***Monday, April 10, 2017, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Chairman Dan Dinning was out of the office tending to other business matters.
Blue Sky Broadcasting Reporter Mike Brown and county resident Marty Martinez were in attendance of the meetings off and on throughout the day.
9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Superintendent Clint Kimball joined the meeting to give his department report. Mr. Kimball submitted a written report.
Commissioner Kirby moved to appoint Commissioner Pinkerton acting Chairman in the absence of Chairman Dan Dinning. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Kimball spoke of repair work to Deep Creek Loop and he mentioned receiving quotes from a drilling company. Mr. Kimball said he is thinking of doing the same work at Atkins Canyon as larger cracks are forming in this area as well. The guard rails along Deep Creek Loop have sunk due to the cracks. Mr. Kimball informed Commissioners the hill along Highway 95 has slid another six and one-half feet and is releasing a lot of water. This slide has also misaligned Highway 95 a bit, according to Mr. Kimball. There has also been a slide on Snow Creek Road. Mr. Kimball spoke of issues pertaining to vehicles having to turn back and finding detours. People are not patient when cars and trucks are turning around. Mr. Kimball said the state’s policy is that they cannot tell people where detours are. Mr. Kimball mentioned taking a look at Fleming Creek Road today.
Mr. Kimball informed Commissioners there is approximately $200,000 in repairs for Westside Road and he added that he will apply for federal aid for Deep Creek Loop, Westside Road, and a portion of Cow Creek Road. Mr. Kimball also discussed applying for aid for Turner Hill Road, Bison Road and Rock Creek Road. Issues concerning Grouse Hill Road, Pleasant Valley Loop, Meadow Creek Road, Crossport Road, and Keller Canyon were also discussed. Mr. Kimball spoke of reporting the cost of damages to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), but there is no guarantee of relief. Mr. Kimball also mentioned the need to clean off the road shoulders of these problem areas.
Mr. Kimball said Road and Bridge has been pretty busy lately. A lot of drivers take the road limits seriously, but some people just don’t understand.
Commissioner Kirby moved to amend the agenda to sign the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council Emergency Fund Application for 2017 for Deep Creek Loop (mile post 1.1). Acting Chairman Pinkerton yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Kirby moved to authorize Acting Chairman Pinkerton to sign the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council Emergency Fund Application for 2017 for Deep Creek Loop (mile post 1.1). Acting Chairman Pinkerton yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Kimball briefly spoke of a matter pertaining to a private road that was becoming impassable.
The meeting with Mr. Kimball ended at 9:30 a.m.
Commissioners reviewed the contract with Frontier Communications for a new telephone system for the Courthouse and armory.
Commissioner Kirby moved to approve and sign the Frontier Communications Services Agreement and the Equipment Purchase, Installation, Maintenance Schedules for both the Courthouse and the armory. Acting Chairman Pinkerton yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the Animal Damage Control 2018 Fiscal Year funding request in the amount of $5,000. Acting Chairman Pinkerton yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Kirby moved to cancel year 2016 taxes in the amount of $312.74, $3.13 in late fees, and $4.90 in interest for a total of $320.77 for parcel #RPM00000223166A. Acting Chairman Pinkerton yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
9:46 a.m., Commissioners discussed establishing a limit as to the number of Medicaid residents at the Restorium and seeing what number or percentage the Restorium Board arrives at. It was said the county would try to hold the number of Medicaid residents to 15%. The Restorium has approximately 31 beds and the county is trying to keep the Restorium operating and would like to have as many private pay residents as possible as Medicaid does not pay the full room and board amount. If there is a vacant room and a list of people wanting to live at the Restorium, what matters is that the private pay residents will be the first priority if the Restorium is already at that 15% limit for residents on Medicaid. Commissioner Kirby said we want that decision to come from Commissioners’ Office. Clerk Poston said if we’re looking at 32 beds and having 15%, it is approximately five (4.8) residents on Medicaid. Acting Chairman Pinkerton said when a private pay resident has to convert to Medicaid it cannot be helped. Clerk Poston said this is a discussion that would be good to have Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee participate in. Commissioners decided on 15% and now they are just waiting for a policy to be put together. Commissioners understand that number will be exceeded at times.
Acting Chairman Pinkerton said if the 15% limit is reached, Ms. Magee should make Commissioners aware of that.
9:55 a.m., Sheriff’s Office Administrative Deputy Crystal Denton joined the meeting.
10:07 a.m., Commissioners and Ms. Denton discussed the Sheriff’s Office request to seek quotes for a vehicle. Ms. Denton presented Commissioners with the details of the type of vehicle requested. The price for a new vehicle is actually less expensive than an older model, according to Ms. Denton. Ms. Denton said she will send out the notice of request for proposals and document the responses.
