***Monday, April 10, 2023, at 9:30 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.
9:30 a.m., County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull joined the meeting.
9:33 a.m., Bonners Ferry Herald Staff Writer Emily Bonsant joined the meeting.
Attorney Hull reviewed various matters he’s working on. The county seal was updated to reflect the TM symbol for trademark, but he’s since received a message from Adrienne Norris that she is getting a new seal. The question is if Commissioners still want to have the county seal trademarked or leave it as is? Attorney Hull added that he started doing county civil work in 2013 and this is the only time he’s dealt with a cease and desist involving the county seal. Chairman Bertling said he would like to move forward with trademarking the seal so a future board won’t have the same thing happen. Attorney Hull said if the county follows through, it will have a trademarked seal at that point. If something involving the seal happens in the future, Commissioners can argue that the seal is trademarked and even if it weren’t, it is still a seal used for county authority purposes. If the seal is trademarked, Commissioners will have both arguments, whereas if the seal is not trademarked, there is just one argument. Attorney Hull mentioned he would contact Ms. Norris to let her know about her new seal and relay that it is appreciated. Commissioner Robertson said if this became a matter in which someone wanted to file suit in the future, would the suit be against the State of Idaho for allowing the trademark or the county for doing it? Attorney Hull said it’s not challenging trademark; it would be saying even if you had a trademark, you still can’t use that as an argument to stop someone from using it. Attorney Hull updated Commissioners on his conversation with a family member of the person who won the contest to create the county seal as far as proprietary interest with the seal, but Attorney Hull felt there wasn’t proprietary interest since that was the purpose of the contest, etc.
Chairman Bertling informed Attorney Hull that Olivia Garrison has decided not to move forward with the community garden project in Porthill due to insurance requirements so the lease does not need to be updated.
Attorney Hull explained a lawsuit involving a property that the county sold at tax deed auction a few years ago in relation to quiet title action. The county is just being named in the lawsuit because it sold the property, but it will get dismissed from the suit because the county has no interest.
Commissioners and Attorney Hull briefly discussed a personnel matter and status of Riverside Road Improvement Project.
Ms. Bonsant left the meeting at 10:01 a.m.
10:01 a.m., Commissioner Robertson 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 Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Robertson “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 10:20 a.m. No action was taken.
Attorney Hull left the meeting.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2023-35ARPA. A resolution regarding ARPA appropriation to Curley Creek Volunteer Fire Department. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2023-35ARPA reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2023-35 ARPA
Boundary County
ARPA Appropriation to Curley Creek Volunteer Fire Department
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received ARPA funds to be used in payment, among other things, for Covid related expenses, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received $2,378,448.00 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Commissioners deem it in the best interest of the general public of Boundary County to aid with the Curley Creek Volunteer Fire Department as they provide the area fire response calls, along with assistance to medical professionals in this area of Boundary County. ARPA funds are expressly available for what the provider needs.
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Commissioner received a request for funds for assistance in purchasing a vehicle for this department.
WHEREAS, the addition or distribution of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to release the funds to the Curley Creek Volunteer Fire Department in the amount of $25,000.00 for aid to this department in the form of assistance to purchase a vehicle for emergency responses.
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the amount of $25,000.00 to be disbursed from the ARPA Trust Account #107 and that these funds shall then be remitted to Curley Creek Volunteer Fire Department, upon receipt of an invoice for the purchase of said vehicle.
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 10th day of April, 2023
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/__________________________
Tim Bertling, Chairman
s/___________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/___________________________
Ben Robertson, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/____________________________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #294071
Commissioner Cossairt moved to amend Commissioners’ meeting minutes for the week of March 13, 2023, during the meeting with Bonners Ferry District Forest Ranger Kevin Knauth to correct a clerical error in the amount of total acres discussed from 300,000 to 300 acres. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the minutes of March 27 & 28, 2023. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2023-14A. An amendment to Resolution 2023-14, to increase the Solid Waste budget due to receipt of unanticipated revenue, due to a clerical error. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2023-14A reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2023-14A
Amendment to Resolution 2023-14 due to a “Clerical Error”
INCREASING THE SOLID WASTE BUDGET
DUE TO RECEIPT OF UNANTICIPATED REVENUE
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for the Boundary County Solid Waste Budget for fiscal year 2022-2023, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County Solid Waste has received $2,900.00 from the Boundary County Road and Bridge, as purchase of a trailer and pressure washer, and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Solid Waste Fund is in need of additional revenue for fiscal year 2022-2023, and
WHEREAS, the addition of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to increase the Boundary County Solid Waste Fund Revenue Account Number 23-00-0391-0000 and the Boundary County Solid Waste Budget Expense Account Number 23-00-0804-0000, Capital-Equipment, in the amount of $2,900.00, and
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the increase to the Boundary County Solid Waste Fund Revenue Account Number 23-00-0391-0000 and the Boundary County Solid Waste Fund Budget Expense Account Number 23-00-0804-0000, Capital - Equipment in the amount of $2,900.00 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 10th day of April, 2023
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/___________________________
Tim Bertling, Chairman
s/____________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/____________________________
Ben Robertson, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/______________________________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #294070
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2023-36. A resolution authorizing the disposition of records of Boundary County Treasurer’s Office. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2023-36 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2023-36
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSITION OF RECORDS
OF BOUNDARY COUNTY TREASURER’S OFFICE
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Treasurer’s Office is currently storing old records of Boundary County; and
WHEREAS, due to lack of storage space, the Boundary County Treasurer’s Office has requested permission to dispose of old records; and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has advised the Board of Boundary County Commissioners regarding the classification of such records pursuant to Idaho Code 31-871; and
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that the following records be classified and disposed of as follows:
The following records have been deemed permanent by the Boundary County Commissioners on the advice of the County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and permanent records must be kept for a minimum of ten years. The following records are to be disposed of in the county landfill:
Permanent:
Redeemed Warrants Reports 10/2011-12/2012
Specials Tax Drive 2012
Bank Reconciliation 12/2011-3/2012
Deferred Monthly Reports and Charges 10/2011-11/2012
Forest Department of Lands Tax Drive 2012
Treasurer Monthly Reports 10/2009-9/2012
2009 Taxes Monthly Reports/Charges 10/2009-9/2012
Tax Drive Checklists 2012
Subroll Tax Drive 2012
Utilities Tax Drive 2012
Abstract Tax Drive 2012
Tax Anticipation Receipts 6/2011-8/2012
Certified letters to certify to tax roll 2004-2011
Tax Receipts 1/1/2012-12/31/2012
Bank Statements 4/2012-9/2012
The following records have been deemed semi-permanent by the Boundary County Commissioners on the advice of the County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and semi-permanent records must be kept for a minimum of five years. The following records are to be disposed of in the county landfill:
Semi-Permanent:
Auditor’s Certificates 12/2011-9/2013, 12/2013-6/2017
Monthly Cash Journal Reports 1/2012-11/2012
Daily Deposit Listings 1/2011-5/2012, 12/2016-10/2017
Municipay (Credit Card) Receipts and Reports 4/2011-2/2012, 10/2016-5/2017
Journal Vouchers 10/2011-9/2017
Tax Anticipation Reports 11/2016-10/2017
Auditor’s Certificate Deposits 10/2011-5/2012, 10/2012-9/2017
Correspondence: General (3 Year Retention) 2019
Daily Purchase Agreements Wells Fargo Bank 9/2014-7/2016
Daily Purchase Agreements Columbia Bank 10/2015-9/2017
Warrant Reports 10/2016-9/2017
Daily Purchase Agreements Mountain West Bank 8/2016-9/2017
Cash Reg. Journal Reports 2005-2015
Acknowledgement Letter 2005
Tax Anticipation Receipts 2005-2009
CDs and Tapes (See Attached Lists) 1997-2016
The following records have been deemed temporary by the Boundary County Commissioners on the advice of the County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and temporary records must be kept for a minimum of two years. The following records are to be disposed of in the county landfill
Temporary:
Bank List Daily Redeemed Warrants 10/2011-10/2012, 8/2019-2020
Copy Codes 2019-2020
Regularly passed and approved on this 10th day of April, 2023.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
s/_____________________________
TIM BERTLING, Chairman
s/_____________________________
WALLY COSSAIRT, Commissioner
s/____________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Commissioner
Reviewed by and on advice of Prosecuting Attorney this March 31, 2023.
s/____________________________
ANDRAKAY PLUID
Prosecuting Attorney
ATTEST:
s/____________________________________
GLENDA POSTON
Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #294072
Clerk’s note: The CDs and Tapes list can be found with the original resolution located in the Clerk’s vault.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Antenna Lease Agreement with Crystal Nordic Falls/Molpus Woodlands Group. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the State of Idaho Parks and Recreation Grant Extension Request #1 for the Deep Creek Launch Site project. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners reviewed claims for payment. Fund totals are as follows:
Current Expense $ 115,529.42
Road & Bridge 76,178.25
Airport 69,103.21
District Court 1,914.96
Justice Fund 87,068.61
911 Funds 1,929.68
Junior College Tuition 11,950.00
Parks and Recreation 4,767.28
Revaluation 372.77
Solid Waste 19,307.25
Veterans Memorial 335.85
Weeds 974.10
Restorium 31,330.18
Waterways 1,107.82
Grants, Fire Mitigation 44,269.45
ARPA Fund 90,410.00
TOTAL $556,548.83
Trusts
Auditor’s Trust – *Misc 1,060.86
Boundary Co. Drug Court Trust 280.32
Sales Tax Collected 520.48
Driver’s License Trust 11,671.50
Interlock Device Fund 20.00
Indigent Reimbursement 4,520.00
Motor Vehicle Trust Acct 217,050.72
Sheriff’s Trust Fund 554.40
Sheriff’s Special Projects 3,765.87
Odyssey Court Trust Account 18,496.70
Odyssey Bond Trust Account 7,842.57
TOTAL $265,783.42
GRAND TOTAL $822,332.25
Citizens are invited to inspect detailed records on file in the Courthouse (individual claims & Commissioners’ allowance & warrant register record 2022-2023).
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Hangar/Ground Lease Agreement with Kambiz Kamiab for Hangar D4. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the plat map for the Jessop/Silvertip Holdings. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:21 a.m., Waterways Board member Darron Branson, County Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk and Alan Flory met with Commissioners to discuss weed control on Robinson Lake.
Mr. Branson said a year ago complaints were received regarding weeds in Robinson Lake so weed control options were researched and he learned that Lakeland Restoration was a possibility for weed removal through chemical or mechanical treatment. Mr. Branson said a survey for weed density was done and that information was presented to Commissioners approximately three years ago, but Chairman Dan Dinning was not comfortable with chemical treatment for liability reasons. There were limited funds available to treat areas right around docks and ramps for safety purposes, but that is it. There might be more funds to help now. There are calls from property owners voicing complaints about the weeds as well as a complaint from the Forest Service Ranger at that time the survey was done that a gas-powered motor was used in the survey. Mr. Branson said Commissioners had adopted an ordinance that gas-powered motors were no longer allowed on the county’s lakes, except for McArthur Lake. The Forest Ranger was in favor of weed removal and there is nobody against it around the area. There is no funding through the Department of Fish and Game. Mr. Branson said Mr. Flory was talked to about mechanical weed removal and that sounds like the direction to go. Mr. Wenk said he had the Department of Agriculture come up and do a survey to determine if there is a noxious weed/invasive species in the lake that is on the state noxious weed list, which would allow for funding, but those weeds were not found in the lake. Mr. Branson spoke of safety concerns and the ability to use the lake. The Department of Fish and Game has control over elevation for recreation in Robinson Lake so he doesn’t know if there is something they can do to raise the lake or create more flow. Chairman Bertling asked about lowering the lake in order to cut the weeds, then raise it again. Mr. Flory said in 2015, he bought a manual pole weed cutter, but it’s not going to work. He mentioned that an invasive weed has now been found in Robinson Lake and it takes over a certain depth. Sinclair Lake might be a good lake to study this weed.
Andrea Kramer with Twenty Mile Creek Water Association joined the meeting at 10:40 a.m.
Mr. Flory said it’s a maintenance thing. There is possibly only 30% of Robinson Lake that is open. Mr. Flory mentioned finding Patterdock and Watershield as weeds found in the lake, as well as other weeds. Watershield seems to be the weed that will completely take over and he described it as small lily pads. Mr. Wenk asked if this weed produces asexually and he described how a piece of Milfoil can break off and start to grow again. Mr. Flory said he’s been mowing and raking the weeds to the shoreline of his little lake with an amphibious machine.
Chemical treatment had been mentioned before, but it was shut down by the board. Lakeland Restoration has said most lakes are approved for chemical treatment. Chairman Bertling said he would first look at Sinclair Lake for a trial. Mr. Branson says he feels there will be push back. Mr. Flory said his daughter works on this issue and she feels it’s creating more of a weed bed on the bottom. Mr. Flory explained that chemicals will kill the plant and create muck, which creates a growing area for more weeds. Chairman Bertling questioned how chemicals would affect fish. Mr. Flory said he won’t use chemicals; he will treat weeds by hand and he added that the intention is to continue this conversation. Mr. Branson’s family has lived by Robinson Lake for a very long time; it’s a part of the community. With Watershield, it attaches itself, but it can be removed. We would have to look into grants if we wanted to treat all of Robinson Lake. Mr. Flory said on his lake the Spatterdocks are poking up and he hasn’t seen Watershield, but he expects he’ll see it in about one month. Mr. Flory spoke of the growth rate in relation to how often mowing needs to occur. Mr. Branson listed areas he’s thinking to treat so at least recreation fishing could happen. Mr. Wenk said when researching Watershield, it can growth in soft water 10 feet deep and typically one to six feet deep in hard water.
Chairman Bertling asked about the cost of testing. Those present discussed motors on the lake and someone said they wouldn’t mind limiting a motor to 25 horsepower on Robinson Lake. A question was raised if allowing gas motors on the lakes again would help to keep the water moving. Mr. Flory said at this point all he’s capable of doing is pushing the weeds to the shore. Mr. Flory said these small lakes are shallow and warm and it’s a perfect breeding ground for weeds. Mr. Flory added that he’s starting to see algae blooms. Commissioner Robertson said if they start allowing gas motors on the lake, it might help. Mr. Flory agreed that it might help reduce weeds. Mr. Wenk spoke of seeing blue-green algae on Solomon lake and killing fish. Mr. Branson said the Department of Fish and Game is on board with what the Waterways Board and the County will do, but the question is funding. Chairman Bertling said it would be nice to test this year so we know what we’re up against and it would beneficial to have signage explaining what is being done and why.
The meeting with Mr. Branson, Mr. Flory and Mr. Wenk ended at 11:08 a.m.
11:08 a.m. Twenty Mile Water Association Secretary/Treasurer Andrea Kramer joined the meeting to discuss ARPA funds.
Ms. Kramer explained that the Twenty Mile Water Association has had a water system since the 1960’s and a lot of it today consists of the same pipes, etc. The system is gravity fed from Twenty Mile Creek and their association services 89 members, but they cannot grow beyond that. Mr. Kramer reviewed a map with Commissioners. The water system has two sand filters. The issue is trying to keep it a viable system since it’s from the 1960’s. The system was not mapped in the beginning so over the last few years, they had it mapped. Ms. Kramer said they’re dealing with older meters and lines so when a break happens, they have to pay for it, but they’re struggling. Twenty Mile Water Association did get a grant through the Department of Environmental Quality for $90,000.00 and they have to match half of it. Ms. Kramer said the Association is just trying to keep the system viable and replace lines that are very old. Ms. Kramer spoke of costs associated with prior flooding and needing to bore a small hole so flooding doesn’t occur in their facility. Chairman Bertling said Idaho Transportation Department will be redoing the highway at some point so that would probably be a part of that work. Ms. Kramer said the Association faces so many challenges in multiple locations and they need to capture how much water is going out. Twenty Mile Water Association provides more water for less, according to Ms. Kramer.
Ms. Kramer said the Water Association is working with Keller and Associates and they’re in the very beginning planning stages to keep the system viable. Commissioner Bertling said with the other water associations, Commissioners are providing up to $25,000.00 and trying to be equitable. Ms. Kramer said she thinks $25,000.00 would be great. She explained that you cannot just put a band-aid on these issues anymore with the agency regulations.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve up to $25,000.00 in ARPA funds to Twenty Mile Water Association for grant match for water system improvements. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with Ms. Kramer ended at 11:20 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties until their next meeting at 11:30 a.m.
11:37 a.m., Terry Howe joined the meeting. Mr. Howe commented about being in the Boundary Hikers Group and they would like to have a beginner’s run for kayaking starting in Moyie and getting out at Riverside Park, but the park is locked and they can’t get someone to fix the dike. Chairman Bertling spoke of wanting to move the gate, get locates for power and water, lower the dike, make the road lower, and place large boulders in the area so people cannot cut through.
The meeting with Mr. Howe ended at 11:42 a.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
1:30 p.m., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris joined the meeting to give a department report. Mr. Morris provided a written report and reviewed work listed.
1:40 p.m., Lee Pinkerton joined the meeting.
Those present resumed reviewing the department report.
Ms. Nelson and Commissioners discussed self-propelled brooms. Ms. Nelson said she had gone out for quotes and all came back with quotes for 74 horsepower. The quotes received were sent back and she will send out new quotes defining diesel engine and defining the service area. Ms. Nelson said she’s talked to the two main vendors and they understood the information. The delivery date and cost for freight on board will need to be established. Ms. Nelson recommended denying the quotes that came in.
Ms. Nelson said she reviewed Road and Bridge’s budget for vehicles and Road and Bridge still has a second payment on a vehicle and will have $62,000.00 left in that budget line after paying that. The budget will be approximately $8,000.00 short in that line item after purchasing a self-propelled broom.
Commissioner Robertson moved to decline all current quotes for a self-propelled broom. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Nelson said all of the concurrence letters have been signed for the Riverside Road Improvement Project, except for one letter. New guardrails have been put up on Highland Flats Road and Deep Creek Loop, and they will start putting them up on Moyie River Road north of Feist Creek along the river’s edge this week. Ms. Nelson said they learned that water is pooling up behind the new Extension Office location at the former North Idaho College Building. Courthouse Maintenance Squire Fields asked if Road and Bridge could take a look at it and he was informed that Commissioners would need to be consulted prior to doing anything about it.
Mr. Pinkerton discussed a matter regarding ownership of a road in the District 5 area in relation to someone who is building and needing a placement permit and address. Mr. Pinkerton said the county owns the road toward the river pumphouse, District Five and the dike. The pumping station is on the county right-of-way that has not been maintained since the 1950s. This road was not abandoned. Mr. Pinkerton asked if the county wants to rebuild and maintain that road or have the placement permit issued? Ms. Nelson said placement permits come from the Planning and Zoning Office and Road and Bridge deals with road approaches. Those present discussed addresses off of District 5 Road. Ms. Nelson said District Five Road hits Fleming Creek Road and Mendenhall Road. Ms. Nelson said the addressing coordinator was trying to get a drawing to determine the driveway for the person building the home.
The Road and Bridge Department report ended at 2:06 p.m.
2:06 p.m., Restorium Maintenance Kevin Schnuerle joined the meeting.
2:10 p.m., Mr. Schnuerle said one of the bathrooms at the Restorium is getting tiled, then the tub will be installed. The hope is to have this bathroom ready in a couple of weeks. Mr. Schnuerle said he contacted Formula Fabrication about the furnace in the short hall and learned there is no ability to put two thermostats on the old electrical furnace system for the two different living rooms at the Restorium. Formula Fabrication recommended a ductless system that would consist of both a heating and air conditioning unit at a cost of approximately $10,000.00 to $12,000.00. Mr. Schnuerle said he also received a quote of $3,500.00 to $3,600.00 for an eight-gallon water tank. Commissioners asked Mr. Schnuerle to get more quotes. The water tank is a gas storage tank for hot water. Clerk Poston reviewed the budget in various line items for the Restorium. Mr. Schnuerle informed Commissioners of an issue with the lift on the van.
The meeting with Mr. Schnuerle ended at 2:22 p.m. Mr. Pinkerton also left the meeting.
2:32 p.m., Treasurer Jenny Economu joined the meeting to review the quarterly report of county accounts dated March 31, 2023.
The meeting with Treasurer Economu ended at 2:47 p.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
3:00 p.m., Commissioners held the bid decision for the Boundary County Airport Slope Stabilization Project, Airport Improvement Project #3-16-0004-023-2023. Present were: Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. The proceedings were recorded.
The four bidders and bid totals are as follows: S&L Underground with a bid of $539,485.00, LaRiviere, Inc., with a bid of $564,019.70, Big Sky ID Corporation with a bid of $564,645.20, and Selland Construction, Inc., with a bid of $1,452,040.00. The engineer’s estimate was $539,695.00.
The low bidder was S&L Underground.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to accept the bid from S&L Underground totaling $539,485.00. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Concurrence in Award document for the Boundary County Airport Slope Stabilization Project, Airport Improvement Project #3-16-0004-023-2023. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
The bid decision proceedings ended at 3:05 p.m.
3:05 p.m., Treasurer Jenny Economu returned to the meeting at Commissioners’ request to further review the quarterly report of county accounts.
Treasurer Economu left the meeting at 3:15 p.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
3:30 p.m., There being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
***Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Findings and Decision for Planning and Zoning File #23-0050 for a short plat – rural subdivision for the Billie and Patricia I. Poulton Family Trust. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Findings and Decision for Planning and Zoning File #23-0036 for a short plat – primitive subdivision for the Migliore Family Rev. Trust. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Findings and Decision for Planning and Zoning #22-0183 for a conditional use permit for James and Elida Byler. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Robertson moved to sign the Idaho Department of Agriculture Cooperative Weed Management Area Disbursement Agreement State Cost Share Funds. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
9:30 a.m., Tim Patton joined the meeting. Steve Fioravanti also joined the meeting.
Mr. Patton wanted to discuss smart growth due to the amount of people moving in and urban sprawl. Mr. Patton said the Comprehensive Plan needs to be updated. He said he has data and wants to get a wildlife biologist to present tools for smart growth and try to win over the citizens to push this. He can discuss which areas are to have smart growth and wildlife corridors. Mr. Patton said he needs to get more data, including road kill data, and update what he has. Chairman Bertling said the Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative (KVRI) has the Wildlife Auto Collision (WAC) Committee. Mr. Patton asked for Commissioners’ feelings about this matter. It’s critical that we don’t have development in wildlife areas, but it’s not realistic to say 60 or 80 acres and even 40 acres wouldn’t happen. There is a lot of ground work to be done if someone could identify wildlife corridors. Mr. Patton said if we could have more development closer to town and have 1.5 acres as opposed to five acres, that is where it needs to happen. Mr. Patton said he’s not concerned about the area south of Naples. Mile post 491 has the highest occurrence of road kill in that particular area, which is the area directly north of the Elmire Store. It would be ideal to have an animal overpass and have established food sources and fences to guide them in. Mr. Patton spoke of needing to see if the people who own the land will be interested in a conservation easement.
Mr. Patton said he wanted to know if Commissioners were interested. Chairman Bertling said there is a lot more ground work that needs to be done. Mr. Patton said we’re going to lose habitat due to development. Commissioner Robertson said he disagrees with Mr. Patton as he has deer in his yard and they don’t seem to care, but that is his personal opinion. Mr. Patton said people care about rural quality of life and that is how we will win citizens over; with a rural quality of life.
Commissioner Robertson said for a different reason it makes more sense to have development near infrastructure. Having development near a terrible road doesn’t make sense; it makes sense to have development near city limits or near highways, but an ordinance for land size for wildlife alone is not something he is interested in, speaking for himself. Chairman Bertling said they would have to get the zoning map and see which areas would be feasible. Chairman Bertling spoke of the deer trail on the north hill as an example. He wouldn’t be in favor of changing the zoning, but hypothetically, that is where an overpass and fencing would be. Mr. Patton said everybody would benefit. Chairman Bertling said it’s a lot of cost. Mr. Patton commented on animal overpasses over the railroad. Commissioner Robertson said he’s all for preventing wildlife-auto collisions, but land use is a different discussion. Mr. Patton said if he does more work and gets a wildlife biologist, are Commissioners in favor of moving forward. Chairman Bertling said Commissioners are open to another meeting, but cannot guarantee anything.
The meeting with Mr. patton ended at 9:43 a.m.
Commissioner Robertson moved to reappoint Kevin Cossairt, Patrick Atkins, Randy Peterson, and Scooter Drake to the Boundary County Snowmobile Advisory Board with terms to expire February 2026. Chairman Bertling yielded the chair to second. Commissioners Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
_______________________________________
TIM BERTLING, Chairman
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk