***Monday, May 10, 2021, 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.
Road and Bridge has almost completed road sweeping and they went back to cutting brush on Mountain Meadows Road, and now it’s just mulching and ditch work. Road and Bridge is also using the Durpatcher on Moyie River Road today and they have graders going out to grade a couple of roads.
Ms. Nelson said Road and Bridge received a piggyback bid offer from Idaho Asphalt for a bid the company had with Power County, but she hasn’t yet received the recommendation from County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the Idaho Asphalt piggyback bid for liquid asphalt products upon approval of the language by the county civil attorney. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Nelson spoke of getting a lower price for Durapatch oil. The cost for Durapatch oil will decrease from $415.00 to $385.00, even though Commissioners had already signed the agreement so Idaho Asphalt will honor the lower price, per Ms. Nelson.
Ms. Nelson said the public hearing to consider a variance to the Road Standards Ordinance filed by Shem Johnson will need to be continued as Mr. Johnson’s Planning and Zoning Application has changed from what it was originally.
Ms. Nelson said Road and Bridge is still working on all the projects listed under “in progress” on the written report.
Commissioners and Clerk Poston briefly discussed additional funding that Road and Bridge is to receive. Ms. Nelson asked if Commissioners have heard anything about Secure Rural Schools funding for fiscal year 2022. Chairman Dinning said no.
The meeting with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 9:16 a.m.
Commissioners reviewed claims for payment. Fund totals are as follows:
Current Expense $ 44,878.94
Road & Bridge 29,805.07
Airport 4,001.60
District Court 3,642.94
Justice Fund 75,981.99
911 Funds 12,144.33
Health District 13,826.75
Indigent & Charity 13,395.01
Junior College Tuition 600.00
Parks and Recreation 4,132.29
Reval 1,734.72
Solid Waste 23,915.59
Tort 1,500.00
Veterans Memorial 306.34
Weeds 832.53
County EMS 351.00
Restorium 18,204.44
Waterways 359.23
Grant, Airport 15,690.87
TOTAL $265,303.64
Trusts
Auditor’s Trust - *Misc 779.56
Boundary Co. Drug Court Trust 268.14
Sales Tax Collected 240.24
Driver’s License Trust 10,305.50
Motor Vehicle Trust 471,966.39
Sheriff’s Trust Fund 638.25
Odyssey Court Trust Account 29,762.18
Odyssey Bond Trust Account 2,807.30
TOTAL $516,767.56
GRAND TOTAL $782,071.20
Citizens are invited to inspect detailed records on file in the Courthouse (individual claims & Commissioners’ allowance & warrant register record 2020-2021).
9:30 a.m., Commissioners contacted County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull via telephone.
Attorney Hull said he reviewed Road and Bridge Department’s piggyback bid documents for liquid asphalt and he approved them, but he will send Road and Bridge and Commissioners an email about that.
Attorney Hull said Commissioners will need to continue the public hearing for Planning and Zoning Applications #20-072 and #21-033. These are applications for a Comprehensive Plan and Zone Map Amendment. Attorney Hull said he’s waiting to hear back from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which could be another three weeks. Attorney Hull said he sent Gary Gates with the FAA the information. Chairman Dinning mentioned sending Attorney Hull the legal descriptions and aerial map for the parking lot area at the NIC building and he commented that he would like the parking lot agreement to be long term. Chairman Dinning also informed Attorney Hull that the county has a contractor who is ready to start the remodel project at the NIC building, but Commissioners wanted to get the parking lot agreement completed first.
Chairman Dinning asked about the overflow parking lot agreement with Idaho Forest Group (IFG) and Attorney Hull said he just needs to get Mike Sapp with IFG the agreement to clarify verbiage. Attorney Hull said Commissioners will want to look over his comments about the Fixed Base Operator Agreement for the airport. Attorney Hull added that he did speak with Airport Manager Dave Parker about various statements that need to be reviewed.
Attorney Hull said he’s had a chance to look at the job descriptions associated with 911 funds and there is conflicting information. It sounds like only one employee works with 911 so the county might be looking at prorating funds, is that correct? Chairman Dinning said Commissioners want to look at if the current uses are allowable. It appears only one position could be fully funded by 911 and the other positions only partially funded.
Attorney Hull is working on an agreement with Boundary Community Hospital in regard to the hospital being a medical provider for worker’s compensation claims. Attorney Hull said he needs to see what the fee schedule is and he has one concern about Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) violations so that needs to be addressed in addition to a few smaller things.
Attorney Hull said he’s working on two new hangar lease agreements with Airport Manager Dave Parker.
The call to Attorney Hull ended at 9:50 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign a Certificate of Residency for Greta Callison. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign Settlement Statement associated with Idaho Transportation Department Project No. A019(916), Key No. 19916. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt informed Commissioners that he was able to get electrician Logan Enz to somewhat commit to upgrading the Courthouse and he added that no other electrician had showed any interest. Commissioner Cossairt said Mr. Enz mentioned he would prefer to just work based on cost, plus materials. The new electrical box is six feet tall and would need to be cut and rethreaded. Commissioner Cossairt said Mr. Enz thinks the job could be done in three days. Commissioners discussed the quotes versus bid requirements and Commissioner Cossairt said it should fall within the quote process based on estimate.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve Commissioner meeting minutes for the weeks of April 19, 2021, April 26, 2021, and May 3, 2021. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners and Clerk Poston discussed various general personnel matters.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the Boundary County Airport Grant Agreement #65S-NMG-3-16-0004-020-2021 for the airport pavement maintenance project. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:30 a.m., Commissioners continued the public hearing to consider Application #2020-2, a request for a variance to the Road Standards Ordinance 2020-2 for an approach. The applicant is Shem Johnson. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. The hearing was recorded.
Commissioners said they had received a request from the County Road and Bridge Department to continue the hearing for another two weeks. Commissioners will continue the hearing to May 24, 2021, at 10:30 a.m.
The hearing ended at 10:31 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
10:37 a.m., Assessor Dave Ryals joined the meeting.
Assessor Ryals said the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Office has been extremely busy and he needs an additional employee and to increase pay for the employees in that office. The DMV Office is taking in a lot of customers and also seeing a lot of Bonner County and Kootenai County residents as well. Assessor Ryals said his plan is to have a new employee handle the telephones as the current employees can’t get away from the counter to answer calls. The DMV Office is averaging 90 to 100 customers per day. Assessor Ryals said he also intends to increase the DMV administrative fee from $4.00 to $6.50, which will probably require a public hearing. Having an additional full time employee will help and this office might be able to set up another computer terminal, according to Assessor Ryals. It was said that part of the issue with the wait time is that the new state computer system is slower than the old one. Assessor Ryals mentioned that this new position for the DMV Office would start October 1, 2021, but he would like to get the process started.
Those present discussed future plans for relocating various offices, as well as county-owned vehicles as it pertains to the Assessor’s office and Emergency Manager Andrew O’Neel. Assessor Ryals said he is unable to sell one of his office’s Tahoes to the Emergency Manager as he isn’t going to budget for a new vehicle for this next year.
The meeting with Assessor Ryals ended at 11:00 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to add a meeting for Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. with Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen to discuss a roll off truck, as it’s a time sensitive matter. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners recessed for lunch.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners continued the public hearing at the County Annex to consider Planning and Zoning Applications #20-072 and #21-033 for a Comprehensive Plan and Zone Map Amendment filed by LMJPNP, LLC. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. The hearing was recorded.
Chairman Dinning stated for the record that County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull is still waiting to hear back from the Federal Aviation Administration, which will take some time so Commissioners need to continue the hearing.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to continue the public hearing for Planning and Zoning Applications #20-072 and #21-033 for a Comprehensive Plan and Zone Map Amendment filed by LMJPNP, LLC., to Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
The hearing ended.
1:40 p.m., Boundary County Emergency Manager Andrew O’Neel joined the meeting with Commissioners at the County Annex to discuss various grant matters with Commissioners. Sheriff Dave Kramer also joined the meeting.
Mr. O’Neel provided Commissioners with an update on various grants. Mr. O’Neel said he still has funds from the 2019 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) grant and he spoke of door locks, cameras, and bollards for the armory. Mr. O’Neel commented that it’s taken longer to get quotes for items and these funds need to be spent by the end of this fiscal year, but he would double check on whether that is the state or federal fiscal year.
Mr. O’Neel spoke of the 2020 grant and he said he needs $19,468.00 for the 2019 project and he thought he had something lined up, but Sheriff Kramer doesn’t want to commit his radios to that project. A Communications Committee meeting was held this morning and there will be another meeting with Scott Grimmett who designed the simulcast system, and Mr. Grimmett will help the Committee in seeing where funds would be best spent as a county function.
Sheriff Kramer explained that the SHSP grant can only be used for exterior cameras and if he were to get bollards, he would need to get them for multiple locations at the annex. BF Builders has already provided a quote of $10,000.00 for work involved.
Sheriff Kramer informed Commissioners that the Communications Committee is beneficial and he’s learned that Hall Mountain Fire Department is operating differently as compared to the other departments so they’ll work on that.
Mr. O’Neel briefed Commissioners on the mass casualty trailer that was given to the county. Boundary Ambulance Service had ownership of the equipment being stored inside this trailer, but now it consists of a lot of old bandages and supplies, and a lot of it is no longer appropriate. Mr. O’Neel spoke of trying to free up the trailer for use by Search and Rescue. This trailer is under County EMS, but Mr. O’Neel will transfer it to the Sheriff’s Office to be placed under their inventory list. Sheriff Kramer explained how ownership of the mass casualty trailer came to be and how it’s been sitting unused for many years. Commissioners voiced their approval of transferring ownership to the Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Kramer left the meeting.
Mr. O’Neel and Commissioners discussed the 2019 Pre-Disaster Grant and Mr. O’Neel commented that he was awarded the grant. The next step is to seek requests for proposals so he will contact Idaho Local Area Field Officer Jay Baker about who the requests for proposals go to. The entire grant amount is $31,245.00 and $7,811.00 is the county’s match and it can be in-kind. Chairman Dinning commented that the Community Wildfire Protection Plan will need to be redone after fire season this fall. The Idaho Department of Lands will assist with what to put into the plan, according to Chairman Dinning.
Mr. O’Neel discussed the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) COVID-19 Supplemental program and he commented that he did get this grant and is waiting to hear from the Idaho Office of Emergency Management. Commissioners will need to sign the document when it is ready. Mr. O’Neel discussed applying the regular EMPG funds toward a new vehicle for emergency management as opposed to his salary and he said this is something Mr. Baker has approved the use of those funds for that expenditure. The amount of that grant is $27,584.00 and the county’s match amount is $13,792.00. Chairman Dinning questioned if Mr. O’Neel’s budget was needed anywhere else. Mr. O’Neel mentioned that these funds have to be spent by year 2022. Mr. O’Neel asked the status of the Assessor’s Office possibly having a vehicle he could purchase with grant funds. Chairman Dinning replied that Commissioners had that discussion, but they learned that Assessor Ryals wasn’t going to budget for another vehicle this next year. Mr. O’Neel mentioned a Chevrolet dealer that had a Traverse for sale. Chairman Dinning said when Mr. O’Neel learns for certain what the grant funds can be spent on, Commissioners can have that discussion with him again.
Mr. O’Neel asked Commissioners about various emergency related agreements the county might have.
Mr. O’Neel spoke of the Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) grant workshop and he explained that in the event of a fire emergency that gets out of control and the cost to fight the fire exceeds $122,000.00, the Incident Commander and Emergency Manager forwards information about the threat to Mr. Baker, Idaho Office of Emergency Management Director Brad Richy and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It’s a separate process from declaring an emergency, according to Mr. O’Neel.
The meeting with Mr. O’Neel ended at 2:30 p.m.
2:30 p.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 Bertling second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dan Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Bertling “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 2:40 p.m. No action was taken.
There being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
***Tuesday, May 11, 2021, 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.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign a Certificate of Residency for Ryan Carelli. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
County Coroner Mick Mellett joined the meeting.
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 Bertling second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Bertling “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 9:40 a.m. No action was taken.
Coroner Mellett left the meeting at 9:40 a.m.
9:40 a.m., Airport Manager Dave Parker joined the meeting to discuss various matters
Mr. Parker informed Commissioners the snow removal equipment grant is pretty much completed. The snow removal equipment building project is done. Mr. Parker said that project was 100% funded and there is just a bit of paperwork left. Mr. Parker commented that he’s met with an environmental group as it pertains to the airport and included in that discussion were the properties surrounding the airport. A proposal is to move the runway 1,200 feet to the south, but that is still out a ways, approximately in year 2025 or 2026. Mr. Parker spoke of sloughing occurring at the midway point of the runway on the eastside, of wells being drilled and electronic monitoring taking place. It has been a dry year so it’s probably not the best year to do this monitoring, according to Mr. Parker. Mr. Parker said when he gets the environmental reports back, there will most likely be some recommendations. There will be a public information meeting at some point as well. The surrounding properties are being looked into and Mr. Parker mentioned powerlines might be buried or moved to the state land to the south. Mr. Parker said the environmental study is just looking at viable solutions.
Mr. Parker discussed the poor condition of the pavement on the runway. Additional funding from Council Idaho is going to be shifted to Bonners Ferry for pavement maintenance so it will cover the work that needs to be done. This maintenance will happen in September so there will be many days the runways won’t be usable during this time. The airport will be closed for half of those days from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but it will be open at night until morning.
Mr. Parker said there has probably been one to two hangars built per year, but he thinks this year there will be more; adding that one new hangar will be able to accommodate a jet. Mr. Parker showed Commissioners a map of where hangars are being built and he also discussed leveling a particular area of the airport as there isn’t a road or utilities in that area yet, but in preparation for that, Mr. Parker’s been collecting $2,000.00 for infrastructure fees from people who want hangars. One bid for road preparation came in at $8,000.00, according to Mr. Parker. Chairman Dinning suggested getting at least three quotes for this work. Mr. Parker said the City of Bonners Ferry provides power and there is a $330.00 application fee.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Utilities Form for New Construction / Upgrade / Retirement with an application fee in the amount of $330.00 for the City of Bonners Ferry to upgrade the existing electrical at the Boundary County Airport. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Parker and Commissioners discussed proposing a transfer fee for hangar leases and increasing the utility fee of $2,000.00, etc.
Mr. Parker spoke to Commissioners about property south of the airport. Originally, the property owner wanted to create one acres lots, but the Airport Board felt five acre lots with one house was better. This property is in the inner critical zone. Mr. Parker spoke of having disclosure letters for new owners informing them they will experience, airport noise, lights, fumes, etc.
Clerk Poston asked if there is going to be a fee increase for hangars as Commissioners will want to include that in a publication with other office increases to save on publication costs. Chairman Dinning spoke of needing to know of future plans as Commissioners deal with the impacts and effects before making a decision. Mr. Parker spoke of receiving angry calls from property owners complaining about planes flying over homes.
The meeting with Mr. Parker ended at 10:09 a.m.
10:09 a.m., Deputy Clerk/Personnel Director Pam Barton joined the meeting.
Ms. Barton updated Commissioners on an employee’s request for a leave of absence. The original leave of absence has been delayed, but it’s thought the employee will still be back the same time.
Deputy Clerk Barton left the meeting.
10:30 a.m., Prosecutor Andrakay Pluid joined the meeting to discuss a request pertaining to county personnel working on City of Bonners Ferry cases. Chairman Dinning asked if Bonner County has an agreement with the City of Sandpoint for the prosecuting work. Prosecutor Pluid said yes, and she explained how the process works for Bonner County. The additional compensation the office staff receives is labeled as a bonus and the county is not responsible for Public Employees Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI) benefits, the employee is responsible for taxes, etc. Chairman Dinning said without a contract with the City of Bonners Ferry and with Prosecutor Pluid contracting as a private attorney, would it or could it be looked upon as if a private firm is using a county employee and paying the county for use of that employee. Chairman Dinning said he’s just trying to see what could come from those who really want to cause trouble. Prosecutor Pluid said anyone could make that argument, however the City of Bonners Ferry is also a public entity and she added that she’s contracted with the city as an employee. This would be a municipal entity contracting with the county to cover the legal assistance portion. The city would contract with the county for a specified amount for the employee and computer/IT portion as well. Commissioner Bertling asked if this is the only option. Prosecutor Pluid mentioned that when she had been on maternity leave, Chief Deputy Prosecutor Tevis Hull had covered for her and had a contract with the city. The city could also pay the county employees directly as authorized by the county. Prosecutor Pluid informed Commissioners that her staff has stated that they do have time in their day to do this work so it wouldn’t result in overtime. Prosecutor Pluid said a majority of the additional work consists of misdemeanors or infractions so it’s limited paperwork, such as discoveries, redacting, scanning, etc. There is not a lot involved with misdemeanors, etc. Commissioner Bertling asked if there is a ripple effect that could happen and Prosecutor Pluid said she doesn’t have a good answer for that. Those present reviewed the position grade and starting wages for employees involved. Prosecutor Pluid said she would suggest the city cover half of the computer IT aspects. Chairman Dinning said, so Boundary County would enter into a contractual agreement with the city to pay a dollar amount to those county employees, outside of PERSI, etc. Then the county would be compensated with a technology fee. Prosecutor Pluid said she would suggest this arrangement for the next budget year. Commissioner Cossairt said the city and the county should work together. Chairman Dinning commented that he’s just trying to analyze peripheral effects. Chairman Dinning said the agreement would be a lump sum to the Prosecutor’s Office. Prosecutor Pluid said that is what she is suggesting. Commissioners commented about not having an issue moving forward with this. Prosecutor Pluid said she would draft some form of agreement for review.
The meeting with Prosecutor Pluid ended at 10:45 a.m.
11:00 a.m., Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen joined the meeting to discuss a roll off truck for the landfill.
Mr. Skeen said the roll off truck he wanted to talk about is a 1998 T800 and he listed the details and options on this truck. The asking price is $44,500.00 and it has approximately 700,000 miles on it. Commissioner Bertling commented about having to get a new motor in a number of years based on the mileage and Mr. Skeen said it’s approximately $20,000.00 to $25,000.00 for a remanufactured motor. Mr. Skeen commented that the landfill has a 1992 Kenworth sitting at the landfill, which is the garbage truck. Mr. Skeen added that he contacted the owner of the truck, who is in California and Dave Shans Diesel will perform an inspection at a cost of $125.00 per hour and it should take approximately two hours. Mr. Skeen mentioned putting the truck on the computer for diagnostics and Commissioner Bertling said if it’s put on the computer, they can check injectors. Commissioner Bertling said he doesn’t have a problem with it. Mr. Skeen said this truck probably won’t be for sale very long. Commissioner Bertling said he would proceed with testing and if it’s clean, Mr. Skeen better jump on it and buy it. Mr. Skeen mentioned that this truck will need a tarp system installed on it, which is approximately $5,000.00 to $7,000.00.
Mr. Skeen said he will forward the truck’s test results to Commissioners.
The meeting with Mr. Skeen ended at 11:00 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
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DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk