***Monday, August 7, 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 Nancy Ryals.
County resident Marty Martinez and Blue Sky Broadcasting Reporter Mike Brown were present off and on at the meeting throughout the day.
Commissioners gave the opening invocation and said the Pledge of Allegiance.
9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Superintendent Clint Kimball joined the meeting to give his department report. A written report was provided. Discussion was briefly held regarding smoke in the area from fires and the lack of rain. Mr. Kimball reported that the crew worked Friday. As of next week, there will be three crewmembers on light duty due to medical issues. Mr. Kimball reported that the new hires are working out very well and neither of them needed much training. Work on the Westside Road continues. Federal Highways has deadlines for processing documents. There will be another Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) project at Atkins Canyon and that project is a little more complex. The county has until September 14, 2017 to complete all of the Federal Highways work for reimbursement. Some of the projects have a FEMA part and a Federal Highways part. Sign work will be done this week along with minor dust abatement. Paperwork is horrendous, according to Mr. Kimball.
An extension of time to complete the Snow Creek project has been requested due to the FEMA projects and medical problems with the crew. The county will still have to get the bridge and pay for it this year and install it next year. In addition, that road should not be blocked this time of year due to potential fire danger.
Mr. Kimball stated that the crew does not have time to do ICRMP training at this time. Clerk Poston informed Mr. Kimball that it is not due until December.
Work on Moyie River Road and Meadow Creek Road was discussed. The Union Pacific Railroad has started on the wetlands mitigation on the Moyie River Road. The Pack River Right of Way agreement is still pending with the civil attorney per Mr. Kimball.
Mr. Kimball left the meeting at 9:15 a.m.
Chairman Dinning stated that he spoke with County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull who had an emergency today so he would not be able to meet with Commissioners to discuss pending issues. Chairman Dinning stated that Attorney Hull wanted Commissioners to pass a motion to accept the grant offer for the Moore property pending approval by him.
Commissioner Kirby moved to accept the grant offer for the Moore property and authorize the Chairman to sign the documents once the offer is received from the Federal Aviation Administration pending approval by the county civil attorney. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign certificates of residency for Clementine Shorman, Lacey Evans, Nicole Henslee, Anna Roush, Angela Henslee, and La Ann Boger. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the catering permit for Spirit Lake Resort, LLC doing business as the Boar’s Nest for the Mountain Mafia Event at the Purcell Trench Ranch on August 11, 12, and 13, 2017. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Dinning stated that County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull approved the language of the Professional Services Agreement with MST Financial Solutions.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the Professional Services Agreement with MST Financial Solutions, LLC doing business as Chapman Financial Services for collection services for the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Dinning confirmed with the Clerk that the AWOS maintenance contract was budgeted for at a cost of $7,200.00.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the maintenance services contract with All Weather Inc. for the automated weather observing systems (AWOS) at the Boundary County Airport. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton recused himself on a motion regarding the Boundary Soil Conservation District 319 grant and he left the room.
Commissioner Kirby moved to sign the letter of support for Boundary Soil Conservation District for the 319 grant application for the Fleming Creek Road Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Project. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed.
Commissioners took a break.
9:35 a.m. Commissioner Pinkerton moved go to into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)b, to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member, or individual agent, or public school student. Commissioner Kirby second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”, and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. 9:45 a.m., the executive session ended. No action was taken.
Commissioner Kirby moved to approve minutes of July 24 and 25, 2017. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Dinning reported that the Clerk’s office is purchasing six new Express Vote machines from ES&S and Commissioners previously approved that purchase. The cost for the machines has been reduced by almost $5,000.00 so Commissioners need to sign a new agreement.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the Sales Order Agreement with ES&S Election Systems & Software for six Express Vote machines. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners discussed solid waste fees.
Commissioners took a break.
10:00 a.m., Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen and Assistant Superintendent Eric Owen joined the meeting to give the departmental report. Mr. Skeen stated that he received a quote for the use of an excavator and operator by the hour.
Mr. Skeen informed Commissioners of Bonner County’s process for issuing stickers to residents for disposal of solid waste at the landfill. The Treasurer’s Office gives a list of residents who have paid their property taxes to the landfill and landfill personnel in turn issue two stickers to taxpayers to put on their vehicles so they are easily identified as county residents when they go to the landfill to dispose of solid waste. There is no way to know how many non-residents are using our landfill to avoid fees at their own landfills. Chairman Dinning stated that we need to make sure we remember that we are providing a service and he commented that taxpayers can go almost five years without paying taxes before losing their property.
Chairman Dinning wants to see a cost analysis showing the difference between what we are doing at the landfill today and the cost of shipping because if our fees continue to increase, that is getting pretty hefty just for convenience of having a landfill. Chairman Dinning stated Bonner County is not dealing with a four million dollar closure fee and if we are on track with that, we will have to increase what goes into the landfill closure fund by $50,000.00. Chairman Dinning stated that he wants Mr. Skeen to see what the fiscal impact is overall. Chairman Dinning asked if we are putting money down a hole. Mr. Skeen said to transfer to Colburn would cost $75.00 per ton. You would still need machines to handle the metal pile, tire pile and so on, according to Mr. Skeen so you would still have those costs. Chairman Dinning asked if it would be more effective just to close this landfill. Chairman Dinning asked what it is costing us to bury 20 tons per day.
Mr. Skeen stated that it costs $140 per hour to rent an excavator and an operator and that would be on the excavator owner’s time schedule. Chairman Dinning asked for two more quotes so we can get it right.
Mr. Skeen informed Commissioners that $24.96 is charged to take animal carcasses at the landfill. Mr. Skeen proposes to reduce that fee to $10.00 for a resident to dispose of an animal over 100 pounds. There is no charge to dispose of an animal that is under 100 pounds. Chairman Dinning inquired if anyone complained about the cost. Mr. Skeen said no, he just wants to keep more in line with what Bonner County is charging. The landfill does have to dig a whole and bury the animal. That does not count towards the county’s daily tonnage, according to Mr. Skeen.
Chairman Dinning asked whose responsibility it would be to give out the stickers to residents so they can bring garbage to the landfill. Mr. Skeen said the Treasurer in Bonner County gives the stickers with a list of those who have paid property taxes to the landfill and the landfill gives the stickers out. If someone is renting property in the county, the landlord would give the sticker to the renter. Extra stickers cost $5.00 each in Bonner County. Mr. Martinez said West Bonner County does not charge for garbage, metal or brush and residents are allowed six yards of garbage per day at no cost. There are a lot of dump trailers coming in to our landfill from Bonner County and Montana, according to Mr. Skeen. Chairman Dinning asked Mr. Skeen to check with Shoshone, Benewah and Washington Counties to see what they do with their solid waste. Chairman Dinning said Mr. Skeen should look at what we are doing compared to other counties and check to see if there is something we are missing that would help us. Mr. Skeen said you have to consider population also. Clerk Poston asked how many transfer stations are in Bonner County.
Chairman Dinning informed Mr. Skeen that the budget did go to be published at the full amount requested for solid waste fees, but it needs to be decided what the county is going to do about solid waste fees before the hearing. Clerk Poston asked how many rural sites do other counties have as opposed to how many we have. Mr. Skeen stated that we are very fortunate to have the small community exemption. There is no liner required and that dramatically reduces the cost. Chairman Dinning stated we are looking at needing about $800,000.00 in solid waste fees if the county were to go with what is being published. Chairman Dinning wants to make the final decision in two weeks regarding the solid waste fees. An appointment was made for Monday, August 21, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. to discuss the matter further and make a decision.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked that the Solid Waste Department look into a used excavator and he stated that the market is flooded with excavators. Commissioner Pinkerton stated that he understands the need for an excavator, it is the price he has an issue with.
10:32 a.m., Mr. Skeen and Mr. Owen left the meeting.
10:32 a.m., Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown provided Commissioners with her department report. Ms. Brown reported that 23 are on juvenile probation, one juvenile is with the state, and eight are in the diversion program. They are still working on the heating and cooling system at the Armory with the state. Someone from the state was supposed to show up last week to work on the problem but they didn’t show up. Clerk Poston stated that she sent an email to the Idaho Military Division asking for an update regarding the heating and cooling problem.
Annual training is in September and the probation office received two scholarships which reduces the county’s cost, according to Ms. Brown. Ms. Brown reported that the Sheriff’s Office wants to use the gym in September and the conference room is being used quite a bit. Clerk Poston stated that she is looking into a wireless conference phone for the armory conference room. Clerk Poston informed Ms. Brown that the Commissioners have a conference call set up that can be used here if the probation department needs to use it in the meantime.
Ms. Brown left the meeting at 10:39 a.m.
Clerk Poston stated that there is quite a bit of surplus county property in the Armory building. Clerk Poston said the surplus auction can be held inside at the Armory.
Chairman Dinning stated that he understands that Economic Development Council Director Dennis Weed is moving his office out of the Extension building. Clerk Poston suggested moving the Planning & Zoning office to that space and move public defenders to the Planning & Zoning Office here in the courthouse. Clerk Poston also suggested possibly moving the breakroom to the Planning & Zoning office and the public defenders to the current breakroom. Clerk Poston stated that Planning & Zoning Administrator John Moss only works three days per week.
Commissioners took a break at 10:45 a.m.
11:00 a.m., Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee and Assistant Administrator Pam Barton joined the meeting to give the Restorium report. Ms. Barton presented a report consisting of statistics for the last three months. There were four vacant rooms in July which includes the nurse’s room. Two people moved home. There were 3,681.25 hours worked with 22.23 average full-time staff. Approximately $13,000.00 is the difference between income and what the county is spending for the month. One resident went on Medicaid. The nurse’s station was moved to one of the vacant rooms so there are three available rooms right now. No violations for care were found during the recent inspection. Four employees quit last week for different reasons, they were all part-time employees. One of them hadn’t really began working yet.
Ms. Magee presented three quotes for a building security system. The quotes are for security cameras outside the building and a buzzer system to get into the building. Lakeside Security Systems, Inc. quoted $6,265.00; Jacob Bushnell Consulting quoted $7,778.96; and Bee Safe Inc. quoted $5,239.49. The quotes were for eight security cameras. Clerk Poston stated that the county bought a system for the Armory and spent $500.00 or $600.00 for the eight camera system and county employee Tad Brown installed it. Chairman Dinning asked the Clerk to contact Mr. Brown about it. The cameras Mr. Brown installed were from Costco and Ms. Magee stated that she and Ms. Barton had looked into that. The security system was budgeted for in this fiscal year budget. Chairman Dinning said that the main thing is how many days of recordings are kept. One quote, the one from Jacob Bushnell Consulting, indicates a minimum of two weeks of recordings are kept, according to Commissioner Kirby. The courthouse system has been working fine and Jacob Bushnell Consulting installed that, according to Clerk Poston. The Bee Safe quote does not indicate recording and storage time. Commissioners stated that Ms. Magee should find out storage capacity and check into the system installed at the Armory and then choose the quote she feels is most appropriate.
Commissioners informed Ms. Magee and Ms. Barton that it is okay for the Friends of the Restorium to purchase a van. The current van was donated by Dyck’s.
Ms. Barton asked if Commissioners were okay with the Restorium room rate change. Commissioners said they were fine with the 3% increase for the upcoming fiscal year.
Regarding the employee dress code, Ms. Magee and Ms. Barton presented Commissioners with a suggested new policy. Commissioners asked that Ms. Magee run it by the county civil attorney. Commissioner Pinkerton stated that they need to add the words “meets the needs of the job as required.” Commissioner Pinkerton stated that since the county is requiring a uniform, the county needs to pay for the uniform. Commissioner Pinkerton stated that the county is not requiring a certain color but a style. Ms. Magee suggested reimbursing a certain amount. Ms. Magee will check on the cost. The county should pay for two sets the first year and one set every year thereafter, according to Commissioner Pinkerton. Clerk Poston stated that it hasn’t been built into the upcoming proposed budget. Commissioners asked Ms. Magee to get costs. Office staff could be excluded from having to wear uniforms. Requiring Kitchen staff to wear aprons is a well thought out idea, according to Commissioner Kirby.
The Restorium report ended at 11:27 a.m.
11:27 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved go to into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)b, to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member, or individual agent, or public school student. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”, and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. 11:35 a.m., the executive session ended. No action was taken.
Clerk Poston left the meeting at 11:35 a.m.
11:35 a.m., Economic Development Council Director Dennis Weed met with Commissioners to give an update on what he has been working on.
Harley Mastre wants to develop his property just north of the Log Inn, according to Mr. Weed. The issue is that access is currently a dirt road that does not meet county specifications. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) wants access to be the county road rather than use an exit off Highway 95. Mr. Weed commented that the county can’t have Mr. Mastre develop the road because other business owners will use it too. Mr. Weed stated that he doesn’t know if the cost of improving the road should be a road improvement district or local improvement district or what. There will be other businesses using the road. It is an approved subdivision and a Boundary County road, per Chairman Dinning and Chairman Dinning stated that the bottom line is that Mr. Mastre knew what it was when he bought it. Commissioner Kirby stated that there was one other road improved by the county in that area and it is the access to Bear Mechanical. Chairman Dinning stated that road also services residences along with the other businesses. Mr. Weed said one person shouldn’t be responsible for the cost of improving the road while others benefit from it. Chairman Dinning stated that is Road & Bridge Superintendent Clint Kimball’s call. Chairman Dinning said it is a county road and the county’s responsibility, but he questioned whether it is county responsibility if there is only one user. Commissioner Kirby said if someone actually develops it, there will be others wanting access. Yoder’s market is interested as well as another business, according to Mr. Weed. Chairman Dinning said that businesses will need an all-weather access road. Mr. Weed said yes. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners will need to speak with the Road & Bridge Superintendent about it. Chairman Dinning said at the time the subdivision was developed, probably in the 1980’s, there were no road standards. Commissioner Pinkerton pointed out that there are two residences on the road but they have other access without having to pay for something new. Commissioner Kirby suggested a charge for the county to improve the road and if the next business comes along and also wants access, you would charge them the same amount. Chairman Dinning and Commissioner Pinkerton did not like that idea.
Mr. Weed informed Commissioners that funds from the state will become less and less. Mr. Weed stated that he is looking at how that would affect the county. Mr. Weed stated that 57% of income of county residents is through some kind of federal subsidy program such as disability, social security retirement, military or government pension and if those programs get reduced, how does it affect the county and what should we be doing as a county for the future. Mr. Weed stated that we need to try to get in front of it. Chairman Dinning asked if Social Security retirement is part of this. Mr. Weed said yes, in that benefits could be reduced. Commissioner Pinkerton said retired government employees’ pensions could be part of that reduction. Chairman Dinning said every dollar rolls through this county many times so if there is a reduction in wages it will affect the economy. People need food and housing, but the extras will be cut, according to Chairman Dinning. Chairman Dinning stated when both mills shut down in the 1980’s people just existed, there were no extras and it was a challenging time for budgets. Mr. Weed stated that he is looking at what would impact us and what things might be of benefit. Commissioner Kirby stated that one of the things that works is when a person is on social security and they continue working and paying into social security which drives up their benefit amount. Chairman Dinning stated that he is glad we are looking ahead. Mr. Weed commented that we need to make the county a better place to live.
Mr. Weed reported that he is working on a request for qualifications (RFQ) for a sewer engineer. He is also working with several businesses looking at coming into town. Chairman Dinning asked if there is something businesses are looking for. Mr. Weed stated that the one thing he would say is buildings because they don’t want to build. A business is interested in the old Atkins Food building owned by Albertsons. Infrastructure is also an issue.
Mr. Weed wants to move his office to the business center. Mr. Weed stated that Victor Rae will rent the office and give it to Mr. Weed free of charge. Mr. Weed feels he needs to be there for business owners coming to the business center looking for him. He feels he will be more accessible there. Mr. Weed will work with Clerk Poston to make sure anything county owned is marked as such. Mr. Weed anticipates the move happening within the next couple of weeks.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:02 p.m.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Nancy Ryals.
1:30 p.m. Planning & Zoning applicant Rob Woywod joined the meeting.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners met with county resident Bob Martin to discuss matters pertaining to the minimum lot size in relation to subdividing property. Mr. Martin stated when he purchased his property he determined he wanted it to be a family property for his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and beyond. He has two grandchildren who live on the property with seven great grandchildren. At the time he purchased the property and for a long time after, he thought he could divide that property into smaller parcels. Mr. Martin asked that Commissioners allow him to put more residences on the property. It is a 70 acre parcel. Chairman Dinning said if this issue is something that is going to come before Commissioners as a planning and zoning matter, Commissioners have to be careful what they are discussing. Mr. Martin said the Planning & Zoning Commission told him that it was an issue to be taken up with the Commissioners as it was beyond their authority. Chairman Dinning said he wants to speak with county Planning & Zoning Administrator John Moss to see if there is something that allows Commissioners to do something as he doesn’t want to taint the process in case it has to go before the Planning & Zoning Commission. Chairman Dinning asked that Mr. Martin give Commissioners time to discuss it with Mr. Moss. Chairman Dinning informed Mr. Martin that Commissioners cannot override the ordinance. Mr. Martin said Mr. Moss was the one who told him to take the matter up with Commissioners. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners are the ultimate deciding body on the ordinance. Commissioners will speak with Mr. Moss as they don’t want to mess anything up. Mr. Martin said Mr. Moss told him maybe he could get down to a five acre parcel through a re-zone. Mr. Martin said his goals are to serve his family and their needs and to preserve the forest on that property. Mr. Martin stated that he wants the property for prosperity. Mr. Martin commented that he does not want to divide it into large parcels. Chairman Dinning said he would get back to Mr. Martin.
1:36 p.m., Mr. Martin left the meeting.
Jim McNall from the Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICRMP) joined the meeting just to say hello. Chairman Dinning informed Mr. McNall that Commissioners would like to get the advisory boards trained on the Open Meeting Law and he asked Mr. McNall to find a time that would work for him to provide that training.
Mr. McNall left the meeting at 1:45 p.m.
1:45 p.m., Commissioner Pinkerton moved go to into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)b, to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member, or individual agent, or public school student. Commissioner Kirby second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”, and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. 1:58 p.m., the executive session ended. No action was taken.
Mr. Woywod left the meeting.
2:00 p.m., Commissioners discussed the status and process of the county advisory boards. Chairman Dinning asked if Commissioners want to put all advisory board openings out to the public by putting a notice in the newspaper and a notice online. Commissioners agreed that would be appropriate.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:05 p.m.
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DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
Attest:
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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Nancy Ryals, Deputy Clerk