***Monday, January 23, 2017, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton was out of the office tending to personal matters.

Blue Sky Broadcasting Reporter Mike Brown and county resident Marty Martinez were in attendance of the meetings off and on throughout the day.

Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac joined the meeting.

9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Superintendent Clint Kimball joined the meeting to provide a department report. Mr. Kimball provided a written report.

Mr. Kimball presented Commissioners with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Grant Application for the Caribou Creek Bridge Replacement. The grant amount requested is $99,000 and the match amount committed is $125,000. The grant application states this project involves removing and replacing the functionally obsolete and aging timber bridge over Caribou Creek, located on a critical access road, to snowmobiling, ORMV-use, horse trailer haulers, hikers, fishing and pleasure driving areas with a new two lane bridge. Mr. Kimball said this project will be done with all county-furnished materials except for possibly concrete or asphalt.

Commissioner Kirby moved to authorize Chairman Dinning to represent Boundary County and to sign the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Grant Application for the Caribou Creek Bridge Replacement. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners and Mr. Kimball reviewed projects in the Boundary County 5 Year Capital Improvement Plan for Roads and Bridges. Chairman Dinning said for clarification that projects that are highlighted have been completed. Mr. Kimball said some of the projects started prior to his employment with the county, and they are contingent on funding.

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve and initial the Boundary County 5 Year Capital Improvement Plan for roads and bridges. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Kimball informed Commissioners that his assistant foreman is retiring so they will need to look over this position’s job description as the current position is going to change.

Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac left the meeting at 9:13 a.m.

Commissioners and Mr. Kimball reviewed the Road and Bridge Department report. The repairs to the Naples Bridge have been completed and the flaggers have been relieved of duty. Mr. Kimball said Road and Bridge will screen sand for road sanding if the weather warms up. There is a Boundary Area Transportation Team (BATT) meeting this week on Wednesday.

Mr. Kimball said he has had discussions with Dan Coonce with the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council and they will have a pre-operational meeting for Ruby Creek Bridge #2 as well as a project design meeting for the south Trout Creek Bridge project.

Mr. Kimball said he will have one more large application for Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) projects. Chairman Dinning asked if the Moyie River Road/Meadow Creek Road project is back on FLAP program’s list. Mr. Kimball said that project is possibly back on the list of considerations.

Mr. Kimball informed Commissioners that he hadn’t heard any information about the bid opening last week for the Round Prairie project.

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

Commissioner Kirby moved to sign the Certificates of Residency for Kayla Welton and Don Parlow. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Kirby moved to grant an extension of time and to accept the tax amount owing for year 2016 taxes for parcel #MHM01300000016VA by February 25, 2017. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Kirby moved to accept payments of $25.00 per month toward year 2016 taxes, with payments continuing for year 2017 taxes, for parcel #MHM0130000022VA. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Kirby moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation Form for year 2016 taxes for parcel #M362N03E30271AA and to cancel taxes in the amount of $124.21, specials in the amount of $85.83, and $.73 in late fees, plus interest as the property had a circuit breaker exemption that had not been removed when calculating the taxes and the mobile home is now out of state. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

9:27 a.m., Commissioners spoke to County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull via telephone.

Commissioner Kirby moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code Statute 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 Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 9:42 a.m.

Commissioner Kirby moved to add an executive session, Idaho Code 74-206(1)a, to the agenda for tomorrow, Tuesday, January 24, 2016, regarding personnel as well as a possible motion to sign a professional services contract as the matter is time sensitive because the current contract has expired. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Boundary Ambulance Service (BAS) Chief Jeff Lindsey joined the meeting at 9:58 a.m.

Commissioner Kirby moved to recess as the Board of Boundary County Commissioners and to convene as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Those present discussed purchasing defibrillators for the Courthouse and where the defibrillators should be kept.

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the meeting minutes for December 19, 2016, for the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chief Lindsey said BAS has been very busy. BAS has changed their billing service, but changes won’t be recognized until approximately March, 2017.

Chief Lindsey said he has three paramedics that are just starting in the Community Paramedic Project. Chief Lindsey informed Commissioners that BAS is participating in the North Idaho Community Health Collaborative. Bonner County, Boundary County and Shoshone County all have this program and hopefully by the end of the year, there will be some sort of grant funding available. Even if this program is not funded by the state, BAS will still move forward in this program. Chief Lindsey explained that there are residents of the community that BAS responds to quite frequently for falls, etc., and this costs the taxpayers money in the long run so the idea is for paramedics to start making home visits to these locations to determine the reason for the constant calls. Chief Lindsey explained a telehealth program in which a doctor can see what is going on with a patient if that patient cannot make it in to the doctor’s office. Chairman Dinning informed Chief Lindsey that he is connected to veterans groups and if a veteran is transported in an ambulance to a hospital, the veteran’s medical insurance won’t pay for a return home trip. Chief Lindsey said hopefully that gets straightened out and he explained that BAS cannot transport to the Veterans’ Hospital in Spokane as that hospital has a contract with American Medical Response (AMR) for ambulance service.

Chairman Dinning informed Chief Lindsey that Commissioners received the lease for the armory building, but they need to schedule a walk through.

Chairman Dinning mentioned that Commissioners received the invoice for year 2016 maintenance for the Boundary County Simulcast System. This is the total bill for maintenance of the system for year 2016 and the Boundary County Ambulance Service District agreed to pay that portion of cost for ambulance services. The Ambulance Service District uses approximately 56% of call time and that equates to $840 for the district’s portion.

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the expenditure of $840 for Boundary County Ambulance Service District’s portion of cost for the yearly maintenance cost of the Boundary County Simulcast System. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

10:17 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District and to reconvene as the Board of Boundary County Commissioners. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the minutes of January 9 and 10, 2017. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

10:20 a.m., Treasurer Sue Larson joined the meeting to present a report of county accounts as of December 31, 2016. Treasurer Larson explained that her report includes funds from every taxing district in the county. It was explained that funds were moved to the State Pool as soon as the Treasurer’s Office closed out the month as that rate is .657%.

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report of County Accounts dated December 31, 2016. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer Larson explained a matter pertaining to delinquent property taxes for a mobile home near Hermann Lake dating back to year 2013. The home had been gifted to the current owner who hasn’t followed through with payment plans for the taxes, but this is the first time taxes are as late as three years. Commissioners suggested Treasurer Larson move forward as she sees fit.

The meeting with Treasurer Larson ended at 10:30 a.m.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

11:00 a.m., Boundary Community Hospital CEO/CFO Craig Johnson and Hospital Board of Trustees Chairman Elden Koon joined the meeting to provide a quarterly report on hospital matters.

Mr. Johnson said the hospital’s finances from year end is in the red after uncompensated care, but is otherwise just barely in the black. Uncompensated care has exceeded $870,000, which is $137,000 more than last year and is generated by emergency room visits by patients that do have insurance, but have very high deductibles.

Mr. Johnson explained there is a widespread illness in the community and region with upper respiratory flu-like systems.

Mr. Johnson informed Commissioners that he will have a doctor available every other Friday morning and in addition, every Thursday Dr. Di Benedetto will be at the hospital for orthopedic surgeries. The Festival of Hearts is to take place on February 11th at the Kootenai River Inn. This event has transitioned from the Festival of Trees and will have auction items to bid on. Mr. Johnson said the Rural Health Clinic has a new health practitioner who will start on February 6th so there are now three providers at the clinic. Mr. Johnson said the clinic is working toward being open five days per week sometime around March 1st, and they are still looking for a primary care physician to fill the fourth provider position.

Mr. Johnson said Dr. Willis has provided information pertaining to time sensitive emergencies and it is called the Idaho Trauma System. Boundary Community Hospital has worked on this and anticipates certification as a level 4 hospital. Mr. Johnson explained that smaller hospitals such as Boundary Community Hospital are level 4’s and he added that this is for trauma and the other part to this is for Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction heart attacks (STEMI) and strokes. Each section will received certification, according to Mr. Johnson.

Mr. Johnson said the emergency room physicians have been trained and certified for use of the portable ultrasound machine the Fry Foundation had purchased. Engineering work is underway for the HVAC and fire panels as result of a levy. Mr. Johnson said he anticipates getting the HVAC for the surgery suite in early March.

Chairman Dinning said the financial picture for the hospital is a lot better than it had been some many years ago. Mr. Johnson said it is, but it could still be better. Those present discussed changes to Blue Cross of Idaho insurance and the Hospital Association’s involvement.

Chairman Dinning spoke of Boundary Ambulance Service providing the community paramedic program. Mr. Johnson said it is a very helpful program. Boundary Ambulance Service really fills a hole that is huge, according to Mr. Johnson.

The meeting with Mr. Johnson and Mr. Koon ended at 11:11 a.m.

Treasurer Sue Larson and Parks and Recreation Activities Director Anne Tompkins joined the meeting at 11:14 a.m.

Ms. Tompkins mentioned she has had an online registration page for Parks and Recreation activities for the last four years and the company she works with is requesting a change as they cannot hold the funds and wants them directly deposited. Chairman Dinning said if he signed up a child to play a sport, he pays the registration fee online and that fee goes to Ms. Tompkins. This pertains to credit card use and this company can no longer hold the funds. Ms. Tompkins explained that one-third of her program participants pay online. Commissioners said for clarification with this change the online payment would go directly into a Boundary County account. Ms. Tompkins said that was correct. The program participant would also pay the fee as opposed to the county. Ms. Tompkins said approximately 200 out of 600 participants pay the fee online. Treasurer Larson said her office can set the system up to make sure they know who the funds came from. Clerk Poston said she would just encourage double checking deposits and reconciling, especially in the beginning.

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the system of a direct deposit system for sports program registration fees subject to County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull’s approval of the agreement. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

The meeting with Treasurer Larson and Ms. Tompkins ended at 11:22 a.m.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

Commissioners recessed for lunch at 11:50 p.m.

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

1:30 p.m., Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen, James Jordan and John Rollins with Caterpillar Financial, and Carol Julian and Hugh Gavin with Columbia Bank joined the meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss financing options for a loader for the Solid Waste Department.

The county can either refinance with CAT or another institution for the existing machine with a five year warrantee or enter into a five year or seven year lease for a new machine. It was said the county had a little over $100,000 trade-in value when it bought the existing 980 Caterpillar loader. The county did not finance this existing machine through Western States/CAT, but it did have a buyback of $272,000. It will cost the county approximately $270,000 to acquire the existing machine, but that trade-in of approximately $100,000 just went away and the county is trying to build equity so the question is how does the county do that.

Mr. Rollins said Western States/CAT, in all government transactions, purchases equipment for refinancing and will offer a guaranteed buyback whether the county chooses to finance with them or another lender so they will use that buyback. At the end of the buyback is the option to purchase or give back the machine and the numbers should be the same. Mr. Rollins said he earns business by life cycle cost. If the county finances with another lender, the buyback is usually less. It was mentioned that CAT will give the county a lower payment and cost of ownership during the finance period. In the case of the prior machine, the county did have a trade and put that trade toward the finance amount so the bank financed the lease after the trade-in amount. Only the difference was paid after the buyback/trade value. Mr. Rollins said going forward, if the county wanted to make higher payments, they can do that. The county can actually have the bank or Western States/CAT structure the loan with a lower residual at the end or have a higher payment.

Chairman Dinning said specific to this machine with fairly low hours and good care, is there the ability to increase the amount beyond the buyback that is guaranteed. Mr. Rollins said there is a soft used market now and the 980 loaders fall into that at this time. Mr. Rollins said the existing loader probably costs less than $250,000 today. Today if the county owned a fully paid out motor, it would be subject to the market value. The 980 loaders are just a size class today, etc., and it is supply and demand.

Mr. Gavin said this just depends on what the county wants to do and he added that the bank would be happy to finance the remainder of the balance. Mr. Gavin said as long as there is a loan against the current loader, he would suggest leaving it past due until new loan documents are generated, or if the county purchases a new loader, pay off the existing loader and sign a new lease. Mr. Rollins said $272,000 is the amount of the current buyback. Approximately $263,000 is principal and the rest is interest, according to Mr. Gavin. Western States/CAT taking over ownership, issuing a new warranty and selling the loader back to the county and refinancing it or the county can work with the bank at a balance of $263,000 with approximately $8,000 in interest. The county could finance through the bank, but CAT would not guarantee the buyback and warranty. CAT could buy the existing loader back and resell it to the county, and that would qualify, according to Mr. Gavin. The new lease amount for five years is $160,000. Chairman Dinning apologized for having to make a decision in the next day. Chairman Dinning asked what a seven year lease would look like on a new loader. Mr. Jordan said total price on a new loader is $435,703.00 and the residual balance at seven years $225,000. There is no equity in the trade, according to Chairman Dinning. Mr. Rollins said the county would be a bit upside down in value due to the market. Chairman Dinning asked if there is a down payment on the new machine. Mr. Rollins said there is no down payment; only the first annual claim. It was said the annual payment for a seven year lease is $40,950.12 with a buyback of $225,000. Mr. Rollins said five year financing is more attractive due to the lower payment. The payment on a new loader with a five year term is $37,777.78 with $285,000 buyback. Mr. Rollins said if the market is above that, CAT could give the county a higher value in a trade scenario.

Mr. Gavin said the bank could offer a 3.23% interest rate on a seven year term, 2.89% on a four year term, and he could offer a five year lease on the existing machine.

Mr. Jordan said CAT offers 3.2% on a five year lease and 3.5% on a seven year lease. The five year term is for the new or existing loader that was financed with a warranty, according to Mr. Jordan. Chairman Dinning asked if CAT paid off the existing machine, would there be a warranty. Mr. Rollins said he would have to check on that. Mr. Rollins said the cost of the warranty on a new machine is $25,000 to $30,000.
The recap for financing a new machine is $435,700 at 3.5% for a seven year lease with payments of $40,950.

Those present reviewed information discussed. A five year term on the existing machine has a $160,000 buyback and payments are $40,136.
Clerk Poston questioned if the value of the machine on a five year term is the same as the seven year term. It was said there is an additional cost for a longer warranty so the cost of the seven year term increases because of the warranty. The interest rate on a five year term is 3.23% and 2.89% on a four year term.

Mr. Rollins said it’s just looking at numbers. It looks like the five year offer is a better arrangement on a new machine. On the used machine, what probably make sense is the buyback and to run the machine for a much longer period of time, such as 10,000 hours.

Mr. Jordan said the purchase price of a loader is $420,703 on a five year lease with CAT. Mr. Rollins said if the county wants more of an equity position, CAT would still guarantee the same amount on the back side.

The meeting to discuss finance options for a loader ended at 1:59 p.m.

2:00 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. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye.” Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 2:47 p.m. No action was taken.

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

***Tuesday, January 24, 2017, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners held an elected officials/department heads meeting. Present were: Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen, Veterans Service Officer John Tucker, Treasurer Sue Larson, Noxious Weed Superintendent Dave Wenk, Road and Bridge Department Superintendent Clint Kimball, Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley, Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee, Boundary County Emergency Management Director Mike Meier, Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown, Prosecutor’s Office Manager Tamie Goggia, Sheriff Dave Kramer, Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac, Assessor Dave Ryals, Extension Office Educator Amy Robertson, and Planning and Zoning Administrator John Moss.

Commissioners introduced the newly hired Boundary County Emergency Services Director Mike Meier to those present.

Chairman Dinning explained there are monies coming into the county and it is not always made clear what these funds are for so if a deposit or payment is coming to the county, to let the Treasurer and Clerk know what it is for and the amount.

Commissioners said the Idaho Association of Counties (IAC) is now offering its scholarship to children of county employees who work 20 or more hours per week, and children and grandchildren of elected officials. For those interested information can be found on IAC’s webpage.

Chairman Dinning asked elected officials and department heads to keep their inventory up to date and accurate. All county departments will have a random inventory audit so to be sure the items are available.

Commissioners went around the room for department updates. Each elected official and department head introduced him or herself to Mr. Meier.
Mr. Skeen said the Solid Waste Department is working on operations and working through details on financing a loader. Dumping of demolition debris has been rerouted at the landfill and landfill employees have better oversight.

Ms. Brown said she and County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull are hosting a training session on courtroom procedures and she is expecting approximately 50 attendees.

Ms. Goggia said the Prosecutor’s Office is looking forward to working with Sheriff Kramer again, and other than that the Prosecutor’s Office has been busy.

Sheriff Kramer said he is off to a good start. There is a lot that needs to be done and he will make changes one step at a time. Sheriff Kramer spoke of being involved in the community and he added that he has a good crew at the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Kramer said he would like to hold a surplus auction this spring for Sheriff’s Office vehicles in order to get the volume down to having manageable number of vehicles that are needed and can be maintained.

Ms. Robertson said she has a lot going on and she listed various Extension Program workshops that are coming up.

Ms. Magee said she has one vacant room at the Restorium.

Mr. Moss said business in the Planning and Zoning Office is quiet right now so he is taking this time to look at the existing ordinance to see where it can be updated. Mr. Moss said there is a vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Treasurer Larson said her office is working on the tax deeding process for parcels with delinquent taxes.

Mr. Wenk said he just got back from a meeting in Boise and one thing he learned is how he is lucky to have a good working relationship with other county departments and he appreciates that easiness.

Mr. Kimball said his work at Road and Bridge just keeps going and they are working through frequent storms. Road and Bridge has applied for funding for improvements to Schoolhouse Road with the possibly of getting some turn lanes off Highway 95. Mr. Kimball said he also submitted a federal bridge application for the replacement of the Naples Bridge and today he will mail an application for Caribou Creek Bridge through the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. Caribou Creek Bridge is located on Lions Den Road. The Naples Bridge has been repaired and it is now at 15.4 inches with a leeway for ice buildup.

Mr. Buckley said he is doing typical winter work and he has been quite busy.

Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac said Boundary County met the Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICRMP) training goals so the county will receive a 5% discount in insurance rates.

Assessor Ryals said his office is working on values for the current year.

Clerk Poston said Leonard Wilson is no longer with Computer Arts so Mitch Cromwell will be at the Courthouse tomorrow. Mr. Wilson’s replacement will start the week of February 13th.

Clerk Poston said the county’s audit has been completed. Next she will be starting work on budgets for fiscal year 2017-2018. Clerk Poston said Stacie from her office has been working on fixed assets and cataloging the items so departments and offices should expect random audits. The court computer program, Odyssey, will kick off soon and there will be an initial meeting on this program in February.

Mr. Meier explained that he is also the public information officer (PIO) for the county and he is the person and place to go to for the truth. Mr. Meier said there is also a Facebook page, emergency management/PIO, for Boundary County so if someone has information they want to post for their department, to let him know. Mr. Meier explained that he sends out information to 43 different agencies. Commissioner Pinkerton explained that the PIO is a great tool and is good for speaking on behalf of the county. Assessor Ryals said it would be good to post information on the website explaining certain county office processes and reasons as to why things are done.

Chairman Dinning said Commissioners finally received the lease for the National Guard Armory and are working on getting the keys and having a walk-through.

Chairman Dinning said the Idaho Association of Counties annual mid-winter conference takes place in February so let Commissioners know if there is anything they should mention that could benefit any county department. Chairman Dinning said for all of the county offices to work together in a positive manner is beneficial to us and the taxpayer.

The elected officials/department heads meeting ended at 9:26 a.m.

9:34 a.m., Sheriff Kramer and Commissioners briefly met to discuss renewing the Contract for Law Enforcement Services with the Kootenai Tribe. Sheriff Kramer said the contract cost will remain the same as he would like to improve the services to the Tribe followed by reviewing budget at a later date.

Sheriff Kramer left the meeting at 9:35 a.m.

9:35 a.m., Noxious Weed Department Superintendent Dave Wenk informed Commissioners that he attended a meeting in Boise last week and representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were there. Mr. Wenk explained issues he learned about Deep Creek due to endangered bull trout and ling cod in relation to treating weeds, but he is looking into that.

Mr. Wenk discussed a pollinator plan for bees and he mentioned the governor declared there will be a pollinator week designated. Mr. Wenk discussed matters pertaining to property owners trying to live or earn a living from their properties organically, issues involving the Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) Program and impound vehicles held at the Road and Bridge site in relation to access, etc.

Mr. Wenk informed Commissioners that he is going to take a mosquito spray test. Chairman Dinning informed Mr. Wenk that Commissioners are renewing the mosquito surveillance study for this year.

The meeting with Mr. Wenk ended at 9:52 a.m.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve Certificates of Residency for Anthony Dunham, Gabriella Barajas, and Michael Cardinal. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

10:00 a.m., Treasure Larson joined the meeting.
County resident Wallace Nyberg called Commissioners at his scheduled time to discuss making an offer to buy back two tax deeded parcels, parcel #RP65N01W084815A and parcel #RP00840010016AA. Mr. Nyberg thanked everyone for their time and he said he would like to save these two parcels for the Nyberg name and bring the taxes current. The estimated amount to bring parcel RP00840010016AA current is $467.13 and approximately $418.47 to bring parcel #RP65N01W084815A current. Mr. Nyberg asked Commissioners about a possible payment amount and he added that after March 1st he would probably be able to pay up to $100 per month and pay the taxes off in a year’s time. Chairman Dinning said there is an interest charge by Idaho Code that the county will have to apply, but Commissioners can determine their own terms as far as time frame. Commissioners suggested a first payment due date of April 1, 2017. Mr. Nyberg said he would determine how to list family ownership for the two properties. Chairman Dinning said that Mr. Nyberg can choose not to have a title report done or pay the full amount for those costs. Chairman Dinning said we may need to place this transaction with a title company to collect the monthly payments. Chairman Dinning said these two parcels are narrow so when the taxes are current, it would be good to combine them with the larger adjoining parcels on each side, depending on the names of the parcels, as that may help the value for Mr. Nyberg.

Chairman Dinning said maybe a monthly payment of $75 would be easier for Mr. Nyberg to work with. Mr. Nyberg agreed.

Commissioner Kirby moved to set Mr. Nyberg’s payments at $75 per month, with interest included, for parcels RP65N01W084815A and RP00840010016AA with the first payment due date of April 1, 2017. There may be other costs involved, but the parties will figure that out and make the transaction work. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

The phone call with Mr. Nyberg ended at 10:08 a.m. Treasurer Larson left the meeting.

Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac joined the meeting at 10:12 a.m.

Commissioners, Clerk Poston and Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac reviewed the job description for a maintenance superintendent for the Parks and Recreation Department. It was said the prior job description involved the Courthouse Maintenance person at that time so that job description did change. Commissioners reviewed the description as far as the slight reduction in duties and felt it may not warrant taking the description to the Classification Committee.

Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac left the meeting and Deputy Clerk Nancy Ryals joined the meeting at 10:30 a.m.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to deny indigent case 2017-6. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

10:36 a.m., Deputy Clerk Nancy Ryals left the meeting.

Chairman Dinning discussed the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) program with Commissioners. Chairman Dinning said over the course of inception of the WUI program, there has been $3,100,100 expended in Boundary County for Fire Safe activities. Commissioners briefly discussed the WUI Committee Working Group and Chairman Dinning explained the process of prioritizing projects. Once the WUI Committee Working Group is updated, they have to have the projects prioritized and the system works pretty well, according to Chairman Dinning.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve and sign the letter of comment to the US Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bonneville Power Administration regarding the Columbia River System Operation environmental impact statement. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

10:46 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 Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”, and Commissioner Kirby “aye.” Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 11:00 a.m., No action was taken.

11:00 a.m., Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen joined the meeting to resume his discussion of financing a new loader versus refinancing the landfill’s existing loader.

The cost of the used machine is $325,000, which includes $50,000 for the warranty, and $40,136 would be the annual payment. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners are looking at buying back the used machine without the warranty and if there are repairs needed, the county will just pay for those. Commissioners said they are betting that if the machine has a five year term with soft use, it should be able to build equity. Also the county has $20,000 to budget or use towards a payment and there is $9,000 in interest so that leaves $11,000 in the budget to buy the machine back so we have now dropped the price to approximately $265,000 for the existing machine. Chairman Dinning said he doesn’t know how that will reduce the payment. The interest rate for a five year term is 3.2%. There is a $50,000 to $60,000 difference if we are looking at a cost of $260,000 over a five year term.

Chairman Dinning said in every scenario the county is looking to pay $37,000 or more in payments. Mr. Skeen agreed. Chairman Dinning said if we use that basis and use a $37,000 or $40,000 payment, the county is building equity in the existing machine. In considering not purchasing a warranty, Commissioners don’t know if the buyback will be the same, according to Chairman Dinning.

11:08 a.m., Commissioners contacted John Rollins with Western States/CAT via telephone to verify information if Commissioners bought back the existing machine with no warranty. Commissioners wanted to know what the payment would be and if the buyback would still be $160,000. Mr. Rollins said in order to have a buyback figure the county would have to refinance through Western States/CAT. If the county were to finance through the bank, Western States/CAT would not guarantee the buyback side of the transaction. It was said the county would probably be looking at $297,000 to refinance the existing loader with a buyback of $160,000.

The county had $325,000 for the purchase to acquire the existing loader with a warranty of $50,000. Without the warranty the cost is $275,000. Mr. Rollins said the county wanted the existing machine and to refinance it for another five years without the warranty. Western States/CAT could pay off the existing machine and resell it back to the county and add a residual guarantee at five years. That is not putting a warranty on it. The payoff of the existing machine is $272,000 and Western States/CAT would add on 10% to that and resell it to the county with a guarantee buyback of $160,000, but if the county refinances through the bank, then Western States/CAT cannot put a buyback on the machine. Mr. Rollins said they would write a check to the bank and write up a new invoice with the 10% margin and refinance on that. The payment and financed amount would be based on that.

Chairman Dinning said if the county were to use CAT Financial, however that process works to transfer the machine with no warranty, the buyback would be $160,000. Mr. Rollins said yes, CAT would take possession, pay off the bank, and resell the machine to the county with a 10% margin. The county would just have five yearly payments. Without a warranty the county is probably looking at less than $300,000 to refinance the machine at a rate of 3.2%. The residual at the end of five years is $160,000 so the payment stream is for $299,000 at five years. If the machine appraised higher at that point, the county could take the trade equity, pay the debt off or CAT could take possession. Mr. Rollins said the amount of $325,000 on the buyback includes the 10% and warranty so the warranty in this case is only $25,000 for five years and is a bumper to bumper warranty including filters.

The call to Mr. Rollins ended at 11:16 a.m.

It was asked if the bank handles the financing, does CAT still charge 10%. Commissioner Kirby said yes. Mr. Skeen said CAT will sell the existing loader back to the county for $300,000. Chairman Dinning asked if that is if they are selling it or the markup. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners know that they are going to keep the existing machine, but need to work out the financing. Commissioners will take the entire budget of $20,000 and put it toward the existing machine. Clerk Poston suggested Western States/CAT prepare information on the different options for Commissioners if Commissioners are considering refinancing through CAT.

11:29 a.m., Commissioners contacted Mr. Rollins with Western States/CAT again via telephone. Chairman Dinning said in any scenario when buying the existing machine from CAT, no matter who it is financed through, the county can purchase a warranty. Mr. Rollins said yes and the advantage to using CAT is the buyback. Chairman Dinning said no matter who finances the machine there will still be the 10% added to the cost. Mr. Rollins said yes.

The call to Mr. Rollins ended at 11:31 a.m.

Chairman Dinning mentioned the cost of $325,000 and using CAT Financial because the bank will still charge a document fee, etc. The payment will be $40,136 with a buyback of $160,000. That price is going to increase at the end of five years if the county wants to own the loader. Chairman Dinning questioned if the county can put $10,000 to $20,000 more toward the payments, which is how equity will increase.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to refinance the 980 Caterpillar Wheel Loader though Western States/CAT at a cost of $325,000 and yearly payments of $40,136 at a rate of 3.2% for five years. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Clerk Poston said she shows the Solid Waste Department budget has $10,000 in its capital building line item. Mr. Skeen said that $10,000 will be used. The capital equipment line item has $5,000. Mr. Skeen asked if there is $20,000 in the landfill closure budget to pull out and use. Clerk Poston suggested taking out $40,000 and to hold off on other items until Commissioners get the landfill closure report so we know where we are at. Clerk Poston suggested not doing anything yet. The landfill closure report is not done until the end and we need to keep in mind we have a $40,000 payment in which we only have $20,000 currently available for that. The amount of $5,000 in capital equipment could be used. When Commissioners receive the closure report we may know what can or cannot be used.

The meeting with Mr. Skeen ended at 11:36 a.m.

11:36 a.m., Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac and Road and Bridge Department Clint Kimball joined the meeting to review the working road foreman/heavy equipment operator job description. This position will float to help with road work, signs, foreman work, GPS work, and to line work out, according to Mr. Kimball. The person in this position will work and run machines so it is a more well-rounded position. This position will drive a sand truck when needed and do whatever is needed. It was said the budget is covered for this position. It was mentioned this position will be a grade 16 over truck drivers, graders, etc. The current grade for this person is also 16.

11:45 a.m., Bonners Ferry Herald Editor Star Silva joined the meeting.

Mr. Kimball said he strives for more of an office person who is in the know internally and helps the superintendent make decisions in his absence, and he wants someone to go out and take the lead of his crew, or be able to jump on equipment if need be. Chairman Dinning said the job description states the person in this position will work on machines when needed. It was determined the grade will go to a 15. The immediate supervisor is the assistant superintendent and the overall supervisor is the Road and Bridge Superintendent.

Commissioners approved the job description that Mr. Kimball presented as the older original description could not be located.

Mr. Kimball left the meeting at 11:50 a.m.

Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac remained after the meeting to review the job description for a Parks and Recreation job description. This position is a grade 9, which equates to $12.68 per hour. Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac explained what tasks were removed from the prior job description. A grade 8 equates to $12.03 per hour and this position will mostly be a grade 8 or 9, according to Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac.

11:58 a.m., Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac left the meeting.

Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:30 p.m.

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

1:32 p.m., County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull joined the meeting.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)a, to consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, and Idaho Code 74-206(1)c, to acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency. Commissioner Kirby second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”, and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session recessed at 1:41 p.m.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve and sign the Professional Service Agreement with Hull and Associates for county civil attorney services. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the Professional Service Agreement with Hull and Associates for services pertaining to the Amy Moore Land Acquisition Project. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners resumed their executive session. The executive session recessed at 2:10 p.m.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to authorize Chairman Dinning to sign the Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement for the purchase of property near the airport and to release $5,000 in earnest money for the purchase. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the Contract for Law Enforcement Services with the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho to be effective today. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

2:12 p.m., Commissioners resumed their executive session. The executive session ended at 2:22 p.m. No action was taken.

Attorney Hull left the meeting.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to close the Boundary County Airport indefinitely. The motion died for lack of a second.

Commissioners resumed their discussion on financing options for a loader for the landfill. Commissioners contacted Hugh Gavin with Columbia Bank to verify financing terms. Chairman Dinning asked if Commissioners wanted to refinance the balance of the existing 980 Caterpillar loader through Columbia Bank with no buyback guarantee on a five year payout, could that be done. Mr. Gavin suggested the county make one-half of the payment now including interest, which is $33,000 and then make the full payment at the end of the first year.

The phone call to Mr. Gavin ended at 2:45 p.m.

Commissioner Pinkerton and Commissioner Kirby left the meeting at 2:50 p.m.

3:00 p.m., Chairman Dinning participated in the Idaho Association of Counties Legislative conference call with various elected officials of the five northern counties as well as Teresa Baker with the Idaho Association of Counties. The call ended at 3:30 p.m.

Chairman Dinning left the meeting.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.

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DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:

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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk