***Monday, November 18, 2019 at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

County resident Marty Martinez, Blue Sky Broadcasting News Reporter Mike Brown and Attorney Rafael Droz from the Wilson Law Firm were present off and on throughout the day.

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 presented.

Ms. Nelson informed Commissioners that the Tobe Way/Plato Drive project is almost done and she spoke of scheduling a project walk through. Ms. Nelson asked Commissioners what they thought about doing a ribbon cutting ceremony and an article to the newspapers on how the funds were used.

Ms. Nelson spoke of Chisholm Hill Road and she said there is a portion that is maintained by the county and she believes there is county right-of-way that runs the length of the road. There is some construction taking place and the landowners have called regarding maintenance, new approaches, and possible maintenance through the canyon on the Farm to Market Road end.

The new road associated with the Union Pacific Railroad siding project has been named Queen View Road and Road and Bridge is scheduling an inspection for the work that has been done to this point. Ms. Nelson asked if Road and Bridge should write a letter for Commissioners informing them what work has been done and Commissioners said yes, for Commissioners and for the Road and Bridge file. The road will be inspected again in the spring to see what improvements are needed.

Those present discussed worked needed for the Trout Creek South Bridge and Ruby Creek Bridge #2. Ms. Nelson said the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) doesn’t have a full year’s allotment for funding so work on the two bridges, Ruby Creek #2 and Trout Creek Bridge South, needs to be prioritized. Ms. Nelson said Road and Bridge did some checking and whichever bridge is chosen, if the bid is higher, the county would have the additional 7.34% match, but LHTAC would find the funds. The thought is that Ruby Creek Bridge #2 would not bid as high and some thought that the Trout Creek South Bridge might be an easier project as the county can close the road, whereas you cannot close the road for the Ruby Creek project. One bridge project could be done in year 2020 and the second project could be bid in year 2020 and be constructed in year 2021. Ms. Nelson discussed the Riverside Road Improvement Project being postponed to year 2021, and then the possibility of having the Trout Creek Bridge #2 project at the same time. Ms. Nelson said what Road and Bridge considered is that an emergency repair to Ruby Creek #2 was done so that should hold for another year, but the same cannot be guaranteed with the Trout Creek Bridge. Ms. Nelson said it’s leaning more toward Trout Creek Bridge and then they will deal with the Ruby Creek Bridge #2 the best they can. Everything is supposed to be ready to go out to bid for Trout Creek. Commissioners were in favor of this plan.

Mr. Morris said he conducted a walk through with LHTAC for the Crossport Guardrail project.

Those present discussed the damage to Deep Creek Bridge #3, which had been caused by a vehicle accident. This bridge is located near the former Deep Creek Resort. Ms. Nelson said she has an estimate of work needed to repair this bridge, but she wondered how to deal with this as it’s just an estimate from the driver’s insurance company. The concern is the estimate won’t cover all of the work that might need to be done. Clerk Poston mentioned the need to work with Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICRMP).

9:18 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)a, to consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent. Commissioner Cossairt second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 9:28 a.m. No action was taken.

The meeting with Ms. Nelson and Mr. Morris ended at 9:30 a.m.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign Certifications of Residency for Amelia Neumayer and Regina Claphan. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the Property Tax Cancellation form for year 2019 to cancel $35.92 in tax and $178.40 in specials for a total of $214.32 for parcel #MH60N01W01181AA due to error. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign the amended Contract for Ambulance Services once it has been approved by the county civil attorney. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

Chairman Dinning left the meeting to tend to other matters.

Commissioner Kirby moved to appoint Commissioner Cossairt acting chairman in the absence of Chairman Dinning. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull contacted Commissioners via telephone at 9:47 a.m.

9:48 a.m., Commissioner Kirby 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. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Commissioners voted as follows: Acting Chairman Cossairt “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. 9:50 a.m., the executive session ended. No action was taken.

The call with Attorney Hull ended at 9:50 a.m.

Boundary Ambulance Service Chief Jeff Lindsey and Boundary Ambulance Service Board Chairperson Nancy Russell joined the meeting.

10:00 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and to convene as the Boundary County Ambulance Service Governing Board. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

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

10:27 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board and to reconvene as the Board of Boundary County Commissioners. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chief Lindsey and Ms. Russell left the meeting.

Donna Jo Dirks joined the meeting at 10:33 a.m.

10:35 a.m., Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee and Assistant Administrator Diana Lane joined the meeting to give a Restorium report.

Ms. Magee discussed the faulty fire alarm panel with Commissioners. The company that serviced the system is going to eliminate a little red box as it’s no longer needed. This box detects a faulty alarm, but it doesn’t tell you which station it is so by eliminating the box, it will resolve that issue.

The smoke detector system at the Restorium is out of compliance as it’s not tied into the electrical panel. The detector runs on a battery, but it needs to be tied into the panel and that should fix the faulty alarms. Ms. Magee informed Commissioners that the boiler is installed and is operational. The fire place was also inspected and it’s not needed as often now that there is a new boiler. Clerk Poston said when the invoice for the boiler comes in, a copy should also be sent to Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICRMP) so they know that we’re in compliance. A new commercial dishwasher is needed at the Restorium and it has been budgeted for, but a plumber will need to come in as the existing plumbing is old. Ms. Magee said she’s not sure if there is any grandfather clause associated with that. Ms. Magee confirmed with Commissioners that the county will cover the cost of flu vaccines for the Restorium’s eight part-time employees.

The meeting with Ms. Magee and Ms. Lane ended at 10:41 a.m.
Ms. Dirks left the meeting.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

11:00 a.m., Commissioners held a held public hearing to consider Planning and Zoning Application #19-145. This application is a request made by Daniel and Robert DeHart for a zone map amendment for parcels #RP62N01E232414A and #RP62N01E232413A. Present were: Acting Chairman Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Planning and Zoning Commission member Wade Purdom, Marty Martinez, Airport Board member Don Jordan, Airport Board Chairman Jay Wages, Applicant Dan DeHart, Linda DeHart, Attorney Eric Anderson who is representing Mr. DeHart, and Lewis Clark. The hearing was recorded.

Acting Chairman Cossairt briefly reviewed the public hearing procedures. No one had any questions of the procedures.

Applicant Dan DeHart introduced himself and provided information on his personal and professional background as a pilot, etc. Mr. DeHart stated that his intention is not to limit or restrict the current or future expansion of the airport, but to preserve rights as property owners to use the property as was intended, which was single family residential lots. Mr. DeHart listed his qualifications and certifications and he stated that other areas he has flown to have had more difficult airport and terrain challenges than Bonners Ferry. Mr. DeHart said he understands the time and work it takes by various government entities in putting together plans and in his studies of this issue before us, he can tell a lot of work has been done; however, in any one situation, one solution does not fit all. Mr. DeHart commented the he understands that the Boundary County Airport Board is providing their recommendation to the Planning and Zoning Commission based on a guide put out by the Idaho Transportation Department called Idaho Airport Land Use Guidelines. Mr. DeHart commented to notice the term “guidelines” as they are not regulatory. Part 7 of this guide talks about different zones with regard to airspace around the airport. Of the six zones in areas discussed, the runway protection zone (RPZ) is the only zone that is defined and mandated for protection by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Idaho Transportation Department Aeronautics Division. Mr. DeHart said his properties do not fall inside this zone now or in any future plans for the airport, with the exception of a small corner of his lot, for future expansion which could happen 20 years from now. The airspace known as the inner critical zone is where his properties lie under. The term “critical” is generally thought of in medical terms; it’s not the same here or else there would be a mandated zone here. Mr. DeHart said once again, these are recommended guidelines; not mandated. Mr. DeHart listed examples of other airports with residences inside the recommended inner critical zone. Due to the topography and locale of the properties, they are not suited for the commercial light industry zone, according to Mr. DeHart. Due to the topography, each lot is five acres, but only about one and one half to two acres would be suitable for building anything industrial. For location, each lot is off the beaten path and on a dead end street, Sunrise Road, and not conducive to commercial. These lots are conducive to rural residential that would tie into the residence to the east and provide a suitable building site for one single family residence per property.

Commissioners asked for a staff report. Mr. Purdom said he was asked to attend this hearing by Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Caleb Davis and Planning and Zoning Administrator John Moss. Mr. Purdom present the staff report on behalf of Mr. Moss and said the Planning and Zoning Commission received Mr. DeHart’s application to change the zone from commercial/light industrial to rural residential. The Planning and Zoning Commission heard from those in favor, unopposed and against the application and eventually they based their decision on criteria in the ordinance where it says, the airport assessment and component, this having to do with the Comprehensive Plan, cites a need for restricting residential development in areas critical to airport operation and establishing commercial and industrial zones in those areas that would protect the public as well as provide a measure of certainty for those considering moving businesses here. Mr. Purdom said the thought process for most members of the Planning and Zoning Commission was that this would be a case where the Planning and Zoning Commission wouldn’t want to change the zone as it would go against that particular statement. Mr. Purdom commented that the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation was to disapprove the application based on this language. The vote was four in favor of denying the application and two voted to approve the application. Mr. Purdom said as far as he knows, that is what happened at the Planning and Zoning hearing.

Commissioners had no questions of the applicant.

Commissioners asked for public comment from those in favor of the application. Speaking in favor was Lewis Clark. Mr. Clark informed Commissioners that he resides in front of one of the properties that Mr. DeHart has and he had moved there in year 2012 when the zone designation was residential/commercial before it changed. Mr. Clark said he lives at 826 Sunrise Road and his property is also not in the critical flight zone. Mr. Clark informed Commissioners that at some point he may look into requesting a zone change for his own property to change the zone back to what it had been before and that is one reason he’s in favor of this application.

Attorney Eric Anderson said he was looking at that ground the other day and he can understand the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendations from the Comprehensive Plan viewpoint as that is what those plans are for, but the situation on the ground, pragmatically, just doesn’t speak to that at all anymore. There are private landowners with rural residences everywhere up there and within that narrow little area you’d be forcing a landowner to use the property as a business, which again, pragmatically, on the ground, they’re probably going to be opposed to. They don’t want that traffic through there. They would have to put in a very small area that doesn’t have space for parking structures necessary for commercial use. Attorney Anderson said in understanding the Planning and Zoning Commission, it just doesn’t play out in this instance due to what’s on the ground. If latitude exists to make an exception in a certain case, this is definitely that case as he sees it.

Wade Purdom stated that he is now speaking as a private citizen. The argument in the Planning and Zoning Commission hearing was that the application didn’t meet the criteria of the section he just had read. That the airport assessment cites a need for restricting residential development in areas critical to airport operations and establishing industrial and commercial zones in those areas would protect the public. The majority of the Planning and Zoning Commission felt this application fit within that, according to Mr. Purdom. Mr. Purdom added that he felt that since there is already rural residential adjoining this property and it was not in any of the critical areas and even so, he felt it wasn’t going to be a problem. It is right on the edge so it was up in the air as to whether or not. Mr. Purdom said his personal opinion is the application should’ve been approved as it’s the gentleman’s property and it’s not going to interfere with anything.

Commissioners asked for comment from those uncommitted to the application. No one spoke.

Speaking in opposition was Airport Board Chairman Jay Wages. Mr. Wages said when the Airport Board considered this application they were looking at safety aspects for the community. When you look at accident data on approach and departure ends of runways, it’s where most accidents occur. Just because we have zoning that allows for multiple houses on smaller parcels within that area, it doesn’t mean we should allow the same mistake to continue. The Airport Board really wants to limit the households in those critical areas. Mr. Wages said he knows there are airports all over that have schools, etc. in those critical areas as he’s flown over them, but just because that has happened doesn’t mean we want to continue with those same mistakes that were made in the past.

Also speaking in opposition was Airport Board member Don Jordan who said Mr. Wages covered the same issues for him. Mr. Jordan said concerning the use of that land, as you all know, there is three phase power nearby and relatively good access to the highway. It’s not a terrible area to have commercial development and he would like to make sure we provide some area and are encouraging people to develop around Bonners Ferry. This whole area that is zoned light commercial right now is fairly appropriate for safety reasons and for future development in terms of encouraging economic entities to come in and have a place to build something. Mr. Jordan added that we are going to be setting a precedent if Commissioners vote in favor of this application as it’s likely to end up nibbling away at the area of light industrial/commercial.

No one else spoke in opposition to the application.

Acting Chairman Cossairt offered the applicant to give a closing statement.

Mr. DeHart commented that he saw in the last hearing what he called the splash pattern as far as accidents and incidents occurring within those airport zones. Mr. DeHart asked what the probabilities of those accidents occurring within those zones. Mr. Jordan said there have been two aircraft incidents in the last 30 years that he is aware of and both of those were on the other side of the runway, but about the same location as Mr. DeHart’s property. Acting Chairman Cossairt said this is new information and this is the closing statement phase. We cannot have new information or Commissioners will have to redo the whole hearing. Mr. DeHart said from his experience, the probability of that is very light. You might as well be walking across the street in Bonners Ferry and get hit by a truck. It’s a very low probability. As a landowner and a pilot with his background he knows and would accept the risk that that would include. The property up there, there isn’t very much left, besides his and Mr. Clark’s property next to him, that would be affected by this rule. We cannot make a blanket statement and say we’re going to go across that road and we’re going to develop that or that people will develop that as it’s already taken up. The airport and the county already has that tied up. Mr. DeHart said deciding to vote in favor of the application to rezone the property so they can put a residence on it will not set too much of a precedent.

Commissioners closed the hearing to further testimony and Acting Chairman Cossairt reviewed the process for Commissioners’ discussion and decision making.

Commissioner Kirby said he’s been listening to the discussion and everyone seems to have a fairly strong opinion. Commissioners were not allowed the privilege of walking the subject property as others were so all Commissioners can rely on is the information that’s been placed before them. Commissioner Kirby added that he thinks there is plenty of room for negotiations somehow, but for him to come up with an appropriate decision today, he would like to turn the matter over to the county civil attorney for review. Commissioner Kirby commented that it comes down to the airport and its future. Commissioner Kirby added that he’s personally been in office for 15 years and the county has spent millions of dollars to ensure the airport’s viability. Commissioner Kirby said he is a supporter of the airport and it’s been at a great cost to some landowners as well as the county. The county has purchased property in order to keep everyone relatively calm as well the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as they own us. Commissioner Kirby commented about a statement made that sticks with him that states, if the county allows residential construction in this area, it would be in violation of the FAA Assurance #21 and future funding from the FAA and the State of Idaho for airport projects would be jeopardized. The county adheres to this statement over and over again. Commissioner Kirby said he doesn’t feel like making a decision about this at this moment and he would like the county attorney’s input as it’s a law driven decision. Acting Chairman Cossairt said he agrees as this matter is a bit beyond Commissioners.

Commissioner Kirby moved to continue the hearing for Planning and Zoning Application #19-145 to December 2, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. Acting Chairman Cossairt yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

The hearing ended at 11:32 a.m.

Commissioners recessed for lunch at 11:51 a.m.

1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

1:30 p.m., Kootenai Tribe of Idaho Administrative Director Rhonda Vogl and Doug Nishek with the Bonners Ferry District joined the meeting to give an update on Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative (KVRI) and Forest Service projects.

Ms. Vogl reviewed the agenda for this evening’s KVRI meeting. Ms. Vogl said Sid Smith with Senator Risch’s Office is moving on from his position so he will no longer be attending the KVRI meetings. There will be a presentation on the Selkirk Cabinet-Yaak Grizzly Bear monitoring program. Kootenai Tribe of Idaho Biologist Scott Soults will talk about the new bear proof garbage cans that are being used. At the KVRI meeting there will also be the typical committee updates as well as some discussion on the meeting held today regarding grizzly bear and the last Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) subcommittee meeting. Ms. Vogl said there will be talk about the revival of the Riparian Subcommittee due to various projects that are going on.

Ms. Vogl said in year 2020 there will be KVRI Board member reappointments and letters that will need to be signed. Chairman Dinning said someone will need to check with the board regarding the Forest Service representative being designated by position and not by name.

Mr. Nishek provided those present with information on board feet sale projects for fiscal year 2019. Mr. Nishek said the Good Neighbor Authority program has the Black Boulder project at 5,000,000 board feet and the Camp Stew project is at 20,000,000 board feet. Plans to sell for this year after October 1, 2019, have one sale at Katka called Boulder Dash at 4,700,000 board feet and the second timber sale is called Robin Hood and is at 5,500,000 board feet. The smaller sale is called Hart Wall and is at 3,000,000 board feet. The North Stew project will be approximately 14,000,000. Mr. Nishek said there is 40,000,000 board feet under contract and there is a timeline in which the sales needed to be finished. Mr. Nishek commented that approximately half of the sales are Community Forest Landscape Restoration Projects (CFLRP).

Those present discussed public involvement for the Westside Restoration project.

The meeting with Ms. Vogl and Mr. Nishek ended at 1:48 p.m.
Commissioner Cossairt moved to sign a Certificate of Residency for Seamus Newcomb. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

2:00 p.m., Treasurer Sue Larson joined the meeting to discuss tax deed excess funds. Wilson Law Firm Attorney Rafael Droz also joined the meeting.

Treasurer Larson said Boundary County sold tax deeded property and there are excess funds as a result of the sale. The county sent out claim forms to all people noticed in the tax deed, reply letters were received and County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull provided input as to whom should be paid. There is one parcel, shown as the shaded area on the document Treasurer Larson provided and she said she is waiting to hear from Attorney Hull about that. Attorney Tim Wilson had a lien on this property, according to Attorney Droz. Attorney Hull has recommended the disbursements and Commissioners need to approve this per Idaho Code. The amount of $7,842.27 is being retained and that is the overage from the sale of this particular parcel, according to Treasurer Larson. Attorney Droz said that is part of what the Wilson Law Firm is owed. Attorney Hull’s recommendation is to not pay anyone and to let the courts decide who receives the overage funds.
Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the list of tax deed overage payments, except the previous owners’ portion for Allen Wilson and Shanna Wilson Montieth for the amount of $7,842.57, upon which County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull recommended letting the court decide distribution. Commissioner Cossairt second. Motion passed unanimously.

Attorney Droz left the meeting at 2:08 p.m.

Treasurer Larson left the meeting at 2:13 p.m.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

2:43 p.m., There being no further business, the meeting adjourned until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.

***Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, 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 Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen, Treasurer Sue Larson, Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley, Assessor Dave Ryals, Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk, Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendent Renee Nelson, Sheriff Dave Kramer, Emergency Services Manager Andrew O’Neel, Veterans Service Officer Ron Self, Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown, Prosecutor’s Office Manager Tammie Goggia, Extension Educator Amy Robertson, Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee and Assistant Administrator Diana Lane.

Chairman Dinning said the upcoming holiday schedule for time off will be the same as it was last year, including having the afternoon of Christmas Eve off. The Courthouse will close at noon on Christmas Eve, with the exception of court personnel. If an employee wants more time off, that will be up to their department head or elected official and they will have to use their vacation time.

The county is still doing the Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICRMP) cyber security testing so be sure to stay involved with that.

Commissioners went around the room for department updates.

Sheriff Kramer said his office is getting a free 1995 aluminum boat on a tandem trailer from Elmore County. Stop signs have been taken out at railroad crossings and were replaced with yield signs, but the county feels some stop signs at the heavily used crossings should be put back up so he will get a list of those areas to local Idaho Transportation Department Road Foreman George Shutes to forward on to the appropriate person with the Idaho Transportation Department.

Ms. Goggia said the Prosecutor’s Office is just busy as per normal. There is a jury trial this week and they also had a trial last week.

Ms. Brown said the Probation Office is the same.

Ms. Nelson said Road and Bridge has a new secretary, Kylie Byars. They will be doing a final walk through on Tobe Way today as well as a walk through on Queens View Road, which is the new county road associated with the Union Pacific Railroad siding project.

Mr. Buckley said he is very busy and he said he bought the last regular light bulb as everything going forward will be LED. Mr. Buckley commented that he put the snow plow on the truck last month.

Mr. Self said the Veterans Day event went well. Last Saturday he had a chaplain come over to teach clergy on military matters.

Mr. Skeen said the Solid Waste Department has an operator position open. The landfill is staying busy. Mr. Skeen informed those present that LRL Construction Company has 400 tons of 25/25 mix mortar (grout) that they need to get rid of so if anyone wants some, they’re giving it away. Ms. Nelson said Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendent Randy Morris is looking into that to see what this material could be used for. It was said that this mortar does need to be stored inside. Mr. Buckley added that this material also has a shelf life.

Road and Bridge Department Co-Superintendent Randy Morris joined the meeting at 9:14 a.m.

Mr. O’Neel discussed reviewing county emergency plans and looking into what plan needs to be updated. Focus is primarily on plans for use of funds. For the plans that need to be updated, grant funds will need to be spent. There is the 2019 State Homeland Security Grant (SHSG) and the Emergency Management Program Grant (EMPG), which are used to pay for lots of things. Mr. O’Neel said he’s seen interoperable communications and items for the Sheriff’s Office as the main expenditure items. Idaho Office of Emergency Management Local Area Field Officer Jay Baker took care of the county this year by helping him apply for grants and approve them. Mr. O’Neel said he has the funding, but needs to identify projects to fund within those grants. Sheriff Kramer and the local fire chiefs will also be involved in identifying needs. Mr. O’Neel listed which plans need to be updated.

Mr. Wenk said the Weed Department equipment has been winterized and he’s working on finishing reports as well as new applications for the next year. Mr. Wenk said he had heard snowmobile access will be open till February. Chairman Dinning commented on a meeting that should be taking place on that matter today.

Treasurer Larson said the tax bills went out on November 6th and her office has been busy.

Ms. Robertson listed which classes the University of Idaho Extension Program has coming up. 4H enrollment is open right now and people will need to sign up by January 10th if they want to have exhibits in the fair. Ms. Robertson briefly discussed the 4H Friday Friends Program.

Ms. Magee said the Restorium got the new boiler installed and temperatures reached 79 degrees for the first time. The Friends of the Restorium have donated a 75 inch TV to the Restorium.

Assessor Ryals said his office has finished adding new construction values to the rolls and it’s increased a bit from the last year. Assessor Ryals said his office is still down one appraiser, but they’re managing.

Clerk Poston said she has the certificates for those who attended the State Insurance Fund Supervisor Training course. The Clerk’s Office is hiring someone for her office in preparation of Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac’s retirement in April so there will be a transition.

Chairman Dinning reviewed the notice from the Idaho Association of Counties about their scholarship program for kids of full-time county employees and kids or grandkids of county elected officials.

Chairman Dinning said the Legislature held another round of meetings on taxation that was geared toward counties. The Legislature feels counties are not being frugal and these meetings are focusing on the larger counties, which will have a horrible effect on the smaller counties so Chairman Dinning said he wants Boundary County to be prepared.

The elected officials/department heads meeting ended at 9:24 a.m.

9:30 a.m., County Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk met with Commissioners to give the department report. Mr. Wenk said he is finishing up with forms and mapping as the State’s new noxious weed personnel wants everything that is sprayed to be mapped. Mr. Wenk said he is also finishing paperwork for the Co-op Program grant. A new grant proposal will be submitted in December for next year. Chairman Dinning asked if this data is being used to any benefit. Mr. Wenk said it is for Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) so the Legislature can be shown what is being done and controlled throughout the state. This will also help with new invaders and more funds can be requested.

Chairman Dinning questioned with southward winds in relation to starting with treatments in the north. Mr. Wenk said that’s a great idea, but what would be a stumbling block is that people don’t like to use pesticides. Mr. Wenk said there are noxious weeds to the south that we won’t get here in Boundary County as it’s just too wet up here, but there are some weeds that would take hold. Idaho’s noxious weed law doesn’t have anything to do with federal lands, according to Mr. Wenk. One issue here is that there are herbicides that have been around for 15 year that can be used in Sandpoint and Priest River, but they cannot be used in Boundary County.

Mr. Wenk spoke of a seminar in Pocatello coming up in December and another one in Twin Falls taking place in January. Mr. Wenk informed Commissioners that he had new tires put on the weed spray truck as the prior set were approximately six years old. Commissioner Cossairt asked about Eurasian Milfoil in the Kootenai River. Mr. Wenk said the only place this weed is known to be is in the Kootenai River and there isn’t anything he can do due to the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

9:50 a.m., Fair Board member Ben Robertson joined the meeting.

The meeting with Mr. Wenk ended at 9:51 a.m.

Fair Board Secretary Paula Burt joined the meeting at 9:53 a.m.

Mr. Robertson said this next year is the fair’s 100th year and they would like to suggest having a carnival and concert. Mr. Robertson added that this event would need to be held on the lawn belonging to the Parks and Recreation Department. The Fair Board would need a guarantee of the use of the land and they’re looking for Commissioners’ opinion and blessing. The idea is that there would be no cost for people to attend the carnival and the concert would more than likely be free. Mr. Robertson said the thought for the concert is that it would be family oriented and the Fair Board is looking at a cost of less than $10,000 to facilitate it. Chairman Dinning said every other fair, generally, is there to make a profit, but the people who attend the fair are generally our taxpayers. Chairman Dinning questioned considering providing this attraction to the community in order to bring in more attendees and he also suggested keeping the costs minimal or free for the community. Mr. Robertson said most people can afford the cost of $5.00. The capacity for the stands is 1,100 and the standing room/dance area can hold approximately one hundred people, according to Ms. Burt. If there is no charge for the event, it will be standing room only. Chairman Dinning said a good clean comedian would be good and those present commented on how that would be hard to find. Mr. Robertson said as for the concert portion of this, it would be fairly doable as there are local bands nearby. Clerk Poston mentioned this meeting is to inform Commissioners that this may come up. It was thought that there could be a suggested donation for the event as well. There is the fair budget and funds could be used to subsidize the event.

Mr. Robertson said with a carnival they will need to use the lawn, but the Parks and Recreation Board said the yard cannot be used until that Wednesday. Chairman Dinning suggested the Fair Board get on the Parks and Recreation Board agenda and then see Commissioners after that meeting if need be. Mr. Robertson explained that this event falls in the middle of soccer season. Chairman Dinning said these are milestones that we need to celebrate. Chairman Dinning said due to lack of parking, we could possibly partner with the Kootenai River Inn for a shuttle service.

Mr. Robertson informed Commissioners that the beef barn, the third barn down, is in rough shape. This barn is off the foundation and it needs new siding and a new roof. The costs are not yet known, but the Fair Board would like to make the repairs this spring and if it’s something the county could help with.

Chairman Dinning explained to Mr. Robertson and Ms. Burt the matter regarding Idaho legislature on taxation and issues the counties may be facing.

Those present discussed the rental costs of Memorial Hall and it was said the veterans are losing money and so is the fair. The rental cost for use of Memorial Hall is $41.80, according to Ms. Burt. Ms. Burt listed the size of various county venues such as the Valley Event Center (VEC) and Memorial Hall for comparison. The rooms are almost the same size, but Memorial Hall is charged half the amount of the VEC. Mr. Robertson asked if Commissioners would consider increasing rent for Memorial Hall to $60.00. Those present reviewed the main users of Memorial Hall. Chairman Dinning said to increase fees, the expense needs to be justified as the county cannot make money. Clerk Poston spoke of maintenance costs. Mr. Robertson said the other part is that Ms. Burt brings in $10.45 for the fair for administrative work and the Fair Board is hoping to increase that administrative fee to $15.00. This will help gain some revenue from rental costs and the veterans will also benefit. Last year the county increased rental rates for Memorial Hall by $1.80 and prior to that the last fee increase was in year 2012.

Those present discussed the wish to pave some of the walkways at the fair, but that is a long term goal. Ms. Burt said she knows grindings have been used in other projects so that was also a thought. Chairman Dinning said that would be two years out.

Ms. Burt asked about putting on a corn feed event and wanting to have Commissioners participation. Commissioners recapped the matters of spending funds for a carnival and concert, corn feed, improvement to the barn, Memorial Hall fees, etc. Chairman Dinning suggested Commissioners and Mr. Robertson and Ms. Burt regroup once more information is learned.

The meeting with Mr. Robertson and Ms. Burt ended at 10:40 a.m.
Blue Sky Broadcasting News Reporter Mike Brown joined the meeting and Commissioners updated him on matters pertaining to grizzly bear. Mr. Brown left the meeting.

There being no further business for the morning session, the meeting recessed until 1:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, and Clerk Glenda Poston.

1:00 p.m., Commissioners, Clerk Poston and Sheriff Dave Kramer met with Cory Trapp of Longwell + Trapp Architects to review details pertaining to the remodel of the armory for the Sheriff’s Office.

The meeting ended at 3:00 p.m.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.

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DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:

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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk