***Monday, May 15, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.
9:00 a.m., Jennifer Van Etten and Mike Haycraft with Auburn Crest Hospice met with Commissioners to discuss matters pertaining to the Restorium in relation to their hospice patients. Ms. Van Etten provided an example they’ve experienced in which a resident would’ve had to move out of the Restorium if they planned on using Auburn Crest Hospice for care. Ms. Van Etten said Auburn Crest Hospice has been allowed to work with their patients at the Restorium on other matters, such as activities, but they cannot get a referral to care for a patient. Auburn Crest Hospice doesn’t have this issue with other facilities. Ms. Van Etten said they’re not asking the Restorium to always utilize Auburn Crest’s services, but if patients want to use them, they don’t want community members to feel stuck in these situations. Mr. Haycraft provided examples of how Auburn Crest assists people and he said every facility is different so they want to make sure they’re not doing something the facility doesn’t want. Ms. Van Etten listed occasions when they get called in for a Restorium resident, but then have issues and there have been two of those situations in the last month. Auburn Crest works with assisted living facilities from Sunset Homes all of the way to Coeur d’ Alene and they’re all different and have different rules, and that is okay, according to Ms. Van Etten. Auburn Crest has never had a facility that has not allowed them to tend to a patient. This issue has been occurring for the last 9.5 years. Commissioner Robertson asked if Auburn Crest has contracts with other facilities and Mr. Haycraft said yes. There is also a contract with the Restorium and the contracts don’t expire.
The meeting with Ms. Van Etten and Mr. Haycraft ended at 9:10 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
9:33 a.m., Governor Brad Little’s North Idaho Field Director Jake Garringer joined the meeting.
9:33 a.m., County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull joined the meeting to update Commissioners on various matters he is working on. Attorney Hull commented that Commissioners may want to implement a road vacation application fee going forward.
The meeting with Attorney Hull ended at 9:51 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the minutes of May 8 & 9, 2023. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign a Certificate of Residency for James Pinkerton. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Signature Page of the Public Defense Commission Financial Assistance Application. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Agreement with Point Click Care for the Restorium’s electronic health records. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve and sign the Catering Permit for The Typsy Gypsy. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to appoint Annie Swift to the Boundary County Parks and Recreation Board with a term to expire December 2025. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2023-43. A resolution authorizing the sale of surplus county property via an online public auction. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2023-43 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-43
A Resolution Authorizing the Sale of Surplus County Property
Via an Online Public Auction
WHEREAS, Boundary County owns surplus personal property, which is not being used by the County and for which the County is presently obliged to provide storage space, and which the various department heads and the Board of Boundary County Commissioners have determined is not necessary for the County’s use; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Boundary County Commissioners are authorized under Idaho Code Section 31-808 to sell or offer for sale at public auction, after not less than ten days’ previous notice given by publication in a newspaper of the county, any property, real or personal, belonging to the County but not necessary for its use; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Boundary County Commissioners believes it is in the best interest of the County that the surplus property described in “Attachment A” be sold and therefore desire to sell the property so described via online auction services offered through 3 Mile Auction.
WHEREAS, the online auction is to start May 27, 2023 and end on June 1, 2023, after a notice of online public auction was published in the local newspaper not less than 10 days’ prior to the auction; and
NOW, THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried, it is
RESOLVED that, after publication of notice in the Bonners Ferry Herald in the manner and for the time required by Idaho Code, the surplus personal property of Boundary County described in “Attachment A” be offered for sale through the online auction services of 3 Mile Auction starting May 27, 2023 and ending June 1, 2023, at the 3mileantiquemall.com website.
DATED this 15th day of May, 2023.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/_____________________________
Tim Bertling, Chairman
s/_____________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/______________________________
Ben Robertson, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Glenda Poston
Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
s/___________________________________
Recorded as instrument #294382
“ATTACHMENT A”
Ford Dump Truck with Front Blade
Lawn Mower
1990 Chevrolet 1-Ton Flat Bed with Tool Box and Crane
1985 Cherokee Pup Trailer
1984 Ford Truck Cab & Frame (no gas tank)
1988 Ford Dump Truck
Bobcat 225 Welder
1996 Blue Dodge Van
2012 GMC Savana Van
2004 Dodge Durango
1990 Link-Belt 2700 C2 Excavator
10:00 a.m., Boundary Ambulance Service Chief Jeff Lindsey joined the meeting.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and convene as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the minutes of April 17, 2023, for the Boundary County Ambulance Service District. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chief Lindsey said the month of April is usually a slow month for Boundary Ambulance. Last weekend was busy for them with the mud bog taking place. Other than that, Boundary Ambulance is just trying to keep up with the call volume, according to Chief Lindsey.
Chief Lindsey left the meeting.
10:02 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board and reconvene as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
10:30 a.m., Kootenai Tribe of Idaho Administrative Director/Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative (KVRI) Facilitator Theresa Wheat joined the meeting to update Commissioners on this evening’s KVRI meeting.
Ms. Wheat discussed looking into changing the time of the KVRI meeting to earlier in the evening.
The meeting with Ms. Wheat ended at 10:45 a.m.
11:00 a.m., County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull, Supervisory Court Clerk Della Armstrong, District 1 Trial Court Administrator Karlene Behringer, Deputy Trial Court Administrator Samantha Wallis, and Trial Court Administrator’s Assistant Acacia Hildreth joined the meeting to discuss the drug court program.
Ms. Behringer mentioned the upcoming retirement of Boundary County Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown and wanting to touch base with Commissioners about allowing the next county chief probation offer to wear both hats as the drug court coordinator and probation officer. Chairman Bertling explained that drug court duties are now listed in the new job description for the chief probation officer position. Ms. Behringer commented that the county was given $5,000.00 to finish out the year for drug court coordination; not the salaries, but counties handle this differently. In the First District, the $5,000.00 designed for drug court wasn’t used for salaries. Clerk Poston asked Ms. Behringer when the county will be receiving these funds or additional funds and Ms. Behringer said she is just in the midst of waiting for that information.
Attorney Hull said he reached out to Benewah County and Shoshone County and learned that the job description for drug court coordinator is included in the Probation Officer’s job duties and some of the drug court funds are used for that position. When former Drug Court Coordinator Marilyn Miller left her position, her compensation had been paid by the state so there was never an issue from that standpoint. When Ms. Brown stepped in to fill the position, what happens with that $5,000.00? Attorney Hull had made recommendations for compensation for the duties of drug court outside of the probation officer job description. Attorney Hull said Clerk Poston brought up costs and whether or not the court clerk who is assigned to drug court should be compensated and that is up to Commissioners. It appears the other two counties he spoke to have chosen to put these duties under the Probation Department and they’re using funds from the Supreme Court to increase that pay. Ms. Behringer said that is up to the county. Ms. Behringer said the funds can be used for salary, it’s just up to the county. Attorney Hull said Ms. Brown had been told that when Ms. Miller, basically there is $5,000.00 that she would be compensated. Ms. Brown would not be allowed the entire amount since she is retiring, but Commissioners could look into an appropriate amount. Ms. Behringer spoke of the funds being sort of a thank you for handling drug court. Ms. Armstrong said primarily it is Court Clerk Jamie Mitchell who clerks for the drug court. Ms. Armstrong explained what duties the clerks have related to drug court with there being additional coordination and paper work, resulting in approximately five hours of work every other week. Attorney Hull said the Prosecutor’s Office feels drug court is a function of his office as the prosecutor. Attorney Hull commented about having a meeting about this with Judge Berecz. Attorney Hull added that we may be locked in as far as hours for drug court so maybe put it before Commissioners to see what they want to do with the funds. Ms. Behringer commented about staff compensation and Ms. Wallis said drug court clerks receive a stipend for the year. Ms. Behringer said Ms. Miller’s replacement can also come up to Boundary County on occasion if the Chief Probation Officer is extremely busy and cannot be available.
Clerk Poston explained that Judge Buchanan had once signed off on paperwork for a private contractor to attend training. Attorney Hull said one of the private providers asked to have the county pay for a conference they attended and had he known, he would’ve recommended that Commissioners not approve that request. This was not a function of the county; it was a private provider who asked to attend training and wanted the county to pay for it. Ms. Behringer said in the budgets, counties get funding for training in their budget, however the Supreme Court may have left over funds, but not for this year. Ms. Behringer said she has never used drug court funds for a provider, even thought they’re on the team.
Commissioner Robertson asked Ms. Behringer if she is seeing positive program results across District 1. Ms. Behringer said yes and she explained that drug court is more of a team approach and the team responds quickly to get that program participant back on track. It’s just a Just struggle with services, treatment providers, etc.
Ms. Behringer spoke of dangers involving drugs called Tranq, which is drug mixing fentanyl with a horse tranquilizer and Narcan is not effective. Another drug discussed is called Krokodil.
Attorney Hull said the Idaho Department of Corrections (IDOC) seems to ask for more money, but provide less services so drug court provides more supervision and contact. Ms. Behringer said drug court makes the program participant accountable by having to meet with the court, judge, etc. Attorney Hull said Boundary County’s Misdemeanor Program is doing a great job in the program, but IDOC can be short-handed and ineffective.
The meeting to discuss drug court and funding ended at 11:25 a.m.
Mr. Garringer left the meeting.
11:30 a.m., Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen joined the meeting to provide a department report.
Bonners Ferry Herald Staff Writer Emily Bonsant also joined the meeting.
Mr. Skeen and Commissioners discussed a matter involving demolition debris brought in to the landfill resulting from a house fire. Mr. Skeen said certain materials needed to be separated out of the bin in order to be considered light demolition, but everything was mixed together. Chairman Bertling explained that the homeowner just had people show up to help and there wasn’t good direction given. Chairman Bertling said someone had offered to separate materials out of the bin, but a landfill staff member wouldn’t let them. Mr. Skeen said that is due to the liability of having people dig through garbage. Chairman Bertling said there were some missed cues on the homeowner’s side, but his house did burn down. Chairman Bertling said he has no problem waiving the disposal fee in this case. Commissioner Robertson said he will also go along with waiving the fee, but how do Commissioners go forward. Mr. Skeen said that will open can of worms. Chairman Bertling said if it is someone’s house that burns down, he would probably go along with waiving the fee, but not if it’s something like a chicken coop, etc. but that is just his thought. Commissioner Robertson said maybe Frederickson’s Garbage can inform people of the need to separate materials, otherwise they will get charged $.18 per pound. Commissioner Robertson added that he got a phone call over the weekend from someone who complained about dumping heavy demolition, but this is not the same situation. This is a hardship due to a house fire, not someone cleaning up their yard. If materials are separated out, the cost decreases to $0.06 per pound as opposed to $0.18 per pound.
Chairman Bertling said he will contact the homeowner about paying the fee for light demolition.
Mr. Skeen discussed a depredation permit and said Shane Robinson with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services suggested the county obtain the permit as opposed to a private party. Mr. Skeen requested that he apply for the yearly permit.
Mr. Skeen informed Commissioners that he proposed a letter to his employees that clarifies that the office manager acts as supervisor when he is not available. Solid Waste Department employees will sign the letter and it will be put in their employee file.
Those present discussed the proposed monitored site for the Moyie Springs location. Chairman Bertling said he’s been trying to set up a meeting with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) about this site. Mr. Skeen discussed budget and he said he doesn’t think he will be ready to move forward with that site until the 2024-2025 budget year.
Ms. Bonsant left the meeting.
11:50 p.m., Commissioner Robertson 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. 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 12:27 p.m. No action was taken.
The meeting with Mr. Skeen ended at 12:27 p.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:30 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., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendent Randy Morris joined the meeting to give the department report. A written report was provided.
Mr. Morris discussed looking into a paint striper and stencil for stop bars. The cost is $15,000.00 for the equipment, stencil and paint.
Road and Bridge’s crane was inspected last week, as well as the man lift and bucket truck. The crane is no longer in service because there is an issue with the computer, but it’s only used to move sand boxes.
Mr. Morris said Road and Bridge is grading and patching roads today.
Commissioner Cossairt asked about chip sealing Bonner Lake Road and Fire House Road. Mr. Morris said if they do chip sealing on Old Highway 2, there is still Brown Creek Road to do.
The meeting with Mr. Morris ended at 1:52 p.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
2:30 p.m., Scott Hoover with Hoover CPA joined the meeting to review the county’s audit for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022. Treasurer Jenny Economu also joined the meeting.
Those present reviewed the main audit report on actual financial statements, disclosures, Mr. Hoover’s audit opinion, which is a clean audit opinion; Boundary County Ambulance District, and the Restorium. Mr. Hoover also reviewed the basis for the opinions, management responsibility, the auditor’s responsibility, government-wide assets of the county, all liabilities at the government-wide level, governmental activities, which is everything except for the Restorium, total assets and liabilities, total net position, landfill closure, and unrestricted net assets county-wide. Also covered was the Statement of Activities, expenses, charges for services, and grants. Mr. Hoover reviewed the increase in net income and net loss for the Restorium, equating to a loss of $93,500.00 overall. Mr. Hoover discussed governmental funds, reconciliation, balance sheet for fiduciary funds from various other taxing districts, the stand-alone statement of net position, revenue and expenses, statement of cash flows, and a summary of significant accounting policies for the Restorium. Those present reviewed information on major funds, supplemental disclosures on net pension liability, single audit, and report on internal controls. Mr. Hoover said he did not find any gaps or weaknesses in internal controls that rose to levels of reporting. Mr. Hoover spoke of the single audit, schedule of expenditures of federal awards for fiscal year 2022. There have been two rounds of ARPA funding and a lot of claims are going out so he advised making sure the county is complying with the terms of these federal grants. Mr. Hoover said he didn’t find any issues. Clerk Poston said Boundary county is under the $10,000,000.00 threshold for ARPA and she is still identifying the funds by projects and she doesn’t think she has to, but she is, which will be helpful to Mr. Hoover. Mr. Hoover said the county and Clerk Poston are doing a good job; as well as Auditor Leonard Schulte.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to accept the county audit for fiscal year ending September 30, 2022. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with Mr. Hoover ended at 3:04 p.m.
Treasurer Economu left the meeting.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificate of Residency for Alexandra Fodge. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Parks and Recreation Board Chairman Rob Tompkins and Vice-Chairman Brandon Glaza and joined the meeting at 3:20 p.m.
Commissioners met to discuss the bid received for the Parks and Recreation restroom project in order to make a decision. Present were: Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Parks and Recreation Board Chairman Rob Tompkins and Vice-Chairman Brandon Glaza. The bid decision was recorded.
Commissioners said the bid received from B.F. Builders was $645,600.00 with the additional alternative of $26,680.00 for lights in the parking lot. Commissioner Robertson said if Commissioners reject the bid, that money could be used to improve tennis courts, baseball backstops, etc. Mr. Tompkins agreed and he commented that as a taxpayer he had a hard time seeing a $600,000.00 bathroom. Chairman Bertling said this is one-time funding; if we don’t do something now, there will never be a restroom building there. Mr. Tompkins said if we keep saving money and if we don’t use federal money, do we have to use Davis Bacon wages. The cost would decrease by $55,000.00 by not using Davis Bacon wages. Mr. Glaza said this is parks priority project, but not at that demand and scale of expense. He also is hesitant to build a plan B, which is a rectangular building with a couple toilets for $545,000.00. It won’t make a difference if it’s done now or in one to two years. Clerk Poston explained that ARPA funds have to be allocated by year 2024 and spent by year 2026 or funds have to be returned. It was asked, if the county is not using ARPA funds for the restrooms, is land acquisition still on the table? The price for the property near Riverside Park is $399,000.00. That would be a long-term goal.
Commissioner Robertson said if you had $700,000.00 available, what would Parks and Recreation want to do with it? Mr. Tompkins said purchasing the property would be a priority. Property doesn’t become available all of the time and this property is adjacent to Riverside Park. This other property has river front that people could enjoy.
Commissioner Robertson moved to reject the bid for the Parks and Recreation restroom project. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
The bid decision ended at 3:40 p.m.
Chairman Bertling questioned being able to purchase the property for $300,000.00. Mr. Tompkins said they could improve the porta potty situation at the park’s property at the fairgrounds for now. Mr. Glaza said if they can still continue to accrue funds, they would still want to improve the restrooms. Mr. Glaza said he felt Commissioners made the right choice; the cost of the restroom project was too much. Mr. Tompkins said he was going to talk to Terry Johnson about renting porta potties versus buying them.
Mr. Glaza mentioned Economic Development Council Director David Sims has discussed block grants for projects and a survey would have to be done. If the county paid $5,000.00 or $10,000.00 for the survey, maybe the county could apply for block grants. If the survey was done, other county departments could use that information for grants as well.
Those present discussed modifications and improvements to the tennis courts. Mr. Glaza spoke of putting together a list of improvement projects.
The meeting with Mr. Tompkins and Mr. Glaza ended at 4:20 p.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificate of Residency for Morgan Tye. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:36 p.m.
______________________________________
TIM BERTLING, Chairman
ATTEST:
______________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk