***Monday, May 29, 2023, Commissioners did not meet due to the Memorial Day Holiday.
***Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
9:00 a.m., Commissioners held an elected officials/department heads meeting at Boundary County’s University of Idaho Ag/Extension Office’s new location. Present were: Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, University of Idaho Extension Educator Amy Robertson, Emergency Manager Andrew O’Neel, Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen, Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown, Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee, Assistant Restorium Administrator Diana Lane, Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk, Assessor Olivia Drake, Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris, Coroner Chad Workman, and Sheriff Dave Kramer.
Commissioners went around the room for department updates.
The elected officials/department heads meeting ended at 9:21 a.m.
9:30 a.m., University of Idaho Ag Extension Educator Amy Robertson and Commissioners met at Boundary County’s University of Idaho Ag Extension Office and Ms. Robertson provided Commissioners with an update of University of Idaho programs and courses being offered. Ms. Robertson discussed various classes held the first quarter of the year, program funding and information pertaining to fair animals. Ms. Robertson said overall things are going well.
The meeting with Ms. Robertson ended at 9:45 a.m.
Commissioners returned to their office at the Courthouse for the remaining meetings.
Commissioner Robertson moved to sign Certificates of Residency for June Marshall, Rachel Stella, Tobey Jensen, Thomas Hoggan, Dalton Loll, Sydney Hinthorn, Lillian Krejci, and Kimberly Lucas. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the minutes of May 15 & 16, 2023 and May 22 and 23, 2023. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Independent Contractor’s Agreement with Panhandle Pest Control. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:30 a.m., Merrill Jantz, Rick Dodd and Chad Isaac with Bee Line Water Association met with Commissioners to ask about ARPA funds. Chairman Bertling said Commissioners have worked with the local water associations and have provided ARPA funding of up to approximately $25,000.00 for each request. Chairman Bertling said the water associations could apply for a grant for whatever is needed related to improving their systems and the county would contribute up to $25,000.00 toward grant match. Mr. Jantz said the Bee Line Water system is over 70 years old and it’s wearing out. The valves are very old and are not working; some valves don’t shut off. Mr. Jantz said they’ve been replacing and updating valves as they can. Bee Line Water Association has approximately 200 users. A water treatment plant has been installed and they’ve had to raise rates over time. Mr. Jantz said Ivan Wedel is knowledgeable of the system and estimates the cost is $25,000.00 for a mainline valve and there are at least two of these valves. Mr. Jantz added that Bee Line is not really in default as far as replacing valves, but they’re trying to keep from getting flooded with maintenance work and staying ahead. Those present discussed possible grant lenders to contact. Commissioner Cossairt asked if Bee Line is able to add users. It was said that Bee Line has a well they’re trying to get on line that provides 40 to 50 gallons per minute, but the Department of Environmental Quality has a lot of hoops for them to go through. Bee Line cannot sell water memberships until the well is on board.
The meeting with Mr. Jantz, Mr. Dodd and Mr. Isaac ended at 10:30 a.m.
10:57 a.m., Paradise Valley Fire District Chief Mike Glazier and Paradise Valley property owner Joe Reinhardt joined the meeting to request ARPA funds for the purchase of a brush truck for Paradise Valley Fire District. Chief Glazier explained that the fire department’s current brush truck doesn’t draft and they will need to pay $10,000.00 to repair it. Mr. Reinhart discussed his experience with the type of brush truck Chief Glazier would like to purchase and he said in addition to using it in wildland firefighting, it can be used for urban interface. This particular truck has a 500 gallon per minute pump. The truck that is available has been a reserve truck for a volunteer fire station for the last 10 years and Mr. Reinhart said he would highly recommend this truck. Chief Glazier said he was able to get the price down to $19,500.00. Chairman Bertling commented about Paradise Valley Fire Department being a taxing district and he asked if the cost of this purchase could be found in their budget. Chief Glazier explained that he looked into the budget, but it was too close. Chairman Bertling said he would like to see what ARPA funds have been spent on at this point before deciding. Chief Glazier informed Commissioners that this brush truck is still available, but people are looking at it. The truck will be a benefit to the county; not just Paradise Valley.
Commissioner Robertson moved to approve the donation of $21,000.00 to Paradise Valley Fire District for the purchase of a 1997 International brush truck, as well as transportation costs. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with Chief Glazier and Mr. Reinhart ended at 11:17 a.m.
11:30 a.m., Selkirk-Pend Oreille Transit (SPOT) Authority Board member Ron Smith and Boundary Economic Development Council Director David Sims joined the meeting to discuss matters pertaining to SPOT and SPOT program funding. The SPOT program started in year 2016 and Mr. Smith explained that SPOT has a local development committee and the board members are Liz Bigsby, Commissioner Cossairt, Ron Smith, and Marty Martinez. The Development Committee meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of the month and SPOT Board meetings are held the 3rd Thursday of each month. The Development Committee wants to start having Monday bus routes, according to Mr. Smith.
Mr. Smith explained that SPOT funding is through federal grants through the city, plus other grants that are directly from the state. Mr. Sims said funding is through federal grants if the cities are large enough, but if the area is rural, funding goes to the state and subsidizes it. Funding is on a two-year cycle so this fall SPOT will apply for funding years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. The last grant totaled $1,100,000.00 for a two-year period. Mr. Smith explained that the costs break down into administration, operations and maintenance, and preventative maintenance. Mr. Sims said the ridership numbers in 2019 before COVID haven’t been recovered. Mr. Smith explained that one trip to and from a place is considered two rides. Mr. Sims listed the locations the SPOT bus travels to. Commissioner Robertson questioned if it is mostly local drop offs. Mr. Sims and Mr. Smith explained how much time it can take during the day when traveling to Moyie Springs. Tuesdays and Thursdays are days the bus goes to Sandpoint and those present discussed bus schedules and routes. The Schweitzer route is funded by the Schweitzer Ski Resort. Mr. Sims said the city and county participate in funding this program, as well as the Area Agency on Aging. Mr. Sims explained that the Area Agency on Aging was providing funds to the Senior Center when they had the bus and these funds were used as match funds for transportation, but at one point the Area Agency on Aging stopped funding transportation. The bus is titled to the county and the Idaho Transportation Department had wanted to know about plans for the bus, because if it was not used for public transportation, the bus would be moved to another area. Chairman Bertling said if the program is based on usage, how many people know about it? Mr. Sims discussed marketing for this program.
Mr. Smith said currently, the county contributes $3,500.00 annually, but SPOT is going to request an increase in funding from the county. The City of Bonners Ferry contributes $10,000.00. The SPOT Board is going to approach the City of Moyie Springs about the program next week. For the 2023 and 2024 budget year, SPOT is requesting $5,000.00 from the county and $13,000.00 from the City of Bonners Ferry. Mr. Sims said SPOT’s overall two-year budget is approximately $1,100,000.00. When the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding became available the State of Idaho provided an additional $1,100,000.00 in funding and did not require a program match. Those funds have been used since the first year of the pandemic and there is approximately $600,000.00 to $700,000.00 in CARES funding left. SPOT might need to use up the remaining $650,000.00 in the next two years. Mr. Smith said he will speak with the clerk at the City of Bonners Ferry about funding and he commented about the county’s proposed increase to $5,000.00. When it’s discussed for budget purposes and everyone agrees, then it’s in the budget, according to Mr. Smith.
Mr. Smith spoke of higher increases for the second set of years and the proposal is that the county contribution be increased to $9,000.00 and the City of Bonners Ferry’s contribution be increased to $18,000.00. Mr. Sims commented that it would be hard to operate the system if they did not get grant funds. The term “boarding” was explained in that one person can contribute toward multiple boardings if they go to different places.
The meeting to discuss SPOT funding ended at 12:00 p.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
1:30 p.m., Road and Bridge Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris joined the meeting to give the Road and Bridge Department report. A written report was provided. Those present discussed the crusher and it was said there is no new news on the crusher. There is an issue with the generator and Road and Bridge has not received an update about it today. Mr. Morris said CAT had pulled the generator apart and he informed Commissioners of a quote to rent a generator to include cost of fuel, run time and a deposit and he said he’s estimating it would take $20,000.00 to $25,000.00 per month to rent a generator, which seems like a lot. Ms. Nelson said as far as the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), if Road and Bridge went to using an electric generator, it would be no problem. To switch generators, it would cost $250.00 as it costs every time they switch equipment. That wouldn’t be a problem, but Road and Bridge would need a demand payment. It was said the City doesn’t have a big enough transformer box in the yard to get permanent power at the Road and Bridge pit near Moyie Springs and it is approximately one year to get one, but they could start by putting poles in and hook up to it. Those present discussed the power needed for a transformer with all of Road and Bridge’s equipment, if they’re staying with what they have. If Road and Bridge switched to electric, they could get away from a 275 to 350 horse generator and could hook up using a 150-horse power generator to run conveyors and most everything that would take a load off the generator. When a more powerful transformer is available, the city would buy the old one back for what Road and Bridge has into it and replace it. Chairman Bertling asked when they would know about the generator and it was said it’s just a matter of waiting for a call. Mr. Morris said Road and Bridge would put it on a rush. Chairman Bertling said if Road and Bridge is dealing with CAT, they need to check with CAT every day; not every week. Mr. Morris explained that CAT took the generator apart, but the generator is at a company that CAT works with; it’s not at a CAT specific sight. Chairman Bertling suggested Road and Bridge contact CAT at least every other day.
Those present discussed costs for installing poles for power and Ms. Nelson said she could get a quote to phase the work out. Mr. Morris said the poles are $2,500.00 each and that was not in the budget. Chairman Bertling asked when the poles could be dropped in and Mr. Morris said he didn’t ask, but it sounded like that could be done when Road and Bridge was ready. Mr. Morris talked about putting a pole in a certain location along the southwest side of the pit and if they come in down the easement, it may be just one pole in the dip with top soil, etc. Mr. Morris said he estimated six or seven poles without pacing it off. With the trailer park nearby, it might become an issue as soon as the generator starts because it will be noisy. Ms. Nelson said DEQ was concerned about emissions from a diesel generator. Chairman Bertling said they should go ahead and drop those poles in. The county needs a good quote for the number of poles, costs, deductions, etc., according to Ms. Nelson. Chairman Bertling asked what the cost would be for a generator that can run everything and not be overloaded. Ms. Nelson spoke of needing to get a quote for that as well as the warranty. If it works and they put $50,000.00 towards this, that is the route to go. Mr. Morris said he thinks they will be at the Fitzpatrick pit for another five to ten years. Ms. Nelson said she would get a quote from CAT. Commissioner Robertson said it makes the most sense to drop the poles in. Chairman Bertling said there are a lot working parts here and he asked Road and Bridge to get firm numbers.
Ms. Nelson spoke of a class being held on chip seal oil and some of the newer Road and Bridge employees will attend.
Ms. Nelson said she received the 69% plans for the Sunrise Road project. HMH Engineering submitted an Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) approach application and used the 60% plans, but they haven’t received the approach permit yet. The Kootenai Tribe will also need to send Road and Bridge a revised approach permit for Great Northern Road. Commissioner Robertson commented on a large entrance onto Great Northern Road and he thought there would not be access on that side. Ms. Nelson mentioned Option 2 that was presented at a meeting had that approach and it was the one that was being discussed and questioned whether or not they wanted it, because the fuel trucks could come in and fuel there. Ms. Nelson said this is in Option 2 and it may be for trucks only. Commissioner Robertson said trucks will end up going out that way and there will be a cluster at Great Northern Road and Sunrise Road. Commissioner Cossairt suggested stating it’s an entrance only. Ms. Nelson reiterated that this is in Option 2.
Ms. Nelson said she also asked about a median divider. On pages 19 and 20 of the plans it shows a stop bar, but no divider between the right in and right out. Ms. Nelson said she was told a median divider wasn’t designed, because they felt without having a divider it provided more width for trucks to turn. Part of that was to find out what ITD’s requirement was, but Road and Bridge hasn’t heard from ITD yet. Commissioner Robertson said if they don’t put something in, people will turn left. Mr. Morris said his feeling is that most people will want to turn south. Commissioner Robertson said they need to funnel cars to the north end. Ms. Nelson said she will see what ITD has to say.
Ms. Nelson said on page 23 is the new road and according to the Road Standards Ordinance, the road width and travel lanes are fine as they are 14 feet wide and only need be 12 feet. The plans didn’t show a geotextile fabric layer, which is a Road and Bridge requirement so she will let them know. There will be 5.5 inches of hot mix asphalt. If geofabric is added with a base layer and hot mix, we should have a good all-season road. Chairman Bertling said we need to make it so vehicles cannot do a right turn out of Great Northern Road.
Chairman Bertling asked when the crusher should be crushing and when will they get to Old Highway Two Loop. Mr. Morris said he isn’t sure when they will get it going, but it will be as quick as he can get it. Ms. Nelson said if it can be one week or two weeks, they can get chip sealing going. If Road and Bridge can get three of their crusher crew crushing, her thought was to get a quote from TraffiCorp or another small traffic company to contract for traffic control to free up Road and Bridge employees. If they can get us going, Road and Bridge can start chip sealing. The other thing is that they have Brown Creek to chip seal so they can do a bit of chip sealing south of town since there are chips at the Fitzpatrick pit. Commissioner Robertson said to get an estimate for getting the generator back and he commented that if they got the generator back, Road and Bridge could be crushing next week. Mr. Morris said it will be a couple of days to put the generator back together. Commissioner Robertson asked if would be worth it to rent a generator for a week or two. The cost to rent a generator was quoted at $4,500.00 per week, plus hours. Commissioner Robertson asked if it would be worth it and Mr. Morris said it would be nice to get it going. This oil is more forgiving, but from September on it isn’t. Mr. Morris added that he would like to be done by the end of August. Commissioner Cossairt questioned how much rain can be tolerated. Chairman Bertling questioned if there is some way that we can address these issues before we need this to be going and Mr. Morris said he thought they had, but it just got worse every time they tore something apart. The crew that had experience at Modern Machinery no longer work there so everything started taking longer. Chairman Bertling said when it comes to putting a band aid on something, personally, he would rather take care of the issue because down time is a killer. Ms. Nelson said that information helps Road and Bridge to plan since they used to have to band aid things and do the best they can. Chairman Bertling said some things just have to be fixed because of that down time.
Chairman Bertling asked Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris to find out information on the power poles and get an update on the crusher.
The meeting with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen joined the meeting.
Commissioner Robertson moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)b, to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public-school student. Commissioner Cossairt second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Robertson “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 2:30 p.m. No action was taken.
Mr. Skeen left the meeting.
2:30 p.m., Assessor Olivia Drake joined the meeting. Commissioners reviewed the draft Work Orders/contracts from Innovate! Inc. Assessor Drake said she would like to extend the contract for the Enterprise Program in order to get the full benefit. The hours for this work have been reduced to 463 hours from 500 hours.
It was said Work Orders 6, 7 and 9 are out of this year’s budget and Work Orders 10, 11 and 12 are for year 2024. For the Enterprise System, the Work Order would be an additional $14,000.00 for the hardware, which are the ESRI payments and Amazon Web Service (AWS) monthly payments. This year there is the option to stall out Enterprise until next fiscal year, but there are no options for the Planning and Zoning or Addressing Work Orders. Assessor Drake mentioned she would like to pick up the Enterprise Work Order again for the next budget year. Commissioner Robertson asked how long she thinks it will take to sync systems together and run efficiently and Assessor Drake said she used to think it would be in a year’s time. It was said that Dan Spinosa with Innovate had made a comment in the last meeting that it took Innovate six to seven years to get Bonner County completed. Assessor Drake commented that Bonner County has a GIS Department and possibly up to 10 GIS staff members. Assessor Drake said she feels once they get parcel data in the system, other items can come off. Chairman Bertling thinks the county will need this agreement another two years. Assessor Drake said one thing is to ask the City of Bonners Ferry if they want to share in the cost of the Enterprise system. Commissioner Robertson said he has a hard time thinking this will take that long. Assessor Drake said the cause of this delay was the county. Those present reviewed the budget associated with the work orders.
Commissioner Robertson moved to sign Innovate Inc. Work Orders 6,7 and 9. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
John Becker joined the meeting at 2:52 p.m.
Assessor Drake presented Commissioners with a proposed new Casualty Loss Board of Equalization Form and she explained the process of removing a structure from the tax rolls has changed, resulting in a need for this form.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt the Board of Equalization Casualty Loss Form. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
2:57 p.m., Assessor Drake left the meeting.
Mr. Becker said he wanted to meet with Commissioners on behalf of the July 4th Committee. In the past the county would reimburse him the cost of insurance to hold the fireworks event himself so he and the county would enter into an agreement. Mr. Becker said he doesn’t yet have the exact cost of insurance, but he did take a certification class and will get a reduction.
Commissioner Robertson moved to approve covering the insurance cost of up to $3,800.00 for the July 4th fireworks event and to sign an Independent Contractor Agreement. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Becker left the meeting at 3:09 p.m.
Ardurra Airport Engineer Trey Dail joined the meeting.
3:15 p.m., Commissioner Robertson moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)c, to acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency. Commissioner Cossairt second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Robertson “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 3:38 p.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the revised offer letter for parcel #RP62N01E147800 for the amount of $25,000.00 for a 0.40-acre construction easement acquisition. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the revised offer letter for parcel #RP62N01E145250 for the amount of $1,000.00 for a 0.06-acre construction easement acquisition. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Dail left the meeting.
3:40 p.m., Commissioners returned a phone call to property owner Doreen Doyle to discuss her concerns regarding a bridge near her property that the Idaho Department of Lands wants to remove. The call ended at 3:42 p.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2023-45 ARPA. A resolution regarding Boundary County ARPA appropriation to Paradise Valley Fire District. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2023-45 ARPA reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2023-45 ARPA
Boundary County
ARPA Appropriation to Paradise Valley Fire District
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received ARPA funds to be used in payment, among other things, for Covid related expenses, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received $2,378,448.00 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Commissioners deem it in the best interest of the general public of Boundary County to aid with the purchase of 1997 International Brush Truck, 4800 Master Body Model 14, DT 466 Engine, Allison Transmission, 500 GPM/500 Tank, with 71,000 miles VIN:1HTSEAAN7VH498140 this will provide the district with a Brush Truck for fighting firers within the district and county. The cost of the brush truck is $19,500.00. The County will also provide up to $1500.00 for necessary travel expenses.
WHEREAS, the addition or distribution of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to release the funds for the purpose of purchasing this Brush Truck.
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the amount of $21,000.00 is to be disbursed from the ARPA General Account #0107, these funds shall then be remitted to Paradise Valley Fire District in the amount of $21,000.00
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk is instructed to deliver certified copies of this resolution to the Boundary County Treasurer and the Boundary County Auditor.
DATED this 30th day of May, 2023
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/___________________________
Tim Bertling, Chairman
s/__________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
S/__________________________
Ben Robertson, Commissioner
ATTEST:
S/_____________________________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #294531
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m.
_______________________________________
TIM BERTLING, Chairman
ATTEST:
_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk