***Monday, March 26, 2018, 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.
County residents Marty Martinez, Terry Spence and Blue Sky Broadcasting News Reporter Mike Brown were in attendance of the meetings off and on throughout the day.
Commissioners gave the opening invocation and said the Pledge of Allegiance.
County resident Larry Vandenberg joined the meeting.
9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Superintendent Clint Kimball joined the meeting to give the departmental report. A written report was provided.
Mr. Vandenberg met with Commissioners to discuss Wheatland Road. Chairman Dinning questioned if Mr. Vandenberg is asking if the county has the right to maintain Wheatland Road beyond the point where they are currently maintaining it. Mr. Vandenberg said he was told there was to be a 40 foot right-of-way. Mr. Kimball said he did review information on this road and looked over the map. Mr. Kimball said he is aware that Road and Bridge is maintaining this road as far they are allowed to go. Chairman Dinning said if the county doesn’t have a recorded document and this area hasn’t been maintained in the past, the county cannot just start maintaining it. Mr. Kimball said someone had also inquired about this same matter back when he had just started working for the county in year 2015. Chairman Dinning said there may be a 40 foot private easement, but it’s not a county easement as best the county can tell right now. Mr. Kimball asked for Mr. Vandenberg’s contact information so he can get back to him once he learns more about this.
Mr. Vandenberg left the meeting at 9:05 a.m.
Mr. Kimball said he was out working over the weekend and noticed that roads are starting to show some issues. Moon Shadow Road is one road having issues with potholes and water and Parker Canyon Road, McArthur Lake Road and Kootenai Trail Road need work as well. Mr. Kimball said there had been a small slide in the Parker Creek area that blocked the ditch line causing some water to flow across the road. The Katka Road slide is doing well now and that issue might be attributed to a landowner with a water leak. Keller Canyon near Clifty View is starting to unravel a bit as is the same for an area on Lions Den Road. Mr. Kimball said he took pictures of the area experiencing a drainage issue on Black Mountain Road.
Mr. Kimball voiced his concern to Commissioners about delays in being able to have documents reviewed that need to have action taken.
Mr. Kimball mentioned that he wants to get some logs in the county’s rights-of-way cut, taken to the mill and if cost is under $50,000, he doesn’t need to go through the bid process. Chairman Dinning said his thinking is to get three quotes for this work and then enter into an agreement.
Commissioners were asked by Mr. Kimball if there are any rules as far as campaign signs being placed in the county’s rights-of-way.
Chairman Dinning stated that Secure Rural Schools (SRS) had been reauthorized for two payments for budget year 2017 and this year. Chairman Dinning said the county is to receive 95% of the 2015 payment amount for year 2017 and 95% of the amount of the 2017 payment for this year’s payment, but there are no further payments going forward. Payment in lieu of taxes (PILT) has nothing to do with this as it is the government saying they will pay a certain number of dollars for federal lands. Mr. Kimball said other counties, like Clearwater County, have a similar land base to Boundary County and that county’s commissioners have chosen to put PILT funds into the Road and Bridge budget. Mr. Kimball said he would like information as to where all PILT funds and SRS funds go as this information is something that should be shared with others. Chairman Dinning said PILT is not designated for Road and Bridge. Mr. Kimball said other counties choose to use PILT for Road and Bridge, but other counties should not be penalized if PILT funds are designated to other areas. Mr. Kimball said he’s looking at his Road and Bridge budget and Chairman Dinning said he appreciates that, but Commissioners have to consider all county budgets. Commissioner Pinkerton said he understands the concern as Road and Bridge depends completely on SRS funds. It was said that PILT had increased by 1% from year 2016 to year 2017.
The meeting with Mr. Kimball ended at 9:21 a.m.
Commissioners reviewed demand claims for payments.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Mackenzie Jackson, Jennica Branson, Clinten Hopkins, William Colson, and Gage Tweedie. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Clerk Poston informed Commissioners that her office needs a new copier/printer and the cost of $8,000 has been budgeted. Clerk Poston said she plans on taking the existing copy machine and placing it upstairs for the courtrooms.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the purchase of a new copier/printer/scanner for the Clerk’s Office. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
9:28 a.m., Commissioners spoke to County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull via telephone.
Commissioners stated that they did receive Attorney Hull’s suggestions on the Pay for Use Agreement for Road and Bridge so that is getting taken care of.
9:29 a.m., Commissioner Pinkerton moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)f, to communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. Commissioner Kirby second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 9:40 a.m. No action was taken.
10:00 a.m., Commissioners held a county tax deeded property auction in the University of Idaho Extension Annex located behind the Courthouse. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Treasurer Sue Larson, Chief Deputy Treasurer Jenny Economu, Rosanne Smith, Darci Price, Janet Remoir, Archie Remoir, Rae Jeanne Adams, Eugene DiSimone, Laura DiSimone, Jim Thorwart, Andy Howe, Matt Myer, Kira Ram, Lisa Gates, Vicki Strandberg, Richard Peace, Jason Smith, Krystle Reeves, Joy Brubaker, Matt Lantz, Bradley Barton, Doug Jensen, Todd Collecchi, Phil Allegretti, CJ Tuma, Steve Cosner, Ron Sukenik, Joanne Morris, Lindsey Morris, and Jay Soloman. Todd Koeppel participated in the auction via telephone. Chairman Dinning reviewed the procedures for the auction and started the process of auctioning the parcels in order listed in the public notice. The auction was recorded.
There were no bids given for parcel RP61N01E193158A and parcel RP61N01W132852A. Parcels RP61N01W240157A, RP61N01W240600A and RP61N01W241050A were redeemed between the time the notice of auction was published and the time the auction was held. Matt Myer was the successful bidder for parcel RP61N01W130753A with a bid of $6,000.00 and for parcel RP61N01W134202A with a bid of $753.45. Joy Brubaker was the successful bidder for parcel RP61N01W134500A with a bid of $2,300.00, parcel RP61N01W134951A with a bid of $3,500.00, and parcel RP61N01W135101A with a bid of $309.00. Rae Jeanne Adams was the successful bidder for parcel RP61N01W240750A with a bid of $4,010.00. Eugene and Laura DiSimone were the successful bidders for parcel RP62N03E171813A with a bid of $750.00, and Rosanne Smith was the successful bidder for parcel RP65N01W097942A with a bid of $15,500.00.
The auction concluded at 10:45 a.m.
Chairman Dinning stepped out of the office temporarily.
11:00 a.m., Cassie Olson, Tom Daniel and Greg Becker from the Boundary Soil Conservation District and Natural Resource Conservation Services Office met with Commissioners.
Commissioner Kirby moved to appoint Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton Acting Chairman in the absence of Chairman Dan Dinning. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the minutes of March 12 & 13, 2018 and March 19 & 20, 2018. Acting Chairman Pinkerton yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Daniel said the purpose of this meeting is to make their request for assistance from the county. Ms. Olson provided Commissioners with a performance report listing current projects in progress, to include the hope to complete the Fleming Creek project this July. The new dates for the next 319 grant came out so the Boundary Soil Conservation District Office will do project scoping throughout the county and write another grant this summer, according to Ms. Olson.
Mr. Becker said they will work on a survey for the Cow Creek area to create some long term flood relief so that is a potential future project they hope to have county support on. This project will also help with fish passage and flood control and the county will be updated as it will be a multiple partnership project.
Acting Chairman Pinkerton said he needs to abstain from the 319 Project for Fleming Creek.
Chairman Dinning returned to the meeting.
Commissioner Kirby moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the letter of intent for funding for the Boundary Soil Conservation District. Commissioner Pinkerton abstained. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “abstained” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed.
Commissioners reviewed the information on Boundary Soil Conservation projects provided by Ms. Olson.
The meeting with Ms. Olson, Mr. Daniel and Mr. Becker ended at 11:15 a.m.
Commissioner Kirby moved to amend the agenda for tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. to consider a matter in executive session as it is time sensitive. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
11:30 a.m., Airport Manager Dave Parker joined the meeting to discuss his request for the county to purchase snow removal equipment. It was said that last year Boundary County utilized Road and Bridge’s grader to move snow, but it just piles the snow as opposed to moving it. Mr. Parker listed various airports in small towns that have purchased snow removal equipment to include trucks and he commented that he intended on contacting other airports to see what seems to work best.
Mr. Parker said as it pertains to utilizing state funds, it used to be an airport had to construct a building with the funds before they could buy equipment. The building ended up being a size of approximately 50 feet by 50 feet so airports, such as the Libby Airport, would budget for the building and get equipment at a later date. Mr. Parker said he would be happy to just get the equipment at this point as snow has been a struggle for a long time. Chairman Dinning asked Mr. Parker if he had the truck to use, would the airport have to wait for snow to be moved. Mr. Parker said a truck would be better than what he currently has and some issues he has are at the end of the runway as snow piles up there. Chairman Dinning asked if the federal money is available for use. Mr. Parker said it can be used, but it’s difficult. The equipment has to be American made and there needs to be proof that it’s American made.
Mr. Parker said he spoke to Road and Bridge Department Superintendent Clint Kimball and showed him his options and Mr. Kimball said county trucks used for plowing have cost approximately $80,000 each and the front end loader cost $160,000. Mr. Parker informed Commissioners that Mr. Kimball said the better option would be not to get a truck as the value of the truck would depreciate faster than a loader. If the airport were to purchase this equipment, the county could also use it for other purposes, but the main purpose of it would be for the airport.
Those present discussed the ability for Life Flight’s helicopter or fixed wing plane to land at the airport in the winter. Commissioner Pinkerton asked how many times Life Flight flew in to the airport this winter and last winter as that would be important to know. Mr. Parker said he didn’t know, but that is something he can find out. Commissioner Pinkerton said the county has a budget and unfortunately the airport is not the only budget to consider. Commissioners asked how much the match would be for equipment. Mr. Parker said $30,000 would allow for a loader at a cost of $340,000. Commissioner Pinkerton asked about resurfacing the runway. Mr. Parker said he estimates the runway will need to be resurfaced in seven to eight years. On the list is to purchase this equipment then save money for the runway, according to Mr. Parker.
Commissioner Pinkerton said it might be good to speak with Mr. Kimball to see what type of equipment is needed. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners can lease equipment that Boundary County owns. If the county met the match and purchased equipment, could another county department lease the equipment from the airport? Mr. Parker said he hadn’t thought of that. It was said it is not actually giving the equipment to another department; it’s a lease or pay for use structure.
Chairman Dinning said going forward he would like for Mr. Parker to put himself in Commissioners’ shoes and to think about what equipment he could live with; not the Cadillac version. Those present discussed the costs associated with equipment break downs. It was said the Boundary County Airport receives $150,000 per year from the state. Chairman Dinning asked how Mr. Parker spent that money last year. Mr. Parker said it was spent on the land purchase and probably included the master plan. Chairman Dinning asked Mr. Parker to take a look at everything that needs to be considered and come back to Commissioners with good numbers and to let them know what is the least thing the airport could live with. Chairman Dinning said he wants to know where the $150,000 the airport receives is committed to. Commissioner Pinkerton questioned what would’ve happened to the $150,000 from last year if the airport hadn’t used it for land purchases, engineering, etc.? Mr. Parker said the funds are returned to the State of Idaho and can be given to another airports. An airport has three years in which to use the funds.
The meeting with Mr. Parker ended at 12:11 p.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:11 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 Michelle Rohrwasser.
1:30 p.m., Boundary Community Hospital CEO/CFO Craig Johnson and Hospital Board of Trustees Chairman Elden Koon met with Commissioners. Mr. Johnson presented Commissioners with the updated bylaws for the Boundary Community Hospital Board of Trustees for signature. Mr. Johnson explained that a section on home health was removed as the hospital does not have those services, otherwise typographical errors were fixed and the Chairman for Board of Commissioners was updated.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the Boundary Community Hospital Board of Trustees Bylaws upon review by the county’s civil attorney. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Johnson said outpatient services at the hospital have been slow, but inpatient services have been busy due to the flu. The Emergency Department had a five year low in February, but March has picked up for the inpatient services. Outpatient services are still slow, but picking up. Radiology, rehab and labs are those three outpatient services, as well as the Emergency Department, according to Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Johnson informed Commissioners that the Hospital’s Health Fair is on May 12th from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The event will be geared more toward emergency preparedness and things you should have in your home. The fun run will start at 8:00 a.m. Mr. Johnson said the Fry Festival of Hearts was held in February and it was very successful. This event netted approximately $35,000.00 for an Accuvein System and stretchers.
Mr. Johnson discussed the Hospital Emergency Ambulance Radio (HEAR) channel for communications and he explained that this antennae system is in place on a pole at the airport. The pole is starting to fall over, but it’s currently braced and in operation. The hospital is working with the City of Bonners Ferry to move this channel to their tower and to upgrade the entire radio system as it has been around for a very long time. It’s not certain if the City of Bonners Ferry is going to charge the hospital for this. This is the channel that Heart Flight uses to communicate with the hospital. Chairman Dinning asked how many times Heart Flight was not able to land at the airport due to the airport being closed. Mr. Johnson said he didn’t know, but Heart Flight could probably tell him how many times. Chairman Dinning said he was wondering how many times due to closure as opposed to weather being the obstacle. Mr. Johnson said it is not very often that the hospital calls for a fixed wing.
Mr. Johnson said the Rural Health Clinic is going well and is scheduling more physicals and annual Medicare visits.
Those present discussed the recent open meeting law educational meeting Commissioners hosted.
The meeting with Mr. Johnson and Mr. Koon ended at 1:50 p.m.
2:00 p.m., Commissioners contacted Road and Bridge Department Assistant Superintendent Renee Nelson via telephone to clarify matters pertaining to a pay for use agreement and Road and Bridge equipment.
Ms. Nelson said there had been discussion about entering into a pay for use agreement for the G36, but she was confused as to why Commissioners had talked about the G35 on the agenda as it was her understanding the county would keep the G35 and pay on it over the next two years. The pay for use agreement payment is approximately $23,000 annually and if the county were to enter into a lease/purchase agreement, the annual payment would have been approximately $28,000. It was said there would be no trade in equity for the G34 as it had higher hours. Ms. Nelson said that was also her understanding.
The G34 has $155,000 due March 30th or it would be sent back to Caterpillar (CAT). The G35 has a lot of equity and Road and Bridge will continue making payments as it is currently under a seven year lease with CAT. It was said the pay for use agreement for the G36 is in the process of being drafted. Chairman Dinning said for clarity that the agreement through Columbia Bank is for a grader.
Chairman Dinning mentioned the annual payments being $28,000 through a lease with CAT. Commissioners said if the county went to a five year balloon payment, it would be $200,000 and the buyback is $200,000 on a new machine. It is paying for use at a much higher rate and getting nothing. Ms. Nelson said that is correct. Those present discussed amending minutes to show the discussion was regarding the G34. Ms. Nelson mentioned that CAT needs something like the draft minutes stating whether or not the county is going to enter into a lease or a pay for use agreement. The annual payment is $23,700 for the pay for use agreement for a new grader.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the pay for use agreement to replace the G34 grader at an annual payment of $23,791.50 and to proceed with that transaction. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
The call with Ms. Nelson ended at 2:04 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
***Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton was out of the office tending to a personal matter.
9:00 a.m., Commissioners held an elected officials/department heads meeting. Present were: Treasurer Sue Larson, Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen, Planning and Zoning Administrator John Moss, University of Idaho Extension Office Educator Amy Robertson, Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown, Prosecutor’s Office Manager Tammie Goggia, Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley, County Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk, Road and Bridge Department Superintendent Clint Kimball, Assessor Dave Ryals, Sheriff Dave Kramer, and Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee.
Chairman Dinning informed everyone that demands for payment are going to be approved for payment every Monday as this new process will keep things pure and straight. Ms. Goggia mentioned that sometimes when processing driving under the influence (DUI) charges, there is a tight time schedule so if there is an arrest on a Tuesday and they have to wait until the following Monday to get a claim approved, that would be difficult. Chairman Dinning explained that Clerk Poston processed 130 demands for payment one month and 30 demands the next month so this way Commissioners do see the demand claims and can be aware of what is going out. Commissioners stated that when submitting a claim for attending meetings or seminars, the employee needs to attach that meeting’s agenda and travel information to the demand for payment. Commissioners said the Clerk can process demands for up to $500 without running them by Commissioners.
The Idaho Legislature passed a new open meeting law or is including a new section to the existing open meeting law, according to Chairman Dinning. Commissioners will have to post everything to their webpage on the county’s website and that is something Commissioners are already doing. Next to the items that may require an action, Commissioners will need to state “action” next to that item on their agenda. The agenda also cannot be amended after Commissioners have met that 48 hour notice. So Commissioners cannot come in on a Monday, for example if a grant application has to be submitted that same week, Commissioners won’t be able to sign it. The agenda can only be amended if there is a declared emergency. Chairman Dinning said he will most likely get more clarity as to what can and cannot be done when he attends the Commissioners’ and Clerk’s Conference in June.
The Boundary Ambulance Service (BAS) has stated that they would set up a station where they could provide free blood pressure checks for county employees at certain times. Treasurer Larson said she has a new employee and wondered if BAS would provide another training on the automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) for new employees. Commissioners mentioned they would check as BAS is to also assess the AEDs on an annual basis. BAS will be in the lobby of the Courthouse on Monday at 8:00 a.m., to check blood pressures as part of a grant program they are involved in.
Commissioners went around the room for department updates.
Treasurer Larson said she has a meeting that takes place in Moscow in May and she needs to bring a laptop if any office has one available as she doesn’t have one.
Mr. Skeen said he is just working in the mud.
Mr. Moss said his office is doing well and getting busier. Mr. Moss said he updated his webpage to reflect the word “non-refundable” above the fee section.
Ms. Brown said the number of those on probation is starting to increase as is per normal this time of year. The conference room at the armory is getting used.
Ms. Goggia said the Prosecutor’s Office is getting trained on the Odyssey Program.
Sheriff Kramer said his office is going after funds owed to the county by inmates through a collection company and the county may want to consider using this collection agency for other county offices. Sheriff Kramer said he may want to attend a training session pertaining to sexual harassment with Idaho Counties Risk Management Representative Jim McNall when Mr. McNall is in Bonners Ferry. A meeting has been set up with the hospital staff, Prosecutor’s Office and law enforcement regarding emergency mental situations. The Sheriff’s Office may be able to get reimbursed from the Department of Health and Welfare for costs the county has covered. It appears in Idaho Code that Health and Welfare is responsible for some of the costs so Sheriff Kramer said he will try to recover those funds. Chairman Dinning informed everyone that Sheriff Kramer has recovered approximately $10,000 to $12,000 owed to the county so far.
Assessor Ryals said a couple bills passed legislation. Bill 492 gives 100% service connected disability veterans, starting in year 2019, circuit breaker benefit regardless of their income. Assessor Ryals said the other matter is that after approximately 20 years of debating with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the Department has agreed that 300 acres of the McArthur Lake reservoir does qualify for fee in lieu of taxes.
Ms. Magee said everything at the Restorium is good and the Restorium is full at 37 residents with a waiting list of approximately 30 more people.
Mr. Buckley said he has been busy with a lot of different projects going on. Chairman Dinning informed everyone that Mr. Buckley placed more lights at the top of the Courthouse for better visibility at night.
Ms. Robertson spoke of her recent pressure cooker class and listed various courses being offered. Ms. Robertson explained the Inspire Idaho Program, stating that it is a partnership with the University of Idaho and Apple Computer, and this program will be offered in 20 cities in Idaho, including Bonners Ferry. People interested in participating can sign up for the nine month program to learn computer coding and other information for little to no cost.
Mr. Kimball said Road and Bridge is excited about a few things this year, such as a $100,000 grant to finish improvements to the Meadow Creek/Moyie River Road so he would like to chipseal this road if everything works out. In year 2020, Road and Bridge will work on the project at School House Road between Highway 95 and Deep Creek Loop. This project includes installing turning lanes, railroad crossing signage, lighting, and possibly sidewalks. Mr. Kimball said he might be able to obtain funding for engineering services for the slide at Atkins Canyon. Road and Bridge is going ahead with a two bridge project on Lions Den Road. The Snow Creek Bridge project is scheduled for June 15th followed by the Caribou Creek Bridge work. Road and Bridge has a lot of work to do. Mr. Kimball said Road and Bridge has a new road grader that is on a new program through Western States/Caterpillar. This is a pay for use program that is a savings for the county as it is a three year term based on 450 hours of use annually.
Mr. Wenk said if anyone wants to apply for Neighborhood Weed Coop Program, they have until the end of the month to get their application in.
Clerk Poston informed everyone that she will soon be receiving the annual renewals for Life Flight’s membership services. Clerk Poston said the Odyssey Program for the courts will start this next week. Commissioners and Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICRMP) Risk Management Specialist Jim McNall hosted an educational training on the Idaho Open Meeting Law for the county’s advisory boards and various fire and water districts and it was a well-attended meeting. Clerk Poston informed those present that she will be presenting the county departments with their budgets the first part of April for the fiscal year 2018-2019.
The elected officials/department heads meeting ended at 9:31 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, or public school student. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 10:14 a.m. No action was taken.
Commissioner Kirby updated Chairman Dinning and Clerk Poston on topics discussed during the Boundary Economic Development Board meeting.
10:30 a.m., Commissioner Kirby left the meeting to conduct the quarterly jail inspection of the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office jail.
Commissioner Kirby returned to the Commissioners’ Office at 10:47 a.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:48 a.m.
_______________________________________ DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
___________________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk