***Monday, May 18, 2020, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby (via telephone call), Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris joined the meeting to give the department report. A written report was provided.
Commissioners gave the opening invocation and said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Due to technical difficulties with Commissioners’ conference call line the elected officials/department heads meeting was canceled.
Mr. Morris mentioned that Road and Bridge had cleaned sand from underneath the guardrail on Paradise Valley Hill. Commissioners discussed a position that Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris would like to fill at Road and Bridge. Chairman Dinning asked how many employees Road and Bridge has and Ms. Nelson said they have 18 employees. Those present discussed budget information in relation to positions. Commissioners said they would continue this discussion to tomorrow at 10:00 a.m.
Ms. Nelson briefly discussed matters pertaining to the Road Standards Ordinance.
The meeting with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 9:40 a.m.
Commissioner Kirby moved to ratify signing the FY 2021 Indigent Defense Financial Assistance Proposal & Application. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the meeting minutes for the week of May 4, 2020. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificate of Residency for Kelsey English. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Dinning informed Commissioners that Phil Allegretti has increased his hourly rate for the mosquito surveillance study for the West Nile Virus from $42.25 to $45.00. Commissioners said they were okay with the increase.
Chairman Dinning said Waterways Board Chairman Darron Branson asked Commissioners about the ability for the Waterways Board to resume their board meetings. Chairman Dinning said he feels meetings would be okay as long as they can maintain a social distance and only allow less than 10 people at the meeting. Commissioners agreed.
A person had contacted Commissioners’ Office wanting to know if she could hold her horse power collide event at the fairgrounds on Father’s Day. Commissioners said they don’t know what the COVID situation will look like, but that is something that needs to be referred to the Fair Board to decide.
Commissioners received a draft form from Treasurer Sue Larson to review. The form is an application for late fees and interest cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The applicant would need to fill out the application requesting the cancellation of late fees and interest due to a hardship arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The applicant still has to pay the responsibility to pay the property tax.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the Application for Late Fees and Interest Cancellation form due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Kirby moved to award the airport bid for the snow removal equipment building to B.F. Builders and sign the associated contract upon review and approval by the county civil attorney. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Kirby moved to sign the Federal Aviation Administration 65S-NMG-3-16-0004-019-2020 grant agreement and associated documents regarding the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) for the Boundary County Airport upon review and approval by the county civil attorney. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Kirby moved to sign the amended Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 2 for airport snow removal equipment. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)b, to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school student. Commissioner Kirby second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 9:55 a.m.
The conference call line began working at 9:55 a.m.
10:00 a.m., Boundary Ambulance Service Chief Jeff Lindsey contacted Commissioners via conference call.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and convene as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
*Please see Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board meeting minutes*
10:07 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board and convene as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:30 a.m., Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen joined the meeting.
Mr. Skeen said he had a print out of staff wages from the Clerk and he said from a savings aspect, if he were to keep the monitor schedules as they are, it would equate to approximately $46,000.00. Depending on where we go with some things there is almost a $20,000.00 savings. Clerk Poston said she thinks some of this information was from last week’s conversation. Mr. Skeen said another thing is that a couple of employees may be retiring in approximately two years’ time. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners don’t know what they’re going to do so this matter needs to sit still for a while. Commissioners suggested that Mr. Skeen go ahead and budget as he normally would. Commissioners asked Mr. Skeen if he feels there is a need to increase fees. Mr. Skeen said it depends on the total savings of $60,000.00, with used roll off truck and rolls offs the cost was approximately $40,000.00, but he needs $50,000.00. There was another $30,000.00 for engineering for the solid waste plan, but that could be eliminated if we could get the post closure plan done this year. Mr. Skeen said he’s just waiting for the finalization of the landfill operation plan, but that is under contract with JUB Engineering. Another matter is the alternative method of disposal needed by June 21st. Chairman Dinning said we’re close to the limit of 20 tons per day and the state wants a plan in place if the county goes over that limit. Mr. Skeen mentioned trying to figure out how to make contact with someone to see if the county can get through this and get an exemption to that as it’s total landfill volume as opposed to daily volume. Chairman Dinning asked Mr. Skeen to see if Ellery Howard with JUB Engineering has any suggestions that he can talk to the Congressional delegation about. Mr. Skeen said Matt Beeter with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality had stated that if the county were to lose the small community exemption, the landfill would have to go to ground water monitoring, but Dan Redline, also with the Department of Environmental Quality did not make that statement.
10:38 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)b, to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school student. Commissioner Kirby second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 10:45 a.m. No action was taken.
Mr. Skeen left the meeting at 10:55 a.m.
11:00 a.m., Commissioners held a county tax deeded property auction via conference call. Participating in the proceedings were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Treasurer Sue Larson, Chief Deputy Treasurer Jenny Economu, John Voltz, Erik Booth, Joe Freeman, Joe Xue, Debra Erickson, Rebecca Carlson, Ken Schrock, Brian Reeves, Kevin Merrifield, Delonso Pleasant, Elena Negoi, Ron Sukenik, Craig Lorraine, Patrick Waring, Steve Riddle, Nicole Gibbs, Aaron Waymen, and Jeff Dunmire. The auction was recorded.
Chairman Dinning reviewed the rules and procedures for the auction process and explained when the successful bidder must have the amount due in full to the county.
Property #1 is parcel #RP61N01W132408A. The abbreviated legal description is NE 4 NE 4 NW 4, less part Tax 23, Section 13, Township 61 North Range 1 West. This parcel is approximately 4.98 acres and is located approximately 7.8 miles southwest of Bonners Ferry City Limits. The minimum bid amount is $2,236.69. The successful bidder was Kenlyn Schrock who submitted a bid of $8,500.00.
Property #2 is parcel #RP002700020010A. The abbreviated legal description is E2 NW4 NE4 SE4, Part E2W2 of Lot 4 in Unit 30 S/T R/W, Section 28 Township 62 North Range 2 East. This parcel is approximately 5.750 acres and is located approximately 5.7 miles east of Bonners Ferry city limits. The minimum bid amount is $3,081.60. The successful bidder was Jeff Dunmire who submitted a bid of $13,000.00.
The auction ended at 11:25 a.m.
Chairman Dinning and Commissioner Cossairt updated Commissioner Kirby on the emergency hire for the position of monitor for the entrance of the Courthouse.
Commissioner Kirby moved to authorize the emergency hire of the Courthouse monitor at a rate of $15.00 per hour. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Dinning clarified that this position is good through June 2nd.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 11:30 a.m.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
1:30 p.m., County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull and Perkins Coie Attorney Erika Malmen contacted Commissioners via conference call.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)f, to communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated, but imminently likely to be litigated; and Idaho Code 74-206(1)b, to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school student. Commissioner Kirby second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 1:51p.m. No action was taken.
Attorney Malmen disconnected from the call at 1:40 p.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to place a county employee on administrative leave through 11:59 p.m., on May 29, 2020. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Dinning said Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris had talked with him about variances in the Road Standards Ordinance. Attorney Hull said he would look into whether a variance is addressed by a public meeting or if a public hearing is needed.
Chairman Dinning brought up the county’s Addressing Ordinance that County Cartographer/Mapper Olivia Drake had proposed making changes to. Attorney Hull said he had approved the changes. Those present discussed a road name issue and Attorney Hull said he, Ms. Nelson and Planning and Zoning Administrator John Moss will review the issue.
The call to Attorney Hull ended at 2:00 p.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
There being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
***Tuesday, May 19, 2020, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby (via phone), and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
9:00 a.m., Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee joined the meeting to give the Restorium report. Ms. Magee said she had not turned in her budget to the Clerk yesterday when it was due, but she does have a question about room rates. Ms. Magee voiced concern that if room rates increase too much, more residents will end up on Medicaid. Ms. Magee said she is thinking of a 3% room rate increase for existing residents and an 8% room rate increase for new incoming residents. Commissioner Cossairt said the funding is needed. The county will be off 30% starting this quarter and it will last clear through the next year is what he’s hearing through proposed legislation. Chairman Dinning said the county will always keep on top of the list as far as funding what is needed to keep residents safe. Those present discussed ordering meat for the Restorium and how it’s best to have enough for a couple of months and freeze it until it’s needed. Ms. Magee said last year she had $72,750.00 in the Restorium’s budget for capital outlay, but that will be reduced because she has completed all of the Restorium’s big projects, except for the need to still finish the call system. Ms. Magee commented that she had requested a cook’s helper on a part-time basis, but it won’t generate an increase in her budget.
Ms. Magee informed Commissioners that the Restorium needs to replace its pickup truck and that they will need a vehicle that will hold the snow plow. Ms. Magee commented that the Restorium received a donation of a patio set with a table and chairs. Commissioners discussed those they need to send a thank you note to. Ms. Magee informed Commissioners that she had ordered the hand sanitizers and that the potential pest issue was caught early enough so that matter has been resolved with no problems.
Ms. Magee discussed participating in Zoom meetings with the Panhandle Health District regarding Covid-19 in relation to needing to be prepared for a fall outbreak and contemplating ways to help mitigate the potential for Covid-19. Chairman Dinning explained the Covid-19 outbreak that shut down a meat packing facility near Boise. People are going to starting catching up on weddings and funerals and they need to be careful and know that the virus doesn’t affect just them. Commissioner Kirby said we need to be as tough as we can be with visitors at the Restorium, because it’s our Restorium. Chairman Dinning added, until there is a vaccine.
Ms. Magee said she’s had lots of inquiries for available rooms and there were approximately eight calls inquiring about rooms last week. Ms. Magee said the Panhandle Health District is supposed to test every resident and staff member. Chairman Dinning said a test should be required for each new resident. Ms. Magee questioned who is going to pay for all of this testing?
The meeting with Ms. Magee ended at 9:40 a.m.
9:40 a.m., Veterans Service Officer Ron Self contacted Commissioners’ Office via conference call to provide a department report. Mr. Self said that he was going to open up the Veterans Service Office tomorrow and he will be in the office on Wednesday and Thursday. There has been no comment as to when the state is going to come up. Mr. Self said the current work situation is forcing him to take care of things and it’s been interesting. Chairman Dinning asked about Mr. Self relocating his office to the armory and Mr. Self commented that he will be in the office two days per week. Chairman Dinning asked if Mr. Self’s documents are saved as hard copy files and Mr. Self said yes. Mr. Self clarified that he is available on a 24 hour notice so he does meet with clients when they need to so he cannot say he works only two days per week. Chairman Dinning said there may be a need to share that new office once in a while and Mr. Self said he doesn’t see a problem with that and he added that he will need a waiting room. Chairman Dinning said there is a waiting room in the hall. Chairman Dinning said Mr. Self will need to get a lockable file cabinet and Mr. Self said he has one.
The meeting with Mr. Self ended at 9:43 a.m.
10:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris joined the meeting to continue their meeting from Monday morning regarding Road and Bridge’s budget and filling positions.
Commissioners provided a recap of the prior discussion in that Road and Bridge is saving $44,000.00 in the current year’s budget due to having vacant positions, but it will still be approximately $3,000.00 to $4,000.00 short of funding a new additional position. Commissioners explained that they don’t know what next year will look like. Ms. Nelson informed Commissioners that she did turn in the Road and Bridge budget to Clerk Poston, but she still has questions. Ms. Nelson said the Highway User’s Fund is 30% less, but it affects the new user’s portion so it’s looking to be $60,000.00 to $80,000.00.
Clerk Glenda Poston joined the meeting at 10:01 a.m.
Those present discussed funding and Chairman Dinning said we’re looking at an additional position and having an estimated reduction of $310,000.00. The position equates to $70,000.00. Clerk Poston said a new employee could cost less to fund, but we cannot count on that and she added that the county is getting a 5% increase in GEM plan premiums, but workers compensation insurance will probably remain the same. Incident ratings could increase due to lost work hours, according to Clerk Poston. Ms. Nelson said she got her budget turned into the Clerk, but she does need to meet with her about it. Ms. Nelson explained that a part of the reason for funds not matching was that she was trying to plan ahead for chip seal and hot mix, but there is also bridge work that was supposed to be done. A lot of it is concrete work, such as on the Naples Bridge and those present said they were not aware of this work. Ms. Nelson said Road and Bridge did not get Local Highway Rural Improvement Project (LHRIP) funding that was going to be used to rebuild McArthur Lake Road. Road and Bridge also did not get funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAPS) for the Naples crosswalks, etc., but they can reapply for those funds. Ms. Nelson explained that the TAPS program had received 90 applications for projects and Road and Bridge was told their application was great, but there just was not enough funding. Ms. Nelson said she will not learn about available funding through the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation for Skin Creek until the next month. Road and Bridge also did not receive federal aid funds for the Myrtle Creek Bridge project. The Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) said they would hold all applications for a two year cycle and they will look to see if applications have to be resubmitted or if LHTAC will review the same applications again. Mr. Morris mentioned work needed to Mission Creek Bridge, located under Copeland Road, and it’s a bridge that is under 20 feet. The biggest issue with that bridge is the river rising, according to Mr. Morris. Chairman Dinning said his concern is if the county hires for this Road and Bridge position and has to find $310,000.00 in the budget, are there places to cut to make that occur without going into the reserve budget. Ms. Nelson said there might be. Mr. Morris said he was looking at their department’s trucks and some of those could be cut. Ms. Nelson said she would find out more after working with the engineers on projects and then they can find out more on what projects can be postponed. Chairman Dinning said his concern is if the county does hire someone and find out they need to let that person go later. Chairman Dinning said in the long term we’re catching up on maintenance. Mr. Morris spoke of being behind on chip sealing. Chairman Dinning said if the county hires someone now, we don’t know what the next year’s budget will look like. Clerk Poston questioned if this position would be budgeted for on October 1st or not.
Ms. Nelson spoke of the levy funding totaling $150,000.00 for projects and narrowing that down. Clerk Poston asked if those funds had been used. Ms. Nelson said she believes so. Clerk Poston said sales tax, revenue sharing, etc., are decreasing so she doesn’t know where she is going to be with budget. Chairman Dinning said the county is looking at a huge funding hit. Assessment notices will be mailed out soon and he explained that the State Tax Commission performs and audit of properties each year and each category has to be within 90% to 110% of reported market data sales. Last year was fine, but this year because of housing there is going to be a shift of value and most residences will be assessed an increase between 30% and 50%. This is mandated by the state, according to Chairman Dinning. What happens is if a homeowner has a $200,000.00 assessment now and you use $100,000.00 for the homeowner’s exemption, every dollar of assessed value, residentially, is going to be taxed. Agriculture, commercial and timber values dropped so all of this will shift to the residential home owner who will see an average increase to their taxes of $500.00 to $700.00 due to that shift. It will be an uproar.
Commissioner Kirby said Road and Bridge needs this new employee and the hours to get the work done. Commissioner Kirby suggested trying to hire someone for just a few months and see if their interested in that.
The meeting with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 10:40 a.m.
10:42 a.m., Commissioners contacted County insurance agent Darrell Kerby to ask questions about Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICRMP) coverage in relation to Covid. Mr. Kerby said the intent of the loss of income section of ICRMP coverage is that in the event of loss to one of the county’s buildings, such as if it’s made uninhabitable, then there is a loss of income. It refers to actual physical damage to the property affected. The question was asked about Covid making a county facility uninhabitable and whether or not there would be ICRMP coverage due to loss of income as a result of Covid. It would be improper to assume ICRMP would cover the county. Mr. Kerby said the next question was regarding getting named in a suit relating to Covid due to actively promoting an event where people ended up infected. Mr. Kerby said again, ICRMP would like the county to believe there is no coverage. ICRMP’s policy has an absolute exclusion in that its policy is not designed nor ever have they charged a premium for coverage of pollution. Under the definition of pollution viruses are specifically named and therefore defined as pollution and as a result there is no coverage in a lawsuit brought against the county. Where it’s unclear is when there is a large gathering, with the virus potential and if someone brings a suit, ICRMP states it depends on wording in that lawsuit. If the suit only dealt with Covid, ICRMP states it’s likely they would not provide a defense, but often times, attorneys name a number of issues in a single suit and there are multiple actions that may include other issues that for some reason ICRMP would possibly provide a defense. If Covid was one of multiple things in a suit, ICRMP may respond as they’re forced to provide coverage for other alleged wrongs the county was negligent for. Mr. Kerby said he would assume that ICRMP’s policy is really not going to provide coverage for things related to Covid. Mr. Kerby added that ICRMP is looking into this and has a white paper he will try to get to Commissioners.
Mr. Kerby said the county has a right to rely on the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare for events and also has the right to rely on and contract with the Panhandle Health District to assist in decision making and operating public events. Of course, both of those agencies have access to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) information on public events. Mr. Kerby said he looked it up and it’s still dicey. Boundary County still has no cases of Covid, no known cases, but Bonner County and Kootenai County do and it does ask to take into consideration, not local events, but people coming in from outside of the area who could bring in the virus and cause community spread. That is connected to CDC guidelines and the Governor’s open stages. Mr. Kerby reiterated that, again, the county has the right to rely on those agencies to advise. If the county is named in a lawsuit, it’s least negligent if it’s complying with the CDC guidelines.
The call to Mr. Kerby ended at 10:52 a.m.
Commissioners and Clerk Poston discussed the recent Fair Board meeting as it pertains to people wanting to hold events and how it would be the public’s responsibility, not the Fair Board’s, to have a plan in place that was approved by Panhandle Health District.
11:00 a.m., Deputy Clerk Pam Barton joined the meeting at Commissioners’ request.
Commissioner Cossairt moved go to into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)b, to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school student. Commissioner Kirby second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 11:25 a.m. No action was taken.
Deputy Clerk Barton left the meeting.
11:40 a.m., There being no further business, the meeting recessed until Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.
***Thursday, May 21, 2020, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners held an elected officials/department heads meeting. Participating in the call were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Assessor Dave Ryals, Prosecutor Jack Douglas, Treasurer Sue Larson, University of Idaho Extension Educator Amy Robertson, Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown, Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen, Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley, Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee, Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris, Noxious Weed Department Superintendent Dave Wenk, Veterans Service Officer Ron Self, Airport Manager Dave Parker, Emergency Manager Andrew O’Neel, and Victim’s Services Advocate Becky James.
Chairman Dinning said for those who work in county offices and have suggestions for improvements, please don’t be afraid to let Commissioners know.
Commissioners asked for office updates.
Assessor Ryals said he had nothing new from his office. All staff are back in the office. The Department of Motor Vehicles Office has been extremely busy.
Ms. Barton said she will process the payments for Life Flight. Employee time sheets are due today or tomorrow and Covid related hours are still being tracked and employees will see that category on their check stubs.
Prosecutor Douglas said his office is working its normal schedule.
Treasurer Larson said her office is doing well.
Ms. Robertson said everything is going well at the Extension Office. The office is back to normal and people are slowing coming back in.
Ms. Brown said the Probation Office is doing well and getting back to normal. Ms. Brown said she will contact Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen about community service workers working at the landfill.
Mr. Skeen said the Solid Waste Department is staying busy.
Mr. Buckley said he’s doing good and back to repairing the usual things.
Ms. Magee said the Restorium is doing okay.
Mr. Morris said things are going okay for Road and Bridge.
Mr. Wenk spoke of spraying weeds and he informed Commissioners that he has No Spray Weed Agreements for Commissioners to sign.
Mr. Self said the Veterans Service Office is open and doing well. Mr. Self commented that he’s been assisting people already.
Mr. Parker said once the weather gets better the airport will be back to normal.
Ms. Lang said the Victims Service Office has been really busy.
Mr. O’Neel said regarding Covid, five more people have been tested in Boundary County for a total of 86 people tested, 82 negative results and 4 test results pending. Idaho is still seeing approximately 20 to 30 cases daily on average across the state. Kootenai County has two new cases as of last Sunday so they now have a total of 66 cases. Bonner County still has four cases. Mr. O’Neel said of those 70 cases 67 people have recovered from the virus and are no longer being monitored.
Mr. O’Neel briefly discussed the rising river levels due to heavy rain and snow melt. The wind advisory shows gusts up to 35 to 40 miles per hour so watch out for downed trees. Mr. O’Neel said he was informed that power outages are affecting fewer than 10 people in the Moon Shadow area.
Chairman Dinning informed those on the call that within the last two weeks a meat processing facility in southern Idaho was shut down because one of their employees attended a 30 person gathering where someone was positive for the virus. The employee of the meat processing facility contracted the virus and affected other employees when he went back to work so the plant had to be shut down. Chairman Dinning reminded people not to let their guard down and he added that the state is even cautiously thinking there might be an uptick in cases of the virus so we don’t want to get lax. Chairman Dinning asked that those on the call go back and share this information with their employees. Commissioners said everyone has to wear masks in the Courthouse so please check with employees to let them know that at a minimum, when they’re in the lobby where they can interact with the public, they need to wear masks as does the public. Commissioners added that they’re not too concerned if staff are not wearing a mask when they’re staying behind their spit screen, but other than that it does not show a good example if we don’t wear masks and the public does.
Chairman Dinning gave a reminder that the next conference call is on Tuesday.
Mr. Moss got on the call and discussed needing to meet with Commissioners to set up a hearing.
The elected officials/department heads meeting ended at 9:10 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 12:12 p.m.
______________________________________
DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
____________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk