***Monday, June 28, 2021, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Commissioners gave the opening invocation and said the Pledge of Allegiance.
9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendent Renee Nelson joined the meeting to give the department report. Ms. Nelson reviewed the written report she provided to include installing new flashing stop signs and painted stop bars at the intersection north and south of Roosevelt Road on Blume Hill Road. Road and Bridge has also been Durapatching, hot mix patching and preparing for chip sealing.
Ms. Nelson informed Commissioners that Road and Bridge submitted an Idaho Department of Water Resources permit, which will allow Road and Bridge to acquire water from the river to use for dust abatement.
Ms. Nelson said Ziply Fiber sent an email to Road and Bridge regarding damage to their lines on Lions Den Road. Road and Bridge was not doing any work on that road during this time, according to Ms. Nelson. Ziply’s Claims Department still feels the damage is due to bridge work. Ms. Nelson said the Bridge work was done in 2018 and she finds it difficult to believe Ziply’s line was damaged and unusable for two years and Ziply didn’t know it. Chairman Dinning said to turn the matter over to County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull.
Those present discussed matters pertaining to the Addressing Coordinator position. The county needs to post the vacancy to fill this position.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to accept the 2021 piggyback bid offer from Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions Inc. for liquid asphalt product and the Independent Contractor Agreement. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
This is a piggybacking off of Bonner County.
Those present discussed various Federal Highways’ projects.
The meeting with Ms. Nelson ended at 9:20 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
9:30 a.m., County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull joined the meeting to update Commissioners on various matters. Chairman Dinning informed Attorney Hull of Ziply Fiber’s claim of damage to their line on Lions Den Road.
Attorney Hull said he’s still waiting on the Federal Aviation Administration’s response as it relates to North Bench Fire Department’s lease with the county. Gary Gates with the FAA did respond, but this answer needs to come from higher up, according to Attorney Hull.
Attorney Hull said he needed to meet with the Road and Bridge Department regarding the Riverside Road Improvement Project.
9:43 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt 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 Bertling second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Bertling “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 9:50 a.m. No action was taken.
Attorney Hull and Commissioners discussed the matter of fireworks in relation to extreme dry weather conditions. Those present mentioned that there is state law pertaining to this matter.
The meeting with Attorney Hull ended at 10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m., Jared Yost with Innovate!, Inc. joined the meeting to discuss addressing. Commissioners commented about having a vacant Addressing Coordinator position now. Mr. Yost asked what the expectations are for a future addressing coordinator. Chairman Dinning said the new employee would answer to Innovate and Commissioners would look for input from Innovate as well. Those present questioned what the timeline would be. Innovate’s assistance is needed effective immediately and Mr. Yost will need to be in contact with Road and Bridge and County Mapper Olivia Drake. Those present questioned if a contract would consist of time, materials and mileage from the Courthouse to other locations. Mr. Yost said part of this is looking at the addressing process and trying to streamline it. Chairman Dinning said the first piece of this is to get someone working on addressing. Innovate will work on drafting a contract. Mr. Yost asked about any budget set aside for software needs.
The meeting with Mr. Yost ended at 10:15 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve Commissioners’ meeting minutes of June 14 & 15, 2021. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to reappoint Dave Wenk and Heather Gemmrig to the Boundary County Translator Board with terms to expire March 2024. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to reappoint Dave Wattenbarger, Ben Nystrom, and Larry Copeland to the Boundary County Noxious Weed Advisory Board with terms to expire January 31, 2024. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to reappoint Ty Iverson to the Boundary County Noxious Weed Advisory Board with a term to expire January 31, 2023. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to appoint Jim Dahlberg to the Boundary County Noxious Weed Advisory Board, replacing Ervin Madson, with a term to expire January 31, 2023. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Findings and Decision for Planning and Zoning Application #21-138, a lot line adjustment for Applicant Shem Johnson. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Findings and Decision for Planning and Zoning Application #21-064, a Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map Amendment filed by Applicants Kent and Krista Rotchy. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Real Property Lease between Kootenai River Lumber Company and Boundary County for overflow parking for the waterways boat launch. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Real Property Lease between Kootenai River Lumber Company and Boundary County for overflow parking for the Boundary County Fair. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Assessor Dave Ryals joined the meeting at 10:24 a.m.
Clerk Poston discussed the Idaho Association of Counties (IAC) unemployment fund. Clerk Poston said her suggestion is to leave this fund where it’s at. Clerk Poston explained that the county pays the Idaho Association of Counties instead of the state. IAC assesses the fees and are the negotiators so if there is a dispute, there is a mediator the county can go through. IAC does charge everyone an amount for administrative fees so in the long run it’s less expensive to handle it this way as opposed to going through the state. A majority of the counties do this and Boundary County pays approximately $3,000.00 per quarter into this fund, according to Clerk Poston.
10:27 a.m., Deputy Clerk Pam Barton joined the meeting.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to authorize the Chairman to sign Request for Reimbursement #13 for Airport Improvement Project 3-16-0004-017-2020, for the environmental study (phase II, environmental assessment) project. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to authorize the Chairman to sign Request for Reimbursement #1 for Airport Improvement Project 3-16-0004-020-2021, for the project to reseal runway 2/20, taxiway (parallel & connecting), taxilanes, and apron. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Barton reviewed the results of the Classification Committee regarding various county positions. Changes in grade would affect newly hired employees. Chairman Dinning said over the years, there had been some people who were adept at taking criteria to determine a grade for a job description to increase the wage. Sometimes a college degree is required, but at times employees are hired who don’t have that degree. Chairman Dinning said the Classification Committee acts as an advisory committee. Clerk Poston said during the Classification Committee meeting there were good discussions. It’s not the classification system that’s broken, it’s the wage, according to Clerk Poston. In comparison to other counties, we’re low where wages are concerned.
Assessor Ryals stated he largely agrees with the Clerk and he added that he’s tired of it. If the grade for an auto license clerk changes from an 8 to a 5, something is wrong with the system. Assessor Ryals said he can’t justify the result. With the new Idaho Transportation Department system and increased business, Assessor Ryals said he’s satisfied with the supervisory position grade, but was hoping the license clerk position would go from an 8 to a 9. Assessor Ryals added that he’s hoping Commissioners will set aside the findings of the Classification Committee. Ms. Barton relayed the wage assigned to each grade. Ms. Barton said she’s heard comments about health insurance not being as much as a draw for employees anymore. Assessor Ryals said Clerk Poston and Commissioners have made a lot of progress in increasing wages, but there is still a long way to go.
Commissioner Cossairt spoke of having the auto license trainee position going to a grade 5 or 6, which is a wage of $11.60 or $12.21 per hour. Chairman Dinning said we have a system that has generally worked well and now we’re caught in the wage side of that system. It’s conflicting with the shortage of employees and we need to reconcile this. Assessor Ryals commented that he’s asking for the auto license supervisory position to stay at its level, have the license clerk position increase from a grade 8 to a 9 and put the trainee position at a grade 7. The difference between the two grades should be added to the license clerk position, according to Assessor Ryals.
Clerk Poston said she wants to caution about grades 5, 6 and 7s as there are already employees at that grade in various departments. The question is what is the job worth, according to Assessor Ryals. There is a hardship and complexity to the Assessor’s Auto License Office.
It was said there was no issue with the solid waste position that was discussed by the Classification Committee. Commissioner Bertling said he doesn’t see how you can go backwards as far as the auto license clerk position. Assessor Ryals said he’s looking for a grade 7, 9 and 11 for his office positions discussed. Commissioner Bertling said he agrees with Assessor Ryals.
Clerk Poston referred to the landfill office manager position. Clerk Poston said she has deputy clerks in her office who are a grade 9, the Probation Office has a position that is a grade 9, the Road and Bridge Department secretary is a grade 9, and the part-time treasurer position is a grade 9. Commissioner Cossairt said he agrees.
Commissioner Bertling moved to accept the recommendation for the auto license supervisor grade, the Solid Waste office manager grade, new auto license trainee position to a grade 7, and the auto license clerk to a grade 9. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Assessor Ryals left the meeting at 11:02 a.m.
Sheriff Dave Kramer joined the meeting.
Commissioners and Sheriff Kramer discussed comments about banning and discharging fireworks due to extremely hot and dry weather conditions. Sheriff Kramer said the State of Idaho already has statutes pertaining to fireworks so there is already code. Chairman Dinning said the only thing the county can do is to stop the sale, but the state allows it. Sheriff Kramer said he doesn’t see any additional teeth other than what is already out there and he informed Commissioners that the Boundary County Fire Chief’s Association is putting out a public notice.
The meeting with Sheriff Kramer to discuss concerns over fireworks ended at 11:09 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
11:30 a.m., Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley joined the meeting.
Commissioners said they received an email from the Fair Board requesting to be the entity to issue the key code to renters of Memorial Hall. Chairman Dinning said it appears that it would lighten Mr. Buckley’s load. Mr. Buckley said he’s supposed to be made aware of who is renting Memorial Hall, but that doesn’t always happen as he’s not getting the updates. Mr. Buckley said he will hand over the responsibility of assigning key codes to the Fair Board. Clerk Poston clarified that the key codes needed to be changed after each renter’s use and there were a couple instances where it hadn’t been changed. The Fair Board will change the Memorial Hall renter’s code, but the key code for the veterans and Clerk’s Office for elections have separate codes. Chairman Dinning said those two codes won’t change. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners should probably think about this for a bit. Mr. Buckley explained his Monday morning routine to include going to Memorial Hall to see what condition the room is in after rental use.
The meeting to discuss Memorial Hall ended and Mr. Buckley left the meeting at 11:50 a.m.
11:52 a.m., Commissioners considered the county alcoholic beverage license for A & L Storage doing business as Carriage House Inn. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. The proceedings were recorded.
The completed county application, associated fee and 2021 State of Idaho Retail Alcoholic Beverage License have been received. Pending is the 2021 City of Bonners Ferry Retail Alcoholic Beverage License.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the 2021 County Alcoholic Beverage License for A & L Storage, Inc. dba Carriage House Inn to sell bottled and/or canned beer to be consumed on or off premises and wine pending receipt of the 2021 City of Bonners Ferry Retail Alcoholic Beverage License. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
The proceedings ended at 11:53 a.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at noon.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners held a public utility hearing for the KN21994 Boundary County Guardrail Upgrade project. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendent Renee Nelson, Jeremy Davy with Cabinet Mountains Water District (Cabinet Mountains), Local Highway Technical Assistance Council Safety Manager Kevin Kuther, and David Evans & Associates Project Manager David Witthaus. The proceedings were recorded.
It was said Boundary County had applied for public safety improvement funds to have guardrail installed on three roadways; Deep Creek Loop, Moyie River Road and Highland Flats Road. This project qualifies for this type of funding due to their history of crashes or fatalities on one or all of these roads. That’s the only improvement being done to these roads; installing guardrails in these locations.
At the beginning and throughout the project, there has been coordination with the design plans and this information was shared with utility companies. Cabinet Mountains Water District did request a hearing so this hearing is initiated by this utility’s request. It was said that no written comments were received.
Mr. Davy said as part of the plans and specifications for the project, it entails that there will be potholing of Cabinet Mountain’s waterline to confirm its location and it was specified this work would be done at Cabinet Mountain’s expense and that is the issue.
Mr. Kuther said the request was put in and there was only one area of concern for utility locates to be done. All locations were okay other than the one spot along Deep Creek, located on Highland Flats Road. The only concern for Cabinet Mountains is the guardrail installation. The area is shown on the diagram, which represents the guardrail, edge of the pavement and the guardrail is to be installed, for the most part, right at the edge of the pavement, except where the markings flare at the end, which is shown in the diagram as a blue waterline. A utility locate was done and it’s 3.8 feet to the waterline from the proposed guardrail. It’s entirely possible that there will be no impact and it’s just making sure the waterline’s location is known so not to hit it. There is just the one location where it might be too close to install the guardrail comfortably. The way the contract plans are written is that Cabinet Mountains would be responsible for the cost of potholing. It was further explained that the reason for having the utility company dig the pothole is that for any utility or franchise that is constructed within the county right-of-way, there is a franchise utility agreement and if you look at it, it is typically written so that the utility company is responsible for relocating a line if any improvements are made by the jurisdiction in that location. If the water line owned by the third party is in the county right-of-way, it should not be the county’s responsibility to pothole that. Chairman Dinning asked what the distance is and how many potholes are to be dug. Mr. Kuther said the distance is 3.8 feet from the water line.
Mr. Davy said he would be concerned about the potential of where the waterline runs as far as the guardrail at the other end as well. This is another scenario where the waterline is not a precise location so these are best estimates as far as plans and physical features, so he would be concerned about the line at the other end, too. Mr. Kuther said he would agree and he would encourage Cabinet Mountains to locate the line. Mr. Davy said the District’s question is to why they would pay for that, as it would be the excavator’s responsibility to dig down and identify the facility and retain and protect it. This does not allow for a style of digging this way so Cabinet Mountains would say there is no way to retain and protect the line by this method. Mr. Kuther said, typically you call a locate and try to avoid those areas. In this case, the county has an improvement project they would like to complete and the third party, the Cabinet Mountains Water District, has a line in the county’s right-of-way and the county has a right to ask the utility to relocate the line.
Ms. Nelson said since the utility doesn’t know the waterline’s location for sure and are concerned of other areas, by potholing they could document where their utilities are located. It would provide information for future work on waterlines. Mr. Kuther said it would be this entire stretch as the Cabinet Mountains is not quite sure. Mr. Davy spoke of having identifying markers so they know it’s close, but where this fades in together at other ends, the southern end, isn’t known. Mr. Kuther said he would not want to take responsibility to say where to pothole.
Chairman Dinning questioned how deep the waterline is. Mr. Kuther said there is no intention to have the waterlines relocated, but some type of mitigation work could be done. If the location of the waterline is not known, it will probably be found and it won’t be pleasant. If the exact location was known and there was a conflict, then that conflict could be addressed, such as either move or skip the post, etc.
Mr. Davy spoke of not having very wide shoulders in the area so the guardrail is right at the edge of the pavement.
Chairman Dinning asked if there is the ability in the vault to insert a tracer wire down the line. Mr. Davy said no, the option of shutting down won’t work. Ms. Nelson asked how far the post would be from the proposed waterline and it was said less than four feet. Ms. Nelson said when the county calls in locates and has other utilities involved, they’ve worked based on the locate mark. This is one of those situations where, because the water district isn’t totally sure of the waterline’s location, it would seem to make it a fair turnaround to pothole where that waterline is.
Mr. Davy made a statement about using the means and methods in which the utility would be retained and protected, but with post pounding, how would it be on the water district if using an excavator, etc.? Ms. Nelson said she would like to see the project done, but doesn’t want the contractor to pound the post in and have it go through a waterline. Ms. Nelson spoke of wanting to have a happy medium.
Commissioner Bertling asked about the county right-of-way on this road and asked if the utility follows the right-of-way. Ms. Nelson said she believes so. Ms. Nelson asked about width and it was said it’s 25 feet from the center for a total of 50 feet. All posts driven would be within the county right-of-way. Commissioner Bertling said, unfortunately this would have to be Cabinet Mountain’s responsibility. Mr. Davy would like a copy of the agreement that states when the water district was done that it would be responsible for this work in the future.
Chairman Dinning asked Mr. Kuther if this is in Idaho Code that it refers to all utilities in the county right-of-way or is this a franchise agreement with the county and water district. It was said that it’s common to have a franchise agreement, but if not, it’s in Idaho Code. Idaho Code Statute 40-210 was referred to about highways and utilities being able to be within county rights-of-way. Ms. Nelson reviewed the code statute. It was stated that a public highway may require relocation. In addition, at the design phase the highway shall give pubic notice, have a meeting and discuss goals and objectives, etc. It’s pretty much at the utility’s expense to relocate their infrastructure.
Chairman Dinning said going forward as far as this public hearing, Commissioners have comments from the utility company so are Commissioners charged with determining a resolution? Mr. Whitthaus said yes, it’s to have a resolution. It should be for Commissioners to decide on a path going forward. Chairman Dinning said to be clear, it’s looking at two sites for potholing; one at each end. It was said it’s for any location where Cabinet Mountains Water District might have concerns about the guardrail. Mr. Davy estimated a cost of $300.00 per hour, including drive time and it is probably a six-hour job for the project equating to a couple thousand dollars. The contractor is booked out for scheduling so he would need some kind of time frame. Mr. Kuther said from the construction standpoint, it might be getting to the end of the likelihood of something happening this fall. The project is to be advertised in August or September. Mr. Davy asked for clarification if potholing is to happen ahead of time or just prior to construction. Mr. Kuther said the main concern is that the locate doesn’t hold up the construction schedule so potholing could be at the time of the agreement and he would recommend it be done as early as possible, but it doesn’t need to occur until contract. Chairman Dinning asked if LHTAC would note the locates in the plans once they’ve been located as ground markers would disappear in the winter. It was said LHTAC could have visible markers for those locations.
Ms. Nelson said if Cabinet Mountains could do the potholing, how does LHTAC get that information so we don’t lose anything. Mr. Kuther said they would like to help in establishing locations and document it. It was said that it’s Cabinet Mountains responsibility to determine the location so they’re comfortable there won’t be any issue. Mr. Davy said the intent is for the guardrail to travel right along the county road, except at the two flared ends.
Commissioner Cossairt said the county is benefitting so it should have to contribute something.
Ms. Nelson said this is a safety project and we’re reimbursed at 100% so if that is a fair share, that is fine with her, too. Commissioner Bertling said what happens later on when there’s a bigger project, as this sets a precedence in that another utility company will expect the county to compensate them. Ms. Nelson said that has been the stress Road and Bridge has as the utilities are in the back of the county right-of-way and it’s known so this will help Cabinet Mountains pothole and mark their lines. Mr. Davy said at the end of the day Cabinet Mountains will do what it has to do in order to protect infrastructure, but like Commissioner Bertling said, there are approximately 70 miles of waterlines. There is no mechanism at this point of knowing what is to happen in the future and it may be a common thing to have to dig more.
Commissioner Bertling spoke of concerns regarding a subdivision near his home and the utilities were placed in the county’s right-of-way, but precautions were taken. Chairman Dinning said looking back, it would be nice to have a tracer line and he’s guessing Cabinet Mountains has almost 70 miles of waterlines with no tracer line. The other aspect, should Boundary County have to pay for it, it is setting a precedent to dig. It was said that other utility companies, such as Northern Lights are going to have to pothole as well so it wasn’t certain if Commissioners were aware. Ms. Nelson said Northern Lights didn’t request a utility hearing; they just signed a waiver that potholing would be done at their expense.
Commissioner Bertling moved that the cost of potholing for the guardrail project is the responsibility of Cabinet Mountains Water District. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Dinning clarified that this is in essence, denying Cabinet Mountain’s request.
The utility hearing for the KN21994 Boundary County Guardrail Upgrade project ended at 2:18 p.m.
Ms. Nelson, Mr. Davy and Commissioners voiced various questions pertaining to the project and this type of work before Ms. Nelson and Mr. Davy left the meeting.
2:30 p.m., Airport Board Chairman Jay Wages, Airport Manager Dave Parker, Travis Wisberg, and Jesse Stafford joined the meeting to continue the discussion about the hangar site requested by Hilt Venture Capital.
Chairman Dinning mentioned not wanting the county to act arbitrarily if the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved the hangar plan for Hilt Venture Capital.
Mr. Wisberg spoke of this proposed hangar site and future hangar sites as it pertains to jets and engine thrust in relation to airplanes taxiing and turning and possible affects to other planes parked in front of their hangars. Chairman Dinning asked if there is a time crunch to get the hangar constructed.
Mr. Stafford said his petition was not a denial of a hangar period, but is as it pertains to the design proposed. Commissioner Bertling agreed with Mr. Stafford that in using a tug would make more sense. The plane could be started safely. Chairman Dinning said he feels it would be good to have the Airport Board discuss this a bit more to give it due process. The fuel situation needs to be addressed and to state that Mr. Parker is not on call 24/7. The issue is in the winter and being able to take off without ice issues. Mr. Parker said the FAA approved the hangar site as they had received information on the height and corners of the hangar. Commissioner Bertling said the airport is dealing with limited space.
Mr. Stafford said he tried to gather data on the thrust velocity of this particular aircraft for his petition, but wasn’t able to. Mr. Stafford added that it is the thrust to get the aircraft moving; not when it’s taxiing, turning, etc.
The meeting to discuss the proposed Hilt Venture Capital hangar ended at 2:47 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
***Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Commissioner Tim Bertling was out of the office tending to another matter.
9:00 a.m., Assistant Restorium Administrator Diana Lane joined the meeting to give an update on Restorium matters.
Ms. Lane said the Restorium hasn’t received information on pricing for residency at Sunset Homes. The Restorium is still working on hiring more employees, according to Ms. Lane. Those present discussed recruitment ideas, such as covering the cost of certified nursing assistant (CNA) courses if the student commits to working for the Restorium for a period of time.
Commissioner Cossairt asked what else is needed at the Restorium. Ms. Lane said the only thing that is lacking is a call system.
The meeting with Ms. lane ended at 9:10 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
Commissioners addressed the list of businesses and entities where people on probation can perform community service.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
Chairman Dinning stated for the record that Commissioners have made a motion to accept offers for two county tax deeded parcels and it’s been determined that the legal descriptions are correct.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the revised list of community service entities. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
10:11 a.m., Boundary County Emergency Manager Andrew O’Neel joined the meeting to present Commissioners with the Idaho Office of Emergency Management Pre-Disaster Grant documents.
Mr. O’Neel said this paperwork is for the Idaho Office of Emergency Management 2019 Subrecipient Agreement for the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This funding is for planning the update of the All Hazard Mitigation Plan. The current plan has expired as it expires every five years and it’s important that this plan be updated, according to Mr. O’Neel. The federal share is $23,433.72 and the county’s share is $7,811.28 and is in-kind. Mr. O’Neel explained that this is the initial paperwork, which is the agreement between the county and state where we agree to abide by all federal rules. The county will contract for the plan update and Mr. O’Neel said he’s working on the requests for proposals. The major milestones are hiring a consultant, gathering data and updating risk assessments by the end of February, engage with the community by March 31st, create the new plan and have a technical review by the end of May. It takes approximately six months for FEMA to approve the plan. The first step is hiring a consultant, identify stakeholders, select a planning team, etc. Mr. O’Neel said he’s required to provide quarterly updates, track hours and show proof of in-kind match and once that is done, reimbursements will be made to the county. This is a reimbursement grant so the county will put up funds initially, but in the end there should be no cost to the county, according Mr. O’Neel.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Idaho Office of Emergency Management Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant, Grant Adjustment Notice documents totaling $23,433.72 and a county match of $7,811.28. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. O’Neel mentioned that there is an informational meeting coming up regarding creating a response plan for Deep Creek and the Kootenai River that Commissioners are invited to.
Commissioners informed Mr. O’Neel that they would like him to draft a press release asking the public to use extreme caution during this unseasonably hot and dry time as it pertains to fireworks.
The meeting with Mr. O’Neel ended at 10:33 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
10:35 a.m., Commissioners and Clerk Poston held a budget workshop.
The meeting ended at 11:30 a.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
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DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk