***Monday, June 13, 2022, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Commissioners gave the opening invocation and said the Pledge of Allegiance.
9:00 a.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.
9:00 a.m., Commissioners held a bid opening for chloride dust palliative materials. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, and Road and Bridge Co-Superintendents Randy Morris and Renee Nelson. The bid opening was recorded.
One sealed bid was received from Oxford Inc. Bid details are as follows: CaCl Mini-Pellets (94%) at 100 tons at a price of $545.00 per ton. Total amount bid is $54,500.00. A bid bond in the amount of 5% of the amount bid was provided.
Ms. Nelson commented about Road and Bridge’s budget for dust chemicals and the amount of $545.00 per ton would probably fit. Budget is set aside for mag chloride as well.
Commissioner Bertling moved to accept the bid of $545.00 per ton for 100 tons of CaCl Mini-Pellets (94%) from Oxford Inc for a total of $54,500.00. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
The bid opening ended at 9:05 a.m.
Mr. Morris reviewed the work listed in the department report.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the Findings & Decision for Variance Application 4-2022 for Jeff and Renae Bennett as it pertains to Road Standards Ordinance 2020-2 regarding an approach. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners addressed the lease agreement with Union Pacific Railroad regarding the guardrail project. County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull has reviewed and approved the lease agreement
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Lease of Property Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad for the county to lease property from Union Pacific as it is time sensitive and to also issue a warrant for $500.00 as fixed rent. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Independent Contractor Agreement with Envirotech for mag chloride road saver materials through a piggy back bid at a cost of $133.02 per ton and $13.59 per ton for delivery. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Nelson spoke of road approaches and improvements associated with the Kootenai Tribe’s travel plaza project. Ms. Nelson mentioned that Road and Bridge is unable to assign addresses until the approaches are completed. Idaho Transportation Department is waiting for plans and is letting Road and Bridge know about the traffic impact study that needs to be done and these are things that need to be taken care of before an approach permit to the highway can be issued. Ms. Nelson spoke of wanting to write a letter regarding what is needed, but she might still be missing some information.
Ms. Nelson commented on a request for a road name from a resident and she said as of Thursday, it sounds like the residents are working on a private road name. Ms. Nelson questioned if there is going to be a process going forward concerning private road names when neighbors don’t agree and she questioned what that application would look like. Chairman Dinning said an application could almost mimic the requests for approaches. Chairman Dinning said the public always has the ability to request a variance before Commissioners.
The meeting with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 9:41 a.m.
9:51 a.m., County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull contacted Commissioners to update them on various matters he’s working on.
Commissioners informed Attorney Hull that they need his opinion letter pertaining to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Commissioners said they also need the resolution regarding hold harmless for the Idaho Plant Access Form with Idaho Asphalt. Attorney Hull said Idaho Asphalt sent the document to him last week and he modified it, sent it to Road and Bridge for their review, before sending the agreement back to Idaho Asphalt.
Commissioners asked about a meeting with the commissioners of Drainage District 1 regarding the Riverside Road Improvement Project.
The call with Attorney Hull ended at 9:56 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificates of Residency for Leah Tanner, Margaret Weaver, Sarah Doss, Kaila Banks, and Jesse Fess. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2022-23. A resolution increasing the Parks & Recreation budget due to receipt of unanticipated revenue. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2022-23 reads as follows:
Recorded as instrument #291687
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2022-24. A resolution increasing the Parks & Recreation budget due to receipt of unanticipated revenue. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2022-24 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2022-24
INCREASING THE PARKS & RECREATION BUDGET
DUE TO RECEIPT OF UNANTICIPATED REVENUE
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for the Boundary County Parks & Recreation Department Budget for fiscal year 2021-2022, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received $1,409.50 from the Fraternal Order of Eagles, as a donation to the department, and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Parks & Recreation Budget is in need of additional revenue for fiscal year 2021-2022, 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 Parks & Recreation Fund Revenue Account Number 18-00-0391-0019 and the Boundary County Parks & Recreation Budget Expense Account Number 18-00-725-0000, Sports Programs, in the amount of $1,409.50, and
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the increase to the Boundary County Parks & Recreation Fund Revenue Account Number 18-00-0391-0019 and the Boundary County Parks & Recreation Budget Expense Account Number 18-00-0725-0000, Sports Program, in the amount of $1,409.50 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 13th day of June, 2022
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/___________________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/____________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/____________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/______________________________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #291688
Commissioners reviewed claims for payment. Fund totals are as follows:
Current Expense $ 98,504.47
Road & Bridge 102,938.45
Airport 8,649.73
District Court 5,083.01
Justice Fund 55,476.36
911 Funds 3,749.85
Indigent & Charity 30,288.32
Parks and Recreation 10,899.66
Revaluation 823.36
Solid Waste 160,588.89
Tort 619.17
Veterans Memorial 492.90
Weeds 986.69
Restorium 26,669.17
Waterways 309.65
Grant, Airport 25,161.23
Grant, Boat Safety 329.60
Grant, Fire Mitigation 44,912.50
TOTAL $576,483.01
Trusts
Auditor’s Trust - *Misc 5,247.99
Boundary Co. Drug Court Trust 3,126.14
Driver’s License Trust 10,935.00
Interlock Device Fund 40.00
Motor Vehicle Trust Acct 208,427.89
Sheriff’s Trust Fund 396.75
Odyssey Court Trust Account 18,625.12
Odyssey Bond Trust Account 5,168.50
Odyssey Restitution Trust Acct 3,672.63
TOTAL $255,640.02
GRAND TOTAL $832,123.03
Citizens are invited to inspect detailed records on file in the Courthouse (individual claims & Commissioners’ allowance & warrant register record 2021-2022).
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Grant Agreement form for Project #WW23-1-11-1 for the Deep Creek Launch Dock Replacement project in the amount of $128,069.00. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Grant Agreement for the Idaho Airport Aid program State Fiscal Year 2023 for the All-Weather Observation System (AWOS) computer and snow removal equipment. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2022-25. A resolution associated with excerpt from the minutes of Commissioners’ regular meeting held on June 13, 2022, for the Grant Agreement for the Idaho Airport Aid program State Fiscal Year 2023 for the All-Weather Observation System (AWOS) computer and snow removal equipment. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2022-25 reads as follows:
County Resolution
Exact from the minutes of a regular meeting
of the County Commission of Boundary County, Idaho
Held on June 13, 2022.
Commissioner Wally Cossairt, introduced the following Resolution, was read in full, considered, and adopted:
Resolution number 2022-25 of Boundary County, Idaho accepting the Grant Offer of the State of Idaho through the Idaho Transportation Department, Division of Aeronautics, in the maximum amount of $200,000.00 to be used under the Idaho Airport Aid Program, FS Program number: L23865S, Project number: SP-65S-02 in the development of the Bonners Ferry-Boundary County Airport; and
Be it resolved by the Chairman and County Commission of Boundary County, Idaho herein referred to as the County as follows:
Sec. 1. That the County shall accept the Grant Offer of the State of Idaho in the amount of $200,000.00, for the purpose of obtaining State Aid under FS Program Number: L23865S, Project Number: SP-65S-02 in the development of the Bonners Ferry-Boundary County Airport; and
Sec. 2. That the Chairman of the Boundary County County Commission is hereby authorized and directed to sign the statement of Acceptance of said Grant Offer (entitled Acceptance) on behalf of the County, the County Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to attest the signature of the Chairman and to impress the official seal of the County on the aforesaid statement of Acceptance; and
Sec. 3. A true copy of the Grant Agreement referred to herein be attached hereto and made a part thereof.
Passed by the County Commission and approved by the Chairman this 13th day of June, 2022.
s/_______________________________________
Dan Dinning, Chairman
ATTEST:
Glenda Poston, County Clerk
CERTIFICATE
I, Glenda Poston, County Clerk do hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of Resolution No. 2022-25 adopted at a regular meeting of the County Commission held on the 13th day of June, 2022, and that the same is now in full force and effect. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and impressed the official seal of the County, this 13th day of June, 2022.
s/_______________________________________
Glenda Poston, County Clerk
Recorded as instrument #291689
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the minutes of June 6, 2022. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve and sign the New Private Road Name Request Form for Rebel Way. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve and sign the New Private Road Name Request Form for Rays Way. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Independent Contractor Agreement with Panhandle Pest Control for the mosquito/West Nile Virus study. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the State of Idaho Contract Amendment for the mosquito surveillance study. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners briefly discussed signing a new agreement with Forerunner Enterprises for the fireworks display and contributing $3,200.00 toward the cost of insurance.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Independent Contractor Agreement with Forerunner Enterprises for the amount of $3,200.00. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Wildland Urban Interface Contract with Johnny Logging Inc. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Request for Reimbursement for the wastewater grant with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Memorandum of Agreement to Support the Community Based Alternative Services Program and Substance Use Disorder Services. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:20 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 Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the minutes of May 16, 2022 for the Boundary County Ambulance Service District. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:22 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 Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Findings and Decision for Planning and Zoning File #22-0060, for a short plat rural subdivision requested by Mark & Loralee Carey and Sam & Marla Carey. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Findings and Decision for Planning and Zoning File #22-0097 for a short plat rural subdivision requested by Trevor Schneider. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with Ms. Vogl and Mr. Knauth regarding an update on Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative and Forest Service projects was cancelled.
11:30 a.m., Boundary Economic Development Council (EDC) Director David Sims joined the meeting.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Rural Idaho Economic Development Professional Grant/State of Idaho/Department of Commerce match letter regarding program funding for Rural Economic Development Council (EDC) project for an amount of $12,000.00. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Rural Idaho Economic Development Professional Grant/State of Idaho/Dept. of Commerce Amendment. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Sims provided an update on various EDC matters. Mr. Sims said Boundary County’s population has increased approximately 15%. The Bonners Ferry Visitor’s Center is now open, according to Mr. Sims.
Mr. Sims said the US Chamber of Commerce started what is called the talent pipeline and it’s aimed at helping industry grow, and recruiting and retaining talent. Idaho is using money to fund regional managers and they will be working out of Coeur d’ Alene, but they will be helping rural Idaho. Another program called Idaho Launch has been formed to provide training to Idaho residents. Colleges and outside agencies will provide training, which also includes commercial driver’s license (CDL) training. The State will pay between 75% and 90% of the course cost.
The meeting with Mr. Sims ended at 11:45 a.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:05 p.m.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners met for the afternoon session with Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Chairman Dinning was out of the office tending to other business.
1:30 p.m., Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen joined the meeting to discuss budget matters as well as discuss the proposed ordinance regarding the acceptance of railroad ties at the landfill and monitored sites.
Commissioner Bertling moved to appoint Wally Cossairt acting chairman in the absence of Chairman Dan Dinning. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Skeen informed Commissioners that the teeth on a piece of equipment need replaced. Mr. Skeen will look into costs.
Commissioners and Mr. Skeen briefly discussed the draft ordinance pertaining to accepting railroad ties at the landfill and monitored sites. Mr. Skeen said he would like to insert the section on penalties into the new draft resolution. Commissioners will forward the draft ordinance to Attorney Hull.
The meeting with Mr. Skeen ended at 1:56 p.m.
County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull joined the meeting at 2:08 p.m.
Attorney Hull spoke of the matters he is working on.
Commissioner Bertling 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. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 2:50 p.m. No action was taken.
Attorney Hull left the meeting.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Certificate of Residency for Erica Romero. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.
***Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at 1:30 p.m., Commissioners met in regular session at the County Annex with Acting Chairman Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Chairman Dan Dinning was out of the office tending to other business.
1:31 p.m., Commissioners held a county tax deeded property auction. Present were: Acting Chairman Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Treasurer Sue Larson, Chief Deputy Treasurer Jenny Economu, and Boundary County Sheriff’s Civil Deputy Mike Rosenthal. Members of the public included, but may not be limited to: Grant Avila, Dave Smith, Matthew Allinger, Larry Funkhouser, Donna Funkhouser, Martin Huddleston, LaVern Becker, Ammon Hubbard, Mike Peirce, Dan Cools, Mat Suprenant, Valerie Suprenant, Jim Ball, Brenda Ball, Ron Sukenik, Jessica Bartlett, Seth Johnson, and Luke Koehn. The auction was recorded.
Acting Chairman Cossairt reviewed the rules and procedures for the auction process and explained that the successful bidder must have the balance due in full to the county within three business days. Acting Chairman Cossairt explained that the mobile home on the property will be offered for sale by Sheriff’s Office Civil Deputy Mike Rosenthal immediately after the real property auction.
The property up for auction is listed as Parcel #RPM0740002006DA. The abbreviated legal description is Tax 9 in Lot 6 Block 2 Moyie Springs Townsite. The address is 57 Moyie Street, Moyie Springs, Idaho and the property consists of 0.330 acres. The prior owner is Barbara Ruzicka. The minimum bid amount is $3,633.65. The successful bidder was Jim Ball who submitted a bid of $49,000.00.
The tax deeded real property auction ended at 1:37 p.m.
The mobile home was offered for sale via the Sheriff’s Office and the successful bidder was Jim Ball with a bid of $1,050.00.
Commissioner Bertling moved to amend the agenda for today at 4:00 p.m. to approve and sign the amended Idaho Transportation Department 1983 Local Public Agencies Certificate of Completion of Right-of-Way Activities for Key No. 21994 Boundary County Guardrail Project as it’s time sensitive. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
2:10 p.m., Commissioner Bertling moved to approve and sign the ground/hangar leases for David Moxely and David Byler/Heritage Foundation upon their completion and approval from the county’s civil attorney. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the plat map for the Evergreen Subdivision. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
2:15 p.m., Commissioners held a public hearing to consider Planning & Zoning File #22-0062 for a comprehensive plan and zone map amendment requested by Applicants the Billie & Patricia I. Poulton Family Trust. Present were: Acting Chairman Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Planning and Zoning Administrator Clare Marley, Planner Tessa Vogel, Jerry Higgs, Applicants Cathi Winkelseth, Carrie Figgins and Shelly Yount; and Dick Staples with JRS Surveying. The hearing was recorded.
Acting Chairman Cossairt briefly reviewed the public hearing procedures. Commissioners cited no conflicts of interest.
The applicants are requesting approval to amend the Boundary County comprehensive plan and zoning maps from ag/forestry to residential on a 40.6-acre portion of a 55-acre parcel lying north of Chokecherry Drive, to allow for a future land division at the residential density of 2.5 acres.
Commissioners asked Ms. Vogel for a staff report. Ms. Vogel reviewed information regarding the county’s zone map, surrounding property zone designations, which are rural residential, suburban, ag/forestry, residential and prime ag. Ms. Vogel said Planning and Zoning routed the application to various agencies for comments and the county mapper, City of Bonners Ferry and Panhandle Health District responded to comments at the Planning and Zoning hearing, but there have been no additional comments. Public written comment was provided by Jerry Higgs and Stuart Nelson. The Planning and Zoning Commission did have public comment, but no new written comments were received for Commissioners’ hearing. Ms. Vogel pointed out the applicant’s narrative and she said the staff report provides the staff’s analysis.
Commissioners’ asked the applicant for an opening statement. Mr. Staples said he is representing the Poulton Family Trust. Mr. Staples provided maps to Commissioners for review. Mr. Staples said concerns were raised about drainage, but the main drainage runs into an area other than the area where the concerns were about. Mr. Staples said he doesn’t think there is a drainage problem. The reason for the rezone is that the area to the east is zoned residential and property to the west is zoned suburban. The subject property would be more conforming to its surrounding zones. Mr. Staples briefly commented on lot sizes.
Commissioners asked for public comment from those in favor of the application. No one spoke. Speaking uncommitted was Jerry Higgs. Mr. Higgs said the terrain gets steep, such as having an elevation of approximately 100-feet. Most of the property can drain and Mr. Higgs pointed out the various draws. In this area there are five draws into the Marx subdivision and two of those draws run into his property. Mr. Higgs said his concern is that the county will allow culverts to be placed under Chokecherry Road as water will drain into Marx Subdivision. Mr. Higgs said he has spent over $27,000.00 in a 10-year period for gabion baskets, culverts, etc., and he’s maxed out in capacity as far as drainage so he would be in trouble if there is any more. Ms. Winkelseth said there will never be culverts under Chokecherry Drive. Ms. Winkelseth spoke of having a road building company and she commented that there shouldn’t be a drainage problem and there is no reason to put in a culvert under the road. There is no desire or plans to do that.
No one spoke in opposition to the application.
The hearing was closed to public testimony and Commissioners called for discussion amongst themselves. Commissioner Bertling said as far as water drainage he doesn’t think there will be issues.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the request to amend the Boundary County comprehensive plan land use designation map and the zoning map from Ag/Forestry to Residential, File #22-0062, and direct staff to prepare written findings, and a decision, finding that the proposal is in accord with the comprehensive plan and the criteria of Section 18 of the Boundary County Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance, based on the findings and conclusions as written or amended. This action does not result in a taking of private property. This also includes draft findings and conclusions 1 through 16. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
The hearing to consider Planning and Zoning File #22-0062 ended at 2:30 p.m.
2:45 p.m., Commissioners held a public hearing to consider Planning and Zoning File #22-0088 for a comprehensive plan and zone map amendment requested by Alaina and john Hathaway. Present were: Acting Chairman Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Planning and Zoning Administrator Clare Marley, Planner Tessa Vogel, and Dick Staples with JRS Surveying who represented the applicants. The hearing was recorded. Commissioners cited no conflict of interest.
The applicants are requesting approval to amend the Boundary County comprehensive plan and zoning maps from residential to rural community/commercial on 0.935 acres of a 2.3-acre parcel to allow for future uses of the parcel permitted under the rural community/commercial zone.
Acting Chairman Cossairt asked Ms. Vogel for a staff report. Ms. Vogel reviewed the portion of the parcel that is requested to have a zone change. The property is served by Three Mile Water and a septic system. The application was routed to various agencies for comment and Road and Bridge, the Idaho Transportation Department, and Panhandle Health District provided comment. The application was also routed for public comment, but no written comment was received. North Bench Fire Department Chief Gus Jackson provided comment at the Planning and Zoning Commission hearing and he had no issues. Ms. Vogel pointed out the following in her presentation: the applicant’s narrative, the reason for the proposal, the staff’s analysis of applicable codes, and the analysis of standards.
Commissioners asked Mr. Staples for an opening statement. Mr. Staples said the property is split zoned so it makes sense to rezone it so it is one singular zone.
There was no one from the public to speak in favor, uncommitted or opposed to the application.
Commissioners closed the hearing to public testimony and called for discussion amongst themselves. Commissioner Bertling said the application makes sense.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the request to amend the Boundary County comprehensive plan land use designation map and the zoning map from residential to rural community/commercial, File #22-0088, and direct staff to prepare written findings, and a decision, finding that the proposal is in accord with the comprehensive plan and criteria of Section 18 of the Boundary County Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance, based upon the findings and conclusions as written or amended. This action does not result in a taking of private property. This also includes draft findings and conclusions 1 through 14. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
The hearing to consider Planning and Zoning File #22-0088 ended at 2:55 p.m.
3:15 p.m., Commissioners held a meeting with Dan Spinosa and Jared Yost with Innovate! Inc., to discuss addressing and mapping programs Innovate can offer to the county. Also present were: Planning and Zoning Administrator Clare Marley, Planner Tessa Vogel, Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendent Renee Nelson, and Mapper Olivia Drake. Community member Jeannette Amaya was also present.
Ms. Drake said a new program would be a great tool for data distribution to share with public and she added that she knows she will use it heavily, but doesn’t know if other departments will use it enough to justify the funding. Ms. Marley listed the benefits of having an updated program that will allow people to get answers to their questions.
Ms. Amaya asked about costs. Ms. Drake listed various departments that could utilize a new program, such as Planning and Zoning, Road and Bridge, etc. Ms. Vogel added that realtors and members of the public could access the program when they want to complete an application, get parcel numbers, and look up road ownership. A lot of people in the public want to look up this information themselves. Flood plain information could also be available so you don’t have to contact multiple people. Ms. Drake spoke of time savings associated with phone calls and she said it’s a cost savings overall. Everyone has to use the tool interactively. Ms. Nelson said it would be a huge factor in keeping accurate information and she also said it would be a time saver by not having to call Planning and Zoning, the addressing coordinator, etc., as you would know the information is correct.
Ms. Marley asked if there is a road block to people using the program or is just a learning curve. Ms. Drake said it’s just a willingness to take on that new technology. Mr. Yost said the Assessor’s Office, Road and Bridge, Planning and Zoning, and addressing would have an understanding and could communicate more efficiently with each other. Ms. Nelson said the county is seeing growth and multiple departments are charged with answering the public’s questions and now it takes time so a new program will allow answers to be provided in a timelier fashion. The county needs something to make the system work more easily.
Innovate! Inc. had provided three different proposals and it was asked if any of the departments had looked into those. Ms. Drake said the bronze package is just keeping the system running at a basic level so if we need more support and specialized tools, we would need the silver program. Mr. Spinosa said the support is to set up the system and then he can help migrate certain things and get a public map going. The support is to help implement the program. Mr. Yost said they would provide a menu to see what is needed in the first years so there is a foundation and then it’ a matter of what the county wants in addition to that. Mr. Spinosa said it’s a quote for time and materials and if county staff becomes more knowledgeable, they wouldn’t need Innovate as much. Acting Chairman Cossairt asked how many licenses are need. Mr. Spinosa said the program is cloud-based. There are unlimited view licenses and a set of licenses for creators who are out collecting data and editing, such as the addressing coordinator. Innovate’s professional services is just to help get the county set up. Commissioner Bertling asked about the number of hours included in the quotes. Mr. Spinosa commented on selecting the silver package until it’s determined the county doesn’t need as much support so they can parachute in and step back when they’re not needed.
Ms. Amaya left the meeting.
Ms. Drake said in year 2015 the county had a fulltime GIS employee, but she was using a different program as she was the county parcel mapper. The GIS employee did all the Clerk’s maps, Commissioners’ maps, addressing, etc., so the county doesn’t have that position anymore. Mr. Spinosa said they could help staff create the maps they need and he added that the GPS collection system needs to also be updated. Commissioner Bertling said this will help to streamline the process. Ms. Nelson commented that everything can be saved in one place. Mr. Spinosa said in short order he could get a map for the public so they can answer their own questions instead of contacting four different departments. Mr. Yost said it’s foundational for the entire county and everyone can use it. Commissioner Bertling said we’re getting into budgeting process. Ms. Vogel asked if Innovate had demos and Mr. Spinosa said Bonner County, Kootenai County and the City of Bonners Ferry are examples. Commissioner Bertling said once the software was implemented he thinks a path going forward would present itself. Maybe the enterprise options will work to allow different departments to update their own maps.
The meeting ended at 4:15 p.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the amended Idaho Transportation Department 1983 Local Public Agencies Certificate of Completion of Right-of-Way Activities for Key No. 21994 Boundary County Guardrail Project. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:17 p.m.
______________________________________
DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
____________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk