***Monday, January 9, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner-Elect Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Commissioner Wally Cossairt administered the Oath of Office to Clerk Glenda Poston. Clerk Glenda Poston administered the Oath of Office to Judge Justin Julian, newly elected Commissioner Ben Robertson, newly elected Treasurer Jenny Economu, newly elected Assessor Olivia Drake, and newly elected Coroner Chad Workman.
The swearing in ceremony ended at 9:15 a.m.
Marty Martinez, Bonners Ferry Herald Reporter Emily Bonsant and Fay Almond joined the meeting.
9:24 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris joined the meeting.
Commissioners took a pause until their next meeting at 9:50 a.m.
9:50 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to appoint Commissioner Tim Bertling Chairman of the Board of Boundary County Commissioners. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt the existing Commissioner meeting schedule as has been set by ordinance. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:00 a.m., Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris met with Commissioners to give the Road and Bridge Department report. A written report was provided. Mr. Morris reviewed work listed in the report. Commissioner Robertson asked about the plowing schedule and Mr. Morris said Road and Bridge starts plowing snow when it gets to six inches, but they tend to plow before it gets that deep.
Mr. Martinez left the meeting.
Ms. Nelson reviewed the sales agreement for a new 966 wheel loader and she clarified that Western States initiates the sales agreement, but the financing is through Caterpillar Finance. This purchase is based off a piggyback bid through Sourcewell. There will be five annual payments and it will pay off the existing 972 loader. There is no prepayment penalty. Ms. Nelson reviewed contract details. Chairman Bertling clarified the buyback amount will be the same. Ms. Nelson said the sales agreement states that the county will purchase the equipment, but she needs to know if Caterpillar Finance is to draft the finance document or is the county going to purchase the equipment from Caterpillar. Chairman Bertling said to move forward and have the finance documents drafted, but if Commissioners determine another funding source, the equipment can be paid off. Mr. Robertson asked about purchasing a smaller loader and Ms. Nelson explained the use of the machine.
Chairman Bertling signed the sales agreement for the 966 wheel loader since Commissioners had made a motion on December 20, 2022, to authorize signing this agreement once Road and Bridge and County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull approved the paperwork.
10:30 a.m., County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull joined the meeting.
The meeting with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 10:31 a.m.
Attorney Hull informed Commissioners that he spoke to Gary Gates with the Federal Aviation Administration about the proposed land lease with North Bench Fire Department. Attorney Hull updated Commissioner Robertson how airport properties have been purchased. North Bench Fire Department has had a lease with the county dating back to the 1990s and the agreement had never been renewed. Attorney Hull said technically, North Bench Fire Department is an association; not a district. The lease needs to be updated, but the land is owned by Boundary County and is managed by the airport. The building that North Bench Fire Department uses as their fire station is portable and it was constructed by North Bench. Attorney Hull said he reached out to Mr. Gates about renewing the lease. There was discussion about having the fire station taxed based on square footage the same as hangars are taxed, which is $0.15 per square foot. Mr. Gates had stated that since the location of this property is in front of a highway and the fact that it’s not being used for airport purposes, under airport regulations the county has to assess the building at the highest and best use and an appraisal will have to be done for that. There are some leases that specially say that at the end of the lease if the parties don’t renew the lease, the structure becomes the county’s and that can be used as a factor in the lease itself, but it has to be specifically stated in the appraisal. There is still a lot of discussion that needs to take place with North Bench. Chairman Bertling said there is a benefit to having this fire station in that location since it’s for fire protection. Commissioners listed the Panhandle Area Council (PAC) building as a comparison in that’s it’s built near an airport. Attorney Hull said he would look into factors pertaining to the PAC building.
Attorney Hull updated Commissioner Robertson on the memorandum of understanding with the Tribe pertaining to gas tax and matters pertaining to questions the county outside auditor has pertaining to the Fair Board.
Prosecutor Andrakay Pluid joined the meeting at 10:44 a.m.
Commissioners reviewed claims for payment. Fund totals are as follows:
Current Expense $ 82,090.94
Road & Bridge 44,237.66
Airport 3,835.41
District Court 8,594.92
Fair, County 55,500.00
Justice Fund 121,577.65
911 Funds 12,401.20
Historical Society & Museum 35,000.00
Hospital, Operation 180,000.00
Parks and Recreation 7,281.32
Revaluation 1,018.30
Solid Waste 14,087.49
Veterans Memorial 1,062.73
County EMS 771.98
Restorium 42,078.82
Waterways 866.81
Grant, Airport 13,517.12
TOTAL $623,922.35
Trusts
Auditor’s Trust – *Misc 1,619.99
Interlock Device Fund 60.00
Indigent Reimbursements 9,593.64
Motor Vehicle Trust Acct 182.75
Sheriff’s Trust Fund 266.25
Odyssey Court Trust Account 14,890.70
Odyssey Bond Trust Account 21,013.80
TOTAL $47,627.13
GRAND TOTAL $671,549.48
Citizens are invited to inspect detailed records on file in the Courthouse (individual claims & Commissioners’ allowance & warrant register record 2022-2023).
Attorney Hull commented that the Waterways Board was awarded a grant for a project and is moving forward with drafting a scope of work. Attorney Hull explained having email difficulties with Adrienne Norris pertaining to a cease and desist letter regarding use of the county seal. Attorney Hull updated Commissioner Robertson on this matter. Commissioners reviewed a list of topics Attorney Hull is working on for Commissioners and the Clerk.
The meeting with Attorney Hull ended at 11:12 a.m.
Commissioners discussed the recent flooding in the men’s restroom located on the basement floor of the Courthouse and the resulting water damage. Prosecutor Pluid said her office sustained a lot of damage and she mentioned her staff has voiced experiencing headaches from the smell and itchy eyes from the dust getting kicked up from the fans being used. Chairman Bertling said one quick fix would be to get air filters. Prosecutor Pluid said there is a fairly significant stain in the carpet from the water that came into her office 10 feet. The carpet is over 20 years old so it probably needs to be replaced as does some of the drywall. The cause of the flood was the men’s restroom, but the women’s room smells musty as well. Chairman Bertling said the Prosecutor’s Office could use a high efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) filter as the fastest and easiest method. Former Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley also had been experiencing issues with the drains in that same men’s restroom, according to Prosecutor Pluid. Those present discussed having the insurance adjuster at the Courthouse and a possible timeline for replacing carpet, etc.
Prosecutor Pluid left the meeting at 11:21 a.m.
Clerk Poston asked Commissioners to stop by the former North Idaho College building sometime during the next day.
11:24 a.m., Restorium Maintenance Kevin Schnuerle joined the meeting.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the minutes for the weeks of December 12, 2022 and December 26, 2022. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to grant an extension of time to pay year 2022 for parcel #MH61N01W25615BA and to accept the tax amount due by February 6, 2023. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation Form for tax year 2022 for parcels #RP007250020040A, RP0470100008H0A and RP62N02E166625A and to cancel $6.41, $0.23 and $3.04 because the payment was mailed to Bonner County instead of Boundary County. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificates of Residency for Sydnee Blevins, Roger Naylor, Jaden Byars, and Robin Owens. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to declare 1990 Linkbelt 2700 C Series 11 Excavator surplus and to authorize its sale at auction. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Schnuerle said Patriot Fire Protection (Patriot) came to the Restorium today to finish replacing sprinkler heads and he explained that rust is a sign the heads needed to be replaced. Patriot will do a pressure test on the system and they climbed in the attic and checked the lines. There should be a plastic liner over the fire lines, plus insulation on top of that and Mr. Schnuerle confirmed there was plastic and insulation. Because of the nature of the Restorium building and it being so cold for those few days, it just got too cold for that attic. The attic relies on radiant heat from underneath and the heads that leaked are the closest to the outside walls and entrance ways. Seven sprinkler heads leaked and were replaced, but they were due to be changed. Those present held discussion on the sprinkler system.
Mr. Schnuerle said he received three quotes for redoing the floors and they’re in the range of $75,000.00 to $109,000.00. One stipulation is $4,620.00 for the trip cost, but that price could change due to a change in gas costs, hotel rooms, etc. Those fees would actually be more since only a few rooms can be updated at a time so the company would need to come up more often. Mr. Schnuerle said the Restorium is looking at replacing flooring in two rooms per month over a two-year period. One company is asking about funds up front to buy material. Commissioners said the county will go out for bids for this project and a contractor will need to have a public works license. Chairman Bertling said he would talk to County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull about needing a public works.
Mr. Schnuerle spoke of the hot water in the east mechanical room, which supplies the short hall, in addition to discussing the heating system. The Restorium had a fairly new boiler put in not long ago. Mr. Schnuerle said since he’s been at the Restorium, he’s been looking at the pipes to see why he can’t get the water temperature down in the rooms. He’s having a hard time with the water temperature coming down and not recovering. There have been no temperature changes when working with the flow meter, etc.
Due to placement of the thermostat, its affecting heat on one side of the lobby as compared to the other side. The long hall is always warmer and that’s where the thermostat is located. This building has had an electric furnace and it was retrofitted so it has hot water that goes into it. The new boiler was put in for instant hot water, but the pipes coming out of the unit aren’t big enough to handle that amount of water. It’s turned to the lowest setting. The pipe is one-inch, but it needs to be 1.5-inch copper. The flow meter is not in the right place to mix the hot and cold water to recirculate and recharge when it runs out of hot water. Mr. Schnuerle said he’s still waiting for an estimate on costs.
The meeting with Mr. Schnuerle ended at 12:00 p.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at noon.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Scooter Drake, Kevin Cossairt and Jacob Hinrichs with Boundary County Back Country Access and Jonathan Luhnow and Taylor Bradish with Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) joined the meeting. Mr. Luhnow explained that he is the Lands Coordinator for the Ponderay area and Mr. Bradish is the IDL forester for the westside.
Those present met to review the land use permit for snowmobile use. Those present discussed topics to include gates, timber sales and logging that would affect land use permits, various routes, issues with off trail riders, flexibility in routes, tank traps, advanced written notifications of possible route obstructions.
Mr. Luhnow spoke of communication not occurring as it should have and how he would like to improve those communications lines. Chairman Bertling commented on the Land Use Permit and it was said the current permit is in effect until December 2025. It was said in the past, Stimson Lumber, Boundary County and IDL would hold a meeting together and it would be good to meet again. The permit is to run five years, but the parties can hold an annual meeting and discuss where logging may be taking place and how routes would be affected for that season. Commissioner Robertson said he would like to see all gates gone, but riders need to be notified so they don’t find themselves at the top of a hill and the gate is closed at the bottom. Commissioner Robertson said the county already has too many limitations by the Forest Service and now we’re being locked out by Stimson Lumber and others. It was said that was driven by misuse. Mr. Luhnow said it comes down to communication and he would like signage at the top and bottom of routes.
Commissioners and Mr. Luhnow reviewed matters pertaining to covered routes and closures, a gate location protection plan, having access to gate keys, clearing brush and maintenance prior to the season starting, signage for safety precautions, etc. Mr. Luhnow said there could be a pre-season meeting in March to discuss grooming and brushing and have another meeting in October to discuss what the season will look like. Chairman Bertling mentioned having on-site meetings.
Mr. Hinrichs spoke of available funding for trails. Mr. Luhnow said he will be the point of contact for IDL and Dave Wenk will be the point of contact for the county. Chairman Bertling commented that he never thought he’d see when IDL was as tough to work with as the Forest Service, but now we’re here. Mr. Luhnow said all IDL wants is a plan.
The meeting ended at 2:55 p.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificate of Residency for Avery Bayer. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to grant an extension of time to pay year 2022 taxes for parcel #MHB00000228425A and to accept the tax amount due by February 19, 2023. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to grant an extension of time to pay year 2022 taxes for parcel #MH61N03E04091BA and to accept the tax amount due by February 2, 2023. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Restorium Maintenance Kevin Schnuerle contacted Commissioners’ Office at 3:30 p.m. and said the Restorium cannot have a dry sprinkler system because of the age of the building and the number of sprinkler heads that system would need to work. Mr. Schnuerle’s call ended at 3:35 p.m.
3:35 p.m., Commissioners recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
***Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
9:00 a.m., County IT Director Matt Hodges and Assessor Olivia Drake joined the meeting to discuss computer matters.
Assessor Drake questioned what was happening with the Addressing Coordinator in assisting the Planning and Zoning Office. It was said Addressing Coordinator Debra Drager has a computer at the Road and Bridge Office where she remotes in. It was also stated that the understanding is that Ms. Drager brings in her Road and Bridge computer to the Planning and Zoning Office. Mr. Hodges said he can just take the computer that’s in the server room and put it in the Planning and Zoning Office. Mr. Hodges questioned if Ms. Drager is doing work on the computer in the server room or using the Planning and Zoning Office computer.
9:04 a.m., Addressing Coordinator Debra Drager joined the meeting.
Commissioners asked Ms. Drager what the computer needs are for her for Planning and Zoning work. Ms. Drager said she’s taking the small computer from the Road and Bridge Office and bringing it to Planning and Zoning Office on Wednesdays and she uses the guest internet through the University of Idaho for access. There is a network line that comes in for a computer that’s in the Planning and Zoning Office as well as the two printers. It would be nice to have a regular network connection and she asked if there is the option to have a switch to use for any computer devices. Mr. Hodges said the computer Ms. Drager is using is sitting in the server room so it would be better to put it in the Planning and Zoning Office. Ms. Drager explained that she is using the Enterprise database.
Mr. Hodges, Assessor Drake and Ms. Drager will have a separate meeting about what needs to be done for computer use. Mr. Hodges discussed a virtual private network (VPN) to allow Ms. Drager access to the system from multiple locations. Chairman Bertling said he’s hoping this is a temporary solution until a permanent solution can be found for the Planning and Zoning Office.
Joseph Bushnell and Boundary County Emergency Manager Andrew O’Neel joined the meeting at 9:26 a.m.
Ms. Drager and Assessor Drake left the meeting at 9:28 a.m.
Mr. Hodges updated Commissioners on matters pertaining to installing fiber to the former North Idaho College (NIC) building. Mr. Hodges said he spoke to representatives from Idaho Regional Optical Network (IRON) about the work and costs involved with getting internet to the former NIC building for the University of Idaho Ag Extension Office and the initial setup costs are expensive so he’s looking into cheaper alternatives. EL Internet has fiber overhead that goes to that building already. The fiber used is called a black line and it’s not really an internet connection. The internet needs to be connected to the University of Idaho in Moscow. The county can lease EL Internet’s line, but they want to tunnel the line from their location on Van Buren Street. The county will either pay to tunnel underground from Van Buren Street to the new University of Idaho location or to pay to tunnel from Van Buren Street to EL Internet and then pay a lease to contract off of EL Internet’s line in addition to the existing internet. The county will have to pay to dig either way, according to Mr. Hodges.
Sheriff Dave Kramer joined the meeting at 9:32 a.m.
It was said the contract with IRON is approximately $59,000.00.
Mr. Hodges left the meeting at 9:36 a.m.
Mr. O’Neel and Sheriff Kramer met with Commissioners to request the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for critical infrastructure that needs repaired. Mr. O’Neel explained what the simulcast system is in addition to how various emergency responding agencies contribute to this system. Mr. O’Neel mentioned that there are a few batteries that need to be replaced as well as an antenna feed line and he has estimates for those.
Boundary County Parks and Recreation Board members Brandon Glaza, Rob Tompkins and Tim Dougherty joined the meeting at 9:56 a.m.
Mr. O’Neel said one option is for the county to take over the simulcast system for year 2024 to allow time to budget for this cost. The county can also use State Homeland Security Program grant funds for equipment upgrades. If the county took this system over, it would be planned for October 1, 2023. Sheriff Kramer explained the simulcast system is the main system for all fire departments and emergency agencies. Having the simulcast system under the county would provide law enforcement with an additional system if their tactical channel went down. Clerk Poston suggested Mr. O’Neel include this expense in his upcoming budget request for the next year. Mr. O’Neel proposed a request to use ARPA funds totaling $12,725.00 for needed repairs and then the current Joint Powers Group for this system could contribute $10,000.00 to fund what needs to be addressed right now. Chairman Bertling had no issue with that. Commissioner Robertson asked about time frame and Mr. O’Neel said he would probably need to wait until June for the snow to melt to have repairs made.
Cory Trapp with Longwell+Trapp Architects joined the meeting at 10:01 a.m.
Commissioners suggested collecting funds from the participating agencies first in order to determine the actual amount of ARPA dollars needed.
The meeting with Mr. O’Neel and Sheriff Kramer ended at 10:02 a.m.
Mr. Trapp presented a plan for the proposed new restroom and concession building at the fairgrounds. Mr. Trapp explained the construction of the structure and also explained the requirements associated with requested appliances for food preparation, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) parking, graffiti resistant coating, solar tube lighting, etc. Mr. Glaza explained how the Parks and Recreation Board is a volunteer board, but is still also a part of the county. Mr. Glaza added that Parks Board is also trying to incorporate energy efficiency into the new building. Those present discussed outdoor lighting requests and wiring for security cameras. Mr. Trapp said his rough estimate is that this building will cost approximately $400,000.00 to $500,000.00. Clerk Poston said that is the amount she was estimating as well. Mr. Trapp suggested the county purchase the sinks, hoods, etc., direct instead of through the contractor. Clerk Poston said if appliances are purchased outside of using ARPA funds, that funding source will have to be determined.
The meeting to discuss construction of a new concession stand/restroom facility ended at 10:40 a.m. Mr. Trapp left the meeting.
Mr. Glaza and Mr. Tompkins informed Commissioners that someone has been attending the Parks and Recreation Board meetings and they may submit their letter of interest to fill one of the two vacant positions on the board. Two applications have been received for the Sports Director position.
The meeting with Mr. Glaza, Mr. Tompkins and Mr. Dougherty ended at 10:47 a.m.
10:47 a.m., Personnel Director Pam Barton joined the meeting to discuss a sick leave bank matter. Ms. Barton explained the sick leave bank program to Commissioner Robertson. In this particular case of an employee, there are 12 additional hours being requested for an employee outside of the original requested time frame for hours. Chairman Bertling said he disagrees as the first precedent is one thing, but he doesn’t want to set two. Commissioner Robertson asked what the drawback would be and Chairman Bertling said the precedent would be more and more employees submitting this type of request.
The meeting with Ms. Barton ended at 11:06 a.m.
Mr. Bushnell informed Commissioners that he is a builder and he is also representing other realtors, builders, etc. who have an issue with how the Planning and Zoning Office is operating. Mr. Bushnell said he has a few issues with rules being applied that are not in the ordinances and he explained that the only place an overlay zone is required as listed in the ordinance pertains to the airport. Planning and Zoning is requiring that documentation for overlay information be provided for anywhere in the county, but it’s not in the ordinance. Mr. Bushnell briefly commented that there are issues costing him $300,000.00 in gross revenue and it’s costing larger companies more. Mr. Bushnell added that he just wants to request that the Planning and Zoning Office be run by someone local. Communication is an issue and you don’t always get a response right away. Mr. Bushnell said he doesn’t have many issues, but there are a few, such as other property owners being unable to divide their property, etc. Mr. Bushnell asked if there is a timeline in order to hire someone locally for a new administrator and Commissioners said no. Mr. Bushnell commented that he spoke to a lawyer about terminating the contract for Planning and Zoning work, because of the discrepancy from the ordinance. The person who works as the Planning and Zoning Administrator will need to be qualified. Chairman Bertling said his timeline to have a local Planning and Zoning Administrator is this year; one way or another. Commissioners said they need to readdress this.
The meeting with Mr. Bushnell ended at 11:14 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve Certificates of Residency for Stephanie Chase and Ana Chase. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Bonners Ferry Herald Staff Writer Emily Bonsant joined the meeting at 11:26 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to grant an extension of time to pay year 2022 taxes for parcel MH62N02E291530A and to accept $10.00 per month until the tax is paid in full. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
11:33 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris joined the meeting to present a timeline for the project partnership between the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, Boundary County and Idaho Transportation Department regarding Sunrise Road, Great Northern Road and the Tribe’s travel plaza.
Ms. Nelson reviewed the timeline for the roadway development in coordination with the Kootenai Travel Center as follows and she explained that this information is tentative:
Step 1: Currently in process is the agreement between the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and HMH Engineering to provide engineering services for design through plan specifications and estimates regarding a new roadway located within Boundary County parcel #RP62N01E142536A, RP62N01E144650A and RP62N01E142537A, and within the right-of-way of Sunrise Road and Great Northern Road. Design will include roadway, storm drainage and traffic control plans. Step 2: A memorandum of understanding between the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and Boundary County for road design and construction for Boundary County’s proportionate share of roadway and traffic control design and construction. Step 3: 30% design plans. 3a.: Public open house regarding county roadway development in coordination with the Kootenai Travel Center. This is tentatively scheduled for February 22, 2023, at the Boundary County Annex from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Step 4: 60% design plans. Step 5: Final design and bid package process. 5a.: Advertise the bid. 5b.: Award the bid. Step 6: Construction. 6a.: Goal for completion and a tentative opening date of July 31, 2023.
Chairman Bertling asked how many design plans HMH Engineering will have. Ms. Nelson said she didn’t know. HMH Engineering has been discussing concept plans. Chairman Bertling said he’s hoping for more than one option.
Those present discussed sanding and salting Mountain Meadows Road and other areas.
The meeting with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 12:00 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 12:00 p.m.
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TIM BERTLING, Chairman
ATTEST:
___________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk