***Monday, November 22, 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.
Chairman Dinning amended the agenda for today to add Code Section 74-206(1)c to the executive session pertaining to an interest in real estate.
9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris joined the meeting to give the department report. Mr. Morris presented a written report.
Mr. Morris said Road and Bridge ran the sand trucks a bit last Friday and also tested the salt brine. The sand truck is out again this morning. Road and Bridge is also getting sign work done.
Ms. Nelson informed Commissioners that the Federal Highways Administration has approved additional funds for the Riverside Road Improvement Project. The timeline for right-of-way acquisitions has increased. The county needs to get the agreement with Epic Lands Solutions signed, according to Ms. Nelson.
Ms. Nelson said she has the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan, but needs to have Commissioners continue the motion to sign it until tomorrow. Commissioners continued their discussion on this plan until tomorrow at 9:50 a.m.
Ms. Nelson spoke to Commissioners about holding an interview for the Addressing Coordinator position. Ms. Nelson commented that the Team Viewer Program is something that would be helpful to Road and Bridge. Ms. Nelson would like to see where Matt Hodges with Computer Arts had installed this program, but it’s not for addressing, which would be helpful.
Mr. Morris said the 2022 Western Star truck is now in Spokane. It was supposed to have been delivered in September.
Those present discussed getting rock to the dumpster area at the landfill. Ms. Nelson said there has been talk about placing filter cloth down in that area next spring before adding more gravel.
Ms. Nelson mentioned she would bring in the traffic count information to Commissioners.
Gregory Lamberty and Jerry Bauer joined the meeting at 9:27 a.m.
Commissioners, Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris continued their discussion on matters pertaining to traffic count information.
The meeting with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 9:31 a.m.
9:31 a.m., Commissioners contacted County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull via telephone.
Attorney Hull said he would be able to address the Treasurers’ matters tomorrow.
Chairman Dinning said Lance Mastre was going to meet with Commissioners today about a right-of-way matter on LaBrosse Hill Road, but he had to reschedule his meeting. Commissioners said it sounds like this might be a matter between Attorney Hull and Road and Bridge.
Commissioners asked the status of the contract with Epic Land Solutions.
Treasurer Sue Larson joined the meeting.
Chairman Dinning said he gave the parking lot agreement to Mountain Springs Church to review.
Commissioners and Attorney Hull talked about drafting a letter about limiting the number of railroad ties that are brought in to the landfill and needing them to be free of metal.
Mr. Lamberty and Mr. Bauer stepped out of the office.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to go into executive session pursuant to 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 74-206(1)c, to acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency. Commissioner Bertling second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Bertling “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. No action was taken.
Treasurer Larson left the meeting.
Commissioners resumed their executive session. The executive session ended at 10:03 a.m.
Don Vickaryous, Gregory Lamberty, Jerry Bauer, and Marty Martinez joined the meeting.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the minutes of November 8 and 9, 2021. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Certificate of Residency for Gunner Miller. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation Form for year 2021 and to cancel tax totaling $1,372.22 and value totaling $125,000.00 for parcel #RPB01200006600A as the homeowner’s exemption was received after the July abstract cutoff. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation Form for year 2021 and to cancel tax totaling $549.04 and value totaling $76,080.00 for parcel #RP63N01E141220A as the homeowner’s exemption was received after the July abstract cutoff. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation Form for year 2021 and to cancel tax totaling $1,372.22 and value totaling $125,000.00 for parcel #RPB00000338500A as the homeowner’s exemption was received after the July abstract cutoff. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation Form for year 2021 and to cancel tax totaling $123.98 and value totaling $17,180.00 for parcel #RP63N01E261040A as the homeowner’s exemption was received after the July abstract cutoff. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation Form for year 2021 and to cancel tax totaling $4.00 and value totaling $553.00 for parcel #RP65N01W256290A as the homeowner’s exemption was received after the July abstract cutoff. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation Form for year 2021 and to cancel tax totaling $397.64 and value totaling $55,100.00 for parcel #RP63N01W028565A as the homeowner’s exemption was received after the July abstract cutoff. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation Form for year 2021 and to cancel late fees in the amount of $14.09, plus the current interest of $77.02 as of November 22, 2021, for parcel #RPB88500000010A due to error. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation Form for year 2021 and to cancel tax in the amount of $139.80 for parcel #RP60N01W271213A due to error. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners stated that there would not be any discussion on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds since they have not received any new information.
Commissioners added that they’re waiting to hear from County Mapper Olivia Drake on redistricting.
Mr. Vickaryous asked if Commissioners are waiting for legal advice from the county civil attorney. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners are just waiting as there are many lawsuits coming out associated with ARPA.
Commissioners commented that they thought the Solid Waste Department had a full crew in order to open the landfill sites more days per week, but that has been delayed.
Mr. Vickaryous, Gregory Lamberty, Jerry Bauer left the meeting.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Contract for Hazardous Fuels Treatment Wildfire Mitigation Activities between Boundary County and 7B Forest Mulching. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the contract for Professional Services with Northwest Management, Inc., for the purpose of updating the Boundary County All Hazard Mitigation Plan. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign Federal Aviation Administration Request for Reimbursement #3 totaling $2,310.32 and the Invoice Summary for Airport Improvement Project 3-16-0004-020-2021 for the airport pavement improvement project. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign Federal Aviation Administration Request for Reimbursement #16 totaling $23,931.19 and the Invoice Summary for Airport Improvement Project #3-16-0004-017-2020 for the environmental study (phase II – environmental assessment). Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Sales Agreement with Kelley Connect for a printer for the Assessor’s Office. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
Mr. Martinez left the meeting at 10:35 a.m.
11:00 a.m., Panhandle Health District Director Don Duffy met with Commissioners to introduce himself as he recently filled the director position, having taken over for Lora Whalen. Mr. Duffy said he also wanted to talk about programs offered through Panhandle Health District.
Mr. Duffy said now more than ever communication is important and he wants to know that Panhandle Health District is bringing value to the county. Mr. Duffy provided Commissioners with his educational and professional background and he briefly discussed being fiscally responsible. Information was offered as to how often Boundary County residents used Panhandle Health District services, which is 5,777 times in year 2020; not including COVID-19 work. Mr. Duffy listed more statistics to include home health services, dental, etc. Panhandle Health District is the only home health agency that will see a person regardless of where the person lives, regardless of acuity level, etc. Mr. Duffy reported on the number of Boundary County residents who are using the home care services and he informed Commissioners that the Nurse Family Partnership is an evidence-based program. Mr. Duffy listed information on diseases, senior services and companions, septic permits, tobacco cessation program, and the Women, Infant, Children (WIC) program. Commissioners and Clerk Poston had no questions.
Commissioner Bertling asked if Panhandle Health District is doing anything pertaining to fentanyl addiction. Mr. Duffy spoke of the opioid settlement notice, and he commented that this specifically has to do with fentanyl and opioids and does not include meth. Mr. Duffy spoke of working through the Health Resources & Services Administration (HERSA) grant for $1,000,000.00 for prevention, access, awareness, etc. The National Opioid Settlement Program is an 18-year grant, which the counties have access to. Mr. Duffy said he would encourage the county to accept those funds and to think about allocating those funds to Panhandle Health District. The Health District would meet with Commissioners often to explain how the funds are being used. Mr. Duffy said he’s hearing that this is not the end of the settlement as he’s hearing the settlements might double what is being seen now. The opioid use disorder continues to grow and be one of the biggest health emergencies that we’re facing. Mr. Duffy explained a computer mapping program that shows the problem areas where more people tend to overdose.
Mr. Duffy said House Bill 316 is a fairly significant change and he mentioned that 80% of Panhandle Health District’s funding comes from outside of the State of Idaho, such as fees, etc. Today 10% of the funding comes from the state and 10% comes from the county, but starting March 1st 20% will come from the county. That is a savings the county sees since the state is paying Medicaid. Mr. Duffy said his job is to explain how Panhandle Health District is bringing value to the county with the additional 10% in funding. Chairman Dinning said he represents the five northern counties on the Idaho Association of Counties legislative committee and exactly what Mr. Duffy stated is what the committee felt. It seems that in the five northern counties, all counties will see a surplus, except for Bonner County.
Those present spoke of there being many kinds of federal mandates. Chairman Dinning said he thinks the state has accepted ARPA funds and spent some already and he asked if Panhandle Health District has received any of those funds. Mr. Duffy said no, and he added that he doesn’t know the ways the state is using the money, but thinks most of it is for staffing at hospitals due to COVID-19. Kootenai Medical Center is on their third extension for Department of Defense (DOD) doctors, etc. Mr. Duffy listed criteria showing COVID-19 cases are heading in a better direction. Mr. Duffy explained that Panhandle Health District does not mandate masks or mandate that people to get the COVID-19 vaccination.
Those present spoke of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates for companies with over 100 employees. It was said that there is a stay on that mandate. Mr. Duffy said there is the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that has mandates for health care employees to get vaccinated and he has a concern about that so he’s following that topic as he thinks it might go astray. Commissioner Bertling questioned if Mr. Duffy had heard about the pill that is used to treat COVID-19 and he explained the article he read explaining how it works. Chairman Dinning said a plus coming out of this is that the State of Idaho explained how ill prepared they were for this pandemic and now things are in place to help out with process going forward.
Mr. Duffy spoke of improvements that are to be made to the Bonners Ferry Panhandle District Office. A local contractor has accepted the job and work should take place in the spring.
The meeting with Mr. Duffy ended at 11:34 a.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 11:46 a.m.
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 held a public hearing to consider Variance Application #8-2021, a variance to Road Standards Ordinance 2020-2, as it pertains to an approach location. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendents Renee Nelson and Randy Morris, Applicants Carol Lucero, Edie Guthrie, Ken Stevens, Mike Stevens and Patrick Stevens. The hearing was recorded. Commissioners had no conflict of interest.
Chairman Dinning reviewed the public hearing procedures.
Commissioners opened the hearing to consider Variance Application 8-2021. This is a variance to Road Standards Ordinance 2020-2. As it pertains to an approach location.
Ms. Lucero said she and the other applicants submitted a request for an easement to an 80-acre parcel. Chairman Dinning said the access must not meet the county standards.
Ms. Nelson said the application is for a new approach off Baldy Mountain Road. The reason for the variance is because for a local access road, approaches should be 200 feet apart and the approach to the south is 427 Baldy Mountain Road, which is 63 feet south of this proposed approach. The approach to the north is 1,000 feet so that does fit the county’s road standards. Ms. Nelson said the hearing was continued a few times to address concerns of a nearby property owner and to determine if the new approach was going through that neighbor’s property. The approach goes through the county’s right-of-way; not the neighbor’s property. The survey has now been completed, according to Ms. Nelson.
Chairman Dinning opened hearing to public testimony. No one spoke in favor of the application.
Speaking uncommitted to the application was Patrick Stevens, Moyie Springs. Mr. Stevens said he is part owner of the property the county right-of-way travels across and a bit more. Mr. Stevens said he is not opposed to the application since most is right-of-way, but he does have questions such, as who will do the work on the approach? Will it be the county or a private contractor? Chairman Dinning said the county does not do the approaches. Mr. Stevens spoke of culverts within 63-feet of each other and he added that he doesn’t know the size of the culvert that runs under Delton and Tracie Isaac’s driveway, but if a larger culvert is put in, there isn’t much of a ditch so there is concern about water coming over the road and onto his property. Mr. Stevens heard the applicants wanted the road so they can put the 80-acres into a conservancy program. If they get the road in, and with the stipulations associated with a conservancy program, does that also affect that road? Can Phil Schnuerle and Delton Isaac also access their property from this road? If you have to have a dedicated road to the property, then whoever holds that conservancy designation calls the shots for that road. If the road is put in and the property doesn’t go into a conservancy program, can the applicant negotiate and sell the ground to the east of Baldy Mountain road so he would be totally clear of anything there as it doesn’t benefit him.
Mike Stevens said he understands that there is already existing access to that property. It’s always been used historically to that property. What is the problem with not being allowed access and why do the applicants need to come across his property.
No one spoke in opposition to the application.
Commissioner Cossairt asked if the new approach crosses the Stevens’ property. Ms. Nelson said no, it’s all on Phil Schnuerle’s property. It was said that Instrument #284424 is an easement from the Isaacs to the applicants and the very last page is the drawing that went with the easement. The County Assessor’s map was used to show what they’re doing. Ms. Nelson said the information showed the northeast corner of the Stevens’ property so when the Isaac’s deeded it, it was plus or minus a certain number of feet. The access is on Mr. Schnuerle’s property and is outside of the Stevens’ property. Ms. Nelson said going back to the revised drawing, she and Mr. Morris went out and took measurements and for the right-of-way, JRS Surveying put the centerline outside of the Stevens’ property. Ms. Nelson explained the layout of the right-of-way to the Stevens. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners are here to just address the road approach and variance and it’s been determined the access is not on the Steven’s land. It was said that the applicants were asked to get a legal approach. Patrick Stevens said in documents when the right-of-way off Baldy Mountain Road was given, it was a perpetual 40-foot right-of-way and utility easement.
Commissioner Dinning said in the notice of contract, it says the prior deed to the county. Did it list the numbers of those documents for the areas that were given to the county? Chairman Dinning said this is a notice of contract and that may not create the easement. It’s just saying “at that time.” The surveyors usually research this information. Ms. Nelson said the Stevens asked the surveyor to set their corners and that is the only research the surveyor said he did.
Chairman Dinning spoke of road approaches and culvert standards. If an approach was put in prior to year 2007, it’s grandfathered.
Commissioners closed the hearing to public comment.
Ms. Lucero spoke of having visited the property over the weekend to look at the approach.
Commissioners closed the hearing to further testimony.
Commissioner Bertling said with Mr. Schnuerle and the Isaacs saying the approach is okay and the approach affects them the most, he doesn’t have a problem with the application. Commissioner Cossairt said he also doesn’t have a problem.
Commissioner Cossairt moved approve the variance request of Edie Guthrie, Carol Lucero, Susan Booth, Kathy Stueve, and Fred Maas, Parcel #RP62N02E091210A, a road approach that does not meet Boundary County Road Standards Ordinance 2020-2, Section 3.3.b., with the following conditions: A. Upon approval of this variance, the applicant shall obtain a legal easement from the landowner as proposed in the application; B. Applicant shall provide a copy of recorded new easement to Road and Bridge; C. Applicant shall obtain a Road and Bridge approach permit and construct approach; D. Upon approval of variance, variance granted approach location shall be recorded with the Findings and Decision letter and a copy of Recorded Instrument number shall be provided to applicant; E. The variance shall run with the land unless as described in paragraph f; F. Should proposed legal easement not be obtained within one (1) year from the date of this document, variance shall be terminated and shall not run with the land. Staff is directed to prepare written findings, a decision and terms and conditions of approval of Variance Application #8-2021. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
The hearing to consider Variance Application #8-2021 ended at 1:57 p.m.
2:00 p.m., Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee joined the meeting to give a department report. Ms. Magee said she doesn’t know what to do about the situation involving the courtyard at the Restorium and she explained that she needs to build a fence within the courtyard to create two halves. Ms. Magee questioned using temporary fencing until after spring. Nature’s Landscaping wants $6,280.00 to remove one tree at the Restorium, according to Ms. Magee. Commissioner Bertling said he would take a look at it.
2:06 p.m., Commissioner Bertling moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)b, to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public-school student. Commissioner Cossairt second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Bertling “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 2:25 p.m. No actin was taken.
2:26 p.m., Tim Quesnel joined the meeting.
Ms. Magee left the meeting at 2:26 p.m.
Mr. Quesnel commented that he wanted to discuss the mud near the dumpsters at the landfill and he mentioned that he had taken pictures of the area last week. Mr. Quesnel explained how the dumpsters were placed prior to COVID-19, but the situation had changed. Commissioners said that Road and Bridge had recently brought over two loads of gravel to the landfill for that area, although they understood that rock could soak into the sand. Road and Bridge had talked to Commissioners about putting filter cloth down prior to graveling it so we might have to wait it out, according to Commissioners. The new dumpster boxes are longer so that is why they don’t fit well in that same location. Commissioners explained why the county purchased the longer boxes. Commissioners informed Mr. Quesnel about having planned on opening the landfill more days of the week and to be closed on Sundays, but they said they don’t have the staff as planned so that will be delayed.
The meeting with Mr. Quesnel ended at 2:33 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting recessed at 3:09 p.m.
Tuesday, November 23, 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 meetings were held at the County Annex.
9:00 a.m., Commissioners held an elected officials/department heads meeting. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Extension Educator Amy Robertson, Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendent Randy Morris, Veterans Service Officer Ron Self, Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk, Treasurer Sue Larson, Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown, Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen, Emergency Manager Andrew O’Neel, Assessor Dave Ryals, Prosecutor Andrakay Pluid, Personnel Director Pam Barton, Sheriff Dave Kramer, and Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley.
Chairman Dinning said there are still a few people who need to complete the KnowBe4 training.
Chairman Dinning said as it pertains to accidents and if it involved a county vehicle, the employee needs to submit a report immediately and they have to be drug tested, etc. There have been some cases where the Clerk’s Office didn’t receive notification of an accident for 30 days. Ms. Barton referred to a first report of injury/illness that needs to be completed.
Ms. Barton said time sheets are due to today and on December 23rd for the month of December.
Commissioners said to be cautious when opening emails as the county doesn’t have an IT or HR department.
Chairman Dinning said at each elected officials/department heads meeting he is going to ask if any county department has any vacancies. Mr. Skeen said he is looking for a part-time monitor at the landfill. Sheriff Kramer said he has one detention deputy position opening up and he will also have a patrol deputy position open. Ms. Barton said the Restorium does have a few positions available.
Chairman Dinning asked about Life Flight memberships and Ms. Barton said those renewals are in May.
Commissioners said if for some reason an employee couldn’t use their vacation time overage by the end of the year, Commissioners will need a request for an extension from the employee’s elected official or department head. This needs to be done by December 25th due to the pay period cutoff.
Mr. Morris said Road and Bridge has a crew working at the junction of Highway 1 as the county is getting ¼ inch minus for roads from the state and they’re going to move it to the Pywell Road storage area. New road signs are also going up. The graders are getting ready for winter and Road and Bridge has 30,000 gallons of salt brine and salt ready.
Mr. Self said Veterans Day went fine. Mr. Self said he’s working with Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser to get his office contact information on the county website.
Mr. Wenk said all Cooperative Weed Management program funds were approved for reimbursement.
Mr. O’Neel said Commissioners signed the contract for update the All Hazard Mitigation Plan. On December 7, 2021, Mr. O’Neel will attend a kick off meeting for the plan update and he will need to get input from multiple sources. The 2020 Emergency Management Performance Grant extension has been approved through the 31st of March 2022. Those funds will be used toward a newer vehicle for the emergency manager. Mr. O’Neel gave an update on COVID-19 and he said new cases are pretty steady. Hospitalizations are down to half of what they were.
Mr. Buckley said he’s trying to get things cleaned up and put away before winter. Mr. Wenk helped with snow blowing and shoveling snow the other day, according to Mr. Buckley.
Ms. Brown said it’s been a busy year and she has submitted all end of year reports.
Prosecutor Pluid said she had nothing new to report.
Ms. Barton said Computer Arts hasn’t closed out the county’s year end yet. By law, the county needs to disperse taxes by the end of this month.
Assessor Ryals said as of yesterday his office has finished the occupancy roll. Assessor Ryals added that because the law changed, homeowners can now file to receive the homeowner’s exemption throughout the year and receive the benefit starting that year.
Mr. Skeen said he’s been staying busy and he added that when he hires a landfill monitor, he can open the monitored sites six days per week.
Sheriff Kramer said he got the new patrol vehicle that was ordered last fall. The Sheriff’s Office had an issue with its water heater, but two replacements have been found. Summit Food Services started working with the Sheriff’s Office this last Monday. Sheriff Kramer informed employees of a vending machine in the front lobby that is available to them. Sheriff Kramer informed everyone that 911 Administrator/Sheriff’s Administrative Deputy Crystal Denton received an award for dispatch supervisor of the year.
Treasurer Larson said between property taxes and cancellations, her office is busy.
Ms. Robertson said the deadline is January 10th for 4H and after that date, a person can still participate in the program, but cannot compete in the fair. Ms. Robertson spoke of the robotics and AmeriCorps programs and she listed upcoming classes.
Clerk Poston reiterated that payroll needs to be done. The county’s new auditor, Scott Hoover, will be at the Courthouse next week.
Chairman Dinning said Panhandle Health District Director Don Duffy met with Commissioners this week and he is going to find out the number of new septic tanks put in over the last 10 years. There are approximately 3.5 people to a household on average. Assessor Ryals said his office is averaging approximately 75 new construction notices.
Chairman Dinning said the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) stopped a COVID-19 related mandate. Mr. Wenk questioned if the county falls under OSHA. Chairman Dinning said he received information from the Idaho Association of Counties and it explained that states made an agreement with the federal government.
Water rights were asked about. Chairman Dinning explained that water adjudication started in the south and it’s a process to determine first rights to water. As far as Boundary County, the Pack River and Priest Lake sides of Boundary County are involved in adjudication; anything that drains into Lake Pend Oreille is included. It’s a good thing to file a water right if you have a well or surface water to protect yourself down the line. The Snake River Adjudication process took 15 to 20 years and it ran to Lewiston, but our situation would not take that long, according to Chairman Dinning.
The election officials/department heads meeting ended at 9:35 a.m.
Mr. Wenk and Mr. Morris remained after the meeting.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation form for year 2021 and to cancel tax totaling $106.72 and value totaling $14,790.00 for parcel #RP62N02E166025A as the homeowner’s exemption was received after the July abstract cutoff. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Mia Blackmore and Ryan Beckle. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk met with Commissioners to give his department report. Mr. Wenk reiterated that he got reimbursement worked out with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. Mr. Wenk said going forward, he will put in the letter what is needed for reimbursement for the Cooperative Weed Management program. Landowners won’t be able to participate in the program every year unless they have more than 10 acres. Chairman Dinning said our weed issue comes from the south heading north and he questioned if there is a way to treat weeds in the same manner that the county does for the wildland urban interface program. It was said that maybe it would help if the county applied for a large grant. Mr. Wenk said the federal government withdrew from this program so the counties only receive state funding. Mr. Wenk reminded Commissioners that he will be attending two conferences in January.
Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendent Renee Nelson joined the meeting at 9:49 a.m.
Mr. Wenk mentioned to Commissioners that the groomer is torn apart, but grooming will probably be on track.
Mr. Wenk left the meeting.
Ms. Nelson handed out information on what is listed in the updated Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan. Ms. Nelson pointed out that the projects shown in red ink are either projects that were awarded or done in 2017. Deep Creek North was awarded and it looks like year 2023 is the updated construction year as dollars have been postponed multiple times. The final match for the Deep Creek project is $122,000.00. Most matches, except for Federal Lands Access Program projects (FLAP), are cash matches. FLAP has a new way of viewing in-kind matches and the more in-kind you show increases what the county owes. The School House Road project has been awarded and construction is due year 2023, but she expects it to be extended. Ms. Nelson spoke of work proposed to Brown Creek Road and of a few projects she is hoping to complete. Those present discussed chip sealing on Brown Creek Road.
Ms. Nelson said for bridges, what is listed first on the document is what was already on the list. Ms. Nelson said she spoke with HMH Engineering and they’re going with all of Idaho Transportation Department’s (ITD) bridge reports. Road and Bridge needs to prioritize what bridges need work first, etc. Ms. Nelson said Road and Bridge might need to work with bridge engineers to determine what repairs are really needed and they could make suggestions. Commissioners agreed as it helps to protect the county against unnecessary repairs and work. Chairman Dinning said the county needs to have someone who can research what grants are available for projects as the county only hears of programs by word of mouth and by then it can be too late.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Boundary County Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for Road and Bridges. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Those present discussed the application for chip sealing Brown Creek Road. The Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) has had changes and they’re trying to update T2 classes. It’s LHTAC and ITD’s thought that everyone should be trained. Chairman Dinning spoke of Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) information and he asked if Ms. Nelson could determine how much sediment is being reduced by chip sealing Brown Creek Road as that is information the TMDL Committee would like to know. Ms. Nelson and Commissioners discussed 319 grant projects.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Local Rural Highway Investment Program (LRHIP) application for Brown Creek Road, Phase 2 chip sealing of four miles. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Dinning and Ms. Nelson continued their discussion on TMDL meetings and program opportunities for Road and Bridge. Those present reviewed traffic count information.
The meeting with Mr. Morris and Ms. Nelson left the meeting.
Resident Hilary Kraly joined the meeting at 10:35 a.m.
Chairman Dinning asked if Commissioners wanted to go forward with researching Planning and Zoning Application fees. Commissioner Cossairt said yes and to include addressing, mapping and GIS. Commissioners agreed to proceed with looking into the fee structure.
Commissioners resumed their review and discussion of traffic counts. If Road and Bridge were to purchase another traffic counter, the county could have counting on an ongoing basis. Commissioner Bertling agreed. Commissioners spoke of the battery issues the prior traffic counters had.
Clerk Poston spoke of letting legislators know what kind of funds are being spent on Road and Bridge projects.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m.
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DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk