***Monday, December 6, 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.

The Road and Bridge Department report with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris was cancelled.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the minutes of November 22 & 23, 2021 and November 29 & 30, 2021. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve and sign the new Private Road Name Request form for Sophie Lane. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

9:12 a.m., Marty Martinez joined the meeting.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation Form for tax year 2021 and to cancel taxes in the amount of $43.90 for parcel #RP65N02E306615A 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 and to cancel taxes in the amount of $23.50 for parcel #MH63N01E14510AA 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 and to cancel taxes in the amount of $435.54 for parcel #RP63N01E294660A 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 and to cancel taxes in the amount of $673.22 for parcel #RP61N01E184352A 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 and to cancel taxes in the amount of $1,000.46 for parcel #RP61N01E155411A as the homeowner’s exemption was received after the July Abstract cutoff. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Dylan Rankin, Jenae Holdeman and Blake Rice. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull contacted Commissioners via telephone.

Mr. Martinez left the meeting at 9:25 a.m.

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; and 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 9:32 a.m. No action was taken.

Commissioners checked the status of a request for the county to plow an area for access to the Curley Creek Fire Station when there is a certain amount of snow. Attorney Hull said the county would need permission to cross private property to get to the fire station. Commissioners agreed in helping Curley Creek Fire Department when there is a certain amount of snow. Chairman Dinning said he informed members of Curley Creek Fire Department that if there is an emergency, Road and Bridge will be out taking care of county roads as well and they won’t be able to get to the fire station first thing.

Attorney Hull said he met with Jack Douglas and members of the North Bench Fire Department about a land lease with the county and Mr. Douglas is to get back to him to provide more information. North Bench Fire Department was looking at potentially purchasing the property their station sits on in the future, but the Boundary County Airport and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) doesn’t really want to have this happen as the land was originally purchased through grant funds. Airport Manager Dave Parker was looking for an alternate site for this fire station and North Bench Fire Department was not in favor of that. North Bench Fire Department wants to work on a new lease and to also increase the property size to 1.5 acres instead of .50 acres. Attorney Hull said North Bench Fire Department is just looking for a storage area for vehicles; not to build a structure. The lease would have to be a fair market value lease. North Bench Fire Department has mentioned that they’ve been providing service to the airport and eight or nine other county parcels and not charging for it, but felt they should be charging the county. Attorney Hull said he asked North Bench for a list of those parcels and their price chart for fire protection.

Attorney Hull said the Road Standards Ordinance is something he’s going through with Road and Bridge and Planning and Zoning Administrator Clare Marley is taking the lead on proposed changes to the Planning and Zoning Land Use Ordinance.

9:38 a.m., Gregory Lamberty joined the meeting.

The call to Attorney Hull ended at 9:39 a.m.

Commissioners commented that they didn’t have anything to discuss pertaining to the National Opioid Settlement Notice or the American Rescue Plan Act funds. Commissioners are just waiting to hear from members of Mountain Springs Church about the parking lot agreement.

Commissioners were given a map on Commissioner redistricting. Chairman Dinning said District 2 boundaries are not changing. District 2 has 4,032 residents, District 1 has 4,015 residents and District 3 has 4,009 residents.

Commissioners reviewed district boundaries.

Clerk Poston said she will proof the legal descriptions and then Commissioners will need to adopt a resolution.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2022-6. A resolution to increase the Airport budget due to receipt of unanticipated funds to establish infrastructure at the Boundary County Airport. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2022-6 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2022-6

INCREASE AIRPORT BUDGET DUE TO RECEIPT OF UNANTICIPATED FUNDS TO ESTABLISH INFRASTRUCTURE AT THE BOUNDARY COUNTY AIRPORT
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for the Airport Fund for fiscal year 2021-2022, and

WHEREAS, unanticipated funds have been received from various sources for the purpose of establishing infrastructure at the Boundary County Airport, and

WHEREAS, those funds were deposited into the Auditor’s Trust account, and
WHEREAS, an invoice from Beachy Buildings for electrical, gas and excavating services in the amount of $875.00 and an invoice from Stippich Logging & Trucking for road work for new hangars in the amount of $2,899.22 for a total of $3,774.22 were paid out of the Airport Budget in fiscal year 2021-2022, and

WHEREAS, The Boundary County Airport Fund is in need of additional revenue, and

WHEREAS, the addition of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and

WHEREAS, the Boundary County Commissioners deem it in the best interest of the general public of Boundary County to increase the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Airport Budget for that purpose, and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate to transfer cash from the Auditor’s Trust Fund Number 9101-00-099-00 in the amount of $3,712.81, and increase the Boundary County Airport Fund Revenue Account Number 03-00-391-000 and the Airport Fund Expense Account Number 03-00-0807-0000, Capital-Construction, in the amount of $3,712.81.

NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,

IT IS RESOLVED that the transfer of cash from the Auditor’s Trust Fund Number 9101-00-099-00 in the amount of $3,712.81, and the increase to the Boundary County Airport Fund Revenue Account Number 03-00-391-000 and the Airport Fund Expense Account Number 03-00-0807-0000, Capital-Construction, in the amount of $3,712.81 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 6th day of December, 2021.

COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/_______________________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/_______________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/_______________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #289487
Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen and Courthouse Security/Bailiff Ben Reinhardt joined the meeting at 9:47 a.m.

Mr. Reinhardt was asked to join the meeting to explain the different service plans for the Courthouse telephone system. Mr. Reinhardt spoke of issues trying to figure out passwords to a telephone when an employee leaves, equipment failure, etc., and what’s covered in the plan options. Reprogramming can be done remotely and repairs can be done using a password through Ziply, according to Mr. Reinhardt.

Commissioners stated the quotes for the three options were in the range of approximately $500.00, $2,000.00 and the highest cost plan is $4,000.00. Commissioner Bertling said he was in favor of Option 3 at an annual cost of $419.45 and $140.00 for time and materials.

Mr. Reinhardt left the meeting at 9:55 a.m.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the Managed Service Agreement with Firstline Voice & Data Networks and to select Option 3 with an annual cost of $419.45, plus $140.00 per hour for time and materials. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Idaho Office of Emergency Management 2017 Final Grant Adjustment Notice for the 2017 Operation Stonegarden Grant. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Skeen met with Commissioners to provide a Solid Waste Department update. Commissioners said they contacted Attorney Hull about accepting railroad ties. What is accepted at the landfill and monitored dumpster sites was adopted by ordinance so any change in that will also have to be done by ordinance, which requires a public hearing. Commissioners will propose accepting up to five railroad ties at one time provided that they don’t contain any metal. The ties will be subject to inspections. Commissioners and Mr. Skeen spoke of what occurs when finding metal in the ties. Commissioners will go forward with having Attorney Hull update the ordinance.

Mr. Skeen said if all goes well with his new employee, he could open the monitored sites six days per week starting January 3rd. The monitored sites will be closed on Sundays. Mr. Skeen said the hours of operation at the landfill is 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the monitored sites. Railroad ties will also not be accepted at the monitored sites if there is metal in them, according to Mr. Skeen.

Mr. Skeen asked about transferring funds from one line item to another so he can hire a cleaning company to clean the office and breakroom at the landfill once per week. Those present discussed getting an estimate before making a decision and Mr. Skeen provided Commissioners with a quote from Jill Bean. Clerk Poston discussed how much the Solid Waste Department has in the line item for professional services and she commented that Mr. Skeen hasn’t really used anything out of it. Commissioners asked Mr. Skeen to have Ms. Bean draft an agreement and if she has employees, she will need to have workers compensation insurance.

Mr. Lamberty and Mr. Martinez left the meeting at 10:11 a.m.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to 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 10:22 a.m. No action was taken.

10:22 a.m., Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown joined the meeting to give the Probation Department report.

Ms. Brown reported that there are 20 people on juvenile probation with three more pending. There are 30 adults on supervised probation and currently there are 174 adults on unsupervised probation, but that number can vary. There are five people in the drug court program, and three female releases for the jail. Ms. Brown commented that State of Idaho Probation Officer Ron Pell has asked about bringing a drug testing company, Absolute Testing, to Boundary County. Ms. Brown said the problem is that her Probation Department doesn’t charge for juvenile and adult misdemeanor urine analyses (UAs) so it wouldn’t do much good, except for doing UAs for those released on their own recognizance, but there are currently only three. The Probation Office conducts the UAs for females and jail staff conducts the UAs for males. Ms. Brown said it would help to have a company here, such as if there is a civil matter, etc., but they would need a physical office. The advantage would be for felony probation as they pay for the UAs. The cost is between $15.00 and $20.00 for those on probation and $35 for others and Ms. Brown clarified that the individual would pay the cost.

Mr. Lamberty and Mr. Martinez stepped out of the meeting at 10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to 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 10:36 a.m. No action was taken.

Ms. Brown left the meeting.

Mr. Martinez returned to the meeting at 10:37 a.m.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

10:55 a.m., Courthouse Maintenance Buckley joined the meeting to give the department report. Mr. Buckley said he’s still trying to get in touch with Consolidated Supply about the sidewalks as he’s not installed a heating system that is exposed to outside elements before. Mr. Buckley said he spoke to the owner of Gutter Works Plus about the gutters for the back side of the County Annex and all materials have been ordered. Mr. Buckley added that the materials might not come in before the term of the contract expires, but the owner is at the mercy of the suppliers.

Mr. Buckley spoke of work needed for the Courthouse boiler. Mr. Buckley explained work that had been done recently and he said the boiler is signaling that the valves are not working so the valves need to be taken out. Mr. Buckley said there is no cost for the work that has already been done, but the cost is $6,350.00 to do everything, such as pull valves out, put in new valves, etc. The valves are outdated and this is work that can be done in one day. Mr. Buckley said the piping is original, but some of the parts he’s had issues with were from when work was done to the boiler before.

Commissioner Bertling moved to accept the quote from Atlas Boiler in the amount of $6,350.00 for work done to the boiler as listed in Proposal #21-319. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

The meeting with Mr. Buckley ended at 11:10 a.m.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation Form for tax year 2021 and to cancel tax in the amount of $36.06 for parcel #MH60N01W23470AA 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 and to cancel tax in the amount of $233.52 for parcel #RP60N01W234700A as the homeowner’s exemption was received after the July cutoff. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation Form for tax year 2021 and to cancel tax in the amount of $902.08 for parcel #RP008300000040A as the homeowner’s exemption was received after the July cutoff. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation Form for tax year 2021 and to cancel tax in the amount of $64.20 for parcel #RP011200000060A as the homeowner’s exemption was received after the July cutoff. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

11:30 a.m., Economic Development Council (EDC) Director Dennis Weed joined the meeting to give an update on EDC projects.

Mr. Weed mentioned that the existing sewer feasibility grant can be increased by another $7,000.00 over what the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has already awarded. That gets the balance down to approximately $15,000.00, according to Mr. Weed. It was said that DEQ is flush with funds due to having rescue funds and infrastructure funds, and there are also block grants for sewer and water so DEQ might just pay that balance off. Mr. Weed said he can still approach the Corps of Engineers for funds. The City of Moyie Springs may not have to go out for a bond and can just pay off the balance of the study. Mr. Weed said he will reply to DEQ’s email about how to apply for additional funding.

Mr. Weed commented that unemployment is down to 3% in Boundary County. The number of unemployed has dropped to 168 people. Store clerks, cashiers and restaurants are seeing employees cycle through, so the retail industry sees employee turnover. The lumber mills continue to raise their pay rates and Mr. Weed mentioned that the mills are looking into a robotic system to help solve the employment issue. The mill will have a higher pay scale for certain positions and will lose lower end positions.

Those present briefly discussed the US/Canadian border opening, but not yet seeing a lot of Canadian traffic.

Mr. Weed said a topic at the next EDC Board meeting will be of the strategy going forward for an EDC director and the EDC program. Mr. Weed informed Commissioners that there are seven or eight EDC director positions open in the state right now.

Mr. Martinez left the meeting at 11:45 a.m.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)c, to acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency. 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 12:00 p.m. No action was taken.

Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:00 p.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.

1:30 p.m., Boundary Community Hospital Chief Executive Officer Preston Becker and Hospital Board of Trustees Chairman Elden Koon joined the meeting to update Commissioners on hospital matters. David Koon was also present.

Mr. Becker informed Commissioners that Elden Koon had been awarded Hospital Board of Trustee of the year by the Idaho Hospital Association for the State of Idaho.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to reappoint Elden Koon, Merle Ansley and Geri Garten to the Boundary Community Hospital Board with terms to expire January 2025. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Becker said he appreciates Commissioner Cossairt attending the Board of Trustees meetings. Mr. Becker informed Commissioners that the hospital is in the process of recruiting another internal medicine doctor. An internal medicine physician had been hired last year as well and it’s a tremendous asset as this doctor came at a time that was very challenging for patients due to COVID-19. Mr. Becker said Dr. Diehl has the skillset to manage the patients with more serious needs. Going forward the intention is to keep some of those sicker patients who would normally have been transferred to another facility. The hospital is trying to build a stronger medical team locally so residents can stay here when they’re ill and require hospitalization. If the hospital is successful in this recruitment, the new internal medicine physician will be available next summer.

Mr. Becker mentioned that it felt like things were getting back to normal in June, but then August hit and he explained how difficult it was as up to 20 or 25 hospital employees couldn’t work due to the COVID-19 illness. The hospital learned it couldn’t deliver oxygen at the capacity that was needed. Elden Koon explained that a 1.5-inch diameter pipe was needed, but the hospital only had a ¾ inch pipe for oxygen so that system is getting upgraded. Mr. Becker said staffing is still a challenge and there has been a lot of turnover, but he’s hoping to have turned the corner. The COVID-19 vaccine mandate caused some issues, but it was halted last week so the hospital will see what the future holds. Mr. Becker said the hospital had a good response from the employees as far as exemptions. Mr. Becker added that the written policies are not active due to the mandate suspension, but some facilities are continuing to maintain their policies. Mr. Becker mentioned that Kootenai Medical Center has approximately 90 position vacancies. The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has already appealed the decision on mandates so it will be in the courts for a while.

Mr. Becker said one of biggest challenges in recruiting employees is the hospital’s wages and benefits, but the hospital did go through an exercise this year and adjusted a number of wages for employees. The longer you wait to do that, you just fall further and further behind. The hospital was also successful in negotiating down the cost of benefits for employees for the next year.

The hospital is still working on the community project of a reader board sign to be placed near the highway and they’re working with Eric Anderson and will be working with the City of Bonners Ferry Planning and Zoning Committee in January. The property where the sign would be placed is owned by the Northside School Bed and Breakfast and they’re supportive of this project. The property is zoned residential so putting up a lighted sign requires a public hearing to consider a conditional use for the purpose of this sign only.

Mr. Becker said Northwest Hospital Alliance is a non-profit collaborative of many Idaho hospitals and they’re working together on a medical record system that is shared with most of hospitals in north Idaho. Boundary Community Hospital was a charter member of this alliance.

Mr. Becker commented on finances and the facility. Part of the hospital’s strategic plan is to do a facility plan and growth assessment and it’s still in the evaluation process. Chances are the hospital will have to make a change and it’s not certain what that looks like yet, but the public and Commissioners will be included in the plan. The goal is to sustain healthcare in this community well into the future. The hospital is in a 70-year old building so they’re trying to be proactive and responsible. There will probably be a financial request associated with this, according to Mr. Becker.

Elden Koon said the hospital had $1,000,000.00 in bad debt in both years 2017 and year 2018. Bad debt will be less this year so the Medicaid expansion probably helped in that as bad debt should only be half this year. The clinic is doing well, according to Mr. Becker. In the last year and one-half the clinic added two providers, Dr. Hull and Dr. Stonehocker.

It was said that despite the pandemic, things look good for the hospital. Elden Koon said along with recruiting, the hospital started a scholarship program and some of the hospital’s certified nursing assistants (CNAs) would like to move up to a registered nurse position, so the hospital has a program to assist these employees as some cannot afford to take the program. If an employee takes this course, they also sign a contract that they need to work for the hospital for two to four years depending on the amount of financial assistance they receive. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners have been looking into that kind of program for CNAs at the Restorium.

Chairman Dinning said there will be a day when the hospital facility needs to be replaced and he questioned where land would be available for a new facility while keeping the existing hospital functioning. Mr. Becker briefly mentioned his thoughts that would allow the hospital to remain where it’s currently at.

The meeting with Mr. Becker, Elden Koon and David Koon to discuss hospital matters ended at 2:00 p.m.

Commissioners reviewed the current cost of Planning and Zoning application fees.

3:33 p.m., There being no further business, the meetings recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.

***Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session at the County Annex with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

9:00 a.m., Bruce Whittaker requested a meeting with Commissioners to discuss his request to lower the speed limit on Highway 95 from the area near the Foust Shop to the area near the Mirror Lake Golf Course south of town. Present were: Bruce Whittaker, Bill Snyder, Teresa Cartwright, City of Bonners Ferry Council members Ron Smith and Rick Alonzo, Sheriff Dave Kramer, City of Bonners Ferry Police Chief Brian Zimmerman, Jenny Graham, Ron Sukenik, Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) local Road Foreman George Shutes, District 1 Engineer Damon Allen and Operations Engineer Jerry Wilson; Ralph Lotspeich with Mirror Lake Golf Course, Chad Kimball, Senator Jim Woodward, Wes Raynor, Al Bishop, and other unidentified members of the public.

Chairman Dinning said Boundary County has been down this road before in wanting to lower speed limits at certain areas of Highway 95 and he listed which areas of the highway had been involved. What was accomplished was a reduction from 60 miles per hour to 55 miles per hour at the Three Mile junction. Mr. Whittaker and those present today have an interest in the area south of town due to traffic coming off of Deep Creek Loop. This area is a concern and we want to be proactive. Mr. Allen and Mr. Wilson were asked what are the parameters that ITD has to live with. Mr. Allen said speed limits are set by data and an engineering study as prescribed by law. It’s a licensed traffic engineer process, largely by data and the main piece of data is setting up monitors to determine speed coming through a certain point. Mr. Allen said ITD is looking for the 85% or what do 85% of people drive in that area. That is typically what speed would be set through that area. The second thing is to look at crash data in a five-year block of time and determine how many and what type of accidents occurred, such as fatalities, issues with animals, icy roads, etc. When ITD does a speed study, they don’t do it in the middle of winter or summer, but they will do the study in spring and fall and get the average speed of how fast people are driving through an area. ITD uses that 85%, crash data and local outreach, which is getting input from local people, law enforcement, ITD, and people who are working the road. Also, local officials and schools as well. If there are issues that ITD doesn’t see just by doing a study, the additional information comes from local people and goes into the study. Once the speed is set, the black and white signs go up and they’re enforceable by law enforcement. The black and orange signs are not enforceable by law enforcement, such as construction signs, etc. ITD tries to get out and do speed studies approximately every three years, but they do get behind in some areas as they have to prioritize the heaviest traffic spots. Boundary County hasn’t had a speed study since year 2013. Mr. Allen said a new speed study probably needs done and ITD will target the north Deep Creek Loop intersection and corridor. Mr. Allen informed those present that during the study in year 2013, 85% of the drivers were going 69 miles per hour. Chairman Dinning said when talking about a speed study, that is from the Naples end of Highway 95 to the golf course and the focus now is for the north end. Chairman Dinning said the local governments, law enforcement and the local people recognize that this intersection is a horrible hazard and he asked how much weight does that hold and what can we do. Mr. Allen said ITD relies on law, the science of traffic studies and data. ITD has to get speed limits for the State of Idaho. The crash data in that Deep Creek Loop area is very low so it wouldn’t generate establishing a lower speed. But if crash occurrences increase and with the local sentiment, ITD will look at what else they can do, such as lighting and signage so it’s looking at other mitigation. Mr. Allen said if ITD just reduces the speed limit and there is no law enforcement presence, people are going to speed. If people are comfortable driving and for those who drive the speed limit, if the limit is lowered, it can actually create more rear-end situations for those people who drive 70 miles per hour.

Mr. Raynor commented about a dip in the highway in that area and having trouble seeing through the guardrail. Ms. Cartwright spoke of the close corner to the north as also being a visual issue. It was said that people are already traveling 70 miles an hour. Mr. Snyder said he can’t measure how many close calls there have been and he added that every time he comes up from the golf course, it’s a chancy situation.

Mr. Sukenik commented on the traffic count in year 2013 and he mentioned there being a more recent traffic study done. Mr. Whittaker said a lot of traffic is heading south. Eastport gets a lot of traffic from Canada heading south and he said he had statistics from year 1999 to year 2021. Mr. Whittaker said 220,000 cars came through Eastport in year 2015 and at some point, there were close to 270,000 cars coming through the ports and that does not account for trucks. Mr. Whittaker said there are 50,000 trucks coming through the border and some of them come through town, but some trucks turn off and head to Montana. The number of vehicles coming through the border during the summer is amazing. Mr. Whittaker referenced obtaining a department memo from a traffic engineer with ITD. Mr. Whittaker commented on ITD investigating crash data for 12 months to three years and he asked if the process can be slimmed down a bit as you have the community who comes to ITD with concerns about the area from the state shop to the golf course, and he thinks something needs to be done before there are more accidents. Mr. Whittaker added that he has a problem with speed limits based on crash data and fatalities. As a community, we want to streamline the process so it doesn’t take three to five years to get something done.

Mr. Smith said he knows that Mr. Sukenik had an accident at the intersection of Deep Creek Loop and there was another fatality in that area. Mr. Whittaker said since the last traffic study, the area from the state shop to the north end of Deep Creek Loop has more people living there and there is a restaurant and lodge, a church, daycare and feed store. Residents on Funkhouser Street have a heck of a time turning north. Mr. Smith spoke of wanting to streamline the process and not put people in harm’s way. Mr. Allen clarified that the process doesn’t take three to five years, ITD just reviews data going back five years, but when ITD is approached with this issue, the process doesn’t take that long. A speed study would be done, then in a matter of weeks a new sign could be put up if the speed limit changed. Mr. Whittaker questioned if we need to have a majority of crashes in that area to lower the speed limit.

An unidentified person stated that she lives on Evergreen Street and her mother lives on Funkhouser Street and she has had many near misses. She understands not catching everybody with changing speeds, but how does someone report near misses? She explained that she will have to turn early or at a different location when she sees certain traffic scenarios going on behind her. Mr. Allen suggested that she communicate with Mr. Shutes at a local Boundary Area Transportation Team (BATT) or Bonner County Area Transportation Team (BCATT) meeting to initiate a study. If an area is getting close calls at an intersection, ITD will take a look. Mr. Allen added that through meetings like this today, there are a lot of things that can be done for mitigation in District 1, such as establishing a better sight line. Mr. Allen said one improvement that hasn’t been talked about are transitionary speed limits, such as going from 60 miles to 45 miles down to 35 miles. An unidentified speaker said she does see that transitionary speed limits do work as you’re heading north bound, but as you head south in that same area, the signs are too close going from 35 miles to 45 miles to 60 miles.

Mr. Snyder said when someone is driving 60 miles per hour and another driver is going slower because they need to turn onto Deep Creek Loop, other drivers get mad. Mr. Raynor spoke of truck drivers and he added that turning lanes would open that corner up and drivers would be able to see. Mr. Whittaker asked if it’s feasible to move the 60 miles per hour sign past Deep Creek Loop. Mr. Allen said maybe. Mr. Whittaker said there is also a passing lane near there that he feels should be eliminated. Mr. Smith said there is a double yellow line at the golf course and he questioned if that could connect where the double yellow ends. It was said when you come out of Bonners Ferry, the speed limit is 35 miles per hour, when you get to the state yard it’s 45 miles per hour, then it turns to 60 miles per hour at the Foust shop. If the 45 miles per hour limit could continue south past Deep Creek Loop, it would eliminate a lot of problems. Continue the speed limit of 45 and eliminate the 60 miles per hour limit Mr. Allen said he doesn’t disagree with that, and he would like to take a look at it. Mr. Allen spoke of what speeds people will drive and what 85% of people drive. If they drive 45 to 50 miles per hour, that gives ITD comfort to look at changing speed, but if there is no law enforcement present, it won’t work.

Sheriff Kramer said he drives Deep Creek Loop almost daily and he commented about not being able to see cars due to the dip in the highway and the sight disruptions to the north. Deep Creek Loop has a slight grade. If the speed of 45 miles per hour was extended through that area, the benefit would be great and we wouldn’t have statistics. We should look at more of a comprehensive approach.

Chairman Dinning said he heard the step-down process in speed may be better so what does ITD need from the county? Chairman Dinning spoke of his wife being a former US mail carrier and she had to deal with Deep Creek Loop and had many near misses. How can the county help in stepping down the speed limit? Mr. Allen said this is helping just by providing comments locally and some of the comments he wasn’t aware of. Mr. Allen said to give ITD the information about what is being experienced and what law enforcement is seeing as that can help ITD. Mr. Allen said he would like to do a very focused study at Deep Creek Loop and capture that data, and public comments and their experiences will be added to the data on crashes and fatalities. Mr. Allen commented that ITD receives just as much pressure to raise speeds limits as they do to lower speeds so they need to balance that. When it comes to transitionary speeds, that’s where ITD has more leeway with local comments.

Mr. Allen said certain immediate safety risks can temporarily reduce speed limits.

An unidentified person spoke of law enforcement and she said nine out of 10 times there is no law enforcement to enforce that speed. She’s slowing down to make a turn and people will still drive what they’re driving.

Mr. Allen said the last a speed study was from 2013 and there is a lot more traffic and inherently, more traffic creates lower speeds. If ITD goes out and does a speed study out there, the speeds might be lower than the 69 miles per hour that people are driving now.

Mr. Sukenik questioned if the engineering information that is available is also available to Commissioners or City officials as far as distances from that intersection in both directions and give us some landmarks that are available so when people provide information back to ITD, they will be providing educated distances, areas, etc. Mr. Sukenik asked if ITD has the authority to set speed limits on highways within the city limits or is it the city. Mr. Allen said the city used to have authority, but they don’t any longer. The law now dictates that ITD sets speed limits within the city. Mr. Sukenik talked about his accident near Deep Creek Loop.

Mr. Lotspeich commented that he has headed north off from Deep Creek Loop as well as from the golf course parking lot so he leaves from those two approaches and if you’re pulling onto the highway heading north from Deep Creek Loop and pulling a trailer, it’s double anxiety. Last year, due to COVID-19 he was checking people in at the golf course from the outside of the building and he was blown away by how many close calls happened in that area. Mr. Lotspeich said sometimes people are driving so fast behind him that he doesn’t turn off where he had intended to and will turn off further down the road instead. Mr. Lotspeich spoke of more recent wrecks in that area. The golf course has experienced approximately 100 rounds of golf per day and it’s more on weekends and people are pulling in and out of the golf course parking lot. It’s getting busier and busier. It was a record year this year and last year and that is without Canadians.

Mr. Kimball said he recognizes that ITD doesn’t write the policy as to how speed limits are set, but he finds it odd to let traffic patterns dictate the speed. The Granite Hill area shows as a 70 miles per hour area and drivers take that as doing 80 miles per hour. Mr. Kimball commented about how the speed limit in certain areas, such as the Forest Service and Foust shop would’ve been different. Mr. Kimball said he would like to see the speed limit at 45 miles per hour on the highway at Naples and he understands that’s not feasible as It’s within a 60 miles per hour area. To extend the limit to 45 miles in the south end of town and waiting for a fatality to adjust the speed limit is risky and dangerous.

Chairman Dinning asked if we need to send a request to ITD formally from the city, county and law enforcement in order to document and go forward. Mr. Allen said no, he’s just going to start looking into a new speed and traffic study and consider comments and keep the county informed.

Boundary County Undersheriff Rich Stephens joined the meeting at 9:54 a.m.

Chairman Dinning said he appreciates everyone being here and for also being respectful. Senator Woodward said if he had a house in that vicinity and had to pull out onto the highway from Deep Creek Loop, he would sell the house just to avoid that. Senator Woodward said for the easy piece about the guardrail, how do we look into that. Mr. Allen said sight lines are very very important to ITD so they will definitely be looking into that.

Police Chief Zimmerman said he’d been a resident trooper for 17 years here and we should not have to wait for crashes. Everyone can look both ways. Chief Zimmerman said he’s dealt with data, speed studies and has worked all around the state and it doesn’t give you common sense, just data. It’s a vision obstruction and we just need to fix it. An unidentified speaker said people are people and they can be distracted so why wait for an accident?

Senator Woodward said maybe we can look at a longer-term solution and he said that on the east side of the highway, if the highway shifted over a bit to the east, there would be a flat spot and maybe people could see to the north better. Mr. Allen said that adds to his question about working with the county. Chairman Dinning said where Deep Creek Loop comes up to the north he thought it was on ITD right-of-way.

An unidentified speaker addressed Mr. Allen said suggested they conduct the test in a car as opposed to a large truck, and she asked about the ability to put up a mirror, at least on a temporary basis. Chairman Dinning said a transiting speed limit may be the best thing.

Mr. Smith thanked Mr. Whittaker for bringing this issue up. Mr. Whittaker explained that he’s traveled that route in his wife’s small car.

Mr. Allen said the McArthur Lake project is fully designed and ready to go. This project is scheduled for year 2023, but maybe it can be advanced to this next summer. ITD is looking at costs and should know very soon if the project can advance to next summer or if it will be year 2023. Mr. Allen commented that just a couple months ago this was a 9 million-dollar project and now it’s 12 million dollars.

Mr. Allen said this summer ITD will work on the second and last phase of the ITD improvements on the highway. Mr. Allen voiced an apology to businesses that operated without signage as that lasted longer than expected.

The meeting ended at 10:00 a.m.

10:10 a.m., Boundary County Sheriff Dave Kramer, Bruce Whittaker, Boundary County Undersheriff Rich Stephens, Boundary County Sheriff’s Office Detention Sergeant Bryant Brown, and City of Bonners Ferry Council members Ron Smith and Rick Alonzo remained in the meeting for Sheriff Kramer’s discussion with Commissioners about how to proceed with jail improvements.

Sheriff Kramer said he wanted to discuss how to proceed with making improvements to the jail and he explained that Commissioners had hired a company to have a jail assessment done and discuss steps to take toward making those improvements. Sheriff Kramer spoke of having issues with certain types of inmates who require different attention, as well as the facility having heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing and roof issues. The hot water heaters have been fixed. Sheriff Kramer said he reached out to Lombard Conrad Company about a preliminary schematic layout for the jail and due to the cost, it will be something the county needs to seek quotes for. Lombard Conrad would do a cost comparison between a remodel project versus a new jail facility. Sheriff Kramer said it’s possible that a grant would cover ¾ of the costs and if needed, information could be provided to the community about a levy to get the balance of the project paid for. If the county doesn’t take any steps to go forward, the Sheriff’s Office will have to transfer inmates out as the jail won’t be able to hold them.

Chairman Dinning gave an analogy for the jail in that there have been many years that the county has been walking to the edge of the cliff with the jail, but hasn’t fallen over the cliff, but we’re there now and he doesn’t know how to pay for the improvements. Sheriff Kramer said he’s not sure if improvements would be occurring within his time frame, but he would like it to be. The study of the jail that was done identified where we need to be. Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICMRP) won’t pay the quote for the work that would be done by Lombard Conrad. Sheriff Kramer spoke of inmates his office is dealing with who are more anxious to sue the county and he’s seeing more and more of that. Sheriff Kramer spoke of challenges and issues jail staff deal with. Sheriff Kramer said he’s looking to Commissioners for direction to get the ball rolling. Sheriff Kramer mentioned that if the jail brings in and houses federal prisoners, it can help to offset costs. It was said the jail was built back in year 1981. Mr. Alonzo spoke of issues caused by changing rules pertaining to housing juveniles, etc. Mr. Smith mentioned jail certification issues until Sheriff Kramer put in the recreation area. Sheriff Kramer said he doesn’t know if the next step is to form an ad hoc group or contract with someone to look into overall costs and form a plan. Mr. Smith said the School District will go out for a bond in March and that will have an effect on this project. Sheriff Kramer said there is no grant available for this portion of the project. Mr. Smith asked about American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Chairman Dinning updated Mr. Smith and Mr. Alonzo on the ARPA process and mandate issues. Undersheriff Stephens said $50,000.00 is a big price tag to have just for a company to give you another price tag and people hate to throw away money, but this will provide a realistic dollar figure for what we need to look at. Sheriff Kramer said it sounds like the community wouldn’t want to fund a new facility so it would probably be a jail expansion. Chairman Dinning said one thing that would be significant is to realign the city street that runs behind the jail and connect it to Arizona Street as it would gain the county a significant amount of space. It was something that was being considered a matter of years ago. Sheriff Kramer said he had originally talked about getting the dispatch center out of the downtown area, but Ben Wolfinger, who conducted the study, felt the dispatch center could act as a second set of eyes for the detention deputies. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners will see how they can come up with funding this project.

Mr. Smith said lawsuits were mentioned and lawsuits for the jail are a possibility. Commissioner Cossairt asked what square footage is being considering. Sheriff Kramer mentioned that the jail has 24 bed spaces and Mr. Wolfinger felt the jail needed 50 to 80 beds, but 40 beds seems reasonable to handle growth for the next 20 years. Undersheriff Stephens said in the past the jail has run consistently close to 30 inmates and a few times there were 40 inmates, but that is not the norm.

The meeting to discuss jail improvements ended at 10:35 a.m.

County Mapper Olivia Drake joined the meeting at 10:44 a.m. Planning and Zoning Administrator Clare Marley and Planning and Zoning Assistant Tessa Vogel joined the meeting via conference call.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss addressing program options through Innovate, Inc., who is assisting the county with its addressing process.

Those present discussed the Team Viewer computer program being moved to another computer for use. Commissioners asked about the addressing process and Mr. Marley said addressing has been going pretty quickly. Ms. Vogel added that addressing has been fine. Chairman Dinning asked what the logical next step would be. Ms. Drake said as far as assigning address numbers, that is the easiest part, but along the way we’re still struggling with data sharing to the dispatch center. Fire departments also have needs for information, which are different from other departments. At some point, we need communication with different agencies through one system. Ms. Drake said Innovate should be involved as we don’t have any county resources who can focus on that. Chairman Dinning asked what is it that the county entities, such as Planning and Zoning, Road and Bridge and GIS, need to get to the next level. Ms. Marley said to have the day to day data as it gets logged. Ms. Drake said Ms. Vogel’s computer should have daily information. Ms. Marley said she doesn’t have that information on her computer in her office at Ruen-Yeager. Ms. Drake mentioned Arc GIS and she said it seems it could be more automated, but an file transfer protocol (ftp) site would be needed. Chairman Dinning asked about having Ms. Marley and Ms. Drake review the proposal from Innovate and let Commissioners know what they think. Chairman Dinning reviewed the three proposals from Innovate and associated costs. Ms. Drake spoke of the system in place, struggling with who does what and what the needs are, and the need to communicate information to other agencies. Chairman Dinning questioned if the county needs to hire someone for GIS. Ms. Drake said we need someone who can work with the entire county and get the needs met. Ms. Marley questioned how to maintain the map and keep it updated online, etc. Chairman Dinning said due to the workload at the time, when former County Mapper Gary Falcon retired, we were able to break the position into three separate jobs, but do we need to bring the work back to being under a coordinator position. It was said that Ms. Vogel has a functioning license on her computer for mapping. Chairman Dinning said we will need to have more discussion and maybe talk more with Innovate.

Assistant Restorium Administrator Diana Lane joined the meeting at 11:15 a.m.

Commissioners and Ms. Drake continued their discussion on information sharing and working with Innovate and needing redundancy.

The meeting to discuss Innovate ended at 11:25 a.m. and Ms. Drake left the meeting.

Ms. Lane met with Commissioners to give an update on Restorium matters.

Ms. Lane said the Restorium currently has 20 residents and nine are on Medicaid. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners should be receiving information from the hospital about vaccine mandates from (CMS), but the issue is in court. Commissioners will see what the hospital did, the exemptions and how they can apply. Chairman Dinning spoke of receiving funding through Medicaid and what the county can do because if the courts say to implement mandates, the county has trouble getting employees as it is. Nothing is occurring yet and Commissioners don’t want the staff to be alarmed.

Ms. Lane said the fence for the Restorium still needs to be put in as soon as possible. Commissioners clarified that it can be a plastic contractor fence. The Restorium has been Covid-19 free for approximately three or four weeks now. A new resident was admitted recently and another resident will be admitted this week. Ms. Lane said Denise Creighton is going to help her maintain and work on the volunteer list for the Restorium and she added that one volunteer came in to help four days in a row.

The meeting with Ms. Lane ended at 11:38 a.m.

Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:00 p.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.

1:30 p.m., Boundary Emergency Manager Andrew O’Neel joined the meeting.

Mr. O’Neel updated commissioners on grants through the Idaho Office of Emergency Management. The county did receive an extension for the 2020 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) until March 31, 2022 with the stipulation that Mr. O’Neel will submit for reimbursement on a monthly basis. Mr. O’Neel said the extension is for covering costs for the emergency manager and the reason funds hadn’t been used was due to receiving COVID-19 funds and the 2020 EMPG funds were left over. Mr. O’Neel said he has to show that the funds are getting spent and he will apply for an extension later. Mr. O’Neel is looking to spend grant funds on a newer vehicle for this position. Grant funds total $32,069.76 and the car he’s looking at purchasing is a 2022 Ford Edge at a price of $32,011.20. Mr. O’Neel and Clerk Poston mentioned funding needed for equipment the Edge will be outfitted with and it was said there are funds the county can get from the sale of the existing Chevy Tahoe. Mr. O’Neel said it’s five to six months for delivery of the Ford Edge. Mr. O’Neel informed Commissioners that he also inquired about Chevrolets, but they’re sold out in the state program and Dodges are mainly pickup trucks. A radio for the car can be paid for by using Homeland Security Grant program. Clerk Poston said there is $30,000.00 for a vehicle and $1,500.00 has been budgeted for equipment.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to authorize the emergency manager to purchase a 2022 Ford Edge for a cost of $32,011.20. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

The meeting with Mr. O’Neel ended at 1:58 p.m.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:58 p.m.

__________________________________
DAN R. DINNING, Chairman

ATTEST:

_______________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk