County Commission minutes, January 21-22 |
| March 2, 2013 |
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*** Chairman Dinning asked the elected officials and department heads for introductions for newly elected Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton. Chairman Dinning informed those present the Extension Office has a copy machine they no longer need. Ms. Hampton said this machine is eight to 10 years old and still has a lot of life in it, but the Extension Office is hard on copiers. Ms. Hampton listed the options this copy machine has and she said this machine was working, but with the volume of copying done in her office, the copier was having problems. Ms. Hampton said this copier can be hooked up to the network. Clerk Poston said the Parks and Recreation Board was able to utilize her office’s old copier and it has worked out well for them. Ms. Brown thought about her new school room, but there would be an issue getting the machine up the stairs. Mr. Sukenik said if someone ends up having a smaller copier that will become surplused, it wouldn’t hurt to replace the one in the courtroom. Ms. Magee said she could take a look at the copier to see if she can use it at the Restorium.
Chairman Dinning showed a video from the Idaho
Association of Counties pertaining to the state
possibly doing away with personal property
taxes. Chairman Dinning said this issue is being
discussed currently and personal property taxes
makes up about 17% of the
Mr. Studer said there was an interview he read
about the owners of a company called
Translucence that is starting up in the Mr. Sukenik said he sent requests for information and costs to have the padding redone on the benches in the courtroom. Another option is to resurface and put new batting on the benches so Mr. Sukenik said he will obtain bids or quotes for that. Mr. Kothe said he checked on that a few years ago and it was fairly pricey for new padding.
The elected officials/department heads meeting
ended at Mr. Gutshall, Mr. Guthrie and Clerk Poston remained in the meeting. After reviewing documentation for the 2013 STP Rural Application for the Deep Creek Loop – Phase III Project and the 2013 Idaho Federal Lands Access Program Capital Improvement or Enhancement Project Proposals for the Westside Road/Myrtle Creek Bridge Replacement and the Meadow Creek Road Reconstruction Project, Commissioners motioned to sign these documents. Commissioner Pinkerton moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the 2013 STP Rural Application for the Deep Creek Loop – Phase III Project. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Gutshall spoke of the Idaho Federal Lands
Access Programs for
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the 2013 Idaho Federal Lands Access Program Capital Improvement or Enhancement Project Proposal for the Westside Road/Myrtle Creek Bridge Replacement. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Pinkerton moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the 2013 Idaho Federal Lands Access Program Capital Improvement or Enhancement Project Proposal for the Meadow Creek Road Reconstruction Project. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Pinkerton moved to adopt Resolution #2013-13. A resolution supporting the project identification submittal for the Deep Creek Loop Phase III Project. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution #2013-13 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION #2013-13
A RESOLUTION
SUPPORTING THE PROJECT IDENTIFICATION SUBMITTAL
FOR THE DEEP CREEK LOOP PHASE III PROJECT
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of
Boundary County, Idaho, does support the project
identification submittal for the Deep Creek Loop
Road, Phase III Project to the Local Highway
Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC), and
WHEREAS, the total project cost estimate is
$1,977,000, which will require $145,111 of local
matching funds to be made available from
NOW THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board
of Boundary County Commissioners is hereby
authorized and directed to sign the project
identification packet and submit it to LHTAC for
prioritization.
Adopted this 22nd day of January, 2013.
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
s/__________________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/__________________________
Walt Kirby, Commissioner
s/__________________________
LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/____________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy
Recorded as instrument #256282
The meeting with Mr. Gutshall ended at
Mr. Guthrie said it’s the time to obtain
certification credits again and there are
courses in Mr. Guthrie discussed the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs and referred to the Selkirk Cooperative Weed Management Association (CWMA) program. Mr. Guthrie mentioned the Kootenai Tribe, The Nature Conservancy, and Idaho Department of Lands as participants. The CWMA Program is cost share funded through the Department of Agriculture and some funding is through the Forest Service. This program doesn’t include crop land, according to Mr. Guthrie. Commissioner Pinkerton asked if the program is based on land size and Mr. Guthrie said it caters to smaller land owners. One of the smaller funding years was approximately $8,500. Mr. Pinkerton asked about vacant land and Mr. Guthrie said this program does cover vacant land, but the property owner has to apply for the program. Those present discussed timber areas in relation to noxious weeds as well as enforcement and providing assistance. Chairman Dinning suggested finding out who is in charge of land management and to have a commissioner visit with them regarding how to help.
Mr. Guthrie said he filed the annual report for
water applications and some of the definitions
of the waters of the Mr. Guthrie said the cost share is decreasing each year. A figure for cost sharing has been $100,000 in funding, but last year it was a bit over $50,000 for the Selkirk group and it will most likely be less the next time. Commissioners asked how many acres were treated and Mr. Guthrie said close to 500 acres were treated. Between 700 and 800 acres were treated prior and he’s seen the significant impact. Mr. Guthrie mentioned the cost per acre to treat for noxious weeds and said a person doesn’t have to have a license to treat for weeds.
Mr. Guthrie spoke of a new program called the
Healthy Habits Coalition. Mr. Guthrie read aloud
information on this new program, which is to
fuel invasive species control and management on
a state-by-state and
Clif Warren with the Community Transportation
Association of Idaho joined the meeting at Commissioner Dinning asked if Mr. Guthrie has discussed this organization and donation with his advisory board. Mr. Guthrie said no. Mr. Guthrie informed Commissioners that Panhandle Lakes Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) used to administer the Idaho Cost Share Program, but paperwork issues had occurred so Clerk Poston agreed to take over the bookkeeping.
Those present discussed Eurasian Milfoil in the
Boundary Economic Development Specialist David
Sims joined the meeting at
The meeting with Mr. Guthrie ended at
Treasurer Jenny Fessler joined the meeting at Commissioner Pinkerton moved to amend the prior motion regarding the expiration date of Fair Board members to reflect an expiration date of January 2017 for the terms of Glenda Poston, Gayle Alexander, and Rod LePoidevin. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Kirby moved to amend the day’s
agenda for
Treasurer Jenny Fessler informed Commissioners
that she has finished the cancellation of taxes
on all City of Commissioner Pinkerton moved to cancel year 2012 taxes in the amount of $28,027.80 for properties within the annexed area that was deemed invalid by the district court, as presented in a list by the Boundary County Treasurer. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. Treasurer Fessler explained how she has to make sure to balance with the Clerk/Auditor’s Office records. The county will be short the amount of $55.92 in the trust to pay refunds and that is because two of the parcels had the circuit breaker exemption and the State of Idaho reimburses for that in half payments. These two parcels in question paid their taxes in full and the county doesn’t have reimbursement from the state for that second half yet. Chairman Dinning said the county will ultimately receive the state’s reimbursement so to go ahead and issue a refund. Treasurer Fessler said before she issues any refunds she needs to balance out for this month. That needs to be done as there have been so many reversals and cancellations leaving many chances of human error after balancing for the month. Treasurer Fessler said she would make sure to balance. Property owners that were affected will receive a corrected tax bill. Clerk Poston asked if a letter will also be mailed to these property owners to accompany the refund. Clerk Poston discussed all the time involved and postage and checks written that has been an expense to the county and it shouldn’t have been.
Barbara Kovacs with the
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to grant an
extension of time to pay year 2012 taxes for the
parcel #MH00030000018AA as follows: the first
half of year 2012 tax to be due by Commissioner Pinkerton moved to cancel taxes for year 2012 for parcel #PPB0080002009AA in the amount of $322.87. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to grant an
extension of time to pay year 2012 taxes for
parcel #MH63N03E323800A until
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to grant an
extension of time to pay year 2012 taxes for
parcel #MHB006000W002UA until
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to grant an
extension of time to pay year 2012 taxes for
parcel #MH62N02E171810A until
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to grant an
extension of time to pay year 2012 taxes for
parcel #PP60N01E052504A until Commissioner Pinkerton moved to amend the date of tax deed hearing for year 2009 taxes from March 5, 2013 to March 19, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Treasurer Fessler left the meeting at
Mr. Sims updated Commissioner Pinkerton on the
issues with funding for the
Ms. Kovacs said during this process and going
into the hole for $6,200
Mr. Warren said there’s a state procedure for
transferring this vehicle and if there is a plan
in place, the proposal is taken to the District
Coordination Council. Mr. Sims happens to sit on
that council. The council may have questions,
but a recommendation to change service can be
made and then the Transportation Advisory
Council provides an opinion. Once the plan has
passed the District Coordination Council the
matter probably just needs to be stamped. The
plan needs to list the new scope and by the bus
going to the Restorium it is a shift in the
scope so that shift has to be approved. Mr. Sims
said the purpose of the bus is for senior
transportation, which includes transportation to
the county fair, parades, etc. A brief comment
was made about the Restorium sharing the bus
with the Commissioner Kirby said if the Restorium had the bus, then the van they currently have could be surplused so to speak so that cost is just transferred and financially it’s not much different. Chairman Dinning said there is one Caravan and a car that are owned by the county and used by the Restorium. It was said a commercial driver’s license is not required to drive the bus. Commissioner Kirby said the Restorium Board felt it was a wonderful idea to take the bus.
Clerk Poston questioned the cost of $6,200 and
Ms. Kovacs said the
It was said there are two issues, one is
ownership and the other is funding. Ms. Kovacs
was asked if transferring the bus is dependent
on reimbursement of costs and Ms. Kovacs said
no. The Mr. Sims said he would take care of developing a new plan and the Restorium would pick up the cost of fuel, tires, etc. There would be no cost for a driver and insurance is already paid for. Chairman Dinning said there are two issues. First it needs to be determined that Restorium Board wants the bus and if they do, that will be another discussion with the Restorium Board as Commissioners don’t have the ability to say yes today. Chairman Dinning asked if Commissioners are okay with going forward. Chairman Dinning asked about the match and Ms. Kovacs said the match to buy the bus was $3,200 or $4,200, but that is separate from the amount of $6,200.
Commissioner Kirby moved to accept the bus from
the
The Restorium Board is very happy about this and being that costs are minimal should allow them to tackle it. Chairman Dinning asked if the Restorium Board felt they had enough for operating expenses. Commissioner Pinkerton said he would like to support the county taking over this bus; however, he would not support increasing the fleet. The Restorium needs to decide what is most important and not have a growing fleet, according to Commissioner Pinkerton. Commissioner Kirby moved to amend his prior motion to approve acceptance of the bus from the Senior Hospitality Center for use by the Restorium with the understanding the Restorium’s fleet will not increase so one other vehicle will need to be surplused and sold. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. Clerk Poston said if the bus was acquired via a grant, she will need to have the grant documents and have a complete file for audit purposes. Ms. Kovacs said she would provide that information.
The meeting with Mr. Sims, Mr. Warren and Ms.
Kovacs ended at Ms. Brown presented Commissioners with the office lease documents for space rented by the Probation Department. Commissioner Pinkerton asked how long the lease is and Ms. Brown said it is a one year lease that is paid through the Restorative Justice Practices Grant. Commissioner Pinkerton moved to authorize Chairman Dinning to sign the United States Postal Service Outlease Agreement for leasing the offices for the Probation Department at a rental rate of $4,472.00 per year. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
It was said the former County Commission
Chairman Ron Smith sat on the Juvenile Justice
Commission, which is a position appointed by the
Governor. Mr. Smith will sit on the Commission
until sometime in March when the terms ends.
Chairman Dinning said this position has been
very beneficial to
Commissioner Pinkerton asked if the county is
responsible for transporting juveniles. Ms.
Brown said no. Those present discussed the office space to be leased by the Probation Office. Ms. Brown explained the need for space is that the offices are so small and by having to work with, maintain, and keep her department’s case load files for seven years she is basically out of room. Commissioner Pinkerton asked if her offices will need additional locks. Ms. Brown said just one lock. A break room is also needed, according to Ms. Brown. It was asked if there is a direct line to the Sheriff’s Office when the Border Patrol moves from their current offices. Ms. Brown said the grant is also providing a surveillance system. Ms. Brown said this grant is reimbursable.
The meeting with Ms. Brown ended at Commissioner Pinkerton moved to amend his prior motion regarding the cancellation of taxes for the parcels erroneously annexed to include the cancellation of late fees totaling $57.84. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. Commissioners and Clerk Poston discussed that the county is paying approximately $20,000 in rent to lease space for the Probation Office and the Sheriff’s Office. Chairman Dinning asked those present to give some thought to that $20,000 going out every year. Clerk Poston said $4,000 is in the form of a grant. Chairman Dinning said Sheriff Sprungl and Ms. Brown both wanted something closer to the courthouse in the past so could Boundary County use $20,000 for it’s own building. Commissioner Kirby said he was under the impression that decision was virtually made once, but it didn’t pan out for various reasons. Chairman Dinning said the Sheriff’s Office had plans drawn up for a jail expansion, but no funds were available. Commissioner Kirby said the county will always be out of compliance with the Idaho Jail Standards Commission since there is no inside exercise room. Commissioner Pinkerton said there is a significant loss since the facility hasn’t been a usable jail. Commissioner Pinkerton discussed who sets the cost per inmate and the affects of not being approvable through the federal system.
Sheriff Greg Sprungl and Chief Deputy Rich
Stephens stopped by Commissioners’ Office at It was questioned if there would be an advantage to the county owning its own building rather than paying rent. Sheriff Sprungl said he would have to work out costs. The other matter to consider is officer safety as the current office space situation is a poor arrangement. Sheriff Sprungl said a negative to relocating from the current rented location is losing storage underneath the building. The county would need to construct a building with a basement, per Commissioner Kirby. Sheriff Sprungl mentioned the alternative of a covered area.
Commissioners contacted Bureau of Homeland
Security Local Area Field Officer Jay Baker at Mr. Baker explained that the 2012 HSGP grant is to provide funds for local responders to purchase radios and all sorts of equipment to typically respond to any type of terrorist activity. Another requirement of this grant is that training exercises need to be held. Out of the award amount of approximately $22,000, $3,000 of that is to use for training and exercises. The rest of the funding is planned for interoperable communications and investments to purchase equipment for first responders. Commissioners clarified that this grant is for equipment and not salaries. Mr. Baker said there has also been a grant to rewrite the County Evacuation Plans in the past, but there is nor requirement for that this year. Commissioner Pinkerton said he’s looking at the names of the programs listed on the paperwork. Mr. Baker said one of those programs is for urban areas so the county is not eligible for that. The county is eligible for just the SHGP Grant and the Operation Stonegarden Grant, according to Mr. Baker. Commissioner Pinkerton asked which grant this paperwork is for. Mr. Baker said this grant is to help improve communications for local emergency responders. Mr. Baker clarified that there is no grant match for Bureau of Homeland Security grant programs. The shared cost portion of the grant is considered the training and exercise investment. The state hires a training and exercise coordinator to ensure the county gets all appropriate exercises as required by the grant and there are also online training exercise programs. The requirement is that the training and exercise funds are returned to the state. Chief Deputy Rich Stephens asked a question of Mr. Baker regarding the Operation Stonegarden Grant. For this grant the amended operation order has to be rewritten. Mr. Baker said he will need a copy when it’s done.
The telephone call to Mr. Baker ended at Commissioner Pinkerton moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security Subgrant Application for Assistance for the 2012 Homeland Security Grant Program, Grant No. EMW-2012-SS-00136. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac reminded Commissioners that they had requested the bailiff’s job description go before the Personnel Classification Committee for review. After review, the committee felt the grade for this position should increase to a grade 13. One of the requirements for this position is that the person who fills it must meet some type of Peace Officer Standards Training (POST), or courthouse bailiff/security certification. Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac presented the bailiff’s job description to Commissioners.
Courthouse Security/Bailiff Ron Sukenik joined
the meeting at Sheriff Sprungl provided Commissioners with more information on the bailiff’s job description and duties, and he mentioned it is a good time to reword some things. Sheriff Sprungl said current bailiff, Ron Sukenik has done a great job for years. At the Sheriff’s Office there are civil or administrative employees and their talents start defining the job. Sheriff Sprungl explained how this makes replacing this person so difficult. The first couple of bailiffs were Sheriff’s Office employees and when they were not in court, they were in dispatch, and now the job description has been added to so there is a job in which it will be hard to find a person to take over. Sheriff Sprungl said he also has concerns because this will be someone he needs to work closely with and have confidence in as he will turn inmates over to this person. Sheriff Sprungl said time can go on and if this potential employee is not POST certified within one year, that employee will have no police powers and that is a concern. POST doesn’t have bailiff certification so this person is being hired under the current job description, but it doesn’t fit as there is no certification for a bailiff. Sheriff Sprungl said another thing that needs to be cleared up is if someone is hired for this position without a policy manual for the job, and they misbehave or do not meet standards, there is no solid ground for termination and the county can find itself in hot water.
Chairman Dinning said the person who fills the
bailiff position would be considered a
Chairman Dinning questioned because of how
things have evolved and because of some things
he has read online about The county’s current bailiff could be gone before someone new is hired. Sheriff Sprungl reviewed a list of requirements for the new hire. Chairman Dinning suggested sitting down with the administrative judge and talking through the concerns.
Sheriff Sprungl said when he hires someone he
gives a conditional offer of employment.
Employment is under the condition that the
employee passes the paperwork, polygraph test
and POST training. Sheriff Sprungl questioned
what kind of background check the judge might
have in mind. Chairman Dinning said the employee
would be one of
Chairman Dinning asked about Clerk Poston asked if newer bailiffs are certified to carry a weapon. Mr. Sukenik said he didn’t know. There are different programs available and different sheriffs have different procedures. It was said that Mr. Sukenik has been deputized by every sheriff since 1988. Sheriff Sprungl said in year 2004 he used the term certified instead of deputized and he mentioned that he doesn’t deputize. You have to have someone to trust when transporting inmates, according to Sheriff Sprungl. Chairman Dinning said in moving forward for our current needs, could the county hire someone specifically under the condition that the job description they are hired under will change and there may be additional duties placed on them. Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac said the last duty on the job description has “any other duties as assigned”. Commissioner Pinkerton said the statement of “other duties as assigned” won’t work as far as lawsuits go. Mr. Sukenik said the job description has listed the need for POST certification, but it doesn’t say the person has to be certified as a peace officer, bailiff, probation officer, etc. Mr. Sukenik said he is not sure how many POST certifications there are, but if someone came in as a post certified police officer, there would probably not be a problem. Sheriff Sprungl said if someone with POST certification for another job is hired as bailiff, that certification would end. The employee would’ve been certified, but they would lose that certification. Chairman Dinning said this matter is worth a healthy discussion with the administrative judge. It was said the Court Security Committee was formed in 1989 so it would also be good to gather that committee up. Commissioner Kirby said Commissioners know this position, but don’t know what the administrative judge’s thoughts are.
Assessor Dave Ryals and Computer Arts Inc.
Technician Matt Corwin joined the meeting at
It was said that Mr. Sukenik has a lot of other
job duties. This position has been a shared employee as different offices have an interest in this position, according to Sheriff Sprungl. Mr. Sukenik said the jury commissioner is by code the county clerk, and the other commission member is or can be any individual who is appointed by the administrative judge and in some places, that is the bailiff, deputy clerk and in other places, neither. A jury commission could consist of the county clerk and someone appointed by the judge. Commissioner Pinkerton said this issue is coming to a head shortly so is there something to fill the void until someone is hired permanently. Another thing is when it comes to transportation of an inmate from jail to court as Mr. Sukenik has been doing that under Sheriff’s Sprungl’s authority. Is that required of the job as in most other locations, there are detention enforcement officers for this. Would that need POST certification to the level Sheriff Sprungl wants? It was said it’s not so much a law enforcement position as it is a bailiff. Commissioner Pinkerton questioned if that conveys that the person in this position can make traffic stops because if the person goes through POST training, it would appear they could do that so it doesn’t sound like this position would require that type of extensive training. Commissioner Pinkerton said these are all questions in his mind. It was questioned if there is a course offered by the state for this type of employment and Sheriff Sprungl said there is the detention academy. Commissioner Pinkerton said the reason for asking is that this would relieve Sheriff Sprungl of that responsibility. Sheriff Sprungl said he wouldn’t be relieved of the responsibility as it is he who sends this person to the academy, not Commissioners. Commissioner Pinkerton questioned what will the county do as this situation is going to happen. Sheriff Sprungl said he would have to take an employee from the jail if he isn’t sure about the employee Commissioners hire. Sheriff Sprungl said he needs to be confident in this person. Chairman Dinning asked if there will be coverage in the way of transporting an inmate if the county doesn’t have someone to fill the bailiff position in time. Sheriff Sprungl said yes, as he’s mandated to do so. From the standpoint of a jury commissioner that is not the Sheriff’s Office issue, according to Chairman Dinning. That piece of business is handled as the county will do what’s necessary. There needs to be communication between the administrative judge, Commissioners and Sheriff on how to address this. It was said the hiring process will cover a significant amount of concerns. The certifications or classes will be for another discussion, according to Chairman Dinning. Clerk Poston said she would contact the judge to inquire about having a discussion next Monday.
Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac questioned when to post
this position. Mr. Sukenik said he is aware of
correction officers, active bailiffs and
probation officers who are interested in the
position.
It was decided to wait to post the
position until after the meeting on
The meeting to discuss the bailiff position and
job duties ended at Clerk Poston remained in the meeting. Mr. Corwin said the county is facing two issues, and he mentioned having a quote from September 2012, to see if there were funds to purchase a new server before the end of the fiscal year. Mr. Corwin explained there are servers, one is basically for the Assessor for the Proval System and the other server is for the rest of the courthouse to use. This second server will be seven years old this month and the general life is typically five years. Depending on what part of the server goes out it could be two weeks before the issue could be fixed. Clerk Poston said there is budget available in the Data Budget for a server and it’s agreed that a new server is needed. It was said if a new server is in place and if using Dell, the warranty is overnight air so whatever the problem, the part would be in the next business day. Chairman Dinning asked if the new server will improve the courthouse’s internal system. Mr. Corwin said employees should see increased performance. Anything that accesses the server such as files stored, etc., will be significantly improved.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Dan Studer
joined the meeting at The cost is approximately $12,000, which is about $6,000 for the server and the rest of the cost is for software. The server is still running windows 2003. The Sequel Servers Program is not compatible with Windows 2012. The county should be in a good place for a while with this purchase. Assessor Ryals said even if the hardware holds on, the software and programs become obsolete and couldn’t be upgraded since the equipment is too old. Mr. Corwin said it’s a never ending battle. It was said when it comes to new software or new hardware, one requires the other. Clerk Poston said a server is costly, but the county has been building and saving for this as it has to be done eventually. The county has been nursing the existing AS400 along for the last 20 years. It was said the new server will not replace the AS400, but more and more that the State Tax Commission switches programs these programs will be put onto the server and it will put more stress on it. In the next five years, the other server will need to be replaced. Assessor Ryals said this is cheaper in the long run and short run. Commissioner Kirby agreed that it’s time to make this purchase. Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the expenditure $12,679.44 to purchase software and a new server as listed on quote #963171 from Computer Arts. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. Those present discussed quotes for laptops. Clerk Poston said Commissioners probably still want to discuss this. Mr. Studer said it would be helpful to have a HDMI port for laptops. Mr. Corwin said the laptops would have an SD port and probably an HDMI port as well.
Mr. Corwin said he was unable to make contact
with Frontier Communications today so he is
still waiting for them to contact him about the
internet service. Mr. Corwin explained that the
county is on a residential quality line for the
entire courthouse. This is one feed that is
shared by the various offices versus only one or
two computers at someone’s home and that is why
the there’s a struggle to conduct a webinar.
There is not enough bandwidth. Mr. Corwin said
he had worked with the City of Commissioner Kirby questioned the ability to have wireless service in the courthouse and Mr. Corwin said he would look into that.
The meeting with Mr. Corwin ended at
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Dinning, Commissioner Pinkerton, Commissioner Kirby, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. The board members introduced themselves to Commissioner Pinkerton. Ms. Copeland said the board has talked about hiring someone to run the concession stand as Activities Director Anne Tompkins does both that and the sports activities and it’s getting to be too much. The summer help funds can be used. There is $2,700 in that budget, but the Parks and Recreation Board expect the cost to be less to hire someone. Chairman Dinning said there has been talk before, but has any youth been hired. Ms. Copeland said yes, last year, but it wasn’t money well spent as it’s hard to make it work to supervise and find something for the person to do. Hiring for concessions would be a good use. Ms. Hittle said the youth that was hired did help with the concession stands during events last year, but they had to be supervised. Ms. Carle said the concession stand generates funds each year and the amount of hours put into it is above and beyond what the sports director is doing. Ms. Tompkins may like being the sports director and also working the concession stand, but anyone else wouldn’t consider that a part of the job. Chairman Dinning asked what sports Parks and Recreation is taking on and the response was volleyball, basketball, etc. Chairman Dinning said that is taking on the old Kiwanis programs. Existing programs have more than doubled and adult softball has been taken on as well. Ms. Carle listed the various games that go on and Ms. Copeland mentioned the work is all volunteer. Chairman Dinning asked how many people maintain the grounds and Ms. Copeland said Jerry Kothe and Dick Brown. Mr. Dougherty said there are also community service workers at times and they’ve been good help. Mr. Glaza said there wasn’t so much of that this last year. Mr. Dougherty said they’ve been a board now for three years. Ms. Carle said she has a list of all duties the person hired to work the concession would need to do and Ms. Tompkins is doing that right now. More funds could be put towards a concession worker whose main function is the stand. Chairman Dinning mentioned restrictions from the state and Mr. Tompkins said the board works with the Panhandle Health District. Chairman Dinning asked how much net funding the food concessions have brought in. Ms. Carle thought it had been $16,000. Clerk Poston said for year 2011 the budget shows concession revenues was $7,686, but her report was printed in July so it’s not complete. Mr. Tompkins informed Commissioners that soccer has over 250 kids involved and about 900 for kid sports.
Chairman Dinning mentioned the job of trying to
get a restroom facility at
Ms. Carle said one reason it would be nice to
have someone to work the concession stand is
that it’s important that Ms. Tompkins get to be
able to watch her own kids in their programs.
Hiring another person is a way to get the
community involved as it’s bringing people in
who are not necessarily associated. Clerk Poston
reviewed her budget for the concession stand for
last year and said the revenue raised was
$6,705.47. Ms. Carle said that $16,000 was taken
in all together. Clerk Poston said $6,705.47 is
what was brought in to the Clerk’s Office. Ms.
Carle said that can’t be correct because they
raised almost $3,000 on the It was said Ms. Tompkins is already working more than she’s getting paid for. Ms. Carle said what is budgeted would pay for the position for concessions. Ms. Carle asked if there was a concern to use what is budgeted. Paying the person out of what is collected as opposed to what has been budgeted was mentioned. Chairman Dinning said if there is something feasible, he would really like to be able to employ local youth. Ms. Carle said a concession worker is something the Parks and Recreation Board has seen a need for and she doesn’t want to hire someone for the parks just because the money is there when there is nothing to do. Chairman Dinning asked if the $2,700 for youth can be used somewhere else for improvements. Ms. Carle questioned if that was a possibility. Chairman Dinning said yes, if the matter is presented to Commissioners for that use. Ms. Hittle said that is why the Parks and Recreation Board is meeting with Commissioners. Commissioner Pinkerton said to disregard the money raised. Typically the budget of $2,700 was to hire someone to maintain the ground. Ms. Copeland said the board would like to hire another person for Dick Brown’s job and they had been considering having someone to work in the office a few hours per week. The job duties would include answering the phones, researching available grants, etc. Ms. Copeland said at each board meeting each board member leaves with five or so things to take care of. If someone was hired for about 10 hours per week, the job created for Mr. Brown could be reduced from eight to six hours. It was said this hire is just a thought as it would be beneficial to them of have someone in the office. Ms. Hittle added that this hired office help could also work on publicity. Ms. Carle asked if some of the funds for Mr. Brown’s position could be used for another position if his Mr. Brown’s hours were reduced. Ms. Copeland said their board could always come back to Commissioners after having a meeting and developing a better plan. Chairman Dinning suggested being able to fund a position with proceeds from concession sales. Ms. Carle said the board feels there is a time crunch as they would like to have someone hired for April. Mr. Dougherty said that they should be able to net off the gross 20%. Ms. Carle said when the board figured the budget for this year the anticipated income from the concession stand was $17,000. Ms. Copeland said the board also wanted to talk about Mr. Kothe and what the plan is after he decides to retire. Chairman Dinning said summer time is when Mr. Kothe works for the Parks and Recreation Department unless there is an emergency at the courthouse. Chairman Dinning said deciding what to do can be discussed when the time comes as he doesn’t have any thoughts on this at the time. Ms. Carle said her concern is that Mr. Kothe knows a lot about everything at the parks so a replacement would be hard to find. Those present said it would be good for Mr. Kothe to write a manual for the transition. Mr. Glaza informed Commissioners that two nice hockey goals have been donated to the Parks and Recreation Department. Commissioner Pinkerton said there really aren’t a lot of winter programs so he thought it was great to read about the hockey rink. Commissioner Pinkerton said for discussion it’s unsure if the Parks and Recreation Board is looking for one, two, or three employees, and he would like to know what is received for the cost of these employees so when it comes to making a decision, it’s easier to prioritize. Commissioner Pinkerton said business models really go a long way. Mr. Dougherty said what’s proposed is no net increase in cost. If Mr. Brown’s hours could be reduced by two hours per week, that cost could be directed to office staff position, and some of the $2,700 set aside for summer youth could fund a concession stand worker. Mr. Dougherty said he understands getting the best bang for the buck. Ms. Copeland said the Parks and Recreation Board will meet and review numbers. Commissioner Pinkerton said the business model is not something that has to be real in-depth, but there are other things outside of hiring someone. Commissioner Pinkerton said he’s looking to prioritize in order to do the best thing with that funding. Those present discussed the process of purchasing for youth activities. Chairman Dinning said the county auditor always addresses cash receipts with the county and to have a paper trail. It was said there have been policy changes for county departments that deal with cash and they’re supposed to bring the funds in daily. It was suggested that the Parks and Recreation Board talk about how that’s being done, not to say that anything is wrong. Ms. Carle said when initially establishing a system, Ms. Tompkins’s job was very unique. Ms. Tompkins is putting payment up front on her credit card with the way they purchase items. It was asked if there is a way Ms. Tompkins could avoid having to use her own money up front. Chairman Dinning said that is what he wants eliminated. Ms. Hittle said as far as receipts, they give Clerk Poston receipts in a lump sum, but Ms. Tompkins does have each receipt. Chairman Dinning said the county auditor may ask this of Commissioners. Ms. Hittle said these records can be provided. Clerk Poston said there are accounts set up in town for purchases, but Ms. Carle said in these cases it is more so purchasing sports balls, etc. Clerk Poston said she could work with Ms. Tompkins to purchase things online and the county credit card could be used and billed to the Parks and Recreation Board. Ms. Hittle said most equipment is ordered through Far North, but the store is not making any money off the purchase. Ms. Hittle said the store’s owner is just processing the purchase this way for them and charges Parks and Recreation for items at cost. Commissioners asked about the board meetings and Ms. Copeland said during summer months the Parks and Recreation Board meet twice per month otherwise the remainder of the year they meet once per month. Chairman Dinning said the board members shouldn’t be doing all of the volunteer work, but should be the board. Ms. Copeland said volunteering can be fun for them and it helps build a relationship. Ms. Carle said the public sees that there is an active board.
The meeting with the Parks and Recreation Board
members ended at Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the minutes of January 7 & 8, 2013. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to authorize the
Chairman to sign the Exhibit A, Cooperative Law
Enforcement Annual Operating Plan and Financial
Plan between the Boundary County Sheriff’s
Office and the USDA, Forest Service, Chairman Dinning said a request has come from Boundary County Emergency Services Incident Director Dave Kramer to waive rental fees for the use of Memorial Hall. Chairman Dinning explained that Memorial Hall falls under Commissioners’ authority and Commissioners can waive the rental fees for another governmental agency. Memorial Hall will be rented for a Search and Dive Rescue conference and a request has been made for the fee to be waived. Commissioner Kirby moved to grant the waiver of rental fees for the use of Memorial Hall for the Search and Dive Rescue conference. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
Chief Deputy Sheriff Rich Stephens stopped by
Commissioners’ Office at
Sheriff Greg Sprungl joined the meeting at Clerk Poston reviewed budget information with those present.
There being no further business, the meeting
adjourned at /s/ DAN R. DINNING, Chairman ATTEST: /s/ GLENDA POSTON, Clerk By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy |