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***Monday,
February 17, 2014,
Commissioners did not meet due to the
President’s Day Holiday.
***Tuesday,
February 18, 2014,
Commissioners met in regular session with
Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner LeAlan
Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda
Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
9:00 a.m.,
Commissioners held an elected
officials/department heads meeting. Present
were: Commissioners, Clerk Glenda Poston,
Assessor Dave Ryals, Treasurer Jenny Fessler,
Courthouse Maintenance Jerry Kothe, Solid Waste
Superintendent Claine Skeen, Planning and Zoning
Administrator Dan Studer, Chief Deputy Clerk
Tracie Isaac, Noxious Weeds Superintendent Duke
Guthrie, Extension Office Educator Jennifer
Jensen, and Restorium Administrator Karlene
Magee.
County resident Terry Capurso joined the
meeting.
Chairman Dinning said Clerk Poston has been made
aware that any county employee who drives a
county vehicle home will have to consider that
mileage as income earned on their tax return.
There is a daily figure that will need to be
added to the employees’ taxes as income. Clerk
Poston said this matter has been mentioned at
the last few Idaho Association of counties
conferences so the county would be remiss if it
didn’t act on this. It was said that certain
aspects of law enforcement are exempt.
Courthouse Custodian Jim Thompson will retire on
February 25, 2014. Commissioners are
seeking requests for proposals to contract
janitorial services, but it isn’t yet known how
or if that will fit into the schedule. In the
meantime, starting a week from today, courthouse
employees need to pitch in and keep their
offices clean such as empty garbage cans, dust
their own areas and vacuum, if needed. One quote
for janitorial services has come in so far.
Chairman Dinning asked those present to think
about employees cleaning their own offices long
term as that would reduce the cost of a janitor
or contractor. Mr. Kothe said he wouldn’t be
certain about not having any custodian at all as
that person who works in the evening can catch a
lot of things that are going on such as snowy or
icy sidewalks and possible furnace issues during
winter. Chairman Dinning said that is a good
point so that would be one consideration.
Chairman Dinning questioned how difficult would
it be to keep our own offices clean.
It was said in the past there have been concerns
about the county’s medical insurance being a
“Cadillac plan”, but the county’s plan is not
considered that type of plan even though the
deductible is low. The condition is based on the
premium, not what the plan covers. Chairman
Dinning said the concern had been that in 2015
if the plan had been a “Cadillac plan”, the
county would have to pay up to a 40% surcharge.
Clerk Poston sits on the GEM Plan Board and this
information comes from the GEM Plan.
Chairman Dinning asked everyone present to
revisit the county’s Computer Use Policy with
their employees and he advised not streaming
music as it slows the system.
Chairman Dinning asked Assessor Ryals to explain
the lease of a new AS400 server that is used by
the Clerk, Treasurer and Assessor’s offices.
Assessor Ryals said the AS400 is the primary
server for valuation and the tax drive system,
which is the bulk of the revenue source for the
county. The current server is old and tired, and
the operating system is obsolete. This server is
still functioning, but its capacity is basically
at its limit. The county entered into an
agreement with Miicorp to lease a new server for
60 months at $500 per month, which is more
advantageous. There is also a $1.00 buyout at
the end of the lease. The State Tax Commission
is going to move to a PC based system at one
point, but if that happens soon, the county can
also move to a PC system during the lease.
Chairman Dinning asked what happens if the
current system overloads. Assessor Ryals said
the current system would quit and shut down if
it becomes overloaded. Assessor Ryals said the
existing system is currently being backed up,
but current backup systems would not be
compatible so they would have to be converted if
the AS400 were to quit working.
Commissioners went around the room and asked for
office and department updates. Mr. Kothe talked
about holding the county’s surplus property
auction, and the fact that he is retiring soon
so his job has been posted.
Mr. Skeen said recycling is increasing; he is
staying busy; and looking at avenues for
Styrofoam. Mr. Skeen said he has had some
equipment breakdowns, but is fixing them. The
landfill is still maintaining 12 to 13 tons of
garbage in the hole per day.
Mr. Studer said Planning and Zoning is busy.
Last Thursday during the Planning and Zoning
Commission’s regular meeting, the Commission
recommended approval of the Comprehensive Plan,
which will be forwarded to Commissioners for
final decision. Mr. Studer said he will also
forward the Planning and Zoning Commission’s
recommendation for a replacement as a result of
Mike Weland’s resignation. March is already
booked up with Planning and Zoning public
hearings and the number of building permits is
steady.
Treasurer Fessler said her office is gearing up
for property tax deeding on March 18th.
Treasurer Fessler said she is also searching for
a part-time employee.
Assessor Ryals said he is busy trying to keep up
with computers and keep the networks running.
Clerk Poston said the county’s audit is done and
there weren’t any findings or issues. The
federal government is having issues with their
audit clearing house and
Boundary
County is not the only one having
issues with the government’s website. Clerk
Poston said the Idaho Association of Counties’
scholarships are due by
February 28, 2014 and this applies to
kids and grandkids of full time county
employees. The filing period is coming up for
candidates running for offices. Chief Deputy
Clerk Isaac said she hasn’t sent out W4’s, but
occasionally she gets a notice from Public
Employees Retirement System (PERSI) for current
addresses so she will send those forms out for
that purpose. NW Medstar’s annual renewal is
coming up. The cost is $48 for county employees
as opposed to $59 if an employee signed up
separately from the county.
Ms. Jensen said Extension Educator Carol Hampton
will retire at the end of March so elected
officials and department heads will see more of
her instead once Ms. Ms. Hampton retires. There
are currently no plans for Ms. Hampton’s
replacement, but more will be heard on that as
the date gets closer. The Master Gardener
Program starts next week, according to Ms.
Jensen.
Mr. Guthrie said matters are pretty quiet in the
weed world and if he updated Commissioners on
anything else, he wouldn’t have anything new to
report to Commissioners during his department
report, which starts after this meeting is over.
Mr. Studer asked Clerk Poston about carry over
and how it is used as it pertains to the budget.
Mr. Studer asked about revenues coming in such
as if revenues are up or down or if there is any
concern. Clerk Poston said she knows the county
will receive payment in lieu of taxes (PILT),
but she doesn’t know how much even though she
has budgeted $100,000. Clerk Poston said on the
same hand, she also expected to receive money
from drug seizures, which helps to fund an
office position. Clerk Poston said each and
every category has specialties and it’s
currently too early to tell, but funding seems
to be coming in as it should.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked about Mr. Weland’s
vacated position on the Planning and Zoning
Commission. Mr. Studer said he has approximately
five applicants for this position.
Chairman Dinning thanked everyone for the good
working relationships even though there is not
always an agreement.
The elected officials/department heads meeting
ended at 9:30
a.m.
9:30 a.m.,
Noxious Weeds Superintendent Duke Guthrie joined
the meeting to provide his department report.
Mr. Guthrie said he was also in
Boise
during the week of the Idaho Association of
Counties meeting as he was attending a cost
share review with Matt Voile with the Department
of Agriculture and receiving updates on funding.
It looks as if the county will receive full
funding for what it had requested. The median is
$53,000 for the Cooperative Weed Association
(CWA) as last year funding was $44,000 or
$45,000. The Selkirk Weed Management Area
requested a little over $53,000 so 97% or 98% of
that should be received. This is the program the
county will do the administrative work for. Mr.
Guthrie said usually 400 to 700 acres are
treated and for the most part it’s been 100%
funded. Those present discussed reviewing Idaho
Code statutes to see if there are term limits
for the Weed Advisory Board.
The meeting with Mr. Guthrie ended at
9:37 a.m.
Commissioner Kirby moved to grant an extension
of time to pay year 2013 taxes on parcel
#MH61N01W256150A until April 15, 2014. Commissioner Pinkerton
second. Motion passed unanimously.
Arnold and Lisa Tuttle stopped by Commissioners’
Office briefly to ask some questions about the
janitorial contract. Mr. and Ms. Tuttle left the
meeting at 9:50
a.m.
Deputy Clerk Nancy Ryals joined the meeting at
9:50 a.m.
Commissioner Kirby moved to adopt Resolution
2014-13. A resolution to increase the Airport
budget due to receipt of unanticipated funds.
Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed
unanimously. Resolution 2014-13 reads as
follows:
RESOLUTION 2014-13
INCREASE
AIRPORT BUDGET
DUE TO
RECEIPT OF UNANTICIPATED FUNDS
WHEREAS, the Board of
County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State
of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for
the Airport Fund for fiscal year 2013-2014, and
WHEREAS, $1,350.00 has
been received from J-U-B Engineers, Inc. as
payment for the appraisal fee on the Dinning and
Merrifield properties, and
WHEREAS, the Airport
Fund for fiscal year 2013-2014 is in need of
this additional revenue to reimburse Eunice
Dinning and Tom and Robin Merrifield for their
property appraisal fees, and
WHEREAS, the
addition of this revenue does not affect the tax
levy for
Boundary
County;
and
WHEREAS, it is
appropriate to increase the Airport Fund Revenue
Account Number 03-00-391-21 in the amount of
$1,350.00 and the Airport Expense Account Number
03-00-489-00, Professional Services-Other, in
the amount of $1,350.00.
NOW THEREFORE, upon
motion duly made, seconded and unanimously
carried,
IT IS RESOLVED that the
increase in the Airport Fund Revenue Account
Number 03-00-391-21 in the amount of $1,350.00
and the Airport Expense Account Number
03-00-489-00, Professional Services-Other, in
the amount of $1,350.00 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 18th day of
February, 2014
COUNTY
OF
BOUNDARY
BOARD OF
COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
s/_________________________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/_________________________________
LeAlan L. Pinkerton,
Commissioner
s/_________________________________
Walt Kirby, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/____________________________________________________
GLENDA POSTON,
Clerk of the Board of
County
Commissioners
Recorded as instrument 260008
Mr. Capurso left the meeting due to the closed
session.
9:55 a.m.,
Commissioner Kirby moved to go into closed
session under Idaho Code 31-874. Commissioner
Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. 9:57 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to go out of
closed session. Commissioner Pinkerton second.
Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to write off 46¢
for indigent account 2010-32. Commissioner Kirby
second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to deny indigent
application 2014-18. Commissioner Kirby second.
Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve indigent
application 2014-15. Commissioner Kirby second.
Motion passed unanimously.
Deputy Clerk Ryals left the meeting at
9:58 a.m.
Those present discussed Economic Development
Council (EDC) meetings. Chairman Dinning said
EDC was created by a memorandum of understanding
and at times there is a lot of confidential
information so he doesn’t know if there is
always an open meeting.
10:00 a.m.,
Treasurer Jenny Fessler joined the meeting.
Those present discussed drainage districts in
relation to closing roads, etc. Chairman Dinning
said it’s not the county’s decision to close
gates. Treasurer Fessler said the cost is on the
tax bills, but it’s a fee not a tax.
10:30 a.m.,
Commissioners considered a request for a
hardship exemption application filed by Cynthia
Williams for parcel #MH65N01W350752A. Present
were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner LeAlan
Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda
Poston, Treasurer Jenny Fessler, Deputy Clerk
Michelle Rohrwasser, and Terry Capurso.
Applicant Cynthia Williams participated via
telephone. The meeting was recorded.
Chairman Dinning administered the oath to Ms.
Williams. The parcel in question is a mobile
home, and the tax amount owing for year 2013 is
$154.85. A hardship exemption had been requested
by Ms. Williams in year 2013 for year 2012
taxes, but she was given an extension instead.
Treasurer Fessler informed Commissioners that
year 2012 taxes have been paid. Ms. Williams
said she has been very sick and can hardly
breathe. Commissioner verified that Ms. Williams
is still paying $300 per month in rent space to
her brother. The request for this hardship is to
cancel year 2013 taxes. Chairman Dinning asked
Ms. Williams if her brother could give her a
break on rent. Ms. Williams said no as he has
helped her with firewood and he also has two
kids to take care of. Ms. Williams said she is
on social security disability. Commissioners
reviewed Ms. Williams’ income information. Ms.
Williams said she is fearful that she will end
up in the hospital soon as her pneumonia is not
clearing up. The amount of tax owing is $154.85.
Commissioner Kirby moved to grant a hardship
exemption for parcel #MH65N01W350752A owned by
Cynthia Williams to cancel year 2013 taxes.
Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed
unanimously.
The meeting to consider the hardship ended at
10:35 a.m.
10:40 a.m.,
Boundary Economic Development Specialist David
Sims joined the meeting to inform Commissioners
of the City of Bonners
Ferry’s grant for
sidewalks on Augusta
Street.
Mr. Sims said the City of
Bonners Ferry is applying
for a grant to help build a sidewalk along
Augusta Street. The
grant is through the Idaho Transportation
Department and it has replaced the Enhanced
Dollars Program. If awarded, one improvement
would be a sidewalk along the east side of the
street. Other elements of this grant would be to
install an underground storm drain and to
improve the crosswalk in front of Valley View
Elementary. Commissioner Pinkerton said Valley
View had wanted to close that road so what are
the City of Bonners Ferry’s
thoughts. Mr. Sims said the paperwork on this
project had listed some ideas. Clerk Poston
asked how this project would affect elections as
Valley View Elementary is a polling site. Mr.
Sims said that should be considered and no
decisions have been made on what to do right in
front of the school as of yet. Commissioner
Pinkerton mentioned discussion that took place
during the Idaho Association of Counties (IAC)
conference with regard to polling sites within
schools. Clerk Poston said that is a question
she wanted to raise. It was said if the City of
Bonners Ferry gets this
grant, a decision will have to be made on that.
The project cost is almost $500,000 and the
grant match is 7.4%, although the City will
match 23% as they are also looking into two sets
of arms for a crossing. The school wants to
close the road, but there are other options such
as flashing lights to stop cars. Commissioner
Pinkerton said he has often seen kids almost get
hit when he has been there picking up his kids
from school. It was said there are approximately
1,000 cars per day that drive through that area
during school hours.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign a letter of
support for the City of
Bonners Ferry
in applying for the Choices of Idaho Grant for
the Augusta Street Project. Commissioner Kirby
second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners and Mr. Sims discussed the role of
the Economic Development Specialist. Mr. Sims
said in the past the Economic Development
Committee had also helped work on grants for the
city and in looking back to a prior EDC
Specialist, Robin Ponsness had also applied for
grants. Commissioner Pinkerton said as he sees
it, it does not promote expansion so why is Mr.
Sims doing this. Mr. Sims said he would guess
that economic development overlaps with
community development, but that is a valid
concern. Commissioner Pinkerton asked if there
is a page on the EDC website that could list the
EDC accomplishments as he does get approached by
people asking if any work is being done for the
community. Mr. Sims said he could do that.
Commissioner Pinkerton said he does feel Mr.
Sims is working on things and he asked what kind
of work is done to recruit businesses. Mr. Sims
said one area he is involved in is reaching out
to area businesses such as retail, which is
different than industry. Mr. Sims referred to
trying to find someone to move into a building
at the airport. Mr. Sims said if you listen at
the state level, recruitment has a very low
success rate so if time is spent doing that,
chances of success are pretty small.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked if Mr. Sims is
having trouble going out and finding businesses
or if he has budget issues as the EDC Specialist
position is vital and Mr. Sims has the mind for
the job. Commissioner Dinning said if Mr. Sims
had the ability and had a travel budget, that
would be one thing, but he doesn’t have budget
to visit out of state companies. Commissioner
Pinkerton said contact gathering is the first
step, not visiting them. Commissioner Pinkerton
questioned what we have as a state and county as
an incentive to offer someone as that is
something the county, along with other
partnerships, should work to find a way to get
Mr. Sims to where he needs to go. Mr. Sims said
historically Idaho
has been very conservative with incentives for
businesses and he mentioned the Workforce
Training Program offered through the Department
of Labor that provides training to employees. In
other states cash payments are given. The
Congressional Director is looking at a rebate
for property taxes if businesses meet certain
requirements and that is just general, not in
the urban renewal district. Commissioner
Pinkerton said if you were to look at the
website for the Chamber of Commerce, it didn’t
offer much for a business to be coaxed in.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked if Mr. Sims knew
the rate for workers compensation is in
Idaho
as opposed to other states. Mr. Sims said
Idaho
fairs favorably in those areas. Commissioner
Pinkerton said this is something he feels Mr.
Sims’ position should address.
Mr. Sims said Idaho Department of Commerce
Program Director Jeff Sayers is addressing some
of these matters and if it goes forward, it will
be helpful. Incentive-wise,
Idaho
doesn’t stack up, but there are some pretty
stringent rules, according to Mr. Sims.
Commissioner Kirby said he’s been looking at
this issue since before becoming a Commissioner.
Commissioner Kirby said as you try to get a
business to come in
Boundary
County doesn’t have a lot to sell as
far as real estate. The county needs to have
24/7 roads for trucks, three phase electric,
water, sewer and three or four acre sites. There
is precious little ground that meets this
criteria. Schools and/or hospitals are also
considerations for someone finding a place to
live. The community, through the EDC, has
attempted to find answers. We need to show the
workforce, but can’t as there is none. Mr. Sims
has been working on those problems. Commissioner
Pinkerton said those are the exact same things
North Dakota has had
issues with until they found something they had.
Mr. Sims has been working with the Boundary
County Library on their program and workforce.
Commissioner Kirby said we’re doing the best we
can with what he have.
Chairman Dinning said a mistake has already been
made such as the sewer system that could have
been installed allowing a whole large area in
the county be ready for future growth. Now we
need to refocus and work toward the
infrastructure that is needed. It was asked how
we are to help the private landowner.
Mr. Sims said he had talked to Greg Seibert with
the Idaho Department of Commerce about
recruiting and he mentioned the upcoming Shot
Show to be held in Moscow
as a number of EDC members are going. Mr. Sims
said if there is a larger business looking to
get set up, the state will come in and help. Mr.
Sims said one area that would be great for
Bonners Ferry is energy for biomass. Mr. Sims
said he has been working with Rick Fawcett and
Mr. Fawcett has been working on a project in
another county using wood chips and straw. This
particular project is a plant that is small
enough that Boundary
County could supply the woods chips
fairly easily and they are also working on their
next location in Idaho
and seem to be interested in
Boundary
County. Mr. Sims said the property
tax rebate would apply for this business.
Chairman Dinning said if there is anything
Commissioners can do, to let them know.
Commissioners said they do not want funding to
be the issue.
Clerk Poston said maybe another area to consider
is having the county and the Kootenai Tribe
adjust their contributions for the EDC position
as they have not looked at that in years. Clerk
Poston mentioned that grant funding for this
position has also decreased by $5,000. Chairman
Dinning said just living in this area is an
asset and also included are two railways and
relatively low property taxes. Mr. Sims said the
best opportunity to attract is the small
businesses with a handful of employees.
Commissioner Pinkerton questioned if he was a
private business, where would access to rail
services be available as they cannot be accessed
at the Brinkmeyer property. It was said
Naples would be the other
option for access to railway.
The meeting with Mr. Sims ended at
11:20 a.m.
Commissioners mentioned receiving the Airport
Advisory Board minutes which included the
Board’s motion to reappoint board members Pat
Gardiner and Kristi Kline as their terms had
expired.
Chairman Dinning said an individual had
approached him to voice concerns about an
airport board member and this person was going
to send a letter about the concern, but as of
today, no letter has been received. Commissioner
Pinkerton said it is his perception in going
through all this airport business that it is
becoming heavy for the county. With the current
Airport Board members the direction will just
continue in that same fashion. The board members
all have an endgame and the county’s perspective
is missing. Not that these board members are not
doing a stellar job, but there are personal
interests that are detracting. Chairman Dinning
said if this is talking about expansion, there
are only two more parcels involved. It was said
Boundary County
can’t afford to spend much more to protect the
airport as it’s costing a lot of out budgets
that the county has not gotten back, let alone
the personal relationships that are affected and
Chairman Dinning said he does put a value on
that. The revenue generated from the airport is
minor. Clerk Poston said revenue is in the form
of hangar leases and fuel. Commissioner
Pinkerton asked what the county gets out of
this. Chairman Dinning said the county pays the
airport manager. Commissioner Kirby said the
county pays the airport manager to manage the
airport and he feels the county is getting its
money out of him. Commissioner Kirby mentioned
expanding the airport project until the airport
cannot go any further.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to reappoint Kristi
Kline and Patrick Gardiner to the Airport Board
with terms to expire February 2017. Commissioner
Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
11:40 a.m.,
Boundary Community Hospital CEO/CFO Craig
Johnson and Hospital Board of Trustees Chairman
Elden Koon joined the meeting to provide an
update on Hospital matters.
Mr. Johnson said the Hospital ended up in the
black for year 2013 and that continues into
January, which includes funding depreciation.
The first half of February has been busy,
according to Mr. Johnson. The Health Fair will
be held on May 12th and the pie sale
will be held this Friday, February 21st.
11:41 a.m.,
Commissioners spoke to County Civil Attorney
Tevis via telephone.
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. 11:50 a.m., Commissioner Pinkerton moved to go out of
executive session. Commissioner Kirby second.
Motion passed unanimously. No action was taken.
The meeting with Mr. Johnson and Mr. Koon ended
at 11:55 a.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at
12:00 p.m.
1:30 p.m.,
Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon
session with Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton,
Commissioner Walt Kirby and Deputy Clerk
Michelle Rohrwasser. Chairman Dinning was out of
the office tending to other business matters.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to appoint
Commissioner Kirby Acting Chairman in the
absence of Chairman Dan Dinning. Commissioner
Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
1:30 p.m.,
Commissioners continued the public hearing to
consider the County’s Subdivision Ordinance
amendments. Present were: Acting Chairman Walt
Kirby, Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Deputy
Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Planning & Zoning
Administrator Dan Studer, and Terry Capurso. The
public hearing was recorded.
Acting Chairman Kirby reopened the public
hearing for application #13-075, the County
Subdivision Ordinance amendment. Acting Chairman
Kirby said all public comments and discussion
have been received and taken place, and
Commissioners will continue the discussion
amongst themselves. Acting Chairman Kirby
reviewed in detail the options for this
application, which is to approve, approve as
amended, disapprove, or table the proposal.
Acting Chairman Kirby requested a motion to deny
Application #13-075 and that Commissioners would
supply written findings to support their
discussion at the appropriate time.
Commissioner Pinkerton said it was
Commissioners’ intent during the prior public
hearing to send the application back to the
Planning and Zoning Commission.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to deny Planning
and Zoning Application #13-075 for the request
for an amendment to the County’s Subdivision
Ordinance and to provide written findings to
support the decision. Acting Chairman Kirby
yield the chair to second. Motion passed
unanimously.
The public hearing ended at 1:40 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting
adjourned at
1:40 p.m.
/s/
Dan R.
Dinning, Chairman
ATTEST:
/s/
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk
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