***Monday, July 5, 2021, Commissioners did not meet due to the July Fourth holiday.
***Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Chairman Dan Dinning was out of the office tending to personal matters.
Commissioner Bertling moved to appoint Commissioner Wally Cossairt acting chairman in the absence of Chairman Dan Dinning. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendent Randy Morris joined the meeting to give the departmental report. A written report was provided. Mr. Morris briefly discussed matters pertaining to the budget line item for salt brine, road salt and rock from Idaho Transportation Department.
Those present discussed matters pertaining to addressing. Mr. Morris commented that the Planning and Zoning Office has now been made aware that the Addressing Coordinator position is vacant so they’re questioning what to do with applications.
Mr. Morris referred to his department report and said work to Ruby Creek Bridge 2 started this morning. The public notice for this work and possible road closure was published in the newspaper as well as posted to the Road and Bridge webpage. Mr. Morris said when this bridge work is done all Ruby Creek bridges should be good for some time. Grader patching is being done this week, according to Mr. Morris.
Commissioners inquired about the mention of Spencer Hittle’s water right to Ruby Creek as it’s listed on the department report.
The meeting with Mr. Morris ended at 9:26 a.m.
Chief Deputy Clerk Nancy Ryals joined the meeting at 9:26 a.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve indigent case 2021-9. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chief Deputy Clerk Ryals left the meeting at 9:28 a.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Certificates of Residency for Aleah Jones and Rae Abraham. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to renew the contracts with Maria’s Cleaning Service. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to adopt Resolution 2021-18A. A resolution amending Resolution 2021-18, to correct a clerical error. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2021-18A reads as follows:
Resolution 2021-18A
Amending Resolution 2021-18 to Correct Clerical Error
Increasing Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Justice Fund Sheriff Budget
Due to Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for the Justice Fund Sheriff Budget for fiscal year 2020-2021, and
WHEREAS, $4,626.10 has been received from the University of Idaho as a Project SAFE Neighborhoods grant for the purchase of a bullet trap for bullet recovery and hearing protectors for use of the trap for the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office, and
WHEREAS, this revenue was unanticipated and the Boundary County Commissioners deem it in the best interest of the general public of Boundary County to increase the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Justice Fund Sheriff Budget for that purpose, and
WHEREAS, the addition of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to increase the Justice Fund revenue account number 0008-00-0391-0018 in the amount of $4,626.10 and the Justice Fund Sheriff Budget expense account number 0008-02-0440-0002, Supplies – Deputies, in the amount of $513.10 for the hearing protectors and expense account number 0008-02-0899-0000, Capital Other, in the amount of $4,113.00 for the purchase of a bullet trap.
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED that the increase to the Justice Fund revenue account number 0008-00-0391-0018 in the amount of $4,626.10 and the Justice Fund Sheriff Budget expense account number 0008-02-0440-0002, Supplies – Deputies, in the amount of $513.10 and expense account number 0008-02-0899-0000, Capital Other, in the amount of $4,113.00 is hereby authorized and ordered, and
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk is instructed to deliver certified copies of this resolution to the Boundary County Treasurer and the Boundary County Auditor.
DATED this 6th day of July 2021.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/_________________________________ Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/_________________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/__________________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/________________________________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #287531
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the New Private Road Name Request Form for Canusa Way for Applicant Shem Johnson. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull joined the meeting at 9:41 a.m.
Commissioners and Attorney Hull briefly discussed various matters.
10:00 a.m., Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen joined the meeting to give the department report.
Those present briefly discussed delinquent accounts owed to the landfill.
Attorney Hull left the meeting.
Mr. Skeen presented Commissioners with information on a 2021 Caterpillar 330 excavator and mentioned it’s through a piggyback offer through Sourcewell. Mr. Skeen reviewed finance information with Commissioners. Commissioner Bertling asked if there is a maximum number of hours. Mr. Skeen said he will put approximately 500 hours on this machine per year. At the end of five years, the machine cannot have more than 2500 hours. Mr. Skeen said if this is something Commissioners will consider, he would like to secure this machine as soon as possible.
Clerk Poston reviewed proposed budget information with Mr. Skeen.
Mr. Skeen commented that four years ago he had a test hole dug over old garbage at the landfill. The hole that was dug was approximately 20 feet deep and there was very little garbage. Mr. Skeen spoke of relocating this garbage so he would like to know what Commissioners want to do about this machine as he could put this machine to work tomorrow.
Clerk Poston briefly discussed leases versus a loan as well as the hour limitations. Mr. Skeen said during the winter there would be down time for the excavator. Clerk Poston explained the use of the landfill closure fund and how that’s the county borrowing from itself as the landfill is not closing anytime soon. Mr. Skeen said he will confirm information on the warranty and end of term balloon payment. Clerk Poston informed Mr. Skeen of the landfill’s position with cash in its budget.
Commissioner Bertling asked if the county has considered having its own wood grinder. Mr. Skeen said he has and a used machine is approximately $300,000.00 and the grizzly system can have very expensive repairs. Commissioner Bertling briefly spoke of separating out certain materials. Mr. Skeen said he needs to grind the wood pile at the landfill this year and he explained that he is actually able to burn wood waste, such as branches, but he cannot burn trade waste.
Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown joined the meeting.
Mr. Skeen said he received a quote of $12,200.00 for a Donovan tower pull tarp system for the Kenworth.
The meeting with Mr. Skeen ended at 10:35 a.m.
Ms. Brown met with Commissioners to give the Probation Department report.
Ms. Brown provided statistics for probation as follows: two people in the Diversion program, 24 people on juvenile probation with three new pending cases, 30 adults on misdemeanor probation, 192 people on unsupervised probation, five people in the drug court program, and six people are released on their own recognizance (OR). Ms. Brown said her office is just very busy. Commissioners handed Ms. Brown an updated list of community service sites.
Ms. Brown left the meeting at 10:45 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
10:54 a.m., Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley joined the meeting to give the department report. Mr. Buckley said he’s been busy. Mr. Buckley spoke of having issues with the sprinklers at various county properties and he explained having to work on the sprinklers at the County Annex.
Mr. Buckley said he cannot get any contractors to give him a call about repairing the sidewalks in front of the Courthouse and Sheriff’s Office, or about various roof repairs.
Mr. Buckley said he did some locates at the Probation Office so he will post no parking signs in certain parking spaces.
Mr. Buckley said he was amazed at the clean up left after the Fourth of July as there wasn’t much to clean up. Between two locations he only had half a bag of garbage as opposed to around ten bags as had been collected in the past. Mr. Buckley spoke of various air conditioning units not working last week and of having a couple new units on order. Mr. Buckley also mentioned having new valves for the boiler system to better regulate heat.
11:20 a.m., Boundary Economic Development Council Director Dennis Weed joined the meeting.
Mr. Buckley and those present discussed matters pertaining to security for Courthouse offices.
The meeting with Mr. Buckley ended at 11:25 a.m.
Kevin Lederhos with EL Automation/Internet joined the meeting at 11:27 a.m.
Mr. Weed said the topic of water issues should be discussed at the next city/county meeting. It’s not even about more people moving in to the county, but people who’ve been here a long time are having water issues. Mr. Weed said we should have a joint city/county meeting to discuss these water infrastructure issues throughout the county as these are issues we need to come to grips with both economically and socially. We need to figure out how to go about solving this issue. Mr. Weed said even if our area was to get rain and get out of the drought, he doesn’t think it will solve the problem.
Mr. Weed said we still need to keep the invoice regarding the sewer study so the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) can work on funds. Clerk Poston said she has been sending the invoice to the City of Moyie Springs. Mr. Weed said he doesn’t think she should stop sending the invoice so DEQ will continue work on it. The City of Moyie Springs is on the DEQ grant list because of the invoice, according to Mr. Weed. Clerk Poston clarified that she was to keep sending the invoice to keep it on everyone’s radar. The invoice is needed for DEQ purposes. Clerk Poston said the invoice is three years old at this point. Mr. Weed said it’s not a pay right now matter, but it’s for DEQ to resolve. Mr. Weed said the City of Moyie Springs is close to the 100 hookups. Acting Chairman Cossairt said the City of Moyie Springs would just have to purchase larger tanks. Mr. Weed said the cost would be $150,000.00 to $200,000.00 to add more tanks. Mr. Weed said at some point with the water table and how many leach fields are allowed, a sewer system is all that could handle that.
Mr. Weed said unemployment is still low. Alta Mill is down approximately 10 employees and Idaho Forest Group is down employees as well. Both mills have a signing bonus. The hospital is also having a hard time getting employees, according to Mr. Weed.
Mr. Weed said there are still some developers looking at land within the city. Mr. Weed referenced the old Pape’ building in relation to the Idaho Transportation Department project.
Mr. Weed commented that he still hasn’t heard from the state on the grant for the Economic Development Program, but he should hear about it in another week. There is a job posting for the Economic Development Director position, but no applications have come in yet.
The border between Canada and the United States might open up sometime between the months of August and October, according to Mr. Weed.
Commissioner Bertling asked Mr. Weed about the cell tower located near Moyie Springs. Mr. Weed said that tower has four slots on it. Mr. Weed explained that the cost for a space on this tower has been high. Those present mentioned that the tower hasn’t gone live yet.
The meeting with Mr. Weed ended at 11:55 a.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:00 p.m.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Acting Chairman Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners held a public hearing to consider Application #8-2021. An application for a variance to Road Standards Ordinance 2020-2 as it pertains to an approach. The Applicants are Carol Lucero, Susan Booth, Kathy Stueve, Edie Guthrie, and Fred Maas. Present were: Acting Chairman Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, and Michael Stevens and Kenneth Stevens. The hearing was recorded.
Acting Chairman Cossairt stated that Commissioners received a phone call from Boundary County Road and Bridge that they were still waiting for information and it had been advised to continue the hearing so Commissioners have rescheduled the hearing to Monday, August 2, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. This next hearing will also take place in Commissioners’ Office.
The hearing closed at 1:35 p.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
2:00 p.m., Prosecutor Andrakay Pluid joined the meeting to discuss matters pertaining to security for Courthouse offices.
Prosecutor Pluid said that Vern Wilson with Bonners Ferry Glass came to her office to look at options for increasing security and he explained how busy he was so she doesn’t have an estimate yet. Commissioner Bertling asked about the Victims Services Office and Prosecutor Pluid said the quote will include a security door for that office as well. Commissioner Bertling questioned relocating doors so there is just one central door. Prosecutor Pluid said that could be done, but there are privacy concerns that will make having a central door not feasible and she added that the office itself is not ideal. Prosecutor Pluid commented that she doesn’t yet have the figures from Bonners Ferry Glass so the meeting will have to be continued. Commissioner Bertling said it’s too bad there isn’t something that could be done at the entrance of the Courthouse. Prosecutor Pluid explained how the security process works at the Bonner County Courthouse.
Commissioner Bertling also commented on the issue involving stairs in the Courthouse. Commissioner Bertling referenced security and said it’s one of the things where you bite the bullet now as you don’t want to wait until something bad happens. Prosecutor Pluid explained that she’s looking at having glass over the front counter and a metal door with glass where the swinging door is now. Clerk Poston said as it was mentioned, there is a bigger picture to consider as security issues affect many offices. Clerk Poston added that maybe it’s a matter of having metal detectors at a couple areas in the Courthouse. Commissioner Bertling said it’s a band aid if you only do so much.
Kennon McClintock with The Nature Conservancy joined the meeting at 2:08 p.m.
Acting Chairman Cossairt said it would be nice to have current figures from Bonners Ferry Glass. Commissioner Bertling added that if the cost is $15,000.00 to update security measures for each office, something more of a permanent solution could be done at the main Courthouse access.
The meeting with Prosecutor Pluid ended at 2:10 p.m.
2:13 p.m., Edie Guthrie, Carol Lucero, Tony Klinkhammer, Fred Maas, and Darrell and Marilyn Tuma joined Mr. McClintock in Commissioners’ Office.
Mr. McClintock presented information on a 2021 application for a conservation easement through The Nature Conservancy. Mr. McClintock said this is the same as has always been done in the past when he’s talked with Commissioners about what the project is. Conservation easements protect working forest lands as well as protects recreation, wildlife habitat and clean air and water, in addition to keeping the county rural. A conservation easement provides that there are forest lands growing trees and supporting mills and infrastructure. It’s important and to keep lands together.
Mr. McClintock referred to his handout and provided a summary of what conservation easements are as follows: all traditional uses are allowed, such as agriculture, forestry, livestock, cottage industries, rentals, gravel pits, etc. Landowners continue to own the land. Conservation easements limit commercial development, subdivisions and most mining. Homes, shops, barns and outbuildings are permitted on each parcel if the owner desires. Property taxes and yield taxes do not change. Public use is sometimes included, and a conservation easement is in perpetuity.
Mr. McClintock commented that some Commissioners had been in favor of conservation easements, but then later were not and he added that he also wished conservation easements were only for 100 years, but Forest Legacy easements are in perpetuity. This year’s program involves working east of Moyie Springs and the Moyie River. Mr. McClintock explained that the property owners consist of 12 forest family landowners and he listed the families involved. Mr. McClintock pointed out the parcels on a map to Acting Chairman Cossairt.
Leonard Kucera joined the meeting at 2:33 p.m.
Mr. McClintock said areas on the map provided shown in red are all other lands in this program and it might be spring of year 2022 before that project is closed. Some lots will be sold, but easements will be put on them first. All of these families, except Mr. Klinkhammer, are long term forest land owners and the only way to protect them is a conservation easement, which is the property owner’s request.
Mr. McClintock referred to his handout on Idaho’s forest products industry for year 2020 and said it explains the statistics for Idaho. For every million feet of logs, 25 jobs are made. A study is planned to be done on forest products for Boundary County and the cost of the study is $25,000.00 to $30,000.00 and it’s being funded by various local agencies and people. Mr. McClintock then referred to his handout titled 2020 sources of timber supply by forest ownership for the fix north Idaho mills. Private lands in this region are very important. Mr. McClintock referred to information reporting a four-year span showing how much of the log supply is provided by private forest lands.
Mr. McClintock asked Commissioners for a letter of support. Commissioner Bertling said he doesn’t have a problem in providing a letter of support.
Mr. McClintock mentioned that he’s never had a project with small private landowners as it’s usually larger commercial companies. There will be one more project after this one and it will also consist of small private landowners, according to Mr. McClintock.
2:46 p.m., Pat Hart joined the meeting.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign a letter of support for the 2021 Forest Legacy Project for Boundary Woodland Owners, Phase I. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting to discuss conservation easements ended 2:50 p.m.
There being no further business, the meetings adjourned at 3:16 p.m.
_______________________________________
WALLY COSSAIRT, Acting Chairman
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk