chooses to retain and not levy for. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2020-26. A resolution to adopt the fiscal year 2020-2021 county budget. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2020-26 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2020-26
A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT
THE FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021 COUNTY BUDGET
WHEREAS, on the 31st day of August, 2020 at the Boundary County Extension Office in Bonners Ferry, Idaho the Board of County Commissioners held the fiscal year 2020-2021 budget hearing for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, the budget hearing was held in accordance with Idaho Code 31-1604 and Idaho Code 31-1605, and
WHEREAS, the proposed budget was duly printed in the Bonners Ferry Herald on August 20, 2020, and August 27, 2020,
WHEREAS, there was citizen input on the budget as proposed, and
WHEREAS, having considered the budget needs and available revenue,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Boundary County Commissioners hereby unanimously adopt the fiscal year 2020-2021 budget as attached for Boundary County.
DATED AND DONE this 31st day of August 2020.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/____________________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/____________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/_____________________________
Walt Kirby, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/____________________________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #283347
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2020-27. A resolution of the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Boundary, Idaho, reserving the forgone amount for fiscal year 2020-2021 for potential use in subsequent years as described in Idaho Code §63-802, et al. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2020-27 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2020-27
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BOUNDARY, IDAHO, RESERVING THE FORGONE AMOUNT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021 FOR POTENTIAL USE IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS AS DESCRIBED IN IDAHO CODE §63-802, et al.
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §31-811 empowers the board of county commissioners of each county to levy property taxes; and,
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §31-1605 requires the board of county commissioners of each county in the State of Idaho to pass an annual budget; and,
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §63-802 sets limitations on county budget requests on the amount of property tax revenues that can be used to fund programs and services; and,
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §63-802(1)(a) allows each county to increase property tax budget amounts by a maximum of 3%, plus an amount calculated based on the value of both new construction and annexation added during the previous calendar year, plus an amount for forgone taxes; and,
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §63-802(1)(f) requires that the County adopt an annual resolution to reserve additional forgone amount in order to utilize that amount in subsequent years; and,
WHEREAS, Boundary County has met the notice and hearing requirements in Idaho Code §63-802(1)(f) to reserve the current year’s increase in the forgone amount; and,
WHEREAS, Boundary County intends to reserve $162,356.00 of its current year’s increase in allowable forgone amount. Prior forgone amount of $480,840.00 is also reserved.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BOUNDARY, IDAHO, that $162,356.00 of the current year’s allowable increase in its forgone amount is reserved and included in the County’s total forgone balance for potential use in subsequent years.
PASSED by the BOUNDARY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS on the 31st day of August 2020.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/____________________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/____________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/____________________________
Walt Kirby, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/_________________________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #283348
Commissioner Cossairt moved that the adopted budget includes the expenditure of funds for all county leases to also include Columbia Bank Leases #1713908, #1822897, #2049363, and #20288512. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Letters of Intent for Columbia Bank Leases #1713908, #1822897, #2049363, and #20288512. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the L-2 Forms once Commissioners receive the final valuations from the State Tax Commission. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
The county budget hearing ended at 9:20 a.m.
Commissioners recessed until their next hearing scheduled for 9:30 a.m.
9:30 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 Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners held a public hearing in the County Extension Office to consider the proposed fiscal year 2020-2021 Boundary County Ambulance Service District budget. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Assessor Dave Ryals, and Treasurer Sue Larson. The budget hearing was recorded.
Chairman Dinning reviewed the budget highlights as follows: Boundary County Ambulance Service District has the ability to levy $419,478.00, which is the 3% allowable increase plus new construction. The 3% totals $12,166.00. This levy does not include any available forgone in the amount of $13,480.00. The Ambulance Service District has chosen to take the Governor’s Public Safety Grant Initiative (GPSGI), which does not include the 3% increase, but it does contain new construction. The 2020-2021 budget amount to be levied is $407,312.00. The property tax replacement amount is $5,518.00.
Chairman Dinning asked if there was any discussion. Clerk Poston said this is pretty straight forward. Notice of this budget was also published in the Bonners Ferry Herald on August 20, 2020, and again on August 27, 2020.
Chairman Dinning asked for public comment. Treasurer Larson asked if Boundary Ambulance Service still bills for services separately in addition to the levy and Chairman Dinning said yes. No more public comments were offered.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve and adopt the fiscal year 2020-2021 Boundary County Ambulance Service District Budget. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved that Boundary County Ambulance Service District has a forgone tax amount of $13,480.00 that it chooses to retain and not levy for. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2020-1/A. A resolution adopting the fiscal year 2020-2021 Boundary County Ambulance Service District budget. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2020-1/A reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2020-1/A
A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021
BOUNDARY COUNTY AMBULANCE SERVICE DISTRICT BUDGET
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did adopt Resolution 2012-16 on March 26, 2012 creating a county-wide ambulance service district, pursuant to Idaho Code §31-3908, to be known as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District to be recognized as a legal taxing district and giving the Board the authority to levy a special tax for the operation of the District, pursuant to Idaho Code §31-3908(4), and
WHEREAS, on the 31st day of August, 2020, at the Boundary County Extension Office in Bonners Ferry, Idaho the Board of County Commissioners held the fiscal year 2020-2021 budget hearing for the Boundary County Ambulance Service District, and
WHEREAS, the budget hearing was held in accordance with Idaho Code 31-1604 and Idaho Code 31-1605, and
WHEREAS, the proposed budget was duly printed in the Bonners Ferry Herald on August 20, 2020 and August 27, 2020, and
WHEREAS, there was citizen input on the budget as proposed, and
WHEREAS, having considered the budget needs and available revenue,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Boundary County Commissioners hereby unanimously adopt the fiscal year 2020-2021 budget as attached for the Boundary County Ambulance Service District.
DATED AND DONE this 31st day of August, 2020.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/___________________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/___________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/____________________________
Walt Kirby, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/__________________________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #283349
Commissioner Cossairt moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the L-2 Forms once Commissioners receive the final valuations from the State Tax Commission. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2020-2/A. A resolution of the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Boundary, Idaho, reserving the forgone amount for fiscal year 2020-2021 for potential use in subsequent years as described in Idaho Code §63-802, et al. for the Boundary County Ambulance Service District. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2020-2/A reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2020-2/A
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BOUNDARY, IDAHO, RESERVING THE FORGONE AMOUNT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021 FOR POTENTIAL USE IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS AS DESCRIBED IN IDAHO CODE §63-802, et al. FOR THE BOUNDARY COUNTY AMBULANCE SERVICE DISTRICT.
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did adopt Resolution 2012-16 on March 26, 2012 creating a county-wide ambulance service district, pursuant to Idaho Code §31-3908, to be known as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District to be recognized as a legal taxing district and giving the Board the authority to levy a special tax for the operation of the District, pursuant to Idaho Code §31-3908(4), and
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §31-811 empowers the board of county commissioners of each county to levy property taxes; and,
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §31-1605 requires the board of county commissioners of each county in the State of Idaho to pass an annual budget; and,
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §63-802 sets limitations on county budget requests on the amount of property tax revenues that can be used to fund programs and services; and,
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §63-802(1)(a) allows each county to increase property tax budget amounts by a maximum of 3%, plus an amount calculated based on the value of both new construction and annexation added during the previous calendar year, plus an amount for forgone taxes; and,
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §63-802(1)(f) requires that the County adopt an annual resolution to reserve additional forgone amount in order to utilize that amount in subsequent years; and,
WHEREAS, Boundary County has met the notice and hearing requirements in Idaho Code §63-802(1)(f) to reserve the current year’s increase in the forgone amount; and,
WHEREAS, Boundary County intends to reserve $12,166.00 of its current year’s increase in allowable forgone amount for the Boundary County Ambulance Service District. Prior forgone amount of $13,480.00 is also reserved.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BOUNDARY, IDAHO, that $12,166.00 of the current year’s allowable increase in its forgone amount for the Boundary County Ambulance Service District is reserved and included in the District’s total forgone balance for potential use in subsequent years.
PASSED by the BOUNDARY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS on the 31st day of August 2020.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/____________________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/____________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/____________________________
Walt Kirby, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/_____________________________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #283350
The Boundary Ambulance Service District budget hearing ended at 9:40 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District and reconvene as the Board of Boundary County Commissioners. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners recessed until the Road and Bridge Department report set for 10:10 a.m.
10:10 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris joined the meeting at the Extension Office to provide the department report. A written report was presented.
Those present discussed the Federal Lands Highway Design Standards Form.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the Federal Lands Highway Design Standards Form for the Riverside Road Improvement Project. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Nelson discussed the terms of leases of various graders and entertaining piggyback bid offers. Commissioners will add this to the next week’s agenda.
Ms. Nelson commented that there is a lot of development occurring in the county and it is commercial development, which has different approaches and the Road Standards Ordinance doesn’t address this difference. Mr. Morris provided an example of the area near the Road and Bridge Office and KG & T, etc., and he added that there might be the same situation on Homestead Loop with development there. Chairman Dinning mentioned recalling there being diagrams included in the Ordinance where he thought commercial approach minimums were listed. Ms. Nelson commented that approach maximums were not listed. Chairman Dinning discussed frontage access.
Ms. Nelson informed Commissioners that she had a good conversation with Matt Hodges of Computer Arts regarding computers, GIS and mapping. Chairman Dinning said there is now an air conditioner in the room where the computers are stored so that should keep the heat down, just in case that was a cause of some of the computer issues.
The meeting with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 10:25 a.m.
Commissioners recessed until the public hearing set for 11:00 a.m., to consider an increase in Restorium room rates.
11:00 a.m., Commissioners held a public hearing in the Extension Office to consider an increase in Restorium room rates for new residents by an amount of 8%. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee; and members of the public included Wilma DeVore and Loretta Hunsaker. The hearing was recorded.
Chairman Dinning reviewed the hearing procedures. The hearing was opened and Chairman Dinning provided reasons for the proposed increase. Any change in fees would take effect October 1, 2020. Chairman Dinning listed the existing rates for the four types of rooms as well as what the increased rate would be. Commissioners had no conflict of interest.
Commissioners opened the hearing to public testimony and asked for comments from those in favor of the increase and no one spoke. Commissioners asked for public comment from those uncommitted to the proposal. Ms. DeVore asked if these increases are included in the county budget that was published. Chairman Dinning said yes and he listed what the Restorium’s budget was last year and what it is this year.
Ms. Hunsaker said the increase seems high and she questioned if this is normal. Ms. Hunsaker asked if the difference could be placed onto the taxpayer and Chairman Dinning replied that the county did in increasing the levy.
Clerk Poston said the county did not add a new position at the Restorium, but employee hours were increased by approximately 5,500 hours. Food costs are also increasing. There is a room rate increase for existing residents of 4.9% and for new residents the proposed increase is 8%. This increase will help fund the new call system and will help with costs as COVID-19 prevented the admission of new residents. Clerk Poston explained that the county also levies for the hospital, which coincides with the levy for the Restorium.
Chairman Dinning stated that the budget for last year’s hours and salaries was $786,000.00 and this year it is $854,000.00 so that is an increase of approximately $90,000.00 for staff hours. A question was raised as to how many of the Restorium residents had been local to the community. Ms. Magee said approximately 25 out of 33 residents are local. There are nine residents on Medicaid and there is no longer a limit on Medicaid residents now that rooms can be shared. Ms. Hunsaker asked about the wait time for Medicaid billing. Ms. Magee said Medicaid is billed monthly and it takes approximately one week to receive payment once billed. Ms. Hunsaker asked about total resident capacity and Ms. Magee said full occupancy is 52.
There were no more comments from those uncommitted and there were also no comments from those opposed to the proposed increase. Chairman Dinning closed the hearing to public comment.
Commissioner Cossairt said he hates to do this, but the increase is a necessary evil. Commissioner Kirby said the Restorium cannot run at a loss so we need to do this. Commissioner Kirby added that management at the Restorium has done everything they can to keep costs down. Chairman Dinning said between wages and benefits for county employees this last year it was a bit more than $1,300,000.00 and this year it’s about the same due to the shift. Clerk Poston explained that it’s due to the medical insurance schedules the employees are on.
Chairman Dinning opening the hearing back up to public comments. Ms. Hunsaker said that people who are on Medicaid can afford to stay at the Restorium, but the residents who have a good income may not be able to afford it. Chairman Dinning explained how other assisting living facilities have a base rate and then charge extra for various services, but the Restorium already includes those services. Ms. Hunsaker asked if residents will be able to afford this increase, such as the residents who want to move to the Restorium. Chairman Dinning explained that the Restorium is the least expensive facility for a wide distance. Ms. Hunsaker asked how much the employees’ insurance is covered by the county. Chairman Dinning said the county covers all of it for fulltime employees. Clerk Poston said the employees cover their copays and deductibles.
Chairman Dinning closed the hearing to public testimony.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to increase Restorium room rates by 8% for new residents and 4.9% for existing residents. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
The hearing ended at 11:25 a.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 11:30 a.m.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened the afternoon session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Deputy Clerk Pam Barton also joined the meeting.
Eric Lederhos joined the meeting via conference call.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Ethan Hubbard and Regina Claphan. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Dinning informed Commissioners that he needed to sign the Rule Steel Container document for the purchase of roll off containers for the Solid Waste Department as it was time sensitive.
Commissioner Kirby moved to ratify signing the document from Rule Steel Container for roll offs for the Solid Waste Department. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Kirby moved to sign minutes of August 17 & 18, 2020. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Dinning said the county is looking to have two doors installed at the armory. One door leads to the County Probation Office from the State Probation Office and the second door leads from the County Probation Department to the storage area in existing unused shower area and the estimate for this work is approximately $8,000.00 to $8,500.00.
Commissioner Kirby moved to authorize Bonners Ferry Builders to install the two doors at the armory using existing county doors for an amount up to $9,000.00. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Barton and Commissioners discussed employee hours designated as related to COVID-19 and leave of absence associated with COVID-19. Chairman Dinning said this pertains to if an employee has to go home due to COVID-19 or if an employee had to cover for another employee who was on leave due to COVID-19. In this case, half of this employee’s day is designed at COVID-19 hours. Clerk Poston said employees still earn regular sick leave while being covered under COVID-19 hours, but employees should use their sick leave. Chairman Dinning asked about qualifying for this coverage. Clerk Poston said more of an explanation needs to be given by the employee for hours associated with COVID-19, especially when it’s an hour here and there.
County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull joined the meeting at 1:50 p.m.
Deputy Clerk Barton left the meeting at 1:51 p.m.
Eric Lederhos and Kevin Lederhos with EL Internet participated in the next discussion via conference call.
Attorney Hull said he is looking over the agreements with the state for the broadband grant and he should have his response sometime today. Chairman Dinning commented that Commissioners don’t have any kind of an agreement between the county and the vendor at this point. Attorney Hull said he would get in touch with the City of Moyie Springs’ attorney about a draft agreement.
Eric Lederhos and Kevin Lederhos ended their conference call at 1:55 p.m.
1:55 p.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 second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 2:00 p.m. No action was taken.
2:02 p.m., Commissioners and Attorney Hull discussed Cabinet Mountains Water District’s matter of wanting to obtain pieces of property in which to house a tower or equipment in relation to these parcels possibly being non-conforming lots. It was said another option is for Cabinet Mountains Water District to lease these areas from the existing property owner.
Attorney Hull left the meeting at 2:06 p.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
2:28 p.m., Deputy Clerk April Isaac joined the meeting.
2:31 p.m., Undersheriff Rich Stephens and Deputy Clerk Pam Barton joined the meeting.
Those present discussed the Sheriff’s Office list of items they wish to submit for CARES Act pre-approval for COVID-19 funding. Chairman Dinning said the county has only a certain amount that can be approved in total and Commissioners were not made aware of this funding cap until recently. Without any requests being submitted for Road and Bridge and the Sheriff’s Office, there is $115,627.61 available. With the Sheriff’s Office request of the generator, etc. it would’ve put the balance way over the cap. Deputy Clerk Isaac explained that just the request for computers with hotspot for the deputies comes to $51,601.92. The reason for computers is to limit close contact in a confined space. The request for funding for return air ventilation was explained.
2:40 p.m., Sheriff Dave Kramer joined the meeting.
The request list from the Sheriff’s Office puts the funding threshold over the cap that is available. Chairman Dinning said one caveat is that any project has to be completed by December 20th. Deputy Clerk Isaac said communication from the state level hasn’t been very good as we’ve only just learned about this cap last week. Sheriff Kramer asked if there is any opportunity for more funding as he would like to apply for funding for COVID-19 pay as the City of Bonners Ferry has done. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners had discussed tracking COVID-19 hours for when employees have to go home. Clerk Poston said to her knowledge we’re not getting reimbursed for those hours and Chairman Dinning explained that it’s just for tracking. There are some employees who only have one hour of their day designated as COVID-19 related and some people have five hours out of 10 under COVID-19 so there might be some confusion.
The meeting to discuss the Sheriff’s Office request for items associated with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding program ended at 2:49 p.m.
2:49 p.m., there being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 10:00 a.m.
***Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at 10:00 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.
10:00 a.m., Planning and Zoning Administrator John Moss and County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull joined the meeting.
Chairman Dinning said Commissioners need to amend their meeting agenda in order to sign the Idaho CARES Act Broadband Grant agreements. Commissioners received notice of grant awards and they were given information about having an agreement to sign. Signing the agreements was listed on the agenda for Monday, but the agreements weren’t ready. Commissioners have 10 days from last Tuesday to respond.
Commissioner Kirby moved to amend the agenda to when today’s executive session has ended to sign the Idaho CARES Act Broadband grant agreements with the State of Idaho. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
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; and Idaho Code 74-206(1)f, to communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. Commissioner Cossairt second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Moss left the meeting at 10:42 a.m.
The executive session ended at 10:45 a.m. No action was taken.
Commissioners discussed the matter of the CARES Act broadband agreements. The budgets from Internet Northwest need to be updated, according to Clerk Poston. Commissioners said this is time sensitive so the agenda was amended to allow signing the agreements once the county civil attorney has reviewed them.
Commissioner Kirby moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the Idaho Broadband Grant Agreement with the State of Idaho for the Idaho CARES Act Broadband Grant. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Attorney Hull left the meeting at 10:47 a.m.
Commissioners contacted Boundary Economic Development Council Director Dennis Weed to talk about the State of Idaho CARES Act Broadband grant.
The call to Mr. Weed ended.
Commissioner Kirby left the meeting.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:50 a.m.
____________________________________
DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
__________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk