***Monday, March 23, 2020, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Commissioner Walt Kirby participated in the day’s meetings via conference call.

9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris joined the meeting via conference call to give the department report. A written report was presented. Mr. Morris said Attorney Hull has approved the financial documents for the CAT 323 excavator that Commissioners had approved as a piggy back bid.

Ms. Nelson informed Commissioners the Boundary Area Transportation Team (BATT) meetings for March and April have been cancelled. Chairman Dinning provided information on using the Zoom and Skype programs, which provide for video conference calls as an option for meetings and he suggested Road and Bridge look into that as an option for the BATT meetings.

Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris informed Commissioners that John Youngwirth with the City of Bonners Ferry is working on the waterline that comes out of the parking lot at the fairgrounds and he brought up the property the city has in the corner of Kootenai and 4th Streets where the public can fill up with water and use the RV dump stations. The county also has a piece of property nearby so Mr. Youngwirth had wondered if the county would want to trade parcels. Mr. Morris said it was just a thought, but he mentioned to Mr. Youngwirth that he would bring it up to Commissioners. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners would look into it. Chairman Dinning voiced concerns about the county having to maintain the water pump.

Mr. Morris said they’ve had a few Road and Bridge employees go home due to illness. Chairman Dinning said those employees are not supposed to go to the hospital or doctor’s office before calling ahead and relaying their symptoms and he added that the Panhandle Health District website has instructions on this process.

Those present talked about work Road and Bridge is doing, such as patching potholes, brushing, etc., and which employees could be kept at a safe distance from one another. Mr. Morris said Road and Bridge was going to try to open up some of the roads to alleviate various permits. Today is the last day to receive applications for a heavy equipment operator, but how is Road and Bridge to conduct interviews as it would be awkward to do over the phone? Chairman Dinning suggested calling the applicants to let them know the county is working on how to conduct interviews. Mr. Morris asked to be kept updated on how to work around this. Chairman Dinning said keeping the Road and Bridge Office open may need to be reconsidered if Road and Bridge employees are confirmed to have the coronavirus.

The call to Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 9:15 a.m.

Commissioner Kirby moved to sign the Western States Caterpillar Financial 323 Excavator financial documents. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Kirby moved to sign the Federal Aviation Administration Request for Reimbursement #4 regarding Airport Improvement Project #3-16-0004-016-2019 and to process this request once the airport manager approves the figures. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificate of Residency for Xavier Naranjo. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Kirby moved to sign Commissioners’ meeting minutes from March 9, 2020. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

The conference call with Road and Bridge ended at 9:20 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 Wally Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 9:30 a.m. No action was taken.

Commissioners contacted Attorney Tevis Hull via telephone at 9:31 a.m.

Commissioners informed Attorney Hull that they have not yet received the Findings and Decision for Planning and Zoning Applications #19-177 as it pertained to changes to the section on urban subdivisions only, as well as the updated ordinance for these changes so they will put it on their agenda for next week.

Commissioners informed Attorney Hull that Road and Bridge has a couple employees who went home sick so they will have those employees contact their doctor.

Clerk Poston said construction at the armory has been pushed back two weeks and she has the estimate on replacement costs for that building so she has sent that information to Darrell Kerby, the county’s insurance agent. Clerk Poston talked to Commissioners about installing new flooring in the front area of the armory and that it amounts to installing carpet tiles in the offices, new vinyl plank wood grain flooring in the existing hallway, etc., and she added that those costs exclude removal of any product that contains asbestos. Clerk Poston clarified that she doesn’t think there is asbestos, but the existing tile squares are breaking. The cost is $13,400.00 for basically new flooring in the front half of the building where the Probation Office is located, as well as the hallway to the bathrooms. There should be some way of knowing if asbestos is in the tiles. Chairman Dinning said he will look at the report, but questioned if the county wants to move forward depending on what he learns.

Commissioner Kirby moved to accept quote of $13,294.70 for carpeting and replacing the hallway flooring in the front portion of the armory. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt said he knows it’s a good time to take care of this, but he’s not sure what the next year is going to bring with legislation that’s coming up and it’s not certain what the economy will look like.

Commissioner Cossairt informed Attorney Hull of a matter that had occurred last Saturday night in Kootenai County, which consisted of crowds of people out and about in Coeur d’ Alene as it was the last day that bars and restaurants were open there. Commissioners are now concerned about people from out of the area coming into Boundary County as the local bars and restaurants are still open. Chairman Dinning said he wants to talk with Mayor Staples to get his opinion as far as shutting down bars and restaurants as there are already people coming in from out of the area buying all they can at the grocery stores.

The call to Attorney Hull ended at 9:45 a.m.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

9:50 a.m., Assessor Dave Ryals joined the meeting to ask about having lock boxes placed outside of the Courthouse for documents, payments, etc. A box could be put out front on the Courthouse steps and another one at the back door. Commissioners asked how an application for a title would be handled and Assessor Ryals said that is why he is not in favor of having just one box due to having those types of documents come in. Clerk Poston suggested having Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley be the designated person to put the boxes out in the morning and bring them back inside sometime in the afternoon.

10:00 a.m., Deputy Clerk Nancy Ryals joined the meeting.

Assessor Ryals left the meeting.

10:02 a.m., Commissioners held an appeal hearing for indigent cases 2020-2 and 2020-3. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby via telephone, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, and Deputy Clerk Nancy Ryals. The hearing was recorded. It was stated for the record that nobody had requested to participate in the hearing via telephone and there is no one else present for the hearing at this time. The parties involved were notified of today’s hearing, but they are not present and are not represented for the hearing.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to deny indigent cases 2020-2 and 2020-3 on appeal and to reaffirm the Clerk’s statements of findings for each case. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

The indigent appeal hearing ended at 10:05 a.m.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to deny indigent case 2020-9. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Deputy Clerk Ryals left the meeting at 10:09 a.m.

10:16 a.m., Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley joined the meeting so Commissioners and Clerk Poston could discuss securing mail/document drop boxes at the front and rear of the courthouse. Any documents dropped off will be quarantined for three days prior to being handled. Chairman Dinning said we’re going to do our best until we learn of better ways to handle this process.

Mr. Buckley left the meeting at 10:25 a.m.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

11:02 a.m., Commissioners participated in a conference call with the Idaho Office of Emergency Operations regarding statistics of the coronavirus in Idaho. The call ended at 11:45 a.m.

11:50 a.m., Commissioners contacted Boundary County Emergency Manager Andrew O’Neel to discuss various matters, such as if the need to activate the emergency operations center (EOC) in the future arises. Mr. O’Neel spoke of the process of communication and notification if and when Boundary County gets its first coronavirus case, etc.

The call to Mr. O’Neel ended at 12:08 p.m.

Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:08 p.m.

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

1:30 p.m., Commissioners participated in a conference call with Boundary Community Hospital CEO Preston Becker and Hospital Board of Trustees Chairman Elden Koon to discuss various hospital matters. Boundary County Emergency Services Manager Andrew O’Neel was also on the call.

Mr. Becker explained how the virus is affecting the hospital. The hospital has created a task force who meets daily to provide guidance and protocols. There is also a telephone hotline available to the public. Mr. Becker said they’re asking the public to call Panhandle Health District specifically as Panhandle Health can do a verbal screening to see if the person exhibits the appropriate symptoms for COVID-19. The affected person can call ahead prior to coming to the emergency room so that hospital staff can be prepared to receive them. If the person needs testing, clear instructions on that will be provided. Mr. Becker informed Commissioners that 12 to 15 tests have been done so far and they’ve all been negative at this point. The hospital has received lots of questions about visitor restrictions and the mandates are that visitors to the nursing homes are restricted unless it’s end of life care, a hospice situation, etc. Staff and visitors are screened for symptoms.

Mr. Becker said he would address matters regarding supply quantities, personal protection equipment, food, cleaning supplies, etc. There are concerns about keeping people calm and Mr. Becker referenced situations such as the kind grocery stores are facing. People have really stepped up and it’s appreciated, according to Mr. Becker.

Mr. Becker said they’ve implemented drive up labs last week so if there is a lab order or routine outpatient test, the patient can pull up outside and a lab technician will come out to the car to draw their labs, etc., and that’s been well received. Physicians at the primary care clinic are going to try to interact with patients via tele-screening. Mr. Becker said by the guidance of the surgeon general, the hospital has had to cancel elective surgeries to help limit exposure to the virus and preserve supplies so only emergent surgeries will be performed. The hospital is in communication and connected at the regional and state levels. The Idaho Hospital Association, as well as the local health department, county and emergency medical services, are in contact with Boundary Community Hospital, according to Mr. Becker. The concerns really go back to the potential for supply shortages. Boundary Community Hospital is a small hospital and they have a smaller number of nurses so they need to keep employees safe so they can continue to provide care.

Chairman Dinning said he has no doubt that Boundary County will experience someone with the virus at some point. Mr. Becker said tests for the virus can be sent to a commercial lab, but they have their own set of criteria and problems if we send tests there. The hospital still has to limit who is tested so medical staff is meeting to determine testing and the protocol to follow. Boundary Community Hospital will follow the guidance of the state lab. Commissioners asked if Panhandle Health District is screening and Mr. Becker said, yes. It was said if a lab specimen is sent to the State’s lab, they will want to know the test was Panhandle Health District approved, and it will take two business days for lab results. Chairman Dinning questioned is if there is anything the county can do to help now. Mr. Becker mentioned access to supplies, but that the county has done a good job with that. It’s business as usual for the hospital, but it will get tough if they run out of financial resources. The hospital is under incident commend so they’re tracking these costs. Mr. O’Neel said to expect someone from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) coming up in 10 days to meet with emergency managers to discuss costs, reimbursements, etc. It’s a federal and state disaster and it was a similar thing as the H1N1 virus. Mr. O’Neel said he has a document that lists costs that will likely be reimbursable so it’s good the hospital is already keeping track. Mr. O’Neel asked if Mr. Becker knows when the hospital will get more supplies for testing first responders who might’ve been exposed so they can determine if they’re okay to go back out and help people or determine who they had contact with.

Mr. Becker commented that in January the hospital was successful with certification as a level 4 trauma hospital and the staff did a stellar job. Boundary Community Hospital is a strong hospital and it’s capable of sustaining and evaluating a patient up to certain point before having to transfer them. Mr. Becker said Boundary Ambulance Service has been a big help and he said he gives them kudos.

Mr. Becker said financially, up until the Covid-19 virus, the hospital was on track with its budget the first two months of the year, but he anticipates a financial setback due to the virus.

The call to Mr. Becker and Mr. Koon ended at 1:58 p.m.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

2:45 p.m., Commissioners held a conference call with City of Bonners Ferry Mayor Dick Staples and City of Moyie Springs Mayor Steve Economu to discuss various matters pertaining to coronavirus (COVID-19).

The call ended at 2:56 p.m.

There being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.

***Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Commissioner Walt Kirby participated in the meetings via telephone.

Commissioners held an elected officials/department heads meeting via conference call. Participants in the call were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Treasurer Sue Larson, Assessor Dave Ryals, Sheriff Dave Kramer, Sheriff’s Office Administrator Crystal Denton, Prosecutor’s Office Manager Tammie Goggia, University of Idaho Extension Educator Amy Robertson, Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown, Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen, Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee, Assistant Restorium Administrator Diane Lane, Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Randy Morris and Renee Nelson, Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk, Deputy Clerk Pam Barton, Emergency Services Manager Andrew O’Neel, Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley, and Planning and Zoning Administrator John Moss.

Chairman Dinning mentioned that Panhandle Health District put out a bulletin on COVID-19 stating that there are six confirmed cases in Kootenai County, but none in the other four northern counties. Locally, 12 to 15 tests for this virus have been sent in and they have come back negative. Chairman Dinning said we need to stop rumors so if someone says, “I’ve heard that we have a case of the virus in Boundary county”, before repeating that information, come in and check with Commissioners to confirm as Commissioners will be about the third party who will hear from Panhandle Health District. Chairman Dinning clarified that Mr. O’Neel is the public information officer for the county. Commissioners said if an office has an employee who thinks they need to go or stay home, Panhandle Health District has a toll-free telephone number to call to inquire about symptoms. The number is 877-415-5225 and a person will need to relay the symptoms they’re experiencing and Panhandle Health District will screen the information and provide instructions. There will be no testing done unless you have a referral from Panhandle Health District, from what is understood. Boundary Community Hospital is only testing high risk patients or someone who has been hospitalized, per Mr. O’Neel. It takes two to three days to get results. Chairman Dinning said any of our county employees who have been asked to go home, who are not feeling well or think they’ve been exposed, need to contact Panhandle Health District to see how to proceed and to also let their elected official or department head know. We also need to understand that there is the potential for abuse and we want to make sure it doesn’t happen, but we want to err on the side of caution. It’s not wise to travel to areas such as Seattle and other locations right now, but people just need to use their best judgement.

Commissioners said that department budgets are due in May and he encouraged those on the call to not spend any more of their budget than they need to between now and the end of the year. The county needs to be conservative with future budgets as we don’t know what will happen. The Legislature didn’t pass the bill to limit levies or new construction, but something is still expected to occur so please be conservative this year and the year following, according to Chairman Dinning.

Assessor Ryals said he has nothing new to report. The Assessor’s Office is working to get tasks done in case this virus levels off and they need to do normal processing. Three Assessor’s Office employees are at home out of precaution, according to Assessor Ryals.

Sheriff Kramer said he’s restricted some access to the Driver’s License Office so it is now by appointment only, but that may change to only working on matters pertaining to commercial driver’s license, etc. Arrests are restricted to more of the violent crimes.

Ms. Goggia said the Prosecutor’s Office is just doing their jobs every day.

Treasurer Larson said she and Deputy Treasurer Jenny Economu are trading off days they work to be cautious, but the office hasn’t been busy.

Clerk Poston said she’s going to push for absentee ballots and she will send applications for absentee ballots out in county paychecks so she’s hoping everyone will work toward voting absentee or by mail. Please pass on the word about absentee voting or vote by mail. The State of Idaho has not said the election will be rolled back another 30 days. There are five candidates for the District 2 Commissioner position so there will be a race. The city also has their election as well. Clerk Poston said she will email everyone their budgets and Deputy Clerk Pam Barton will put each department’s budget in their mail slot. Budgets are due mid-May.

Clerk Poston informed those present that a document/mail/payment drop box has been placed at the front and back of the Courthouse. These boxes will be rotated and on the fourth day a staff member will see what’s inside the box. Clerk Poston said she’s delaying opening mail as well and when mail is opened, it will be done so using gloves. The Clerk’s Office has a couple staff members out sick and they will need to be cleared before coming back to work.

Ms. Robertson said the Extension Office has canceled all in-person classes and they’re looking at ways to offer virtual classes via Zoom or other means. Ms. Robertson said the University of Idaho is waiting to see what the school district does before holding any youth activities and they’re looking at those virtually as well.

Ms. Brown said the Probation Office has a hand sanitizing area at the entrance of the armory. Her office is still doing some urine analyses so they’re staying busy.

Mr. Skeen said staff at the landfill are healthy. Nothing has changed and solid waste is working its regular schedule. Operators will be kept away from airborne garbage. Mr. Skeen said if garbage is going to be put in paper, to please ask that the public make sure their garbage is in a sealed bag instead of being loose. Mr. O’Neel said he would put out a press release about that.

Mr. Buckley said he did his best to get the splatter screens up. He’s working on the rest of the document/payment drop boxes and he will have a total of eight of them. Memorial Hall is receiving a deep cleaning, according to Mr. Buckley.

Mr. Moss said Planning and Zoning has been busy and he has a hearing scheduled for April 16, but it’s possible it will be canceled or postponed. Notices for public hearings are on the county’s webpage. Mr. Moss said his office is locked and closed to the public, but he’s working.

Ms. Magee said the Restorium has been busy and stressful and she added that the Restorium is trying to follow emergency medical services (EMS) guidelines. Restrictions are in place with regard to allowing visitors with the exception for end of life situations. The resident’s vitals are being taken twice per day and Restorium staff are checked before they start their shift. Ms. Magee said she is down seven staff members due to precautions. Mr. O’Neel asked if the Restorium has enough cleaning supplies and if they had their order of supplies come in. It was said that deliveries are supposed to be coming in soon and the Restorium will begin working with another local agency.

Sheriff Kramer said the Sheriff’s Office has hand sanitizers and are using bleach. The Sheriff’s Office is sitting okay right now.

Mr. Morris said Road and Bridge has crews spread out all over the county and are working on grading, etc. Road and Bridge has a couple employees out sick.

Mr. Wenk said the Noxious Weeds Department is doing well and he has a couple meetings coming up that will be done by telephone. The deadline for accepting weed treatment applications has been extended to sometime in April. Mr. Wenk informed the Clerk that if she needs poll workers for the election, he is aware of help that is available. Clerk Poston mentioned needing help stuffing envelopes, etc., so if any department has staff it can spare, it would be a great help.

Ms. Barton said as it pertains to time sheets if someone has been out sick, they need to mark the time sheet with the term “COVID”. In order for the county to receive the ICRMP insurance rate discount we still need 20 county employees to complete the training by Friday. Ms. Barton provided the deadline for Lifeflight memberships to be turned in.

Mr. O’Neel said to please keep implementing safety measures and if someone feels sick please stay home and to also keep sick kids at home. If a household member tests positive, the entire household needs to be kept home. Elderly people should be kept away from other people as well. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coming out with public assistance and cost recovery information and just this morning he was made aware of a FEMA applicant briefing to be held on March 31st that will deal with local governments and states on what is eligible for cost recovery. It was said that just for information there will be a 25% cost share on the county’s part and 75% from federal relief. This can include personnel costs, such as overtime, bringing in additional staff, etc., but the information needs to be documented. It was said that people can refer to Kootenai Valley Times and the Bonners Ferry Herald as they’re keeping up on what’s happening, and the webpages for Boundary County Emergency Management and the county’s Public Information Officer Page on Facebook is updated.

Commissioner Cossairt said that people just need to be careful. Chairman Dinning said depending on how this situation evolves, we may want to have another elected officials/department heads conference call next week.

The conference call ended at 9:33 a.m.

9:34 a.m., Commissioners contacted Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee about contacting Boundary Community Hospital CEO Preston Becker about assistance, etc.

The call to Ms. Magee ended at 9:35 a.m.

Commissioner Kirby moved to sign the Contract for Professional Service with Inland Forest Management (IFM) for the 18HFR1 02-Boundary (Temple Deer Dawson) project. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned until tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.

***Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., Commissioners met in special session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, and Commissioner Walt Kirby, who participated in the meeting via telephone.

The purpose of the meeting is to consider placing restrictions on food and beverage service establishments in the county.

Chairman Dinning reviewed the proposed health emergency declaration adopted by the City of Bonners Ferry.

Chairman Dinning said the City of Bonners Ferry’s declaration takes effect Thursday, March 26, 2020, at 5:00 p.m., but he wanted to be very fair with the food and beverage establishments in the county so he was thinking the county’s declaration could go into effect Friday, March 27, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. The Kootenai River Inn has already closed their restaurant and bar to take out and room service only. We’re all getting on the same page, according to Chairman Dinning.

Commissioner Kirby said it seems like this is what we need to do and to follow this closely. Chairman Dinning said his idea is to help prevent the virus from getting here. Commissioner Kirby said we would be a lot better off. Chairman Dinning commented that he contacted a few establishments to let them know what Commissioners are considering and they seemed to have been preparing for it already. One establishment he spoke with has a contract to service railroad staff as they’re considered essential services, but other than railroad personnel this restaurant won’t be open to the public. Chairman Dinning said we will go along, but it will only be good as long as the community respects it.

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the Public Health Emergency Order #1 regarding restaurants and bars, subject to the review and approval of the language by County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chairman Dinning stated that the Kootenai River Inn has food items that they’re not using and they will allow the Restorium to come down and take what they need, to include supplies such as bleach. The Restorium’s food order also came in yesterday and they had gone almost two weeks without a food delivery. Another food establishment will let the Restorium tag onto their orders for deliveries.

Chairman Dinning said he wanted to commend the community for all of their understanding as we’re trying to prevent the virus from reaching Boundary County and if it does, to keep it from spreading. This Public Health Emergency Order will expire April 17th at midnight and Commissioners can always revoke it should things change.

Commissioner Kirby mentioned having a conference call with Panhandle Health District. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners were given a telephone number to call, but Restorium Administrator Karlene Mage spoke to someone at that number and was told that Panhandle Health wants people to call their medical providers first. That’s putting an extra demand on health care providers when it should be the role of Panhandle Health District. Chairman Dinning commented that doctors’ offices are already flooded and if it takes Panhandle Health District putting on one or more employees to take the load off of the local medical system, that’s what they should do. Clerk Poston said it’s giving us mixed messages if we’re being told to call Panhandle Health District and they are telling us we’re not supposed to call them. Chairman Dinning said it’s diverting pressure to local offices who can’t handle any more.

Clerk Poston informed Commissioners that the new signage for the armory is going to cost $5,500.

Those present discussed personnel and various other matters.

Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session only for the purpose of participating in Governor Brad Little’s press conference call regarding the coronavirus.

There being no further business, the meeting recessed until the special emergency meeting scheduled for tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.

***Thursday, March 26, 2020, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in a special emergency meeting with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby (via telephone), and Clerk Glenda Poston for the purpose of holding an elected officials/department heads meeting via conference call to discuss which county services are considered essential and which to shut down temporarily.

In addition to Commissioners and Clerk Poston those who participated in the meeting were Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac, Deputy Clerk Pam Barton, Assessor Dave Ryals, Treasurer Sue Larson, Chief Probation Department Officer Stacy Brown, Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris, Sheriff Dave Kramer, Airport Manager Dave Parker, Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk, Planning and Zoning Department Administrator John Moss, University of Idaho Extension Educator Amy Robertson, Boundary County Emergency Manager/County Public Information Officer Andrew O’Neel, Veterans Service Officer Ron Self, Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Undersheriff Rich Stephens, Airport Manager Dave Parker, and Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley. Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tevis Hull joined the meeting later via conference call.

Chairman Dinning took roll call and spoke of Governor Brad Little’s Emergency Proclamation that was put into place the prior afternoon. Commissioners stated the Proclamation is supposed to be posted and made available to everyone.

Chairman Dinning stated that essential functions are described as the Sheriff’s Office and the Sheriff has already addressed the Driver’s License Office. The requirement for Real ID driver’s licenses has been postponed till October 2021. It was said the civil deputy is currently at home, but is available for calls. A canopy has been ordered to help screen people before being admitted into the jail.

Treasurer Larson said she and her chief deputy will continue trading days worked.

Assessor Ryals said he will work around real estate transactions relevant to providing housing, but he will reduce staffing levels in his office, which will only be open for appointments a couple days a week. The same will apply to the Motor Vehicle Department, according to Assessor Ryals.

Clerk Poston said her office will provide appointments if necessary, by phone call only and her office will assess each request. Court has been mostly telephonic and is very limited to only necessary hearings.

Commissioners said they would further discuss having meetings on Monday, but only addressing topics that are necessary.

Mr. Moss said there will be no meetings in person as everything will be handled over the phone. Email requests for Planning and Zoning Applications are acceptable.

Chairman Dinning said the landfill is an essential service and he asked Mr. Skeen what his thoughts are about the site monitors. Mr. Skeen requested that rural sites to be closed now and that garbage is being placed in the roll-offs, which does limit person to person contact. Commissioners said they would discuss the monitored sites.

Ms. Robertson informed Commissioners that she is working from home and that Extension Office employees will be sent home and then shifts will be staggered. The Extension Office is closed at this time. There will be a state meeting regarding 4-H and what will happen throughout the state and staff member Debbie Higgins will probably be in the office more often due to 4-H.

Ms. Nelson said there has been discussion about having all Road and Bridge employees go home today and return to work on Tuesday. Ms. Nelson said she doesn’t think there will be a problem and she indicated that she has email setup on her laptop and can check that from home and issue permits if needed. Chairman Dinning said when employees go home they need to stay home as they are still on call. If there is a need that arises in another department, that employee can and will be requested to help that other department. The emphasis is that the employees are not to be out socializing in the public eye. We need to be the example. Ms. Nelson expressed concerns about letting fellow employees know if you are sick or have a sick family member. Chairman Dinning suggested that we all err on the side of being cautious.

Commissioners discussed limiting Mr. Buckley and his assistant’s activities around other employees. Discussion was also held about the drop boxes and the need for someone to bring them inside before the end of the day.

Mr. Parker spoke about travel in and out of the airport and only having one plane use the airport yesterday. The flight school is shut down, the airport terminal building is still open as it’s open 24/7 and only pilots have a code to the terminal for after hours. Chairman Dinning requested that Mr. Parker lock the public side of the terminal and not let people in and out.

Ms. Brown spoke of people out on their own recognizance. In person meetings will stop and requests will be made to have these meetings via telephone. The hours of the Probation Office will be reduced and staffing will be minimal.

Mr. Self said he’s been working from home and he has no in person meetings.

Ms. Barton requested that the time taken off by employees who are sick be labeled differently on their time sheets.

Chief Deputy Prosecutor Tevis Hull joined the call on behalf of the Prosecutor’s Office. Attorney Hull said staff members Tammie Goggia and Melissa Krejci will be rotating their work schedules in the office and if necessary, staff will come back in if there is a need or a special project. Attorney Hull mentioned that when employees are home they are on call and could be called in.

It was said that Victims Service Advocate Becky James is working from home and is not on this conference call, but she is limiting her staff.

It was said the Fair Board is limiting services also.

Mr. Wenk questioned the Monday morning conference calls and Chairman Dinning commented that Commissioners will still conduct the Monday morning conference calls with the elected officials and department heads. Mr. Wenk indicated that he can help out wherever there is the need.

Deputy Clerk Rohrwasser had nothing new to add.

Undersheriff Stephens questioned getting citations to the Clerk’s Office and Clerk Poston indicated that the citations would be collected at the front door.

Mr. O’Neel spoke about the seriousness of this situation as the virus is starting to pop up in additional counties within Idaho and now Lincoln County, Montana has one case as of yesterday. Boundary County needs to act as if we do have the virus within our county as we probably do, it just has not been identified yet. Boundary County has tested 13 cases and one test is still pending, but that report will be out today. Anyone who is sick should be sent home until their symptoms are no longer present. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is currently located at the Waterways Building, according to Mr. O’Neel. Mr. O’Neel added that he will post the Proclamation from the State and will send it to the media, as well as post the county office’s limited services.
Commissioner Dinning asked Mr. Skeen if the monitored sites closure can go into effect as of Saturday. Commissioner Cossairt agrees that Commissioners should provide a bit of time before closing the remote sites. It was decided that the three monitored sites would close at 5:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 28th until further notice due to COVID-19.

Commissioner Dinning thanked those present and commented on how we are all working together. There will be another conference call with the elected officials and department heads on Monday, March 30, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. The meeting ended at 9:50 a.m.

Commissioners recessed until their next conference call scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. Commissioners participated in a conference call with Idaho Association of Counties Executive Director Seth Grigg and staff from Governor Brad Little’s office to discuss various matters pertaining to the coronavirus (COVID-19) such as: self-isolating and social distance, affected government functions, essential businesses, non-essential travel and enforcement, matters pertaining to residential and commercial rentals, available hospital beds, testing for the virus, various mandated deadlines, and elections.

The conference call ended.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.

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DAN R. DINNING, Chairman

ATTEST:

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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk