Monday, July 17, 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.
Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.
9:00 a.m., Solid Waste Department Office Manager Richard Jenkins met with Commissioners. Mr. Jenkins and Commissioners discussed going out to bid to dispose of the wood pile at the main landfill. Chairman Bertling said he spoke to John Sweetapple with the Coeur d’ Alene Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Office about the wood pile and asked if the county could get a waiver to burn the wood pile instead of grinding it and then funds that would’ve been used to dispose of this pile could be put to other use. Chairman Bertling said burning the wood pile is a possibility for a certain time of the year. Shoshone County uses an incinerator curtain, but it’s not certain if that would work as well as a grinder. The landfill staff would still have to separate the wood. Commissioner Robertson said he would like to see if the wood pile can be burned. Mr. Jenkins said it will cost approximately $100,000.00 to grind and dispose of the wood pile and he might only get rid of one-quarter to one-third of the pile and it would cost another $100,000.00 to dispose of more of the pile so that’s looking at $200,000.00 in a year’s period. Chairman Bertling said he would like to work with DEQ on this. Mr. Jenkins will put off going out to bid until more is learned about what DEQ will allow. Chairman Bertling said it would be good to have a clean slate with the wood pile. Commissioners and Mr. Jenkins discussed biochar and what it can be used for.
9:10 a.m., Commissioner Robertson moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)b, to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public-school student. Commissioner Cossairt second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Robertson “aye”. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with Mr. Jenkins ended at 9:30 a.m.
Commissioners remained in executive session.
9:35 a.m., Personnel Director Pam Barton and County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull joined the meeting.
The executive session ended at 9:45 a.m. No action was taken.
Ms. Barton left the meeting.
Attorney Hull updated Commissioners on various matters he’s working on. Attorney Hull discussed matters pertaining to the Rocky Point Waterways Building and it’s use by the Sheriff’s Office, Search and Rescue and the Waterways Board. The building property should be in the county’s name and there are conditions associated with grant funds and approved uses of the building. Attorney Hull said he’s been speaking with Road and Bridge about the Sunrise Road-Kootenai Tribe project and the use composite culverts as opposed to galvanized culverts. Attorney Hull said there would need to be a public hearing to consider amending the Road Standards Ordinance to allow for composite culverts. Attorney Hull said he’s also meeting with Planning and Zoning about land use changes
Attorney Hull left the meeting at 9:55 a.m.
Boundary Ambulance Service Chief Jeff Lindsey joined the meeting at 10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and convene as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chief Lindsey informed Commissioners that Boundary Ambulance Service will have public town hall meetings on Wednesday of this week in the Annex conference room. One meeting will take place between 10:00 a.m. and noon and another meeting will be held the same day between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Ambulance personnel will explain to the public how they work, billing, funding, and also allow for questions. Commissioners asked Chief Lindsey about getting this information out to the public and Chief Lindsey said the Bonners Ferry Herald did an article about these meetings and Boundary Ambulance has a Facebook page. Chief Lindsey said there is a lot of disinformation as to how Boundary Ambulance Service operates so this will be informational. Boundary Ambulance Service gets approximately 55% to 60% of what they bill out. For year 2022, almost $800,000.00 was billed and Boundary Ambulance Service received approximately $400,000.00. Chairman Bertling asked if Boundary Ambulance Service would be okay if they brought in 90% of what was billed and Chief Lindsey said yes. Chief Lindsey said only so much can be received from Medicaid due to the certain levels they pay. Boundary Ambulance Service depend on transports, according to Chief Lindsey.
Chief Lindsey asked if there are still ARPA funds available and he explained that Boundary Ambulance Service has a vehicle ordered and it’s ready earlier than expected. The cost is $160,000.00. Commissioners suggested that Chief Lindsey submit information and a quote to Commissioners in writing. Chief Lindsey said he wasn’t expecting the vehicle this early. Chief Bertling questioned if the county would be reimbursed or would this be the county just be paying for it? Chief Lindsey said realistically, Boundary Ambulance Service would have to finance this vehicle because $160,000.00 is a lot for them.
Commissioners asked Chief Lindsey if his staff still use the living quarters of the ambulance barn behind the Courthouse. Chief Lindsey said he would say, no, they don’t need it.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the Boundary County Ambulance Service District meeting minutes of June 20, 2023. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:15 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board and reconvene as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chief Lindsey left the meeting.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the Commissioner meeting minutes of July 10, 2023. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificate of Residency for Nevaeh Elliston. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Robertson moved to sign a letter of intent to provide matching grant funds up to $25,000.00 using ARPA funds to Trow Creek Water Association pertaining to their grant application to the Department of Environmental Quality. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to cancel late fees and interest for tax year 2021, grant an extension of time and accept payments of $75.00 per month toward year 2021 taxes, due by the 2nd of each month for parcel #RP60N01W348990A and to certify the 2022 mobile home taxes to the year 2023 real property bill. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:30 a.m., Kootenai Tribe of Idaho Administrator Director/Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative (KVRI) Facilitator Teresa Wheat joined the meeting and provided an update on what is to be discussed at this evening’s KVRI meeting. Ms. Wheat and Chairman Bertling discussed matters pertaining to salvaging on Forest Service projects.
10:32 a.m., Bonners Ferry District Forest Ranger Kevin Knauth joined the meeting via conference call.
Mr. Knauth informed Commissioners he’s aware of a new report of smoke in the Boundary Creek area off of a spur road that was called in by loggers in Canada. The Forest Service hasn’t had access to this area and it’s brushed in. It sounds like a single tree type of fire now, but the Forest Service will have a helicopter fly over. Mr. Knauth said he’s thinking the area at the end of the spur road in that area looks open with switch backs so he’s hoping to land the helicopter and get in there. Mr. Knauth said he just learned about this fire one-half hour ago and it’s within one mile of the border. Mr. Knauth said it’s just a regular summer otherwise.
Mr. Knauth said the Forest Service is continuing to look at Ball Creek Road and Trout Creek Road and what they can do with them, and he questioned the Forest Service’s ability to use an existing categorical exclusion to cut down trees to get roads open as soon as they can. By the time you run through the process, you would still be looking at a sale by the middle of next month. It’s looking like October 1st with guess work to map out the time lines it would take. It’s not more than a month’s worth of work. Mr. Knauth mentioned having a meeting with Idaho’s Congressional staff this week to walk them through the process the Forest Service uses. Mr. Knauth discussed the process involved in salvage work and he explained low and moderate severity and that the term timber salvage is described as dead or going to be dead very soon. The salvage nature really restricts what the Forest Service can do. Chairman Bertling asked if there has been more thought about opening Trout Creek Road to the public so they can get to the trailhead. Mr. Knauth voiced concern about weather conditions and related issues involving issues with hazards and the public. Chairman Bertling spoke of public responsibility in these cases, but Mr. Knauth said people don’t all feel the same way. Mr. Knauth said for him to send in Forest Service staff to rescue people, it’s easier to just not open the road. We could get thunderstorms that could bring in water and bring trees down, etc. Commissioner Robertson questioned if logging was going to occur within 300 feet of the road, will the road be opened or will there always be fear of a land slide. Mr. Knauth said he agreed and he added that English Creek is a good example as basing it on the two rain events, he’s pretty sure that area is not done moving. Commissioners questioned if the Forest Service would be okay with opening the road if the trees get cut and nothing happens between now and then. Commissioners said if we get more rains and the area is not done moving and we can’t get it salvaged, is Mr. Knauth saying the Forest Service is not ever going to open the road? Mr. Knauth said if the Forest Service cannot get loggers, they would try other means, such as contracting to put trees on ground so it’s safe or do it in the fall following fire season and the Forest Service can bring fire staff up and they’re good with saws. So, there are other options, but a faller with equipment is the best option, according to Mr. Knauth. Mr. Knauth said he will discuss this at the KVRI meeting.
Mr. Knauth ended his call at 10:52 a.m.
Ms. Wheat left the meeting at 10:56 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to renew the Kootenai Tribe Adult Detention Agreement. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
11:00 a.m., Treasurer Jenny Economu joined the meeting to review the quarterly report of county accounts with Commissioners.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the Treasurer’s Office quarterly report of accounts dated June 30, 2023. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Treasurer Economu left the meeting at 1:13 a.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 11:30 a.m.
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 Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris joined the meeting to give the department report. A written report was provided and Mr. Morris reviewed work being done.
Mr. Morris said Road and Bridge has one cone working and they’re crushing rock, but it’s still not down to the size needed for chips. Road and Bridge is supposed to have parts for the other cone tomorrow or Wednesday. The Durapatcher truck is in the shop, according to Mr. Morris.
Dick Staples with JRS Surveying joined the meeting at 1:35 p.m.
Mr. Morris discussed applying calcium to roads and mowing for the remainder of the week. Chairman Bertling said it was nice that the county put rock on the Section 16 parking area.
Ms. Nelson spoke to Commissioners about the request for a variance for Albert Solt and she added that Mr. Staples is the representative for Mr. Solt. The variance was dependent on a parcel division and in April 2022, it was realized that the one-year time frame for the variance was up and an extension was granted April 24, 2022, for a one-year period. Planning and Zoning sent the final plat for review and Ms. Nelson verified the extension. The extension expired April of 2023 and Attorney Hull had suggested that Ms. Nelson contact the property owner and Commissioners about requesting a 30-day extension. Ms. Nelson said she recommended a 45-day extension, but wasn’t sure if Attorney Hull would agree on that. Chairman Bertling said he would suggest granting an extension to the first of the year.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to grant an extension of time until January 1, 2024, for Variance Application 4-2021 and to amend the Findings and Decision letter with this extension. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Staples left the meeting at 1:48 p.m.
Ms. Nelson briefly discussed updated traffic counts on various roads.
Those present addressed the upcoming Road and Bridge budget for fiscal year 2023-2024.
The meeting with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 2:32 p.m.
2:32 p.m., Sheriff Dave Kramer and Undersheriff Rich Stephens joined the meeting.
Sheriff Kramer said the Sheriff’s Office has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the School District for a second school resource officer (SRO) and he has a deputy that he would like to move into that position starting August 14, 2023. This deputy would be a good fit for the position. Sheriff Kramer asked about the ability to use National Opioid Settlement funds to cover this deputy’s wages from August 14, 2023 to the start of the new year and then back fill the deputy position that was left vacant with a new hire. Clerk Poston spoke of designating $25,000.00 of these funds per year and that would last 15 or 16 years. Sheriff Kramer said the thought was that August 14th would be a good transition time for this deputy to become familiar with the schools. The School District will contribute approximately $35,000.00 once per year toward the SRO position. Commissioners said they did not have any problem with what Sheriff Kramer wants to do.
Sheriff Kramer discussed wages for deputies. Commissioner Robertson informed Sheriff Kramer of what he was thinking of proposing for wages and Sheriff Kramer said every bit helps. Those present discussed employee longevity and retention.
The meeting with Sheriff Kramer and Undersheriff Stephens ended at 3:00 p.m.
Commissioners and Clerk Poston resumed their budget review.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the New Private Road form for Twisted Pine Drive. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
4:00 p.m., There being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
***Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session at the County Annex with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
9:00 a.m., Commissioners held an elected officials/department heads meeting. Present were: Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk, Assessor Olivia Drake, Assistant Landfill Superintendent/Office Manager Richard Jenkins, IT Director Matt Hodges, Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendent Randy Morris, University of Idaho Extension Educator Amy Robertson, Assistant Restorium Administrator Diana Lane, Personnel Director Pam Barton, Courthouse Maintenance Squire Fields, and Undersheriff Rich Stephens.
Commissioners went around the room for department updates.
The elected officials/department heads meeting ended at 9:30 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Idaho Department of Lands Memorandum of Understanding, Assurances and Certificates regarding the Idaho Department of Lands 22HFR1-Boundary grant for the Deer Camp project. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners resumed their review of county budget details.
10:30 a.m., Boundary Economic Development Director David Sims stopped by the meeting and briefly discussed matters pertaining to the Parks and Recreation restrooms, and property appraisals.
Mr. Sims left the meeting at 11:30 p.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 11:30 a.m.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session at the Courthouse with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
1:30 p.m., Commissioner Robertson 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 Cossairt second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Robertson “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 2:00 p.m. No action was taken.
Commissioners resumed reviewing budget details.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
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TIM BERTLING, Chairman
ATTEST:
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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk