County commission minutes, February 25-26
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March 8, 2013 |
***Monday, February 25, 2013, Commissioners met
in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning,
Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt
Kirby, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Clerk Glenda Poston joined the meeting.
9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Superintendent Jeff
Gutshall joined the meeting to give the
departmental report. Mr. Gutshall presented a
written report. Mr. Gutshall said Assistant
Superintendent Ken Arthur completed a lot of
road sign work in the last week. Mr. Gutshall
explained the work done by the Durapatcher to
Commissioner Pinkerton in that the Durapatcher
makes a hot mix emulsion that is similar to
chipseal and it’s used to fill potholes. The
worst of the potholes are taken care of first,
according to Mr. Gutshall.
Mr. Gutshall said Road and Bridge started
working at the top end of Fleming Creek Road
this Sunday and the perception is that this is
overtime work, but it is not. Mr. Gutshall said
the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
requires an annual refresher training, which is
tomorrow and will last all day.
Mr. Gutshall resumed his discussion with
Commissioners regarding his lease/purchase
strategy. Mr. Gutshall presented Commissioners
with a list of equipment the Road and Bridge
Department maintains and repairs along with a
list of his department staff and their duties.
Mr. Gutshall said Road and Bridge equipment is
on a five to seven year rotation and most of the
equipment his department has is on its third
year of rotation. Mr. Gutshall explained that he
is aiming to decrease his Capital Equipment
budget. Mr. Gutshall informed Commissioners the
total number on his report represents payments.
Mr. Gutshall discussed his past purchases and
buyback options and explained that he is able to
return one piece of equipment for $174,000. Mr.
Gutshall spoke of his thought to return Grader
G33 and mentioned that he had ran expenses for
average annual ownership costs for work put into
the equipment and paid under warranty. When the
figures were added up between two graders the
average cost was approximately $15,000 for the
work that went into it. Mr. Gutshall said he
would be ahead by getting rid of equipment at
five years and he explained why. Chairman
Dinning asked where Mr. Gutshall foresees the
county being able to not have a payment. Mr.
Gutshall said he doesn’t see there not ever
being a payment.
Mr. Gutshall said when he returns Grader 33 he
is gaining $11,000 in addition to the buyback as
he is able to return this grader with its
original tires. Mr. Gutshall said he’s at a
point where he would like to reduce the number
of graders from four to three. Dust abatement
has made a situation where grading is not needed
as often. The biggest effect of having three
graders would be to double shift if need be and
winter time would be the most affected. Chairman
Dinning said at least the plows can get the
roads open. Mr. Gutshall said the excavator is
the piece of equipment getting the most use.
Chairman Dinning questioned if Western
States/CAT would offer one more year of warranty
coverage if the county retained a leased piece
of equipment for seven years or would there have
to be a new lease. Chairman Dinning said
Commissioners and Mr. Gutshall will just keep
talking this through.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked how many pieces of
equipment are due to be paid off this year. Mr.
Gutshall said there is one piece of equipment to
let go in March, which is Grader 33 and he would
get $175,000 back. Commissioner Pinkerton
discussed the issue of budget cuts and Mr.
Gutshall said that’s why Grader 33 is not
getting replaced. Mr. Gutshall said he’s let two
positions go due to attrition and that is
permanent.
Those present discussed the scenario of having
the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding
reauthorized versus not.
Courthouse Maintenance Jerry Kothe joined the
meeting at 9:35 a.m.
Mr. Gutshall said the last reason to trade in
Grader 33 is that the money coming in can be
used for as much road treatment as possible.
Commissioner Pinkerton briefly mentioned taking
$174,000 gained from Grader 33 and paying it
back on the excavator. Mr. Gutshall said the
warranty would still be good.
The meeting with Mr. Gutshall ended at 9:45 a.m.
Mr. Kothe met with Commissioners to provide a
department report. Mr. Kothe presented a written
report. Mr. Kothe’s report included mention of
trimming the smaller trees along the Courthouse.
Commissioners briefly reviewed the list of items
needing maintenance by Mr. Kothe. Those present
discussed looking into having the carpets
cleaned in the Courthouse. Mr. Kothe said he has
completed most tasks on his list with the
exception of replacing the fawcett in the
Extension Office, but it’s hard to find time as
the Extension Office is often rented.
The meeting with Mr. Kothe ended at 9:55 a.m.
South Boundary Fire District Chief Tony
Rohrwasser joined the meeting.
10:00 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to recess
as the Board of County Commissioners and convene
as the Boundary County Ambulance District
Governing Board. Commissioner Pinkerton second.
Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the minutes
of January 28, 2013. Commissioner Pinkerton
second. Motion passed unanimously.
Clerk Poston said she doesn’t have the total
valuation of the county yet as far as
determining the levy for the Ambulance Service
District. Chairman Dinning said he recalled the
statement the levy would generate approximately
$300,000 to $342,000. Commissioners will have to
make a budget call as to how much funding to
generate that first year. Chairman Dinning
explained that if the Commissioners don’t levy
the full amount that first year, they will never
be able to levy the full amount. Chairman
Dinning said it’s his thought and in his
discussions as far as the current contract,
Boundary County via the Ambulance Service
District would enter into an agreement with
Boundary Volunteer Ambulance to levy the full
amount the first year. Out of that first year’s
levy, the amount of $80,000 borrowed for
Boundary Volunteer Ambulance will be repaid with
interest to the Solid Waste Department’s budget
and the remainder of the levy could be used to
potentially fund the next two years so the only
levy would be that first year initially. During
the fourth year the county would again levy the
full amount. Commissioner Kirby said the county
would only levy every four years and Boundary
County will administer the funds.
Chairman Dinning said on today’s agenda at 11
a.m., Boundary Volunteer Ambulance Board
Chairman Jim Paulus is coming in to meet with
Commissioners. Chairman Dinning said he’s trying
to avoid a situation like the last year when
everything came down to the last day and he
would like to know if an agreement can be
reached. Commissioners will have to determine
what the levy will be. Clerk Poston said budget
time is next month and the Ambulance District
will receive a notice of that. Chairman Dinning
said he learned through Idaho Code the Ambulance
Service District cannot contract as that has to
be done through County Commissioners.
Commissioner Kirby said it has been Chairman
Dinning who has been able to keep this process
going. Chairman Dinning said this matter is back
at square one.
10:15 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to adjourn
as the Boundary County Ambulance Service
District Governing Board until March 18, 2013
and moved to reconvene as the Boundary County
Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Pinkerton
second.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
10:30 a.m., Assessor Dave Ryals joined the
meeting at Commissioners’ request.
Chief Rohrwasser said last year he brought in
requests from property owners who wished to have
their properties annexed into the South Boundary
Fire District. Chief Rohrwasser explained that a
step was missed in that the Fire District needed
to first have a public hearing on this matter
and that has since been done. Chief Rohrwasser
said the minutes from that public hearing have
been submitted for those three separate requests
and a copy of the newspaper affidavit of that
public hearing is also included. The letter of
request to Commissioners includes parcel
information and where the parcels sit on the
map. Chief Rohrwasser informed Commissioners
these parcels are not served by any other fire
district. Chairman Dinning said in the minutes
from year 2005 it states there needs to be a map
generated. Assessor Ryals said it is a tax code
area map and that map will come from the State
Tax Commission. Assessor Ryals said
Commissioners will need to send information such
as the legal descriptions to the State Tax
Commission and it was suggested to use the legal
description from the deeds.
Chairman Dinning said Commissioners could
approve this matter subject to legal counsel
review to make sure annexation is being done
properly. Chief Rohrwasser said he has a letter
from each property owner and Commissioners
reviewed the information.
Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the requests
for annexation of properties into the South
Boundary Fire Protection District from Damon and
Leona Norman, Bruce Grobman and Violet and Jerry
Davis subject to legal review by the county’s
civil attorney. Commissioner Pinkerton second.
Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with Chief Rohrwasser ended.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
11:00 a.m., Boundary Volunteer Ambulance (BVA)
Board Chairman Jim Paulus and President/EMT Ken
Baker joined the meeting.
Chairman Dinning said he wanted to start the
discussion to figure out what takes place next
in the matter regarding ambulance service.
Chairman Dinning said not to blame anyone, but
what has occurred in the past has no place now
and he would like to know what can be done to
move forward and to not have this matter drag
on.
Mr. Paulus reviewed the list of BVA board
members to include: Brian Strong, himself, Pat
Warkentin, Erika Denning, and Dan Moore. Mr.
Paulus said his board had a meeting the other
night and they reviewed things that are needed
as an ambulance service in order to provide that
service to the county. Mr. Paulus said the board
reviewed old notes and contracts. From what is
seen in the current contract the county would
like to have a County Commissioner on the new
District board and that’s an open discussion,
but when he saw that he felt it was a conflict
of interest putting forth the funding and being
on the District’s board at the same time.
Chairman Dinning said the county’s civil
attorney said it was not a conflict and that
Commissioners are able to serve on a variety of
boards.
Chairman Dinning said what had been missing was
communication between the Board of County
Commissioners and BVA. Commissioners wanted to
have meetings with BVA in order to help BVA
understand the county’s position.
It was mentioned that a representative from
Boundary Community Hospital is also to sit on
the board of the Ambulance Service District. Mr.
Paulus said he hasn’t been appointed by Hospital
CEO/CFO Craig Johnson, but he is also on the
Hospital Board so he doesn’t know if that
counted as a representative of the Hospital or
not.
Chairman Dinning said the Boundary County Board
of Commissioners does not have to be on the
board and instead could appoint a designee.
Chairman Dinning said he would draw the Boundary
County Ambulance Service District Governing
Board off to side of County Commissioners since
the Ambulance District doesn’t have the ability
to contract by law.
Commissioner Pinkerton mentioned Mr. Paulus’
position on the Hospital Board, but that he
hasn’t actually been appointed by Mr. Johnson to
be a designee. Commissioner Pinkerton said the
agreement specifies a designee and that would
need to be on file as making decisions. There
needs to be a written confirmation on the
designees. Chairman Dinning said this new board
will not be in place until October 1, 2013 and
this new board will also not be in place if a
financial agreement cannot be reached. BVA has a
new board that has nothing to do with this
agreement today. Chairman Dinning reiterated
that the new structure won’t go into effect
until October 1, 2013 so operations are still
under the current system and Mr. Paulus is not
representing the Hospital in any circumstance.
Chairman Dinning said Mr. Johnson informed him
at the beginning of the contract that he is
willing to serve. Mr. Paulus said he has seen
things in the current contract dated July 27,
2012 to solidify that will be a multi-year
contract. Mr. Paulus said BVA, to his
understanding, is an independent contractor to
the county who is mandated by the federal
government to have ambulance service. BVA is
looking for a multi-contract and needs the .04
levy and he understands that entire amount is
given.
Chairman Dinning said before moving further and
in thinking of the agreement, the county would
like the Ambulance District to function without
having to levy that amount every year. In the
first year $80,000 has to be paid back to the
Solid Waste Department so that amount comes
right off the top that first year. The hope is
to not have to levy for the next two years after
that first year and to be able to function off
that first year’s levy. Then on the fourth year
the county will levy for the Ambulance Service
District again. Chairman Dinning said those had
been the discussions and he wants everyone to
know what was discussed. The highest priority is
looking at the agreement.
Mr. Paulus said he also understands the county
wants a five year budget from BVA and that has
been put together. It was said BVA Treasurer
Edna Runyan is to provide the current budget and
five year plan. Chairman Dinning said the county
cannot commit to a five year plan as
Commissioners can’t encumber the next Board of
County Commissioners and that is per Idaho Code.
Commissioner Kirby said Commissioners cannot
sign the contact without an exit clause.
Mr. Paulus said one of BVA’s concerns as a Board
is they have to have a budget and they had sat
down to propose a budget for the next years.
Commissioners said they would try to accommodate
that to best of their ability.
Mr. Baker explained that various counties
operate and manage their ambulance service
districts differently. Mr. Paulus spoke of
wanting to clean up the perception of BVA. BVA
wants to work with County Commissioners and want
to start fresh. Mr. Paulus said BVA has standard
operating procedures and standard operating
guidelines and it is very professionally done.
Mr. Paulus informed Commissioners how much
funding the ambulance districts in Libby,
Montana and Bonner County receive and said BVA
is only requesting $342,000. Chairman Dinning
explained how the county usually only collects a
certain percentage of taxes and out of that
percentage $80,000 needs to be reimbursed to the
Solid Waste Department. It was estimated the
amount in tax collected for the Ambulance
District could be in the $220,000 range the
first year.
Chairman Dinning said in looking at tax deeding,
tax cancellations and extensions County
Commissioners have a responsibility to the
taxpayer. An ambulance tax of $40 per an
assessed value of $100,000 can be a lot for some
people.
President Baker said he would put together a
presentation as to what’s required of an
ambulance service and associated expenses.
President Baker said the county needs to decide
what kind of service it wants such as if the
county is okay with basic life support (BLS) and
the possibility it could take one half hour to
get to someone in need. Chairman Dinning spoke
of possible legislative changes such as losing
Secure Rural Schools funding and losing personal
property taxes and how that falls back onto the
taxpayers. Clerk Poston said monies will also be
lost for the schools if Secure Rural Schools is
not reauthorized. Chairman Dinning said it’s not
that the county doesn’t want to pay half a
million dollars, but there are also other things
the county is faced with.
Chairman Dinning asked that BVA’s board come to
Commissioners with a date to start discussing a
contract. Commissioners and Mr. Paulus scheduled
a date to meet.
The meeting with Mr. Paulus and Mr. Baker ended
at 11:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m., Boundary Community Hospital CEO/CFO
Craig Johnson and Hospital Board of Trustees
Chairman Elden Koon joined the meeting to
provide Commissioners with an update on Hospital
matters.
Mr. Johnson said the Hospital ended the year in
the red, but that’s counting depreciation and
bad debt otherwise finances would be in the
black. January 2013 was a good month for the
Hospital. Late in year 2013 the Hospital will
start the computerized management portion of the
Meditech System, which is the last piece of the
program. Mr. Johnson gave a brief explanation of
the Meditech System for computerized health
records.
Mr. Johnson spoke of the physicians on staff.
Chairman Dinning asked if it would be feasible
to hire a physician just starting out and Mr.
Johnson said that’s why did the Hospital entered
into a venture with Kootenai Medical Center as
most new physicians want to be employed, but not
yet start their own practice. The Hospital is
always recruiting, according to Mr. Johnson. Mr.
Johnson said he’s looking to remodel the old
clinic in order to house two physicians. There
is a joint recruiting agreement and another
agreement to bring in specialists. The Hospital
wants to have an ear, nose and throat physician
and a urologist. Sandpoint Women’s Health is
here every Tuesday so that is also a big plus
and orthopedics is available on Thursday. Mr.
Johnson said he has to work on getting a
pulminologist to the area, but it will be hard.
Boundary Community Hospital doesn’t have enough
patients for a fulltime pulminologist, but
Kootenai Medical Center may be able to provide
the days needed.
Chairman Dinning asked if BVA has worked out a
training schedule with Dr. Willis and Mr.
Johnson said Dr. Willis has been doing some
training. Mr. Johnson said for emergency medical
service the county will get there, but it needs
to be done the right way. Mr. Johnson informed
Commissioners the Hospital Board of Trustees
meetings are usually the 4th Friday at noon.
The meeting with Mr. Johnson and Mr. Koon ended
at 11:55 a.m.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the letter
of support for the Boundary County Youth Crisis
and Domestic Violence Hotline in their efforts
to obtain a grant as it is a time sensitive
matter. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed
unanimously.
12:00 p.m., There being no further business,
Commissioners recessed until tomorrow at 9:00
a.m.
***Tuesday, February 26, 2013, Commissioners met
in regular session with Chairman Dan R. Dinning,
Commissioner LeAlan L. Pinkerton, Commissioner
Walt Kirby and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
9:00 a.m., Commissioners held an elected
officials/department heads meeting. Present
were: Treasurer Jenny Fessler, Solid Waste
Superintendent Claine Skeen, Clerk Glenda
Poston, Assessor Dave Ryals, Courthouse
Maintenance Jerry Kothe, County Noxious Weeds
Superintendent Duke Guthrie, Road and Bridge
Superintendent Jeff Gutshall, Extension Office
Educator Carol Hampton, Chief Probation Officer
Stacy Brown, Prosecutor’s Office Manager Tammie
Goggia, Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac, and
Planning and Zoning Administrator Dan Studer.
Chairman Dinning thanked those present for their
participation in the Idaho Counties Risk
Management Program (ICRMP) training as it
resulted in a 5% discount in the county’s
insurance.
Chairman Dinning discussed the legislation
surrounding the potential loss of personal
property tax. Chairman Dinning said he doesn’t
know anything yet, but the Idaho Association of
Counties (IAC), the Governor’s Office and school
districts are in negotiation to figure something
out that won’t harm counties. There will be a
legislative update this afternoon on this and
anyone is welcome to attend.
Budget information will be sent out to the
county departments mid April and are due back to
the Clerk by May 20, 2013. Chairman Dinning
asked those present to be as conservative with
their budgets as possible and as the county goes
forward Commissioners don’t know if Secure Rural
Schools funding will be reauthorized. The
thought is the Senate had voted to reauthorize
this funding, but it isn’t yet known what will
happen in the House. Clerk Poston said Secure
Rural Schools funding came in at 1.2 million
dollars, which is shared between the Road and
Bridge Department and the school district. The
school district receives approximately 30% of
Secure Rural Schools funds.
Chairman Dinning said each county department has
a page on the county’s website, but in the past
each office hadn’t been able to individually
update their own webpage and Commissioners are
trying to change that. Dan Studer and Gary
Falcon have put time into working on this so
Commissioners would like each office to learn
from them how to update their webpage.
Chairman Dinning reiterated his appreciation in
that all county departments get along with each
other as has not been the case in other
counties. Chairman Dinning asked those present
to never hesitate approaching Commissioners
about anything or about suggestions they have.
Chairman Dinning said Commissioners have to make
decisions for everyone so don’t be afraid to
approach them.
Assessor Ryals questioned who to approach with
questions about the Courthouse telephone system
as it had been Ron Sukenik who dealt with this
in the past. Clerk Poston said this task is
listed on the new job description for the
bailiff and interviews for this position will
take place tomorrow.
Chairman Dinning provided a brief update on the
county’s civil attorney and said that Attorney
Phil Robinson is able to handle questions on
smaller routine matters.
Commissioners reminded those present that any
maintenance matters for Mr. Kothe can be left
with Commissioners who will forward it on to Mr.
Kothe. Mr. Kothe discussed the issue involving
hot water in the restrooms and he said there
isn’t enough power to heat more water.
Clerk Poston said the school district election
is on March 12th and her staff has been to
election training.
Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac briefly
mentioned providing Commissioners with the
report for vacation time overage.
Mr. Guthrie informed Commissioners he was
awarded a $20,000 grant so he will work on that.
This is Title II funding, according to Mr.
Guthrie.
The elected officials/department heads meeting
ended at 9:25 a.m.
Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac and Clerk Poston
remained after the meeting to discuss the
reports of vacation overage incurred by county
employees. The allowed maximum amount of
vacation hours on the books is mentioned in the
County’s Personnel Policy and this policy hasn’t
changed in many years. Commissioner Pinkerton
asked if employees are asked to plan vacations
ahead of time. Chairman Dinning said if the
employee has not been allowed the opportunity to
use their vacation time, that is a different
situation. If the employee can’t use vacation
hours due to circumstances beyond their control,
the county could be liable for those hours.
9:37 a.m., The Restorium Department status
report was cancelled as the Restorium
Administrator did not show up.
Those present continued the discussion of excess
vacation hours not used by a certain date.
The meeting with Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac and
Clerk Poston ended at 9:45 a.m.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the
minutes of February 11 & 12, 2013 and February
18 & 19, 2013. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion
passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to cancel year 2012
taxes totaling $64.14 and penalties totaling
$10.68 for parcel #PP62N02E187652A as the
business closed in year 2010. Commissioner Kirby
second. Motion passed unanimously.
Treasurer Jenny Fessler joined the meeting to
inform Commissioners of a tax matter involving a
possible hardship.
Commissioner Kirby moved to grant an extension
of time to pay year 2012 taxes for parcel
#MH65N01W350752A until on June 20, 2013.
Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed
unanimously.
Treasurer Fessler left the meeting at 9:50 a.m.
10:00 a.m., Planning and Zoning Administrator
Dan Studer joined the meeting to discuss
Planning and Zoning related matters.
Mr. Studer spoke of land split matters, the
letters to property owners he had sent and how
some property owners have not been responsive.
Mr. Studer discussed one issue with Idaho Land
Sales and Chairman Dinning asked Mr. Studer to
contact the county attorney to clarify the
proper steps to take.
Mr. Studer discussed an issue with a property
previously listed for sale on the Lions Den/Snow
Creek Road pertaining to a property split and
sequence of events. Chairman Dinning said the
timeline is messed up, but the prior owner had
approval to do what he did under the prior
ordinance.
Mr. Studer suggested the two lots be deemed
buildable. Chairman Dinning asked Mr. Studer to
keep the written information on this matter.
Commissioner Pinkerton said he’s concerned
because the property grew so whose land does it
include. Those present reviewed a small map
provided by Mr. Studer.
Mr. Studer said he would like Commissioners to
approve his decision. Mr. Studer said his
information to the property owner is that the
property is a non-conforming parcel that was
purchased and it is not buildable, but in this
instance the solution would fix the readjustment
of acreage. Mr. Studer said he just wanted
Commissioners to be informed of what is going
on. Mr. Studer said these issues need to be
addressed with the realtors as these
descriptions are not acceptable. Mr. Studer said
he would type something to have on file
explaining that after review and timeline of
events, the splits were not allowed, but now
upon the advice of the county, the property has
now been deemed a buildable lot. Chairman
Dinning suggested Attorney Phil Robinson review
the matter. Mr. Studer said false representation
is a misdemeanor.
The meeting with Mr. Studer ended at 10:20 a.m.
10:25 a.m., Deputy Clerk Nancy Ryals joined the
meeting.
Commissioner Kirby moved to accept the
assignment to the Catastrophic Health Care
Program as follows: Indigent accounts 2011-30
and 2011-49 at 86.97%, indigent account 2012-17
at 82.34%, indigent account 2012-32 at 87.33%,
indigent accounts 2012-21 and 2012-26 at 95.56%,
and indigent account 2012-36 at 30.61%.
Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed
unanimously.
Deputy Clerk Ryals left at 10:30 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
Boundary County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Tevis
Hull joined the meeting at 10:40 a.m.
10:40 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to go into
executive session under Idaho Code #67-2345(1)f,
to communicate with legal counsel for the public
agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and
legal options for pending litigation, or
controversies not yet being litigated but
imminently likely to be litigated. Commissioner
Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as
follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner
Pinkerton “aye”, and Commissioner Kirby “aye”.
Motion passed unanimously. 11:00 a.m.,
Commissioner Kirby moved to go out of executive
session. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion
passed unanimously.
11:00 a.m., Bonners Ferry Herald Reporter Laura
Roady, property owner Mike Oehler and Eric Grace
with Kaniksu Land Trust in Sandpoint joined the
meeting.
Mr. Oehler met with Commissioners to discuss
offering his property to the county in the
future for the purpose of being used as a park
and to maintain the underground houses and
trees. Mr. Oehler said he would like the
property to keep its old growth trees. This
property consists of 45 acres in the Moravia
area.
Commissioner Kirby said San Diego County has an
operational park that was property donated to
them to be used as a park, etc. Commissioner
Kirby said the county had fulfilled the offering
property owner’s wish and it turned out to be a
beautiful thing.
Mr. Oehler said he would like a crew of three
couples to take over the land. The land has to
be thinned for fire purposes as he thinks the
big fires will come through again. Mr. Oehler
said he would like to have something so kids can
see an old growth forest and the property is at
that stage now.
Chairman Dinning said Mr. Oehler was going to
give some further thought to what he wanted the
county to do. Mr. Oehler said he doesn’t want
the old growth cut and he wants the houses
preserved. Mr. Oehler said he would like to see
a mini village on the property such as houses
made of other materials such as straw bales,
rammed earth, sand tubes, sand sacks, cob houses
and six other possible materials. Mr. Oehler
said he had suggested the county or people who
will take the land receive income from renting
out the houses on the land. Chairman Dinning
said he’s sure the county’s insurance carrier
would not think it was a normal government
function for a county to own rental property.
Chairman Dinning said it may be better to keep
government out of this because sometimes when
governments own property all kinds of
restrictions can be placed that will keep the
goal from being realized. Chairman Dinning said
he doesn’t think government will be able to do a
lot of what Mr. Oehler is requesting.
Mr. Grace said he’s just tying to get Mr.
Oehler’s wishes accomplished. Commissioner
Pinkerton said he thinks it’s a wonderful thing
to think outside of the box for a wonderful use
of property. Commissioner Pinkerton said he also
agrees with Chairman Dinning about the
restrictions and added that the ideas Mr. Oehler
has could be a good opportunity for a college to
use as research. The property could be used for
engineering studies and could also bring in
tourism. Commissioner Pinkerton said he thinks
it’s an honorable thing and he applauded Mr.
Oehler. Commissioner Pinkerton said the county
doesn’t have that kind of funding to go forward,
but maybe a university could be a sponsor for
this type of event and that brings the county,
by default, to benefit from it.
Mr. Oehler said he’s still interested in doing
this experimental village in a specific area,
but he knows there are restrictions for
dwellings on the property. Chairman Dinning
mentioned cluster development and explained what
would be allowed, but in doing that it would
limit the rest of the property, but it allows
for the concept of keeping the structures closer
together. Chairman Dinning said Commissioner
Pinkerton had a good idea with colleges and
researchers. Commissioner Pinkerton said he
feels that would go a long way and a lot of time
has been spent on this. Mr. Oehler said that is
a good idea and he would go to the University of
Idaho and visit their architecture department.
Mr. Oehler informed Commissioners of an issue he
will have with an expected delivery due to
spring break up and road closures so
Commissioners will have Road and Bridge
Superintendent Jeff Gutshall contact Mr. Oehler
about a permit.
The meeting with Mr. Oehler ended at 11:50 a.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 11:50 a.m.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the
afternoon session with Chairman Dinning,
Commissioner Pinkerton, Commissioner Kirby and
Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
1:30 p.m., Commissioner Pinkerton 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. Commissioner
Kirby second. Commissioners voted as follows:
Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton
“aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion
passed unanimously. 1:50 p.m., Commissioner
Pinkerton moved to go out of executive session.
Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed
unanimously.
Commissioner Kirby conducted the quarterly jail
inspection of the Boundary County Jail.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
3:30 p.m., Commissioners participated in a
legislative conference call. Present were:
Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner LeAlan
Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda
Poston, Treasurer Jenny Fessler, Assessor Dave
Ryals, the elected officials from the five
northern counties, Fremont County Clerk Abbie
Mace, and Tony Poinelli and Seth Grigg from the
Idaho Association of Counties.
Those participating in the conference call
discussed matters to include oversize truck
permits, oversees electors, Board of
Commissioner boundaries, personal property
taxes, rights-of-way, emailing assessment
notices, and annexations and de-annexations from
fire taxing districts.
The legislative conference call ended at 4:10
p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting
adjourned at 4:15 p.m.
/s/
DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
/s/
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk |
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