Monday, November 18, 2024 Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.
Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Dave Wenk with Fair Board, Cole Coba Consultant for North Idaho Classical Academy, Tera King with IFG, Jacob Francom principal of North Idaho Classical Academy and David Sims Executive Director of EDC entered the meeting at 8:58 a.m.
Mr. Francom, stated that they currently have 600 students on the list for enrollment and they are planning for an August 2025 opening. Due to issues that have arisen with the previously planned location, Mr. Francom stated that they have been working with Idaho Forest Group about a possible location on the old mill property and wanted to discuss access and possible shared green space with the county.
Ms. King shared the comprehensive plan for the property and stated that the school is looking to repurpose the planer building. Mr. Coba discussed the road plan for the property.
Commissioner Robertson asked about the plans for the school. Mr. Francom stated it would be 5 days per week with a slightly longer year than the public school. Commissioner Robertson explained that the road they are discussing is very congested with every event held at the fairgrounds. Mr. Francom replied that when most events are happening, school is not in session.
Commissioner Robertson asked if IFG has committed to an agreement. Ms. King stated that they have had discussions but nothing is in writing. Commissioner Robertson then asked if they come to an agreement on the purchase of the property, would mobiles be brought in for the interim period. Mr. Francom replied yes.
Chairman Bertling stated that it sounds like you need to have a meeting with the Fair Board as well as Parks and Rec.
Residents Ron Sukenik and Gary Lamberty entered the meeting at 9:12 a.m.
Discussion continued on the traffic and how they proposed it would flow. Dave Wenk with the Fair Board asked them to attend a Fair Board meeting to discuss the timing of the Boundary County Fair.
Chairman Bertling asked what would happen with other sections of the property. Ms. King was not sure at this time. Chairman Bertling stated that Mr. Francom needs to have a meeting with the Fair Board and Parks and Rec to get their input and then come back to the Commissioners if this is the location they decide to move forward with.
Resident, Fay Almond entered the meeting at 9:18 a.m.
The meeting with Mr. Francom ended and he left the meeting at 9:26 a.m. David Sims, Dave Wenk, Cole Coba, and Tera King also left the meeting.
Civil attorney, Bill Wilson joined the meeting at 9:31 a.m. Mr. Sukenik left the meeting.
Mr. Wilson stated that he had forwarded the engagement letter from Susan Weeks and if the Commissioners agree with the contents, he would suggest that they approve it so they can move forward. He also stated that a draft RFQ was forwarded for their review and that we have several ordinances that are ready to move forward with on public hearings.
Chairman Bertling asked about the possibility of getting the Riverside Road issues resolved. Mr. Wilson responded that the best option is to move forward with the engagement letter. Ms. Poston asked about reimbursement of the cost. Mr. Wilson stated that any cost we have to pay can be used toward cash match for the grant.
The meeting with Civil Attorney, Bill Wilson ended at 9:45 and he left the meeting.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign Certificates of Residency for JohnPeter Smithson and Adleemae Robles. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Commissioner meeting minutes from October 7, November 4 and November 11. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation form for tax year 2024 as it pertains to the request for cancellation of property taxes due to homeowners exemption on 61n01e309011A totaling $157.68 and M09950000020A totaling $16.52. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2025-5. A resolution to Dispose of Records of the Commissioner’s Office. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2025-5
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSITION OF RECORDS
OF BOUNDARY COUNTY COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Commissioner’s Office is currently storing old records, and
WHEREAS, due to lack of storage space, the Boundary County Commissioner’s Office has requested permission to dispose of these old records as information that is not necessary to keep, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Boundary County Commissioners have been advised on the classification of such records pursuant to Idaho Code 31-871; and
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that the following records be classified and disposed of as follows:
The following records have been deemed at most temporary by the Boundary County Commissioners and temporary records must be kept for a minimum of two (2) years. The following Commissioners’ records are to be shredded and disposed of:
• Alcoholic Beverage Licenses dated year 2020 and prior.
The following records have been deemed at most semi-permanent by the Boundary County Commissioners and semi-permanent records must be kept for a minimum of five (5) years. The following Commissioners’ records are to be disposed of in the county landfill:
• Board of Equalization Records – Board of Equalization Appeal Forms and
Hardship Exemption Applications dated 2018 and prior.
Regularly passed and approved on this 18th day of November, 2024.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
s/________________________
Tim Bertling, Chairman
s/________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/________________________
Ben Robertson, Commissioner
Reviewed by and on advice of the County’s Prosecuting Attorney this 18th day of November, 2024.
s/_________________________
ANDRAKAY PLUID
County Prosecutor
ATTEST:
s/______________________________
GLENDA POSTON
Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded Instrument #298651
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Boundary County Airport Slope Stabilization Pay Application #3. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Boundary County Airport Slope Stabilization Certificate of Final Completion. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign Annual Federal Financial Statements for Airport’s FY 2024 federal grants: AIP 023 Slope Stabilization SF-271, AIP 024 Environmental Assessment SF-270 and FY 2024 SF-425. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Robertson moved to sign the Curley Creek Volunteer Fire Department MOU. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Robertson moved to sign the County Annual Juvenile Justice Report. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to accept the representation letter from Susan Weeks. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to recess the Boundary County Commissioners meeting and open Boundary County Ambulance District. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Lambert left the meeting at 10:03 a.m.
Mr. Lindsey called into the meeting at 10:05 a.m. and stated that he had sent a report.
Ned Newton, reporter for Bonners Ferry Herald entered the meeting at 10:07 a.m.
Commissioner Robertson asked about the financial issues concerning Bonner County and how that compares to Boundary County. Mr. Lindsey replied that Boundary is a private non-profit and safety measures are in place to prevent it from happening. Commissioner Robertson stated that it is a private company with public funds. He then asked if the Board has a full budget with line item by line item and if one exists, he would like to see it.
Fay Almond left the meeting at 10:19 am.
Chairman Bertling asked for a complete budget from the Boundary County Ambulance so that the Commissioners can review it. Mr. Lindsey stated that he will have to take that up with his board to get approval to release it. He can then have it for the December meeting.
The meeting with Mr. Lindsey ended at 10:21 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adjourn the Boundary County Ambulance District meeting and reconvene the Commissioner’s meeting. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Newton left the meeting at 10:26 a.m.
KVRI Facilitator Theresa Wheat and Bonners Ferry District Forest Ranger Kevin Knauth joined the meeting at 10:28 a.m. Theresa shared the KVRI meeting agenda and discussed the topics to be covered at the meeting. This will be Mr. Knauth’s last meeting, as he is retiring from the USFS. It will also be Sandy Ashworth’s last meeting and she will be replaced by Lee Colson.
Mr. Knauth discussed his temporary replacement and the process to fill the position permanently. He stated that the forest service is done with pile burning for this year. He also expects the draft EA to go to Fish and Wildlife for public comment so they will likely have a decision in May.
The meeting with Ms. Wheat and Mr. Knauth ended at 10:45 a.m. and they left the meeting.
Austin Terrill and Rob Morris joined the meeting at 10:47 a.m. and the Commissioners attended to administrative duties until 11:00 a.m.
Mr. Terrill reported on the success of the program to date and their desire to extend it. The current agreement ends at the end of the year and the OSC and IDFG would like to extend it for another three years. Commissioners agreed. Mr. Terrill thanked the Commissioners for their support.
Commissioner Robertson moved to sign the Amendment to extend the MOU with the Office of Species Conservation and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Terrill then discussed fencing that is available for the transfer stations. Commissioners stated that fencing is already done at Paradise Valley and Naples. Copeland is the only one that needs it, but that station is located on ITD property.
The meeting with Mr. Terrill and Mr. Morris ended and they left the meeting at 11:19 a.m.
April Bennett and Paul Hazdovac joined the meeting at 11:28 a.m.
Ms. Bennett presented the Commissioners with a letter submitting names for reappointment to the Board of Trustees. Elden Koon is their acting vice-chair. Merle Ansley is chair for their Planning Committee and Jennifer Van Etten is the liaison for Fry Foundation.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to reappoint Elden Koon, Merle Ansley and Jennifer Van Etten to the Boundary Community Hospital Board of Trustees for a 3-year term expiring January 2028. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Bennett stated that license and insurance renewal applications have been submitted and they are now waiting for renewals. They are having a special meeting in mid-December for their budget and will send it to Commissioners when it is finalized. They have hired a licensed clinical health counselor and a pain management coordinator that specializes in holistic pain. The hospital is also gearing up for winter.
Chairman Bertling stated that there seems to be some questions recently about what property the hospital owns verses the County. There seems to be some overlap in some areas. Commissioner Robertson asked if the relationship between the hospital and County is similar to other areas. Ms. Bennett responded no, we are an anomaly. Commissioner Robertson stated that he is interested in figuring out if there is a better position going forward.
Ms. Poston said she would look into the property and how the County acquired it which might restrict things going forward.
The meeting with Ms. Bennett and Mr. Hazdovac ended and they left the meeting at 11:45 a.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 11:50 a.m.
Commissioners reconvened at 1:27 p.m. with Adam Ryals and Brad Barton joining the meeting.
Mr. Barton reported that sign work is continuing and they are getting all of the equipment ready for winter including plows, chains and sandboxes. They have done more work on the crusher and the waterline is in. They are working on an agreement with ITD for sand.
Mr. Ryals stated that the LHTAC grant is due December 5th for the over height limit sign for the Naples bridge. The project will cost more than the grant award so Mr. Ryals is considering approaching the mill to see if they would contribute to the project. The Commissioners agreed. Other grant deadlines are approaching during the month of December and early January including LHRIP, LILB, STBG and LHSIP. Mr. Ryals is working on applications.
Work is continuing on the Riverside project and Commissioners informed Mr. Ryals that they approved the engagement letter from Susan Weeks.
Meeting ended with Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals at they left the meeting at 1:53 p.m. Dave Wenk and Olivia Drake joined the meeting at 1:56 p.m.
Mr. Wenk stated that the grant they received to purchase a snowmobile and trailer must be completed by May 2025. He asked when the Commissioners would like to move forward with the purchase. There was discussion on the estimates received so far, when funds would be received for reimbursement, when funds are received from licensing and the timing of the Packard project. Commissioners decided to move forward with the purchase however Chairman Bertling asked Mr. Wenk to get a comparison quote from Fox Trailer in Post Falls.
The meeting with Mr. Wenk ended at 2:24 p.m. and he left the meeting. Ms. Drake and Ms. Poston also left the meeting.
Commissioners attended to administrative duties and adjourned the meeting at 2:20 p.m.
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 Commissioners met in regular session at the County Annex with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.
9:00 a.m., Commissioners held an elected officials/department heads meeting. Those present were: Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims, Sheriff Dave Kramer, Veterans Service Officer Ron Self, Solid Waste Department Superintendent Richard Jenkins, Road and Bridge Department Superintendent Brad Barton, Road and Bridge Department Assistant Adam Ryals, Personnel Director Pam Barton, Assessor Olivia Drake, Emergency Manager Andrew O’Neel, Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk, and University of Idaho Extension Educator Amy Robertson and Probation Officer Alisa Walker.
Commissioners went around the room for office updates.
The elected officials/department heads meeting ended at 9:30 a.m.
Ms. Robertson handed out a list of upcoming classes being offered by the University of Idaho Extension Office. She described the upcoming classes being offered. Mr. Robertson also stated that she attended the Selkirk Pend Oreille Food Summit which included many local producers.
Ms. Robertson said youth is partnering with school districts and 4H Friday Friends has 20-25 students each week. The 4H enrollment deadline is January 10th. The current numbers for steer projects is considerably up over previous years at 41.
The meeting with Ms. Robertson ended at 9:48 at she left the meeting.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation form for tax year 2024 as it pertains to the request for cancellation of property taxes due to errors on RPB0700002002BA totaling $589.76. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
There being no further business, the meeting ended at 10:02 a.m.
s/________________________________
TIM BERTLING, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk