***Monday, January 3, 2022, 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-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris joined the meeting to give the departmental report. A written report was provided. Mr. Morris said Road and Bridge is plowing snow now, but had been sanding and salting before this snowfall hit.
Road and Bridge is working on the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) application for the Myrtle Creek Bridge located by the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge. There is no local match required for this project. Ms. Nelson explained the process of reaching out to other agencies regarding the project.
Ms. Nelson commented about still waiting to receive information about the Union Pacific guardrail project.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the US Fish & Wildlife Service – Migratory Bird Permit 2021 Annual Report for the Riverside Road Improvement Project. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)a, to consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent. 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 9:20 a.m. a.m. No action was taken.
County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull contacted Commissioners via telephone.
9:20 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)f, to communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. 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 9:29 a.m. No action was taken.
9:29 a.m., Doug Higgins and Dustin Ridgely with Three Mile Water District joined the meeting.
The meeting with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 9:30 a.m.
Commissioners discussed the water line on county property located west of the landfill. Commissioner Bertling mentioned that he spoke to property owner Wayne Dyck who said Three Mile Water District wanted a 30-foot easement if he was install a new water line. Mr. Higgins said the property has to touch the main line for 30 feet to receive their water service, and he explained that a 30-foot easement is required so there is room to work on the line. Chairman Dinning said the county has a 60-foot easement on the south side and it turns and goes up halfway so can that be used instead? It was questioned why the easement has to be on the north end. Chairman Dinning asked if the relocation is just for Mr. Dyck and Mr. Higgins said yes, and he added that it’s not an easement; it’s Mr. Dyck’s property. Mr. Higgins said Mr. Dyck was trying to do a lot line adjustment and Mr. Dyck presented this at the north end. The property has to touch the main before Mr. Dyck gets water service. Commissioner Bertling questioned being grandfathered in. Mr. Higgins spoke of trying to find a solution so Mr. Dyck didn’t have to put in a 6-inch main for himself so a lot line adjustment was suggested. Chairman Dinning said on the north end, unless Mr. Dyck owns to the main line, he can’t even put in a 1-inch line. Attorney Hull said the county cannot give away property without appraisals, etc. Mr. Higgins said the idea was for an exchange. Attorney Hull commented that the county falls into the same situation, adding that the county’s rules are pretty prescriptive as far as appraisals and purchasing. The time to have looked at this is when changing the easement location to see if tradeoffs could’ve been made, but now it doesn’t look like what Mr. Dyck wants can be done. Chairman Dinning said one solution is for Mr. Dyck to put in an easement down at the south end.
9:37 a.m., Gregory Lamberty joined the meeting.
Mr. Higgins and Mr. Ridgely left the meeting at 9:38 a.m.
Attorney Hull and Chairman Dinning commented that nothing new has come out on the National Opioid Settlement Notice and they will work on the map for parking as it pertains to the former North Idaho College building.
The call to Attorney Hull ended at 9:41 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Grant Increase Amendment to Boundary County’s Wastewater Grant No. WWG-397-2018-7. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation form for tax year 2021 for parcel #RPB00000226930A and to cancel tax in the amount of $1,371.18 as the homeowner’s exemption was received after the July abstract cutoff. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Public Defense signature page for the 2021 Indigent Defense Expenditure Report. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2022-7. A resolution establishing Commissioner Districts. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2022-7 reads as follows:
Resolution 2022-7
A Resolution Establishing Commissioner Districts
WHEREAS, Idaho Code 31-704 requires the board of commissioners to district their county into three districts at the regular meeting in January preceding any general election into three districts, as nearly equal in population as may be, to be known as county commissioners’ districts numbers one (1), two (2) and three (3); and
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded, and unanimously carried,
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho establish the following commissioner districts based on the 2020 Census:
Boundary County Commissioner Districts – 2022
District 1
Beginning at the intersection of the Boundary-Bonner County Line and the centerline of U.S. Highway 95 & 2 (Hwy 95); thence northerly along the centerline of Hwy 95 to the overpass intersection with the centerline of the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) near Naples; thence northerly along the centerline of the UPRR to the intersection with the centerline of Deep Creek Loop, a County road; thence northerly and easterly along the centerline of Deep Creek Loop to the underpass intersection with the centerline of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF) near the golf course; thence northerly along the centerline of the BNSF to the overpass intersection with Hwy 95 in Bonners Ferry; thence northerly along the centerline of Hwy 95 to the intersection with the centerline of State Highway 1 (Hwy 1); thence northerly along the centerline of Hwy 1 to the intersection with the United States – Canada International Boundary Line; thence west along said International Boundary Line to the Idaho – Washington State Boundary Line; thence south along said State Boundary Line to the intersection with the Boundary – Bonner County Line; thence east along said County Line; thence south along said County Line; thence east along said County Line to the intersection with the centerline of Hwy 95 and the place of beginning.
District 2
Beginning at the intersection of the centerline of State Highway 1 (Hwy 1) and the United States – Canada International Boundary Line; thence east along said International Boundary Line to the Idaho – Montana State Boundary Line; thence south along said State Boundary Line to the intersection with the centerline of the Kootenai River; thence northerly and westerly along the centerline of the Kootenai River to the intersection with the centerline of U.S. Highway 95 (Hwy 95); thence northerly along the centerline of Hwy 95 to the intersection with the centerline of Hwy 1; thence northerly along the centerline of Hwy 1 to the intersection with the United States – Canada International Boundary Line and the place of beginning.
District 3
Beginning at the intersection of the Boundary-Bonner County Line and the centerline of U.S. Highway 95 & 2 (Hwy 95); thence northerly along the centerline of Hwy 95 to the overpass intersection with the centerline of the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) near Naples; thence northerly along the centerline of the UPRR to the intersection with the centerline of Deep Creek Loop, a County road; thence northerly and easterly along the centerline of Deep Creek Loop to the underpass intersection with the centerline of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF) near the golf course; thence northerly along the centerline of the BNSF to the overpass intersection with Hwy 95 in Bonners Ferry; thence northerly along the centerline of Hwy 95 to the intersection with the centerline of the Kootenai River; thence easterly and southerly along the centerline of the Kootenai River to the Idaho – Montana State Boundary Line; thence south along said State Boundary Line to the Boundary – Bonner County Line; thence west along said County Line to the intersection with the centerline of Hwy 95 and the place of beginning.
DATED this 3rd day of January, 2022
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF 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 #289887
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2022-8. A resolution establishing polling sites in Boundary County. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2022-8 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2022-8
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING POLLING SITES IN BOUNDARY COUNTY
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, has established seven polling sites within the County, and
WHEREAS, those sites are the Bonners Ferry/Kootenai Precinct, Copeland Precinct, Moyie Springs Precinct, Naples Precinct, North Bonners Ferry Precinct, Valley View Precinct, and the Countywide Absentee Voting Precinct
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded, and unanimously carried,
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho hereby reaffirms the polling sites for elections to be held in Boundary County in calendar year 2022 as follows:
PRECINCT LOCATION
Bonners Ferry/Kootenai Precinct Exhibit Hall, Boundary County Fairgrounds
Copeland Precinct Mt. Hall School
Moyie Springs Precinct Moyie Springs City Hall
Naples Precinct South Boundary Fire Hall
North Bonners Ferry Precinct Exhibit Hall, Boundary County Fairgrounds
Valley View Precinct Exhibit Hall, Boundary County Fairgrounds
Countywide Absentee Voting Precinct Boundary County Courthouse
DATED this 3rd day of January, 2022
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF 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 #289888
Commissioner Cossairt moved to reappoint Ken Goggia and Bert Wood to the Boundary County Fair Board with terms to expire February 2026. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to reappoint Caleb Davis and Rob Woywod to the Planning and Zoning Commission with terms to expire January 2026. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2022-9. A resolution of the Boundary County Commissioners, a political subdivision of the State of Idaho, Reappointing Caleb Davis to a seat on the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission and providing an effective date. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2022-9 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-9
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOUNDARY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE OF IDAHO, REAPPOINTING CALEB DAVIS TO A SEAT ON THE BOUNDARY COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §67-6504(a) and Boundary County Land Use Ordinance Section 3.6.3. provide the authority for the appointment and reappointment of members to the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Commissioners have the authority under Idaho Code and Boundary County’s Land Use Ordinance to appoint members to the Planning and Zoning Commission, subject to the confirmation by majority vote of the Boundary County Commissioners; and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission has submitted the name of Caleb Davis for reappointment to the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission; and
WHEREAS, Caleb Davis has expressed his interest in being reappointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission; and
WHEREAS, Caleb Davis meets the eligibility requirements of Idaho Code and Boundary County’s Land Use Ordinance to serve on the Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOUNDARY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS: That Resolution No. 2022-9 is hereby adopted reappointing Caleb Davis to a four-year term on the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission, ending January 2026.
PASSED and APPROVED by the Boundary County Board of Commissioners this 3rd day of January 2022.
BOUNDARY COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
s/____________________________
DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
s/____________________________
WALLY COSSAIRT, Commissioner
s/____________________________
TIM BERTLING, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
Recorded as instrument #289889
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2022-10. A resolution of the Boundary County Commissioners, a political subdivision of the State of Idaho, Reappointing Rob Woywod to a seat on the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission and providing an effective date. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2022-10 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-10
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOUNDARY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE OF IDAHO, REAPPOINTING ROB WOYWOD TO A SEAT ON THE BOUNDARY COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §67-6504(a) and Boundary County Land Use Ordinance Section 3.6.3. provide the authority for the appointment and reappointment of members to the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Commissioners have the authority under Idaho Code and Boundary County’s Land Use Ordinance to appoint members to the Planning and Zoning Commission, subject to the confirmation by majority vote of the Boundary County Commissioners; and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission has submitted the name of Rob Woywod for reappointment to the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission; and
WHEREAS, Rob Woywod has expressed his interest in being reappointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission; and
WHEREAS, Rob Woywod meets the eligibility requirements of Idaho Code and Boundary County’s Land Use Ordinance to serve on the Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOUNDARY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS: That Resolution No. 2022-10 is hereby adopted reappointing Rob Woywod to a four-year term on the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission, ending January 2026.
PASSED and APPROVED by the Boundary County Board of Commissioners this 3rd day of January 2022.
BOUNDARY COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
s/____________________________
DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
s/____________________________
WALLY COSSAIRT, Commissioner
s/____________________________
TIM BERTLING, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
Recorded as instrument #289890
Chairman Dinning said a couple of years ago the new personnel policy was adopted and the date to have used up vacation time that was over the allowed amount to carry over into the next year changed to December 25th, which is the end of the pay period, or Commissioners were to have received a request to extend the time those vacation hours could be taken. The calendar year used to be the cutoff date. With COVID-19, employees were unable to take time off and Commissioners had asked those present at the last elected officials and department head meeting to submit a request for an extension for their employees who needed more time to use their vacation hours.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve carrying over 10.75 hours for a county employee. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation form for tax year 2021 for parcel #RPB0400001018AA and to cancel tax in the amount of $973.94 as the homeowner’s exemption was received after the July abstract cutoff. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation form for tax year 2021 for parcel #RP61N01W256310 and to cancel late fees in the amount of $9.24 as the original payment was on time and the error was due to processing company; not the payor’s error. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
10:30 a.m., Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown joined the meeting to give the Probation Department report. Ms. Brown said there is nobody currently in the Diversion program. There are 18 people on juvenile probation with six cases pending. Ms. Brown commented that there were 31 juvenile cases, which is higher than it has been the last three to four years. There are 30 people on supervised misdemeanor probation, 180 people on unsupervised probation, and five people in drug court. Ms. Brown said her office is staying pretty busy. Ms. Brown commented that there are a lot of issues associated with fentanyl coming in. A new job description for a proposed part-time position in the Probation Office was sent to Personnel Director Pam Barton to take to the Classification Committee. Ms. Brown said she will see if the position works. Chairman Dinning suggested that Ms. Brown prepare her budget as if the position is full-time.
Ms. Brown commented that she asked Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley if he could find a baby changing station for the Probation Office, so he will see if he can find a model that is transportable so both mothers and fathers can use it in different locations.
The meeting with Ms. Brown ended at 10:30 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the Commissioners’ meeting minutes of December 27 & 28, 2021. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
11:00 a.m., Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley joined the meeting to give the department report.
Mr. Buckley said he’s been busy and he informed Commissioners that we have two feet above the amount of snow we had last year and we’re just getting started so he’s going to be busy with snow. Mr. Buckley said he’s been keeping the area behind the County Annex cleared out and he added that the gutters have not yet been installed. Mr. Buckley discussed working with Doug Reoch on measurements for other county offices that need window blinds. Chairman Dinning asked Mr. Buckley if he could take a look at the former NIC building to see if that area needs cleared of snow, etc.
The meeting with Mr. Buckley ended at 11:10 a.m.
Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee joined at 11:00 a.m.
Ms. Magee informed Commissioners that the Restorium now has 23 residents and four inquiries have been received as well. Panhandle Health District will offer a clinic for the vaccine booster, according to Ms. Magee.
11:15 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 11:54 a.m. No action was taken.
Ms. Magee left the meeting.
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.
Lead Deputy Court Clerk Della Armstrong joined Commissioners for their 1:30 p.m. meeting.
1:30 p.m., Attorney Dana Bowes contacted Commissioners via telephone to discuss the county’s public defender vacancy. Lead Deputy Court Clerk Armstrong explained how Boundary County’s courts follows the Idaho Supreme Court as it pertains to wearing masks and appearing via Zoom and she also spoke of the judges’ preferences in various court proceedings.
Those present discussed the public defender schedule rotations, conflicts and reviewed current contract details, etc.
The call with Attorney Bowes ended at 1:48 p.m.
Lead Deputy Court Clerk Armstrong left the meeting at 1:54 p.m.
Airport Manager Dave Parker joined the meeting at 1:54 p.m.
Mr. Parker handed Commissioners a map of properties surrounding the airport and explained which portions are county-owned as well as the easement that was given away a long time ago. Mr. Parker spoke of the All Weather Observation System being set up a few years ago on land already owned by the county. Parcel A-8A, shown on the map, is an area the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) thinks the county should own and it’s an area within the clear zone. This area is 80 feet wide and a total of 4.9 acres. The fence is in the clear zone and it’s not ideal, according to Mr. Parker. Sunrise Road was built off of the south end of the airport property and the Howard property. The Howard property is for sale and for the amount of land the county would need, the value is approximately $100,000.00 so approximately $25,000.00 per acre. Mr. Parker said the county was awarded a grant for the rotating beacon and to purchase land so we have the ability to purchase the land with grant funds and the 15% match. Mr. Parker said he contacted Gary Gates with the FAA and learned that in order to construct a road in that area and get rid of the other easement, the county would have to do an environmental assessment. Mr. Parker said the county is in an assessment right now so he contacted Trey Dail with T-O Engineering to get this area included. Mr. Parker mentioned that Mr. Dail said the land is for sale and the county could buy it with state funds before doing any trading of land. The subject area is just the strip, but Mr. Parker wanted to see what Commissioners want to do. If the county used state funds, there would not need to be an environmental assessment, but an appraisal would still need to be done. Chairman Dinning said in breaking this down and aside from easements, the county could purchase the four acres, but he wants to get rid of the other easement. So, if exchanging land for a much better access will get rid of that other easement, that takes care of something that needs to be done.
Commissioner Cossairt said he thinks the county should purchase this land while it can. Commissioner Bertling agreed. Chairman Dinning said to let County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull put together the documents Commissioners need, to include buying the land and getting rid of the easement.
Mr. Parker discussed taking land away from Tom Iverson with T&T Farms during the process of constructing more hangars. Mr. Iverson leases this land from the airport. Mr. Parker said he and Mr. Iverson toured the property together and the legal description for the lease agreement needs to be reduced by one and one-quarter of an acre due to the construction of the snow removal building and strip of land and hangars.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to reduce the airport land acreage for the farming lease with T&T Farms by one and one-quarter acres. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with Mr. Parker ended at 2:13 p.m.
2:16 p.m., Commissioners contacted County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull via telephone. Commissioners updated Attorney Hull about the matter regarding an easement and purchase of property at the airport. Commissioners discussed an interest in purchasing an 80-foot wide piece of land out of the Howard property for approximately $100,000.00, but they would prefer Attorney Hull contact the Howards.
Personnel Director Pam Barton joined the meeting at 2:19 p.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 call to Attorney Hull ended at 2:43 p.m.
The executive session ended at 2:58 p.m. No action was taken.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the request for the sick leave bank to provide 80.8 hours for an employee. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Those present discussed the number of hours to accept as donations made by county employees toward the sick leave bank. The sick leave bank currently has 6,216.38 hours available. The proposal is to set the limit at six hours for existing sick leave bank members and 16 hours for new members.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to accept the donation of 16 hours from employees who want to join the sick leave bank and six hours from existing sick leave bank members. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Those present discussed the makeup of the sick leave bank committee. Chairman Dinning said he feels the county’s personnel director should be the chairperson of the committee.
Commissioner Bertling moved to appoint the county personnel director as the chairperson for the Sick Leave Bank Committee. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Barton left the meeting at 3:06 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
***Tuesday, January 4, 2022, 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.
9:00 a.m., Chris and Treva Rawlings with Rawlings Community Counseling joined the meeting at Commissioners’ request to discuss the possibility of offering counseling services to Restorium employees who wish to receive this service.
Chairman Dinning explained that Restorium staff have had a hard time with COVID-19 and losing residents they’ve grown close to. Commissioners said they wondered what kind of services Rawlings Community Counseling could provide and what would the cost be. These would be public funds so Commissioners need to be mindful of that. Ms. Rawlings said she and her staff did hold a meeting about this and they have some ideas to bring forward, but they also have questions. Ms. Rawlings said it’s probably unrealistic to go to the Restorium to reach staff during work hours as the Restorium is already short staffed. Ms. Rawlings spoke of the benefit of the employee knowing they can schedule an appointment with her office.
9:05 a.m., Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee and Assistant Administrator Diana Lane joined the meeting.
Ms. Rawlings said she’s just trying to determine what would work for the Restorium and what they might need. She added that in the past, they’ve done psychoeducation sessions and let employees know that the counseling staff can meet with them and have three to five sessions for grief support. Mr. Rawlings said in his experience, sometimes trying to schedule a session is stressful in itself and he doesn’t want it to be that way so Rawlings Community Counseling will want to know what works for the Restorium. It was said that it might be best to have a Restorium staff meeting and invite Rawlings Community Counseling to give a presentation. Then the employee can schedule a session separately. Ms. Rawlings asked about the county’s non-profit status and mentioned she could provide services at the Medicaid rate. Mr. Rawlings discussed possibility three to five individual sessions.
Ms. Magee briefly commented on how many residents have passed away from COVID-19, as well as one employee. Chairman Dinning said COVID-19 created a situation where all employees have had to deal with loss. Ms. Magee said it’s not only the loss of the resident as it can be a loss of the family who comes to visit a Restorium resident as it’s one big family. Clerk Poston said with COVID-19 and having to stop visits, you lose that communication with people.
Clerk Poston asked about the Employee Assistance Program and she mentioned she would contact GEM Plan Insurance to see if something is available. Ms. Rawlings said she can also bill insurance and she mentioned waiving copays, etc. as possible options.
Chairman Dinning asked if the county is going to cover the over-time if the employee came in during their time off and he questioned what is the right thing to do. Ms. Lane said the Restorium would need to state to the Restorium employees that the county is seeing this through to a certain point and beyond that, those appointments would need to be covered by that employee.
The meeting to discuss counseling services ended at 9:37 a.m.
9:40 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 9:57 a.m. No action was taken.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to grant an extension of time to receive year 2018 taxes for parcel #RP62N02E241361A and #RP62N02E246010A and to accept $500.00 by January 12, 2022, and to accept the balance of tax due by March 9, 2022. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificates of Residency for Erica Romero. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the minutes for the week of December 13, 2021. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
_____________________________________
DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
___________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk