***Monday, August 23, 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-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris joined the meeting to give the departmental report. A written report was provided.
Commissioners held the bid opening for the fiscal year 2021-2022 county fuel supply. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, and Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris. The bid opening was recorded.
One sealed bid was received from Dyck’s Oil and Auto. Commissioner Cossairt reviewed the bid details as follows: unleaded gasoline at a cost per gallon of $2.936 for an estimated 10,000 gallons for a total of $29,360.00. Ultra-low sulfur Diesel #2 (dyed) at a cost per gallon of $2.626 for an estimated 40,000 gallons for a total of $105,040.00. Diesel #1 at a cost per gallon of $2.989 for an estimated 1,000 gallons for a total of $2,989.00. The total bid amount is $137,389.00. Bidder’s security was provided in the form of a check totaling $6,870.00, which is 5% of the total bid amount.
Ms. Nelson said she budgeted $20,000.00 for gasoline and the bid for gas totaled $29,360.00, and she budgeted $135,000 for diesel and the bid for diesel is approximately $108,000.00. Road and Bridge has $155,000.00 budgeted for gasoline and diesel and the total bid amount is $137,389.00 so Road and Bridge can cover this.
Commissioner Bertling moved to accept the bid amount of $137,389.00 from Dyck’s Oil and Auto for the county’s fiscal year 2021-2022 fuel supply. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
The bid opening ended at 9:10 a.m.
Ms. Nelson discussed the 2022 Western Star truck that Road and Bridge is looking to purchase. The total purchase price is $198,725.00. The first payment is to be paid up front in the amount of $43,725.00. The remainder of $155,000.00 will be financed.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve entering into a lease/purchase agreement with Columbia State Bank for a 2022 Western Star dump truck for a financed amount $155,000.00. The total purchase price is $198,725.00. The county’s first payment of $43,725.00 and it will be paid at closing. The interest rate is 2.97% fixed and the term is four years. The County Commission Chairman or an authorized Commission Board member will be the signer on behalf of Boundary County. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Nelson explained that more documentation is needed at closing.
Mr. Morris informed Commissioners that Road and Bridge employee Terry Johnson took a drive to look at the belly dump that is for sale and made an offer on a truck and trailer. Mr. Morris questioned if Road and Bridge should also drive to Hayden to look at another truck that’s for sale as it’s a make that he would be able to find parts for, and then the current Ford truck could be placed in a county surplus auction. If Road and Bridge had the two trucks, they could haul twice as much rock, haul oil, etc. Currently, the cost to have oil delivered is $1,600.00 to $1,700.00 per load, according to Ms. Nelson. Chairman Dinning said he’s just concerned about budget.
Those present discussed matters pertaining to commercial drivers’ licenses.
The meeting with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 9:35 a.m.
9:35 a.m., Commissioners contacted County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull and Planning and Zoning Assistant Tessa Vogel to ask questions about information on a plat for Dayton Skrivseth. It was said that the plat needs to be signed, but Planning and Zoning Administrator Clare Malrey cannot do so because not all of the conditions have been met. North Bench Fire Department Chief Gus Jackson contacted Planning and Zoning and stated that the cul-du-sac doesn’t meet the required turnaround size and the hydrant that was placed is not an appropriate hydrant. Chief Jackson stated that the hydrant is not a fire hydrant; it’s a blow off hydrant. The issue with the cul-du-sac is that it doesn’t meet the 96-foot turnaround width. Chief Jackson did outline these matters in a letter, according to Ms. Vogel. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners just asked that the road be roughed in; not that it had to be finished. Chairman Dinning added that this goes back to Boundary County not having adopted the International Fire Code and in addition, North Bench Fire Department is an association; not a subdivision of the State of Idaho. An association has no standing to put in any restrictions. Attorney Hull said he contacted Ms. Marley to ask that she contact Chief Jackson about the blow off hydrant and when that conversation ended, they were in a position that Commissioners were going to continue their discussion on this. Ms. Marley had spoken to Chief Jackson to explain the difference between a blow off hydrant versus a fire hydrant. It was said that Three Mile’s Water District’s water line is a six-inch line, which would accommodate a fire hydrant. Attorney Hull said Commissioners are correct in that North Bench Fire Department is an association, but they’re providing information to the Board of Commissioners as to what is normally required of the International Fire Code. What Ms. Marley and Ms. Vogel are saying is that what Commissioners wrote in the application approval is for a hydrant and a 96-foot turnaround so that is why North Bench Fire Department is speaking to those two items. If the county is going to modify or back off those requirements, then Commissioners’ would need to have a hearing in order to receive public comments. Typically, if an application is approved through a hearing process, that application would have to be modified through a hearing process. Chairman Dinning questioned if Commissioners had stated that the hydrant had to be in a certain location.
Prior to final plat approval, a turnaround and one fire hydrant are to be installed, but it doesn’t say where, according to Ms. Vogel. Ms. Vogel reviewed the requirements for the road and said the Findings and Decision state the road needs to be roughed in and meet the requirement of the turnaround size. Ms. Vogel said the only type of hydrant that is on site is the blow off hydrant.
Attorney Hull said it would be helpful for Mr. Skrivseth to receive something from Planning and Zoning stating the hydrant has to be a fire hydrant; not a blow off hydrant and to give that definition, and to also state that roads need to be roughed in for the turnaround and that it currently doesn’t meet the road standards.
The call to Ms. Vogel ended at 9:51 a.m.
Commissioners asked Attorney Hull if a resolution is needed for adjusting speed limits on certain roads. Attorney Hull said the safe harbor is to have either an engineer or traffic study done with regard to the road areas. If the county chooses not to have a study done, the reduced speed limit is not enforceable. Attorney Hull said topography and terrain may merit a reduction in speed.
Chairman Dinning said Mountain Springs Church is not in favor of an automatic 10-year renewal at the end of the term for the parking lot agreement and they questioned if the county would consider selling the building to the church in the future. Chairman Dinning said the county cannot give first right or refusal. The lease payment is $2,500.00 per year for a 10-year term. It was said that parties to the agreement could insert language into the agreement that states they’re free to renegotiate at the end of the 10-year period, subject to a separate agreement.
Commissioner Bertling moved to enter into an agreement with Mountain Springs Church for leasing the larger parking lot at a rate of $2,500.00 per year for 10 years, to be potentially renegotiated at the end of 10 years, and to authorize the agreement to be signed once it’s been drafted. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt briefly voiced his concerns with the agreement.
Commissioners discussed matters pertaining to the International Fire Code, amending ordinances pertaining to addressing, etc.
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 10:25 a.m. No action was taken.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to continue the meeting with Steve Moyer of North Star Surveying to tomorrow at 10:30 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve and sign the minutes for the weeks of July 19, 2021, August 2, 2021, and August 9, 2021. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Eli Newell and Nadalie Cox. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the lease agreement for a copier for the Assessor’s Office. The motion died due to lack of a second as Commissioners had questions of the lease prior to signing, so the matter was added to the next week’s agenda.
Commissioners contemplated continuing the discussion on purchasing trucks and trailers for the Road and Bridge Department to this afternoon.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
Commissioner Bertling left the meeting.
There being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
***Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session at the County Annex Conference Room for the day with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
9:00 a.m., Commissioners held an elected officials/department heads meeting. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Personnel Director Pam Barton, Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley, Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown, Sheriff Dave Kramer, Emergency Manager Andrew O’Neel, Deputy Assessor Olivia Drake, Restorium employees Juanita Jantz and Tabitha Fields, Extension Educator Amy Robertson, Prosecutor Andrakay Pluid, Treasurer Sue Larson, Noxious Weeds Superintendent Dave Wenk, and Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to amend the day’s agenda at 10:30 a.m., as allowed per Idaho Code, to add the discussion and possible motion regarding the purchase of trucks and trailers for the Road and Bridge Department as this matter was just brought to Commissioners’ attention. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Dinning asked how the county is able to learn who is permitted to perform community service work. Mr. Buckley said only people who have already been sentenced can do the work. Sheriff Kramer said someone can check with him to see if there are any inmates available. Ms. Brown spoke of having had juveniles who are on probation assist at the Restorium. Chairman Dinning explained that the Restorium needs more assistance. Ms. Brown said she visits the Restorium so she can talk to the Restorium Administrator about it. It was said that the list of county facilities where an inmate can perform community service has been updated.
Ms. Barton reviewed travel guidelines as it pertains to submitting claims for payment. Ms. Barton provided information on hotel government rates, the form to complete to exclude sales tax, meal per diem expenses, attaching agendas to claims submitted for payment, travel mile reimbursement, airport parking, and Uber expenses. Ms. Barton said she must have supporting documentation attached to the claim.
Chairman Dinning asked those present to save cash and budget. The county’s budget hearing is on September 7th and within the budget is an estimated amount of carry forward cash to help fund the first three months of the next budget year.
Chairman Dinning spoke of jury trials being canceled for various counties due to COVID-19 and he said he expects that masks will be required for court procedures at some point. Chairman Dinning said if not on court business, should the county require masks at the Courthouse and if so, what does that look like? Or should everyone need to wear a mask in the Courthouse. Prosecutor Pluid said the court orders are kind of loose in their wording and the Courthouse could probably just have masks required on the second and third floors. Sheriff Kramer said masks should not be mandated for general business. A lot of people have been vaccinated. It would create less headaches by not having the entire Courthouse wear masks. Treasurer Larson said it’s a no-win situation. Clerk Poston said it’s tough as her office includes court staff as well. Mr. Buckley commented that he’s put up physical protection in every office to help protect against COVID-19. Clerk Poston said Maria’s Cleaning Service is still sterilizing surfaces on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Courthouse employee Phil Firestone also sanitizes. Prosecutor Pluid said if following the court order to the letter, you have people put on a mask before going up to the third floor, into the Clerk’s Office and into her office, but the open lobby in the Courthouse is not mandated.
Commissioners went around the room for department updates.
Ms. Drake said the window blinds in the Assessor’s Office are broken and need replaced.
Clerk Poston said Tuesday, September 7th is the budget hearing. The budget is approximately $21,000,000.00 and the county will levy approximately $5,600,000.00. Clerk Poston mentioned having to look at redistricting. The Judge’s Chambers also need blinds and needs painted, according to Clerk Poston. Clerk Poston spoke of recently attending the Idaho Association of Clerk’s Conference and she mentioned that she’s looking into getting electronic poll books for some of the polling sites. These books should be covered through the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funds. Clerk Poston commented on the proposed ambulance override levy, elections for both cities, and possibly the school bond and school board.
Prosecutor Pluid said that she didn’t have much to report.
Sheriff Kramer explained having a contractor inspect the jail for the purpose of suggesting improvements to plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) issues as well as to budget for other needs in the future. Sheriff Kramer commented that he’s installing a video visitation system for the jail at no cost to the county.
Treasurer Larson said she’s getting ready to prepare the tax notices. Treasurer Larson added that she’s hosting the Treasurers’ Conference this next year.
Ms. Robertson said the fair went well. Extension Educator Kate Painter is retiring at the end of the month. Ms. Robertson informed Commissioners that she’s getting a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) trailer and she commented that this trailer can also be rented out by the school district or library. The Extension Office is looking to have a full-time AmeriCorps member. Ms. Robertson mentioned that she was awarded a grant totaling $60,000.00 so she will purchase robotic equipment and will have three available positions associated with this program. Ms. Robertson listed various classes being offered at the Extension Office. Friday Friends will start again this year and Ms. Robertson mentioned that she’s working on getting the total from the farm animal sales at the fair.
Ms. Brown said the number of probation cases has increased. Annual training for probation will be held virtually this year. Ms. Brown mentioned teaming up with the Prosecutor’s Office for free training.
Mr. Skeen said he’s getting close to being able to grind the wood pile. Mr. Skeen commented that once he gets the roll off truck and tarp system, he can look at expanding the number of days the monitored sites are open. Chairman Dinning mentioned that adjusting the days the monitored sites are open, including the landfill, is being considered to work better, economically.
Mr. Buckley said he’s going to be working on installing more window blinds and doing more painting. Mr. Buckley said he’s getting the painting done in the women’s restroom on the second floor of the Courthouse and other than that, he’s been busy.
Chairman Dinning said Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee is going to take a nursing course in Coeur d’ Alene and in the meantime, Restorium employee Juanita Jantz is going to renew her administrator’s license. Ms. Fields said the Restorium is in desperate need for part-time workers and kitchen staff. For an employee working the floor, they will need to have taken a certified nursing assistant (CNA) course. Ms. Fields mentioned that the Restorium received six hogs that were donated to them from the fair. As far as maintenance, the Restorium needs a reliable truck, so if there is another department that is going to surplus a truck, let the Restorium know. The van at the Restorium is also falling apart and this is a van that is used to take residents to their doctor’s appointments. Ms. Fields clarified that this is not the larger passenger van. Sheriff Kramer suggested checking with the State of Idaho’s surplus property website.
Mr. Barton reminded those present that time sheets are due tomorrow. Ms. Barton also mentioned various county positions are available.
Mr. O’Neel said we’re seeing an uptick in COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant and it’s having more of an impact on people. Panhandle Health District reports that Boundary County has 52 cases of COVID-19, but that also counts cases dating two weeks’ back. There have been 14 fatalities in Boundary county due to COVID-19. The big concern is hospitalizations and there are 140 people in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in the entire state.
Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendent Randy Morris joined the meeting at 9:43 a.m.
Mr. O’Neel reviewed a list of the number of people hospitalized and on ventilators due to COVID-19. Nationwide, 60% of people over the age of 12 have been vaccinated. The percentage is 98.6% for those hospitalized and were not vaccinated. Mr. O’Neel handed out brochures pertaining to instructions when evacuations are needed. The information is geared toward a wildland fire event, but fits other scenarios as well.
Mr. Morris provided a brief Road and Bridge update.
Mr. Wenk mentioned having attended a bio workshop last month. Mr. Wenk commented that there is another puncture vine infestation and he also mentioned having difficulty with people pertaining to their No Spray Weed Agreements. There are a lot more complaints about weeds this year so a lot of letters have been sent out as a result. Roadside spraying is done and Mr. Wenk commented that he’s been doing a lot of work contracting with the city and he will work on the county gravel pits soon. Mr. Wenk said he’s still struggling with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture regarding funding so it will probably be December when gets the funds. Mr. Wenk mentioned needing a 30 foot by 40-foot building so he can store weed equipment and chemicals, but it also needs to have plumbing.
The elected officials/department heads meeting ended at 10:00 a.m.
Mr. Morris remained after the meeting.
10:00 a.m., Steve Moyer with North Star Surveyor joined the meeting.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the replat of Lot 1A of the replat and lot line adjustment of Lot 1, Block 3 of the Northland Woods Subdivision, First Addition for Harley Mastre. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with Mr. Moyer ended at 10:07 a.m.
Clerk Poston said she and Ms. Nelson reviewed the Road and Bridge budget and there is $200,000.00 in the professional services line item that Road and Bridge will not use so it’s fine for them to consider purchasing the trucks and trailers they had recently spoke of.
Mr. Morris said the location in Kalispell has a truck and trailer for approximately $42,000.00 and they’re still in communication with the person located in Hayden who has a truck for sale at a cost of $25,000.00, less $1,000.00 due to a non-working air conditioner. It was said the Commissioners can authorize up to approximately $66,000.00.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to authorize the Road and Bridge Department to spend up to $67,000.00 to go toward the purchase of a truck and trailer located in Kalispell Montana for cost of approximately $42,500. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to authorize spending up to $24,500.00 for a truck located in Hayden, Idaho. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Morris left the meeting at 10:31 a.m.
Commissioners recessed until the afternoon session.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session at the County Annex 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 hearing to consider a Restorium room and board fee increase for new incoming residents, an increase in the Department of Motor Vehicle administrative fees and an increase in airport hangar application costs and cost per square foot for airport hangar. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee, and Deputy Assessor Olivia Drake. The hearing was recorded. No members of the public were in attendance.
Chairman Dinning reviewed the hearing procedures. No member cited a conflict of interest.
Chairman Dinning said Commissioners are considering an increase to the Restorium room and board fees of 8% over fees collected the prior year. The new fees will take effect October 1, 2021, if approved. Chairman Dinning explained that Commissioners will pause after each fee increase has been voted on in order to allow the Deputy Clerk to save the recording for that specific fee increase. Chairman Dinning reviewed the current and proposed fees for the four different types of rooms at the Restorium as follows:
Single Occupancy Room with private restroom $3807.00 $4112.00
Single Occupancy Room with shared restroom $3486.00 $3765.00
Double Occupancy (half room) $2618.00 $2827.00
Double Occupancy Room $5237.00 $5656.00
Commissioners and staff members present had no questions.
Commissioners opened the hearing to public testimony, but since nobody from the public was present, the hearing was closed to public comment.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the room and board fee increase of 8% for new residents coming to the Restorium. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
The portion of the hearing to consider a room and board increase at the Restorium ended at 1:35 p.m.
Chairman Dinning said the next portion of the hearing has to do with an increase in administrative fees for the Department of Motor Vehicle Office to become effective immediately, if approved. The current fee is $4.00 and the proposed fee is $6.50, which is an increase of $2.50. Commissioners asked Deputy Assessor Olivia Drake for comments. Ms. Drake said the Assessor’s Office has reviewed the fees of surrounding counties and offered information that Boundary County has not increased its fees since year 2008. If the Assessor’s Office had done an increase since that time, the fees would currently be $7.50, so it’s still less at $6.50. Ms. Drake explained that customer traffic has increased drastically for the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Assessor’s Office is looking to hire a third person to help handle the incoming registrations and this fee increase will help fund this position.
No members of the public were present to comment so the hearing was closed to public testimony. Commissioners had no comment.
Commissioner Bertling moved to accept the administrative fee increase from $4.00 to $6.50 for the Department of Motor Vehicles Office. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
The portion of the hearing to consider a fee increase for the Department of Motor Vehicles ended at 1:39 p.m.
Commissioners addressed the portion of the hearing to consider an increase to the per square foot rate for hangar/ground leases from $.13 to $.15 and to consider an increase to the new hangar application fee from $2,000.00 to $3,000.00.
Chairman Dinning commented that the hangar/ground lease rate per square foot rate is currently $.13 and the proposal is to increase that fee to $.15. The existing new hangar application fee is $2,000.00 and this fee is proposed to increase to $3,000.00. These increases are to take effective immediately upon Commissioners’ approval.
Commissioner Bertling commented that he thought the fee per square footage was already $.15. Commissioner Cossairt said he wondered if there should be a variable rate for larger hangars.
Commissioner Bertling moved to accept the new hangar/ground lease rate of $.15 per square foot and to accept the new hangar application fee of $3,000.00. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
The portion of the hearing to consider fee increases associated with airport hangars ended at 1:42 p.m.
1:45 p.m., There being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
***Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in special session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee joined the meeting.
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 9:40 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to convert an existing salary employee to hourly pay at the same rate and to continue to pay the employee’s benefit package, even though their work hours may fall below the 30-hour minimum, through July 0f 2022. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to pay the cost of certified nursing assistant (CNA) courses for current Restorium employees or for people who want to work at the Restorium. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Magee brought up an issue with the sidewalk near the courtyard at the Restorium. The sidewalk has heaved due to roots of the large tree. Commissioners suggested someone for Ms. Magee should contact to get their opinion.
Ms. Magee left the meeting at 9:51 a.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:01 a.m.
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DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk