***Monday, July 24, 2023, at 8:00 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., Commissioners met with Courthouse Maintenance Squire Fields to discuss the health of two maple trees on Courthouse property and to update them on the status of drywall installation in the Judge’s chambers.
The meeting with Mr. Fields ended at 9:10 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
9:35 a.m., County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull joined the meeting to update Commissioners on various matters he’s working on. Attorney Hull provided an update on the Sunrise Road – Kootenai Tribe of Idaho project in relation to who is responsible for various road related costs.
9:51 a.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; and 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.
Attorney Hull left the meeting at 9:59 a.m.
Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skene joined the meeting and Commissioners remained in executive session.
Mr. Skeen left the meeting at 10:48 a.m. Commissioners remained in executive session.
The executive session ended at 11:11 a.m. No action was taken.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the minutes of July 17 & 18, 2023. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the New Private Road Name Request form for Splendor Mount Way. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the New Private Road Name Request form for Poulton Way. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to deny the New Private Road Name Request form for Gitshawt Lane. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to deny the New Private Road Name Request form for LCDR Fred Eskew Lane. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2023-51. A resolution increasing the Justice Fund Sheriff budget due to receipt of unanticipated revenue Opioids-SRO. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2023-51 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2023-51
INCREASING THE JUSTICE FUND SHERIFF BUDGET
DUE TO RECEIPT OF UNANTICIPATED REVENUE OPIOIDS-SRO
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget for fiscal year 2022-2023, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received Opioid settlement funds in excess of this resolution and will continue to receive funds from the National Opioid Settlement for the next 15 years, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County has deemed it in the best interest of the county to use a portion of the funds yearly to help offset costs for a School Resource Officer. Boundary County Justice Fund is in need for additional revenue for fiscal year 2022-2023. The SRO will be hired 8-14-23 and the amount of $10,294.76 will be the first payment from the Opioid Trust to the Justice Fund for this officer, and
WHEREAS, the addition of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to increase the Boundary County Justice Fund as follows:
Revenue Account Number Expense Account Number In the Amount of
0008-00-0345-0099 0008-02-0402-0000 6378.40
0008-00-0345-0099 0008-02-0410-0000 783.27 Persi
0008-00-0345-0099 0008-02-0411-0000 487.95 Soc Sec
0008-00-0345-0099 0008-02-0416-0000 255.14 Work Comp
0008-00-0345-0099 0008-02-0413-0000 2390.00 Health Ins
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the increase to the Boundary County Justice Fund Revenue Account Numbers and the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget Expense Account Numbers as outlined above 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.
DATED this 24th day of July, 2023
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/_______________________
Tim Bertling, Chairman
s/________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/________________________
Ben Robertson, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #294960
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at noon.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners met in regular 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-Superintendent Renee Nelson joined the meeting to give the department report. A written report was provided and Ms. Nelson reviewed work being done.
Ms. Nelson updated Commissioners on the Idaho Transportation Department’s project involving Pine Island Road and Mirror Lake Road closures. Ms. Nelson spoke of running into issues, waiting to hear about a redefined design and what is occurring in this project.
Ms. Nelson said Mr. Morris would like to talk with Commissioners about dust abatement to explain Road and Bridge’s plans and what Road and Bridge has been doing. Ms. Nelson explained to Commissioners the phone calls Road and Bridge receives from the public about dust abatement. Commissioners will continue this part of the Road and Bridge Department report to tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.
Those present discussed Smith Lake Road.
Commissioners asked Ms. Nelson about the status of the crusher and Ms. Nelson said Modern Machinery is coming up tomorrow at 7:00 a.m. and they believe they have a fix to get the cone working that same day. The crusher will need a new ring gear and plates and Modern Machinery took responsibility for that.
The meeting with Ms. Nelson ended at 2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m., Boundary Economic Development Council Director David Sims and State of Idaho Parks and Recreation Federal Grant Manager Kathy Muir joined the meeting to discuss the National Parks Service Land and Water Conservation Funds grant program.
Boundary County Parks and Recreation Department Board Chairman Rob Tompkins and Vice-Chairman Brandon Glaza also joined the meeting.
Ms. Muir explained that the fairgrounds property was a Land and Water Conservation fund project and when you get these funds it’s in perpetuity. There is an area across the river that is no longer a viable site and the county no longer owns it so the county cannot apply for new monies if it is out of compliance, according to Ms. Muir. The county could go through a conversion of use in which the county would have to find another property of fair market value and it has to be property that is not already being used for park and recreation related activities. It’s a long drawn out and costly process, according to Ms. Muir. Chairman Bertling said another property could be the 5-acre parcel near Riverside Park, but that might be difficult to discuss since the current property owner is out of the country. Ms. Muir offered a copy of a Power Point that explains the process to follow and she explained that a part of the process is representing the alternate property to the National Parks Service to make sure it’s a viable property. Mr. Tompkins said a property trade would be an easy fix. Grant opportunities would be the result of getting back into compliance. Ms. Muir said the area across the river is the property keeping the county out of compliance, but she’s also concerned about the removal of the restrooms at the fairgrounds. There is also the issue of parking at the former barber shop building next to the tennis courts. Mr. Glaza said there is a waste management company operating out of that building now so it’s probably just one car. Ms. Muir commented that moving the parking sign to another location would probably fix that problem. Those present discussed the area across the river that people are still using and Mr. Tompkins spoke of putting in grass, garbage cans and picnic tables. Ms. Muir said the hardest part of this grant is that it’s a 50% match requirement so the county would have to cover 50% of the project cost and meet requirements.
Mr. Tompkins asked about trail funds and Ms. Muir explained that program. Mr. Tompkins said the Parks and Recreation Board would like to connect the new trail system near Riverside Park to the sidewalk under the bridge at some point and he asked about cost. Ms. Muir said the Land and Water Conservation program has no limit on an amount to request, it just depends on much funding is available and the State of Idaho Parks and Recreation is getting $3,000,000.00 this year.
Those present discussed the cost of tennis courts and pickleball courts.
Chairman Bertling said he will make a phone call and see what Kootenai River Lumber Company is willing to do about the property. Ms. Muir said the schedule for applications has not been set, but it’s thought to be the summer of next year.
Assessor Olivia Drake joined the meeting at 2:26 p.m.
The meeting with Mr. Sims and Ms. Muir ended at 2:30 p.m.
2:30 p.m., Boundary County Parks and Recreation Department Board Chairman Rob Tompkins and Vice-Chairman Brandon Glaza met with Commissioners to discuss various parks and recreation matters.
Those present discussed getting a quote for drilling a well at the fairgrounds property. Mr. Glaza questioned who is to call Universal Well Drilling to schedule a visit. Commissioner Robertson said he’s in favor of a well; it makes sense. Mr. Tompkins said he thinks the cost for this is within the Parks and Recreation budget.
Commissioners briefly spoke of the property they’re interested in to be used for park and recreation purposes and needing to have an appraisal done.
Mr. Tompkins asked about the connector trail under Highway 95. It was said the City of Bonners Ferry has the right to go over that area with the railroad in order to use the old bridge, so the city needs to get involved. Mr. Tompkins spoke of getting a trail roughed in and eventually working on lighting. Chairman Bertling said looking forward to the Old North Hill, the Idaho Transportation Department said they could deed this property to the county to be used as a county park. Chairman Bertling said 9B Trails has a trail system mapped out for that bowl and it would be nice to connect the trail to Homestead Loop at the top of the hill.
Mr. Tompkins and Mr. Glaza asked about Cory Trapp with Longwell + Trapp Architects working with the county on redoing the tennis courts. Chairman Bertling said it would be fine for Mr. Glaza to reach out to Mr. Trapp.
Chairman Bertling commented that as it pertains to the trail under the bridge in city limits, City of Bonners Ferry Administrator Lisa Ailport should be contacted about it. Assessor Drake mentioned that Ms. Ailport is going off of the city prosecutor’s opinion, so has Prosecutor Pluid seen the documentation?
Mr. Glaza asked if there has been an update on county employee pay raises. Commissioners said it will be based on longevity once the budget is approved for October 1, 2023. Commissioner Robertson informed Mr. Tompkins and Mr. Glaza that the cost of tennis courts is no longer in the Parks and Recreation budget since the cost will be covered by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Mr. Tompkins informed Commissioners that they cannot find someone to run the concession stand. Clerk Poston said the wage for this position is $13.04.
Mr. Glaza said the Parks and Recreation Board has been budgeting for the tennis courts and bathroom project, but there will always be odds and ends, such as landscaping. There will always be something to spend money on in order to dress up the area. Commissioner Robertson said if the matter of the restrooms can be worked out, he feels they can figure something out. Chairman Bertling said if the county can get into compliance with the Land and Water Conservation Fund Organization, then they could get grant money.
Those present briefly discussed a possible area for establishing an RV park.
Chairman Bertling provided an update on the Deep Creek boat launch project. HMH Engineering sent an invoice for the Deep Creek boat launch project. This project had to go through an engineering firm, because the cost is over $10,000.00. It was questioned if the county would be able to contribute in-kind work as it pertains to improvements to the tennis courts.
Commissioners asked Mr. Tompkins what J.B. Tire and Automotive does with their old tires. Mr. Tompkins said they work with Envirotire in Lone Pine, Montana.
The meeting with Mr. Tompkins and Mr. Glaza ended at 3:00 p.m.
Assessor Drake also left the meeting.
3:00 p.m. Commissioners and Clerk Poston resumed their budget workshop.
The meeting ended at 4:00 p.m.
Commissioners recessed until their special meeting at 6:00 p.m. at the Moyie Springs City Hall with the City of Moyie Springs and City of Bonners Ferry council members to discuss various agenda topics.
6:00 p.m., Commissioners met in special session at the Moyie Springs City Hall meeting room with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, City of Bonners Ferry representatives: Mayor Dick Staples, Council members Brion Poston, Valerie Thompson, Ron Smith, and Rick Alonzo, City Clerk Deby Garcia, Administrator Lisa Ailport, and Engineer Mike Klaus; and the following City of Moyie Springs representatives: Fire Chief Ken English, Clerk Donna Wilson-Funkhouser, City Council Members Geoffrey Hollenbeck, Terry Johnson, Les Love, and Deborah Routh, and Public Works Supervisor John Nelson. Also present were: Bonners Ferry Herald Staff Writer Emily Bonsant, Adrienne Norris, Boundary Economic Development Council Director David Sims, and Jerry Higgs.
Refreshments were served until the meeting began at 6:00 p.m.
Council member Hollenbeck reported on City of Moyie projects and said council members were going to open bids tomorrow for the sewer project. The City of Moyie Springs has also been working on updating their codes, but other than that not much is going on, according to Council member Hollenbeck. Council member Hollenbeck said the sewer project will add approximately 100 to 200 more services.
Chairman Bertling informed those present that the Boundary Ambulance Service personnel who were supposed to participate in this meeting had to cancel. Chairman Bertling said the county is in the budget process now and are putting the final touches to it. The County Road and Bridge Office is busy putting calcium and magnesium chloride on roads and are brushing Cow Creek Road and Old Highway Two Loop. Highway Two Loop and Brown Creek Road are to be chip sealed this year. Road and Bridge is trying to get the crusher up and running. Modern Machinery has admitted to doing something incorrectly so they will come up to fix the crusher tomorrow, then Road and Bridge can make chips for chip sealing. Chairman Bertling commented that the county does receive complaints about roads and he gave one example in that the traffic count on Smith Lake Road went from 30 rigs per day to 200 now and it’s tough to keep this road in great shape. We are seeing higher traffic counts around the county.
Chairman Bertling said Alan Flory is having weeds removed from Robinson Lake and the first mowing cleared weeds from the boat launch to the lake. Mr. Flory has two more days of removing these weeds. Commissioners will hold a public hearing to allow 15-hp or less gas-powered motors on Robinson Lake. Due to the weeds in this lake, a person would have to have a robust electric motor to make it out so we’ll see if we can keep the watershield weed down. Traffic counters should’ve been put out in Moyie Springs by the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) last week so ITD should have a count and hopefully it will work to lower the speed limit. Commissioners are trying to use ARPA funds on different projects and he explained helping the various water associations with funding for water system improvements.
Chairman Bertling said 9B Trails approached him about putting in a single-track trail system in the area of the old north hill. The county would utilize that basin and later tie it into the north side. Hopefully we can build a trail from under the bridge in town. Damon Allen with ITD was not on board at first, but now has progressed to where the state would deed this property to the county for a park and if that use ever changed, the property would revert back to ITD. The Waterways Board is going out to bid for improvements to the waterways boat launch at Deep Creek. HMH Engineering is finished with the engineering so the project is now under review. The matching funds total $11,500.00. This project is helping to keep silt out of the boat launch area. Council member Brion Poston talked about parking at this boat launch. Chairman Bertling also commented on wanting to drill a well at the fairgrounds.
Mayor Staples referred briefly to the city area of impact and Ms. Ailport passed out a Power Point presentation containing information about this topic. Ms. Ailport explained the area of impact and delineation of future growth area, and she mentioned it’s also a mutually agreed upon area. Ms. Ailport referenced the Idaho Code section for area of city impacts and she informed those present of an agreement from 2006 between the city and the county and who has jurisdiction within this area. Ms. Ailport referenced City Ordinance 499. The area of impact remains fixed unless it is renegotiated and it must be established before the area can be annexed. There is a section that sets options to allow the community, county or city to designate who has authority of those annexed areas. Many times, cities have deferred to the county for regulatory jurisdiction. Ms. Ailport explained the roll of Planning and Zoning in this process. When reviewing city ordinances and statutory requirements, it needs to be done every 10 years. The City of Bonners Ferry is interested in discussions to shrink its area of impact. If an ordinance is needed for this, it would need to be signed by both the city and county. Commissioner Robertson asked about the area to the north and Ms. Ailport said if the city cannot handle growth due to water and sewer, there is no reason to have it. An area of city impact stipulates that when there is development, they will provide comment. A majority of growth is focused to the south and west. Mr. Klaus said the area to the north is already serviced by Three Mile Water and Northern Lights already provides power.
Ms. Ailport discussed the Riverside Road Improvement Project, through the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP). The public was informed that the city is reviewing its agreement with Western Federal Lands as to whether or not the city will continue the project due to cost overruns. At this point, the City Council is not interested in spending $210,000.00 to $450,000.00 on this project and those funds can be used in other areas of the city. Mr. Klaus said this project included the area from city limits to Myrtle Creek and he explained that the city has several sections of power that they’re relocating so when the county goes out to bid for the project, they can work around it. The city is still moving forward with doing that.
Ms. Ailport discussed the 2024 Strategic Initiatives Grant Application. The city is going to submit a grant application to the state and request $2,000,000.00. It involves the Transportation Plan and the city will look at applying for funds to reconstruction Ash Street from upper Oak Street to the Idaho Transportation Department ownership. The city hired Century West Engineering to help with the application process and they’re hoping to use local contractors and workers to complete the job.
The city local option tax passed and started July 1st. Some of the bigger businesses didn’t know how to apply the 1%. This tax is still new and it will be interesting to see what the return is, which will be on August 20th and it’s on a monthly basis. This tax will take the place of the general short fall. Ms. Ailport spoke of the budget process and explained needing to prioritize capital needs and working capital needs. Ms. Ailport added that she’s working on a presentation so the public will have better knowledge of how funds are spent.
The city is offering up a fifth swim session so they’re teaching more kids how to swim and be stronger swimmers. The city thanked the county for their assistance in supporting the pool. Three or four years ago, the number of kids in the swim program was not good, but they now have enough enrollment to offer a fifth session. The city is busy and planning for growth.
Ms. Norris commented that she feels more people attended the last meeting that was held at the Annex and driving to Moyie Springs it might be more of a distance for people to drive. Chairman Bertling explained that the two cities and county alternate hosting the meetings and this time it was the City of Moyie Springs hosting the meeting so we’re in Moyie Springs.
City of Bonners Ferry Council Member Brion Poston briefly asked about the City of Moyie’s sewer project.
The city/county meeting ended at 6:45 p.m.
6:45 p.m., there being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
***Tuesday, July 25, 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.
9:50 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Request for Reimbursement No. 30 for Airport Improvement Project #017, Environmental Assessment project, at the Boundary County Airport. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:00 a.m., Clerk Poston and Commissioners met briefly to review proposed budget details.
Clerk Poston left the meeting at 10:03 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificate of Residency for Emily Rheingans. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners reviewed budget details until their next meeting at 11:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris and Road Foreman Brad Barton joined the meeting to discuss Road and Bridge matters.
Chairman Bertling spoke of having received comments from a member of the public questioning him about the work Road and Bridge is doing. Chairman Bertling explained that he pointed out other areas and roads that Road and Bridge has been working on to prove that Road and Bridge is working and these are areas this person doesn’t drive past. Ms. Nelson said they’ve spoken to someone who has called and this person was just adamant that Road and Bridge was not doing anything the same. Calcium chloride seems to be an issue, according to Mr. Morris. Road and Bridge has switched to using magnesium chloride. To coat four miles of road using magnesium chloride the cost is $1,200.00, plus two water trucks and a grader. It costs $2,700.00 to apply calcium with water trucks, a grader and calcium truck. It’s hard to justify calcium, but it works well on long stretches of road. Mr. Morris said in all honesty, both materials have pros and cons. Mr. Barton has studied these materials. Mr. Morris said he’s always used Oxford Inc. as that is what he’s familiar with. Mr. Barton said with magnesium chloride you can go out with one water truck and a grader. With calcium it’s more about the application and the product. Road and Bridge can store up to 30,000 gallons of magnesium chloride at the shop. The biggest thing is to get as much dust abatement down as you can, because if you’re not treating the road, you’re losing rock. It was said Road and Bridge will do sections in front of houses. The entirety of Black Mountain Road was treated. Road and Bridge tries to focus on entire roads so they don’t need to grade more spots in between, because it costs more money to do that.
Chairman Bertling said with calcium chloride you can go heavier or lighter. Mr. Barton said with a brine truck you can apply 10 gallons for every tenth of a mile or they can adjust accordingly. Mr. Barton added that if they’re on a new road that’s never been treated, they should treat the road in the morning to let it soak in and then go back again in the afternoon, and don’t apply so much that it runs off the road.
Chairman Bertling said he understands what Ms. Nelson, Mr. Morris and Mr. Barton are saying when it comes to saying we’re looking at dust abatement. He looks at it now to switch even more so for rock retention. Chairman Bertling said in that aspect, when talking about crowning a road, that’s his biggest issue; not having a crown in the road. Having a crown will help to slow drivers down. Mr. Barton said drainage is one of the biggest factors of a county road and Road and Bridge has slowly been nipping away at the worst roads, such as Turner Hill Road and Holmes Road. Sometimes, you can pull material back onto the road and sometimes there is too much so it needs to be hauled off. Commissioners asked when the last time Old Highway Two Loop’s ditches were pulled. Mr. Morris said it was chip sealed a long time ago. Ms. Nelson said it would ‘ve been the early part of year 2010 for the first three miles to Perkins Lake and Deer Creek. Chairman Bertling questioned applying more calcium if Road and Bridge can retain the calcium through next year on roads and they’ve already invested manpower and diesel. Mr. Barton said 1.4 pounds was a heavier shot on Lions Den Road. For the most part heavy shots are about one pound. If using 1.4 or more pounds, there is only 100 tons to use, according to Mr. Barton. That is another benefit of calcium, you can get the road darker with calcium. Mr. Barton spoke of trying to get roads dark, then maintain them with magnesium chloride. It’s a work in progress, but the county is covering a lot more mileage than before. Chairman Bertling said that’s why he’s saying at times to invest more time in it. It was said that Bonner County only uses magnesium chloride. They start with heavy shots, then cut it down accordingly and it is maintenance after that. Magnesium chloride sets up harder, but calcium works better in dryer climates.
Mr. Morris said Road and Bridge is getting things done, even though people don’t seem to think so. Commissioner Robertson said some people can be unreasonable. Ms. Nelson said if Road and Bridge knows that Commissioners are behind Road and Bridge and are supportive, that’s huge to them. Chairman Bertling said there are some roads you cannot put a crown on, because there is not enough material. Commissioner Cossairt said he doesn’t know what to do on a certain part of Smith Lake Road and he referenced a portion of the road near a particular residence. Mr. Morris said he doesn’t think chip seal will hold there and they discussed losing rock on the corners. Ms. Nelson spoke of getting more of the ditches done in order to get more drainage systems in place and that will slow drivers down.
Commissioner Cossairt said if you treat a road, such as in front of a corner on Smith Lake Road, and the public doesn’t slow down by the time it dries out, you’ve just wasted what work was done. Mr. Morris said it never has stayed and you can apply the heaviest shot that Oxford Inc. can do, but it will not stay. Chairman Bertling said he’s on board with what Commissioner Robertson said and he questioned how Commissioners can help to get information out so that the public knows work is being done. This person who called him had no idea about the work being done elsewhere; he only knew about Smith Lake Road. Chairman Bertling said the biggest thing is the grading work. Mr. Morris said there is a lot of experience in this, because there are newer employees who haven’t done this work yet. Mr. Barton mentioned that Fleming Creek Road needs work and he said the road is lower than the ditches. Chairman Bertling said he’s talking about going down the hill on Fleming Creek Road. Chairman Bertling questioned if this is when a county public information officer would be helpful and they asked how they can help and Ms. Nelson suggested pictures. Mr. Morris said they wanted Commissioners to know what Road and Bridge is doing and working on so they can be prepared for the situations when people are confronting them. Mr. Barton said the crew is doing the best they can and they’re doing a great job. Mr. Morris said Smith Lake Road was graded just like everything else was graded. Ms. Nelson spoke of losing a lot of the ditches and the work they did due to the flooding in 2017. Road and Bridge had to pick and choose the main roads and that is where some of the growth is. Ms. Nelson added that for as long as she’s been at Road and Bridge, a lot of the growth was to the south, but now growth is going on everywhere.
Commissioner Robertson said it would be nice to cut out the washboards and Mr. Morris said if it rains, they could grade the road tomorrow, it would be fine and they wouldn’t waste calcium. Mr. Morris added that magnesium chloride is the same way. Commissioner Robertson said if Road and Bridge is not doing spot work, are they anticipating doing less work on those roads next year. Mr. Barton said yes, that would help with grading, washboards and helping to keep dust down. They’ve tried it and seen it.
Mr. Morris discussed dust abatement on Pine Island Road and he said Road and Bridge applied a light shot and it didn’t keep all of the dust down, but it helps keep the road together and get a crown on it. Mr. Barton spoke of the roads that had been impassable earlier in the spring and how those roads are working their way toward the top of the list. Chairman Bertling asked about working on the road behind Perkins Lake to Ronnigers. Ms. Nelson said she would need to get that road file out, because there are legal documents regarding what the county right-of-way is and what Road and Bridge is allowed to do in that stretch of road and when do it. Those conditions have to be adhered to very closely.
Commissioner Robertson said Road and Bridge does have Commissioners’ support. Commissioner Robertson commented that he is frustrated about the crusher. Mr. Morris said he is, too. Commissioner Cossairt asked if the county can crush rock into the fall and stockpile it for spring. Ms. Nelson said yes. Commissioner Cossairt asked if we’re limited to what we can do and Ms. Nelson said if they want to run the sand screen, they cannot run both the sand screen and crusher at the same time. Road and Bridge is not limited by permits or amounts and is also not limited by hours of operation at that certain pit. Commissioners asked about temperatures when Road and Bridge might not want to crush and Mr. Morris said he wasn’t sure, but possibly below freezing. Commissioner Robertson asked about leaving equipment out and Ms. Nelson commented that they do so for only one year at a time. Mr. Barton added that Road and Bridge also cannot have the crusher in that location when running the sand screen. Ms. Nelson spoke of getting the crusher fixed and doing a test run. Modern Machinery will still take care of the crusher and install the correct parts at no cost to the county.
Chairman Bertling discussed having an article published in the newspaper explaining the history of the crusher and what has been put into it so people are aware. Commissioner Robertson briefly mentioned having an inhouse public relations person. Chairman Bertling spoke of hearsay that the public follows instead of going to the source and being reasonable. People just blow up so maybe providing information would curtail that.
Those present discussed a five-day work week at Road and Bridge and Mr. Morris said five days a week will not affect productivity. Mr. Barton explained the benefit of having crews together to get work done and having enough people.
Commissioner Cossairt said maybe explain to people that Road and Bridge work is not a one-person job. When Road and Bridge is mowing, they also have a flagger. It’s a two-person job, not a one-person job and he doesn’t think people understand that. Mr. Barton spoke of keeping maintenance logs for roads. Commissioner Robertson said he’s impressed with record keeping and he referenced Cow Creek and de-icing information Ms. Nelson said that is the reason for having an office person to answer these questions and keeping track of information. Mr. Barton said they also keep track of the salt brine and track usage. Ms. Nelson suggested Commissioners go on a road tour with Road and Bridge to learn what needs to be done by Road and Bridge and what is being done on various roads. Those present discussed complaints and Mr. Morris said he doesn’t take it personally anymore, but Road and Bridge does have a good crew. Chairman Bertling said he wants Road and Bridge staff to know that they have Commissioners’ support and he mentioned wanting to appease the public side as well.
Commissioners, Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris reviewed road and bridge’s budget requests.
The meeting ended at 12:08 p.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:15 p.m.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners met for the afternoon session at the County Annex with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners held a public hearing to consider Planning and Zoning File #23-0101 for applicants Joelle and Jason Worf. Present were: Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Planner Tessa Vogel, and applicant Jason Worf. The hearing was recorded.
Chairman Bertling reviewed the public hearing procedures. Commissioners cited no conflict of interest.
The hearing was opened and Commissioners asked Ms. Vogel for a staff report. Ms. Vogel said this is an already platted property. It’s a request for preliminary plat approval of the Replat of Lot 8, Block 2 of the Amended Plat of Lots 1 through 4 and 8 and 9, Block 2 Winjum Meadows Subdivision, a rural subdivision short plat to create 0.27-acre lot and 0.45-acre lot, both with existing dwellings on each lot, from a 0.72-acre lot. This is a piece of property off of Dallas Lane and Labrosse Hill Street and it was originally two lots. This proposed rural subdivision has existing dwellings on each lot and the property owner wants to split the property so each home is on its own piece of property. The lots’ sizes can go to ¼-acre if they have both water and sewer, which they do, according to Ms. Vogel. The proposed lot sizes are 0.72 and 0.45-acres in order to meet setbacks. Ms. Vogel pointed out the preliminary plat in her Power Point showing the jog in the property line that was created for the setbacks of the existing homes. Planning and Zoning routed the application to various agencies and received comments from the County Assessor, County Road and Bridge Department, Panhandle Health District, and the City of Bonners Ferry provided a will-serve letter. No public comments were received. Ms. Vogel pointed out the Standards of Review for rural subdivisions and the Findings and Conclusions and Draft Conditions of Approval. The plat will need to have the level of services listed. Commissioners had no questions for Ms. Vogel.
Commissioners asked the applicant for an opening statement and Mr. Worf said he would like this application to be approved. Mr. Worf added that the setback minimum is five feet for both properties and one side is 14 feet and the other side is 12 feet from the home.
No one from the public was present.
Commissioners closed the hearing to additional testimony and called for a discussion amongst themselves. Both Commissioner Cossairt and Commissioner Robertson said they had no problems with the application.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the preliminary plat of Riverview the replat of Lot 8, Block 2 of the Amended Plat of Lots 1 through 4, 8 & 9, Block 2 Winjum Meadows Subdivision, a proposed rural subdivision, File #23-0101, and direct staff to prepare written findings, a decision, and terms and conditions of approval, finding that the preliminary plat is in accord with the applicable zoning and subdivision standards of the Boundary County Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance, based upon the findings, conclusions and conditions as written or amended. This action does not result in a taking of private property. And including Draft Findings and Conclusions 1 through 10 and Draft Conditions of Approval 1 through 6. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
The hearing ended at 1:40 p.m.
1:45 p.m., Commissioners held a public hearing to consider Planning and Zoning file 23-0035 for applicants Scott and Angela Hittle. Present were: Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Roberson, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Planner Tessa Vogel, and John Marquette with JRS Surveying, who was representing the applicants. The hearing was recorded.
This is a hearing to consider a request for preliminary plat approval for Hittle Acres Subdivision, a commercial/industrial/mixed-use subdivision via long plat to create four, 4.96-acre lots from a 19.84-acre parcel.
Chairman Bertling reviewed the public hearing procedures. No one had any questions of the process. Commissioners cited no conflicts of interest.
Commissioners opened the hearing and asked Ms. Vogel for a staff report. Ms. Vogel explained that a few months back Commissioners considered a similar subdivision. In county code an application for a long plat in this zone is automatically required. The property owner is looking to create lots next to the airport. Ms. Vogel pointed out the Standards of Review for a commercial industrial subdivision. This zone also allows mixed use. There is no minimum density requirement, with the exception that the lots need to be large enough to provide for the use that will be there. The lots will be serviced by private wells, septic and Northern Lights. This property is located within the county’s airport overlay. The application did go before the Planning and Zoning Commission and they recommended approval. The application was routed to various agencies and responses were received from the County Assessor, Road and Bridge, Panhandle Health District, and the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). The road is under ITD jurisdiction and ITD upgraded the approach permit. The application was also routed to landowners within 300 feet and no public comments were received. The only comments received during the hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission were from the applicants. Ms. Vogel pointed out the Standards of Analysis for this subdivision, Findings and Conclusions, etc. Access is via an extension of Tonka Way. Ms. Vogel mentioned page 8 of the packet consists of standard plat language for anything within the airport overlay and speaks to notifying buyers that the property is within the airport overlay and there may be Federal Aviation Administration restrictions. The ITD permit numbers need to be listed on the plat for future records reference, according to Ms. Vogel.
Chairman Bertling asked if those 5 acres could be broken down into 2.5 acres. Ms. Vogel said yes, it would be another commercial industrial subdivision. The parcel can be smaller, it just has to accompany the uses and she explained this further in detail.
Commissioners opened the hearing and asked the applicant for an opening statement. Mr. Marquette explained that he is representing the applicants, but didn’t have more to add other than the application certainly conforms and abides by what is going on at the airport.
Commissioners closed the hearing to testimony as there were no further comments.
Commissioner Robertson moved to approve the preliminary plat of Hittle Acres Subdivision, a proposed commercial/industrial/mixed-use subdivision, File #23-0035, and direct staff to prepare written findings, a decision, and terms and conditions of approval, finding that the preliminary plat is in accord with applicable zoning and subdivision standards of the Boundary County Zoning & Subdivision Ordinance, based upon the findings, conclusions and conditions as written. This action does not result in a taking of private property. This includes Draft Findings and Conclusions 1 through 14 and Draft Conditions of approval 1 through 8. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
The hearing ended at 2:00 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m.
______________________________
TIM BERTLING, Chairman
ATTEST:
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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk