***Monday, August 1, 2022, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser and Deputy Clerk Cynthia Loughney.
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 department report. A written report was provided.
County Deputy Assessor/County Mapper Olivia Drake also joined the meeting.
Ms. Drake discussed the quote from ERSI computer program and associated costs. Chairman Dinning said the county can issue the payment of $229.50 now for the software portion. The details of the invoice and what services are provided were discussed. Clerk Poston said the payment can come out of the budget for data. Chairman Dinning said we would get the check issued.
Ms. Drake left the meeting at 9:05 a.m.
Tim Dougherty joined the meeting at 9:05 a.m.
The Road & Bridge report was reviewed. Road and Bridge still has some ditch work to do. Mr. Morris discussed issues with Smith Lake Road.
Ms. Nelson said the Myrtle Creek bridge site visit went really well and they’re just waiting for the bridge inspection report. Ms. Nelson said inspectors have asked for some updates so she is working on that.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to go out for the fiscal year 2022-2023 county fuel supply bid and to sign associated documents. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Those present discussed a matter of the use of plastic culverts.
Ms. Nelson asked what do we need to do to get the county’s Road Standards Ordinance revised. Chairman Dinning said he is working with County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull on that. Chairman Dinning explained the timeline for the notice of public hearing in the newspaper in relation to when the hearing for proposed changes to the ordinance can be held.
Those present discussed the process for updating road ordinances and the need to discuss and grandfather all prior approaches.
Those present discussed the new commercial driver’s license (CDL) program, cost of the course, location, requirements, and how much the State of Idaho will pay toward the program.
Mr. Dougherty thanked the Commissioners for their stance on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.
Mr. Dougherty left the meeting at 9:22 a.m.
9:22 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 10:30 a.m. No action was taken.
The meeting with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 9:30 a.m.
9:35 a.m., Commissioners contacted County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull via telephone to review various matters Attorney Hull is reviewing.
Commissioners discussed details associated with the CDL class to include possible class cost reimbursement. Commissioners and Attorney Hull discussed needing to update the Road Standards Ordinance.
Attorney Tevis Hull updated those attending on various matters to include public defender contacts, proposed lease with North Bench Fire Department, the Covid-19 exemption forms, and the roofing issue at the jail.
Commissioners and Civil Attorney Tevis Hull discussed scheduling a meeting next week with Planning and Zoning Administrator Clare Marley regarding property splits that were done out of conformance with the Land Use Ordinance. Attorney Hull said he is still working on the railroad tie claim.
The call to Attorney Tevis Hall ended at 9:45 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties until their next meeting.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt resolution 2022-32. A resolution acknowledging receipt of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2022-32 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2022-32
A Resolution Acknowledging Receipt of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds
WHEREAS, the American Rescue Plan was passed by Congress on March 10, 2021 and was signed into law on March 11, 2021. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) established the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund and Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, which together make up the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program. This program is intended to provide support to State, territorial, local and Tribal governments in responding to the economic and public health impacts of COVID-19 and in their efforts to contain impacts on their communities, residents, and businesses, and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did apply for those funds, and
WHEREAS, Section 603 of ARPA provides payments to eligible local governments in two payments, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County received the first payment in the amount of $1,189,224.00 on May 24, 2021 and the second payment in the amount of $1,189,224.00 on July 5, 2022. These funds accrue monthly interest, and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Commissioners deem it in the best interest of the general public of Boundary County to deposit the funds received into Boundary County Fund 9135, ARPA Trust Fund, to fund eligible projects as outlined by the U.S. Department of Treasury, and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, to adopt resolutions to fund ARPA projects as those projects are approved by the Board.
ADOPTED as a Resolution of the Board of County Commissioners of Boundary County, Idaho upon a majority vote on the 8th day of August, 2022.
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 #292130
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2022-33. A resolution increasing cash in various county budgets due to receipt of unanticipated revenue for the amount of $18,965.84. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2022-33 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2022-33
Increasing Cash in Various County Budgets Due to Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish operating budgets for Boundary County Funds for fiscal year 2021-2022, and
WHEREAS, funds have been received in the amount of $18,965.84 from the Government Employees Medical Plan (GEM Plan) as a rebate to Boundary County due to COVID-19, and
WHEREAS, those funds were deposited into Fund 9118, Insurance Reimbursement Trust, and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, deem it in the best interest of the general public of Boundary County to put the cash back into various Boundary County Funds, and
WHEREAS, the addition of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to transfer cash from the Insurance Reimbursement Trust Fund Number 9118-00-0081-000 in the amount of $18,965.84 and increase cash in various Boundary County Funds in the total amount of $18,965.84 to be disbursed as follows:
Amount Credit to Account #
1006.21 01-01-0413
170.17 01-04-0413
836.04 01-02-0413
392.12 01-03-0413
554.89 01-05-0413
75.47 01-06-0413
214.56 01-10-0413
503.10 01-13-0413
192.36 06-00-0413
614.08 06-01-0413
665.87 08-01-0413
5319.57 08-02-0413
749.09 08-03-0413
3151.79 02-00-0413
2389.74 36-00-0413
865.63 20-00-0413
1021.00 23-00-0413
244.15 27-00-0413
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED that the transfer of cash from the Insurance Reimbursement Trust Fund Number 9118-00-0081-000 in the amount of $18,965.84 and the increase in various Boundary County Funds in the total amount of $18,965.84 to be disbursed as outlined above 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.
PASSED this 8th day of August, 2022.
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 #292131
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2022-34. A resolution increasing cash in various county budgets due to receipt of unanticipated revenue for the amount of $64,614.39. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2022-34 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2022-34
Increasing Cash in Various County Budgets Due to Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish operating budgets for Boundary County Funds for fiscal year 2021-2022, and
WHEREAS, funds have been received in the amount of $64,614.39 from the Idaho State Insurance Fund as a rebate to Boundary County for Worker’s Compensation premiums charged, and
WHEREAS, those funds were deposited into Fund 9118, Insurance Reimbursement Trust, and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, deem it in the best interest of the general public of Boundary County to put the cash back into various Boundary County Funds, and
WHEREAS, the addition of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to transfer cash from the Insurance Reimbursement Trust Fund Number 9118-00-0081-000 in the amount of $64,614.39 and increase cash in various Boundary County Funds in the total amount of $64,614.39 to be disbursed as follows:
Fund # Department Amount
01-01-0416 Clerk 153.94
01-02 Assessor 391.53
01-03 Treasurer 97.52
01-04 Election 50.61
01-05 Commissioner 235.94
01-06 Coroner 81.11
01-10 Courthouse 1144.16
01-11 Emergency Ser 208.43
01-13 Extension 276.13
01-18 General 110.68
01-19 P&Z 0.00
02 R&B 18337.01
03 Airport 0.00
06-00 Court 603.51
06-01 Probation 1954.72
08-01 Clerk 120.80
08-02 Sheriff 19738.50
08-03 Prosecutor 163.56
09 E 911 116.97
16 Indigent 179.08
18 Parks 593.90
20 Revaluation 500.34
23 Solid Waste 8532.95
27 Weeds 580.89
36 Restorium 10374.47
74 Boat Safety 37.55
38 Waterways 30.10
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED that the transfer of cash from the Insurance Reimbursement Trust Fund Number 9118-00-0081-000 in the amount of $64,614.39 and the increase in various Boundary County Funds in the total amount of $64,614.39 to be disbursed as outlined above 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.
PASSED this 8th day of August, 2022.
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 #292132
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the meeting minutes for the week of July 4 and 5, 2022. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
9:50 a.m., Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen joined the meeting.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the New Private Road Name Request Form for Ten Pine Way and Falcon Ridge Drive. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the meeting minutes for the week of July 25 & 26, 2022. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to renew and sign the agreements with Maria’s Cleaning Service. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificate of Residency for Katherine Boger. Commissioner Bertling second Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the plat for Chisholm Heights Subdivision for Mark Carey. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Request for Reimbursement #23 and the Invoice Summary for Airport Improvement Project #3-16-0004-017-2020 for the environmental study (phase 11-environmental assessment). Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Contractor Pay Application No. 2 totaling $46,134.18 for the airport pavement maintenance project. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Agreement for Shelter Services (One Year Extension) for fiscal year 2022-2023 for $11,814.00. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality Outlay Report for the regional sewer feasibility study/wastewater grant. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:04 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 10:27 a.m. No action was taken.
10:27 a.m., Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen gave his department report and provided the status of the tire pile at the landfill. It was said the revenue generated by the metal pile should meet what was budgeted.
The meeting with Mr. Skeen ended at 10:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m., Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown joined the meeting to give the department report.
Ms. Brown provided the numbers of various cases of probation. She spoke of upcoming training meetings.
The meeting with Ms. Brown ended at 10:35 a.m.
Commissioners continued administrative duties until the next meeting.
The speed study and report on recommendations for the vicinity of US Highway 95 and Deep Creek Loop was read by Commissioner Bertling. Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has completed the speed study and provided recommendations for the vicinity of Deep Creek Loop near the golf course. The ITD speed zones will be modified and the 35 mile per hour zone will remain the same, but the 45 mile per hour zone will be extended to the south side of town beyond the golf course. As you head south, the 45 mile per hour zone will continue beyond where it is currently 60 miles per hour.
10:51 a.m., Courthouse Maintenance Squire Fields joined the meeting to give the department report. Election signs have been posted. The sidewalk project concrete bid has been turned in and those present discussed project details. These improvements may be delayed until the next year. Mr. Fields is preparing for fair and the Treasurer’s conference. It was said roof maintenance may be done next year.
Clerk Poston said we will need to find a shed for out back soon and she suggested that seal coating and striping the parking lots take place next year. Chairman Dinning asked Mr. Fields to arrange for seal coating the parking lots next year. Those attending discussed the pot holes at the County Annex and questioned who could be hired to fix them.
Clerk Poston asked if the gutters at the Annex had heat tape installed.
Mr. Fields reported the tractor is currently being repaired, but he has borrowed the Park & Recreation tractor in the meantime. Those in attendance discussed repairs for the Courthouse Maintenance vehicle and an order for Mr. Fields that has been misplaced.
The meeting with Mr. Fields ended at 11:15 a.m.
Commissioners continued administrative duties until the next meeting.
Commissioners discussed various topics, to include how Title III monies can be allocated. It was stated that the Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) provides recommendations on how funds can be spent.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Secure Rural Schools Title III allocations of 15%. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
11:30 a.m., Boundary Economic Development Council (EDC) Director David Sims joined the meeting to update Commissioners on various EDC projects.
Mr. Sims provided an update on advisory meetings. Mr. Sims said the Porthill border crossing hours are affecting Canadian traffic coming into Boundary County and he informed Commissioners that he participated in a radio interview with Canadian stations to encourage people to come across the Canadian border.
Sheriff David Kramer joined the meeting at 11:30 a.m.
The Commissioners asked Sheriff Kramer about the air-conditioning issues in the jail and discussed the roof improvement.
Sheriff Kramer left the meeting at 11:31 a.m.
Mr. Sims reported that businesses are struggling to find locations. One of the childcare providers in town is planning to apply for the child care grant. Mr. Sims reported that there is a shortage of local childcare providers. Mr. Sims said the broadband update to the national map will be done by a consultant in Idaho.
The meeting with Mr. Sims ended at 11:40 a.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 11:45 a.m.
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.
Bonners Ferry Herald Staff Writer Emily Bonsant joined the meeting.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners participated in a conference call with Idaho Public Defense Commission Regional Liaison Jennifer Roark. The purpose of the call is to receive a quarterly update on Public Defense Commission and public defender matters. Ms. Roark provided Commissioners with an update on continued training programs offered by the Public Defense Commission. The annual report from the county public defenders is due to the Commission in October. The Public Defense Commission is working on the Financial Assistance applications and Chairman Dinning informed Ms. Roark that Boundary County has agreed to contract with Bonner County for public defender services, which should take effect October 1, 2022.
The call to Ms. Roark ended at 1:37 p.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to authorize the purchase of a dump trailer for use by Road and Bridge, the Fair Board, and other Boundary County departments and to authorize the Clerk to pay the claim for the amount owed. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the purchase of cobblestone pavers for the Restorium at a cost of approximately $2,480.00. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
2:00 p.m., Bonners Ferry Funeral Home Owner Chad Workman and County Coroner Mick Mellett joined the meeting to discuss matters pertaining to coroner services.
Chairman Dinning explained that Commissioners just want to be prepared for any possible changes in how the county and Coroner’s Office continue to operate together. Coroner Mellett said the funeral home used to receive morgue rent, etc. from the county, but he had requested that those funds be redistributed as salary. Coroner Mellett added that the understanding was when he retired or was no longer in office, the arrangement would revert back to how it had been before with the county. Morgue rent was based on consumer price index (CPI) inflationary. Chairman Dinning said come January when Mr. Workman takes over office of Coroner, what does he want to do? Mr. Workman asked if it’s possible to continue the arrangement for salary as it is now and Chairman Dinning said yes.
Coroner Mellett spoke favorably of having sold Bonners Ferry Funeral Home to Mr. Workman as he has the same philosophy. Coroner Mellett said Mr. Workman may have to attend training back east that is intensive, but the course should be covered by the state.
There is an agreement between the County Coroner’s Office and Bonners Ferry Funeral Home. Coroner Mellett added that the agreement would be between the funeral home and the Commissioners. Coroner Mellett added that he didn’t recall the memorandum of agreement having a sunset clause so he would assume it would just continue. Commissioners commented on needing to update the name of the parties involved in the proposed agreement. Clerk Poston spoke of an old agreement pertaining to burial matters for indigent. The agreement for storage ended when the payment was directed to Coroner Mellett’s salary so he just wants to make sure Mr. Workman feels the same way.
Those present discussed options for storage capacity. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners will probably want a letter from Mr. Workman letting Commissioners know how he wants to continue the agreement.
The meeting with Mr. Workman and Coroner Mellett ended at 2:10 p.m.
2:30 p.m., Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee joined the meeting to give an update on Restorium matters. Commissioners informed Ms. Magee that the purchase of cobblestone pavers for the Restorium can be made. Ms. Magee discussed planning for a fee increase for room and board for both non-memory care and memory care rooms. The proposed increase is 4.9% for current/existing non-memory care rooms and an increase of 8% for new incoming residents for non-memory care rooms. Ms. Magee said she didn’t have the percentage of increase for the memory care rooms readily available, but it’s at least an 8% increase for new incoming residents.
Ms. Magee informed Commissioners that the Friends of the Restorium received a donation of $25,000.00 for the Restorium from someone who wished to remain anonymous.
Those present discussed matters pertaining to the nurse position at the Restorium.
2:40 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 executive session ended at 2:55 p.m. No action was taken.
Ms. Magee mentioned having put together a job description for a janitorial position for the Restorium, but it would need to go to the Classification Committee for review.
The meeting with Ms. Magee ended at 3:04 p.m.
3:15 p.m., Seniors Hospitality Center Director Brooke Blagrove joined the meeting at Commissioners’ request. Ms. Blagrove introduced herself to Commissioners as the new director for the senior center, taking over for Barbara Kovacs who has retired. Those present discussed the status of vehicles used by the Senior Center as these vehicles are insured by the county. Commissioners gave Ms. Blagrove a copy of an older memorandum of agreement (MOU) pertaining to use of the vehicles to review for possible changes before Commissioners draft a new agreement. Commissioners updated Ms. Blagrove about past similar MOUs. Those present discussed the claim for damage to the Senior Center van when someone backed into it.
The meeting with Ms. Blagrove ended at 3:32 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m.
______________________________________
DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
___________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Cynthia Loughney and Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerks