***Monday, June 27, 2016, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
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 departmental report. Mr. Kimball presented a written report. Mr. Kimball said he has had bridge inspections for the lower side of the Naples and Copeland Bridges, but the report has not been received yet. Other than bridge work, dust abatement has been completed and road sign work is ongoing.
Mr. Kimball updated Commissioners on the prep work involved for paving the parking lot at the fairgrounds.
Mr. Kimball said we need to determine how we are going to pay for the Tihonovich property. Chairman Dinning said there had been an agreement about paying off the property in two payments, but that he has heard talk about paying the entire amount this fiscal year. Clerk Poston said if the balance is paid in this fiscal year’s budget, the funds in the general fund could be used, but Mr. Kimball would need to budget for that amount in his next budget in order to reimburse the general fund. Clerk Poston said we need to be cognizant of the Road and Bridge budget pertaining to payroll and benefits as that is what the carry forward is for. Along with the $90,000 carry forward Mr. Kimball needs to save budget for reimbursement pertaining to this land payment. Chairman Dinning said the payment for the property purchase could be taken out of the Road and Bridge budget, but he would prefer not to do that in the case of a major equipment break down. Mr. Kimball said it is fine however it works out. It was said the land purchase could be paid for out of the Capital-Land line item and Road and Bridge can reimburse that line item. Commissioners said they will need to make a motion for this.
Commissioners Kirby moved expend funds out of the Commissioner, Capital-Land line item to purchase the Phillip and Myrna Tihonovich property, have the Road and Bridge budget reimburse that fund in this next fiscal year, and to authorize Chairman Dinning, or his assignee, to sign the closing documents. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Kimball said he will contact Community Title and County Attorney Tevis Hull about this transaction.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to amend the agenda for this morning at 9:00 a.m., to add the discussion of an Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation grant for Road and Bridge pertaining to the Snow Creek Bridge and a possible motion to approve this grant as it is time sensitive. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
The funds are $90,000 for the replacement of the Snow Creek Bridge and Road and Bridge will do the work, which will start one year from now. The county is allotted this grant money and the project shouldn’t require funds from Road and Bridge. This improvement will give the Snow Creek Bridge a 24-foot wide driving surface and a 55 foot long bridge replacing a 30 foot structure.
Mr. Kimball said Universal Health Services (UHS), the parent company of Northwest Ascent, has agreed to give the county right-of-way for work on the Ruby Creek Bridge so UHS is working on quit claim deed that will deed a 375 foot stretch to the county in order to reduce the hill to provide a better line of site and allow for a bypass bridge during construction.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation grant for the Snow Creek Bridge project in the amount of $90,000. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Kimball left the meeting at 9:25 a.m.
9:30 a.m., Commissioners spoke to Solid Waste Department Assistant Superintendent Monica Tompke via telephone to clarify a matter pertaining to an add-on for the new weight scale for the landfill. Commissioners will need to sign an Addendum to the Independent Contractor Agreement for this add-on if the Solid Waste Department ever decides to extend the scale. The new scale is to be 40 feet, but could be extended to 70 feet with an add-on. The cost for this add-on is $2,800 and includes installation.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Addendum #1 to the Independent Contractor Agreement with ScalesNW for an add-on to the scale. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to grant an extension of time to pay the second half of year 2015 taxes for parcel #MH60N01E05246BA until July 29, 2016. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners discussed amending the Planning and Zoning Administrator’s hours.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the Certificate of Residency forms for S. Wells, R. Smucker, and D. Blockhan. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Kirby moved to ratify the Chairman signing the Idaho Department of Lands Requests for Reimbursement for the Temple Deer Project (Grant #15HFR1-Boundary) and the 2015 Community Fire Protection Program (Grant #14HFR1-Boundary) as the documents were time sensitive. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to appoint Ty Iverson to the Boundary County Noxious Weed Advisory Board, filling the position left vacant by TomRoy Cowley, with a term to expire January 31, 2017. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners briefly discussed the Idaho Department of Commerce, Rural Idaho Economic Development Professional grant to include funding and grant match.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to authorize Commissioner Kirby to sign the Idaho Department of Commerce Rural Idaho Economic Development Professional grant totaling $32,000. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to adopt Resolution 2016-19. A resolution transferring remaining funds in the airport grant budget to the airport budget. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2016-19 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2016-19
TRANSFER REMAINING FUNDS IN THE AIRPORT
GRANT BUDGET TO THE AIRPORT BUDGET
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish operating budgets for the fiscal year 2015-2016 Airport Budget and Airport Grant Budget, and
WHEREAS, Airport Improvement Project Number 3-16-0004-013-2015 has been completed and there remains a cash balance of $61,727.73 in the Airport Grant Budget, Fund Number 62, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County expended funds out of the Airport Budget, Fund Number 03, to cover the State of Idaho’s share of the grant match because the State was not timely in providing reimbursement to the County, and
WHEREAS, since there are no more expenses to be paid out of the Airport Grant Budget, Fund Number 62, under Airport Improvement Project Number 3-16-0004-013-2015 and there is a cash balance of $61,727.73 remaining due to the State of Idaho reimbursing Boundary County for the State’s share of the grant match and it is appropriate to transfer those remaining funds to the Airport Budget, Fund Number 03, and
WHEREAS, the addition of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED that the transfer of $61,727.73 from the Airport Grant Budget, Fund Number 62, to the Airport Budget, Fund Number 03, thereby increasing Airport Revenue Budget, Account Number 03-00-391-00 is hereby authorized and ordered, and
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk is instructed to deliver certified copies of this resolution to the Boundary County Treasurer and the Boundary County Auditor.
DATED this 27th day of June, 2016
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/_______________________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/_______________________________
LeAlan L. Pinkerton, Commissioner
s/_______________________________
Walt Kirby, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #267543
Chairman Dinning informed Commissioners that he spoke to Attorneys Michael Waldrup and Serra Woods regarding the public defender contract. Commissioners don’t know what the new contract will look like as they don’t know what the State of Idaho is going to suggest. Chairman Dinning said if there is an increase, it would be wise to call it secretarial expense in order to meet what requirements may be imposed.
Personnel Classification Committee President Tami Goggia joined the meeting at 9:45 a.m.
Commissioner Pinkerton 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 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. The executive session ended at 10:00 a.m. No action was taken.
10:00 a.m., Boundary County Emergency Services Director Dave Kramer, Incident Commander Bob Graham, and Leatha Lockhart and Emma Fields with Red Cross joined the meeting to continue the discussion pertaining to forming an agreement for use of the fairgrounds in the event the Red Cross needs shelters during an emergency.
Ms. Lockhart informed Commissioners that the Red Cross met with the Fair Board who said they would agree to what Commissioners decide as far as Red Cross’ use of the fairgrounds as a shelter during an emergency. In the meantime the National American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and Human Evacuation Animal Rescue Team (HEART), out of Spokane are still not in agreement on the use of the fairgrounds because of a duel governing body so they are working on the legalities in a contract so it is not ready for this meeting. Ms. Lockhart said in the event that we have a disaster and the Red Cross has to open a shelter, there should be an agreement in place. Ms. Lockhart said for now the Red Cross will just work on a human shelter agreement for use of the fairgrounds as the school district has a separate agreement. The agreement is just for a human shelter at the fairgrounds with the intent for a pet shelter if need be. The Boundary County School District is already taken care of as it pertains to an agreement. Chairman Dinning informed Ms. Lockhart that Boundary County Commissioners appoint the county’s advisory boards. Boundary County owns the fairgrounds property so what Commissioners decide is decided on behalf of those two boards. The boards are advisory, according to Chairman Dinning. Ms. Lockhart said she didn’t want to get into the middle of a controversy. Ms. Lockhart said if the county had a major disaster, there are a lot of areas that could accommodate. Chairman Dinning said he wanted this board to have the ability to determine which group goes where so it doesn’t appear to be three groups saying, we were here first and there is an order. Chairman Dinning said the proper verbiage is the discretion of the Boundary County Board of Commissioners so we have the ability to adjust to the needs. Ms. Lockhart said this could alleviate ASPCA’s confusion.
Ms. Lockhart provided contact information so the county could draft a shelter agreement. In signing this agreement the county and Red Cross can address the human shelter for right now and get that agreement in place prior to the fire season.
Mr. Graham asked how the situation of people showing up at human shelters with their pets will be dealt with. Ms. Lockhart said the Red Cross would contact Boundary County Emergency Services who will contact Statecom, etc., to activate the ASPCA. People with pets will be accommodated and ASPCA said they would make it work, according to Ms. Lockhart.
Ms. Lockhart said the training for Cascadia Rising was a good training. Chairman Dinning said we used to have a lot of cots, but there are only just a few that were found in the Waterways Building. Mr. Graham said there used to be 200 cots. It was learned during the Cascadia Rising exercise that every area would be choked off so agencies from Spokane would not be able to make it to Boundary County. It was said the Red Cross has a supply trailer in Coeur d’ Alene and in Naples. Those present discussed the possibility of having tents donated, etc. Ms. Fields said this community has outshined other communities when going through disasters. Ms. Lockhart said Commissioners can contact her if they have questions about the agreement.
The meeting to discuss Red Cross shelter agreements ended at 10:18 a.m.
Deputy Clerk Nancy Ryals joined the meeting at 10:18 a.m.
Deputy Clerk Ryals and Commissioners discussed turning specific delinquent indigent accounts over to a collection agency. Chairman Dinning said he feels there should be a statement in future documents to an applicant that states if a payment is missed, their account may be turned over to a collection agency.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to deny indigent application 2016-17 as per the Clerk’s recommendation. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Deputy Clerk Ryals left the meeting at 10:25 a.m.
10:25 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 complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”, and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 10:44 a.m. No action was taken.
11:00 a.m., Boundary Volunteer Ambulance (BVA) Chief Jeff Lindsey, BVA Medical Director Stu Willis, and BVA Board member Nancy Russell joined the meeting to discuss budget matters with Commissioners.
Commissioners informed those present that the county will levy the full amount, but only expects to receive 90% of that. Mr. Lindsey said he wants to make sure BVA is on the same page as the county. Chairman Dinning said the county will prepare the new contract. Mr. Lindsey explained that BVA has to retain ownership of the extrication vehicle for another four years so if he cannot get BVA out of the extrication business in one year, BVA will still have the unit and will use it. Chairman Dinning asked if Hall Mountain Fire Department had extrication, would they participate in providing this service. Chief Lindsey said yes. Those present discussed what extrication equipment North Bench Fire Department has. The issue is training and knowing how to use the equipment, followed by maintaining it, according to Chief Lindsey. BVA’s end result is to get out of extrication. Right now BVA is responding in their extrication vehicle with possibly just one volunteer on it so BVA will respond with the unit and depend on the fire departments. Chief Lindsey explained the new protocol. It was said the former chief of BVA made sure the two extrication vehicles BVA has would be deeded to the City of Bonners Ferry if something should occur with BVA. Commissioners said they were led to believe the equipment would come to the county. Chief Lindsey explained how the grant to obtain equipment worked. Chairman Dinning asked Chief Lindsey if BVA could contact the state to ask if the lienholder for the equipment could be changed as there was an error in that original process. Chief Lindsey said the EMS Chief for the State of Idaho is coming up to meet with BVA as they have heard a lot of good things. The state is aware of what used to occur with BVA and what is going on now.
Chief Lindsey said he was interested in seeing where the county is at concerning the budget and he mentioned that he isn’t certain how long the county can extend the term of the contract. The last contract was for only three years. Chairman Dinning said the county could enter into a three year contract with the provision for an automatic renewal. Chairman Dinning mentioned a past comment made about holding back some of the county’s funding for ambulance service and saving up for a new ambulance building. Chairman Dinning said the county is in the process of starting a lease for the armory building with hopes of owning it in the future, and he asked if that would be a good site for BVA. Chairman Dinning clarified that he wasn’t talking about the existing building, but constructing a new facility on that same property. Chief Lindsey said that area would be perfect. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners would like to know what Boundary Ambulance would like a facility to look like.
Clerk Poston explained that the county can levy the maximum amount this year, which is $362,000 based on existing values and estimating new construction. If the county receives 90% of that, it is approximately $330,000. It was explained that following Idaho Code, the county levied the maximum amount for the ambulance district for the first year otherwise that amount could not be levied again. The amount levied the second and third years were actually reduced from the maximum amount levied so the first year $330,000 was levied, the second year $264,000 was levied for year 2014, and $259,000 was levied for the third year, year 2015. This year the county can levy $364,000, which includes foregone. Clerk Poston explained that foregone is the amount of levy that could have been levied in the prior year, but the county chose not to levy that amount. Chairman Dinning said this year the county can take advantage of dollars that had not been levied before. Chairman Dinning mentioned setting aside funds for a new building for the ambulance service and he said he is just using a figure of $50,000 to set aside for a building. Chairman Dinning said if there is any ability possible to reduce that levy, the next three years, Commissioners would like to do that. Chief Lindsey said his only concern with $50,000 is that he would only be able to afford that savings if the full amount was levied. Chairman Dinning said this year the county can logistically provide a good amount of funds. Chief Lindsey said right now BVA runs paramedics and they have to offer incentives for their volunteers. Payroll for BVA is approximately $430,000 per year, which is lower than any other service around so BVA is trying to stay competitive in order to retain paramedics. Chairman Dinning explained that there had been trust issues involving BVA in the past. Chief Lindsey said unfortunately with the system he has gone to, BVA is still not where it needs to be. BVA still wants to utilize volunteers and eventually they will have to run a second paramedic, but it hasn’t gotten to that point yet as he is leery about not having the budget for it. Chairman Dinning said BVA is trying to reach a certain level of service. Chairman Dinning said he is trying to figure out a way to be adaptive in entering into a contract.
Chief Lindsey said he has established what he considers to be a fairly good EMS system and it is costly. Chief Lindsey said he also hates paying taxes, but there are some situations in which we have to, such as with fire and EMS. Chief Lindsey said he would like to say he doesn’t need as much funding next year, but you never know. Commissioner Kirby asked about other income generated outside of the county such as payment from insurance companies. Commissioner Kirby said for example if you receive income of $100,000 and you know it takes $400,000 to run EMS, somewhere else $300,000 needs to come in. Chief Lindsey said he is in the middle of a budget year created by a prior budget and he has not had time to work on his budget, which runs from January to January. Chief Lindsey said he is halfway through his budget and has worked off what former Chief Ken Baker did the last budget year. Commissioner Kirby said BVA needs to say it is going to cost ”X” to run their service. Chief Lindsey said he will put together a budget of what it costs BVA for one year such as for what BVA is providing now, this is what it costs. Chairman Dinning said what he wants to see is what personnel costs are as well as the rest of the operating cost. Look at what revenue is versus expenses. Chairman Dinning said it is totally unfair to make BVA tell Commissioners what they need in one year so we need to work something in the contract somehow. Chairman Dinning said his fear is that personnel may change and it may be someone not agreeable so he doesn’t want to tie BVA to a position that won’t work in a couple years. Chief Lindsey said he agreed. Clerk Poston gave an example of providing a figure for salaries, supplies, etc. followed by revenues, expenses, etc.
Ms. Russell spoke of providing an average of what BVA might receive. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners are very happy to be able to sit and have this conversation with BVA. Having a contract that renews every year for a three year period was mentioned. Clerk Poston explained the need for the contract to have verbiage pertaining to a levied amount or the amount of tax that is collected.
The meeting with Dr. Willis, Ms. Russell, and Chief Lindsey ended at 11:52 a.m.
Clerk Poston and Commissioners discussed matters pertaining to budget.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:15 p.m.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Dinning, Commissioner Pinkerton, Commissioner Kirby, Clerk Poston, and Deputy Clerk Rohrwasser.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the letter of support to Sam Fodge in his efforts to construct a waste energy facility in Boundary County. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
1:34 p.m., Sheriff’s Office Administrative Deputy Crystal Denton joined the meeting.
Commissioners asked the status of a surplus vehicle auction for the Sheriff’s Office. Ms. Denton said there has not been a Sheriff’s Office surplus vehicle auction, but there are only two vehicles that would be considered surplus. Ms. Denton explained the older Chevrolet Blazers are being used by the Sheriff’s Posse fire investigators. Clerk Poston suggested the Sheriff’s Office check with the posse leader with regard to copies of insurance for use of the county vehicle.
Chairman Dinning said he saw the emails from Ms. Denton pertaining to proposals for a year 2016 Sheriff’s vehicle, but the second email stated they wouldn’t yet seek quotes for another vehicle. Ms. Denton said it is too late in the year to order a year 2016 vehicle. Chairman Dinning asked how it would be if the Sheriff’s Office did not get a new vehicle. Ms. Denton said she would have to speak to Sheriff Sprungl to get his opinion.
Clerk Poston said she shows there are two positions for part-time deputies and then a position for a patrol deputy that are not filled and she mentioned she moved the two part-time deputy positions to a full time deputy position. Ms. Denton said that is perfect.
Ms. Denton left the meeting at 1:41 p.m.
Clerk Poston and Commissioners briefly mentioned landfill reports. In order for Ellery Howard with JUB Engineering to complete his report, he has some questions pertaining to tires.
1:43 p.m., Commissioners and Clerk Poston continued their budget workshop. The workshop ended at 3:28 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting recessed at 3:36 p.m., until the meeting scheduled for this evening at 6:30 p.m., in the Extension Office to discuss a project aimed toward property owners along the Westside Road.
6:30 p.m., Commissioners attended a meeting in the Extension Office. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss potential actions on the U.S. Forest Service lands as well as discussing opportunities for private landowners to participate in a fuels reduction project so that effects of a catastrophic wildfire may be reduced.
Presenting will be various managing agencies and others that can inform the community and individual landowners of this potential project and offer assistance to private landowners who may wish to participate. The presenters included: Patty Perry from the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, Bonners Ferry District Forest Ranger Kevin Knauth, Boundary County Commissioner Dan Dinning, Forest Service employee Lee Colson, Fire Safe Program Project Manager Don Gunter, Forest Service employee Jennifer Anderson, Idaho Department of Lands representative Jim Kibler, and Ree Brannon with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).
Introductions from the attendees of this meeting were given.
Chairman Dinning said there had been thoughts about treating the face of the area from the Canadian border to roughly Caribou Creek in order to reduce fuels about 10 years ago and after the Parker Ridge fire last year, it was felt this issue should be revisited. We won’t ever be able to stop fires, but maybe the Forest Service can analyze what can be done to reduce the fuels that cause fires. Chairman Dinning informed those present that it will still take a number of years for the Forest Service to analyze this and they would need foot access and road access on properties in these areas.
Chairman Dinning said the Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative (KVRI) is heavily involved with the Forest Service in developing projects in Boundary County with a good success rate.
Ms. Anderson presented a PowerPoint Presentation discussing issues along the Westside of Boundary County, fire history, etc. Ms. Anderson spoke of having the fire history dating back to 1889. The drainages in these areas are well aligned and these fires tend to run down drainages. There are 45 years of ignition history for Forest Service protection fires. Eighty percent of fires were lightning caused. There were 22 fires last year and 77% of those were caused by lightning. Ms. Anderson presented various color-coded maps, fuels model, and explained moderate to very high loads.
Mr. Gunter mentioned that after the fires of year 2000, Congress created the National Fire Plan in which federal dollars flow through the states down to the counties for various projects.
Mr. Kibler explained how the Idaho Department of Lands assists property owners with writing forest management plans.
Ms. Brannon explained that the NRCS falls under the United States Department of Agriculture and they can implement farm bills for private landowners and offer financial and technical assistance.
The meeting was opened to public discussion and people who were interested in learning more about programs were asked to provide their contact information.
The meeting ended at 7:45 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
________________________________________
ATTEST: DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
____________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy