***Monday, July 29, 2019, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

County resident Marty Martinez and Blue Sky Broadcasting News Reporter Mike Brown were present off and on through the day.

9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Assistant Superintendent Renee Nelson and Foreman Randy Morris joined the meeting to give a department report. A written report was provided.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the Local Public Agency’s Certificate of Completion of Right-Of-Way Activities, Key No. 13419, Project No. A013(419), for the Westside Rd: Trout Creek Bridge. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Those present discussed the proposed Schoolhouse Road project. Ms. Nelson said the county’s portion of cost is 7.34%.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the State/Local Agreement (Project Development) for Project No. A021 (982) for School House Road Improvements, Boundary County, Key No. 21982. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners, Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris discussed the Riverside Road Improvement project details as far as road closures and travel routes.

Chairman Dinning asked about the mention of radio frequencies on the written report. Ms. Nelson explained that when we had a lot of downed trees, Mr. Morris took care of them and while doing so he paid attention to when he did and did not have cell service. The radios for Road and Bridge only work if there is staff in the office or if someone else has a Road and Bridge vehicle so that is the only way to communicate. Commissioners suggested Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris speak with Sheriff Dave Kramer to see what they can do to rectify that and get better radio service.

Mr. Morris commented about the Kootenai River Bridge in relation to weight restrictions. The road is fine, but apparently there is a weight limit on the bridge, according to Mr. Morris. Ms. Nelson said the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) gave Porter Yett permission to cross the bridge, but that permission had to come from the Boise office and it took some time.

Ms. Nelson said Road and Bridge has been receiving multiple calls about bridges on county roads in relation to the public using them to get through private property to access creeks and it becomes a trespass issue. Ms. Nelson referred to the Highland Flats area and Deep Creek. There is concern about damming up of the water as well as a concern about abutments. Chairman Dinning suggested Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris speak to Attorney Tevis Hull.

Mr. Morris said Road and Bridge is back to using the Durapatcher now on Meadow Creek and Moyie River Roads.

The meeting with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 9:20 a.m.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties prior to contacting County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull.
Commissioner Kirby moved to appoint Deputy Clerk Nancy Ryals as a point of contact for Emergency Management related grants. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Kirby moved to amend the minutes of June 17 & 18, 2019, to correct Planning and Zoning Application No. 19-009 to No. 19-002. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the Property Tax Exemption Form for Mountain Springs Church for year 2020. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Rural Idaho Economic Development Professional Grant (EDPRO) through the State of Idaho – Department of Commerce. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer Sue Larson joined the meeting at 9:44 a.m.

Chairman Dinning said Commissioners received a letter from someone looking to purchase county tax deeded property and their offer was $250. Commissioners reviewed details of the property, which had been tax deeded in year 2012 and offered for sale at auction in year 2013. Treasurer Larson said the assessed value is $11,550. As this property had once been offered for sale at a county tax deed auction, Commissioners can now entertain offers.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to reject the offer of $250 from Eric & Kelley Vogel for parcel RP62N03E273620A. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer Larson informed Commissioners that the tax amount due for this parcel is $3,058.00.

Treasurer Larson left the meeting at 9:47 a.m.

10:00 a.m., Commissioners held a public hearing to consider Planning and Zoning Application #19-035. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Planning and Zoning Department Administrator John Moss, Steve Moyer with North Star Surveying, Denton Wedel and Ivan Wedel, who were representing Harold Wedel; Fred Olmsted, Adam Isaac, Blue Sky Broadcasting News Reporter Mike Brown, Marty Martinez, Road and Bridge Department Assistant Superintendent Renee Nelson, and Road and Bridge Department Foreman Randy Morris. The hearing was recorded.

Chairman Dinning briefly reviewed the public hearing procedures. No member cited a conflict of interest. This is an application for an urban subdivision within a suburban zone as prescribed by Land Use Ordinance 9B18LOV2. When considering this application for a long plat subdivision, Commissioners will determine if it meets criteria in Section 11, and parts 1 through 6, specifically.

Commissioners opened the hearing and asked for the applicant to make an opening statement. Denton Wedel said Mr. Moss has done the homework on this and he is attending the hearing on behalf of Applicant Harold Wedel. This is creating a subdivision and the application has gone before Planning and Zoning and got to this point of being presented to Commissioners. Commissioners had no questions of the applicant’s representative.

Mr. Moss explained that Harold Wedel was not able to attend the hearing due to an injury. Mr. Moss commented that his staff report is fairly self-explanatory in that there are two parcels involved in the request to create the subdivision. Total acreage is 4.12 acres and a record of survey is included. Mr. Moss said he would ask the surveyor for an updated copy as there has been a change and he doesn’t have that updated information, but if Commissioners turn to a particular page, they will see the outline of property in question.

Mr. Moyer said he’s doing work for Harold Wedel. There is a water line that was requested to be located on the north/south side of the easement that goes into Echo Drive. This easement is in the subdivision and does not access Day Break Road. It’s a dead end that serves two parcels to the east and it comes across the north portion of Lot 10 and it’s just south of lot 9 and 10, according to Mr. Moyer.

Commissioners referred to “Exhibit A’ as new information submitted. Mr. Moss said this plan was approved by Planning and Zoning and during the Planning and Zoning review there was a request for input from County Road and Bridge and North Bench Fire Department, who indicated support, and Panhandle Health District was satisfied with the perk test. Three Mile Water District had needed to interface with the Department of Environmental Quality. Subsequent to that requirement at the Planning and Zoning meeting there were will-serve letters from all of those agencies and that information is included in Commissioners’ information. The request from North Bench Fire Department is for two hydrants, only one of which was plotted or laid out. There was a conversation amongst Planning and Zoning members concerning this second hydrant and it’s believed that Randy Wedel had commented that it was a cost factor as it pertained to a second hydrant. This second hydrant was requested by the fire department, but it’s not a requirement in the ordinance. Planning and Zoning had approved this. The staff analysis has to do with the existence of a rural subdivision in a suburban zone. This combination meets the Comprehensive Plan requirements as it relates to adequate housing. Planning and Zoning agrees that this application meets the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Moss said there is an embedded road named Rural Cottage Road and he believes it’s a private road. This road connects to the county road, Echo Drive to the north.

It was said the covenants, codes and restrictions (CCRs) are in the process of being developed, but a sample has been provided. The CCRs won’t be final until further development. Chairman Dinning said in reviewing these CCRs, it talks about cottages are to compliment each other in style and color, which is to be determined by the manager. Mr. Moss said to his knowledge these are just lots to be sold, but he’s guessing a manager would be a homeowner’s association manager.

Commissioners asked for public comment from those speaking in favor. No one spoke. Speaking uncommitted was Road and Bridge Department Superintendent Renee Nelson. Ms. Nelson said Road and Bridge has been coordinating with Randy Wedel on behalf of Harold Wedel for the approaches. The approach showing as being corrected on the east side is correct and they will also get an approach permit for Rural Cottage Road and that is what former Road and Bridge Department Superintendent Clint Kimball had requested. Ms. Nelson added that she’s not seeing that, but it may have been discussed. Also mentioned was a provision for snow storage so that snow from Rural Cottage Road wouldn’t be pushed onto the county road. Other than that, everything in the letter has been taken care of as far as Road and Bridge is concerned, according to Ms. Nelson.

Mr. Moyer spoke of matters pertaining to snow storage and he commented that it wasn’t Harold Wedel’s intention to store snow on the parcel west of the intersection outside of the subdivision. It’s understood that snow would not be pushed into the right-of-way.
North Bench Fire Chief Gus Jackson joined the hearing at 10:22 a.m.

Speaking in opposition is property owner Fred Olmsted, who said he owns a little house on Daybreak Road and he wondered if the road in front of his house is just going to be a driveway now. Chairman Dinning said he understands this easement will serve two houses and the rest will be a utility easement. A question was raised about a lot in this area and Mr. Moyer said it’s undeveloped so there will probably be a house on it someday. Mr. Olmsted asked about snow storage and he said it’s a concern for him because snow can’t be pushed onto his property or the other neighbor’s property. Mr. Olmsted commented that he has two driveways. Mr. Olmsted questioned how large the proposed homes are going to be. Chairman Dinning said the CCRs talk about two bedroom cottages with a garage. Mr. Olmsted asked about septic and Chairman Dinning replied that septic has been approved by the Panhandle Health District. Chairman Dinning explained to Mr. Olmsted the process of allowing public comments and then having the applicant address Commissioners with responses to the comments or concerns raised. Mr. Olmsted said he is just concerned how this subdivision will affect his property value. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners have to consider lot sizes and criteria to see if the application meets the county ordinance. In the ordinance the size of a residence is not addressed unless it’s an accessory dwelling. Mr. Olmsted asked how close the homes will be to the property lines as it used to be 20 feet. Chairman Dinning said the county ordinance still has setbacks.

Chief Jackson asked if there are still two fire hydrants in the plan. Chairman Dinning said there is one hydrant approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Moss said the recommendation from North Bench Fire Department was to have two hydrants. The application addressed one hydrant and it was mentioned that a second hydrant is problematic due to cost and location. A second hydrant wasn’t ruled out so the matter can be brought up in this setting. The application was approved with one hydrant as presented. Chief Jackson replied to this matter and Mr. Moss said it was clear that two hydrants were requested by the fire department, but that it was not a requirement in the ordinance. Chief Jackson said he would like to see, as per state code, a second hydrant so there is one hydrant at Echo Drive and another one at Rural Cottage Road. Those present discussed water lines for the subdivision and it was questioned if the line is already coming down or will it be an additional cost. Chief Jackson said the fire department is all about life safety. There is a blow-off hydrant, but the water line doesn’t tie there. Mr. Olmsted said there is talk about fire hydrants, but his house sits there. In Lewiston you can go down roads there and there is verbiage that you do not block fire access so is that going to be a fire access to get to the other house down the road? It was said that this won’t affect Mr. Olmsted’s property as it goes into lot 10. It was asked if this area was going to be a fire access and the reply was that it’s going to be a driveway.

Chairman Dinning asked the applicant to respond to issues raised and make a closing statement.

Denny Wedel said he was at the Planning and Zoning meeting and the hydrant was brought up. Denny Wedel said he’s not sure which hydrant it is, but one hydrant was approved. Mr. Moss said it’s the hydrant in the cul-du-sac. Denny Wedel said he doesn’t understand what the cost is, but if it becomes an issue, it can probably be resolved and Harold Wedel could put another hydrant in.

Chairman Dinning said we’re not addressing the size of the houses. Denny Wedel said if BF Builders had anything to do with the houses, they wouldn’t be cracker boxes and they will be substantial, probably equal to what is already on Echo Drive, equal or above.

Mr. Moyer said just like the 20 foot easement, like a driveway, and they will take care of their snow on the driveway. Mr. Moyer said he believes Randy Wedel has already put up a gate so there should be less traffic on this road. It was said this road is also access to Mr. Olmsted’s residence as his driveway comes off the end of this easement. Chairman Dinning suggested putting something in the plat to specifically state that this easement accesses only the two parcels, lots 9 and 10. Ms. Nelson said she understands that the subdivision’s access for lots 9 and 10 would be off Rural Cottage Road and she questioned listing information on the plat so it’s understood where the access is coming from. Chairman Dinning spoke of the 20 foot easement to the east of Lots 9 and 10 and he talked about specifying the delineation to show this road as access for Mr. Olmstead and his neighbor, not to lots 9 and 10. Lots 9 and 10 can drive on that road as it’s located on those lots. The plan can state that there isn’t access to Echo Drive off of this east road. Lot 10 does go onto Echo Drive, but it would be an unauthorized entrance as far as Road and Bridge is concerned.

Chairman Dinning said at this point does any Commissioner have a question. Commissioners had no questions and Chairman Dinning said to be fair, he would open the hearing to public comment again. No one spoke in favor or uncommitted. Speaking in opposition Mr. Olmsted said he still doesn’t understand the matter of the driveway that was being called a road. At first the thought is it would access lot 9 and 10 and now those lots are going to have their own driveway off the proposed road. What is this easement for? Chairman Dinning said it’s for utilities and access to Mr. Olmstead’s residence and the lot next to his house to the south. Lots 9 and 10 could not use this road. It was asked if this condition would be listed in the documents and the reply was, yes.

As there was no further testimony, Commissioners closed the hearing to further comment and discussion was held amongst themselves.

Chairman Dinning said as he understands, the Planning and Zoning Commissions’ recommendation was that some adjustments be made to the easement to the east as far as 20 foot access and that was represented today. There was a request for snow storage that is to be to the west of lot 10 for Rural Cottage Road. Planning and Zoning did approve the application with one fire hydrant as presented. Chairman Dinning said so that he is clear about it, he believes the other issue is a 20 foot easement at lots 9 and 10 and that the plan specifically states that access is only to the adjoining parcels and not to the lots themselves, however, there is the understanding that the easement only allows the right to go over the ground, so technically those lot owners can park there, mow there, etc. Chairman Dinning asked if there was anything else that is different from Planning and Zoning’s recommendation. The matter of the fire hydrant was brought up. Commissioner Kirby said there is a 50 foot waterline easement and it adjoins the project at lots 1, 2, 3, and 4 from Echo Drive and it disappears off to a huge tank of water somewhere. Commissioner Kirby spoke of the hydrants and Planning and Zoning’s recommendation for a hydrant and he added that to get water, the water would come from the main water level from lots 3 and 4. Commissioner Kirby said to put a hydrant in the little cul-du-sac is not too much of an expensive job, but there is a long waterline to run for another hydrant. If there isn’t a water line there, someone is going to have to install one and pay the cost to put a pipe in the ground, etc., so he can understand why the applicant just wants one hydrant. Chief Jackson mentioned the hydrants as referenced in the Planning and Zoning meeting minutes. Chairman Dinning said all conditions were met, except that an additional fire hydrant was requested by North Bench Fire Department. Chairman Dinning asked Mr. Moss about the proposed water line for the subdivision and if it travels along the western side of the subdivision as depicted.

Chairman Dinning stated Commissioners have another meeting in five minutes, but they need to open this hearing up to accept more public testimony. The hearing is back to the applicant’s statement and this will be questions of the applicant. Chairman Dinning said the water line is depicted on the west side of the subdivision and is this to be constructed to provide water to the subdivision? It was said the water line runs up Rural Cottage Road, across to the easement and joins the existing water line. From the cul-du-sac it branches out to the lots. Commissioner Cossairt questioned the ability for two hydrants to be put in without engineering fees as no pipe is being laid. Mr. Moyer said he doesn’t know the answer to that. Commissioner Kirby spoke of the cost of working with water lines and he said he could see why the Planning and Zoning Commission stated that Mr. Wedel could get by with one hydrant as it can be very expensive. Denton Wedel said if another hydrant is required by law, an additional hydrant would be put in.

Chairman Dinning asked for comments from those opposed to the application. Mr. Isaac commented that he is on the Planning and Zoning Board, but as a citizen and to concur with Chief Jackson, he also can recall that a second hydrant was required as another Planning and Zoning Commission member requested a second hydrant.

No one spoke uncommitted or in favor of the application.

Mr. Moyer said his comment is that there are all these existing houses on Echo Drive and now Harold Wedel is expected to supply the whole hydrant system? The hearing was closed to further public testimony. Commissioners asked Mr. Moss to listen to the recording of the Planning and Zoning meeting about the fire hydrant. Commissioners will continue this hearing to 2:30 p.m. this afternoon to allow for time to get accurate information so that Commissioners have an understanding.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to continue the hearing for Planning and Zoning Application #19-035 to 2:30 p.m. this afternoon. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

The proceedings ended at 11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m., Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee and Assistant Administrator Diana Lane joined the meeting to discuss Restorium matters. Connie Wells also joined the meeting.

Ms. Magee said she is still working with Cool-it to get the boiler inspection done this week. Ms. Magee informed Commissioners that she is dedicating this week to work on matters pertaining to Blue Cross and she learned in the class that this program will bill Medicaid, Molina Healthcare, Blue Cross and possibly one other agency once they partner with Boundary County. The county will have to enter into a contract with Molina in case residents choose this plan, but it’s a plan that is similar to Blue Cross. Commissioners asked Ms. Magee the status of records retention as it pertains to the Restorium and Ms. Magee said she hasn’t yet spoken to Medicaid about that, but she thinks the time frame is three years. Chairman Dinning suggested getting something in writing from Medicaid on their administrative rules.

Those present discussed the rates of various other facilities in comparison to the Restorium. Another local facility charges $2,800 for a single room so it covers room and board and meals. If the residents needs extras such as medication, bathing services, etc., the average additional cost is $1,500. The rate at the Restorium is $2,975 for providing that same type of service. Chairman Dinning said he wanted to make sure we’re comparing apples to apples. Ms. Magee informed Commissioners that currently the Restorium has three half-rooms available and all are rooms for males.
Ms. Wells and Mr. Martinez left the meeting.

11:11 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt 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 Kirby second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 11:42 a.m. No action was taken.

The meeting with Ms. Magee and Ms. Lane ended.

11:44 a.m., County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull contacted Commissioners via telephone.

Chairman Dinning said Commissioners were asked about the ability for the Restorium Board to change the day of their monthly board meetings. Attorney Hull said that needs to be done by Commissioners adopting a resolution. For any advisory board meeting change Commissioners would have to adopt a resolution.

Commissioners said there has been discussion of a county bridge over a small stream and the public has been parking there to go swimming. The property owners who now own this land are saying it’s a public right-of-way. Attorney Hull said a lot of people use county rights-of-way to get to streams, but the question is if it poses a safety risk so these matters will have to be addressed on a case by case basis.

Commissioners asked the status of a letter that Attorney Hull is supposed to write regarding the Riverside Road right-of-way. Attorney Hull said he got in touch with Road and Bridge Department Assistant Superintendent Renee Nelson so he has all the information for the letter.

Commissioners informed Attorney Hull that a county employee voiced to their department head that they wanted to only work part-time instead of full-time. That request was accepted and staff was adjusted. This particular employee then decided that they wanted the full-time hours after all, but the county is not going to change the position back. Attorney Hull said as long as the request for part-time was the request of the employee and the fact that the department head had already put new provisions in place, the county and or department head is in good standing.

The call to Attorney Hull ended at 11:48 a.m.

Commissioners recessed for lunch at 11:59 a.m.

1:30 p.m., Commissioners met for the afternoon session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

1:30 p.m., Commissioner Kirby 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 Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 1:50 p.m. No action was taken.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Dylan Roney and Jennifer Price. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

1:50 p.m., Brian Wood with Wood’s Crushing and Hauling and Cliff Kramer joined the meeting to discuss a conditional use permit for a gravel pit.

Chairman Dinning stated that Commissioners have received a request from Brian Wood of Wood’s Crushing and Hauling to transfer a conditional use permit that had been issued to Fredericka and Fay Florea in 1988, to Wood’s Crushing and Hauling. Commissioners have learned that during the time this permit was issued, any transfer of the permit would need to be approved by Commissioners. At this point in time permits automatically transfer, but not at the time this permit was issued. The transfer of this permit does not change the terms or conditions placed upon the original conditional use permit. Commissioners have discussed this with County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull and learned that Commissioners do not have to hold a hearing as a meeting is sufficient. Mr. Wood is not the current owner of the property as Commissioners understand.

Commissioner Kirby moved to allow the transfer of the Conditional Use Permit originally issued in 1988 to Fredericka and Fay Florea, recorded as instrument #0156139, as attached, to Wood’s Crushing and Hauling, with all conditions to remain in place and upon the purchase of this property by Wood’s Crushing and Hauling. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

The meeting with Mr. Wood and Mr. Kramer ended at 2:05 p.m.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

Planning and Zoning Administrator John Moss joined the meeting at 2:15 p.m.

Commissioners opened the continuation of the public hearing to consider Planning and Zoning Application #19-035 for Applicant Harold Wedel. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Planning and Zoning Administrator John Moss, North Bench Fire Department Chief Gus Jackson, Adam Isaac, and Denton Wedel, who is representing Applicant Harold Wedel. The hearing was recorded.

Chairman Dinning said Commissioners had closed the hearing to further public testimony and at this time are reviewing the staff report. Mr. Moss provided a background and said he started processing the application in January and it became apparent that will-serve letters were needed. The application was generally acceptable with the exception of needing these letters and this is stated in Mr. Moss’s letter dated January 18, 2019. After the January 17th meeting, a letter was received from North Bench Fire Department, which is included, and the letter identifies fire hydrants. Road and Bridge also submitted a letter on January 17, 2019, listing requirements for Day Break Road and Rural Cottage Rd. Subsequent to that Harold Wedel received a letter from Three Mile Water District stating the district could supply the necessary water and in that particular letter it also mentions that Department of Environmental Quality approved plans are also required. All of that has been taken care of, according to Mr. Moss. Mr. Moss said as far as the question of what did the Planning and Zoning Commission say and mean in the minutes on June 20th, the purpose of this meeting on June 20th was to resolve that will-serve letters had been provided and requirements listed on January 17th had been met. The minutes state that this took place and we have a letter from Road and Bridge as well as North Bench Fire Department who wrote about a second hydrant. Mr. Moss said he was attempting to clarify that the second hydrant was not necessarily included because it says specifically, note second hydrant, see attached letter. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the application with stipulations as noted, which to him meant to exclude the second hydrant. The two hydrants are part of the North Bench Fire Department request that was stated above. Mr. Moss said that is where his confusion lay. The bottom line is that subsequent to going through the minutes, he called Harold Wedel who said the first hydrant is not in the cul-du-sac, but is at the north end of the road. As far as a second hydrant requested by North Bench Fire Department, their request was to put the second hydrant no further than 400 feet south on Rural Cottage Road. Mr. Moss said he had them backwards. The applicant also had said that the Department of Environmental Quality could put in a blow-out hydrant and water line close to where the second hydrant was requested to be. The blow-out hydrant also serves as an emergency hydrant. This was Harold Wedel’s input on the telephone, according to Mr. Moss. Having a hydrant, a blow-out valve and a second hydrant seemed to be excessive. Harold Wedel has committed to one hydrant and a blow-out valve. The Findings and Decision says the same thing, according to Mr. Moss.

Chairman Dinning said there is a hydrant at the intersection of Echo Drive and that will serve everything, to include the east and west end of Echo Drive. Chairman Dinning questioned if everything would be covered if you come 400 feet south from Echo Drive and are 300 feet from the blow-out valve. Mr. Moss said that is the impression he got from the applicant. Mr. Moss said the point of Harold Wedel is that the locations had been approved. Commissioners reviewed the information. Chairman Dinning asked Mr. Moss if it was ever considered to put a hydrant in the middle in the vicinity of Lot 8. Mr. Moss said he thinks there was mention of it. This was something Chief Jackson addressed pertaining to there being a certain number of units. If Harold Wedel can accomplish the subdivision with hydrants located in the middle, it would seem to make sense to him as opposed to having coverage for an area that is not involved in this subdivision. Chairman Dinning said he was just wondering if there had been that conversation.

Chairman Dinning mentioned a hydrant can be located midway into lot 1. Commissioner Cossairt said that provides a lot of coverage. The area to the north is there for the convenience of property not associated with this subdivision. Chairman Dinning said in his mind, two hydrants were approved and the Department of Environmental Quality approved one hydrant with the blow-out. Mr. Moss said in his mind, he thought two hydrants were approved, but in Harold Wedel’s thinking, one was a blow-out. Chairman Dinning said if he remembers correctly, a fire hydrant has a cost of $5,000 and then there is the cost of the additional pipe. Commissioner Kirby said in reality, there needs to be a blow-out some place. Commissioner Kirby discussed the Department of Environmental Quality’s pipe for a blow-out and hydrant at the end of the line which supposedly solves the issue of having two hydrants. Commissioner Cossairt commented on the Department of Environmental Quality feeling that a blow-out would be considered a hydrant to them.

Chairman Dinning spoke of having a place to store snow and he said we’ve never had that so we can take that condition out. There was discussion of the 20 foot easement for access on the east side that is only access for lots 9 and 10, however that is just owning the land under it. Lots 9 and 10 do not have access there as it’s just a utility easement. There needs to be a decision about the hydrant. Commissioner Kirby questioned the decision being up to the Department of Environmental Quality. Chairman Dinning said the pipe and hydrant is not up to the Department of Environmental Quality, just the water and other than that is the blowout. Commissioner Kirby said as long as there is a pipe. Commissioner Cossairt said he thinks Harold Wedel had it all taken care of. The Department of Environmental Quality wants a blow-out valve and Harold Wedel was also going to put in a hydrant.

Chairman Dinning reminded Commissioners about a committee for the State Senator and how a fire department was trying to impose this exact code on a rural property owner. Out of that matter came legislation that counties can place, by resolution, a restriction on lot sizes and that a fire district can start imposing rules, but Boundary County has chosen not to do that. One reason being that our system does not have high enough flows. Chairman Dinning said he doesn’t know what the pressure is in that area, but Harold Wedel shouldn’t have to pay for people to have fire protection when they can participate should they choose to. Chairman Dinning added that he doesn’t know what is right or wrong. Commissioner Kirby said if we had one fire blow-out valve sitting at the confluence of lots 1, 2, 7, and 8 and put a hydrant there, it’s virtually within 400 feet of everything. If there is the chance to get one hydrant, it should be put in the middle of the subdivision. Chairman Dinning said this started out due to misinterpretation of the Planning and Zoning Commission minutes and motion.

The Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation was for two hydrants and there was a misunderstanding. Chairman Dinning said a recommendation would be a hydrant at the corner of the road before entering the cul-du-sac, probably on lot 8. North Bench Fire Department’s recommendation would be for another hydrant on Echo Drive. Chairman Dinning said if the blow-out valve can function as a hydrant, he would encourage North Bench Fire Department to work with Mr. Wedel on that.

Commissioner Kirby moved to accept the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission to approve Application #19-035, with the understanding that there is no need for snow storage west of lot 10, that the easements coming in off Echo Drive and down the eastside of lots 9 and 10 are private road easements as shown on the plat and are only to be used as access for the two property owners to the east of the subdivision, that the physical approach to Rural Cottage Road does not need to be completed prior to construction of the subdivision, but roads and approaches do need to be completed prior to any sale of lots. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Kirby moved to amend his prior motion to also approve the private road name of Rural Cottage Road as submitted. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

The hearing to consider Planning and Zoning Application #19-035 ended at 3:18 p.m.

3:20 p.m., Stan Kraly met with Commissioners to discuss a request to reduce the speed limit in the Three Mile area to 45 miles per hour and he presented a petition to Commissioners. The request is to reduce the speed limit between mile post 508 and mile post 511 to 45 miles per hour. Chairman Dinning informed Mr. Kraly that he and Commissioner Kirby have been through this process before. Mr. Kraly said the span is really only one quarter to one half mile. Chairman Dinning said when Commissioners had gone through this process before, the speed limit was reduced from 60 to 55 miles per hour. What Commissioners had done was to write a letter to the state and the state will request statistics for accidents, but Commissioners don’t want to wait for an accident to occur. It was mentioned that apparently not all accidents seem to have been recorded so the state doesn’t think it’s as bad of a situation.

Commissioners offered to send the state another letter and to request a meeting.

The meeting with Mr. Kraly ended at 3:30 p.m.

3:32 p.m., Commissioner Kirby 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 Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 4:03 p.m. No action was taken.

4:05 p.m., City of Bonners Ferry Mayor David Sims, City Administrator Lisa Ailport and Engineer Mike Klaus joined the meeting.

Mayor Sims explained that the stage 2 of the highway project goes from Alderson Lane to Labrosse Hill Road. The project will possibly start in May 2021 or 2022. A large map depicting the project was displayed and Mayor Sims pointed out where a turn lane will be at Labrosse Hill Road and where city limits begin. The city will maintain the sidewalks and Mayor Sims spoke of areas needed for storm water, similar to the ponds used by Safeway and Super 1. Mayor Sims said the state wants to have only one memorandum of understanding with one agency, which is the city, and then the city can come to an agreement with county for the portion of the project outside of the city limits. As far as sidewalks associated with this project, through most of the sidewalks will be a grass buffer strip and with a sprinkler system installed, which the city will maintain.

Mayor Sims explained the approaches accessing Pine Island Road from Highway 95 will be reduced to one and as the county is already plowing snow on Pine Island Road and it was asked if the county would continue plowing Pine Island Road until in the future if the city were to annex, etc. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners will talk to Road and Bridge about it. It was said that the Idaho Transportation Department wants to get the agreement in place. Chairman Dinning spoke of issues associated with water collection areas and how they become weed collectors. Chairman Dinning asked the status of trading services between the city and county and asked if we’re equal. Mr. Klaus said he thinks Mike Woodward may have been the last person to do an audit on that.

Chairman Dinning said for the Riverside Road Improvement Project there should be one point of contact for citizens to call and get information. Potential issues were discussed as it pertains to possible use of Lions Den Road.

The meeting with Mayor Sims, Ms. Ailport and Mr. Klaus ended at 4:21 p.m.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.

_______________________________
DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:

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