***Monday, July 15, 2024, 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.
Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.
9:30 a.m., County Civil Attorney Bill Wilson joined the meeting to update Commissioners on various matters he’s working on.
Attorney Wilson left the meeting at 9:58 a.m.
Boundary Volunteer Ambulance Chief Jeff Lindsey joined the meeting at 9:58 a.m.
10:00 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to recess as the Board of Boundary County Commissioners and convene as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chief Lindsey informed Commissioners that Dr. Stu Willis has retired and is no longer the medical director for Boundary Ambulance Service. As of July 1, 2024, Dr. Douglas Dixon is the new medical director and he has an extensive history in this position.
Chief Lindsey provided statistics to Commissioners as to response times, etc. Commissioners asked about the number of calls Boundary Ambulance Service responds to and Chief Lindsey said there have been 100 calls per month on average for the last couple of months. Chief Lindsey explained the benefits of having had cross border EMS response between Bonner County and Boundary County.
10:07 a.m., Chief Lindsey left the meeting.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the Boundary County Ambulance Service meeting minutes of June 17, 2024. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:07 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board and reconvene as the Board of Boundary County Commissioners. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the meeting minutes of June 10 & 11, 2024 and July 8 & 9, 2024. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt to sign a Certificate of Residency for Ayla Hines. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Independent Contractor Agreement with Stan Kraly dba Mountain Barn and Ranch Service for wood grinding at the landfill for an amount not to exceed $40,000.00. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:17 a.m., Burt Wolff stopped by Commissioners’ Office briefly to talk about his hangar lease at the airport.
Mr. Wolff left the meeting at 10:21 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2024-35. A resolution regarding the acceptance of the simulcast public safety radio system. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2024-35 reads as follows:
BOUNDARY COUNTY RESOLUTION 2024-35
ACCEPTANCE OF SIMULCAST PUBLIC SAFETY RADIO SYSTEM
WHEREAS Boundary County first responder agencies collaborated in 2012 to receive a federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant to design/install a county-wide “simulcast” VHF radio system for use by public safety first responders, and
WHEREAS, South Boundary Fire District became the designated recipient and owner of the federally funded infrastructure, while the Simulcast Joint Powers Group was established to jointly manage the system, and
WHEREAS, the original framework whereby users of the system agreed to jointly manage the system and contribute to a routine maintenance fund proved unsuccessful as a long term sustainment model, and
WHEREAS, transferring ownership of the simulcast system to Boundary County achieves the following:
• Consolidates management and long-term sustainment planning for emergency communications infrastructure under the elected leadership of the county government
• Fosters improved interoperability between fire departments, law enforcement and emergency medical services across a larger area of the county
• Provides more reliable sustainment funding stream for Boundary County’s essential fire and emergency medical services communications system
• Ensures the equipment remains in use for public safety communications as intended by the original FEMA grant, and
WHEREAS, South Boundary Fire District Commissioners have notified this board of their desire to transfer ownership of the simulcast system at zero cost to residents of Boundary County;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners of Boundary County, State of Idaho, declare that Boundary County accepts ownership of the simulcast public safety radio system.
Adopted by the Boundary County Board of Commissioners on the 15th day of July, 2024
s/_____________________________
TIM BERTLING, Chairman
s/_____________________________
WALLY COSSAIRT, Commissioner
s/_____________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, County Clerk
To the Board of Boundary County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #297552
The meeting with KVRI Facilitator Theresa Wheat and Bonners Ferry District Forest Ranger Kevin Knauth scheduled for 10:30 a.m., did not take place.
11:00 am., Solid Waste Department Superintendent Richard Jenkins joined the meeting.
Mr. Jenkins reviewed his proposed solid waste fee increases with Commissioners. These new fees would be in effect as of October 1, 2024, for the next fiscal year. Commissioners will have to hold a public hearing for any increase that is 5% or over. Mr. Jenkins explained his reasoning for the increases.
Commissioner Robertson mentioned comparisons to Bonner County and Kootenai County solid waste fees. Those present discussed solid waste transfer stations and associated increased and decreased costs, the difference in solid waste fees between city and county residents, the amount of traffic that uses the outlying monitored sites, costs to dispose of tires, decommissioning appliances with freon, and how much of the metal pile is left to bale and generated revenue.
Mr. Jenkins discussed the Operation Plan update in order to utilize wood chips as daily cover. Mr. Jenkins said his estimate is $14,000.00 to have a site evaluation done, determine the mix for alternative daily cover, and make a model for the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Panhandle Health District approval. Once approved, another plan will be written for the Landfill Operation Plan to be approved by Panhandle Health District. Commissioners talked about paying someone to have wood from the wood pile chipped before proceeding with the work to include it in the Operation Plan. Commissioners asked Mr. Jenkins if he wants the wood pushed into the pit and he discussed having a municipal pit and he said having a municipal pit would’ve cleared this up and we would’ve used resources more effectively for the short and long term. Mr. Jenkins said he’s looking at what the best use is for the county and using resources effectively. If you take part of the landfill and turn it into a municipal landfill, part of the tonnage isn’t included with the other tonnage. Mr. Jenkins mentioned he would have the fill and stormwater plan in the Operation Plan. Commissioner Robertson said this will be a continued conversation for the next 10 years and what’s best is to keep the landfill going beyond the 10 years. Mr. Jenkins said that is a possibility contingent on what the groundwater testing shows. If the groundwater comes back good, he would like to see if the landfill can continue beyond the 10 years. Commissioner Robertson and Chairman Bertling said they didn’t take away from DEQ that it was a cut and dried thing. Commissioner Robertson spoke of diverting garbage and staying under the 20 ton per day limit, but DEQ’s language is not ideal. There is the potential that the landfill can continue beyond 10 years, if the water testing comes back fine. If you take half of the landfill and make it a construction and demolition pit, it will limit the county’s capacity in the future, per Commissioner Robertson. Mr. Jenkins said if we use the land fill as a municipal pit, we have no way of pulling out enough garbage to stay under 20 tons. Mr. Jenkins said if we have just 10 years, he would still want to implement a commercial and demolition pit as the garbage does not need to be transferred. Commissioner Robertson said if the county took all of the wood waste and plywood and ground it to use as an alternative daily cover, that doesn’t count as tonnage either. Mr. Jenkins said he’s not sure if DEQ will allow the wood to be diverted as an alternative daily cover when the permit is issued for the air burner. Commissioner Robertson commented that he’s looking at a 20-year plan instead of a 10-year plan. Mr. Jenkins said he will wait on the Operation Plan until Commissioners have a chance to speak with Mr. Kraly about wood grinding and then he will go from there.
The meeting with Mr. Jenkins ended at 11:40 a.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch.
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.
1:30 p.m., Road and Bridge Department Superintendent Brad Barton and Assistant Adam Ryals joined the meeting to give the department report. Mr. Ryals and Mr. Barton reviewed work done as listed in the written report.
Those present discussed getting ready to start chip sealing roads and recent bridge inspections.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to go out to bid for the county’s fuel supply for fiscal year 2024-2025. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Ryals spoke of a design study for the School House Road Improvement Project. The study talks about the location, what the improvements will achieve, what is involved, and the budget for the project.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the School House Road Improvement, Boundary County and Naples Elementary School Pedestrian Safety Improvement Design Study Report for Project #A021(982) and A023(910) Key No. 21982 and Key No. 23910. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Those present discussed the Riverside Road Improvement Project, as well as position openings at Road and Bridge. Mr. Ryals discussed an issue when there has been an on the job incident or accident involving a Road and Bridge employee and the employee is not allowed to drive a county vehicle or operate the county’s heavy equipment until drug test results come back, even in cases where the employee didn’t cause the accident. The employee can do light duty until the results come back, but Mr. Ryals asked if there was an express test that could be done in these cases? Clerk Poston suggested Road and Bridge contact the Probation Office to inquire about testing.
Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals brought up a potential issue at Itsa Road. There is already a contractor on site where a home is to be moved and there is a slope on the property that the contractor wants to plow back. Road and Bridge is concerned due to the close proximity to the county’s right-of-way at Itsa Road. This is just outside of the county’s right-of-way, but there are also concerns about the toe of the slope as well. It was said that Road and Bridge could provide flaggers for this project. Commissioner Robertson explained that it would be to the county’s benefit to have a couple of Road and Bridge flaggers there and coordinate with the contractor. Having the bank seeded could help could stabilize the slope.
The meeting with Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals ended at 2:00 p.m.
2:05 p.m., There being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.
***Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 9:30 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.
9:30 a.m., Personnel Director Pam Barton joined the meeting to discuss Classification Committee meeting results regarding the evaluation of the Assistance Maintenance position.
Commissioner Robertson moved to set the grade level for the Courthouse Maintenance Assistance position at a Grade 11. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
This grade increase will take effect October 1, 2024.
The meeting with Ms. Barton ended at 9:54 a.m.
10:00 a.m., Commissioners held a public hearing to consider Variance Application 3-2024 for Applicant Jeffery Byler. This is an application for a variance to Boundary County Road Standards Ordinance 2020-2 as it pertains to an approach location on Templeman Road. Present were: Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, and Road and Bridge Department Assistant Adam Ryals. The applicant, Jeffery Byler was not present. The hearing was recorded.
Chairman Bertling reviewed the public hearing procedures.
Chairman Bertling asked Mr. Ryals for a staff report. The subject property is parcel RP63N01E253700A. The applicant is seeking access that does not meet County Road Standards Ordinance 2020-2, Sections 3.3.B. and 3.3.F. Section 3.3.B., sets 330 feet for distance from an existing access, or the intersection or two public road right-of-way on collector or arterial roads and 200 feet for distance from an existing access or intersection of two public road rights-of-way on local roads. Section 3.3.F., sets sight distance for new approaches entering arterial, collector or local access roads at a minimum of 300 feet and a minimum sight triangle of 40 feet.
The variance proposed is described as follows: this application does meet Section 3.3.B., in that the proposed access is located approximately 260 feet north of the existing driveway meeting road standards of 200 feet on local roads, but the minimum sight distance of 300 feet and a 40-foot sight triangle cannot be achieved as required in Section 3.3.F. There is already an existing driveway that accesses Mr. Byler’s parcel. Mr. Ryals added that there is not a lot of traffic on this road and it’s a dead end. Chairman Bertling said with the amount of traffic this road gets, this is more of a safe approach. Mr. Ryals said there are only three parcels beyond the subject property.
For Commissioners’ consideration is that Road and Bridge recommends using the existing approach and establishing a frontage road to access parcels to the north, there is less than 300 feet of sight distance both north and south of the approach, the sight triangle cannot be achieved without brushing, Templeman Road is a winding road with rolling areas, the road is a gravel roadway, and the speed limit is 35 miles per hour.
Other county staff comments received came from the Planning and Zoning Department, Addressing Coordinator and the Assessor. Only one telephone call from a member of the public was received and they inquired if the approach would impact their driveway.
Mr. Ryals reiterated that the property owner is workable on the approach location. Mr. Ryals added that Exhibit 2 shows the existing approach and the proposed approach and due to the steepness of the hillside, there are not a lot of options for an approach. Exhibit 2b shows the sight distance travelling down the road. The proposed approach to the corner is 200 feet, 260 feet to his driveway and 200 feet from where the corner starts as shown in Exhibit 2c and 2d.
Chairman Bertling said the applicant is not present so he won’t ask for an opening statement. There are also no members of the public present so Commissioners won’t ask for public comment from those in favor, uncommitted or opposed to the application.
Chairman Bertling said Templeman Road dead ends at the National Forest.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the variance request of applicant/landowner Jeffery Byler, Parcel #RP63N01E253700A, for a road approach that does not meet Boundary County Road Standards Ordinance 2020-2, Section 3.3.B., with the following conditions C through G, and to direct staff to prepare written findings, a decision and terms and conditions of approval of Variance application 3-2024. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
The hearing ended at 10:14 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties and recessed for lunch.
2:00 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.
Bonners Ferry Herald Staff Writer Emily Bonsant and First District Trial Court Administrator Karlene Behringer joined the meeting.
2:00 p.m., Cory Trapp with Longwell + Trapp Architects joined the meeting to review a preliminary layout proposed for the former Safeway Building. Mr. Trapp discussed the county going out to bid for a roof replacement for the former Safeway Building, as well as discussed insulation in this building, the process to obtain quotes versus the formal bid process, and the possible presence of asbestos in the old Safeway Building. It was said that Commissioners may need to reject all bids for new roofing and just have the roof covered as opposed to having the old materials removed and then replaced.
Those present reviewed the draft layout of offices proposed for the former Safeway Building.
The meeting with Mr. Trapp ended at 3:05 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
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TIM BERTLING, Chairman
ATTEST:
__________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk