***Monday, October 3, 2022, 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.
Snowmobile Board Chairman Dave Wenk joined the meeting at 9:01 a.m.
Those present discussed needing to brush and widen the road from Falls Creek to Roman Nose ahead of snowmobiling season. Mr. Wenk said he worked with the Idaho Department of Lands last week and they’re looking at redoing this road completely to replace culverts, etc.
Chairman Dinning said Commissioners received a letter from Verizon Wireless’s representative informing Commissioners of Verizon’s interest in leasing a piece of land near the county’s gravel pit in Moyie Springs in order to build a new wireless communications facility. Ms. Nelson explained the land is between Highway Two and Division Street. The proposed facility would follow building codes. Verizon would work with the local power and telephone companies to install conduit. Verizon will need 24/7 access to the site. Mr. Wenk was informed that this would not affect translator services. Ms. Nelson said the concern is what are the setbacks for rights-of-ways for the Idaho Transportation Department and Planning and Zoning. Ms. Nelson said she would look at the reclamation plan regarding the border of the gravel pit. She added that there would have to be a separate road to this proposed building since access cannot be given through the crusher’s access.
Mr. Wenk left the meeting at 9:04 a.m.
9:04 a.m., Marty Martinez joined the meeting.
Commissioners, Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris discussed trading equipment between county departments. Road and Bridge is trading a pressure washer for Solid Waste’s gooseneck trailer, plus $2,900.00 to make up the difference for the lower value of the pressure washer.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign a letter to Alta Forest Products regarding approval of a new railroad crossing on Stage Coach Road once the letter has been prepared. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Nelson informed Commissioners that they had ordered the GPS unit for the addressing system, but it’s on back order for four to six weeks. Addressing Coordinator Debra Drager is working at getting the new Enterprise computer system up and running within a couple of weeks. The free cell phone associated with this computer program has been ordered so there are no charges associated with that.
Ms. Nelson provided an update on topics discussed at the Boundary Area Transportation Team (BATT) meeting. The McArthur Lake project is going to be a two-year project. There will be more impacts to travel during that first year. Ms. Nelson said the state’s 404 permit is in the process of completion. On the check list for spring is to advertise the invitation to bid.
Ms. Nelson mentioned that Road and Bridge has two heavy equipment operator positions open. The crusher position was filled in-house.
Ms. Nelson reviewed the written department report.
The meeting with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morrison ended at 9:21 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2022-37. A resolution transferring overages and refunds from Auditor’s Trust. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2022-37 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2022-37
TRANSFERING OVERAGES AND REFUNDS FROM AUDITORS TRUST
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for fiscal year 2021-2022, and
WHEREAS, money from the Auditor’s Fund has become unclaimed,
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners orders the transfer of said funds from the Auditor’s Trust Fund to Current Expenses as they have been in the trust account for the past several years and the Auditor has been unable to locate the fund who had the original expense
WHEREAS, the addition of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to increase the Current Expense Fund Cash in the amount of $434.62 and to decrease the same amount from the Auditor’s Trust Fund. Reference AC2021-1934 and 2021-1938
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to increase the Current Expense Fund Cash in the amount of $3,608.57 and to decrease the same amount from the Auditor’s Trust Fund. Reference JV 19-172
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
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.
PASSED this 3rd day of October 2022 to be effective September 30, 2022.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/______________________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/______________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/_______________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #292737
Clerk Poston informed Commissioners they may want to hear a webinar taking place today on the Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency fund.
County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull joined the meeting at 9:34 a.m.
Mr. Martinez left the meeting 9:34 a.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 10:15 a.m. No action was taken.
10:15 a.m., Mr. Martinez returned to the meeting.
Commissioners updated Attorney Hull on the Medicare Plan for county retirees and mentioned that they’re looking into any effects there might be to the Government Employees Medical (GEM) Plan.
Attorney Hull left the meeting.
10:15 a.m., Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen joined the meeting to give the department report.
Commissioner Bertling mentioned the meeting he attended last Friday with Mr. Skeen and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) about the landfill operation plan. Those present discussed conducting a hydro test and Commissioners questioned other than the expense is there a downside. Mr. Skeen commented he has no paperwork requiring ground water monitoring. The hydro test was done so the Solid Waste Department is exempt from needing to do ground water monitoring. Chairman Dinning questioned, under which rules is DEQ stating we need to do ground water monitoring? Mr. Skeen said he’s waiting for confirmation from Erik Ketner with the Panhandle Health District on that since the county has never had paperwork stating this needs to be done. Once the county loses the small community exemption it will need to monitor ground water. Is DEQ saying that with or without the small community exemption, the county needs to show steps to learn the status of ground water? Chairman Dinning said Commissioners have not been told this; the county has been told that even if the landfill receives 20 tons of garbage and then ships garbage out that is above the 20-ton limit, we can still retain the small community exemption. Mr. Skeen said he’s waiting for documentation. DEQ knows we can ship anything over 20 tons out. Chairman Dinning said there are no documents that state shipping garbage out in order to meet just the 20-ton limit would affect our small community exemption designation. Mr. Skeen said we test and we’re either positive or negative and if we’re negative, we don’t have to do ground water monitoring. Chairman Dinning said if we do ground water monitoring, can we bury more than 20 tons of garbage? Mr. Skeen said if we choose to lose the 20-ton limit, yes. Chairman Dinning said more rules are being put into place. Commissioner Bertling mentioned that there is a downside. Mr. Skeen said one downside is needing a liner. The existing 40-acre property doesn’t need a liner. One of the biggest costs is the tipping fee if the county hauls away garbage that is over the 20-ton limit. It’s more cost effective to lose that small community exemption.
10:22 a.m., Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown joined the meeting.
Mr. Skeen said last week’s visit by DEQ went well and they were impressed.
Mr. Skeen informed Commissioners that the Solid Waste Department has two openings; one operator and one monitor.
The meeting with Mr. Skeen ended at 10:26 a.m.
10:30 a.m., Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown joined the meeting to give a department report. Ms. Brown provided an update on the number of people on various forms of probation. Ms. Brown reported participation in probation office reviews for Latah County, Kootenai County and Benewah County and having previously conducted these reviews for Shoshone County and Bonner County. Ms. Brown added that after doing these reviews she feels Boundary County has a super robust Probation Department in drug testing, case management, GED testing, etc. It felt good to share Boundary County results with counties looking for advice, according to Ms. Brown.
The meeting with Ms. Brown ended at 10:30 a.m.
Chairman Dinning said the county needs to seek alternatives for various eye clinics since Vision Service Plan (VSP), which is the county’s insurance plan for eye care, is no longer accepted at many clinics.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign Contractor Application for Payment #3 for American Road Maintenance associated with the airport pavement maintenance improvement project. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Clerk Poston informed Commissioners that the county needs to send a report pertaining to the amount of funding the county has received through the National Opioid Settlement Notice.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2022-47A. A resolution amending Resolution 2022-47, to adopt a Solid Waste fee schedule for fiscal year 2022-2023, due to a clerical error. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2022-47A reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2022-47A
A RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION 2022-47, TO ADOPT A SOLID WASTE FEE SCHEDULE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023, DUE TO A CLERICAL ERROR
WHEREAS, it is the duty of the Board of County Commissioners to maintain and operate solid waste disposal systems, and
WHEREAS, Section 31-4404, Idaho Code, authorizes the Board of Boundary County Commissioners to collect fees for the purpose of providing funds to operate and maintain solid waste disposal systems, and
WHEREAS, all households, businesses, farms and professional practices should be equitably charged solid waste fees proportional to the amount of solid waste generated,
WHEREAS, the last solid waste fee increase was initiated for fiscal year 2021-2022 and the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, find it in the public interest to increase solid waste fees by an amount of 3% for the 2022-2023 fiscal year to help fund the cost of operating the Solid Waste Department, and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, are not required to hold a public hearing to receive public comment on a proposal to increase solid waste fees as the increase is less than (5%), and
WHEREAS, a clerical error was made pertaining to the category for Animal Carcasses over 100 pounds (per carcass) in that the fee was incorrectly listed as $34.07 and it should be listed as $34.00, and
WHEREAS, the following is an estimate of what this change may mean to a Boundary County user, and
NOW, THEREFORE, on motion duly made, seconded, and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED that the Boundary County Board of Commissioners do hereby set and establish the following solid waste collection fees in accordance with the fee schedule attached hereto and by this reference incorporated herein.
DATED AND DONE this 3rd day of October, 2022.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/_________________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/_________________________
Wally Cossairt, Commissioner
s/_________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/___
GLENDA POSTON
Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded as instrument #292738
FY 2022-2023 Fee Schedule
CODE *CYY FROM __ TO
A 12 Residential, Bonners Ferry $ 146.04 $ 150.48
B 12 Residential, outside Bonners Ferry $ 174.24 $ 179.52
D 12 Service Business, Professional $ 174.24 $ 179.52
Practices & Farm Shops
E 24 Logging Contractors, Building $ 348.48 $ 359.04
F 38 Trades, Manufacturing Machine Shop $ 551.76 $ 568.48
G 38 Retail Stores, Restaurants, Bars $ 551.76 $ 568.48
H 72 Nurseries, Newspapers, Greenhouse $ 1045.44 $ 1077.12
I 125 Chemical Applicators, Commercial $ 1815.00 $ 1870.00 Grain & Seed Elevators, Garages and Gas Stations
J 24 Lumber Mills $ 348.48 $ 359.04
K 135 $ 1960.20 $ 2019.60
L 75 Grocery Stores & Convenience $ 1089.00 $ 1122.00
M 150 Stores, and Special Categories $ 2178.00 $ 2244.00
N 450 $ 6534.00 $ 6732.00
O 4 Residential B Motels: Each Unit $ 58.08 $ 59.84
P 1.2 Residential B RV Parks: Each Unit $ 17.42 $ 17.94
Per CYY
Animal Carcasses over 100 pounds (per carcass) $ 34.07 $ 34.00
**CYY means cubic yards per year. The budgeted cost per CYY for landfill would go from $12.17 to $12.54 and per CYY for total landfill and collection costs would go from $14.52 to $14.96.
Brush/Lawn Debris - 6 yds/day at monitored sites (over 6 yds goes to landfill) Fee is .04 cents per lb.
Brush/Lawn Debris - Landfill 6 yds per day. (Over) Fee of .04 cents per lb.
Demolition/Construction Debris – For public/private party – Up to 1 yard per day is free. Excess of 1 yard per day is charged the commercial fee rate.
Garbage - Over 6 yds, Fee of .04 cents per lb.
Commercial/Public
Stumps @ .04 cents/lb. Concrete @ .06 cents/lb. Small Tires up to 22” @ $2.25 each. Lg Truck (semi) Tires @ $9.00 each. Oversized (Skidder/Tractor) @ $45.00 each.
Flip to scale - Charge by the lb. (Commercial) Wood Debris @ .04 cents/lb. Yard Debris @ .04 cents/lb. Light Demo @ .06 cents/lb. Heavy Demo @ .18 cents/lb.
10:45 a.m., Deputy Clerk April Isaac briefly joined the meeting at Commissioners’ request to discuss an indigent matter.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign a release of lien for indigent accounts #2014-48, #2014-50, #2014-52, and #2015-1. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Deputy Clerk Isaac left the meeting at 10:46 a.m.
Commissioners said they need to get resolutions drafted that are associated with the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) projects. It was said that another possible project is the Mission Creek Water system. Commissioner Bertling commented about wanting to get quotes to improve river access off of Ball Park Road. Chairman Dinning questioned if one or two ambulance units should be purchased. The county has mentioned purchasing one unit, the lift and heart monitor.
Commissioner Bertling moved to authorize the expenditure, transfer of funds and to prepare a resolution for the amount of $186,792.00 to purchase an ambulance unit, $24,164.20 to purchase a Stryker lower lift system, and $23,200.78 for a Stryker cardiac monitor. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
11:00 a.m., Courthouse Maintenance Squire Fields joined the meeting to give a department report. Mr. Fields informed Commissioners that Vanish Pest and Weed Control has been hired to exterminate mice at the County Annex. Mr. Fields also mentioned that approximately 16 inches of concrete will be poured at the Annex associated with the drug deposit box and a security camera will be installed in that area. The walkway will get repaired at the Sheriff’s Office next to the Courthouse.
North Idaho Lock and Key came to inspect the front doors of the Courthouse as they weren’t latching properly. These doors have been patched and repaired many times. The doors are latching now, but they may start having issues again in a few weeks. Mr. Fields said he would contact Bonners Ferry Glass to get a quote for new doors. Mr. Fields updated Commissioners on the sprinklers blow out scheduled for October 17th and fixing the float system on the Courthouse boiler. The restroom in Memorial Hall is back on track for repairs. Mr. Fields asked about the possibility of getting a roll off container for leaves to avoid having to make 40 trips to the dump. Commissioner Bertling agreed, get the roll off container. Chairman Dinning said we have a dump trailer at Road and Bridge so Mr. Fields can coordinate with them for use.
The meeting with Mr. Fields ended at 11:21 a.m.
Commissioners discussed roll off containers and contemplated how many more the county should purchase. Commissioner Bertling said the county should buy eight more roll off containers.
11:30 a.m., Boundary Economic Development Council (EDC) Director David Sims joined the meeting to provide an update on EDC projects.
Mr. Sims informed Commissioners that the next EDC advisory meeting will be on Monday, October 17th. Mr. Sims said he is still looking into the ability to have the Porthill-Rykerts US/Canadian border open longer. Commissioners were informed that Carter Country has found a new business location.
Mr. Sims mentioned there is a new business that would like to receive the 63-602NN tax exemption where Commissioners can exempt taxes for a new business, whether in part or all. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners have to create the ability to set up this process for qualification by resolution and he added that this would need to be equally applied to every business. This tax exemption does not exist right now and it was questioned why the county would grant this exemption when Commissioners can’t do it for existing businesses. It would be subsidizing so this option doesn’t exist right now.
Bonners Ferry Herald Staff Writer Emily Bonsant joined the meeting at 11:31 a.m.
Those present discussed housing costs and questioned what qualifies for affordable housing payments.
The meeting with Mr. Sims ended at 11:40 a.m.
Commissioners will continue their discussion on American Rescue Act Plan (ARPA) funds and the possible purchase of roll off containers to today at 1:30 p.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull joined the meeting.
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. 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 2:10 p.m. No motion was made.
Attorney Hull left the meeting at 2:10 p.m.
2:20 p.m., County Mapper Olivia Drake joined the meeting to discuss a Planning and Zoning-related matter.
2:25 p.m., Ms. Drake left the meeting.
Commissioners reviewed Planning and Zoning application fees in consideration of an increase.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to hold a public hearing to consider increasing existing Planning and Zoning application fees and to add a fee for certificates of compliance. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner considered purchasing additional roll off containers.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to purchase eight roll off containers totaling $106,552.00 from Rule Steele, based off of quote #0024091. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling offered to inform Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen of the purchase of the containers.
Chairman Dinning left the meeting at 2:55 p.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:25 p.m.
***Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at 9:30 a.m., Commissioners met in emergency session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. The purpose of the emergency session is to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)b.
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. 10:15 a.m., The executive session was continued to later today at 1:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners resumed their executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)b. 3:20 p.m., The executive session was continued to tomorrow, Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at 8:30 a.m.
***Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at 8:30 a.m., Commissioners continued their executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)b. Present were Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
The executive session ended at 9:40 a.m. No action was taken.
***Emergency 4:15 p.m. on Ffriday. Out at 4:38
Cc moved to bc has contracted with bonner count yfor pd serv ices as of 9/30/22 we are no longer contracted with linda pyane and bruce greene. All cazses are to be turned over to Bonner County. CD yielded chair to tecond.
________________________________
DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
____________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk