***Monday, July 10, 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.
Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.
9:00 a.m., Attorney Tom Bushnell joined the meeting to discuss a request made for a private cemetery. County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull and Bonners Ferry Herald Staff Writer Emily Bonsant also joined the meeting.
Attorney Bushnell provided Commissioners with a letter explaining the request of Larry and Pam Copeland to split one acre from their 22-acre parcel so they can create a cemetery in order to inter the cremains of their family members on the property. The property is in the suburban zone and there is no public water system and no public sewer. Boundary County’s Land Use Ordinance Section 15.11.1.2, states “where neither community water service or sewer service are available, 2.5-acres is the minimum lot size.” The State of Idaho only has the authority to approve cemeteries that engage in the burial of bodies, not the interment of cremains, and Boundary County’s Ordinance states that the exemption for the minimum lot size is to be given to an “approved cemetery.” Attorney Bushnell said Planning and Zoning is unable to approve this request. Attorney Hull said if Commissioners are going to consider this, they will have to hold a public hearing, provide notice to neighboring property owners within 300 feet, etc. Planning and Zoning could address this request subject to Commissioners’ approval. The matter will have to be considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission prior to being heard by Commissioners.
The meeting with Attorney Bushnell and Attorney Hull ended at 9:06 a.m.
Commissioners reviewed claims for payment Fund totals are as follows:
Current Expense $ 64,650.37
Road & Bridge 87,709.52
Airport 5,485.96
District Court 6,280.30
Fair, County 57,150.00
Justice Fund 108,711.27
911 Funds 2100.68
Health District 27,035.25
Historical Society & Museum 35,000.00
Hospital, Operation 180,000.00
Junior College Tuition 600.00
Parks and Recreation 4,178.98
Revaluation 495.65
Solid Waste 36,235.51
Veterans Memorial 12.69
Weeds 3,242.15
County EMS 1,560.00
Restorium 23,422.57
Waterways 1,030.11
Grant, Selkirk Coop Weed Mgmt 500.00
Juvenile Probation – Lottery 60.00
Grant, Boat Safety 67.99
Grants, Fire Mitigation 26,499.89
ARPA Fund 4,395.50
TOTAL $676,424.39
Trusts
Auditor’s Trust – *Misc 780.56
Boundary Co. Drug Court Trust 611.95
Sales Tax Collected 424.39
Child Support Trust 180.00
Driver’s License Trust 11,223.75
Indigent Reimbursements 5,472.00
Motor Vehicle Trust Acct 220,499.17
Sheriff’s Trust Fund 54.15
Sheriff’s Special Projects 1,700.00
Odyssey Court Trust Account 21,823.24
Odyssey Bond Trust Account 1,009.00
Odyssey Restitution Trust Acct 3,096.35
TOTAL $266,874.56
GRAND TOTAL $943,298.95
Citizens are invited to inspect detailed records on file in the Courthouse (individual claims & Commissioners’ allowance & warrant register record 2022-2023).
9:32 a.m., County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull returned to the meeting.
9:32 a.m., Ms. Bonsant left the meeting.
Attorney Hull and Commissioners reviewed a draft ordinance pertaining to gas powered boats being allowed on Robinson and McArthur Lakes. Commissioners will have to hold a public hearing for this consideration.
9:44 a.m., Treasurer Jenny Economu joined the meeting.
Attorney Hull briefly mentioned that he is still waiting for information in order to draft a letter pertaining to county comments on the Sunrise Road – Kootenai Tribe project.
9:47 a.m., Commissioner Robertson left the meeting temporarily to tend to another matter.
Treasurer Economu explained that Lloyd and Luanna Funderburg has requested property tax extensions over the past several years. Mr. Funderburg has passed away and Ms. Funderburg is requesting an extension to pay her real property taxes. Ms. Funderburg is asking if her late fees and interest can be waived and if she can continue to pay $75.00 per month toward her year taxes. Treasurer Economu said Ms. Funderburg has faithfully been making payments of $75.00 per month, but she won’t get caught up by doing that.
Treasurer Economu left the meeting at 9:49 a.m.
9:50 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)b, to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public-school student. Chairman Bertling yielded the chair to second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Bertling “aye” and Commissioner Cossairt “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. No action was taken.
Attorney Hull left the meeting at 10:03 a.m.
10:05 a.m., Commissioners held a Board of Equalization appeal hearing regarding parcels RP63N01W013160A, RP64N01W362410A and RP65N01W076310A owned by Appellant Elk Mountain Farms, Inc./Anheuser Busch. Present were: Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Assessor Olivia Drake, Appraiser MacKenzie Durette, Appraiser Teri Cushman, and Connor Yost with Deloitte Tax LLP representing Appellant Elk Mountain Farms/Anheuser Busch. The hearing was recorded. Chairman Bertling administered the oath to those giving testimony. The Assessor’s Office presented two exhibits marked as “County Exhibit #1” consisting of 14 pages and “County Exhibit #2” consisting of one page. The appellant presented one exhibit marked “Appellant Exhibit #1” consisting of 22 pages.
Commissioners asked Mr. Yost for his opening statement. Mr. Yost explained that the first page of his exhibit consists of assessed value information from last year to this year and the column on the right is what he’s requesting for value. Mr. Yost commented that the property values for this year came from the Annual Report of Industrial Property that he had filed, shown as Exhibit C starting on pages 13 and 14 of his exhibit. The values are taken from the return his company had filed. The reason for such an increase of assessed value is because of this information. His company’s system, which is a one source system, keeps track of the value of assets; the buildings costs, the miscellaneous storage buildings and equipment. These are classified as building and land improvements. Whenever the system takes these assets, they apply no deprecation and there is no valuation done to the whole building cost itself. From year 1987, all of the costs that went into buildings, barns, and land improvements, and driveways, those have stayed the same as 100% of the cost. Mr. Yost said he submitted that information with his return. It shows each year’s cost, a depreciated value and then the assessed value valued at 100. Commissioners reviewed the information. Those values were put on the return and they correlate with the assessed values that were put on this year.
Commissioners reviewed the information. Mr. Yost said these numbers were taken from the books of Elk Mountain Farms. Mr. Yost said since the values were established, they were not depreciated. Mr. Yost added that in his exhibit under what he titled Exhibit B, he uses the Marshall and Swift index to show that these types of buildings are light commercial and fall under the farm category. It’s more of a commercial farm with Anheuser-Busch being the owner. Mr. Yost said he classifies this as a light commercial manufacturing building. The tables show the life expectancy is 35 years for these types of buildings. Mr. Yost said he ran a schedule using the Marshall and Swift 35-year schedule and tied that to each line item, their cost, the year they were built and got a depreciated value. When he did that, he left land values the same and is not arguing that. The real cost is in the building and after depreciating the assets for a 35-year life, he came up with that value and added it to the land value that was already assessed this year. Mr. Yost said that is where he is getting the total market value under the Requested Assessed Value on page 1. From years 2022 to 2023, across the three parcels, the value over doubled when no improvements were made.
Commissioners asked the Assessor’s Office for their statement. Assessor Drake said she has a summary of what the parcels are assessed for this year and they received the typical adjustments for 2023 according to the category of land lying within the same commercial/industrial neighborhood. These values are not being contested at this time. The residential improvements on the tavern farm property received the same 20% adjustment as all residential improvements within the commercial and industrial neighborhoods. With very few large industrial properties in the county and fewer sales to use for comparables, the Assessor’s Office relies heavily on information reported to them by operators and owners. The industrial improvements were valued as reported by Elk Mountain Farms on the attached 2023 Annual Report of Industrial Property dated March 13, 2023. These values were reviewed by our consulting appraiser at the State Tax Commission. The Assessor’s Office was contacted by Elk Mountain Farms regarding their assessment notice on June 26th. As this was the last day to apply for an appeal, and no new evidence had been submitted, the Assessor’s Office suggested that the appellant should go ahead and complete the appeal paperwork. The Assessor’s Office also asked that Elk Mountain Farms get back to them with any changes in the reported values, but the Assessors’ Office had not heard back from them as far as Assessor Drake is aware.
Assessor Drake said what Commissioners are looking at from Elk Mountain Farms at this point is information the Assessor’s Office hasn’t been able to review. Assessor Drake said if her office was able to review these figures, they would’ve come to a different conclusion at the beginning. Without being able to look at the depreciation tables to determine if the suggested figures were reasonable and be able to discuss it with the consulting appraiser, the Assessor’s Office didn’t have much to go on.
Mr. Yost said he agrees and commented that timing was an issue in getting mail because it goes to the corporate headquarters of Anheuser Busch, then down to his company. Mr. Yost said he received an email on the 24th of June so that was the first email he opened up on Monday and realized it was the last day. So, it was the first time that they did get notice of value and the increase itself and they were under the gun as well. Mr. Yost said going off of the return and what the company felt the value was, that was a misstatement using their system that did not depreciate those asset costs completely or at all.
Mr. Yost said his reasoning for using the 35-year depreciation schedule is because it’s a commercial farm and it’s in the commercial farm section of the Marshall and Swift handbook. They used that as a 35-year life. Mr. Yost said he took it out as far as he could, because he wants to be reasonable. He could have chosen this as a low cost building with a 20-year life, but he didn’t think that was reasonable so he took it out to a 35-year life and that is what he used for each line item and their cost with respect to the amount of depreciation that had occurred and that is where he got the value. Chairman Bertling said he agreed that there was quite a jump. Mr. Yost said in regards to that jump, he was not able to obtain the 2022 filing that was filed previously since he didn’t know if it was filed or in their records. He was going to submit that as an exhibit as well, to see what was reported in the previous year, but all he had is what was reported this year. The Assessor’s Office had told him that they rely on the property owner to relay value. Mr. Yost said it was an error of not depreciating any costs in almost a 40-year farm. There are improvements on that farm and if you scroll down through the costs, you’ll see improvements made in 2011 and periodically there were things added to the farm, according to Mr. Yost. That is what they took into account and using the 35-year life is how they got to the value.
Appraiser Terry Cushman said she wasn’t sure if Mr. Yost was aware that the building structure costs also include yard structures and pavement work that was done. It’s all included in the building. Mr. Yost referred to one of the properties and said on page 3 of his exhibit is the first cost breakdown for 1072 Budweiser Loop, RP63N01W013160A. The first chart is for the buildings and the second table is yard structures. The yard structures are probably not a 35-year life and are probably less, typically that is true. Mr. Yost said for simplicity, he stuck with using the 35-year life from Marshall and Swift. The yard structures are included into the value he is requesting. The total improvement value is listed at $1,156,162 for the building and the structure and that can be tied to the requested assessed value on page 1.
Assessor Drake said on tavern farm property, her office has the residence valued separately from the industrial improvements and she asked Mr. Yost if he included the actual residence structures in the buildings? This is talking about 216 Tavern Farm Road, RP65N01W076310A. Mr. Yost said on page 6, which is labeled Cost Breakdown with the address and account number, under the Buildings table, the fifth asset is labeled Tavern Manager’s House and there are also gutters, patio door and other costs that went into it. Assessor Drake said they try to separate the residential, because they have to go by the market on that one line item. The Assessor’s Office has $290,000.00 for this residence and this report shows $163,000.00 so we’re working on a different market for the residence. Mr. Yost said he completely agrees and he was going to leave out the residential stuff and really, they’re not contesting that at all. He left every single cost in this to represent what they had filed. It still ties to what they had filed, however when you depreciate it, this is the value we get. Leaving the residential the same is perfectly fine for Elk Mountain Farm and Mr. Yost’s company. The Assessor’s Office has data to back that up and that’s the preferred way to do things, according to Mr. Yost. Mr. Yost spoke of rural areas and sales like this aren’t too often or reliable.
Chairman Bertling asked how big the chemical storage building is on RP65N01W076310A6310A, listed as Asset #3381-0. Mr. Yost said it looks to be a 30-foot building and he wanted to include it with his presentation. Mr. Yost said he was trying to get the schematics to show everyone, but he did not receive them. Chairman Bertling said in trying to replace this or rebuild it with what our market has done, some of these numbers are out there. Mr. Yost said that is true, the current market has changed a little. Mr. Yost added that we live in a world of grey as appraisers and assessors and value is an opinion of value so he’s not saying his number is the right number down to the dollar, but he feels it’s closer to what it actually is. Commissioners Cossairt said there was a big jump, but the requested assessed value is very low. Commissioner Cossairt said this is $400,000.00 over last year and this is a wild market. Chairman Bertling said in year 2022, these parcels were probably assessed very nicely and he would say it should be more on par closer to year 2023, just because of where current values are at. Mr. Yost said at the end of day is the county correct in saying that $10,400,000.00 is a correct number? He would say, yes, it is probably a fair number. Mr. Yost spoke of this being a farm, owned by a corporation, but still a farm and needing to come somewhere within reason. Mr. Yost said he doesn’t think doubling the value is the right way, but neither is keeping the value the same year after year. But doubling, that is where they came to the value.
Assessor Drake said she had a suggestion that is not even middle of the road, but she understands that was a huge jump so she ran some numbers. Assessor Drake spoke of upholding landing values since overall the commercial values in this county increased 20% this year for commercial structures, so she did run some numbers and she suggested upholding the land and residential values and applying the 20% increase for commercial to the industrial structures for this year. Assessor Drake pointed out that she circled those numbers (see County Exhibit #2) and Commissioners should be able to compare those numbers to the requested assessed values on Mr. Yost’s first page (Exhibit #1). Assessor Drake’s calculations were scanned and emailed to Mr. Yost and she pointed out the statement to the left that says, uphold land, apply 20% to commercial adjustment. The total in red is the difference of the 100% value. Assessor Drake said Mr. Yost has a value of $1,400,000.00 for parcel RP63N01W013160A and she has $1,800,000.00. The Assessor’s Office has a value of $6,000,000.00 for parcel #RP64N01W362410A and Mr. Yost has $5,750,000.00 and the Assessor’s Office has a value of $4,300,000.00 for parcel RP65N01W076310A and Mr. Yost requests a value of $3,600,000.00. Mr. Yost said as a representative of Elk Farms/Anheuser Busch, he cannot make a decision based on that, but he can advise them really strongly on what to do and what is favorable and not and he feels the county is being very fair and just. Ultimately, it’s Board of Equalization’s decision. Elk Farms/Anheuser Busch likes working in this area and that’s why they bought the farms, it’s a good location and they want to stay there. Chairman Bertling said we need to come to a decision and if the county upholds the Assessor’s values, the appellant can appeal before the State. Mr. Yost said if Elk Mountain Farms didn’t get the exact value they requested, they would not appeal to the State Board to contest this and get the exact penny. Mr. Yost said he explained to the corporation that value is an opinion so we’re coming together and agreeing on something; that is what he came here to do today. This looks reasonable and fair, according to Mr. Yost. Mr. Yost said he could say that this is a number that Anheuser Busch agrees to, but would not intend further.
Commissioner Cossairt suggested a motion on these revised numbers from the Assessor and apply the 20% commercial adjustment using the revised numbers
Commissioner Cossairt moved that for parcel RP63N01W013160A with the 20% commercial adjustment, the value is $1,854,132.00, for parcel RP64N01W362410A with a 20% commercial adjustment, the value is $6,056,209.00, and for parcel RP65N01W076310A with a 20% commercial adjustment, the value is $4,342,9500. Chairman Bertling yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
The Board of Equalization appeal hearing for parcels #RP63N01W013160A, RP64N01W362410A and RP65N01W076310A owned by Elk Mountain Farms ended at 10:48 a.m.
10:48 a.m., Frank Hoehne joined the meeting.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to cancel late fees and interest for parcels #MH60N01W34899AA and #RP60N01W348990A for tax year 2021 and to accept monthly payments of $75.00 due by the second Wednesday of each month. Chairman Bertling yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificates of Residency for Lexus Thomas, Mollie Rennie and Aliah Bard. Chairman Bertling yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2023-48. A resolution increasing the Current Expense Data budget due to receipt of unanticipated revenue. Chairman Bertling yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2023-48 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2023-48
INCREASING THE CURRENT EXPENSE DATA 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 Current Expense Election Budget for fiscal year 2022-2023, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received $7,085.50 from Benewah County as reimbursement for Network support, and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Current Expense Fund Data Budget 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 Current Expense Data Fund Revenue Account Number 01-00-0349-0000 and the Boundary County Current Expense Data Fund Budget Expense Account Number 01-14-0405-0000 $5,849.50, 01-14-410 PERSI $653.97, 01-14-0411-00 S.S. for $447.49 , 01-14-0416-00 Work Comp for $134.54. For a total amount of $7,085.50, and
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the increase to the Boundary County Current Expense Data Fund Revenue Account Number 01-00-0349-0000 and the Boundary County Current Expense Data Budget Expense Account Number 01-14-0405-0000 $5,849.50, 01-14-410 PERSI $653.97, 01-14-0411-00 S.S. for $447.49 , 01-14-0416-00 Work Comp for $134.54. For a total amount of $7,085.50, 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 July, 2023
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/__________________________
Tim Bertling, Chairman
s/___________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
Absent_______________________
Ben Robertson, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/_____________________________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #294854
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2023-49. A resolution increasing the Current Expense Data budget due to receipt of unanticipated revenue. Chairman Bertling yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2023-49 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2023-49
INCREASING THE CURRENT EXPENSE DATA 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 Current Expense Election Budget for fiscal year 2022-2023, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received $6,825.00 from Benewah County as reimbursement for Network support, and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Current Expense Fund Data Budget 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 Current Expense Data Fund Revenue Account Number 01-00-0349-0000 and the Boundary County Current Expense Data Fund Budget Expense Account Number 01-14-0405-0000 $5634.44, 01-14-410 PERSI $629.93, 01-14-0411-00 S.S. for $431.03 , 01-14-0416-00 Work Comp for $129.60. For a total amount of $6,825.00, and
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the increase to the Boundary County Current Expense Data Fund Revenue Account Number 01-00-0349-0000 and the Boundary County Current Expense Data Budget Expense Account Number 01-14-0405-0000 $5634.44, 01-14-410 PERSI $629.93, 01-14-0411-00 S.S. for $431.03 , 01-14-0416-00 Work Comp for $129.60. For a total amount of $6,825.00, 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 July, 2023
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/__________________________
Tim Bertling, Chairman
s/___________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
Absent_______________________
Ben Robertson, Commissioner
ATTEST:
______________________________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #294855
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2023-50. A resolution increasing the Justice Fund Sheriff budget due to the receipt of unanticipated revenue. Chairman Bertling yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2023-50 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2023-50
INCREASING THE JUSTICE FUND SHERIFF 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 Justice Fund Sheriff Budget for fiscal year 2022-2023, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received reimbursement in the amount of $10,002.56 from the State of Idaho, Office of Drug Policy for reimbursement for the following needs, and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget 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 Justice Fund as follows:
Revenue Account Number Expense Account Number In the Amount of
0008-00-0391-0018 0008-02-0407-0000 7549.17 OT Hours
0008-00-0391-0018 0008-02-0410-0000 927.04 Persi
0008-00-0391-0018 0008-02-0411-0000 577.51 Soc Sec
0008-00-0391-0018 0008-02-0416-0000 301.97 Work Comp
0008-00-0391-0018 0008-02-0470-0000 646.87 Mileage
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the increase to the Boundary County Justice Fund Revenue Account Numbers and the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget Expense Account Numbers as outlined above 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 July, 2023
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/________________________
Tim Bertling, Chairman
s/________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
Absent____________________
Ben Robertson, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #294856
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the meeting minutes of June 26 and 27, 2023. Chairman Bertling yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Robertson returned the meeting at 11:00 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the draft Idaho Department of Lands Memorandum of Understanding, Assurances and Certificates regarding the Idaho Department of Lands 22HFR1-Boundary grant for the Deer Camp project. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve and sign the Hangar Ground Lease for Hangar C-2 when the lease has been prepared. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
11:02 a.m., Commissioners and Mr. Hoehne discussed the issue of stray cats found at the fairgrounds. Commissioners want to help spay and neuter the cats, but it was said that would probably fall to the Fair Board, according to Chairman Bertling. Mr. Hoehne said the 4H group tells him they have too many cats and that they would take care of it, but nobody has done anything. When you need help, nobody is there and he has had to rescue cats. Mr. Hoehne spoke of difficulties in finding a key to the buildings to help the cats and he said people don’t really care. The Fair Office staff used to feed the cats, but the people who used to be there at that time are no longer there. When it snows the snow plow comes by and blocks the cats into the building. Mr. Hoehne explained that the cats were already there before people started feeding them. Mr. Hoehne suggested having the Sheriff’s Office or Fair Board Maintenance person, Chris Sabin, set up traps. Veterinarian Chad Burt has been neutering the male cats first. Mr. Hoehne said people should have to keep their dogs on a leash because the dogs go after him when he feeds the cats. Two little cats have been killed by dogs. Mr. Hoehne said one solution is to first change the ordinances and to say no dogs allowed at the fairgrounds, but people don’t care. Commissioner Robertson said that rule is just for fair time. Commissioners explained that the Fair Board is their own entity. Mr. Hoehne said he pays taxes to the county. Mr. Hoehne commented about there being a lot of buildings and plenty of people with trailers at the fairgrounds so people should be charged a storage fee if they’re allowed to store their trailer there.
Commissioner Robertson said the problem is that the fairgrounds are a dumping ground for cats. It was said there are approximately 20 cats now, but two died last week due to dogs. Clerk Poston said Dr. Burt has offered to spay or neuter the cats, but she doesn’t know the status of Mr. Sabin catching them. Chairman Bertling said he has traps he can loan out. Mr. Hoehne explained that the cat population in the beginning was very high, but then it was decimated a bit. Commissioner Robertson said a few years ago someone came in and trapped some of the cats. Chairman Bertling asked if Mr. Hoehne would be agreeable to work with Dr. Burt to have the cats spayed or neutered if something can be arranged. Mr. Hoehne said it’s not fair to put that burden on him and he already spends a lot of money per year to keep them fed. During the fair, the cats go under the bleachers or into the storage area. The solution is to tell the Sheriff what they need to do and keep order, according to Mr. Hoehne. Chairman Bertling suggested Mr. Hoehne meet with the Fair Board.
The meeting with Mr. Hoehne ended at 11:15 a.m.
11:30 a.m., Assessor Olivia Drake joined the meeting to present Commissioners with additional Board of Equalization matters. Under the authority granted in Title 63, Chapter 5 of Idaho Code, Commissioners made the following motions for adjustments to the 2023 Property Assessment Roll.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to remove Category 18 value of $273,060 on parcel #RP62N03E213013A and replace it with Category 5 value of $17,530 due to an agriculture/grazing application. The total value reduction is $255,530.00. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to remove Category 18 value of $187,960 on parcel #RP62N03E201200A and replace it with Category 5 value of $15,250.00 due to an agriculture/grazing application. The total value reduction is $172,710. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to remove Category 46 and 47 values of $29,580.00 ($23,170 and $6,410) on parcel #RPB01450000010A. The new construction appraiser reported that the manufactured structure has been removed. The new duplex will be placed on the 2023 subroll or occupancy. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to remove Category 15 value for 4.43 acres on parcel #RP00720002010AA and replace it with Category 3 due to an Agriculture Application with total values to be determined. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to remove Category 15 value for 2.54 acres on parcel RP00720002001AA and replace it with Category 3 due to an Agriculture Application with values to be determined. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to add homeowner’s exemptions to the following parcels from applications submitted after June 26th: RP00720002010AA, RPB0480001032BA (1/2), RP62N02E192261A, RPB06400000040A, MH00030000008TA, RP63N01E263150A, RPM05120000020A, and RP60N01W132100A. This is to include any additional homeowner’s applications received by 5:00 p.m. July 10, 2023. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adjourn as the Board of Equalization and reconvene as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:15 p.m.
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., Clint Kimball joined the meeting.
1:30 p.m., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris met with Commissioners to give the department report. A written report was provided and Mr. Morris reviewed work being done. Mr. Morris discussed trying to get the crusher to run and he mentioned Road and Bridge could make 3/4 inch minus rock. The Durapatcher truck shorted out last Thursday, but it should be ready tomorrow. Crews are ditching now near Curley Creek. Ms. Nelson said she has the information on Smith Lake Road and Crescent Road that Chairman Bertling was asking about.
Ms. Nelson mentioned that the Idaho Department of Transportation is requesting a comment letter from the county on approving the plan for the proposed easement. After having met with County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull about the project, there are some clarifications and information that Attorney Hull still would like from the Kootenai Tribe. There is one section of the road that the county is not going to pay for and there needs to be mention of the permanent easement. Chairman Bertling said he thought the entire time that the Kootenai Tribe was paying for the loop.
Commissioner Robertson said when it comes to the crusher, there is something going on with it every week so at what point do we start thinking about abandoning a chip seal project. Mr. Morris said he thinks another two weeks, but they can at least work on Brown Creek Road, because they have chips in the District 5 pit.
Commissioner Robertson moved to provide written comment to the Idaho Transportation Department pending receipt of further information on the permanent easement and construction phase shown on the plans for the continuation of the loop for the Sunrise Road – Kootenai Tribe of Idaho project. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Nelson said Moyie Springs turn bay project was going to start this week, but it was postponed until July 24th. Ms. Nelson said she needs to discuss the Road and Bridge budget and try to determine finishing the Skin Creek Bridge project so Road and Bridge can get reimbursed.
Ms. Nelson discussed the Leading Idaho Local Bridge program and mentioned that as it relates to the Yukon Bridge, with the deck work and guardrail work, they can renew all of the weight restrictions. Ms. Nelson spoke of needing to determine how much funding will be allotted for repairs and a contactor. The county still has Parker Creek bridge and Wilderness bridge to do, but that won’t be until year 2025 or later, but at least the county will get the funding to know what is needed. Ms. Nelson said she knows Commissioners are looking for budget dollars so she will get that information to the Clerk. Ms. Nelson said if she can find funding, maybe Road and Bridge can keep the new position for the next budget year to help get this work done.
Commissioners asked about calcium on Smith Lake Road. Road Foreman Brad Barton was going to get in touch with Oxford Inc. today, but she’s not sure if that will get done. Road and Bridge is also trying to get some magnesium chloride down. Chairman Bertling asked about the traffic count on Smith Lake Road and he said he would stop by Road and Bridge to get that information.
The meeting with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 1:56 p.m.
Mr. Kimball briefly discussed Road and Bridge matters with Commissioners.
Mr. Kimball left the meeting at 1:59 p.m.
2:00 p.m., Courthouse Maintenance Squire Fields and Maintenance Assistant Mike Kralik joined the meeting.
Mr. Fields informed Commissioners that it will cost $3,835.00 to have KG & T Septic repair the water line issue at the Waterways Building. Mr. Fields said he has kept Waterways Board Chairman Darron Branson in the loop and the Sheriff’s Office boat has been moved. The cost for this repair will come out of the Waterways budget. Mr. Fields will post a sign that says no parking so cars don’t park over this area and he will leave it as is. Mr. Fields said as it pertains to the air conditioner on the roof, the company was able to find a new computer board for it and the cost is $548.00 for a new board. The cost to upgrade to a new air conditioner is $1,700.00. The current air conditioner is running at 2/3 capacity, which isn’t hard on it if Commissioners want to wait until next budget year to get a new one. Chairman Bertling suggested Mr. Fields order the new computer board and Commissioners asked Mr. Fields to get the project done. Mr. Fields briefly discussed back flow preventers.
Mr. Fields provided an update on the Judge’s Chambers after discovering a leak near the chimney that had run down the wall. The old sealant area around the chimney has been removed and treated with mold reducers. Mr. Fields said he has a drywaller lined up, but he’s waiting to know what we want to do before he can provide a quote. It was said that the Judge wants all of his chambers drywalled and to remove the wood paneling. The wall behind the panel is probably concrete, according to Clerk Poston. Clerk Poston said the office where Court Clerk Sarah Byars works needs to be sheet rocked as well as the chimney area in both Ms. Byars’ and Judge Julian’s offices. Judge Julian would like the rock tested for asbestos. Mr. Kralik said the concrete mortar or lathe had gotten wet from the leak and was off-gassing. There are no signs of mold. Mr. Fields said he has the area tested for mold recently and the office had tested cleaner than the outside air. Mr. Fields said he will find a company to do the asbestos testing. Judge Julian would also like the wood paneling removed and the old flooring replaced with new. Clerk Poston said we can hold court in alternate places when the office is having this work done and she listed multiple local options to hold court. Bogie and Sons came and fixed the roof of the Courthouse. Chairman Bertling said he’s looking for a quote from Bogie and Sons for the Sheriff’s Office roof. Mr. Fields will have the carpet in the Judge’s Office shampooed. Mr. Fields informed Commissioners that the flooring company that is putting the new flooring down at the Restorium had helped move some of the furniture. Commissioner Robertson asked about the men’s restroom in the lower level of the Courthouse. Mr. Fields said he’s waiting on Turner Plumbing as it relates to that bathroom. Mr. Fields informed commissioners that he’s waiting for KG & T Septic to finish the concrete work around the RV dump site at the fairgrounds. Those present discussed needing to find an appropriately sized dumpster for the Extension office.
The meeting with Mr. Fields and Mr. Kralik ended at 2:26 p.m.
Commissioners and Clerk Poston discussed budget matters for the proposed fiscal year 2023-2024 budget.
2:40 p.m., Doug Higgins stopped by Commissioners’ Office.
The topic of Road and Bridge was brought up briefly and Mr. Higgins said he feels there have been improvements in the road work that is going on and it looks pretty good.
Mr. Higgins asked Commissioners about getting back to having a local Planning and Zoning Office and he voiced some of the issues he’s experienced in the length of time it’s taking.
Mr. Higgins left the meeting at 2:50 p.m.
Bonners Ferry Herald Staff Writer joined the meeting.
Commissioners and Clerk Poston continued their budget discussion.
The budget discussion ended at 4:13 p.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificate of Residency for Tara Richards. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
4:45 p.m., there being no further business, the meeting recessed until Commissioners’ special meeting to be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.
***Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in special session with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Prosecutor Andrakay Pluid joined the meeting.
9:00 a.m., Commissioner Robertson moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)a, to consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, wherein the respective qualities of individuals are to be evaluated in order to fill a particular vacancy or need. 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 1:01 p.m.
Commissioner Robertson moved to fill the Boundary County Chief Probation Officer position. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Prosecutor Pluid left the meeting.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:05 p.m.
___________________________________
TIM BERTLING, Chairman
ATTEST:
__________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk