Commissioners' Meeting Minutes - Week of September 20, 2021

***Monday, September 20, 2021, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

Commissioners gave the opening invocation and said the Pledge of Allegiance.

9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendent Renee Nelson joined the meeting to give the department report. A written report was provided.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2021-34. A resolution authoring entering into a municipal lease/purchase agreement for a Western Star 4700SF Dump Truck, VIN No. 5KKHAVDV3NPNL4044, for the Boundary County Road and Bridge Department. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2021-34 reads as follows:

RESOLUTION 2021-34

AUTHORIZING ENTERING INTO MUNICIPAL LEASE/PURCHASE AGREEMENT
FOR A WESTERN STAR 4700SF DUMP TRUCK, VIN NO. 5KKHAVDV3NPNL4044, FOR THE BOUNDARY COUNTY ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT

At a duly called meeting of the governing body of Lessee held in accordance with all applicable legal requirements, including open meeting laws, on the 20th day of September, 2021, the following resolution was introduced and adopted:

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF A MUNICIPAL/GOVERNMENTAL LEASE-PURCHASE AGREEMENT NO. 2178569, AND RELATED INSTRUMENTS, AND DETERMINING OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.

WHEREAS, the governing body of Boundary County (“Lessee”) desires to obtain certain equipment (the “Equipment”) described in Governmental Lease-Purchase Agreement No. 2178569 (collectively, the “Lease”) with Columbia Bank (“Lessor”), the form of which has been available for review by the governing body of Lessee prior to this meeting; and

WHEREAS, the Equipment is essential for the Lessee to perform its governmental functions; and

WHEREAS, the funds made available under the Lease will be applied to the acquisition of the Equipment in accordance with such Lease; and

WHEREAS, Lessee has taken the necessary steps, including those relating to any applicable legal bidding requirements, to arrange for the acquisition of the Equipment; and

WHEREAS, Lessee proposes to enter into the Lease with Lessor substantially in the form presented to this meeting.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF LESSEE AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. It is hereby found and determined that the terms of the Lease in the form presented to this meeting and incorporated in this resolution are in the best interests of Lessee for the acquisition of the Equipment.

Section 2. The Lease and the acquisition and financing of the Equipment under the terms and conditions as described in the Lease are hereby approved. The Governing Body of Lessee and any other officer of Lessee who shall have power to execute contracts on behalf of Lessee be, and each of them hereby is, authorized to execute, acknowledge and deliver the Lease with any changes, insertions and omissions therein as may be approved by the officers who execute the Lease, such approval to be conclusively evidenced by such execution and delivery of the Lease. The Governing Body of the Lessee and any other officer of Lessee who shall have power to do so be, and each of them hereby is, authorized to affix the official seal of Lessee to the Lease and attest the same.

Section 3. The proper officers of Lessee be, and each of them hereby is, authorized and directed to execute and deliver any and all papers, instruments, opinions, certificates, affidavits and other documents and to do or cause to be done any and all other acts and things necessary or proper for carrying out this resolution and the Lease.

Section 4. Pursuant to Section 265(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Lessee hereby specifically designates the Lease as a “qualified tax-exempt obligation” for purposes of Section 265(b)(3) of the Code.

The undersigned further certifies that the above resolution has not been repealed or amended and remains in full force and effect and further certifies that the Lease executed on behalf of Lessee is the same as presented at such meeting of the governing body of Lessee, excepting only such changes, insertions and omissions as shall have been approved by the officers who executed the same.

Dated September 20, 2021
Lessee: Boundary County
s/_____________________________
DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
s/_____________________________
WALLY COSSAIRT, Commissioner
s/_____________________________
TIM BERTLING, Commissioner
Attest:
s/_____________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
Recorded as instrument #288561

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the United States Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Right of Way Permit for the Riverside Road Improvement Project with a fee of $25,000.00. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

County resident Julie Istvam joined the meeting.

Ms. Nelson informed Commissioners that Foust Inc. has the titles for the two belly dumps Road and Bridge would like to purchase so she will work on that.

Ms. Nelson mentioned wanting to get some basic tools for a couple Road and Bridge trucks.

Ms. Nelson referenced Resolution 2006-26, which states that once there are two residences or a residence and a business on Stellar Jay Road, the back portion of this road would be maintained by Road and Bridge. Stellar Jay Road has already been graveled, etc. and there are a couple potholes that could be smoothed out, according to Ms. Nelson. Ms. Nelson added that this road should be no problem to maintain so Road and Bridge will start doing that and add it to the Idaho Transportation Department road mileage report for this year.

Ms. Nelson said the Road and Bridge employee who is retiring soon also performed janitorial work for Road and Bridge and this employee would still like to do this work. Commissioners and Clerk Poston mentioned there needing to be a break in service prior to resuming work for the county. Clerk Poston added that the break in service is longer than she had initially thought, possibly 90 days. Commissioners suggested that Ms. Nelson check with Maria’s Cleaning Service to get a quote for janitorial work at Road and Bridge.

Ms. Nelson mentioned to Commissioners that as it pertains to a dispute regarding Timberlane Drive, that it is a matter between the two landowners according to County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull informed her.

Chairman Dinning mentioned to Ms. Nelson that Parks and Recreation Board Chairman Rob Tompkins was unaware that 9B Trails had approached anyone about road work so if Woods Crushing and Hauling is doing work already, they can do that work as well.

The meeting with Ms. Nelson ended at 9:25 a.m.

Chairman Dinning informed Commissioners that the Parks and Recreation Board had agreed to contribute $7,000.00 to 9B Trails for the Riverside Park project.

9:30 a.m., Commissioners contacted County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull via telephone.

Commissioners and Attorney Hull covered matters that Attorney Hull is working on.

The call to Attorney Hull ended at 9:35 a.m.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the in-kind letter for Boundary County Victims Services. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Agreement with Computer Arts, Inc. for Courthouse computer IT work. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the City/County Dispatch Agreement for fiscal year 2021-2022. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Airport Manager’s Renewal Agreement. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Public Defender Contracts for fiscal year 2021-2022. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Independent Contractor Agreement with B.F. Builders for work to build a dividing wall at the Restorium for an amount not to exceed $30,000.00. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Those present discussed the opioid settlement agreement and it was said that this matter doesn’t need a motion at this point.

Chairman Dinning informed Commissioners that he is traveling to Boise to attend the Idaho Association of Counties conference this next week and he would like permission to drop his wife off in Ione.

Commissioner Bertling moved to provide authorization to use the county vehicle. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to reimburse up to $40.00 toward employee cellular phone bills as it pertains to use of personal cell phones for certain work-related matters. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

10:00 a.m., Boundary Ambulance Service Chairperson Blair Willis joined the meeting. Boundary Ambulance Service Chief Jeff Lindsey joined the meeting via telephone.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and to convene as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

*Please see Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board meeting minutes*

10:19 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board and to convene as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

10:30 a.m., Bonners Ferry District Ranger Kevin Knauth contacted Commissioners via telephone to provide an update on Forest Service updates. Mr. Knauth said the Forest Service had been looking at a plan for reopening their offices on October 1, 2021, but with the resurgence in COVID-19 numbers, that plan has been pushed back to December 1st to do that type of phase-in, depending on where we are with COVID-19. In the meantime, the Bonners Ferry Ranger District still has someone in the office processing firewood permits, masking up to talk to people outside, etc. Staff are doing the best they can in light of what they can do with the office.

Mr. Knauth said rain has helped a lot with fires, although there was one small fire from a recent lightning strike. Right now, the Forest Service’s national preparedness planning level is at a high level 5 so if they want to do any prescribed burns, they have to get permission from the Washington Office. The concern is that California still has active fires so it’s difficult to have 20 staff members doing prescribed burns instead of sending them to California to help protect homes and people.

Mr. Knauth said the final decision letter for the Westside Restoration Project has been drafted and it’s ready so either this week or next week he will sign the letter. Chairman Dinning asked what the anticipated volume is for the whole project and Mr. Knauth said some of those burned over areas from Sundance won’t be ready, but he’s expecting approximately 40 million board feet.

Mr. Knauth spoke of over snow vehicle planning management, which is the planning of areas that are open to winter recreation so in most cases that is snowmobile riders. Those present discussed matters pertaining to caribou and Chairman Dinning said if our area has no caribou here, should that be a factor in this process until the caribou is back on this landscape. Mr. Knauth mentioned erring on the safe side and to say it is critical habitat. The other option states we don’t have a viable population in the United States, so should we protect a small area and if population grows, then we can increase that area. Chairman Dinning voiced his concern with the Sandpoint Forest Service Office leading this.
The call to Mr. Knauth ended at 10:48 a.m.

Commissioners briefly discussed holding off on signing a support letter pertaining to the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s application for a grant opportunity.

10:56 a.m., Commissioner Bertling conducted the quarterly jail tour and returned to Commissioners’ Office at 11:10 a.m.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

11:30 a.m., University of Idaho Extension Educator Amy Robertson and University of Idaho Regional Director Mike Howell joined the meeting.

Ms. Robertson presented Commissioners with the Extension Trends information for Boundary County. Ms. Robertson listed various programs offered. Ms. Robertson informed Commissioners that animal market sales from the fair raised $320,000.00, which is the largest amount yet. Those present discussed swine, steer, sheep, etc. Ms. Robertson said summer has been about youth day camps so the Extension Office is starting to get back to adult classes and she listed which classes are coming up. The position of coordinator and assistant for the 4H Friday Friends program has been filled and there is funding to run this program for the year. Ms. Robertson informed Commissioners that the Extension Office received ARPA funds totaling $60,000.00, which is $20,000.00 for three months to get robotics equipment and hire two people for programs in the county. Ms. Robertson said she is still trying to get the AmeriCorps position filled. The Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) trailer will be here and it will belong to Boundary County 4H, but the school district can also use it. Ms. Robertson said she needs to find a place to store the STEM trailer when the Extension Office relocates to another building.

Ms. Robertson said last Tuesday night at the Extension Office, they heard a loud noise that sounded like a gunshot, but it was just a transformer, and she questioned what type of panic or security system the new Extension Office building will have. Ms. Robertson added that in the proposed new building, her office and one other office has to go through two doors to get out, so in the event of an emergency would it be possible to have a window installed for access instead of going through two doors. Commissioners said they would will talk to BF Builders about it. Ms. Robertson mentioned that Idaho Granite Works will donate granite for the rest of the countertops.

Mr. Howell said he wanted to talk about former Extension Educator Kate Painter’s position. Ms. Painter retired August 31st and he’s looking at having four vacancies in various offices by next August, which is the most vacancies he’s ever had. The University of Idaho only allows this point in time to make this request once per year, which is on September 23, 2021. Mr. Howell commented that he just submitted four requests and he will talk with the university on October 28th. Mr. Howell spoke of having employment difficulties and he explained that there is a partnership between the university and the county and he wouldn’t move forward unless the county says they want Ms. Painter’s position filled. Typically, the county contributes toward salaries. Mr. Howell said he’s not aware of where we are on budget and enrollment. Clerk Poston said she thinks enrollment is down, especially for North Idaho College. A Commissioner will have to be on committee for interviewing for the extension educator position, according to Mr. Howell. Mr. Howell mentioned looking for Commissioners’ input on the vacant position as far as what to focus on. Chairman Dinning mentioned cereal crops and nurseries. Ms. Robertson said she would like to gather a group of local people to get their input on the position. Mr. Howell said there are probably 12 to 15 available positions statewide. Boundary County has provided stellar support for the extension program, according to Mr. Howell. The county has budgeted $13,750.00 in past years and that’s what is budgeted for this next year.

The meeting with Ms. Robertson and Mr. Howell ended at 12:06 p.m.

Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:06 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.

1:30 p.m., Commissioners met as the E911 Board of Commissioners with County E911 Administrator Crystal Denton. Commissioners informed Ms. Denton that they learned that it can take up to four months for Dispatch to receive updated address information. Commissioners explained that they had recently met with Innovate to discuss quotes to assist the county in streamlining its addressing process. The cost is $60,000.00 to manage the addressing data and to make sure the process runs properly. Commissioner Cossairt said Innovate would have staff to do addressing, programming and updates. Ms. Denton said the county has done its own updating, then that information would be sent to her. Chairman Dinning explained this new system is also connected to Planning and Zoning. Chairman Dinning also added that there are many steps involved in the addressing process before Ms. Denton receives the information so Commissioners are looking to streamline that process. Ms. Denton mentioned there being $145,000.00 in revenue for 911 and that doesn’t include the month of September. The Sheriff’s Office receives a 1% administration fee and the State also receives a share.

Chairman Dinning discussed being careful when spending funds on certain items from the 911 budget. Those present also discussed what personnel related costs are paid for through the 911 budget. Ms. Denton said when it comes time for the next E911 grant in July, she might be able to get computer programming and maintenance costs covered so that could go towards Innovate’s costs, it just can’t be for wages. Those present mentioned a cost close to $10,000.00 that is paid out of the E911 budget and Ms. Denton said she wasn’t aware of what program that is so it might be something County Mapper Olivia Drake is using.

Commissioners asked Ms. Denton if she could contact David Moore with the E911 Commission to explain the county’s situation to see if there is any available funding. Chairman Dinning said when Ms. Denton is able to, could she sit down and put together information pertaining to E911 for Commissioners so they have a good picture of costs.

Chairman Dinning said in the first piece of getting 911 capabilities, the county had to establish addresses, then the county received a grant for the equipment. Ms. Denton said the next phase of E911 is called Nextgen 911, which will provide video capabilities for the dispatchers.

Commissioners asked how much of the $145,000.00 budget is already committed and Ms. Denton said all of it.

The meeting with Ms. Denton ended at 2:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m., Commissioners contacted Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendent Renee Nelson via telephone to inquire about the belly dumps for the Road and Bridge Department.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to purchase a 1986 and a 1987 Load King belly dump trailer from Foust Inc., totaling $7000.00 and to approve the claim. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

The call to Ms. Nelson ended at 2:01 p.m.

2:04 p.m., Commissioners contacted Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative Facilitator Rhonda Vogl via telephone to ask questions about the letter of support for the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Ms. Vogl said this letter is the same as the one signed last year. Chairman Dinning suggested a change in verbiage.

The call to Ms. Vogl ended.

Commissioner Bertling moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the letter of support for the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s application for a grant opportunity. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to approve the minutes of September 6 & 7, 2021 and September 13 & 14, 2021. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

3:00 p.m., there being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.

***Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session at the County Annex conference room with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
9:00 a.m., Commissioners held an elected officials/department heads meeting. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Treasurer Sue Larson, Sheriff Dave Kramer, Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk, Emergency Manager Andrew O’Neel, Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen, Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown, Personnel Director Pam Barton, University of Idaho Extension Educator Amy Robertson, Assessor Dave Ryals, Prosecutor Andrakay Pluid, Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley, Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee, and Airport Manager Dave Parker.

Chairman Dinning said as we get to the end of a budget year, there is always the temptation to spend, but it affects the carry forward and budgets. The county’s budget was adopted and in that was a $1.00 per hour cost of living increase for all hourly employees and a 5% cost of living increase for salaried employees and elected officials.

As it pertains to COVID-19, the Order from the Administrative District Judge states people must wear masks in court and in the Clerk’s Office, unless the employee is at their desk.

Chairman Dinning said Boundary County is running an override levy for the Boundary County Ambulance Service District. This is an increase from .04% to .06%. Chairman Dinning added that this is not campaigning, but the reasons include replacing ambulance equipment and to have 24/7 coverage with paramedics as when paramedics need to go on a transport, they will be able to fund paramedic personnel that they can’t fund now.

For those employees who use their personal cell phones for business purposes, they are authorized reimbursement up to $40.00 per month. The employee will need to give a copy of a bill to Clerk Poston for proof of cell phone use. This cost will come out of the elected official’s budget for that particular employee.

Chairman Dinning said all of the holidays are listed in the personnel policy and the county will need to amend the policy to add Juneteenth.

Commissioners went around the room for department updates.

Assessor Ryals said he’s been hearing about the increasing cost of copy paper and he added that he had complained about the price. A pallet of 40 cases of paper is close to $1,200.00.

Ms. Robertson listed upcoming classes offered through the Extension Office. Ms. Robertson informed everyone that she is looking to hire someone to fill the AmeriCorps position.

Treasurer Larson said her office is getting ready to send out the tax bills.

Ms. Barton reminded everyone that the second round of claims are due by Friday, September 24th. Ms. Barton spoke of getting ready for interactive job applications and she listed what job openings the county has.

Mr. Parker mentioned that three new hangars have been built at the airport and with the road at the airport being improved, it will allow for even more hangars. Grant funds are going toward treating the asphalt. The airport is busy and for the first time, a jet will be based there. Mr. Parker commented on conducting more charter flights.

Sheriff Kramer said the Sheriff’s Office is putting on a winter driving course. The jail is full again, according to Sheriff Kramer.

Mr. Wenk said he’s starting to winterize some of his sprayers, but he’s still treating weeds in gravel pits. Mr. Wenk spoke of spraying for knotweed. The Neighborhood Coop Applications are due October 1st. Mr. Wenk discussed his need for a storage area to keep weed chemicals and his department truck in over the winter and he said the better option would be to have something at Road and Bridge, one reason being this area already has utilities.

Mr. Buckley said he has been busy and he mentioned that he received the memo about the Annex needing gutters. Mr. Buckley spoke of thinking snow stops are also needed on the roof at the annex. The conference room will have new window shades installed and more windows at the Courthouse are getting measured for new shades as well. Chairman Dinning asked those present if their office blinds are still in good condition.

Ms. Brown said the Probation Office is staying fairly busy. The Probation officers received 10 hours of staff training for free, equating to 13 post credits, which is over half of the needed training credits. The Probation Office will have a trunk or treat event in the parking lot at the Annex on Halloween.

Prosecutor Pluid said her office is busy.

Mr. Skeen said he’s been busy. The grinder should be at the landfill soon to grind the wood pile. Commissioners said he will need to seek quotes again for grinding more of the pile.

Ms. Magee said the Restorium is busy rearranging resident rooms and she explained the move being a result of having residents with memory care issues in one wing and patients without memory care issues in another wing.

Mr. O’Neel said hospitals are full with COVID-19 patients. There was a big upswing in cases a couple of weeks ago and almost one out of three patients test positive. Bonner General Hospital has instituted a crisis level of care and Kootenai Health had already done so, but Boundary Community Hospital has not done this yet. Monoclonal therapy is now available at a clinic and this is a therapy for people who have tested positive. This therapy consists of an infusion in an IV with antibodies, which helps reduce chances of the patient going into hospital with severe symptoms.

Ms. Nelson updated those on the work going in for the multiple Ruby Creek bridges.

Clerk Poston said budgets are done, but we’re still working on changing from financial control to working budgets. Clerk Poston said everyone should be receiving the KnowB4 program emails, and these training sessions provide a discount through Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICRMP). Certain agreements the county has also provides discounts for the county in its premiums.

Chairman Dinning said there won’t be a Governor’s credit for taxes. Commissioners don’t know about the mandates the President has laid out for the vaccine, but if we don’t comply when needed, it’s a cost of $14,000.00 per employee who is not vaccinated.
A question was raised about Courthouse security. Commissioner Cossairt said Commissioners did look into it, but couldn’t figure out how to make it work within the space we have.

The elected officials/department heads meeting ended at 9:40 a.m.

9:40 a.m., Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk met with Commissioners to give his department report. Mr. Wenk mentioned to Commissioners that on October 5th and 6th he will be in Latah County for the fall weed superintendents meeting. Mr. Wenk reiterated that as for a building for his department, the location at Road and Bridge would be ideal next to the lean-to. An ideal size would be a 30-foot by 40-foot building, which could cost approximately $130,000.00 or more. Mr. Wenk commented that he will look into costs. Commissioners talked to Mr. Wenk about the legislation for the funding problems associated with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.

The meeting with Mr. Wenk ended at 9:55 a.m.

9:55 a.m., Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley met with Commissioners to provide his department report. Mr. Buckley said the Courthouse boiler is running fine, but he wants to get valves replaced. Both thermostats are up to date. Those present discussed replacing the air conditioning unit in the Clerk’s Office and Mr. Buckley said he believes the cost for a new unit is approximately $4,200.00. Mr. Buckley said he measured for gutters for the back entrance of the conference room and he’s just waiting to hear back. Mr. Buckley explained wear and tear when putting a snowplow onto a truck and he said the truck at the Restorium is in poor condition.

The meeting with Mr. Buckley ended at 10:10 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

10:19 a.m., Commissioners contacted County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull to inquire about rescheduling a public hearing for a variance to Road Standards Ordinance 2020-2.

The call to Attorney Hull ended.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to continue the public hearing for Variance Application #8-2021 to Boundary County Road Standards Ordinance 2020-2 to Monday, October 25, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. in Commissioners’ Chambers. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

The discussion pertaining to rescheduling the hearing ended at 10:24 a.m.

Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen joined the meeting.

10:25 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 Bertling second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Bertling “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 10:30 a.m. No action was taken.

Commissioners and Mr. Skeen discussed possibly closing the dumpster sites and the landfill on Sundays. Mr. Skeen mentioned that he’s running short staffed for the six-day schedule and he’s looking for two part-time positions for the outlying sites. The new roll off truck is doing well. Mr. Skeen said he will aim for November 1, 2021, to be open six days per week.

Commissioners and Mr. Skeen discussed businesses that are not taxed for solid waste disposal and also discussed establishing a solid waste sticker program. Mr. Skeen said the county should look at redoing the solid waste coding system. Mr. Skeen discussed tonnage per household in relation to the landfill, the new excavator and issues with the smaller excavator in that it needs a new motor.

The meeting with Mr. Skeen ended at 10:55 a.m.

11:00 a.m., Commissioners reviewed the proposal from Innovate to extend the time Innovate’s staff member is to be contracted with the county to assist with addressing.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to accept and sign the Work Order Pursuant to the Master Service Agreement with Innovate! Inc. for addressing work for an amount not to exceed $39,842.00 for a five-month period. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

11:25 a.m., Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee joined the meeting to give the Restorium report. Ms. Magee said she has no new residents and the resident count is approximately 28, and it’s been quite some time since residency has been that low. Commissioners and Ms. Magee talked about Commissioners needing to know information before situations become a crisis. Chairman Dinning talked about various Restorium employees getting their certified nursing assistant (CNA) and restorative aide (RA) certifications. Commissioners considered having the county cover the costs of this training provided the employee committed to working for the county for six months. Clerk Poston suggested basing the employee’s length of employment on hours. It was clarified that this thought pertains to new employees, but the current employees could sign up for a program and stay for the specific amount of time requested as well. Commissioners asked about cost and Ms. Magee said she thought the cost for an RA course was approximately $1,200.00 and it might be an online course.

Those present discussed personnel matters.

Ms. Magee informed Commissioners that Boundary Ambulance Service has been very good to the Restorium and its residents.

The meeting with Ms. Magee ended at 12:09 p.m.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 12:09 p.m.

_________________________________
DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
Attest:

______________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk

Date: 
Thursday, October 7, 2021 - 15:45
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