Commissioner Kirby moved to authorize the Sheriff’s Office to seek quotes for a 2017 four-wheel drive, four door, full size utility vehicle. Acting Chairman Pinkerton yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Denton left the meeting at 10:09 a.m.
Commissioners reviewed claims for payment. Fund totals are as follows:
Current Expense $ 65,847.89
Road & Bridge 56,272.38
Airport 5,399.89
District Court 3,890.55
Justice Fund 37,577.79
911 Funds 4,674.56
Indigent & Charity 2,202.28
Parks and Recreation 2,516.04
Revaluation 31.38
Solid Waste 12,873.76
Tort 1,000.00
Veterans Memorial 201.82
Weeds 124.38
Restorium 21,245.57
Waterways 469.39
Grant, Boat Safety 120.00
TOTAL $214,447.68
Trusts
Auditor’s Trust $ 5,407.40
Boundary Co. Drug Court Trust 342.00
Driver’s License Trust 9,988.00
Magistrate Trust 34,191.17
Indigent Reimbursements 12,846.04
Motor Vehicle Trust 141,623.58
Sheriff’s Trust Fund 436.00
TOTAL $204,834.19
GRAND TOTAL $419,281.87
Citizens are invited to inspect detailed records on file in the Courthouse (individual claims & Commissioners’ allowance & warrant register record 2016-2017).
10:30 a.m., Extension Office Educators Amy Robertson and Kate Painter joined the meeting to update Commissioners on Extension programs and courses offered through the University of Idaho Extension Program. Ms. Painter said courses can be found in the newsletter as well as online. Ms. Painter reported on the following: visits to Moose Valley and flower shops, a two-part class for learning to graft, installing a permaculture site near the hospital and folding that into the Community Grow program. Ms. Painter said the Boundary County Orchard Restoration project involves looking into restoring and propagating old fruit orchards. Ms. Painter mentioned trying to get the Boundary County guide to smaller growers going.
Ms. Painter handed Commissioners information on programs that are offered locally and mentioned the status of the Strong Women class and another project to build a seed bank for Boundary County. Pesticide applicator courses are ongoing this week, according to Ms. Painter. Ms. Painter said the Financial Fitness for Gardeners program has taken a bit of time and only one person has signed up. Ms. Painter informed Commissioners that she is trying to get the Farm Agency to classify this program for credits for potential loans and she is looking for help in spreading the word.
The cereal school was in early January and there were sixteen participants. The class on mushrooms has already filled up for April and this includes both classroom and field work. Another class offered is creating a webpage to market products. Ms. Painter spoke of working on the Grow Community Garden. There will be a clean-up day and a few garden plots are available. The Farm to Table event will be held Sept. 23rd. Ms. Painter spoke of working with overgrown fruit trees and being able to use the trees at the Restorium.
Ms. Robertson hosted a canning dried beans and wild game course. The new 4H leaders had training in January and there were 13 new leaders. The new 4H programs for this year now include cats and dogs. The Extension Office is still looking for leaders for hiking, backpacking and pottery. The beef weigh-in was on April 9th. Ms. Robertson said she offered a course on being prepared for emergencies pertaining to food storage and it happened to take place during the recent big storm we had so people weren’t able to get out and participate so she may hold that class again in November. Friday Friends participants are learning about nutrition. Ms. Robertson said she taught the kindergarten classes at Valley View and Naples Elementary Schools about the germ city program to include lessons on hand washing. Another course offered through the Extension Office was understanding credit scores. Ms. Robertson spoke of more courses to include meals in a jar, gluten free food, and water bath canning.
Ms. Robertson informed Commissioners that there will be enough funds for the Friday Friends to continue through the summer. Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroads have both provided grant funding so overall the program was awarded $25,000 in grants.
The meeting with Ms. Robertson and Ms. Painter ended at 11:01 a.m.
11:02 a.m., Commissioners held a meeting to consider the hardship exemption application submitted by Helen Dennison for parcel #MH61N01E12470AA. Present were: Acting Chairman LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, and county resident Marty Martinez. Applicant Helen Dennison participated in the meeting via telephone. The meeting was recorded.
Treasurer Sue Larson joined at 11:04 a.m.
Acting Chairman Pinkerton administered the oath to Ms. Dennison. Treasurer Larson said the amount of $165.87 is what is owing for year 2016 taxes. Acting Chairman Pinkerton asked Ms. Dennison for the reason she needs to file hardship. Ms. Dennison explained her disability and health issues she is experiencing. Ms. Dennison said she does not live alone, but she is the only person to have any kind of social security income. Commissioners reviewed the expenses owed by Ms. Dennison. The home in question is a 1974, 14 feet by 60 feet Moduline Mobile home. Treasurer Larson said Ms. Dennison also has real property taxes delinquent to year 2014. The county will start the tax deed process for that year this coming fall so she doesn’t know if Commissioners can include that tax or not at this point. Acting Chairman Pinkerton suggested Ms. Dennison contact the Treasurers’ Office to inquire about the process to address the delinquent land tax.
Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the hardship exemption application for parcel #MH61N01E12470AA and to cancel year 2016 taxes and fees totaling $161.54, late fees totaling 1.62, plus interest. Acting Chairman Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
The phone call to Ms. Dennison ended at 11:14 a.m.
11:30 a.m., there being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
***Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to adopt Resolution 2017-13. A resolution increasing Fiscal Year 2016-2017 Weeds Budget due to receipt of unanticipated revenue to correct overpayment error. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2017-13 reads as follows:
Resolution 2017-13
Increasing Fiscal Year 2016-2017 Weeds Budget
Due to Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue to Correct Overpayment Error
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for the Boundary County Weeds Fund for fiscal year 2016-2017; and
WHEREAS, on September 30, 2016, the Boundary County Auditor’s Office paid Wilbur-Ellis Company $14,897.51 on warrant number 2016-5645 for an itemized invoice dated September 27, 2016 in that amount; and
WHEREAS, on November 14, 2016, the Boundary County Auditor’s Office paid Wilbur-Ellis Company a total of $14,897.51 on warrant number 2017-622 of which $10,183.11 was for an itemized invoice dated September 30, 2016, invoice number 10403162 and $4,714.40 was for an itemized invoice dated October 3, 2016, invoice number 10409034; and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Auditor’s Office was unaware of the double billing at the time due to the different invoice numbers and the different amount owing on each of the invoices; and
WHEREAS, $14,897.51 has been received from Wilbur-Ellis Company as reimbursement for double payment; and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Commissioners deem it in the best interest of the general public of Boundary County to increase the Fiscal Year 2016-2017 Weeds Budget for that purpose; and
WHEREAS, the addition of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to increase the fiscal year 2016-2017 Weeds Budget revenue account number 0027-00-0391-0021 and Weeds Budget expense account number 27-00-630-00, Chemicals, in the amount of $14,897.51; and
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED that the increase to the fiscal year 2016-2017 Weeds Budget revenue account number 027-00-0391-0021 and Weeds Budget expense account number 27-00-630-00, Chemicals, in the amount of $14,897.51, is hereby authorized and ordered; and
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk is instructed to deliver certified copies of this resolution to the Boundary County Treasurer and the Boundary County Auditor.
DATED this 17th day of April, 2017
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
s/___________________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/___________________________
LeAlan L. Pinkerton, Commissioner
s/___________________________
Walt Kirby, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/_________________________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #270328
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the Certificate of Residency for Shannon Riebe. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to authorize the chairman to sign the Idaho Department of Lands Memorandum of Understanding for the Temple Deer II Project. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
9:06 a.m., Mike Wolcott, Don Gunter, and John Ailport with Inland Forest Management joined the meeting. Mr. Wolcott introduced Commissioners to Mr. Ailport and explained that Mr. Gunter may be cutting back as project manager so Mr. Ailport will be working in the program. Mr. Wolcott informed Commissioners that there are two new memorandums of understanding coming through so that will be great work to do. Mr. Wolcott said they are almost at the end of the budget for current grants.
Mr. Ailport said it sounds like the Lower Kootenai Project will soon get started and Clerk Poston questioned the process of submitting paperwork for that grant. Clerk Poston mentioned the obstacles in processing payments as well as how much time the county has to issue payment to a contractor as it is stated in the contract. Those present discussed matters pertaining to project management and grant administration. Chairman Dinning asked if there are any changes to the grant programs. Mr. Wolcott said he attended a meeting on the program and it seems there will be a continued focus on the grant programs. Mr. Ailport said the biggest thing on the ground seems to be the bid for contractors. The language is just standard language in the contracts. Mr. Gunter said the average cost per acre for Boundary County is $1,000 to $1,200. Chairman Dinning questioned if there is anything Commissioners can do to make the process easier.
The meeting with Mr. Gunter, Mr. Ailport and Mr. Wolcott ended at 9:45 a.m.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the Certificates of Residency for Maecie Liermann and Leilani Ram. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Clerk Poston and Commissioners discussed matters pertaining to the Idaho Public Defense Commission.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
10:30 a.m., there being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 1:15 p.m.
***Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at 1:25 p.m., Commissioners met in special session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) North Area Field Officer Jay Baker and Brigadier General/Director for the Idaho Office of Emergency Management Brad Richy met with Commissioners for general discussion pertaining to recent weather emergencies, county road conditions, etc.
2:00 p.m.: Commissioners, Mr. Baker, Brigadier General/Director Richy, and representatives of the City of Bonners Ferry, Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative, and other organizations met with former Boundary County Emergency Management Incident Commander Bob Graham in the meeting room of the Extension Office. The purpose of the get-together was for a show of appreciation for Mr. Graham who had recently retired his role as Incident Commander after approximately 43 years of service.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
____________________________________
DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk