***Monday, February 24, 2014, Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

Commissioners gave the opening invocation and said the Pledge of Allegiance.

9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Superintendent Jeff Gutshall joined the meeting to give the departmental report. Mr. Gutshall presented a written report. Road and Bridge crews completed most work on Eileen Road, but more brushing is needed. The sand boxes will be pulled off a couple dump trucks in order to put gravel down on Eileen Road and Plantation Road. Road pavement and patching will be determined by how the frost heaves up, according to Mr. Gutshall. Road and Bridge employees are staying on the seven days per week schedule until they’re sure sanding is no longer needed.

Mr. Gutshall said the Idaho Transportation Department wants to hold a meeting on mega-loads on the highway so if he can get the city hall meeting room, this meeting will take place this Wednesday, otherwise he could attend Bonner County’s Bonner County Area Transportation Team (BCATT) meeting.

Mr. Gutshall and Commissioners discussed the plans for janitorial services at the Road and Bridge Office. It was stated for clarification that the current custodian would not continue cleaning the Road and Bridge Office once he retires and the work will be done in-house.   

The meeting with Mr. Gutshall ended at 9:15 a.m.

Those present discussed proposed janitorial contractors.

Commissioner Kirby moved to extend the time to make a decision on proposals for janitorial services to allow interested contractors the chance to have a walk-through of the areas involved in the scope of work. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

9:30 a.m., Courthouse Maintenance Jerry Kothe joined the meeting to give his department report. Mr. Kothe presented a written report. Mr. Kothe said the Deep Creek Restroom has been cleaned up from the explosive device and a new seat has been installed. Mr. Kothe discussed moving snow and servicing the maintenance truck. Commissioners informed Mr. Kothe that any applicants for his position will be afforded a walk-through if they would like to have one. Mr. Kothe said he replaced a blown element in the heater for the Courthouse entrance walkway. Mr. Kothe spoke of issues with an air bubble in the bladder for this heater. Mr. Kothe said he purchased six CO2 detectors, but one was defective so he replaced that one. Mr. Kothe said he had to run the pump at the fairgrounds a few times and unload the paper bins on the day the Solid Waste Department truck came by.

The meeting with Mr. Kothe ended at 9:40 a.m.

Commissioner Pinkerton said he wanted to comment on Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) and reducing water temperatures. Chairman Dinning said the committee has been pretty active and understands the temperature criteria. Chairman Dinning discussed vegetation as criteria as opposed to temperature so that nothing is tied to temperature. If comments are made they could include that for all streams, temperatures should not be the criteria as it should be the percent of natural vegetation. An example was given that the natural vegetation of Curley Creek is open meadow and then you have Perkins Lake and the vegetation becomes a natural radiator. Chairman Dinning said he would talk to Patty Perry with the Kootenai Tribe to find out how to treat other tributaries and ask for the correct comments to make. Commissioner Pinkerton said Commissioners need to submit comments for all assaults.

Commissioner Pinkerton said we have two dams so with temperatures that should provide some sort of exemption. Chairman Dinning said it does. Chairman Dinning said it’s not exempt, but it is his understanding there is nothing that can be done. Chairman Dinning said all areas should go to percent of natural vegetation, but he should check to make sure that statement is not already in there for comments. Commissioner Pinkerton said our streams for the most part are in their natural state. Chairman Dinning said if criteria are listed for temperature, then the statement is that you have to plant and have shade. If criteria are listed by the percentage of natural vegetation, then where there are natural meadows, then that is the way it is. It allows for adaptivity. Chairman Dinning said he doesn’t think we have waters listed due to pollutants, but due to temperatures. Chairman Dinning said he would check with Ms. Perry as to how streams are treated. It was said that Meadow Creek is listed for temperatures. Commissioner Pinkerton said that Meadow Creek is against meadows and always will be so temperatures are a controlling factor and there is nothing you can do about it.

Commissioner Pinkerton spoke of the rating plan and said that Commissioners need to find that it’s inappropriate and temperatures should not be a guiding regulation. Chairman Dinning said the committee feels that, too. Commissioner Pinkerton said if we do not make a comment, we get absolutely nothing. The comment needs to be for the county, according to Commissioner Pinkerton.

County GIS Mapper Gary Falcon joined the meeting.

10:04 a.m., Commissioners spoke to Extension Office employee Squire Fields via telephone to inquire about his ability to assist in updating the county’s website. Mr. Fields said he can now get into the system whereas before he wasn’t able to. Commissioner Pinkerton asked Mr. Fields if he has the ability to make changes on the front page. Mr. Fields said with the access code and password he should be able to make any changes.

The call to Mr. Fields ended at 10:05 a.m.

Those present continued the discussion on how to best manage and update the website.

Mr. Falcon left the meeting at 10:15 a.m.

Assessor Dave Ryals joined the meeting.

Those present reviewed payment information for the lease/purchase agreement with Miicorp for a new AS400 server.

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the lease/purchase agreement with Miicor/IBM Credit LLC for an AS400 server. Commissioner Pinkerton. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the Purchase and Sale Agreement for the purchase of the William Byler and David Byler property as it relates to the airport land acquisition project. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners reviewed the grant application for the Memorial Playground Project that the Boundary County Parks and Recreation Department is applying for.

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the Parks and Recreation Department grant application for the Memorial Park Playground Project. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac and Appraiser Les Vetter joined the meeting at 10:30 a.m.

Commissioner Kirby 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 Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. 10:45 a.m., Commissioner Pinkerton moved to go out of executive session. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. 

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to deny the request for additional sick leave for a county employee. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to submit a comment from County Commissioners regarding Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) action as it pertains to the Department of Environmental Quality integrated report. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

The 11:00 a.m., meeting with Bonners Ferry District Forest Ranger Kevin Knauth to update Commissioners on Forest Service matters did not take place.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

11:30 a.m., Boundary County District Library Director Sandy Ashworth and Boundary County Extension Office Educator Carol Hampton joined the meeting. The purpose of the meeting is for Ms. Ashworth to update Commissioners on the proposed Library expansion project. 

Ms. Ashworth said she and Clerk Poston have been conferring as it looks like the proposed library expansion project is a go. Ms. Ashworth said she had submitted a formal letter to Commissioners about having the Extension Office move into the newly expanded space that is being proposed. The Library was able to get Washington State University students to assist them with a design and concept as the University of Idaho wasn’t able. The proposed expansion would take place on the same piece of property, same space and parking lot. The thought is to have a space that fits the downtown area and be something that can be easily maintained. Ms. Ashworth said at that point she got permission with legal counsel and the state engineer to see how much advice she could get from Bonners Ferry Builders as they are the largest public works contractor locally. Bonners Ferry Builders was able to perform a bit of advisory work with the college students when looking at preliminary designs. Ms. Ashworth showed Commissioners a drawing of the proposed building.

Ms. Ashworth said it was determined that new construction would be cheaper as the existing structure was cheaply built in the 1970’s and it cannot be built upon. The Library would like an Extension Office meeting space. A combined area is proposed and it could be a small area for classes and group meetings. The Library would like to have a room big enough for 100 people. The Extension Office would be located on the main floor as you walk in. There would also be a small suite of offices for the Economic Development Specialist and another suite for the Library Director. A small coffee shop and wifi café are also included in the plans. The plan for the Extension Office is to have an area isolated from the rest of the building so it could be closed off if there were evening meetings. The North Idaho College (NIC) satellite campus would anchor the third floor with a possible tech lab for business development and computer science. On the main floor Ms. Ashworth said the hope is to have 4,000 to 5,000 square feet to work with and to have covered parking and the entrances on the west and north sides of the building.

Commissioner Kirby said this plan is well thought out and he doesn’t have any problems. Commissioner Kirby asked if it would be possible for the Library to purchase more property to the south in the direction of the railroad tracks. Ms. Ashworth informed Commissioners about that property’s past use and what would be involved because of that use.

Ms. Ashworth said she has had a preliminary discussion with NIC and NIC has written a letter of support to move in to this proposed building. Ms. Ashworth said whatever the Library does, they didn’t want to do anything negatively. The loan for the existing NIC satellite campus will be paid off in November 2015 and if the bond election the Library is hoping to have is successful, construction would not begin until 2015. That would coincide with that loan being paid in full and the county would get the old NIC building so it’s a win fall for the county. Chairman Dinning asked if a payment is needed for the Extension Office’s use of the library if that office relocates. Ms. Ashworth said she’s looking at whatever was taken care of for the Extension Office would come to her. Chairman Dinning said he didn’t know about a lease payment. Ms. Ashworth said this is supposed to be a win-win situation.

Ms. Ashworth said she is looking at this as if the maintenance and operation or tort can be increased, great, but the main thing she is looking at is staff. Chairman Dinning asked how expensive this project is expected to be. Ms. Ashworth said 7.6 million dollars is the cost estimate. Five or six million dollars is for the building. Ms. Ashworth spoke of changes made such as removing the solar panels and roof design, which totaled approximately $300,000 in savings. Ms. Ashworth said when thinking about building up even farther it strengthened up the site preparation for any future infrastructure upgrades. The parking lot, once run by Bonners Ferry, would include sidewalks. Ms. Ashworth ran off a list of figures for construction fees, professional management, architects, etc. and said she calculated extra just in case. Financing of this project is through the United States Department of Agriculture and no fees are involved. The Library will have to do a bond anticipation note and Panhandle State Bank will work on that. Construction management was advised that Ms. Ashworth doesn’t let the architect take on the project due to conflict of interest. A few local contractors were suggested, according to Ms. Ashworth. The United States Department of Agriculture will provide an enormous amount of technical support and to vet the project, bidding process, and contractors. Financial management oversight will also be provided.

Chairman Dinning said the county has just completed bridge building projects and we always have to have a design engineer. The engineer always says to budget a certain amount and historically the contractors just quote that same figure. For this last bridge project, Mr. Gutshall was able to negotiate that fee so when Ms. Ashworth is at the point of looking at that, she should check to see if she can be in on who is selected and to also negotiate.

Ms. Ashworth said the cost will be at the maximum, but she hopes not to go that high. Ms. Ashworth said the Department of Commerce would classify this building as a public facility making it eligible for $350,000 through an economic develop block grant. The Economic Development Committee also informed Nancy Mabile at Panhandle Area Council that this facility would be considered a building that would provide economic capacity and regional cluster development making it eligible for 1.5 million dollars. The United States Department of Agriculture said every bit of grant money they can push to this project they would do that.

Ms. Ashworth said nothing can be started until the bond is passed and that will be run in May. Interest rates are going up, funding is guaranteed now, but it’s not certain in the future.

Ms. Ashworth said in year 2002 Boundary Community Library won the national award for library services and she went into detail about what was involved. The Library Institute and First Lady Laura Bush came up with idea for this award and three per year are awarded. Governor Otter, at the time, contacted the State Library and recommended Bonners Ferry working with the county in a joint power to look for education and economic development opportunities; not just operating as a library. As a result the Director of the Institute and Director for the National Commission of Libraries and Science came out for the community celebration and Ms. Ashworth was nominated to a position on the National Commission.

The meeting with Ms. Ashworth and Ms. Hampton ended at noon.

12:00 p.m., There being no further business, the meeting convened until tomorrow at 9:20 a.m.      

***Tuesday, February 25, 2014, Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

9:20 a.m., Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac joined the meeting.

9:20 a.m., Commissioner Kirby 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 Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. 9:45 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to go out of executive session. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. No action was taken.

Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac left the meeting.

E911 Coordinator for the State of Idaho Eddie Goldsmith, County GIS Mapper Gary Falcon and Craig Logan joined the meeting at 9:45 a.m.

Commissioners reviewed quotes received from two real estate agencies that are interested in advertising for sale the county’s tax deeded properties that did not sell at public auction. 

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to select Selkirk Mountain Real Estate as the agent to sell the county’s tax deeded properties that did not sell at auction. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.   

Mr. Goldsmith informed Commissioners that he was retiring and will no longer be the state’s E911 Coordinator. Mr. Logan was introduced as the person taking on the E911 Coordinator position. Mr. Goldsmith said funds that came through the Idaho Sheriff’s Association do not need to come to him as it’s a settlement between the E911 Commission, AT&T and Verizon. The State is in a suit with Tracphone now and has won in district and federal court so now it’s just waiting to see if Tracphone will appeal to the Supreme Court. Last year legislation changed on prepaid phone cards and those fees will now be collected at the merchant’s location. There is now a 2.5% fee on all prepaid cards.

Mr. Goldsmith said there will soon be meetings on next generation 911, which will take everything off camera trunks and put information on an internet provider (IP) network. In the current system, a 911 caller’s phone number, address and name show up, but in the next generation system text messaging and anything that can connect to an IP network will be included. You can actually contact 911 with these devices. Mr. Goldsmith said the last four years have been spent trying to bring the Sheriff’s Office dispatch center up to this technology.

Chairman Dinning mentioned the possibility of no longer collecting the 25¢ fee, but learned it would disqualify the county for available grants. Mr. Goldsmith said he would highly suggest not dropping that fee as the next phase generation could cost in excess of $30,000,000 so what is in reserves will be needed. Mr. Goldsmith said he would talk to the E911 Commission about funding before he leaves. One thing Mr. Goldsmith would like to talk about is making the 25¢ a requirement for everyone as a few counties are not contributing and they are the larger counties. Mr. Goldsmith said he would take that 25¢ fee and the prepaid phone income and have the E911 Commission foot all bills so nothing comes out of the county’s pocket. This will give the county more money in its 911 fund as recurring fees will go away. The Sheriff’s Office could do away with the new phone system and remote from the cloud and the $35,000 recording system can also be done in the cloud, according to Mr. Goldsmith. Chairman Dinning informed Mr. Goldsmith that Commissioners appreciate all his efforts to start up that system for the county. Commissioners welcomed Mr. Logan.  

The meeting with Mr. Goldsmith, Mr. Falcon and Mr. Logan ended.

10:07 a.m., Commissioners held a public hearing on a Planning and Zoning Application #13-078, a request for a zone map amendment filed by Richard Villelli. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Planning and Zoning Administrator Dan Studer, Applicant Richard Villelli and members of the public Kim Peterson and Tony Villelli. The hearing was recorded.

Chairman Dinning read the public hearing procedures and no Commissioner cited a conflict of interest.   

The request is to change the zone of the easterly 115.14 feet (2.65 acres) of parcel #RP64N02E152111A. This parcel is a total of 12.65 acres located on Earl Lane from ag/forestry to suburban. Having this 2.65 acre portion of the 12.65 acre parcel conveyed over to the Villelli parcel to the east will allow the establishment of wells and septic systems to cross a gas pipeline. The Planning and Zoning Commission rendered a recommendation to approve Mr. Villelli’s application and forwarded that recommendation to County Commissioners.

Applicant Richard Villelli said he resides at 533739 Highway 95, Bonners Ferry. Mr. Villelli said when the county decided to amend the zone for properties located in that area, of which most were along the Moyie River in the Good Grief area, he came before Commissioners because a piece of property to be rezoned was being divided into two different zones, which would create a problem. This was approximately one and one half years ago. At that time, Commissioners were far along in that process and requested Mr. Villelli not ask at the hearing proceedings to consider an amendment as Commissioners were so far along in what they had accomplished that it would create a difficult situation. Mr. Villelli said he conceded that was not his intention and he came back with a request for a zone amendment. Mr. Villelli said he followed that procedure and went to the Planning and Zoning Commission. After the first Planning and Zoning Commission meeting he requested the entire property he owned be zoned the same so he could create some kind of subdivision there. The Planning and Zoning Commission asked if it would be possible for Mr. Villelli to just rezone just enough property to make it work.

Mr. Villelli said he withdrew his application, spent time with JRS Surveying and came back with a plan to just change the zone on a portion of property west of the section line. Mr. Villelli said when Commissioners had the hearing on the amendment, they used the section line as a determining line, but no one realized that was dividing his property into two zones. Mr. Villelli said he had the only property where the zoning was changed that divided the property into two different zones. The practical matter was that Commissioners provided for nice zoning on the waterfront that allowed for two and one-half acres, but due to the configuration of the property, there is no place on the property lying east of the section line that is 300 feet from the Moyie River, which is required by Panhandle Health to have leach fields. Mr. Villelli said he came back and asked not to rezone the whole westerly piece, just enough to have a viable and usable piece of property. Mr. Villelli said he explained to the Planning and Zoning Commission that if he split the westerly piece of property into three parcels he would end up with substandard parcels to the west of the section line because that zoning only allows a minimum of 10 acres so he wouldn’t be able to create three parcels. If Commissioners would consider rezoning the one hundred and some feet, then Mr. Villelli said he could get an area west of section line and west of the gas transmission line so he could put in a leach field if he ever does want to divide the river front into three parcels. Mr. Villelli said he would end up with three parcels along the river that were in compliance at two and one-half acres or larger and would be able to accommodate septic because the leach fields would be more than 300 feet from the river. There would be one parcel to the west of Section 15 that would consist of 10 acres and also be in compliance with that zone.  

Chairman Dinning said currently Mr. Villelli has enough room for two lots and if he had a section of land zoned a certain way, there could be three lots. Mr. Villelli said yes, there would be three lots along the river that are larger than two and one half acres. Chairman Dinning said if Commissioners did not grant the application, would Mr. Villelli still be able to use the area shown on the application for septic fields. Mr. Villelli said he would have to have a separate parcel. Mr. Villelli said you can get the Health District to put your leach fields on someone else’s property, but they frown on it, and he added that it’s hard to sell a piece of property when someone else has their leach field on it. Mr. Villelli said if he created a split, he would have a split in that section that would be smaller than 10 acres and he cannot do that. Chairman Dinning said that would be a non-conforming lot consisting of the 115 feet. Mr. Villelli said the non-conforming lot would be on the west side of the section line. Commissioner Pinkerton said separating the piece just to the west of the section line from parcel RP64N02E152111A would still leave a conforming 10 acre parcel. Mr. Villelli said this was created and sort of dumped in his lap when he found out that he was going to have a problem when the zone changed that he never perceived happening. Mr. Villelli said he would like to maximize the value of his property. Mr. Villelli said he has sold parcels along this area that were two and one half or more acres over the years. Occasionally people want a lot and they cannot afford 10 acres along the river and 2.5 acres is larger than most of the other parcels in that location. There are three distinct areas for houses as his son already logged for those pads. Mr. Villelli said there is only enough area for the three pads.  

Chairman Dinning said he recalls a lot of public discussion on this particular piece when Commissioners held the public hearing to rezone the area. Mr. Villelli said he has talked to his neighbors and the neighbor he most recently sold a piece of property to, when he sold it he requested this buyer acknowledge he was anticipating this zone change and that it would probably create two and one half acre parcels. Mr. Villelli said he asked this buyer to acknowledge that and not oppose it to which the buyer agreed. Mr. Villelli said he did talk to the other neighbors as well and if he were to create a subdivision, it would create serious problems, but to have three parcels consisting of two and one half acres he doesn’t think it’s compromising the integrity of the area. Mr. Villelli said there is already a gas line that is 100 feet wide.   

Mr. Studer provided a staff report and Commissioners reviewed a map that was included in their information. Mr. Studer said what is pretty germane to the issue is the fact the application is for 12.65 acres to the west, which is an ag/forestry zone. What is germane to the issue is the parcel to the east along the river. The map displays the 300 foot distance that is of issue for Panhandle Health that Mr. Villelli brought up. Mr. Studer said he doesn’t have much more to add as Mr. Villelli hit all issues. The parcel division was by section line and zone changes ag/forestry and suburban were along that section line. Mr. Studer said in addition to his previous report was the Findings and Decision from the Planning and Zoning Commission. Planning and Zoning met on January 16, 2014 and found that concerns over private road access and future population density increase are not germane to the application for a zone change. Those issues would be dealt with if there is a partial or subdivision application in the future. The change in zone should follow what is right to do on the ground. The current zone line follows the section line and the area on the east is currently zoned suburban. Because the parcel that is suburban is too narrow to further develop, the zone change application makes sense. The recommendation of approval will allow Mr. Villelli the latitude to further develop his property, which he has the right to do. Mr. Studer said the Planning and Zoning Commission made motion to recommend approval of the application and forward this decision to the Board of County Commissioners, who has the final decision in this application.    

Mr. Studer said Mr. Lustig, whose principle issue is the road, did plan on attending the hearing today, but due to other matters he couldn’t make it. Mr. Lustig’s issues are known to the Board. Chairman Dinning said that was an issue on the county road, which if he remembers correctly, is a 25 foot right-of-way. Mr. Studer said the road is a 25 foot right-of-way, but he doesn’t think it extends all the way south. Chairman Dinning said it doesn’t. Chairman Dinning asked, in trying to get a grasp in what the Planning and Zoning Commission’s statement was, what are the other criteria if Mr. Villelli were to create three lots, as far as road access in the county’s Ordinance now? Mr. Studer said there would be a parcel line adjustment from the properties being divided on the section line. There could be a partial line adjustment without any subdivision to create from a 12.65 acre parcel to a 10 acre parcel, which is consistent with the ag/forestry zone. The 11 acres to the east would total 13 acres and according to this plan, would that divide those 13 acres to three parcels in the foreseeable future. Chairman Dinning asked what the conditions are for the quality of the road if Mr. Villelli were to divide the property into three lots. Mr. Studer said if Mr. Villelli submitted an application for a subdivision, it would be a primitive short plat subdivision, which requires a public hearing and approval of Commissioners to accept. Mr. Studer said with that size, road standards may be waived. Chairman Dinning said if Commissioners did not waive the standards, what would those standards be? Mr. Studer said he doesn’t have that exact information, but roads would be an issue in the future for a subdivision. Commissioner Pinkerton said that is not what Chairman Dinning is asking. Commissioner Pinkerton said if there was an application for a subdivision in the future, that road issue would be addressed. Mr. Studer said absolutely.

Commissioner Kirby said this application makes sense to him from the public health and land use standpoints. Three properties are useless as it stands today. Commissioner Pinkerton said if land is not added to the east side of the section line, would that parcel to the east be usable for a residence or would it eliminate the area to one possible residence. Mr. Studer said in Mr. Villelli’s opening statement, he said anything is possible. Mr. Studer said because of that distance requirement there would have to be easements established on the acreage to the west. That argument was brought up by Mr. Villelli himself. Commissioner Pinkerton questioned if there weren’t easements on this property. Mr. Studer said Panhandle Health District may have options that he is not privy to, but those concerns really aren’t his purview. Commissioner Kirby said he is reasonably sure the Health District will not allow septic systems. If that property was divided into a strip and the property owner wanted to build a house, build a road through there, and talk to Panhandle Health District, Commissioner Kirby said he is reasonably sure that property wouldn’t be big enough to get 300 feet away from the river in order to put in a drain field and septic system. Commissioner Pinkerton said it wouldn’t pass Panhandle Health District’s standard guidelines. Commissioner Kirby said it’s obvious this application needs to happen.

Chairman Dinning said if this application was turned down and Mr. Villelli went by easement, how many lots could there be, two or three and what is the size of those acres? Mr. Studer said the lots could go down to two and one half acres. Chairman Dinning said he would ask the applicant how big the area is. Commissioner Pinkerton questioned how large the property is to allow going down to two and one half acre lots. Commissioner Pinkerton said to take the river out of the picture then Mr. Villelli could divide the parcel reasonably enough into two and one half acre lots and still meet the standards that apply in the Ordinance. Commissioner Pinkerton said it’s not the size of the land that is the issue, it’s the river. Commissioner Kirby said it’s the 300 feet. Chairman Dinning said according to the county’s ordinance, if the applicant were to transfer this 115 foot strip to the three parcels, they would be non-confirming lots of record because they’re in a different zone, the 10 acre zone, but these are the remainders and it’s fine that it’s 10 acres, at that point it cannot be built upon, but they could be used for septic. Commissioner Kirby said the only legitimate way to do this according to the map, if the application was turned down, there would not be that 115 foot strip along the back. Chairman Dinning said the applicant owns both parcels and could make this site a part of these lots by deed. Commissioner Kirby said he thought that is what would happen, but Mr. Villelli needs to get the zone change first. Chairman Dinning said yes, but not get the zone change. Chairman Dinning said he wants to understand from the applicant the number of lots and does this require a zone change for Mr. Villelli to transfer these parcels and put septic on them. Chairman Dinning said that 115 foot strip would be a non-conforming lot of record and would not be buildable. Commissioner Pinkerton said the road runs through the property.

Commissioners opened the hearing to public testimony and said written testimony had been received and considered. No one from the public spoke in favor, uncommitted or opposed to the application. Commissioners asked Mr. Villelli for a closing statement.

Mr. Villelli said he was concerned initially and is concerned still that if he doesn’t get a zone change for the portion of land that is west of the section line, that if in fact, he created three parcels in front and all were conforming relative to the portion of land that lies east of the section line, that would still mean he would drop a line that would create a 150 foot by 300 foot, a one and one half acre parcel in forestry zone. Mr. Villelli said Chairman Dinning is right in that he probably could not get a building permit on the back area, but he would still worry that he would be in violation because he had done a parcel split that would show a parcel less than 10 acres in a zone that allows nothing less than 10 acres. Mr. Villelli said this would solve the problem where he doesn’t have to worry down the road that there may be three new Commissioners who say that he cannot split the parcel as he would have a non-conforming parcel in a zone of 10 acre minimum. Mr. Villelli said he would like to think his application is the most logical and simplest way, but that is just his opinion.

Chairman Dinning said assuming there was no river and assume the parcel was not rezoned, how many lots could be created or how many acres is involved. Mr. Villelli said he believes there are 23 acres. Chairman Dinning said he’s looking at acreage to the east of the section line. Mr. Studer said there is a little over 11 acres on the east parcel and you would add the 2.65 acres there would be just under 14 acres. Mr. Villelli said if the river wasn’t there, with the zoning Commissioners have placed on it, there would be four parcels consisting of two and one half acres or more, but on the ground is what really dictates what goes on there. Chairman Dinning said at this point Mr. Villelli is not committing to three parcels. Mr. Villelli said he is not committing to anything because he doesn’t know if he will do anything there, but he will say it makes sense for three parcels. Mr. Villelli said he had JRS Surveying draw that up and that is what looks best on the ground. Anything more would not allow four building sites. Mr. Villelli said he’s not going to sell the property tomorrow to one person, although that would be his dream. But you really can’t sell 23 acres along the Moyie River to just one person these days and maximize the value. Mr. Villelli said he wouldn’t commit to three lots, but that is what makes the most sense, and if he could do more, if that made sense, he would, but that isn’t what he is asking for. When and if that happens, Mr. Villelli said he would be back before Commissioners either way. Mr. Villelli said he is just trying to get in conformance so that down the road someday, if he wants to do something, it would be legal.

Mr. Villelli said he could probably get a variance from Panhandle Heath District, but if you look at the map, it would be the southwest triangle of the easterly section as there is no road or gas pipeline easement. Mr. Villelli said he would have to locate all leach fields in that triangular space down in the very far small corner of the property and would again have the problem of the leach fields being on someone else’s property, and that doesn’t sell to a buyer. That is assuming Panhandle Health District would grant a variance. Chairman Dinning asked about the amount of gas pipeline right-of-way there is as you cannot use that for a septic system. Mr. Villelli said he has already talked to Transcanada Gas and they verbally said he could run a leach field line across their pipelines, but they have to be certain depths and break away. The gas company would have to have those rights.

There being no further questions Chairman Dinning closed the hearing to further public comments and held discussion amongst Commissioners.

Chairman Dinning said Commissioner Pinkerton wasn’t a Commissioner when the initial hearing was held, but as Mr. Villelli explained that area and many areas along the Moyie River were 10 acres and that put the value of those parcels out of reach from the average person. Chairman Dinning said for this particular area there had been significant discussion and input on the road and that would also be addressed at the time an application for a subdivision comes forward. Chairman Dinning asked in the county’s current Ordinance can one parcel be sold without having to go through a subdivision or approval. Mr. Studer said anything less than 20 acres is subject to subdivision language. The area is not touching any county road so a simple subdivision would not apply, and the county would require platting, a public hearing and approval by Commissioners for any subdivision. Commissioner Kirby said the reason for that is simply that the person who purchases the property has a nice road and this would fix that problem. The road may not be taken care of for years, but it will be sooner or later. Commissioner Kirby said this makes absolute sense to clean up a property use map and the county needs to do it.

Commissioner Kirby moved to uphold the Planning and Zoning Commission’s decision to approve Application #13.078 filed by Richard Villelli for a zone map amendment. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chairman Dinning said for clarification the road issue with any division will absolutely need to be addressed. That was a concern. Chairman Dinning said it makes sense to fix this issue.

The public hearing ended at 10:50 a.m.

11:00 a.m., North Idaho College (NIC) representatives Mark Browning, Joe Dunlap, and Ken Howard joined the meeting to discuss issues pertaining to funding. Clerk Glenda Poston joined the meeting.

Mr. Howard spoke of a developing problem in Kootenai County as far as funding for North Idaho College. Approximately four years ago NIC experienced a rapid increase in enrollment and with that came tuition funds and an increase in taxes. Mr. Howard described NIC as being funded by a three legged stool that consists of state funding, tuition and property taxes as well as a few grants. The state has not been increasing funding and instead funding has decreased, which would cause the need to increase tuition costs and taxes. Mr. Howard said NIC is now starting to see a decline in enrollment due to a better economy and in looking at the budget, NIC is seeing a decrease in revenue from tuition. NIC will have to make some significant cuts. NIC’s mission is to provide education opportunities for the five northern counties. Property tax revenue only comes from Kootenai County and outside of Kootenai County is the process of liquor tax dollars and tuition of $500 per semester with a $3,000 lifetime maximum limit. Mr. Howard said NIC started looking at Kootenai County’s tax base and they fund approximately one-third of NIC’s total revenue stream, but approximately one-third of Idaho students at NIC are from outside of Kootenai County. Kootenai County is subsidizing out of district students to the tune of $2,500 per head and those taxpayers are starting to pay attention to that now as well as who is paying that. Those present reviewed statistics provided by NIC. Mr. Howard said sometime ago NIC approached the Association of Cities and Counties to see how to level this funding out. Other community colleges are supported by other counties so they’re not in the same difficulty as NIC. Kootenai County paid 3.5 million dollars for outside students and they are starting to question, and it’s a good question. As time has gone by with liquor funding not increasing this issue just hasn’t been addressed, and NIC is now seeing a significant deficit. From NIC’s perspective the college does not want to interfere with the change in trajectory of NIC, but the college will start running into problems as to why it’s funded by Kootenai County’s taxpayers. If Boundary County Commissioners were Kootenai County Commissioners, they would be saying the same thing. Mr. Howard said that is the problem and NIC is trying to find a way to fairly distribute the revenue expense property tax component to help NIC run. There’s a statute on it to expand the tax paying district and that takes a vote, but statute doesn’t require a whole county. NIC is starting to look at other alternatives such as raising tuition for out of district students so they’re not subsidized by Kootenai County, but that has significant potential problems as it might discourage students from getting an education. Mr. Howard said NIC is coming to Commissioners with this problem saying they need help to find some way to equalize the tax burden for Kootenai County in terms of what they are paying for all students.

Mr. Howard said his fear is the next time there is a trustee election the word will be no more subsidizing out of district such as the satellite sites. Currently students are charged out of district tuition plus $500, so out of district students are charged $500 more. Mr. Dunlap said the cost is $50 per credit hour up to total of $500 per semester. Mr. Dunlap said if he were a student and the college charges the extra amount not covered by financial aid, reimbursement may or may not be requested from the county. The student suffers at times if they are not proactive in asking the county for reimbursement.

NIC has approximately 182 students from Boundary County and with that formula that is a cost of approximately one half million dollars. This becomes a bit problematic for NIC as far as satisfying the taxpayers and providing services to Boundary County. That is just the property tax component, according to Mr. Dunlap.

Kootenai County provides 14 million dollars to NIC each year and if that is divided by the total number of Kootenai County students, that comes to $3,530 per student that is subsidized by Kootenai County. Deduct $1,000 from the liquor fund and that totals $2,530 per student and when you multiply that by the number of students you come up with those large numbers. That is what Kootenai County subsidizes for Boundary County students.

Those present reviewed a spreadsheet consisting of liquor dollar distributions. Boundary County has exceeded half of their allotment for out of district tuition by approximately $26,000. Chairman Dinning said he understands what is being said. It was said that Kootenai County student tuition is less than out of district tuition based on credit hours. Mr. Dunlap said everyone in Idaho is charged the same, but out of district students are charged an additional $50 per credit hour up to $500. That is to be reimbursed by liquor funds.

It was said that in Kootenai County there are approximately 500 employees at NIC. Chairman Dinning asked what the economic value is to Kootenai County in having NIC in their county and has that been factored into those kinds of dollars rolling into their economy. Mr. Howard said that has been factored into the discussions. Mr. Howard said that does need to be factored, but this is not NIC coming up to Boundary County and saying this is how it’s going to be. NIC wants to talk about finding a solution. Mr. Browning said when talking to Dan Chadwick and Tony Poinelli at the Idaho Association of Counties (IAC) it was said it’s a problem now and it’s only going to get bigger. There is dual enrollment for high school students and it’s a good opportunity, but it’s also putting a bigger burden on liquor funds. Mr. Browning said the cost per credit of $50 was established back in year 1982 and that has not changed.

Clerk Poston asked Mr. Browning, Mr. Dunlap and Mr. Howard if they had attended the Commissioners and Clerks Conference. Clerk Poston said there had been quite a discussion on this topic and a group was going to be formed to work on this issue. There have been talks, but the counties down south are struggling. The cost per credit hour at the College of Southern Idaho is $97 per credit hour. The cost is $123 at NIC. That difference relates to the three legged stool, according to Mr. Howard. In the district for the College of Western Idaho they have a lower property tax rate so they’ve had to increase tuition. Clerk Poston said she tends to agree about the decline in enrollment. Clerk Poston said Boundary County did have to levy its taxpayers, but that has been subsiding. The funds are primarily earmarked for tuition, but currently there is a relief as the county does not have to levy like it had in the past.

Commissioners asked why there is a decline in enrollment. Mr. Dunlap said it’s proportionate to the economy. When the economy is in decline enrollment picks up for employee retraining and skills, etc., but the economy is picking up so we are seeing a nationwide decline in enrollment. This semester NIC experienced an 11% decline, but the hope is to stabilize that after next year. Clerk Poston asked how Lewis and Clark State College compares? Mr. Dunlap said Lewis and Clerk is considerably higher, but at a cost of approximately $250 per credit hour and it’s approximately $5,400 for a full time student based on 12 credits. That is a college that doesn’t receive property tax relief as it is a state owned and ran institution. Clerk Poston said in looking at the statistics some counties are upside down. Mr. Browning said the situation is so unique county to county. Mr. Howard said NIC is trying to find a solution for counties being served and looking at the liquor fund, it won’t get close to solving this issue. It’s one of those problems that is growing and we need to find some way to fix it. Chairman Dinning said the objective is to educate and he understands that.

Chairman Dinning said this matter was discussed at the IAC conference, but internally Commissioners’ preference would be to take all state liquor funds to pay tuition from a state collection site and then disperse those funds to the counties and cities so they don’t have to levy. This may in short term, be some formulation of paying more per credit hour and offset an increase. Mr. Howard said we need to find some methodology as this is a growing question so if we’re working on it, it will help. Chairman Dinning said Kootenai County Commissioner Todd Tondee is the District I Chairman and it would be good to meet at the District I meeting. Clerk Poston said Tony Poinelli could participate via phone. Chairman Dinning said it’s a good place to start the discussion on what is being faced. Mr. Howard said he and Mr. Browning and Mr. Dunlap are going to each county individually and they will meet with Kootenai County last. Chairman Dinning said with the amount levied approximately $45,000,000 rolls through Kootenai County’s economy about seven times so that should be given some consideration. Clerk Poston briefly mentioned reviewing a pie chart as to what the cities and counties get for liquor dollars.

Mr. Howard said he would love to see the liquor funds reorganized, but he doesn’t think it will happen. In trying to find the grand scheme in this issue, it may be the kind of thing to change the funding nature of community colleges. Mr. Howard said he is not sure NIC’s problem will survive that long as far as the local population, and he added that it may be a good idea for counties to appoint someone to work on this problem so this issue doesn’t sit and wait and then NIC is forced to do something and students are caught in the middle. Chairman Dinning said if the college district did expand to the five northern counties, would that take a vote of those counties? Mr. Dunlap said if Sandpoint alone wanted to come into the district, they could and it would just take a vote, but not a two-thirds vote as NIC is not a new college.

Mr. Howard said there is expansion taking place and inertia to create more and more educational opportunities so it’s not just what is happening now, but also what will happen in the near future. Mr. Browning said there has been a fair amount of talk about expansion such as the local library project. Mr. Dunlap said that would expand NIC’s footprint.

Mr. Howard asked how NIC can help the county. Chairman Dinning mentioned the situation in which someone applies for out of district tuition for something like taking yoga classes as opposed to someone who applies for out of district tuition who is looking to educate themselves for a career, etc. Commissioner Pinkerton spoke of being retired and wanting to take some classes versus someone taking a class that will bring something back to the community. Mr. Dunlap said through NIC’s Student Services they could look at a student’s educational plan. Commissioner Pinkerton discussed exploring costs for someone taking a continuing education course versus a student taking a start up class load. Mr. Dunlap was given a copy of the out of district tuition form that students complete and said he would take the form and look at revising it to include a student plan, etc. Clerk Poston said the form is going to be revised at the state level.

Commissioner Pinkerton said Boundary County’s population is a little over 10,000 as of the last census and at least half the residents are at least 50 years of age. Mr. Howard said it may be that increasing tuition is something to look at. Mr. Howard mentioned the possibility of the county, but not county government could contribute funds, but the fear is driving students away from opportunities if tuition is increased.

The meeting with Mr. Browning, Mr. Dunlap and Mr. Howard ended at noon.

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

Kyle Flory and Rob Tenas with Kyle and Rob Productions joined the meeting to present the final cut of their documentary on Boundary County. County Public Information Officer Mike Meier also joined the meeting.

The meeting with Mr. Flory, Mr. Tenas and Mr. Meier ended at 2:30 p.m.

County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull, Clerk Glenda Poston and Airport Board member Bob Blanford joined the meeting at 2:30 p.m.

Attorney Hull and those present reviewed various matters to include: asking Attorney Hull to develop an ordinance for use of the county’s snowmobile park that mentions no overnight camping for longer than three nights, develop a logging agreement with Rob Pluid to log the property formerly owned by LaVern and Eunice Dinning, researching information for Road and Bridge Superintendent Jeff Gutshall, and reviewing the memorandum of understanding with the Idaho Department of Lands. Mr. Blanford said he would work on wording for a logging agreement.

Commissioners asked Attorney Hull about choosing a real estate agent to sell tax deeded properties that did not sell at auction. Attorney Hull advised Commissioners to make that motion during the regular course of business.

Attorney Hull asked for an update on the Merrifield property purchase and he informed Commissioners that he has made attempts to contact the engineer for questions to include interest calculations for the Merrifields. One question was if Ms. Dinning had received her money as a result of moving expenses. Attorney Hull said the engineer was to be contacting the Federal Aviation Administration to work some things out. Attorney Hull and Commissioners said as it pertains to the Byler property purchase, everything has been submitted.

Attorney Hull informed Commissioners that Cabinets Mountains Water District’s perpetual easement looks to be in order, but it didn’t mention the non-exclusive clause. Commissioners will contact Mike Klaus with the District to request the language that after five years of abandonment, the lease will go away be inserted into the lease.

Attorney Hull left the meeting at 3:00 p.m.

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the minutes of February 10 & 11, 2014. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with the Idaho Department of Lands regarding the 2013 CPP Grant Project. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.  

Commissioner Kirby moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the agreement with Selkirk Mountain Real Estate to market for sale qualifying county tax deeded properties that did not sell at public auction, upon receiving the completed agreement. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

3:40 p.m., There being no further business, the meeting recessed until Thursday, February 27, 2014, at 11:00 a.m., for the meeting with Bureau of Homeland Security Brigadier General Brad Richy.  

***Thursday, February 27, 2014, Commissioners met in special session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Walt Kirby, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton was out of office tending to other matters.

11:00 a.m., Commissioners met with Bureau of Homeland Security Brigadier General Brad Richy to discuss various matters. Also present were: City of Bonners Ferry Mayor Dave Anderson, City Administrator Stephen Boorman, and City Council member Rick Alonzo; Kootenai Tribe of Idaho Tribal Chairman Gary Aitken Jr.; Emergency Services Incident Commander Bob Graham and Emergency Services Director/City of Bonners Ferry Interim Police Chief Dave Kramer; Bureau of Homeland Security Local Area Field Officer Jay Baker; and Aaron Clark-Bohachek, Reporter for the Bonners Ferry Herald. 

Brigadier General Richy introduced himself to everyone present and explained that he took this position approximately one year ago. Brigadier General Richy said he got to understanding the flood situation of the past and he has worked with Mr. Graham on several bomb issues at the schools. This is an opportunity to see if the Bureau of Homeland Security (BHS) is providing at least the basics of support needed. Chairman Dinning said the only real issues are flooding and now we have a handle on it as Mr. Baker is very good with a simple phone call. Brigadier General Richy said he was impressed and had learned of the many issues faced during the last meeting with local groups and Canadian officials on flooding.

Mr. Aitken Jr. said everything seems to be in order for the Tribe and although there are always issues with flooding at the Kootenai River Inn, there is a lot of help from the community to meet those needs so he has nothing glaring to address.

Brigadier General Richy commented that he hadn’t heard anything as a result of the last meeting on flooding that also included Canadian officials and asked has there been anything coming up. Chairman Dinning said Canada was trying to identify sites going forward and they have to have a long average in order to determine that the information is accurate. Two of the Board of Directors from the Central Kootenai District had recently met with Boundary County Commissioners and started dialogue. Director Kettle and Director Binks had high praise for the Corps of Engineers as had they not responded in Boundary County, Canada would have been in a world of hurt. Commissioner Kirby said Canada’s concern had to do when the pool is full.

Mr. Graham said there is something going on with the Washington Office of the Army Corps of Engineers changing protocol on flood repairs to dikes. The City of Bonners Ferry got wind of this about six weeks ago so he contacted the Corps of Engineers. Mr. Graham said to expect that most county levees will not qualify for repairs with the exception of the City of Bonners Ferry’s levees. The Corps is not changing their flood fight protocol, but they will change protocol for repairs, especially for those levees not up to the Corps’ standards. Mr. Graham said flood fighting will probably get worse as he would guess it will take more money and the repairs will probably be up to the locals. Mr. Baker said the City was notified the Corps has been recertifying levees and they used a model to which there is no question. Mr. Baker said he understands the Corps has put that entire process on hold. Mr. Boorman said the process for recertification is under review as he understood as well. Mayor Anderson mentioned there being a moratorium being placed and that the city has stayed within that realm. Mr. Boorman explained that the city has ownership easements on the levees, but the actual property is owned by another party. The Corps would call the city the operator in that case, according to Mr. Baker. Chairman Dinning said the remaining 50 miles of levees are controlled by various diking districts. Brigadier General Richy asked if the ownership of levees had been written into the County’s Mitigation Plan, and he said once the levee ownership has been identified the individual levees need to be integrated into the area’s mitigation plan and then down the road it may qualify under the expanded project for repairs. Chairman Dinning said that specific section was broke. Chairman Dinning said due to the Environmental Species Act the county would have to consult for environmental assessments and that becomes hindering to an individual owner in order to fix the levee. Brigadier General Richy said the portion of a levee to be rebuilt would be rebuilt to the new standard. Mr. Boorman asked what the difference is between the old and new standards. Brigadier General Richy said the last standards were from the 1920’s so the 2014 standards would be used. Mr. Kramer said the county is in the process of having the All Hazard Mitigation Plan updated and it’s almost complete. Part of this Plan is to try to bring all levee systems to Corps standards, but it won’t be possible. Chairman Dinning said cost is the issue.

Those present used a bridge as an example for critical infrastructure and repairs and it was asked if a bridge is considered critical infrastructure, would that bridge be repaired to current 2014 standards as opposed to the condition the bridge was in when it was damaged. Brigadier General Richy said as it was explained to him, a levee didn’t have to be a qualifying levee to receive Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) monies for repairs, but a plan for mitigation would have to be submitted. Brigadier General Richy said when qualifying a project, even though money is dwindling, FEMA will know it’s a project. Chairman Dinning said it has to be a project on the shelf. Brigadier General Richy said that was correct. Brigadier General Richy would like the BHS Mitigation Section to talk with Mr. Baker about potential opportunities and after Mr. Baker can meet with Mr. Graham and Commissioners.

Mr. Graham spoke of the issues farmers have in having the funds to bring levees to the Corps’ standards. Brigadier General Richy said he thought if the county identified a levee as critical infrastructure as opposed to just repairing it, it would be repaired to current standards. Brigadier General Richy said once something has been identified as an expanded project that will allow the rebuild to new standards.

It was said a couple years ago a dike almost failed, but the US Army Corps of Engineers didn’t consider that dike as critical infrastructure so it didn’t qualify for repairs. Chairman Dinning said BHS could discuss this matter internally and Mr. Baker could come back and discuss it with the local government.

Mr. Kramer said he would read through the new Mitigation Plan to see what it says about levees and the standards. The cost issue for farmers was raised as it pertains to levee concerns. Mr. Boorman said when emergencies have occurred and BHS shows up they have been great. Brigadier General Richy said he is glad to hear that as BHS tries to give support during these issues and to prepare for a potential issue.

Mr. Graham spoke highly of the Naples Elementary School Principal Steven Morton and Superintendent Richard Conley in their handling of the latest bomb threats. Brigadier General Richy said he felt extremely bad about all the evacuations that had happened and questioned what he could do to help.

Brigadier General Richy spoke of the State’s Safe School Program and working to help. This program is currently a pilot project based on the Governor’s Safe School Program. Cameras are placed inside and outside of a school and those capabilities will probably be expanded. This camera system will be linked to senior leadership within the school and also to first responders. If a school went into lockdown in an active shooter scenario, exits could be identified well in advance and it also gives teachers the opportunity to speed dial first responders. The challenges are camera placements and avoiding inappropriate use. So far it is up to individual school districts as to what the need is.

Mr. Graham said it has been confusing as far as when to call a bomb threat incident in as he was told not to call if a bomb was not found when a threat has been made. Brigadier General Richy said he would say Mr. Graham is doing the right thing by calling in and he would not want to have to find a bomb in order to call in the incident. Mr. Graham said that is what has been done in every case. After the 10^th incident Mr. Graham said he asked about ignoring the threat, but school officials didn’t want to take on that responsibility. Brigadier General Richy said he is also against not doing anything when a threat is made. Brigadier General Richy suggested locals keep the motion of teaching education to kids of this seriousness.

Mayor Anderson said an issue for him is that Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry are connected by railways with cars carrying toxins and he referred to a recent ammonium nitrate spill that occurred. There is this potential for disaster to focus on, according to Mayor Anderson. Brigadier General Richy said he agrees.

Brigadier General Richy mentioned the need to look into emergency operation plans and although BHS doesn’t permit, they will strive to assist. Mayor Anderson said he is aware of that; he just wanted to bring his concern up. Commissioner Kirby said that is a cause for a highway situation and it’s too bad truck traffic cannot be rerouted around town. Commissioner Kirby said the fix through town would be nice, but there would still be trucks loads of ammonium nitrate coming through. Mayor Anderson said he had watched the video of the recent truck crash that occurred at the Kootenai River Inn and if that had been a mega load tuck, it would have ended up in the kitchen of the Kootenai River Inn.  

Commissioner Kirby said he appreciates the things that the Bureau of Homeland Security does.

The meeting with Bureau of Homeland Security Brigadier General Richy ended at noon.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at noon.

                                                /s/

                                                DAN R. DINNING, Chairman

ATTEST:

/s/

GLENDA POSTON, Clerk

By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk