County commission minutes, September 24-25

October 17, 2012

Monday, September 24, 2012, Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Ron Smith, Commissioner Dan Dinning and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Commissioner Kirby was out of the office tending to personal matters.

 

9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Superintendent Jeff Gutshall joined the meeting to give the departmental report.

 

Blue Sky Broadcasting reporter Mike Brown and county resident Merrill Marcy joined the meeting.

 

Commissioner Dinning moved to amend the agenda for 9:30 a.m., to add signing the grant application for the Emergency Communication Commission, fiscal year 2013 Dedicated Enhanced Emergency Communications Grant Fee Fund in the amount of $31,208, as it is a time sensitive matter. Chairman Smith yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Mr. Marcy left the meeting.

 

Mr. Gutshall presented a written report.

 

Mr. Gutshall said he has worked on Fawn Lane and it looks really good. Mr. Gutshall discussed phone lines that need to be moved for certain projects.

 

Chairman Smith mentioned the emergency project work on the Lion’s Den slough and Deep Creek. The projects are in the engineering process and the County is not liable for expenses, according to Mr. Gutshall.

 

Mr. Gutshall informed Commissioners he had received a complaint of tire damage caused by the type of rock placed on the District 5 Road.

 

9:15 a.m., County resident Sam Fodge joined the meeting.

 

Mr. Gutshall spoke of restoration work for Deep Creek Loop and the Paradise Valley Hill. Crushing of ¾ inch rock is going on at the Moyie Pit and there are two sloughs to repair on the Westside Road.

 

Mr. Gutshall also mentioned the Deep Creek Loop emergency project. The Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) is convinced to try to mitigate and intercept water from the hillside before reconstruction and is also looking to reduce the cost. There won’t be a need to apply for reimbursement of costs if LHTAC tries French drains to address runoff.

 

There are three railroad crossing closures by Moyie River Road and the railroad has a list of practically everyone who is supposed to be notified. Mr. Gutshall mentioned which bridges will be affected.

 

The government has given approval to remove the curbs at the site of the new Border Patrol facility. The curbs had to be installed in order to complete the project, but this week the curbs will be removed and replaced with a gutter system that is below grade, according to Mr. Gutshall.

 

Mr. Fodge said he stopped by Commissioners’ Office to show them a sample of bio-diesel he made and he explained it is a mixture that is recommended by all engine manufactures. Mr. Fodge said this biodiesel is certified and he has been using it for over two years now at 100%, but he does cut it in the wintertime. The cost for this product is $3.30 per gallon whereas the price at the pump is $4.30. It was said that Road and Bridge is probably paying $3.78 at this point. All warranties would stay the same for this biodiesel, according to Mr. Fodge.

 

Clerk Glenda Poston joined the meeting.

 

Mr. Fodge said CAT wants at least a 20% blend. Mr. Gutshall asked about testing and Mr. Fodge said he tests every 30 days. Chairman Smith suggested Mr. Fodge and Mr. Gutshall discuss this. Mr. Fodge said besides himself, Wood’s Crushing and Hauling and Tom Daniel uses this biodiesel. Mr. Fodge said he considers it a savings to the county. Mr. Fodge said he has been using this biodiesel for over two years now and he has been checking his equipment, which he found has been running cooler. 

 

9:30 a.m., Mr. Fodge left the meeting.

 

Commissioner Dinning moved to go into executive session under Idaho Code #67-2345 (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. Chairman Smith yielded the chair to second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Smith “aye” and Commissioner Dinning “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. 9:45 a.m., Commissioner Dinning moved to go out of executive session. Chairman Smith yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Mr. Gutshall left the meeting.

 

9:45 a.m., Kootenai Kloggers members Cheryl Myers and Art Morin joined the meeting to discuss the fees for renting Memorial Hall. 

 

Commissioner Dinning moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the grant application for the Emergency Communication Commission, fiscal year 2013 Dedicated Enhanced Emergency Communications Grant Fee Fund in the amount of $31,208. Chairman Smith yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Commissioner Dinning moved to approve the minutes of September 10 & 11, 2012. Chairman Smith yielded the Chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Chairman Smith explained the process of rental fee increases for the Fair Board facilities that also included a fee increase for use of Memorial Hall. Chairman Smith explained that renting Memorial Hall falls under the Commissioners whereas the other facilities fall under the Fair Board. Chairman Smith said his understanding is the fees were raised to $40 but the fees the Kootenai Kloggers are paying is $25. Ms. Myers said the Kootenai Kloggers had been granted an exemption of the fee increase by a former Fair Board staff member. Clerk Poston said she could look back through the minutes. The $10 included in the fees is for the Fair Board’s work in writing up the agreements, maintaining keys, and meeting the scheduling needs, etc.

 

Chairman Smith said this is an increase of $5 from the previous increase of $35, but Ms. Myers said it’s an increase of $15 for them. Ms. Myers said the Kootenai Kloggers really can’t afford to pay more. If there was a dance, Ms. Myers said she could understand charging more, but not for renting the room on Mondays and Tuesdays. Ms. Myers said she goes to the Fair Board Office twice a year for about one half hour to mark all the days down on the calendar, writes a check for those rental days and that is it so for an extra $10 for each rental day doesn’t seem to warrant that much maintenance money. Ms. Myers said the group just can’t afford it and will have to find someplace else as they just don’t have the members.

 

Commissioner Dinning said the county attorney will say Commissioners are extending credit by giving a break and counties are not allowed to do that. Commissioner Dinning asked Ms. Myers what she would do if she were in Commissioners’ place. Ms. Myers said she would allow the same price as it’s a time when there isn’t a high need for this building. Chairman Smith asked if Mondays and Tuesday are the least likely day people would rent Memorial Hall. Clerk Poston said it’s hard for her to say for sure, but the demand for those days is probably less. Chairman Smith mentioned Ms. Myers saying the Kootenai Kloggers can’t afford the increase and are currently paying $200 per year. If the Kloggers had to pay $40 each time they rent Memorial Hall and went elsewhere because they couldn’t afford that, that is eliminating $200 currently coming to the county. Chairman Smith said the mistake in not increasing their fee in the past has been made, but the Kloggers are already renting the space. Clerk Poston said when Courthouse Maintenance Jerry Kothe brought his budget in he felt the budget needed an increase due to various reasons to include the increased use of the building, increased costs of utilities,  etc., so that was a couple of the reasons the rental fee increased by $5.

 

Commissioner Dinning said his thought is to keep the fee for the Kootenai Kloggers the same for this year, but to give them a year to prepare as an increase will need to be considered. Chairman Smith said he thinks that’s the fair way as well. Clerk Poston said it is telling the Fair staff to make these rental arrangements on one $10 fee so Fair staff is doing the paperwork and dealing with the keys back and forth. Ms. Myers said she has her own set of keys. Clerk Poston said if maintenance issues arise and need to be taken care of to contact Jerry Kothe in Courthouse Maintenance as the Fair staff is not involved with that. Mr. Morin said Mr. Kothe does not do any cleaning for them. Clerk Poston said the renters are supposed to keep the facilities clean, but if they can’t, they need to let Mr. Kothe know, not Ms. Schnepf.

Commissioner Dinning suggested that the Kootenai Kloggers be prepared for an increase this time next year.

 

The meeting with Ms. Myers and Mr. Morin ended at 10:09 a.m.

 

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

 

Commissioner Dinning moved to sign the Professional Services Agreement with Whisper Mountain Professional for the rewrite of the County’s All Hazard Mitigation. Chairman Smith yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Commissioner Dinning moved to sign the fiscal year 2012-2013 contract for law enforcement services for the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho. Chairman Smith yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.  

 

Commissioner Dinning moved to adopt Resolution #2012-41. A resolution increasing fiscal year 2011-2012 Justice Fund Sheriff budget due to receipt of unanticipated revenue. Chairman Smith yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution #2012-41 reads as follows:

 

Resolution 2012-41

 

Increasing Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Justice Fund Sheriff Budget

Due to Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue

 

               WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for the Justice Fund Sheriff Fund for fiscal year 2011-2012; and

 

               WHEREAS, $34,954.03 has been received from the State of Idaho Military Division from the Stonegarden Grant for as reimbursement for overtime wages and expenses; and

 

               WHEREAS, the Boundary County Commissioners deem it in the best interest of the general public of Boundary County to increase the Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Justice Fund Sheriff Budget for that purpose; and

 

               WHEREAS, the addition of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County; and

 

               WHEREAS, it is appropriate to increase the fiscal year 2011-2012 Justice Fund Sheriff Budget revenue account number 0008-00-0324-0010 in the amount of $34,954.03 and expense account numbers as follows:

                                 Account #         Purpose of Reimbursement                         In the Amount of

                              08-02-407-002     County Overtime Wages                                     10,356.34

                              08-02-470-000     Vehicle Fuel                                                           298.32

                              08-02-475-000     Vehicle Repairs                                                      562.48

                              08-02-559-000     City Wages                                                             228.30

                              08-02-559-000     Bonner County Wages                                        23,508.59                                                                                                                      

 

NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,

 

               IT IS RESOLVED that the increase to the fiscal year 2011-2012 Justice Fund Sheriff Budget revenue account number 0008-00-0324-0010 in the amount of $34,954.03 and expense account numbers as listed above in the total amount of $34,954.03 is hereby authorized and ordered; and  

 

               IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk is instructed to deliver certified copies of this resolution to the Boundary County Treasurer and the Boundary County Auditor.

              

DATED this 24th day of September, 2012

                                                                           COUNTY OF BOUNDARY            

                                                            BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                           s/_____________________________

                                                                           RONALD R. SMITH, Chairman

                                                                           s/_____________________________

                                                                                          DAN R. DINNING, Commissioner

                                                                                          s/_____________________________

                                                                                          WALT KIRBY, Commissioner

ATTEST:

s/____________________________________________________

GLENDA POSTON, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners

Recorded as instrument #255221

 

Boundary Volunteer Ambulance President Ken Baker and Clerk Glenda Poston joined the meeting at 10:30 a.m.

 

Commissioner Dinning moved to ratify signing the Independent Contractor Agreement with Bonners Ferry Builders for the addition to the Waterways Building. Chairman Smith yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Commissioner Dinning moved to ratify signing the County’s Alcohol Catering Permit for the Kootenai River Brewing Company for the date of September 15, 2012. Chairman Smith yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

 

10:35 a.m., Commissioner Dinning moved to recess as the Board of County Commissioners and convene as the Governing Board of the Boundary County Ambulance Service District. Chairman Smith yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

 

10:40 a.m., Commissioner Dinning moved to adjourn as the Governing Board of the Ambulance Service District and reconvene as the Board of County Commissioners. Chairman Smith yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Boundary Volunteer Ambulance President Baker left the meeting.

 

Treasurer Jenny Fessler joined the meeting and those present discussed verifying funds received and items discussed at the Idaho Association of Counties Conference.

 

Treasurer Fessler and Clerk Poston left the meeting at 11:00 a.m.

 

11:00 a.m., Area Agency on Aging representatives Gini Woodward, Marilyn Anders and Bob Small joined the meeting to update Commissioners on Agency matters.

 

Ms. Woodward updated Commissioners on matters of the Community Guardianship Board prior to discussing the Area Agency on Aging. Ms. Woodward said the Board of Guardians hasn’t met all summer and there is currently no activity for them. This Board does have a meeting on Wednesday. Ms. Woodward said Board’s application form has been modified listing tighter questions.

 

Commissioners reviewed the budget set for the Community Guardianship Board.

 

Ms. Anders said she wanted to talk about an inventory check to be conducted by Disability Rights Organization of Idaho in regard to polling places. This group will check on polling places for accessibility for disabled individuals and there is a checklist online that lists a number of criteria, according to Ms. Anders. Chairman Smith said he thinks Clerk Poston has worked on that and has received funds for this purpose. It was said the Area Agency on Aging is asking for County representative help in inventory. Chairman Smith said with changing laws counties are responsible for all elections. Commissioner Dinning listed Boundary County’s polling sites. Commissioner Dinning said his concern is rather than having a person go around checking the sites and reporting issues to the state, he thinks the person should be able to notify the county so any issue can be rectified.

 

Clerk Glenda Poston joined the meeting at 11:10 a.m.

 

Ms. Anders said there are a number of organizations that perform these checks. Clerk Poston said she hasn’t been approached by this particular company, but she’s had communication with the Help America Vote Act representatives. Ms. Anders said this company is working to check out the polling sites. Clerk Poston asked Ms. Woodward to let her know if she or others plan on being at the polling sites other than to vote so she can give them identification. Clerk Poston said people are welcome to call her for assistance.

 

Clerk Poston said there are funds available to help make polling sites handicap accessible.

 

Mr. Small said the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) has been going on for 40 years and Boundary County is now his territory. Last year volunteers put in more than 62,000 hours in northern counties, according to Mr. Small. Mr. Small said he has been in public relations, marketing and communications, and has since moved into this program. Mr. Small said he has been a volunteer and knows the importance of volunteerism. Student mentoring programs and community on patrol members were discussed and Mr. Small said he would like to see these services happening in Boundary County more often.

 

Mr. Small said the other reason he’s here is that he would like to get endowment started and he asked Commissioners if they would like to make sure there’s a way to serve the senior population in perpetuity and to not rely on public funding. This endowment is overseen by Inland Northwest Community Foundation who has a stellar reputation for overseeing endowments. Mr. Small said there’s need to create public awareness for this endowment so people know this is an option.  

 

Mr. Small explained that the Area Agency on Aging is a department of North Idaho College. From a taxpayer standpoint, it is a good thing for everyone as there is oversight. One question Mr. Small says the thing is if this is an agency under NIC, why can’t they get the same tax credits for donors who also donate to NIC? There is a two page document that explains the tax advantages for donators. Mr. Small said he would like to have a presence in the community and he asked Commissioners to help get the word out about this organization.

 

Chairman Smith discussed the funding issues the Senior Hospitality Center is having in supporting the senior transportation bus. Ms. Anders said the Senior Center contracts with the Area Agency on Aging for the meal program and transportation service. Ms. Anders said Clif Warren with Community Transportation Association of Idaho is a real advocate for these programs, but unfortunately the Area Agency on Aging took a huge hit in funding. It was a multi-faceted cut in funding and the Agency lost dollars in the state formula, according to Ms. Anders. Ms. Anders said the Agency also did not know that all additional unspent state dollars were returned to the state so when the June invoice for reimbursement was submitted, the state dollars were no longer there so those invoices had to be paid out of fiscal year 2013 budget, which leaves a shortage.

 

The meeting with Ms. Woodward, Ms. Anders, Mr. Small and Clerk Poston ended at 11:30 a.m.

 

Commissioner Dinning moved to amend the agenda for 11:50 a.m., to sign a letter of support for the Historical Society’s efforts to obtain a grant to make repairs to the museum facility as the matter is time sensitive. Chairman Smith yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

 

11:50 a.m., Commissioner Dinning moved to authorize the Chairman to sign a letter of support for the Historical Society in obtaining a grant for repairs to the museum facility. Chairman Smith yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Commissioners recessed for lunch at noon.

 

1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Smith, Commissioner Dinning and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.  

 

1:30 p.m., Commissioners held a bid opening for the County’s fuel supply for fiscal year 2012-2013. Present were: Chairman Ron Smith, Commissioner Dan Dinning, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Road and Bridge Superintendent Jeff Gutshall, Jim Dyck of Dick’s Oil and Auto, and Mike Brown with Blue Sky Broadcasting. The bid opening was recorded.

 

One sealed bid was received from Dyck’s Oil and Auto. A bidder’s security check in the amount of $8,482.35 was included as a 5% of the total amount bid. Chairman Smith reviewed the bid information submitted. The overall total amount bid was $169,647 for unleaded E-10 gasoline, ultra low diesel #2 and dyed diesel #1. Chairman Smith said for clarification that this bid includes all transportation and administrative costs.

 

Commissioner Dinning asked about diesel mark ups and Mr. Dyck said that was for diesel #1. Mr. Gutshall reviewed the bid details and informed Commissioners he had budget available for this.

 

Commissioner Dinning moved to accept the bid of $169,647 from Dyck’s Oil and Auto for the County’s fuel supply for fiscal year 2012-2013. Chairman Smith yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

 

The bid opening ended at 1:45 p.m.

 

1:50 p.m., Solid Waste Superintendent Claine Skeen joined the meeting to follow up on the discussion of obtaining land in Moyie Springs for a monitored site.

 

Commissioner Dinning said he spoke to Damon Allen with the Idaho Transportation Department and was informed that a law was passed in that the state has to appraise their surplus property and also offer the land to neighbors rather than automatically working out a trade or arrangement with the county. Commissioner Dinning said he discussed this with one of the local legislators to explain the difficulties of this process and how it would be helpful to allow trades between government entities. Commissioner Dinning said the county needs to go down the road of a lease option. Mr. Skeen said the only issue with this piece of land is that there are houses across the highway. It was said the county should make a request for a lease and if the property was offered for sale, the process calls for a public auction. Commissioners reviewed a map of the site that Mr. Skeen had. Commissioner Dinning said he would make verbal contact and see what option would be available.

 

The meeting with Mr. Skeen ended at 2:20 p.m.

 

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

 

2:30 p.m., Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac and Clerk Glenda Poston joined the meeting to discuss job descriptions. Commissioners reviewed the revised Planning and Zoning Administrator job description.

 

Clerk Poston and Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac said the Sheriff’s Office had a job description pertaining to 911 and informed Commissioners the employee’s wages will remain the same if a job their transferring to within the county is a lower grade.

 

There is also a new administrative assistant position included in the Sheriff’s Office budget and it is a grade 8, according to Clerk Poston. Clerk Poston informed Commissioners that staff has yet to respond to her office about the status of jail medical reimbursement. There is no one working with the reimbursement and this affects the indigent budget, according to Clerk Poston.

Those present discussed the form to be used for determining an inmate’s indigent status. A memo Commissioners had sent to the Sheriff’s Office explains having the ability to bill for medical issues and the form to be used. Clerk Poston said she would like to include jail medical reimbursement related duties into this new job description.

 

Commissioners, Clerk Poston and Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac discussed various aspects of the Bailiff’s position. Chairman Smith suggested consulting with the Idaho Association of Counties about this position.

 

The meeting with Clerk Poston and Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac ended at 3:10 p.m.

 

There being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.

 

Tuesday, September 25, 2012, Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Ron Smith, Commissioner Dinning and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Commissioner Walt Kirby was out of the office tending to personal matters.

 

9:13 a.m., Deputy Clerk Nancy Ryals joined the meeting.

 

Commissioner Dinning moved to go into closed session under Idaho Code #31-874. Chairman Smith yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. 9:17 a.m., Commissioner Dinning moved to go out of closed session. Chairman Smith yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Commissioner Dinning moved to deny indigent application #2012-30 as per the Clerk’s recommendation. Chairman Smith yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Commissioner Dinning moved to deny the third party application for indigent 2012-34 as the application has been withdrawn. Chairman Smith yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Deputy Clerk Ryals left the meeting at 9:17 a.m.

 

District Forest Ranger Linda McFaddan met with Commissioners to update them on Forest Service matters.

 

Ms. McFaddan said the Forest Service is just working on the normal program work. Field work is wrapping up for the Twenty Mile project and only the soils are left. Ms. McFaddan said she is going to prepare for a meeting with the Forest Subcommittee meeting with the Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative and staff has been in the field gathering data. Ms. McFaddan said so far it has been a slow fire year.

 

Ms. McFaddan spoke of making sure specific grant work is done for year 2012. There is a Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) meeting next Thursday and those present discussed the history of the Fire Safe Program in Boundary County. Commissioners spoke of the need to update the Community Wildfire Protection.

 

The meeting with Ms. McFaddan ended at 9:35 a.m.

 

There being no further business for the morning session, Commissioners recessed until the afternoon session at 1:30 p.m.

 

1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Ron Smith, Commissioner Dan Dinning and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

 

1:30 p.m., Commissioners held a public hearing on Planning and Zoning Application #12-006, a legislative zone map amendment concerning private lots along the Moyie River. Present were: Chairman Ron Smith, Commissioner Dan Dinning, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Planning and Zoning Administrator Dan Studer, Esther Rothwell, Elaine Duncan, Mike Boling, Ken Lustig, Mike LoPorto, Ann Brezina, and Rae Jeanne Adams. The public hearing was recorded.

 

Chairman Smith reviewed the public hearing procedures and explained the application is a legislative zone map amendment to rezone properties along the Moyie River and as it is a legislative matter, conflicts of interest do not apply. The Comprehensive Plan consideration is for urban zone in ag/forestry zone analysis and the upcoming staff report.

 

Chairman Smith asked for the staff report. Mr. Studer said the purpose to rezone multiple properties located in the Moyie River from ag/forestry to suburban as reflected in the County’s Comprehensive Plan map. Mr. Studer continued reading aloud from his staff report. The lots included in the rezone are comprised mostly of one to two acre lots, which were developed and subdivided in the late 1960’s and mid 1970’s primarily as recreational lots. There are no covenants or restrictions associated with these subdivisions, according to Mr. Studer. Because of the physical properties of the land and the layout of the parcels, the majority of the parcels have not been developed due to lack of potable water, insufficient area or soils to allow septic system or lack of utilities. Mr. Studer reviewed the definitions of suburban and ag/forestry to those present. After much consideration it was determined that the suburban zone district best described these parcels even though the majority of them remain under minimum parcel size under the proposed zoning.        

 

If approved, long term affects of this application will result in an increase of development of residential tracts; however, as the majority of a land within the area of rezone is comprised of subdivisions platted more than 40 years ago, the increase is expected to be minimal. The proposed amendment would not result in an increase in property taxes as the underlying zoning is not a factor in assessing taxable property value.

 

Chairman Smith said currently this area is zoned 10 acres as ag/forestry and this zone change would reduce that size to two and one half acres. Cluster development was another provision mentioned in the narrative, according to Mr. Studer. A person could establish a platted subdivision with the properties adjacent to the river being two and one half acres and reserve areas further behind that into perpetuity in either silviculture or agriculture management. Chairman Smith questioned that designation being requested and Mr. Studer said no.

 

Chairman Smith said if this amendment is done, what is the detriment to the landowners with 10 acre parcels? Mr. Studer said there would be no detriment. Mr. Studer said most of the parcels there existing now are non-conforming lots and are even below two and one half acres. Mr. Studer said he would guess that 10% or 20% of the entire area would be affected by someone subdividing to two and one half acres. Mr. Studer said there are over 200 parcels in this area. Chairman Smith asked if the majority of these parcels are 10 acres in size and Mr. Studer said the majority are most likely one to three acres with four acres being pretty good size.   

 

Commissioner Dinning said looking at 13.2.4., that he thought was referenced in a letter written by Brad Littlefield, it talks about, in tracts of land primarily particularly along the upper Moyie River have been recognized and developed primarily for recreational use. That’s what we’re seeing; those parcels being discussed are all small already. The highest and best use for the landowners at this time may be to allow that development to occur or the division down to a smaller parcel. Commissioner Dinning said there are a large number of those parcels that are one acre so the area has been impacted already. Mr. Studer said that was correct. Commissioner Dinning said for clarification the Good Grief area is not included in this process. Mr. Studer said that area is included in this process. It was originally in there at the onset, but we’re just looking at changing ag/forestry to suburban. Commissioner Dinning said that is what he meant; that Commissioners are not considering commercial.

 

Chairman Smith opened the hearing to public testimony and asked for public comments from those in favor to the application followed by comments form those uncommitted to the application. No one from the public spoke.

 

Speaking in opposition was Esther Rothwell, Elaine Duncan and Ken Lustig, all residents on Earl Lane; Mike Boling, resident of Moyie River Road, and Ann Brezina of Buzzard Lake Road.

 

Ms. Rothwell presented Commissioners with a diagram of the Lane’s Subdivision to show Commissioners where she lives in relation to the proposal. Ms. Rothwell pointed out the road that would enter the proposed subdivision that passes her property. Ms. Rothwell said she is across from Feist Creek and Buzzard Ranch and she bought property in this area as it is agricultural and rural. Ms. Rothwell said she is a permanent resident and her concerns include fire safety. Ms. Rothwell explained she was present the day a fire truck tried to go down the road leading to the property in question to get to a house on fire. Ms. Rothwell explained the lack of maintenance on this road to a specific distance. There is no cell service in this area so it takes time to get a response to fire emergencies and the Hall Mountain Fire Department consists of volunteers and she asked Commissioners to consider this before allowing Richard Villelli to subdivide his land.

Ms. Rothwell said there is a lot of recreation in this area and she has concerns about one acre lots, seasonal road maintenance and law enforcement presence, but her biggest concern is fire and a road that is not accessible by the fire trucks.

 

Mr. Studer said for clarification that utilities are required for lots of one to two and one-half acres or two and one-quarter acres in size. Commissioner Dinning said this is referring to a municipal water and sewer system so if both utilities do not exist, the lowest division of property is two and one-half acres. Commissioner Dinning asked Ms. Rothwell if her requirements were met prior to creating smaller divisions, would her concerns be met. Mr. Rothwell said partially, but that area needs water. Commissioner Dinning said for clarity that Ms. Rothwell is concerned about the specific area beyond her property and Ms. Rothwell said yes.

 

Commissioner Dinning asked Ms. Rothwell if her concerns over fire truck access would be alleviated if there were requirements before a division could occur of a smaller size in the suburban zone, that the roads meet an all weather-type standard. Ms. Rothwell said it would partially, but the other side of that pertains to water access. Ms. Rothwell would request that a developer have a water system furnished for the fire trucks as she mentioned the fire department doesn’t get their water from the fire station as there is no well at this time. 

 

Elaine Duncan said she lives south of Ms. Rothwell. Ms. Duncan said he understood that Planning and Zoning staff had recommended denial of the application to rezone and Chairman Smith said the Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended denial. Ms. Duncan said the rezone proposed would not affect lots of one acre or one and one half acres as it really only the larger parcels. Ms. Duncan referenced a comment Mr. Studer made in regards to community well and community water systems. It was mentioned if there were either a community water system or community septic system, but not both then a suburban designation could be reduced to one acre.

 

Mr. Studer said where a community water or sewer service are available lot size can be as low as one acre. Lots with neither of these services can be reduced to two and one half acres. Ms. Duncan asked if a community well is considered a community water service under that definition. Mr. Studer said he would assume so if someone is collecting bills and charging fees, etc. Ms. Duncan said she is asking because of an application that was filed by Mr. Villelli as he has stated in a prior public hearing on this application.    

 

Chairman Smith said if Commissioners approved an application wherein the applicant said they were going to construct a community water system, etc., then approval would be pending that service being made available. 

 

Ms. Duncan said when she and her husband purchased their property she was aware the County’s Comprehensive Plan proposed to rezone this land from ag/forestry to suburban and she said for clarification that she is only speaking in reference to Section 14 and south of Earl Lane Road. Ms. Duncan said she had no opinion at that time, but after living in this area for years and having studied the Comprehensive Plan, she is convinced the rezoning is not a good idea. One reason is that the topography of the land is not suited for denser development. Most of the parcels that could be subdivided are either extremely steep right next to the river or if they’re flat, they have large portions that are marshy part or most of the year. In addition the other flat sections of those parcels that might be developed are sandwiched between the river and the gas pipeline.

 

Ms. Duncan said the second issue is that the area lacks road access. Earl Lane is a dirt road and part of it is a county road up to 384 Earl Lane Road and that part is plowed and maintained by the county. Ms. Duncan said the county road actually continues for another two-tenths of a mile according to a deed, but this portion has never been maintained or plowed and it is a 25 foot easement. Ms. Duncan mentioned the county has a right-of-way standard of 60 feet currently in the Road Standards and this road does not meet this standard and probably couldn’t without a considerable amount of expense. Chairman Smith said the County Road and Bridge Superintendent commented that this road is too narrow and the county probably couldn’t make the road large enough, and just because the road was deeded to the county doesn’t mean it has to be maintained or make it a county road. Chairman Smith said Commissioners checked with their civil attorney about that and he agreed. Ms. Duncan said that really is the crux of the issue for this application because a suburban designation requires a developer to install a county road. Ms. Duncan said the road is not adequate to support greater density. Chairman Smith asked Ms. Duncan if she would approve of the rezone if the road was not an issue. Ms. Duncan said no.

 

Commissioner Dinning asked Mr. Studer about comments made in reference to county standards for roads in a suburban zone. Mr. Studer said he believed there was the ability for reduced standards, but he would have to look that up. Mr. Studer said he thought that came into play in the simple subdivision process where a paved road is not required. Commissioners asked Ms. Duncan to read Section 13.4.6., in the County’s Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Duncan said this pertains to the designation of suburban. Proposed residential development in a suburban area should require the installation of roads up to county standards.

 

Chairman Smith said he has a problem in telling someone to go ahead and put a road in and as long as it meets certain conditions that’s okay with Commissioners. But if all of this is on private property, then he assumes there isn’t too much Commissioners can say about what happens on private ground.

 

Commissioner Dinning said he would like clarity on the road standards issues and if Commissioners are going to accept it, but also there are road requirements in the Ordinance when it comes to simple subdivisions. If it is a simple subdivision, the county just requires proof of access. Mr. Studer said because the property that is being subdivided does not touch a county road, which is where Ms. Rothwell is located then what the County is looking at is a short plat subdivision. Mr. Studer reviewed what is required under the short plat subdivision provision.

 

Chairman Smith said this is about a zone change so in that case, do Commissioners have to abide by these road issues along with the zone change? Mr. Studer said no, not to his current knowledge. Commissioner Dinning said his understanding is that the zone change would allow development to a lesser size. When that development occurs it will be restricted by the conditions within the Ordinance and what is being said is to meet an all weather road standard and he couldn’t recall if it was for four or less parcels. Mr. Studer said the road doesn’t have to be up to the 60 feet paved road as listed in the manual as it could be to a standard that is sufficient for emergency vehicles and all weather access and this is the criteria we’re going by. Mr. Studer said this is also looking at when four or fewer lots are proposed and Commissioners may waive width and slope requirements. Mr. Studer said he is reading from Section 11.3.6., Rural Subdivisions as listed in the Planning and Zoning Ordinance. 

 

Ms. Duncan said she is not trying to deny Mr. Villelli access across her property and that after living in this area for the last five years, she just feels the application is not a good idea.

 

Ken Lustig asked Commissioners what plat they’re talking about and asked about a simple plat. Mr. Studer said Mr. Lustig is referring to a short plat and he explained the process for a short plat. Mr. Studer said divisions of four or fewer are allowed under a short plat. Commissioner Dinning said in response to Mr. Lustig there is law concerning short plats and he explained if someone owned 40 acres in a 10 acre zone, the property owner could split their property into four, 10 acres parcels. Mr. Lustig asked if someone can do a short plat if they’ve already broken up their property over the last 50 years and this is the last of what’s left of it. Mr. Studer said subdividing in a subdivision goes into further restrictions and he would have to research that, but then said that is prohibited. Mr. Lustig said what Mr. Studer read refers to the quality of the road inside the subdivision; not leading to the subdivision, but he sees Commissioners saying, no that involves access to the subdivision. Mr. Lustig said he doesn’t think that was an accurate interpretation. Mr. Lustig said the Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan both refer to standards and we have to agree as to what the standards are.

 

Mr. Lustig spoke of the road and said at one point this road ceased to be maintained for whatever reason. Chairman Smith asked Mr. Lustig if he had information that shows the road was ever maintained. Mr. Lustig said in 1993 that road was rocked all the way to the end of the properties. Chairman Smith asked if that was done by the county and Mr. Lustig said he didn’t know, but he was the only resident who lived on that road in 1993. Mr. Lustig said he guessed it was the gas pipeline company that rocked the road. Chairman Smith said that would not be the county. Mr. Lustig said his point is that when Commissioners are talking about a rezone because these are all previously existing, etc., none of that applies to that parcel south of Section 15. Mr. Lustig also mentioned that this road is also a dead end. Mr. Lustig said the point he is trying to make is when he bought his land in 1992, he bought it deliberately in an ag/forest, dead end road because he wanted the privacy.

 

Mr. Lustig said he has not been in favor of this rezone and one reason is that the Moyie River is at best a modest stream that from mid July to the winter months has a minimal flow that prevents virtually all river activities.

 

Mr. Lustig said there is no definition for an all weather road and the road issue is important because this road is a county road that provides access to this rezone area. Commissioner Dinning said Commissioners have consulted with the county’s attorney about road standards and there are roads that don’t meet today’s standards, but they met the standards in the past. Commissioner Dinning said even though the road is not county maintained it says it is a public road for the public to drive.

 

Mr. Lustig suggested Commissioners work out these issues prior to inviting applications. Mr. Lustig said the cost to improve the size of Earl Lane Road from a 25 foot right-of-way to a 60 foot right-of-way for .4 miles would involve something of a domain purchase and utility work to serve a potential for 20 lots or more and it doesn’t make sense. This road doesn’t serve the public, just the subdivision, if it is allowed.

 

Ann Brezina said she owns a larger parcel in this area and she explained where her residence is. Ms. Brezina listed various issues to include dust being an issue in the summer months and that the people that come to visit in the summer do not respect her animals or the area. Ms. Brezina said the mentality is that the smaller the lots, the more people move to the area who think they’re living in the country and let their dogs run loose. Ms. Brezina said the dogs chase her animals. Thefts have occurred, according to Ms. Brezina. Ms. Brezina said this is specific to the Lane Moyie River Subdivision.

 

Mike Boling said he lives south of the Lane’s subdivision and he has agreed with most of the comments. Mr. Boling listed various issues of concern this area would not be good for a higher density and he continued to mention concerns over dust issues, river recreation, increased litter, and river degradation. Mr. Boling said he concurs with Mr. Lustig, Ms. Duncan and Ms. Rothwell. Mr. Boling said he is on the Board of Commissioners for the Hall Mountain Fire Association and he was present when the fire truck got stuck on Earl Lane Road and he felt methods for improved access need to be in place if there is higher density. Mr. Boling said he hoped the county’s fire marshal would have input on this matter.                    

 

Mr. Lustig presented a letter from the Howell’s for the record.

 

Commissioners closed the hearing to public testimony. Commissioner Dinning said the area of concern is the Lane’s Moyie River area south of the Section 15 corner and significant information has been brought forward. Chairman Smith said there are too many issues that he would like to take under advisement.

 

Ms. Duncan handed Commissioners written information and pictures of the area in question to keep with the original Planning and Zoning file.

 

Chairman Smith said there are too many things that have been said that is not according to the County’s Comprehensive Plan such as roads, etc., and he doesn’t feel comfortable making a decision. Commissioner Dinning said he had only planned on making a motion on another piece where there had been no concerns. Chairman Smith said the request is to rezone all of the particular areas. Commissioner Dinning said Commissioners don’t have to include all areas in the rezone. Chairman Smith said if there was a motion to approve a rezone for a portion of the area, he would probably vote no and he would prefer to take the matter under advisement to another date. Chairman Smith said he would also like to have Attorney Robinson present as questions may come up.

 

Commissioner Dinning said there has been no one speaking against the Nixon Moyie River area and the Welcome Ranch area. These areas consist of different topographies and different situations. The Lane Moyie River is the area that has been spoken against, except as he understood, anything lying north of Section 15 would be acceptable to include in the rezone. Commissioner Dinning said he understood that the area south of Section 15 was the concern. Chairman Smith said if he could get a consensus that everyone at this hearing is okay with rezoning those other areas and excluding Lane’s Moyie River Subdivision at this time, then he would go along with that. Commissioner Dinning said the Queen Mountain/Twin Bridges area has county road frontage with the exception of two parcels.

 

Rae Jeanne Adams said her assumption was that there wasn’t going to be a partial decision. That is was either rezone or not rezone and nothing would be separated out.

 

Commissioners were asked by a member of the public if they received correspondence from Vic Chevren as he lives north on the Buzzard Lake Road. Commissioners said they had.  

 

Commissioner Dinning moved to approve the Queen Mountain/Twin Bridges rezone and the Nixon’s Moyie rezone and either continue, depending on discussion, or deny the Welcome Ranch and the Lane’s Moyie River areas. Chairman Smith said he would second the motion, but he would vote no, unless the motion incorporated all areas. Commissioner Dinning said he must have misunderstood Chairman Smith’s prior comments.

 

Commissioner Dinning moved to continue this public hearing in order to take it under advisement until Monday, October 1, 2012 at 10:15 a.m., only for the purpose of setting the future date of the final hearing to include the County’s attorney and staff. Chairman Smith yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.    

 

The public hearing ended at 3:20 p.m.

 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m.

 

                                                            /s/

                                                            RONALD R. SMITH, Chairman

ATTEST:

 

/s/

GLENDA POSTON, Clerk

By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy