***Monday, September 4, 2023, Commissioners did not meet in regular session due the Labor Day Holiday.
***Tuesday, September 5, 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.
Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.
9:00 a.m., Commissioners held a public hearing to consider the Boundary County proposed fiscal year 2023-2024 budget. Present were: Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Assessor Olivia Drake, and Adrienne Norris. The hearing was recorded.
Chairman Bertling reviewed budget information as follows: Boundary County has the ability to levy $5,915,917.00, which is the 3% allowable increase, plus 90% of new construction. This levy does not include forgone of $59,982.00. The remaining forgone for the county will be $753,183.00. The budget was published in the Bonners Ferry Herald on August 10, 2023 and August 17, 2023. This is a 3.5% increase in property tax budget from the previous year. Boundary County’s total budget expenses including all funds, grants, Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency fund, and ARPA is $30,547,268.00. There was $43,155,142.00, at 90%, new construction value for the county for an increase of new construction in the amount of $102,537.00. As of this printing, August 23, 2023, market values have not been received from the State Tax Commission. Clerk Poston added that she checked on the information from the State last Friday and it’s still not ready.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2023-56. A resolution to adopt the fiscal year 2023-2024 county budget. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2023-56 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2023-56
A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT
THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 COUNTY BUDGET
WHEREAS, on the 5th day of September, 2023, at the Boundary County Courthouse in Commissioners’ Chambers in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, the Board of County Commissioners held the fiscal year 2023-2024 budget hearing for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, the budget hearing was held in accordance with Idaho Code 31-1604 and Idaho Code 31-1605, and
WHEREAS, the proposed budget was duly printed in the Bonners Ferry Herald on August 10, 2023, and August 17, 2023,
WHEREAS, there was no citizen input on the budget as proposed, and
WHEREAS, having considered the budget needs and available revenue,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Boundary County Commissioners hereby unanimously adopt the fiscal year 2023-2024 budget as attached for Boundary County.
DATED AND DONE this 5th day of September, 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 #295245
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2023-57. A resolution of the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Boundary, Idaho, reserving the forgone amount for fiscal year 2023-2024 for potential use in subsequent years as described in Idaho Code §63-802, et al. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2023-57
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BOUNDARY, IDAHO, RESERVING THE FORGONE AMOUNT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 FOR POTENTIAL USE IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS AS DESCRIBED IN IDAHO CODE §63-802, et al.
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §31-811 empowers the board of county commissioners of each county to levy property taxes; and,
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §31-1605 requires the board of county commissioners of each county in the State of Idaho to pass an annual budget; and,
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §63-802 sets limitations on county budget requests on the amount of property tax revenues that can be used to fund programs and services; and,
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §63-802(1)(a) allows each county to increase property tax budget amounts by a maximum of 3%, plus an amount calculated based on the value of both new construction and annexation added during the previous calendar year, plus an amount for forgone taxes; and,
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §63-802(1)(f) requires that the County adopt an annual resolution to reserve additional forgone amount in order to utilize that amount in subsequent years; and,
WHEREAS, Boundary County has met the notice and hearing requirements in Idaho Code §63-802(1)(f) to reserve the current year’s increase in the forgone amount; and,
WHEREAS, Boundary County intends to use $59,982.00 of its current allowable forgone amount. The current forgone amount of $753,183.00 is also reserved.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BOUNDARY, IDAHO, that $59,982.00 of the current allowable forgone amount is included in the County’s budget and that the forgone balance for potential use in subsequent years is $753,183.00.
PASSED by the BOUNDARY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS on the 5th day of September, 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 #295246
Clerk Poston informed Chairman Bertling that once the final values are received from the State of Idaho, she would ask that Commissioners make a motion to sign the L2 forms.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the L2 budget form once it has been approved and received from the State. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
The budget hearing to consider the proposed fiscal year 2023-2024 county budget ended at 9:06 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties until their next hearing at 9:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and convene as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
9:30 a.m., Commissioners held a public hearing to consider the Boundary County Ambulance Service District proposed fiscal year 2023-2024 budget. Present were: Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Assessor Olivia Drake, and Adrienne Norris. The hearing was recorded.
Chairman Bertling reviewed budget information as follows: Boundary County Ambulance has the ability to levy $479,547.00, the 3% allowable increase, plus 90% of new construction. This levy does include $4,816.00 of the allowable forgone. The forgone balance for future use will be $16,280.00. All funds collected from this levy are collected for the operation on the Boundary County Ambulance Association.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2023-1/A. A resolution to adopt the fiscal year 2023-2024 Boundary County Ambulance Service District budget. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2023-1/A reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2023-1/A
A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024
BOUNDARY COUNTY AMBULANCE SERVICE DISTRICT BUDGET
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did adopt Resolution 2012-16 on March 26, 2012 creating a county-wide ambulance service district, pursuant to Idaho Code §31-3908, to be known as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District to be recognized as a legal taxing district and giving the Board the authority to levy a special tax for the operation of the District, pursuant to Idaho Code §31-3908(4), and
WHEREAS, on the 5th day of September, 2023, at the Boundary County Courthouse in Commissioners’ Chambers in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, the Board of County Commissioners held the fiscal year 2023-2024 budget hearing for the Boundary County Ambulance Service District, and
WHEREAS, the budget hearing was held in accordance with Idaho Code 31-1604 and Idaho Code 31-1605, and
WHEREAS, the proposed budget was duly printed in the Bonners Ferry Herald on August 10, 2023 and August 17, 2023, and
WHEREAS, there was no citizen input on the budget as proposed, and
WHEREAS, having considered the budget needs and available revenue,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Boundary County Commissioners hereby unanimously adopt the fiscal year 2023-2024 budget as attached for the Boundary County Ambulance Service District.
DATED AND DONE this 5th day of September, 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 #295247
Commissioner Cossairt moved to adopt Resolution 2023-2/A. A resolution of the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Boundary, Idaho, reserving the forgone amount for fiscal year 2023-2024 for potential use in subsequent years as described in Idaho Code §63-802, et al. for the Boundary County Ambulance Service District. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2022-2/A
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BOUNDARY, IDAHO, RESERVING THE FORGONE AMOUNT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 FOR POTENTIAL USE IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS AS DESCRIBED IN IDAHO CODE §63-802, et al. FOR THE BOUNDARY COUNTY AMBULANCE SERVICE DISTRICT.
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did adopt Resolution 2012-16 on March 26, 2012 creating a county-wide ambulance service district, pursuant to Idaho Code §31-3908, to be known as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District to be recognized as a legal taxing district and giving the Board the authority to levy a special tax for the operation of the District, pursuant to Idaho Code §31-3908(4), and
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §31-811 empowers the board of county commissioners of each county to levy property taxes; and,
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §31-1605 requires the board of county commissioners of each county in the State of Idaho to pass an annual budget; and,
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §63-802 sets limitations on county budget requests on the amount of property tax revenues that can be used to fund programs and services; and,
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §63-802(1)(a) allows each county to increase property tax budget amounts by a maximum of 3%, plus an amount calculated based on the value of both new construction and annexation added during the previous calendar year, plus an amount for forgone taxes; and,
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §63-802(1)(f) requires that the County adopt an annual resolution to reserve additional forgone amount in order to utilize that amount in subsequent years; and,
WHEREAS, Boundary County intends to reserve $16,280.00 of its allowable forgone amount for the Boundary County Ambulance Service District for the purpose of operations of the District. The amount of $4,816.00 will be recovered in existing forgone as so noted on Line 29 of the L-2 Worksheet.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BOUNDARY, IDAHO, that $16,280.00 of the allowable forgone amount for the Boundary County Ambulance Service District is reserved and included in the District’s total forgone balance for potential use in subsequent years.
PASSED by the BOUNDARY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS on the 5th day of September, 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 #295248
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the L2 budget form once it has been received from the State. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
The hearing to consider the proposed fiscal year 2023-2024 Boundary County Ambulance Service District budget ended at 9:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m., Commissioner Cossairt moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Assessor Drake left the meeting.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties until their next meeting.
9:49 a.m., Solid Waste Department Assistant Superintendent Richard Jenkins joined the meeting.
9:50 a.m., Ms. Norris left the meeting.
10:00 a.m., Mr. Jenkins met with Commissioners to give a department report. Those present briefly discussed staffing hours. Mr. Jenkins stated that the buyer who bought the Link Belt through the online public auction process has not picked it up yet and the Solid Waste Department has had to pay a storage fee. Mr. Jenkins said he’s still looking for dirt for the landfill. He’s attending a one-day household hazardous waste course next week. Chairman Bertling spoke of wanting to go to Shoshone County to look at their process of using air burners to get rid of wood waste. Clerk Poston mentioned that if a down payment is needed, the Solid Waste budget still has $100,000.00 designated for wood removal. Mr. Jenkins said if he stops dealing with tires, he will have those funds to use. Chairman Bertling mentioned wanting to use Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency funds.
Mr. Jenkins reviewed current Solid Waste Department equipment issues with Commissioners. Commissioners and Mr. Jenkins discussed proposed locations to place a dumpster bin.
The meeting with Mr. Jenkins ended at 10:31 a.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Kimberly Ross, JohnPeter Smithson, and Kynsie Hinrichs. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to the sign the Fiscal Year 2024 Indigent Defense Finance Assistance Agreement Signature Page. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Robertson moved to sign plat map for the Solt Subdivision. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:53 a.m., Commissioners met with Courthouse Maintenance Squire Fields at the office formerly used by Boundary Ambulance Service to discuss remodeling the office for use by county offices.
The meeting ended at 11:45 a.m.
11:45 a.m. Boundary Economic Development Council (EDC) Director David Sims joined the meeting to update Commissioners on various EDC matters. Mr. Sims informed Commissioners that Eastport Reload did sell. Mr. Sims discussed attending the Northwest Partner meeting. Mr. Sims mentioned the Talent Pipeline project meeting in August where results of a survey for the project were presented. Contractors attended this meeting and they discussed why they can’t find employees and it came down to drug use. Mr. Sims said he spoke with a former owner of a local gas station and potential employees passing their drug screen test was an issue. Mr. Sims informed Commissioners that he hasn’t heard if a company in the county had been funded for installing broadband.
Mr. Sims said the City of Moyie Spring’s sewer project has taken a turn. The project engineer presented an amendment with a $400,000.00 increase and $298,000.00 of that total is for tasks already completed and paid for. The City of Moyie Springs had a conference call with the engineer last Friday and there is another in-person meeting tomorrow morning. The City shouldn’t have to pay for tasks that have already been done and they cannot use Idaho ARPA funds to cover engineering so costs so those costs have to be applied to the loan. The Department of Environmental Quality based their additional funding on Keller and Associate’s information.
11:48 a.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 12:00 p.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to acquire in interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency for a total of $310,000.00 and half of the closing costs using ARPA funds. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with Mr. Sims ended at 12:11 p.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:15 p.m.
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.
Assessor Olivia Drake, County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull and property owner Hoyt Patton joined the meeting.
1:30 p.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.
Ms. Nelson and Assessor Drake questioned the process of holding a public hearing to address requests for road name changes. Chairman Bertling said he would contact Planning and Zoning about it.
Mr. Patton explained that he resides at 79492 Highway 2, which is one mile on this side of the Idaho/Montana border. He submitted an application for an improvement of a 950 square foot residential accessory dwelling and he needs the approach signed off on. This property has been logged up until the turn of the century and it’s been owned by the railroad and timber company, according to Mr. Patton. It’s been logged three times. When the highway company came, the road from Troy, Montana to Bonners Ferry was still partially on this property and the access points were there at this point in time. The State Highway Department combined the access and it made sense to put the access where it is, but there are now three property owners who use this access. Mr. Patton said he’s now working on an improvement on his property and Planning and Zoning wants approval for the access from the Idaho Transportation Department. It’s a joint use permit and all three property owners have to submit this application and it’s holding up Mr. Patton’s approval as he’s waiting for the other neighbors to come in line and submit their application. That is not quite fair, according to Mr. Patton. Mr. Patton said he’s not going to take up policing of his neighbors. The neighbors, the Martin brothers, are holding out and it shouldn’t tie his hands; it’s not a new improvement, according to Mr. Patton. Mr. Patton said he’s asking the county to clear the way; it’s the right thing to do and it’s a common sense move. Chairman Bertling said as many of his conversations with Mr. Patton have gone, it’s been said that the county doesn’t dictate over the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). Attorney Hull explained that the county doesn’t have jurisdiction over the state. Mr. Patton said, the county doesn’t, but the county can comment if it’s going to hold someone up. Mr. Patton said it’s up to Commissioners; they don’t have to collect the taxes. Mr. Patton said it’s the right thing to do and he added that he keeps having to wait for the Highway Department. Commissioner Robertson asked if the county is holding this matter up and Mr. Patton referenced the Planning and Zoning Department. Ms. Nelson explained the Planning and Zoning Department needing an approved access. Ms. Nelson said depending on where the property is, Road and Bridge and ITD have to sign off on the access. Attorney Hull asked Mr. Patton if he has approached the other neighbors and Mr. Patton questioned why he should and he said to stop putting off this kind of thing. Commissioner Robertson asked where the hang up is and if there is something the county can do. Ms. Nelson said to talk ITD and see if there is a permit. ITD verifies easements and that might be what they’re asking for. Ms. Nelson added that there is some document that ITD is missing. Mr. Patton said he turned in his paperwork for ITD. ITD Road Foreman George Shutes went through the paperwork and signed off and he submitted it to Planning and Zoning. Mr. Patton said he doesn’t have any more paperwork. Mr. Patton commented that the county won’t be collecting taxes and that he’s going to walk out of this door. Mr. Patton said he pays taxes and he sees the county not doing something that is their responsibility. It’s not that hard and it is a common sense move. Mr. Patton said his paperwork has been submitted and Commissioners wouldn’t like it either if this happened to them.
Mr. Patton left the meeting at 1:41 p.m.
Chairman Bertling explained that once Mr. Patton moved to his property and built on it, it changed the property use access from timber.
Chairman Bertling said as far as the process to address a request for a new road name change, he will speak with Planning and Zoning to see how to get this moving.
Ms. Nelson asked about Klockman Road and the need to move vehicles from the side of this road. Chairman Bertling said the Sheriff’s Office has posted the cars so the owner has a certain amount of time to move the vehicles. Ms. Nelson said as it relates to an easement for water for a property on Hill Crest Road, she didn’t know what the time line is for the landowner to get in touch with Road and Bridge so they can apply for a variance for an approach. Ms. Nelson informed Commissioners that this property owner is using his motorbike to flaunt use of this access to the neighbors. It was mentioned that a certified letter should be mailed to the property owner using the easement. Chairman Bertling explained that he spoke to the property owner, Wayne Dyck, and the conversation had gone okay. It was said the access is only permitted for a water line and that Mr. Dyck does want a permit. Ms. Nelson said the record of survey, legal deed or the Assessor’s new parcel number has not been completed yet; there is no flag lot at this time. Ms. Nelson spoke of participating in right-of-way meetings with Epic Land Solutions for the Riverside Road Improvement Project.
Commissioner Robertson asked how chip sealing is going. Mr. Morris said it was going well until the chip spreader started not working property.
Assessor Drake questioned official documents pertaining to herd districts and where to direct people to.
The meeting with Ms. Nelson, Mr. Morris and Assessor Drake ended at 2:05 p.m.
2:05 p.m., Panhandle Health District Director Don Duffy joined the meeting to update Commissioners on Health District matters. Mr. Duffy said he meets with counties quarterly in order to answer any concerns or questions and to share information. Mr. Duffy explained that the Health District works with the Idaho Association of Counties (IAC) on fees and costs associated with food establishments. The State of Idaho is proposing a change in the state statute that would leave it to the Health District to determine the fee to cover costs. Mr. Duffy explained that the fee is not a profit-making fee. Currently, with Health District costs, they’re only able to cover about half of the costs associated with food establishments. For fiscal year 2023, $17,000.00 was the Health District’s cost above what they’re receiving in current fees and this is borne by the counties; these additional costs. This reflects about 50% of the Health District’s costs and the rest is borne by the counties. Mr. Duffy said the Health District has been reaching out and he is hopeful to get something to the legislature this year, but it’s been challenging. That is just one thing the Health District is working on rather than ask the counties to cover that. The Health District is providing a basic service and they’re required to visit every food establishment once per year. Mr. Duffy explained that this is just information for Commissioners at this point. Chairman Bertling asked if the fees are tiered, because a food truck permit should not cost as much as a restaurant. Mr. Duffy said those fees are not as much as a restaurant and it is tiered lower for the mobile food vendors. Commissioner Robertson asked if the Health District is hoping IAC will lobby for them and Mr. Duffy replied that he will meet with IAC and he’s hoping they will since he did submit a resolution for this last year. Mr. Duffy hopes to find a county elected official who will carry this matter and have IAC support him or her.
Mr. Duffy explained that prior to House Bill (HB)316, 80% of the Health District’s costs came from grants and fees. The Health District received 10% from the State of Idaho and 10% from counties and with HB316, the State of Idaho got out of funding health districts now that counties are saving money with Medicaid expansion. The state is out of funding health districts, but is asking health districts to do tasks that are not funded. If the state asks the Health District to do something, that would need to be funded by counties. So far, as it pertains to harmful algae blooms, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) had always done this research and the Panhandle Health District sent out notices. Now the state is asking that the Health District to do more of the research. The state is also now wanting the Health District to inspect assisted living facilities and their kitchens. It’s important that someone is seeing food being prepared in a healthy manner, but it’s putting that work on the Health District without any additional assistance. Currently, it’s not happening in any sort of organized manner. There are well over 500 assisted living facilities in the five northern counties that the Health District serves. Mr. Duffy said he’s just letting Commissioners know what the Health District is battling to help keep the costs down and any support would be helpful.
Mr. Duffy informed Commissioners that the Board of Health chairman is looking to change the date and time of the Panhandle Health District Board of Health meetings and he asked Chairman Bertling for his preference for dates and times. Mr. Duffy said the Board of Health has a new member in Dr. Duke Johnson Dr. Johnson is a Kootenai County Coroner and should be a good addition to the Panhandle Health District Board of Health.
Chairman Bertling and Mr. Duffy briefly discussed the Rathdrum aquifer.
Mr. Duffy submitted information to Commissioners on the number of septic permits and he said the Health District consists of the five northern counties and Boundary County’s permit information is included. The fiscal year for the Health District is July 1st through June 30th. This information on permits goes through year 2023 and the county can track the volume of permits. Mr. Duffy said you can see that a couple of years ago the county had a peak and it’s since slowed a bit. Commissioner Cossairt asked about people who install tanks illegally. Mr. Duffy said the Health District can issue an order of violation that will have to be fixed.
The meeting with Mr. Duffy ended at 2:32 p.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties until their next meeting at 3:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m., Idaho Public Defense Commission Regional Coordinator Jennifer Roark joined the meeting via telephone to discuss matters pertaining to public defense legal services. Bonner County Chief Public Defender Luke Hagelberg and Boundary County Supervisory Court Clerk Della Armstrong joined the meeting.
Ms. Roark provided Commissioners with updates from the Public Defense Commission (PDC). The PDC is continuing their expansive training program and Ms. Roark explained in detail classes that are coming up and she said all of these opportunities are free to counties and attorneys. Ms. Roark discussed communication from the PDC, which is the award letters for financial assistance to counties. The PDC tried to supplement all counties for the public defense program by 15%. Counties used to receive $25,000.00, but they will now receive slightly more. The PDC has also sent out requests to the counties to send them all of the public defender contracts, budgets, etc. so they can work on the annual report. Ms. Roark said she understands that Boundary County no longer has agreements with public defender attorneys, except for Bonner County so she will need the budget for that and those are the next steps in PDC cycle. This is the last year for the PDC, meaning it’s the last year for reports and the annual review. There won’t be an application for financial assistance in the spring. Those present discussed experiencing hiccups with first appearance attorneys. Ms. Roark asked if attorneys were receiving the information they needed for first appearances. Mr. Hagelberg said there have been no issues whatsoever. The Bonner County Public Defender Office receives emails from the court clerks every morning and it gets handled. Mr. Hagelberg said there have been no issues since he’s been running things for the past six months now.
Ms. Roark ended her call at 3:06 p.m.
Mr. Hagelberg asked about the contract for public defender services with Bonner County for the next year. Chairman Bertling said Boundary County Commissioners want to remain working with Bonner County. Mr. Hagelberg said Bonner County is happy to work here. Supervisory Court Clerk Armstrong and Mr. Hagelberg discussed second level conflicts.
Mr. Hagelberg left at 3:08 p.m.
Supervisory Court Clerk Armstrong left the meeting at 3:14 p.m.
3:30 p.m., Boundary County Parks and Recreation Board Chairman Rob Tompkins joined the meeting. Mr. Tompkins said the Parks and Recreation Board needs to apply for a water permit for a proposed well at the fairgrounds property and he needs Commissioners signature in order to submit the application.
Commissioner Robertson moved to sign the State of Idaho Department of Water Resources Application for Permit for irrigation at the fairgrounds. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with Mr. Tompkins ended at 3:41 p.m.
4:00 p.m., Boundary County Airport Manager Dave Parker and Airport Board Chairman Jay Wages joined the meeting to provide an update on airport matters. Mr. Parker informed Commissioners that there are approximately five or six hangar lease agreements up for renewal this year. Of those hangars, three are very old buildings, such as built in the 1960s and they would not meet current snow load levels. The Airport Board looked at those hangars as a group and they feel its time to let those leases expire. In the agreement it indicates the owner has 90 days to tear down the hangar. Mr. Parker did talk to hangar owner, Burt Wolff, and Mr. Wolff is going to attend the Airport Board meeting this evening. Some of the usage of the hangar doesn’t meet requirements as well. The agreement is written that the owner would tear down the hangar at their own expense. Mr. Parker said he wanted to know what Commissioners’ thoughts may be. Mr. Wages said the two hangars that don’t belong to the county are just very old and unsafe, there is a lot of rotting wood. Mr. Wages said these are under contract and the owners are aware. The other hangar that is an issue belongs to the county and it’s reached the end of its life. Northern Air subleases this hangar. Mr. Parker said in this process he and the Airport Board inspected other hangars that are approximately 18 years old and they were found to be in good shape. Any new lease agreement would be at the $0.15 per square foot. Chairman Bertling asked about considering $0.20 per square foot.
Mr. Parker said the five-year farming lease is also coming to an end. Ty Iverson has been farming the property. Mr. Parker said he would talk with County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull about updating the farming ground size and advertise it for a new lease. Mr. Parker briefly discussed land and he said the State of Idaho awarded the county $94,500.00 and the current owner of land near the airport may be interested in selling some land to the airport.
Chairman Bertling spoke of the rate for hangar leases and he said his only concern is to get the hangar rate to a point so it’s not using taxpayer dollars. Mr. Parker informed Commissioners that Mike Davis with Iron Mike’s Gym wants to lease more ground for his business. The land rate of $0.15 per square foot has been discussed with both North Bench Fire Department and Iron Mike’s Gym as it pertains to land leases. The proposed agreements would be five-year agreements. Clerk Poston talked about what had been budgeted for the airport. Those present discussed obtaining more property, but Mr. Parker explained that the larger airports have heard about the smaller airports receiving funds so they are now getting those funds. Commissioners asked about timber and Mr. Parker said Bob Blanford is on the Airport Board and he’s cognizant of what timber is on airport property. Commissioner Cossairt said his concern would be if the timber gets too tall, you lose the sale.
Mr. Parker reminded Commissioners that they signed the grant for the airport and it might be the next year when S & L Underground can get started on the project.
The meeting with Mr. Wages and Mr. Parker ended at 4:35 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m.
___________________________________________
TIM BERTLING, Chairman
ATTEST:
____________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk