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***Monday,
April 1, 2013, Commissioners met in
regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning,
Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt
Kirby, and Deputy Clerk Nancy Ryals.
Clerk Glenda Poston joined the meeting. Laura
Roady, Reporter for Bonners Ferry Herald and
Mike Brown, Blue Sky Broadcasting Reporter
joined the meeting.
Just prior to the meeting, Coroner Mick Mellett
and Prosecutor Jack Douglas dropped by.
Prosecutor Douglas
informed Commissioners that the county should
authorize cremation of the unclaimed body.
Commissioner Kirby moved to amend the agenda for 9:02 a.m. on a time sensitive matter regarding an
unclaimed body. Commissioner Pinkerton second.
Motion passed unanimously
Commissioner Kirby moved to authorize the
cremation of the unclaimed body at the
recommendation of the
County
Prosecutor. Commissioner Pinkerton
second. Motion passed unanimously.
9:02 a.m.,
Road and Bridge Superintendent Jeff Gutshall
joined the meeting to give the departmental
report. No written report was presented. Mr.
Gutshall reported that more roads are opened
than closed currently. Roads are being graded as
can be. The Road and Bridge Department is
getting the crusher ready to run. The Department
finished work on the Nystrom Hill portion of
Pleasant Valley Loop.
Bridge replacement on Deep Creek Loop for
Deep
Creek Bridge
number two, located north of Doyle’s Road, is
scheduled for August, 2013, according to Mr.
Gutshall. This is the last remaining narrow
bridge on that road. Deep Creek Loop road will
be closed at that bridge for 60 days, according
to Mr. Gutshall. The slough just past the golf
course on Deep Creek Loop, just beyond the
underpass, will cause road closure for up to 20
days while that area is being worked on. It is
possible that Lion’s
Den Road could be
partially closed while work is being done on it.
Due to all of the road work during the month of
August, people will have to use
Pleasant Valley Road
as an alternate route. Lions
Den Road
should not be closed completely but may be
reduced to one lane. Chairman Dinning commented
that all emergency response organizations need
to be made aware of the road closure plans. Mr.
Gutshall stated that there will be dust
abatement and good visibility on the alternate
routes. Road and Bridge is hoping that Lion’s
Den Road
and Deep Creek Loop won’t be closed, or
partially closed in the case of Lion’s
Den Road, at the same
time. They are hoping to keep one lane open on
Lion’s Den Road
at all times.
Mr. Gutshall reported that the Road and Bridge
Department also fixed a couple of sloughs. Mr.
Gutshall spoke of work by the phone company on
county rights of way in a particular area.
Chairman Dinning mentioned briefly that there
was a letter sent from some legislators to the
President of the
United States
regarding Secure Rural School (SRS) funds and
the sequester.
Mr. Gutshall spoke about the final design on the
Deep Creek slide stating that Federal Highways
is still bucking the trench drain design. Mr.
Gutshall stated that Idaho Transportation
Department (ITD) doesn’t want to do any
mitigation. The county did the culverts,
patching and barricades and the county can show
$29,000.00 worth of work. The county put a
trench drain in about eight or nine years ago
and it could be impacted, according to Mr.
Gutshall. Road and Bridge has all expenses
documented and if need be the county will bill
the state, but it makes sense to do it as part
of the upcoming project.
Road & Bridge Superintendent Jeff Gutshall and
Bonners Ferry Herald Reporter Laura Roady left
the meeting at 9:16 a.m.
9:30 a.m.,
Commissioners met with Emergency Management
Director Dave Kramer. Mr. Kramer gave an update
on the 2012 Bureau of Homeland Security Grant
Program (HSGP). The county is still working on
closing out the 2010 HSGP grant. $50,306.00 was
the original 2010 grant amount. The grant funds
have to be used for first responder type
agencies. Road and Bridge Department radios were
upgraded with some of those funds. $38,462.00
was awarded for 2011 HSGP. Emergency Management
will just be starting to use the 2011 funds.
$21,155.91 is the amount of the 2012 HSGP grant.
Mr. Kramer informed Commissioners that he
recommends signing the 2012 grant documents
adding that it could be awhile before those
funds are spent; however, if there is a need
today the funds can be spent today. Mr. Kramer
stated that with HSGP funding, Emergency
Management made sure the first responders,
including the Sheriff’s Office, Road and Bridge
and the fire departments, got narrow band
radios. During Local Emergency Planning
Committee (LEPC) and fire chief meetings, the
group tries to determine what the needs are.
Mr. Kramer reported that there is an active
shooter table top exercise coming up this month.
This exercise is not for the law enforcement
function. It is to see where some weaknesses are
for the schools. Commissioner Pinkerton asked
what they are trying to accomplish with the
exercise. Mr. Kramer stated that the exercise is
designed to determine what is in place. Chairman
Dinning stated that Commissioner Pinkerton has
some expertise in this area and he suggested
that Mr. Kramer get together with Commissioner
Pinkerton to discuss it. Both 2011 and 2012 HSGP
funds are available if there is a need
identified.
Discussion was held regarding what items the
HSGP grant will cover.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved that the Chairman
be authorized to sign on behalf of the
Commission, the Sub-Grant Award document, the
Memorandum of Understanding, the Certifications
and Assurances for the 2012 HSGP grant.
Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed
unanimously.
Mr. Kramer spoke about the process of purchasing
equipment under the Emergency Management grants.
Mr. Kramer stated that there is also another
class coming up regarding dealing with the
media.
Mr. Kramer left the meeting at
9:43 a.m.
9:43 a.m., Assessor David Ryals dropped by to
inform Commissioners that he would like to
relocate the county’s postage machine which is
currently located in the motor vehicle licensing
department. Assessor Ryals stated that the Idaho
Transportation Department (ITD) is becoming
constantly more sensitive to confidential
information and the postage machine is located
behind the counter where the computer screens
would be visible. Assessor Ryals stated that the
office also needs the space that is currently
taken up by the machine. The best solution is to
move the machine to the break room and then lock
the door, according to Assessor Ryals. The
Assessor stated that the break room would still
be available to employees. The only expenses
would be to activate the phone line in the break
room and get a lock on the door. The door lock
will cost about $75.00. Clerk Poston stated that
a self-closing door would also be good and the
Assessor stated that the Courthouse maintenance
man is going to look into that. Commissioners
did not have a problem with the postage machine
being relocated to the break room. Assessor
David Ryals left the meeting at 9:46 a.m.
Blue Sky Broadcasting Reporter Mike Brown left
the meeting.
9:46 a.m.,
Commissioner Kirby moved to go into closed
session per I.C. 31-874. Commissioner Pinkerton
second. Motion passed unanimously.
9:51 a.m.,
Commissioner Kirby moved to go out of closed
session. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion
passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve indigent
application #2013-10; to review indigent account
#2011-50 again in October 2013 for possible
additional monthly reimbursement; and to
authorize reimbursement payment on indigent
account #2012-31 be suspended for the months of
June, July, and August each year as long as the
applicant is employed with their current
employer. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion
passed unanimously.
10:00 a.m.
Solid Waste Superintendent Claine Skeen met with
Commissioners to give a departmental report. Mr.
Skeen reported that the Solid Waste Department
is conducting a waste stream study this week.
The metal pile will yield approximately 414 tons
which will be about $77,000.00 in revenue,
according to Mr. Skeen. The Department is not
receiving a lot of revenue from regular
recycling yet but it is anticipated that there
will be more revenue soon.
The status of the Moyie monitored site was
discussed. The cost of the fencing will be
approximately $7,000.00 with the building
costing approximately $2,000.00 and electricity
costing $7,000.00 to $8,000.00. The Solid Waste
Department will dig the ditch. Mr. Skeen
commented that they can’t excavate further north
due to the pit but they may be able to haul fill
in for the hole. The Solid Waste Department is
ready to start the project but is awaiting the
lease. The monitored site will be accessed off
the highway, it will be fenced and gated, and it
will be a full-blown monitored site with
recycling capabilities.
Mr. Skeen informed Commissioners if the Road and
Bridge Department excavates sand for the roads
at the landfill in the amount needed this last
winter, the Solid Waste Department may have to
haul sand in from the adjoining property to
provide cover at the landfill. Mr. Skeen stated
that the farm ground lease on the 40 acre parcel
needs to be checked into to see if it is
possible for the Road and Bridge Department to
get their sand from that location.
Chairman Dinning inquired about the possibility
of using community service workers off site. Mr.
Skeen said there would have to be a release and
supervision so it would be “a big can of worms.”
The Solid Waste Department will know for sure
next week the actual numbers for the metal pile.
Commissioner Kirby commented on how quickly the
metal pile grows. Mr. Skeen agreed. Chairman
Dinning inquired about how many tons of
recyclables there are. Mr. Skeen responded 532
or 536 tons were recycled last year, every other
week they haul out two trailers which is about
six to 10 tons per week. It decreases some
during the winter months.
Mr. Skeen stated that the Solid Waste Department
is looking into a use scale which will cost
about $30,000. They are currently getting a
certified scale slip in
Spokane. The need for the
scale is somewhat mandated by Panhandle Health
District. The scale would weigh garbage going
into the hole where currently they weigh at
General Feed and Grain which is closed on
Sundays and costs $5.00 per weigh ticket. A
scale may be something they need to look at for
the next budget.
Mr. Skeen left the meeting at
10:11 a.m.
10:15 a.m.,
Commissioners spoke via telephone with County
Civil Attorney Phil Robinson. Chairman Dinning
informed Attorney Robinson that he wants to make
sure the Park & Recreation Board doesn’t over
use the civil attorney. Chairman Dinning asked
Attorney Robinson if the county can sell surplus
items that might have value over a certain
amount, such as $1,000, using a sealed bid
process instead of selling the item at auction.
This of course, does not include real property.
Attorney Robinson said the county can use that
process but it requires more work. There are a
couple of pickups the Road and Bridge Department
wants to surplus and they would rather sell them
with the sealed bid process if possible,
according to Chairman Dinning. Attorney Robinson
commented that he hates to see those go to
auction and he recommended doing the extra work
to get sealed bids.
10:19 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to go into
executive session under Idaho Code #67-2345(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.
10:36 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved
to go out of executive session. Commissioner
Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
10:37 a.m.,
Commissioners met with Chief Probation Officer
Stacy Brown for the Probation Department report.
Laura Roady, Bonners Ferry Herald Reporter, was
also present. Ms. Brown submitted written
figures to the Commissioners to compare the use
of the Region 1 Detention Center in
Kootenai
County and the
Bonner
County Detention
Center. Commissioners reviewed the
written material. There are a lot of variables
to this, according to Ms. Brown. There is a
ratio of staffing to juveniles and she believes
it is one to eight during the day and one to 16
at night. The $110 per day proposed by the
Bonner
County facility is substantially
less than what the county is paying for use of
the Region 1 facility which was $188.62 per day
in 2011. Bonner
County
pulled out of Region 1 in 2010. Commissioners
asked if there was anything provided at Region 1
that is not provided at the
Bonner
County facility. Ms. Brown stated
that originally she thought our youth were
better served at Region 1 but now she thinks
Bonner County
is providing comparable services. Chairman
Dinning stated that using the bed days of last
year, there is about a $14,000 savings. Chairman
Dinning commented that there were 275 bed days
in 2010 and 190 in 2011. 2012 figures have not
yet been calculated. The county will pay more of
a percentage of operating costs at Region 1
based on our censes from previous years. Ms.
Brown anticipates the cost to be about $200.00
per day at Region 1 next year. The county cannot
pull out of Region 1 this year as you have to
give notice by March 1. Chairman Dinning
commented that Ms. Brown gave Commissioners
things to think about.
Commissioner Kirby stated that mileage and time
it takes Sheriff’s staff to transport has to
also be considered. If we send juveniles to
Bonner County
and the facility’s numbers go up, Ms. Brown
stated that she is sure our costs will go up.
Commissioner Pinkerton stated it seems
everything is cut in half by using the
Bonner County
facility including deputies’ time, travel
expenses, liability exposure, and facility
costs. Chairman Dinning commented that the
question of loyalty to the other three counties
still in Region 1 is also a consideration. Ms.
Brown stated that
Boundary County
pulling out of Region 1 would increase the cost
to the other counties. Commissioner Kirby
inquired what it costs the county to be in
Region 1. Clerk Poston stated that the cost is
based on previous years’ use. Commissioner Kirby
stated that we need to not send juveniles to
Region 1 for one year and look at the costs.
Commissioner Kirby went on to say it’s not just
the bed days but the cost of transport for a
deputy to take four hours to transport a
juvenile, plus fuel costs and liability
exposure.
Ms. Brown stated that initially she didn’t want
to send juveniles to
Bonner County
because that facility didn’t have the same
services but now it appears they do. Ms. Brown
stated that the Probation Department also looks
at alternatives to sending juveniles to
detention such as the use of ankle monitors that
only cost $8.00 per day. Commissioner Kirby
commented that parents would probably visit
their children more if the juvenile was in
Bonner
County detention rather than in
Kootenai
County at Region 1.
Commissioner Pinkerton inquired if Ms. Brown has
been to Bonner
County to look at the facility and
she responded that she had. Commissioner
Pinkerton said the bottom line is which facility
would be the best one to rehabilitate the
juveniles. Ms. Brown stated that she thinks that
is the same. Chairman Dinning stated that he
doesn’t want to blind side the other counties
involved in Region 1, he would like to have a
conference call with them to discuss it. Ms.
Brown commented that right now
Bonner County
has an excellent price of $110.00 per day but
costs will go up in both facilities. There has
to be so many staff for so many juveniles so
costs rise. Commissioner Kirby stated that we
should also get costs from the Sheriff’s Office
for transporting juveniles.
Ms. Brown stated that they also have used the
video conferencing process. Chairman Dinning
asked Ms. Brown for the numbers on the use of
video conferencing. Ms. Brown stated that she
can get that.
Ms. Brown stated that she is looking at hiring a
temporary, part-time person for 10 weeks or so
to take care of the peak they are having in
probation and because they are down an employee.
The Probation Department can use 2010 lottery
monies to pay the employee, according to Ms.
Brown. Chairman Dinning stated that because it
is an emergency hire, Ms. Brown can just go out
and find someone to work the temporary,
part-time position.
10:59 a.m.,
Bonners Ferry Herald Reporter Laura Roady left
the meeting.
Commissioners informed Ms. Brown that they were
fine with the temporary hire. Ms. Brown left the
meeting at 11:00
a.m.
11:03 a.m.,
Restorium Employees Jerri Witt and Sheila Benson
and Restorium Board Member Larry Dirks met with
Commissioners to give a Restorium Department
report. There are currently 30 residents with 31
rooms being utilized. There is a capacity of 35
residents. There are only three resident rooms
left to be refurbished. Ms. Witt reported that
someone is coming today to look at the floor
issue.
11:06 a.m.,
Restorium Board Member Dick Hollenbeck joined
the meeting.
Chairman Dinning reported that some people who
do consulting work at assisted living facilities
called him and asked if they could look the
Restorium over. Chairman Dinning stated that
they did that and thought the Restorium facility
looked good. The group is going to give the
county costs, suggestions, and advice regarding
the facility.
Chairman Dinning asked if the Restorium wanted
the Senior
Hospitality Center
van. The group indicated that they do want it.
The van only has about 30,000 miles on it and
has a lift.
Ms. Witt reported that they are still getting
costs on the east hall shower/tub area. Mr.
Dirks reported that there is $12,000 donated
from Friends of the Restorium to redo that tub
area. Mr. Dirks stated that they are going to
try to do the work in house with maybe some
volunteer help. There will be a licensed
plumber, tile person, and electrician. Chairman
Dinning stated that as long it meets all
requirements that should be fine. Mr. Dirks
stated that Restorium Maintenance man Roy Hale
is saving the Restorium a lot of money in
helping with refurbishing the rooms.
Chairman Dinning asked if there were things the
Restorium has that are surplus and Ms. Witt said
they do. Chairman Dinning said if they need help
advertising they should contact Commissioners’
Secretary Michelle Rohrwasser. Chairman Dinning
stated that Commissioners aren’t going to be
involved with the surplus property (not to
include real property) process any longer.
The meeting regarding the Restorium ended at 11:12 a.m.
11:29 a.m., Parks and Recreation Board Member
Lisa Carle dropped by for the meeting regarding
the review of the position for the Parks
Concession Manager, but the Acting Chairperson
for the Personnel Classification Committee had
something come up and can’t meet with
Commissioners until 1:25 p.m. Ms. Carle left the
meeting.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 11:40 a.m.
1:25 p.m.,
Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon
session with Chairman Dinning, Commissioner
Pinkerton and Deputy Clerk Nancy Ryals. Clerk
Glenda Poston was also present. Commissioner
Kirby was absent.
1:25 p.m., Tammie Goggia, Acting Chairperson of
the Personnel Classification Committee, met with
Commissioners to inform them that the Personnel
Classification Committee met to discuss and
review the Parks Concession Manager position and
gave the position a score of 530 points which is
a grade four.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to accept the
recommendation of the Personnel Classification
Committee for the Parks Concession Manager
position. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to
second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the
position of Parks Concession Manager. Chairman
Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion
passed unanimously.
Ms. Goggia left the meeting at 1:26 p.m.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners and Clerk Glenda Poston
left the meeting with Mike Klaus and John
Martling, Cabinet Mountain Water District
representatives, to go onsite to view and
discuss county owned property in Paradise Valley
as a possible site for a backup well for Cabinet
Mountain Water District. The tour ended at
3:00 p.m.
There being no further business and no business
being scheduled for tomorrow,
April 2, 2013, the meeting was
adjourned.
/s/
DAN R.
DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
/s/
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Nancy Ryals, Deputy Clerk
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