***Monday, May 8, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robinson, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.
9:00 a.m., Waterways Board Chairman Darron Branson joined the meeting to continue the discussion on removing weeds from Robinson Lake. Mr. Branson provided Commissioners with a cost estimate from Alan Flory Logging for mechanical removal of weeds in Robinson Lake. Chairman Bertling said he spoke to interim District Forest Ranger Matt Davis and he is fine with what the county wants to do. Mr. Branson said he could try and contact the Department of Fish and Game representative he had spoken with before since they were never against treating these weeds, but they were unable to help due to funding. Now that there are weeds around the dock, the Department of Fish and Game have funds to treat them. Mr. Branson spoke of trying to get more water flow in the lake.
Those present discussed gas-powered motor usage on Robinson Lake. Chairman Bertling said he was thinking of a 10-horse motor and Mr. Branson mentioned a 15-horse motor since it wouldn’t change much based on how they’re used. Commissioner Robertson said there is still no wakes allowed. Mr. Branson said there is a state law about no wakes on public water. Mr. Branson said Mr. Flory could get started treating weeds any time.
Mr. Branson updated Commissioners on having to do concrete work at the Waterways boat launch recently.
Mr. Branson left the meeting at 9:25 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to contract with Alan Flory Logging for weed removal on Robinson Lake and approve associated costs up to $4,300.00 to be funded out of the Waterways budget. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Independent Contractor Agreement with Alan Flory Logging for Robinson Lake weed removal. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners reviewed claims for payment. Fund totals are as follows:
Current Expense $ 41,750.63
Road & Bridge 115,362.96
Airport 10,336.68
District Court 1,348.95
Justice Fund 54,860.13
911 Funds 11,918.12
Health District 27,035.25
Parks and Recreation 5,567.62
Revaluation 1,833.95
Solid Waste 116,158.50
Tort 3,308.08
Veterans Memorial 64.70
Weeds 86.12
Restorium 21,889.61
Waterways 6,593.65
Grants, Emergency Communication 1,415.00
Grants, Fire Mitigation 23,800.00
ARPA Fund 68,246.38
TOTAL $511,576.33
Trusts
Auditor’s Trust – *Misc 5,258.17
Boundary Co. Drug Court Trust 180.00
Driver’s License Trust 10,794.00
Interlock Device Fund 180.00
Motor Vehicle Trust Acct 178,656.75
Sheriff’s Trust Fund 770.80
Sheriff’s Special Projects 1,481.68
Odyssey Court Trust Account 21,667.91
Odyssey Bond Trust Account 200.00
Odyssey Restitution Trust Acct 4,600.73
TOTAL $223,790.04
GRAND TOTAL $735,366.37
Citizens are invited to inspect detailed records on file in the Courthouse (individual claims & Commissioners’ allowance & warrant register record 2022-2023).
9:30 a.m., County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull joined the meeting and updated Commissioners on various matters he’s working on. Attorney Hull discussed matters pertaining to Labrosse Hill Road, an official county road map, Riverside Road Improvement project, the drug court program and associated funding.
The meeting with Attorney Hull ended at 10:10 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificate of Residency for Jacob Bliss. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve and sign the minutes for the weeks of April 3, 2023, and May 2, 2023. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2023-40 ARPA. A resolution regarding ARPA appropriation to Boundary County. Chairman Bertling yielded the chair to second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Robertson “abstained.” Motion passed . Resolution 2023-40 ARPA reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2023-40 ARPA
Boundary County
ARPA Appropriation to Boundary County
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received ARPA funds to be used in payment, among other things, for Covid related expenses, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received $2,378,448.00 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Commissioners deem it in the best interest of the general public of Boundary County to aid with the renovation of the former NIC Campus for use as the Boundary County Extension Office, for the purpose of continued education for children and adults.
WHEREAS, the addition or distribution of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to release the funds for the project completed by Bonners Ferry Builders, in the amount of $71,235.60 for the remodel of the campus.
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the amount of $71,235.60 is to be disbursed from the ARPA General Account #0107, these funds shall then be remitted to Bonners Ferry Builders in the amount of $54432.00 claim #2023-2257, $6048.00 claim #2023-2510, 5349.45 claim #2023-2510, 752.50 claim #2023-2510 and 4653.65 claim #2023-2510 for the project and the final payments of the project.
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 8th day of May, 2023
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/__________________________
Tim Bertling, Chairman
s/___________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/___________________________
Ben Robertson, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/_____________________________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #294327
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2023-41 ARPA. A resolution regarding the appropriation to B.C. Fire Chief’s Association. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2023-41 ARPA reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2023-41 ARPA
Boundary County
ARPA Appropriation to B.C. Fire Chief’s Association
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received ARPA funds to be used in payment, among other things, for Covid related expenses, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received $2,378,448.00 from the American Rescue Plan (ARPA)
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Commissioners deem it in the best interest of the general public of Boundary County to maintain the following equipment for the Boundary County Fire Chief’s Association
For the support of the Simulcast radio rep4eater system which was established in 2010 through a federal grant received by South Boundary Fire District, the cost and maintenance of the system is $22,724.52 and this amount will help to offset the entire cost. The Joint Powers Group will contribute $9,500.00 for the cost.
WHEREAS, the addition or distribution of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate that the funds be paid from the ARPA account #107 for the Simulcast System to the Boundary County Fire Chief’s Association in the amount of $12,539.23
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the amount of $12,539.23 to be disbursed from the ARPA Trust Account #0107 and be remitted to the B.C. Fire Chief’s Association
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk is instructed to deliver certified copies of this resolution to the Boundary County Treasurer and the Boundary County Auditor.
DATED this 8th day of May, 2023
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/__________________________
Tim Bertling, Chairman
s/___________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/___________________________
Ben Robertson, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/______________________________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #294328
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2023-42. A resolution authorizing the disposition of records of Boundary County Commissioner’s Office. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2023-42 reads as follows:
Commissioner Cossairt moved to declare the following vehicles surplus and authorize them to be auctioned off through 3 Mile Auction: 2004 Dodge Durango VIN#1D4HB38NX4F218242, 2012 white GMC Savana Van VIN#1GK58BF46C1143481 and 1996 blue Dodge van VIN#2B$FP253XTR627879. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the Office of the Treasurer’s Certificates of Compliance for Potlatch No. 1 Federal Credit Union, Umpqua Bank and Mountain West Bank. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Restorium Administrator Diana Lane joined the meeting.
10:33 a.m., Commissioners considered the Boundary County Alcoholic Beverage License Application for year 2023 for Liberty Lanes Bar and Grill. Present were: Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, and Assistant Restorium Administrator Diana Lane. The proceedings were recorded.
The completed county alcohol beverage license application, applicable fee and 2023 State of Idaho Retail Alcohol beverage license have been received. Yet to be received is the 2023 Panhandle Health District Food Permit and the 2023 City of Bonners Ferry Retail Alcohol Beverage License.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the 2023 County Alcohol Beverage License Application for R. Entertainment dba Liberty Lanes Bar & Grill, to sell bottled, canned and draft beer and wine by the drink, pending receipt of the 2023 City of Bonners Ferry Alcoholic Beverage License and the 2023 Panhandle Health District Food Permit. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
The proceedings ended at 10:34 a.m.
10:34 a.m., Assistant Restorium Administrator Diana Lane provided an update on Restorium matters. Ms. Lane said there are currently 31 residents at the Restorium and they have had a lot of inquiries for new residents, but the Restorium is waiting for the flooring company to complete their project.
The meeting with Ms. Lane ended at 10:40 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
11:30 a.m., Undersheriff Rich Stephens joined the meeting.
Undersheriff Stephens discussed the request to order a new vehicle for the Sheriff’s Office and he explained the short window of time to place an order for new police builds in order to get the vehicle next year. There is a limit to the number of vehicles that can be built and then that’s it. Ford and Chevrolet are now building police fleet pickup trucks so the Sheriff’s Office is thinking about that, but they don’t always work as well as a vehicle. Undersheriff Stephens said there is no up-front cost responsibility when placing an order for a vehicle build.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Jail Medical Contract with Bonners Ferry Family Medicine for the Sheriff’s Office. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to authorize the Sheriff’s Office to order a new vehicle, which does not arrive until next budget year. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners asked Undersheriff Stephens about sharing the Snow-Cat for snowmobile grooming. Undersheriff Stephens said that could be discussed.
The meeting with Undersheriff Stephens ended at 12:00 p.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at noon.
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-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris joined the meeting to give the department report. Mr. Morris reviewed work listed in the written report. Mr. Morris said Road and Bridge got the last of the roads opened last week.
Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris discussed the operator position at Road and Bridge in relation to commercial driver’s licensing (CDL). All Road and Bridge staff have a CDL. Those present reviewed traffic counts for Smith Lake Road. The counts show 196 cars per day and it breaks down to 46 small cars consisting of 15 feet or less, 1,919 medium-sized vehicles consisting of 14 to 20 feet and 226 large vehicles consisting of more than 20 feet, such as trucks and trailers, boat trailers, and delivery vans. Trucks make up approximately 10% of the entire count. Ms. Nelson reviewed traffic counts for years 2014, 2017, 2019, and 2021 when a pneumatic counter was used and she said pneumatic tube counters do not provide accurate axle counts when trucks or anything more than a car is involved. Those present discussed vehicle speed on Smith Lake Road.
Ms. Nelson said when she spoke to the Idaho Transportation Department about the highway project they asked questions about the sprinklers at the Annex. J7 Contracting will reach out to staff in the Annex about looking into the control box. Ms. Nelson briefly explained having talked to Phil Stout with the Idaho Transportation Department who provided reasons for not opening Pine Island Road. Mr. Stout will send an email about that.
Those present discussed matters pertaining to grading roads. Commissioner Robertson suggested prioritizing training.
Dan Spinosa with Innovate!Inc. joined the meeting.
Chairman Bertling asked about rights-of-way for the Riverside Road Improvement Project. Ms. Nelson said the county has 50 feet of right-of-way and near the bridge, it’s even wider.
The Road and Bridge Department report ended. Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris remained for the meeting with Dan Spinosa with Innovate! Inc. set for 2:00 p.m.
1:56 p.m., Assessor Olivia Drake joined the meeting.
Those present discussed the contract with Innovate in relation to providing continued addressing services. Mr. Spinosa commented about fees. Mr. Spinosa said he had sent over four work orders for Commissioners to consider; two of which would put the county in sync with its fiscal year and the other two contracts are for ongoing support for this fiscal year. As it pertains to addressing, this is for ongoing support for Road and Bridge and GIS. Chairman Bertling asked if there is any possible way the county could hire the Innovate employee who is contracted to work on the county’s addressing. Mr. Spinosa said he would have to ask the president of his company about that as they’re all under a non-compete clause. Assessor Drake said she’s unaware of how much has been spent under the contract and she asked if there is an onsite rate for the Addressing Coordinator if she stays with Innovate?
Those present discussed parcel data, hours spent under specific work orders, maps, etc. Mr. Spinosa said he would print out a list of what Innovate’s been working on and what’s been completed. Addressing Coordinator Debra Drager is also working on zone district map updates. Ms. Nelson spoke of office usages and only counting the time in the Planning and Zoning Office when someone comes to that office for Planning and Zoning matters, otherwise Ms. Drager takes her laptop to that office and works on addressing, etc.
Ms. Nelson spoke of the Addressing Coordinator wearing a certain vest and questioned the ability for her to drive a county vehicle when she’s out in the field visiting sites to gather information to determine addresses so it’s understood that she is an employee with the county. Commissioners said they would talk to the county’s insurance agent about a contractor driving the county vehicle.
The meeting with Mr. Spinosa, Assessor Drake, Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 3:05 p.m.
3:30 p.m., there being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 1:30 p.m.
***Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 1:30 p.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificate of Residency for Erin Carpenter. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners held a bid opening for the rebid of the Parks and Recreation Department restroom facility project. Present were: Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Cory Trapp with Longwell + Trapp Architects, Parks and Recreation Board Chairman Rob Tompkins, and Randal Wedel with B.F. Builders. The bid opening was recorded.
Commissioners received one sealed bid from B.F. Builders. The bid amount was $645,600.00 with the additional alternative of $26,680.00 for parking lot lighting. Subcontractors listed were Legacy Heating and Cooling, Selkirk Plumbing and Boundary Electric.
Chairman Bertling said Commissioners and Mr. Trapp need to review the bid information and notify B.F. Builders of Commissioners’ decision.
The bid opening ended at 1:33 p.m.
Those present briefly discussed how to lowers costs for the Parks and Recreation restroom facility project.
Mr. Trapp and Mr. Wedel left the meeting.
Mr. Tompkins presented Commissioners with a corrected quote for drilling a well and explained what was in error in the first bid.
Mr. Tompkins left the meeting.
2:00 p.m., Paradise Valley Fire District Commissioner Andrew O’Neel, South Boundary Fire Protection District Chief Allen Merritt, Jeremy Davy and Ed Katz with Cabinet Mountains Water District, and Mike Glazier with Paradise Valley Fire District joined the meeting to present Commissioners with a request for use of ARPA funds.
Mr. Davy explained that Cabinet Mountains Water District has two fire districts within their district and these fire districts are interested in the water district’s hydrants for fire fighting purposes, but there are limits for fire flows. Over the years the fire districts and the water district have been working together to try to protect the drinking water system for which Cabinet Mountains Water District was originally intended for, besides fighting fires. For fire districts to have the ability to determine the volume of water they’re pulling from the hydrants, it would require flow meters to be attached to the hydrants. This would help in not causing issues for the water district. The thought was to approach the county for any available funding. The hydrant could provide 250 gallons per minute for the fire districts. Chief Glazier said the fire districts could determine how much water they’re pulling from the hydrant. Chief Merritt explained that right now they just open the hydrant and hope for the best. Chairman Bertling said Moyie Springs used to have a problem with that as well and they had to buy water tanks, because it pulled water from homes. Chief Glazier spoke of having a mutual aid agreement with South Boundary Fire District and North Bench Fire Department. North Bench is used to just opening their hydrants and going. The cost for each meter is approximately $2,500.00 to $4,000.00. The end result would be for a meter to be on each fire truck when responding, but that would be a significant expense so the thought is to have a few meters to distribute amongst the fire fighters and that would be a good start. Mr. O’Neel said they’re looking at having a total of six meters, which would be three for each fire district. Chief Glazier said they don’t want to crash the water system and not have drinking water. Mr. Katz added, or worse, which would be collapsing the mainline. Cabinet Mountains Water District is the only water district that shoulders the cost. Every time there is a fire, Mr. Davy is called out because it affects the water system. If they had the flow meters, they would be stored on the fire trucks. Mr. Davy spoke of researching the product for the most user-friendly meter and explained it would be the fire department’s equipment to have and maintain. Chairman Bertling said he had no problem with that. Chief Glazier said they would need to watch North Bench Fire Department when on a scene for water usage. Chairman Bertling said Paradise Valley Fire would need to be on scene first to watch North Bench. Chief Glazier reiterated that the main thing is they don’t want to affect drinking water. Commissioners asked to be provided with a quote for the meters.
The meeting with Mr. O’Neel, Mr. Davy, Mr. Katz, Chief Glazier, and Chief Merritt ended at 2:13 p.m.
Phil Allegretti with Panhandle Pest Control joined the meeting at 2:15 p.m.
Mr. Allegretti presented Commissioners with background information on the mosquito abatement district and the mosquito surveillance study. There are 30 different species of mosquito locally. Flood water mosquitoes are common and are the mosquitoes everyone complains about. When the area gets the spring run-off, then it warms up and rains, Deep Creek backs up and that area is full of mosquitoes. It goes all of the way back to the golf course and Mr. Allegretti said he would catch approximately 4,000 mosquitoes in one trap within 12 hours. Mr. Allegretti explained his contract working for the county.
The meeting with Mr. Allegretti ended at 2:54 p.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to appoint Scott Hittle to the Boundary County Airport Advisory Board with a term to expire February 2025. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to appoint Kayla Riek to the Boundary County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board with a term to expire December 2024. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2023-37A. A resolution amending Resolution 2023-37 authorizing the sale of surplus county property at public auction. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2023-37A reads as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-37A
A Resolution Amending Resolution 2023-37
Authorizing the Sale of Surplus County Property at 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 as in “Attachment A” be sold and therefore desire to sell the property so described at public auction as provided in Idaho Code Section 31-808.
WHEREAS, the auction was to be held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, May 5, 2023, after a notice of public auction was published in the local newspaper not less than 10 days’ prior to the auction; and
WHEREAS, the local newspaper did not publish the notice of public auction on the requested date causing the auction date to be extended in order to meet the public notice requirements set by Idaho Code; 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 personal property of Boundary County described as in “Attachment A” be offered for sale at public auction at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, May 19, 2023, in the indoor arena at the Boundary County Fairgrounds located at 6567 Recreation Park Road, Bonners Ferry, Idaho.
DATED this 8th 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 #294326
Clerk’s note: “Attachment A” can be found with the original resolution located in the Clerk’s Office vault.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Management Representation Letter from Scott Hoover, CPA. Regarding the county audit. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:37 p.m.
__________________________________
TIM BERTLING, Chairman
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk