***Monday, August 19, 2019, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

Blue Sky Broadcasting News 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 Renee Nelson and Foreman Randy Morris joined the meeting to give a department report. Mr. Morris presented a written report.

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

Mr. Morris briefly explained a job description for the position he has held. Chairman Dinning briefly discussed the intention to combine some of the job duties pertaining to GIS. Ms. Nelson said she and Mr. Morris wanted to clarify that GPS for addressing is different than GPS for projects that Mr. Morris is working on.

Ms. Nelson informed Commissioners that she was contacted by Noble Excavating, who is the contractor working with Union Pacific Railroad on the siding project along Meadow Creek/Moyie River Road. The private road crossings will be removed and a representative from Noble has asked if the county would take over the new county road that is being built for maintenance this winter and then the contractor would finish the pavement portion of the new road next spring. Ms. Nelson stated that Noble will have to provide bonds for what is going to be done for pavement. Mr. Morris said he thinks this is a good thing and the new road will settle better over the winter. Ms. Nelson spoke of getting an agreement for this work prepared in advance and she will discuss this with County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull.

Ms. Nelson informed Commissioners that the matter regarding a utility easement along Round Mountain Road was straightened out with Northern Lights and it turns out they couldn’t move to the east of the road due to already existing utilities. Northern Lights has a new permit stating that they will take care of clearing and stump removal and will go from there. Ms. Nelson said everything up Meadow Creek/Moyie River has been chip sealed now and both Mr. Morris and Ms. Nelson said it went really well. Mr. Morris said the grindings were placed on Earl Lane and Buzzard Lake Road so there will be minimal maintenance and no dust. Chairman Dinning said the county has gravel roads in areas where Road and Bridge has to run a grader a long way to get to, such as Addie Road and Timberlane Road. Mr. Morris spoke of areas in Eastport where they can plow snow to.

Ms. Nelson said almost all Road and Bridge employees have been out chip sealing. The gravel portion of work will be done for Madson Road and then it will be chip sealed next year. Mr. Morris said it will be approximately 3/10 of a mile to chip seal Madson Road. Ms. Nelson mentioned what topics she would bring up for discussion at this week’s Idaho Transportation Department meeting in District 1.

The meeting with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 9:20 a.m.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Kathryn Breneman, Shawnee Kath, Danielle LaFon, Melanie Helms, Joshua Gallegly, Lacey Evans, Renee Pruitt, Brandon Westbrook, Rebecca Sandaker, Kelsey English, Wiley Higens, Emmeline Pinkerton, Jaiden Everhart, Sarah Fischer, and Michael Layeux. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chairman Dinning said Commissioners had received a written offer of $250.00 from Eric and Kelley Vogel for tax deeded parcel #RP62N03E273620A. Commissioners had denied this offer and Commissioner Cossairt felt the county should accept an offer closer to $3,000. Ms. Vogel came in late last week and did submit a new offer of $3,000 for this parcel.

Commissioner Kirby moved to accept the offer of $3,000.00 from Eric and Kelley Vogel for parcel #RP62N03E273620A. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Kirby moved to authorize Chairman Dinning to sign the deed transferring parcel #RP62N03E273620A to Eric and Kelley Vogel. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners spoke to County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull via telephone at 9:26 a.m.

Attorney Hull stated that he is working on the letter to Garvin Williams regarding a concrete slab poured along a portion of Farm to Market Road. Chairman Dinning informed Attorney Hull that he needs to review the agreement with Union Pacific for their siding project.

The call to Attorney Hull ended.

9:30 a.m., Deputy Clerk Nancy Ryals joined the meeting.

Commissioner Kirby moved to go into closed session pursuant to Idaho Code 31-874. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously. 9:34 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to go out of closed session. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to deny indigent account 2019-26. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Deputy Clerk Ryals left the meeting at 9:36 a.m.

9:37 a.m., Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac joined the meeting at Commissioners’ request to discuss the county’s personnel policy. Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac said she has made the changes to the policy after having waited for staff to respond. Commissioners asked if there where changes of any significance. Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac said there was something she removed regarding the ability to check an employee’s personal belongings as it could compromise an investigation so now the policy just says if there is reasonable suspicion of drug use, the employee can be sent in for drug testing. Bereavement is now 40 hours instead of five days and other than that, it was just a matter of cleaning up typographical errors.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the new county personnel policy to take effect October 1, 2019. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac left the meeting at 9:44 a.m.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

Boundary Ambulance Service Chief Jeff Lindsey, Boundary Ambulance Service Board Chairperson Nancy Russell and Loretta Hunsaker joined the meeting.

10:00 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and to convene as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

*Please see Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board meeting minutes*

10:20 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board and to reconvene as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Boundary Ambulance Service Chief Lindsey, Ms. Russell and Ms. Hunsaker left the meeting.

Commissioners recessed until their next meeting at 11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m., Commissioners participated in a conference call with Cory Trapp of Longwell + Trapp Architects and Panhandle Area Council (PAC) Executive Director Wally Jacobson. The purpose of the call is to review and discuss Mr. Trapp’s estimate of costs associated with constructing a building for ambulance services and remodeling existing office space for the Sheriff’s Office and Probation Office. Also present were: Sheriff Dave Kramer, Boundary Ambulance Service Chief Jeff Lindsey, Boundary Ambulance Service Board Chairperson Nancy Russell, and county resident Marty Martinez.

Chairman Dinning informed Mr. Trapp that Commissioners were a little surprised at the cost estimate for an ambulance building. Mr. Trapp said he based that off two existing projects his company has underway and he added that he would also prefer to over bid than come up short. The estimate is for wood grain construction, composition roofing, sleeping quarters, etc. The cost estimate of $50,000 is for vehicle exhaust and a generator. Chief Lindsay said he has both diesel and gas vehicles. Chief Lindsey added that if the vehicles were to use just gas, he typically wouldn’t worry about exhaust, but they would prefer a system that would pull the exhaust fumes out, such as a fan at the end of a bay which would be a less costly option. Mr. Trapp agreed. Chairman Dinning asked how metal buildings compare to this type of construction and Mr. Trapp said a metal building would cost more, especially for a building this small, due to having to meet energy codes. Chairman Dinning asked if this code is a state or city code. Mr. Trapp said this is due to the state, but you would want to keep energy operations low. Most of the costs would be generated by the finishes, vehicle exhaust, etc. This building is small at 4,200 feet. Costs are really associated with what the finishes are, such as brick, metal or hardy board. Mr. Trapp proposed a composition roof as opposed to a metal roof and cost also depends on flooring finishes, etc. There are all kinds of other ways to get the price down and it would cut $100,000 off the top quickly. Mr. Trapp said if the county stated that it had a budget of a certain amount, he could design a building for that specific budget. Those present discussed city fees that the City of Bonners Ferry may be willing to waive. It was said if the city waived fees, it would save approximately $68,000. Mr. Trapp explained his experience associated with the construction of a fire station in Kellogg and having found garbage underground after digging down 17 feet, saying that you have to budget for contingencies. The architect and engineering fees are also included in this estimate, according to Mr. Trapp.

Chairman Dinning asked if the City of Kellogg received grants for this fire station. Mr. Jacobson said Kellogg did write a block grant for those buildings. Commissioners asked if Boundary County is eligible for this type of grant. Mr. Jacobson said he would have to check with Nancy Mabile at PAC, but he didn’t think it was possible as it would be easier if it was just the city applying for a block grant instead of the county, based on the income level. Mr. Jacobson brought up lend and lease options and it was said the county has done this with the North Idaho College building. Chairman Dinning asked about the 1.2 million cost options with varying degrees of an equity down payment. Mr. Jacobson said he would look into it.

Chief Lindsey discussed more detailed information for the design. Chairman Dinning said that would be a meeting involving Commissioners and Clerk Poston. Mr. Trapp said the best thing would be to hire an architect to draft the construction documents and put the project out for open bid to any contractor with a public works license. Another way is to pre-select the contractor and put out requests for proposals. Mr. Trapp said his company is doing that this way now for the two Kellogg stations and the contractor is brought in ahead of time as part of the team for cost estimating up front prior to getting bids for a not to exceed amount.

Chairman Dinning commented that if the county were to hire a firm, it is probably the least time consuming. Mr. Trapp said yes, if it were him, he would sit down and go through the plans to make it as cost effective as he could and to tighten up costs. Mr. Trapp commented that it’s too late to get things done by this fall, but construction could be ready by March or April. It would take three to four months to draft drawings and another month for permits and the bid. Usually in February people are looking for work right as the snow melts, according to Mr. Trapp.

The portion of the conference call to discuss construction of an ambulance building ended and Chief Lindsey and Ms. Ms. Russell left the meeting at 11:15 a.m.

Those present discussed the proposed remodel of the Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Trapp said most of the time the cost is approximately $80 to $90 per square foot, but when including some demolition it is probably closer to $100 to $110 per square foot. Chairman Dinning said he thought the state had tested for asbestos when Boundary County purchased the armory. Sheriff Kramer discussed having to pay rent at the Creamery Building for office space and he asked if this remodel could take place over the winter. The Probation Office could probably stay at its existing office location during this remodel, according to Sheriff Kramer. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners would talk about that and he added that the cost for the remodel is more manageable. Mr. Trapp said both remodel projects could happen during winter. Chairman Dinning asked about selecting an architect to draft official plans, because of the different offices and people in the armory, it needs to be considered. Mr. Trapp said his company has worked on approximately six or seven fire stations so an ambulance station would be a similar project. Sheriff Kramer said if an ambulance bay was separated from the living quarters, would a separate metal building for the vehicles be a savings. Mr. Trapp said he doesn’t think it would save that much money as it would consist of constructing two more exterior walls and there is usually the use of radiant heat where vehicles are kept.

Clerk Poston said with this potentially being a wintertime project, how will it work to install a bathroom. Mr. Trapp said he could just tie into the existing plumbing. Chairman Dinning said if the county wishes to go forward with one project, what do we need to do, such as make a decision as to the process and then contact Longwell + Trapp about going forward? Mr. Trapp said sure. Clerk Poston said she feels this needs to be three separate projects and Mr. Trapp agreed. Mr. Trapp said the biggest matter is financing for an ambulance building. Mr. Trapp asked how it works if the county owns the building, but the funds go through the Ambulance District. Chairman Dinning explained that Commissioners are also the governing board for the Ambulance District, but that the county and the Ambulance District are separate districts. Boundary County contracts with Boundary Ambulance Service as the county’s provider. Mr. Trapp said the biggest question is how to pay for the project.

Chairman Dinning said if the county chose to select Longwell + Trapp to oversee the entire project, with the estimate of $966,000.00 for the ambulance construction, does the county need to go out for additional quotes or is this project exempt from having to go through that process? Mr. Trapp said the county can put out request for proposals for professional services, but that also might be a discussion for the county civil attorney. Mr. Trapp reminded Commissioners that Longwell + Trapp had also worked on a project for the Restorium in the past. Chairman Dinning said the Probation Office remodel project falls under the dollar threshold for bidding as does the remodel of the armory for the Sheriff’s Office, but Commissioners will double check with their civil attorney. Mr. Jacobson said he would get information to Clerk Poston in the next couple days.

The conference call with Mr. Trapp and Mr. Jacobson ended at 11:30 a.m.

Sheriff Kramer left the meeting at 11:32 a.m.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:15 p.m.

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

1:30 p.m., Assessor Dave Ryals, Road and Bridge Department Superintendent Renee Nelson, and GIS Mapper Olivia Drake joined the meeting to discuss shared job duties as requested by Planning and Zoning Administrator John Moss. Mr. Moss did not show up for the meeting.

County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull contacted Commissioners via telephone at 1:40 p.m.

Commissioners asked Attorney Hull about the estimate of costs from Longwell + Trapp. It was said that because the cost for the Probation Office is under $50,000, the public may read into this that this is one big project that involves architecture and remodeling of connected buildings. It could be considered as one project instead of two. Commissioners asked if they have to go out for requests for proposals. Attorney said he thinks Commissioners need to with regard to this being one project with different phases and an architect. The county will have to go through notice requirements.

The call with Attorney Hull ended at 1:45 p.m.

Commissioners briefly discussed hiring someone to assist with the Planning and Zoning office tasks and Ms. Nelson asked if this oversight is under the Road and Bridge Department. Chairman Dinning said yes. Ms. Nelson said the county still has to have someone who understands what GIS work needs to go to Ms. Drake or to Mr. Moss. Chairman Dinning said this position will alleviate the work load for Ms. Drake as her work load for this was never intended to be as heavy as it is. Assessor Ryals said Ms. Drake will continue with GIS mapping for parcels and sharing data, but Commissioners will need to keep up with the software updates. Chairman Dinning said he didn’t want to bring in a new employee for this as Commissioners would trust Ms. Drake’s experience much more. It was said the 911 fees could cover this GIS portion as well. Chairman Dinning said Mr. Moss commented that he sees this position as secretarial.

2:02p.m., Ms. Nelson, Ms. Drake and Assessor Ryals left the meeting.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

2:49 p.m., there being no further business, the meeting adjourned until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.

***Tuesday, August 20, 2019, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

9:00 a.m., Commissioners held an elected officials/department heads meeting. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Treasurer Sue Larson, Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen, Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee, Planning and Zoning Administrator John Moss, University of Idaho Extension Educator Amy Robertson, Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley, Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk, Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown, Prosecutor’s Office Manager Tammie Goggia, Assessor Dave Ryals, Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac, and Sheriff Dave Kramer.

Chairman Dinning said Commissioners have finalized the budget and there will be a 5% increase in wages for employees in the preliminary budget. Chairman Dinning urged those present not to spend more dollars than is needed before the end of the year as that can create a lot of confusion as it pertains to carry forward. The budget hearing will be held on September 3, 2019.

In the new county personnel policy employees are at will and other than that corrections were made, but it should not affect anything. This policy will go into effect on October 1, 2019, and the new policy will be available once printed.

Commissioners are going forward with looking at the construction of an ambulance building as well as remodeling projects for the Sheriff’s Office and Probation Office. Commissioners just learned that they need to go out for requests for proposals for an architect and engineering in one lump as the projects are all tied together.

Commissioners went around the room for updates.

Clerk Poston discussed the “Knowbe4” Program that is offered through the Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICRMP) and it’s a program for better email security. Clerk Poston handed out a list of old email addresses that she has proposed to be deleted. Clerk Poston said she will have Computer Arts deactivate these old emails as well as possibly add some new addresses. This program is about recognizing if an email is legitimate before you open it. Chairman Dinning stated that approximately 27 small communities in Texas have been hacked and this issue has been extremely lucrative for those hackers. The cost to fix the issue Boundary County had was $27,000. Clerk Poston commented that ICRMP will issue a test via email and it will also show who the employee or employees are who opened a faulty email in the test.

It was said that starting wages increased by 4%.

Assessor Ryals said with cyber security, he has put in place a double redundant security system to help with the ransom problem. County information is backed up twice in two different places now. Sheriff Kramer said Commissioners might want to consider having Computer Arts take a look at the overall backup as Homeland Security may have funds in place for this.
Assessor Ryals said he had nothing else to report.

Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac said ICRMP training is almost available to start again for this year.

Mr. Buckley said he’s been very busy. Mr. Buckley questioned cyber security for his laptop.

Ms. Robertson said the fair went well. The Friday Friends Program will start again and there is a sliding fee scale for participants. The Extension Office has hired two staff members for this program. Ms. Robertson listed various classes being offered through the Extension Office.

Mr. Moss said it’s business as usual for Planning and Zoning.

Mr. Wenk said he’s been spot spraying and has been up near Porthill. Mr. Wenk stated that for those who plan on participating in the Neighborhood Cooperative Program, the paperwork is due next week for reimbursement. Chairman Dinning mentioned to Mr. Wenk that the county may have property near Klockman Road that has a patch of knapweed that needs to be treated.

Ms. Magee said the Restorium received donations from the fair to include seven hogs, and one lamb. The Restorium has been pretty busy and Ms. Magee said she’s been working on doing inventory.

Sheriff Kramer said his jail staff are participating in the Guardian Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) training right now. This is an inmate tracking system and it’s partially sponsored by Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICRMP). It’s a system that is good for accountability and is an easier way of tracking information for inmates. Sheriff Kramer stated that the jail population is lower than it has been in a very long time. Sheriff Kramer spoke of there being plumbing issues in his office that need to be looked into.

Ms. Goggia said with the number of people in jail being down, it is now a bit quieter in the Prosecutor’s Office. Chairman Dinning said our ambulance call volumes have been down as well, since February, so he doesn’t know what that means as far as overall decreases. Ms. Goggia commented that she is now able to work on getting other tasks caught up.

Ms. Brown said with summer winding down, she is hoping the number of those on probation stays where it is as there has been an upswing with both juveniles and adults. Graffiti at the boat launches was briefly discussed. It was said that Mr. Buckley has security cameras for that.

Treasurer Larson said she attended a Treasurer’s conference earlier this month and one of the speakers was the Secret Service who talked about counterfeit money. ICRMP representatives also spoke about computer passwords and they encouraged having more difficult passwords.

Mr. Moss informed Commissioners that the Planning and Zoning Commission has asked to have an alternate meeting place and they had wondered if the armory would work for that.

Commissioners said for those present who are involved in a county advisory board, to comply with Idaho Code, Commissioners are looking at passing a resolution that sets the date and time of various advisory board meetings, but Commissioners would like to list this information for all boards in one resolution.

Sheriff Kramer said this Thursday from 5 or 5:30 p.m., to 7:00 p.m., he’s hosting a crime prevention class for the community at the armory.

The elected officials/department heads meeting ended at 9:30 a.m.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Kendall Mock and Jacob Wilson. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

9:30 a.m., County Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk met with Commissioners to give his department report. Mr. Wenk said he didn’t spend much time at the fair, but he did have a slide show. The contracting work Mr. Wenk had done for the city has been completed and the city has been invoiced for this work. Chairman Dinning asked Mr. Wenk if he could take a look at the Deep Creek boat launch area again as there are a couple bushes that may need to come out. Commissioner Cossairt said the Search and Rescue building area also had a bunch of weeds.

Commissioners discussed revolving funds and Chairman Dinning said that County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull had sent a letter to the Attorney General requesting clarity on revolving funds and what that means. One thought given as to what this meant was of the federal government and that if you don’t use your budget you lose it, and that is not what this is. It is whatever funds are left for that department goes into that same department’s budget for the next year. Commissioners are waiting for Attorney Hull to get his letter to them. It was asked how often the Weed Advisory Board meets and Mr. Wenk said once per year. Clerk Poston questioned only meeting once per year and if this issue about revolving funds has been brewing since that long. Mr. Wenk said pretty much. Clerk Poston asked if she could get a copy of prior meeting minutes. Mr. Wenk said prior meeting minutes would’ve been from March. Clerk Poston said she had also reached out to other counties about this issue. The Weed Fund is the Weed Department’s fund and that money stays there and it doesn’t go anywhere else. Clerk Poston said she doesn’t know if this fire was being fueled, etc. Since meetings are only once per year she would like to go over the budget and she added that a lot of information is getting missed if the Weed Advisory Board is only meeting once per year and that is detrimental. It was said when the Weed Department Board had their meeting this spring, they had asked Mr. Wenk if he wanted them to go to a Commissioners’ meeting to talk so that is where this started. Clerk Poston discussed what budget figures may be in the Weed Department budget, but that those funds also go toward paying for projects and Mr. Wenk’s wages, but he can come and ask her about this information any time.

Mr. Wenk said former County Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Duke Guthrie also only had one meeting per year. Chairman Dinning said it would be good to have a meeting in January and then another meeting in the spring. Clerk Poston suggested having a meeting in March and April. Mr. Wenk said he would forward the meetings minutes from this spring. Clerk Poston said she doesn’t know where the issue of revolving funds started as she had only heard this come up recently from Mr. Wenk. Clerk Poston added that she will show Mr. Wenk the emails from the other county clerks who responded to her question about a revolving fund. Clerk Poston said she takes great pride in her budget and departments just need to ask her for information.

The meeting with Mr. Wenk ended at 9:44 a.m.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2019-17. A resolution changing the date and time of the monthly Restorium Advisory Board meetings. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2019-17 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2019-17

WHEREAS, The Board of Boundary County Commissioners have various advisory boards for Boundary County; and,

WHEREAS, the Boundary County Community Restorium Advisory Board members have set monthly meetings to address Restorium matters; and,

WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Boundary County Community Restorium Advisory Board to change the day of their monthly meetings from 1:00 p.m., on the third Friday of each month to 10:00 a.m., on the fourth Thursday of each month, with the location of these meetings to remain in the same location, the ground level of the Boundary County Community Restorium, 6619 Kaniksu Street, Bonners Ferry, Idaho; and,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Boundary County Board of Commissioners’ adoption of this resolution that the meetings of the Boundary County Community Restorium Advisory Board are now to be held at 10:00 a.m., on the fourth Thursday of each month.

PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 20th Day of August, 2019.
BOUNDARY COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
s/______________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/______________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/______________________
Walt Kirby, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/__________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk
Recorded as instrument #278895

10:00 a.m., Commissioners held a public hearing to consider a solid waste fee increase of 12%. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen, and Treasurer Sue Larson. The hearing was recorded.

Chairman Dinning briefly reviewed the public hearing procedures. Commissioners cited no conflict of interest.

Commissioners opened the hearing to public testimony. Chairman Dinning stated that Boundary County is the applicant in this matter at the request of the Solid Waste Department. Commissioners asked for public comment from those in favor of the proposal, from those uncommitted to the proposal and from those opposed to the proposal. No one from the public was present to make comment. Commissioners called for discussion amongst themselves. Commissioner Cossairt said the proposal looks fine to him. Commissioner Kirby said this is a well thought out schedule. Chairman Dinning said this increase is for the continued operation of the landfill. There was no further discussion.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to establish the new disposal fees for the Solid Waste Department for fiscal year 2019-2020 with a 12% increase across the board. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

The hearing ended at 10:05 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2019-18. A resolution to adopt a Solid Waste fee schedule for fiscal year 2019-2020. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2019-18 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2019-18
A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT A SOLID WASTE FEE SCHEDULE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019-2020

WHEREAS, it is the duty of the Board of County Commissioners to maintain and operate solid waste disposal systems, and
WHEREAS, Section 31-4404, Idaho Code, authorizes the Board of Boundary County Commissioners to collect fees for the purpose of providing funds to operate and maintain solid waste disposal systems, and

WHEREAS, all households, businesses, farms and professional practices should be equitably charged solid waste fees proportional to the amount of solid waste generated,

WHEREAS, the last solid waste fee increase was initiated for fiscal year 2018-2019 and the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, find it in the public interest to increase solid waste fees by an amount of 12% for the 2019-2020 fiscal year to help fund the cost of operating the Solid Waste Department, and

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, are required to hold a public hearing to receive public comment on a proposal to increase solid waste fees as the increase is more than (5%), and said public was held on August 20, 2019, and

WHEREAS, the following is an estimate of what this change may mean to a Boundary County user, and

NOW, THEREFORE, on motion duly made, seconded, and unanimously carried,

IT IS RESOLVED that the Boundary County Board of Commissioners do hereby set and establish the following solid waste collection fees in accordance with the fee schedule attached hereto and by this reference incorporated herein.

DATED AND DONE this 20th day of August, 2019.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/________________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/________________________
Walt Kirby, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/_____
GLENDA POSTON
Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #278896
FY 2019-2020 Fee Schedule

CODE *CYY FROM __ TO
A 12 Residential, Bonners Ferry $ 118.56 $ 132.72
B 12 Residential, outside Bonners Ferry $ 141.48 $ 158.40
D 12 Service Business, Professional $ 141.48 $ 158.40
Practices & Farm Shops
E 24 Logging Contractors, Building $ 282.96 $ 316.80
F 38 Trades, Manufacturing Machine Shops $ 448.02 $ 501.60
G 38 Retail Stores, Restaurants, Bars $ 448.02 $ 501.60
H 72 Nurseries, Newspapers, Greenhouse $ 848.88 $ 950.40
I 125 Chemical Applicators, Commercial $ 1473.74 $ 1650.00 Grain & Seed Elevators, Garages and Gas Stations
J 24 Lumber Mills $ 282.96 $ 316.80
K 135 $ 1591.64 $ 1782.00
L 75 Grocery Stores & Convenience $ 884.24 $ 990.00
M 150 Stores, and Special Categories $ 1768.50 $ 1980.00
N 450 $ 5305.50 $ 5940.00
O 4 Residential B Motels: Each Unit $ 47.16 $ 52.80
P 1.2 Residential B RV Parks: Each Unit $ 14.14 $ 15.84
Per CYY
Animal Carcasses over 100 pounds (per carcass) $ 29.00 $ 32.48

**CYY means cubic yards per year. The budgeted cost per CYY for landfill would go from $9.88 to $11.06 and per CYY for total landfill and collection costs would go from $11.79 to $13.20.

Brush/Lawn Debris - 6 yds/day at monitored sites (over 6 yds goes to landfill) Fee is .04 cents per lb.
Brush/Lawn Debris - Landfill 6 yds per day. (Over) Fee of .04 cents per lb.
Demolition/Construction Debris – For public/private party – Up to 1 yard per day is free. Excess of 1 yard per day is charged the commercial fee rate.
Garbage - Over 6 yds, Fee of .04 cents per lb.

Commercial/Public
Stumps @ .04 cents/lb. Concrete @ .06 cents/lb. Small Tires up to 22” @ $2.24 each. Lg Truck (semi) Tires @ $8.96 each. Oversized (Skidder/Tractor) @ $44.80 each.

Flip to scale - Charge by the lb. (Commercial) Wood Debris @ .04 cents/lb. Yard Debris @ .04 cents/lb. Light Demo @ .06 cents/lb. Heavy Demo @ .18 cents/lb.

Mr. Skeen and Treasurer Larson left the meeting at 10:15 a.m.

10:17 a.m., Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac joined the meeting at Commissioners’ request to discuss job descriptions. Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac left at 10:22 a.m.

Chairman Dinning stated that it has come to Commissioners’ attention that the county has been maintaining and or clearing rights-of-way for utility company easements, but it has been determined that the county is not responsible for that work.

Commissioners took a recess prior to their next meeting at 11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m., Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee, Assistant Administrator Diana Lane and Janet Sapp joined the meeting.

Clerk Poston asked about recent Commissioners’ minutes and that these minutes need to clarify that Ms. Magee is to look into purchasing and ordering a new boiler prior to the beginning of this next fiscal year, but that delivery and payment of this boiler is to be due after the start of the new county fiscal year, October 1, 2019.

Ms. Magee discussed working on the new Blue Cross program for Medicaid billing.

Ms. Magee asked about a rate increase for rooms at the Restorium. Commissioners said Ms. Magee will need to send a letter out to the existing residents informing them of their new rate, but the rate for new, incoming residents is also increasing so Commissioners will need to hold a public hearing as that increase is more than 5%.

Commissioners discussed needing to adopt a resolution regarding the five year records retention limit for the Restorium.

Ms. Sapp left the meeting.

11:15 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 charges or complaints brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school student. Commissioner Cossairt second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 11:30 a.m. No action was taken.

Ms. Magee and Ms. Lane left the meeting.

11:30 a.m., 9B Trails members: Eric Anderson, Tess Rae, Olivia Drake, Larry Davidson, and Scott Bourassa joined the meeting to discuss trail projects.

It was said that the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) needs a letter of support from Boundary County, which will allow 9B Trails to allow access ITD’s properties.

Mr. Davidson said Riverside Park is just one of a number of projects 9B Trails is working on. The Riverside Park project goes from the north end of the bridge, across the old bridge abutment, and under the bridge to the park in District 2. Two other projects consist of a trail around District 2 and a trail between the old highway alignment and the new alignment on Highway 95. Two of the projects have ITD involvement and both projects will need Commissioners’ approval for the proposal of building these trails. Mr. Davidson said he has been in touch with ITD in the past about these trails and ITD wants something from someone other than a private entity. Boundary County is the likely party as they have other projects with the county, to include the Section 16 project.

Those present briefly reviewed the plans provided. Ms. Rae said she included everything 9B Trails thought would be needed for the meeting. Ms. Rae added that ITD is also aware of this project. Once the proposal for the project is sent, ITD would send some sort of agreement between ITD and the county. Commissioners will need to look at this project and see if they want to get behind it and promote it. Mr. Davidson briefly discussed an intersection with Union Pacific Railroad and sending project information to the appropriate person with Union Pacific. Mr. Davidson said there had to have been some sort of agreement between ITD and Union Pacific back when the original bridge and the new bridge went in because both of those bridges went over Union Pacific land and there would have to be an agreement between them. Mr. Davidson said ITD has not indicated to him that they have released those rights. ITD just needs the county proposal, but Union Pacific was fine with Mr. Davidson’s proposal to them.

Ms. Rae commented that Boundary Economic Development Director Dennis Weed had said he was looking into this project last fall and saw that ITD just needs a letter.

Ms. Rae explained that to prohibit graffiti they’re proposing a rock layer. Lighting is also included in the original proposal, but this work would be a separate piece as it is funding not spent on the trail so it could fall under urban renewal. Chairman Dinning said the amount of $25,000 did not include this piece of work at that point so how far will that $25,000 go? Mr. Davidson said 850 linear feet. The trail section terminates before getting to District Two. The next phase of the project is the trail going into District Two. Chairman Dinning said in his mind, $25,000 was for everything, except for going under the bridge. It was said the funding amount of $25,000 will cover 850 feet that does go under the bridge, except it doesn’t cover the cost of rock. Mr. Anderson asked how we know the funds don’t go for the park and Ms. Drake said the funds can’t be used beyond city limits. Mr. Davidson said he recalls the proposal for urban renewal and Ms. Rae said it is for lights and fencing. Ms. Rae commented that the goal is to get grants for the park. Ms. Rae spoke of getting quotes in to determine funding. Chairman Dinning said to clarify, what IDL wants is for an official taxing district of the State of Idaho to be the entity they deal with. Mr. Davidson said there is a draft letter provided that Commissioners can change and send to ITD. The contact person at the state will look at the proposal, make changes if they want, and ultimately send the county an agreement, basically allowing the county to do this project. Chairman Dinning said the county is relying on 9B Trails. Mr. Davidson said 9B Trails would like to essentially partner with the county. Boundary County would be the entity who is proposing the project and 9B Trails would be the working arm and provide maintenance, which is an ongoing effort. Mr. Davidson said 9B Trails would be willing to do that for as long as they’re in existence and once completed, a project owner would be sought to take over responsibility of the project for tasks such as picking up branches, debris, etc., and keeping the trails maintained. Once the trails are built and work is done to completion, maintenance is infrequent to make sure there are eyes on the ground and the area is presentable.

Chairman Dinning questioned what happens when the county enters into an agreement with the state, the park has been built, and 9B Trails then chooses not to function anymore. If there is no one maintaining the parks, then that task falls to the county. Mr. Davidson said as with anything else, like sidewalks, grass growing between tracks, break up, it’s the owner who takes over the work. Mr. Davidson said the nature of this path is more of a natural surface, called TSA, trail surface aggregate. It’s not as permanent, but it’s a little more flexible. There is a pathway in this area now, but it’s more unsightly and it’s got the aspect of people camping under the bridge, etc. TSA is not something that will take a lot of maintenance, according to Mr. Davidson.

It was said this project also falls under the County Parks and Recreation Department and a committee for this project was formed. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners would like to meet with the Parks and Recreation Board as they will be the board that is going to maintain this. Chairman Dinning said he’s seen a lot of good ideas only last about 10 years.

Mr. Anderson said when Mr. Weed created this organization quite some time ago, he was “eyes wide open” for the community. 9B Trails became a 501c3 as it was better for funding opportunities and grants that will allow work to get done on the ground, etc. There is an economic benefit to these trails and you either believe in that or you don’t, but you can capture these funds and it is a benefit. The project is a small investment for the dollars it will capture and 9B Trails is asking for an investment from the county in some aspect. Chairman Dinning explained that he has a different function and he said that Boundary County is not receiving Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funds and it’s now the first time in this county that Commissioners are levying for the Road and Bridge Department. When looking at priorities, Commissioners have to determine what that those priorities are. Chairman Dinning said that he’s not saying this project is not a priority, but when looking into the future, what is the priority, if 9B Trails doesn’t exist and the Parks and Recreation Department has to do the work.

Chairman Dinning said looking back to years 2000 and 2008, the county had to move funds from other resources in order to balance the budget and carry out state mandated functions. Chairman Dinning commented that he is not discounting this project, but when times are easy, it’s nice to go down this road. Chairman Dinning stated that Commissioners want to meet with the Parks and Recreation Board to discuss this, but they know at some point the county will be maintaining these projects and he wants his eyes wide open. Mr. Davidson spoke of there being an existing path right now and he said additional costs the Commissioners think would be incurred by the county or Parks and Recreation Department in maintaining the project only, he feels would be minimal. Right now the weeds just need to be reduced. Ms. Rae informed Mr. Davidson and Commissioners that the Parks and Recreation Board have already taken care of that. Mr. Davidson said the county has to look at total costs.

Mr. Anderson said when times are tough, how diverse is Boundary County’s economy. These projects are an investment. Is Boundary County prepared to accept funds from Canadians or are they going to go to Sandpoint instead? Mr. Davidson said he also wants this project for the local community. Local businesses want these projects, too, according to Ms. Rae. It is a benefit. Ms. Rae said they’re looking for legal access. Chairman Dinning said to let Commissioners discuss this and talk to the Parks and Recreation Board about his thoughts.

Mr. Davidson said the next project is Section 16, which is IDL land at the top of Peterson Hill and they have a proposed contract in hand. 9B Trails has had meetings with IDL about this project and the issue is in IDL’s lap. The highlighted portion of the handout Commissioners received for this meeting is the pertinent information consisting of the big obligations. IDL has put a lot of obligation on the county as the county is the agency entering into the contract. Again, under this agreement, 9B Trails would take care of the maintenance. 9B Trails would be taking care of all the highlighted information. The county may be asked for assistance with some of it, such as creating a small parking lot, having a portable outhouse, etc. There is no dollar amount, other than a rental agreement for the land. All highlighted information is what 9B Trails would take care of as far as trail maintenance. Mr. Davidson said an issue with a number of things were related to costs that he wanted to push back on, one being the rental cost. IDL had listed a proposed annual payment of $2,200.00 with a 3% annual increase. Mr. Davidson said he pushed back on that as it is too much. IDL gave 9B Trails initial permission to clear the corridor and clear duff, but they were not given permission to do dirt work.

Mr. Davidson said the county had entered into an agreement for snowmobile grooming with IDL and snowmobile trail groomers don’t propose to build trails, get rid of weeds, etc., so he’s pushed back on that cost. This is essentially the same acreage, etc., so that aspect is under consideration. 9B Trails wanted a prorated rental on completed trails and they wanted IDL to build the parking lot, but they would have to hire that out. It’s possible to get IDL to the site to clear out a parking lot, but most likely not grading or finishing so maybe the county would help. Those are things that would have to be worked out. 9B Trails would be required to put signage up and IDL has a central mindset on signage as far as appearance, colors, etc., and 9B Trails would adhere to that. Mr. Davidson said he’s waiting for a call back from IDL on these issues. When the agreement comes in, 9B Trails will again be looking for Commissioners’ signatures. It’s only dirt, and trees or limbs from May to fall. This is a year-round trail a lot of time for biking and hiking and in the winter time it will be a fat bike and Nordic trail. The trails will have a motorized and non-motorized component. Mr. Bourassa said the existing roads will be mixed use and grooming will be done by all volunteers groups, such as 9B Trails. The hiking and biking portion of the trails consists of 11 miles. Mr. Bourassa said he was contacted by one of top members of the winter groomers in Sandpoint who is willing to help with grooming this year. Sandpoint has a group of people who are willing to come to Bonners Ferry and Mr. Bourassa said he has yet to meet with them, but they indicated this land is suitable. We will get a nice influx of people. Mr. Bourassa said he organizes a weekly bike ride in the community and people from Spokane and other outlying areas join. Mr. Bourassa clarified that the person from Sandpoint who offered to help is not the same groomer who grooms our snowmobile trails. There are also grants for this, according to Mr. Bourassa. For summer and snow trails there are grants for non-profit organizations. 9B Trails now has an excavator and they have received funding for miscellaneous things along the way. It just seems to work out that people take ownership of the trails and help clear branches, according to Mr. Bourassa. Mr. Davidson and Mr. Bourassa said they have done trail work before 9B Trails was formed so it will be something that continues.

Mr. Davidson spoke of his experience in getting an agreement started with the Friends of the Pend’ Oreille Bay Trail and the Forest Service and how that agreement has been ongoing ever since. Mr. Bourassa said Section 16 has become a good vision for him. It’s a golden piece of land if Boundary County can secure it. Mr. Davidson said these trails are getting used and he’s spoken with a group of people from Ellensburg who do the same type of trail work. This group visits this area and brings their friends over and they’re happy to see the trails maintained. People are coming here from the Seattle area. This biking and trail thing is a phenomenon and money will be spent here.

Mr. Anderson said he’s been doing a lot of economic research in Libby, Montana, and they’re going crazy with outdoor recreation opportunities, entering into agreements, etc., and we’re trying to capture the same market. These undiscovered communities are in a recreation arms race, according to Mr. Anderson.

Ms. Rae said she’s been doing research on other counties as well. Ms. Rae asked Commissioners if the county has a line item for recreation or just a line item for Parks and Recreation. Chairman Dinning said it’s just for Parks and Recreation. Chairman Dinning informed those present that the Parks and Recreation Board couldn’t do anything in Section 16 without Commissioners’ approval. Commissioners just need time to think about a few things, according to Chairman Dinning.

Mr. Bourassa said there is the potential to have 25 to 30 miles of trails on the Farnsworth property.

The meeting with 9B Trails ended at 12:20 p.m.

Commissioner Dinning moved to sign the Boundary Community Hospital Board of Trustees Bylaws upon approval of the County Civil Attorney. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 12:30 p.m.

These meeting minutes were approved on September 9, 2019.

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DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk