County commission minutes, February 25-26

***Monday, February 25, 2013, Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

Clerk Glenda Poston joined the meeting.

9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Superintendent Jeff Gutshall joined the meeting to give the departmental report. Mr. Gutshall presented a written report. Mr. Gutshall said Assistant Superintendent Ken Arthur completed a lot of road sign work in the last week. Mr. Gutshall explained the work done by the Durapatcher to Commissioner Pinkerton in that the Durapatcher makes a hot mix emulsion that is similar to chipseal and it’s used to fill potholes. The worst of the potholes are taken care of first, according to Mr. Gutshall.   

Mr. Gutshall said Road and Bridge started working at the top end of Fleming Creek Road this Sunday and the perception is that this is overtime work, but it is not. Mr. Gutshall said the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) requires an annual refresher training, which is tomorrow and will last all day.

Mr. Gutshall resumed his discussion with Commissioners regarding his lease/purchase strategy. Mr. Gutshall presented Commissioners with a list of equipment the Road and Bridge Department maintains and repairs along with a list of his department staff and their duties. Mr. Gutshall said Road and Bridge equipment is on a five to seven year rotation and most of the equipment his department has is on its third year of rotation. Mr. Gutshall explained that he is aiming to decrease his Capital Equipment budget. Mr. Gutshall informed Commissioners the total number on his report represents payments.

Mr. Gutshall discussed his past purchases and buyback options and explained that he is able to return one piece of equipment for $174,000. Mr. Gutshall spoke of his thought to return Grader G33 and mentioned that he had ran expenses for average annual ownership costs for work put into the equipment and paid under warranty. When the figures were added up between two graders the average cost was approximately $15,000 for the work that went into it. Mr. Gutshall said he would be ahead by getting rid of equipment at five years and he explained why. Chairman Dinning asked where Mr. Gutshall foresees the county being able to not have a payment. Mr. Gutshall said he doesn’t see there not ever being a payment.

Mr. Gutshall said when he returns Grader 33 he is gaining $11,000 in addition to the buyback as he is able to return this grader with its original tires. Mr. Gutshall said he’s at a point where he would like to reduce the number of graders from four to three. Dust abatement has made a situation where grading is not needed as often. The biggest effect of having three graders would be to double shift if need be and winter time would be the most affected. Chairman Dinning said at least the plows can get the roads open. Mr. Gutshall said the excavator is the piece of equipment getting the most use. Chairman Dinning questioned if Western States/CAT would offer one more year of warranty coverage if the county retained a leased piece of equipment for seven years or would there have to be a new lease. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners and Mr. Gutshall will just keep talking this through.

Commissioner Pinkerton asked how many pieces of equipment are due to be paid off this year. Mr. Gutshall said there is one piece of equipment to let go in March, which is Grader 33 and he would get $175,000 back. Commissioner Pinkerton discussed the issue of budget cuts and Mr. Gutshall said that’s why Grader 33 is not getting replaced. Mr. Gutshall said he’s let two positions go due to attrition and that is permanent.

Those present discussed the scenario of having the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding reauthorized versus not.

Courthouse Maintenance Jerry Kothe joined the meeting at 9:35 a.m.

Mr. Gutshall said the last reason to trade in Grader 33 is that the money coming in can be used for as much road treatment as possible. Commissioner Pinkerton briefly mentioned taking $174,000 gained from Grader 33 and paying it back on the excavator. Mr. Gutshall said the warranty would still be good.

The meeting with Mr. Gutshall ended at 9:45 a.m.

Mr. Kothe met with Commissioners to provide a department report. Mr. Kothe presented a written report. Mr. Kothe’s report included mention of trimming the smaller trees along the Courthouse. Commissioners briefly reviewed the list of items needing maintenance by Mr. Kothe. Those present discussed looking into having the carpets cleaned in the Courthouse. Mr. Kothe said he has completed most tasks on his list with the exception of replacing the fawcett in the Extension Office, but it’s hard to find time as the Extension Office is often rented.  

The meeting with Mr. Kothe ended at 9:55 a.m.

South Boundary Fire District Chief Tony Rohrwasser joined the meeting.

10:00 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to recess as the Board of County Commissioners and convene as the Boundary County Ambulance District Governing Board. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the minutes of January 28, 2013. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Clerk Poston said she doesn’t have the total valuation of the county yet as far as determining the levy for the Ambulance Service District. Chairman Dinning said he recalled the statement the levy would generate approximately $300,000 to $342,000. Commissioners will have to make a budget call as to how much funding to generate that first year. Chairman Dinning explained that if the Commissioners don’t levy the full amount that first year, they will never be able to levy the full amount. Chairman Dinning said it’s his thought and in his discussions as far as the current contract, Boundary County via the Ambulance Service District would enter into an agreement with Boundary Volunteer Ambulance to levy the full amount the first year. Out of that first year’s levy, the amount of $80,000 borrowed for Boundary Volunteer Ambulance will be repaid with interest to the Solid Waste Department’s budget and the remainder of the levy could be used to potentially fund the next two years so the only levy would be that first year initially. During the fourth year the county would again levy the full amount. Commissioner Kirby said the county would only levy every four years and Boundary County will administer the funds.

Chairman Dinning said on today’s agenda at 11 a.m., Boundary Volunteer Ambulance Board Chairman Jim Paulus is coming in to meet with Commissioners. Chairman Dinning said he’s trying to avoid a situation like the last year when everything came down to the last day and he would like to know if an agreement can be reached. Commissioners will have to determine what the levy will be. Clerk Poston said budget time is next month and the Ambulance District will receive a notice of that. Chairman Dinning said he learned through Idaho Code the Ambulance Service District cannot contract as that has to be done through County Commissioners. Commissioner Kirby said it has been Chairman Dinning who has been able to keep this process going. Chairman Dinning said this matter is back at square one.

10:15 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board until March 18, 2013 and moved to reconvene as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Pinkerton second.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

10:30 a.m., Assessor Dave Ryals joined the meeting at Commissioners’ request.

Chief Rohrwasser said last year he brought in requests from property owners who wished to have their properties annexed into the South Boundary Fire District. Chief Rohrwasser explained that a step was missed in that the Fire District needed to first have a public hearing on this matter and that has since been done. Chief Rohrwasser said the minutes from that public hearing have been submitted for those three separate requests and a copy of the newspaper affidavit of that public hearing is also included. The letter of request to Commissioners includes parcel information and where the parcels sit on the map. Chief Rohrwasser informed Commissioners these parcels are not served by any other fire district. Chairman Dinning said in the minutes from year 2005 it states there needs to be a map generated. Assessor Ryals said it is a tax code area map and that map will come from the State Tax Commission. Assessor Ryals said Commissioners will need to send information such as the legal descriptions to the State Tax Commission and it was suggested to use the legal description from the deeds.

Chairman Dinning said Commissioners could approve this matter subject to legal counsel review to make sure annexation is being done properly.  Chief Rohrwasser said he has a letter from each property owner and Commissioners reviewed the information.

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the requests for annexation of properties into the South Boundary Fire Protection District from Damon and Leona Norman, Bruce Grobman and Violet and Jerry Davis subject to legal review by the county’s civil attorney. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

The meeting with Chief Rohrwasser ended.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

11:00 a.m., Boundary Volunteer Ambulance (BVA) Board Chairman Jim Paulus and President/EMT Ken Baker joined the meeting.

Chairman Dinning said he wanted to start the discussion to figure out what takes place next in the matter regarding ambulance service. Chairman Dinning said not to blame anyone, but what has occurred in the past has no place now and he would like to know what can be done to move forward and to not have this matter drag on.

Mr. Paulus reviewed the list of BVA board members to include: Brian Strong, himself, Pat Warkentin, Erika Denning, and Dan Moore. Mr. Paulus said his board had a meeting the other night and they reviewed things that are needed as an ambulance service in order to provide that service to the county. Mr. Paulus said the board reviewed old notes and contracts. From what is seen in the current contract the county would like to have a County Commissioner on the new District board and that’s an open discussion, but when he saw that he felt it was a conflict of interest putting forth the funding and being on the District’s board at the same time. Chairman Dinning said the county’s civil attorney said it was not a conflict and that Commissioners are able to serve on a variety of boards.

Chairman Dinning said what had been missing was communication between the Board of County Commissioners and BVA. Commissioners wanted to have meetings with BVA in order to help BVA understand the county’s position.

It was mentioned that a representative from Boundary Community Hospital is also to sit on the board of the Ambulance Service District. Mr. Paulus said he hasn’t been appointed by Hospital CEO/CFO Craig Johnson, but he is also on the Hospital Board so he doesn’t know if that counted as a representative of the Hospital or not.

Chairman Dinning said the Boundary County Board of Commissioners does not have to be on the board and instead could appoint a designee. Chairman Dinning said he would draw the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board off to side of County Commissioners since the Ambulance District doesn’t have the ability to contract by law.

Commissioner Pinkerton mentioned Mr. Paulus’ position on the Hospital Board, but that he hasn’t actually been appointed by Mr. Johnson to be a designee. Commissioner Pinkerton said the agreement specifies a designee and that would need to be on file as making decisions. There needs to be a written confirmation on the designees. Chairman Dinning said this new board will not be in place until October 1, 2013 and this new board will also not be in place if a financial agreement cannot be reached. BVA has a new board that has nothing to do with this agreement today. Chairman Dinning reiterated that the new structure won’t go into effect until October 1, 2013 so operations are still under the current system and Mr. Paulus is not representing the Hospital in any circumstance. Chairman Dinning said Mr. Johnson informed him at the beginning of the contract that he is willing to serve. Mr. Paulus said he has seen things in the current contract dated July 27, 2012 to solidify that will be a multi-year contract. Mr. Paulus said BVA, to his understanding, is an independent contractor to the county who is mandated by the federal government to have ambulance service. BVA is looking for a multi-contract and needs the .04 levy and he understands that entire amount is given.

Chairman Dinning said before moving further and in thinking of the agreement, the county would like the Ambulance District to function without having to levy that amount every year. In the first year $80,000 has to be paid back to the Solid Waste Department so that amount comes right off the top that first year. The hope is to not have to levy for the next two years after that first year and to be able to function off that first year’s levy. Then on the fourth year the county will levy for the Ambulance Service District again. Chairman Dinning said those had been the discussions and he wants everyone to know what was discussed. The highest priority is looking at the agreement.

Mr. Paulus said he also understands the county wants a five year budget from BVA and that has been put together. It was said BVA Treasurer Edna Runyan is to provide the current budget and five year plan. Chairman Dinning said the county cannot commit to a five year plan as Commissioners can’t encumber the next Board of County Commissioners and that is per Idaho Code. Commissioner Kirby said Commissioners cannot sign the contact without an exit clause.    

Mr. Paulus said one of BVA’s concerns as a Board is they have to have a budget and they had sat down to propose a budget for the next years. Commissioners said they would try to accommodate that to best of their ability.

Mr. Baker explained that various counties operate and manage their ambulance service districts differently. Mr. Paulus spoke of wanting to clean up the perception of BVA. BVA wants to work with County Commissioners and want to start fresh. Mr. Paulus said BVA has standard operating procedures and standard operating guidelines and it is very professionally done. Mr. Paulus informed Commissioners how much funding the ambulance districts in Libby, Montana and Bonner County receive and said BVA is only requesting $342,000. Chairman Dinning explained how the county usually only collects a certain percentage of taxes and out of that percentage $80,000 needs to be reimbursed to the Solid Waste Department. It was estimated the amount in tax collected for the Ambulance District could be in the $220,000 range the first year.

Chairman Dinning said in looking at tax deeding, tax cancellations and extensions County Commissioners have a responsibility to the taxpayer. An ambulance tax of $40 per an assessed value of $100,000 can be a lot for some people.

President Baker said he would put together a presentation as to what’s required of an ambulance service and associated expenses. President Baker said the county needs to decide what kind of service it wants such as if the county is okay with basic life support (BLS) and the possibility it could take one half hour to get to someone in need. Chairman Dinning spoke of possible legislative changes such as losing Secure Rural Schools funding and losing personal property taxes and how that falls back onto the taxpayers. Clerk Poston said monies will also be lost for the schools if Secure Rural Schools is not reauthorized. Chairman Dinning said it’s not that the county doesn’t want to pay half a million dollars, but there are also other things the county is faced with.

Chairman Dinning asked that BVA’s board come to Commissioners with a date to start discussing a contract. Commissioners and Mr. Paulus scheduled a date to meet.

The meeting with Mr. Paulus and Mr. Baker ended at 11:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m., Boundary Community Hospital CEO/CFO Craig Johnson and Hospital Board of Trustees Chairman Elden Koon joined the meeting to provide Commissioners with an update on Hospital matters. 

Mr. Johnson said the Hospital ended the year in the red, but that’s counting depreciation and bad debt otherwise finances would be in the black. January 2013 was a good month for the Hospital. Late in year 2013 the Hospital will start the computerized management portion of the Meditech System, which is the last piece of the program. Mr. Johnson gave a brief explanation of the Meditech System for computerized health records.

Mr. Johnson spoke of the physicians on staff. Chairman Dinning asked if it would be feasible to hire a physician just starting out and Mr. Johnson said that’s why did the Hospital entered into a venture with Kootenai Medical Center as most new physicians want to be employed, but not yet start their own practice. The Hospital is always recruiting, according to Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson said he’s looking to remodel the old clinic in order to house two physicians. There is a joint recruiting agreement and another agreement to bring in specialists. The Hospital wants to have an ear, nose and throat physician and a urologist. Sandpoint Women’s Health is here every Tuesday so that is also a big plus and orthopedics is available on Thursday. Mr. Johnson said he has to work on getting a pulminologist to the area, but it will be hard. Boundary Community Hospital doesn’t have enough patients for a fulltime pulminologist, but Kootenai Medical Center may be able to provide the days needed.

Chairman Dinning asked if BVA has worked out a training schedule with Dr. Willis and Mr. Johnson said Dr. Willis has been doing some training. Mr. Johnson said for emergency medical service the county will get there, but it needs to be done the right way. Mr. Johnson informed Commissioners the Hospital Board of Trustees meetings are usually the 4^th Friday at noon.

The meeting with Mr. Johnson and Mr. Koon ended at 11:55 a.m.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the letter of support for the Boundary County Youth Crisis and Domestic Violence Hotline in their efforts to obtain a grant as it is a time sensitive matter. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.  

12:00 p.m., There being no further business, Commissioners recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.       

***Tuesday, February 26, 2013, Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan R. Dinning, Commissioner LeAlan L. Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

9:00 a.m., Commissioners held an elected officials/department heads meeting. Present were: Treasurer Jenny Fessler, Solid Waste Superintendent Claine Skeen, Clerk Glenda Poston, Assessor Dave Ryals, Courthouse Maintenance Jerry Kothe, County Noxious Weeds Superintendent Duke Guthrie, Road and Bridge Superintendent Jeff Gutshall, Extension Office Educator Carol Hampton, Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown, Prosecutor’s Office Manager Tammie Goggia, Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac, and Planning and Zoning Administrator Dan Studer.

Chairman Dinning thanked those present for their participation in the Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICRMP) training as it resulted in a 5% discount in the county’s insurance.

Chairman Dinning discussed the legislation surrounding the potential loss of personal property tax. Chairman Dinning said he doesn’t know anything yet, but the Idaho Association of Counties (IAC), the Governor’s Office and school districts are in negotiation to figure something out that won’t harm counties. There will be a legislative update this afternoon on this and anyone is welcome to attend.

Budget information will be sent out to the county departments mid April and are due back to the Clerk by May 20, 2013. Chairman Dinning asked those present to be as conservative with their budgets as possible and as the county goes forward Commissioners don’t know if Secure Rural Schools funding will be reauthorized. The thought is the Senate had voted to reauthorize this funding, but it isn’t yet known what will happen in the House. Clerk Poston said Secure Rural Schools funding came in at 1.2 million dollars, which is shared between the Road and Bridge Department and the school district. The school district receives approximately 30% of Secure Rural Schools funds.

Chairman Dinning said each county department has a page on the county’s website, but in the past each office hadn’t been able to individually update their own webpage and Commissioners are trying to change that. Dan Studer and Gary Falcon have put time into working on this so Commissioners would like each office to learn from them how to update their webpage.

Chairman Dinning reiterated his appreciation in that all county departments get along with each other as has not been the case in other counties. Chairman Dinning asked those present to never hesitate approaching Commissioners about anything or about suggestions they have. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners have to make decisions for everyone so don’t be afraid to approach them.

Assessor Ryals questioned who to approach with questions about the Courthouse telephone system as it had been Ron Sukenik who dealt with this in the past. Clerk Poston said this task is listed on the new job description for the bailiff and interviews for this position will take place tomorrow.

Chairman Dinning provided a brief update on the county’s civil attorney and said that Attorney Phil Robinson is able to handle questions on smaller routine matters.

Commissioners reminded those present that any maintenance matters for Mr. Kothe can be left with Commissioners who will forward it on to Mr. Kothe. Mr. Kothe discussed the issue involving hot water in the restrooms and he said there isn’t enough power to heat more water.

Clerk Poston said the school district election is on March 12^th and her staff has been to election training.

Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac briefly mentioned providing Commissioners with the report for vacation time overage.

Mr. Guthrie informed Commissioners he was awarded a $20,000 grant so he will work on that. This is Title II funding, according to Mr. Guthrie.

The elected officials/department heads meeting ended at 9:25 a.m.

Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac and Clerk Poston remained after the meeting to discuss the reports of vacation overage incurred by county employees. The allowed maximum amount of vacation hours on the books is mentioned in the County’s Personnel Policy and this policy hasn’t changed in many years. Commissioner Pinkerton asked if employees are asked to plan vacations ahead of time. Chairman Dinning said if the employee has not been allowed the opportunity to use their vacation time, that is a different situation. If the employee can’t use vacation hours due to circumstances beyond their control, the county could be liable for those hours.    

9:37 a.m., The Restorium Department status report was cancelled as the Restorium Administrator did not show up.

Those present continued the discussion of excess vacation hours not used by a certain date.

The meeting with Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac and Clerk Poston ended at 9:45 a.m.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the minutes of February 11 & 12, 2013 and February 18 & 19, 2013. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to cancel year 2012 taxes totaling $64.14 and penalties totaling $10.68 for parcel #PP62N02E187652A as the business closed in year 2010. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. 

Treasurer Jenny Fessler joined the meeting to inform Commissioners of a tax matter involving a possible hardship.

Commissioner Kirby moved to grant an extension of time to pay year 2012 taxes for parcel #MH65N01W350752A until on June 20, 2013. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer Fessler left the meeting at 9:50 a.m.

10:00 a.m., Planning and Zoning Administrator Dan Studer joined the meeting to discuss Planning and Zoning related matters.

Mr. Studer spoke of land split matters, the letters to property owners he had sent and how some property owners have not been responsive. Mr. Studer discussed one issue with Idaho Land Sales and Chairman Dinning asked Mr. Studer to contact the county attorney to clarify the proper steps to take.

Mr. Studer discussed an issue with a property previously listed for sale on the Lions Den/Snow Creek Road pertaining to a property split and sequence of events. Chairman Dinning said the timeline is messed up, but the prior owner had approval to do what he did under the prior ordinance.

Mr. Studer suggested the two lots be deemed buildable. Chairman Dinning asked Mr. Studer to keep the written information on this matter. Commissioner Pinkerton said he’s concerned because the property grew so whose land does it include. Those present reviewed a small map provided by Mr. Studer.

Mr. Studer said he would like Commissioners to approve his decision. Mr. Studer said his information to the property owner is that the property is a non-conforming parcel that was purchased and it is not buildable, but in this instance the solution would fix the readjustment of acreage. Mr. Studer said he just wanted Commissioners to be informed of what is going on. Mr. Studer said these issues need to be addressed with the realtors as these descriptions are not acceptable. Mr. Studer said he would type something to have on file explaining that after review and timeline of events, the splits were not allowed, but now upon the advice of the county, the property has now been deemed a buildable lot. Chairman Dinning suggested Attorney Phil Robinson review the matter. Mr. Studer said false representation is a misdemeanor.

The meeting with Mr. Studer ended at 10:20 a.m.

10:25 a.m., Deputy Clerk Nancy Ryals joined the meeting.

Commissioner Kirby moved to accept the assignment to the Catastrophic Health Care Program as follows: Indigent accounts 2011-30 and 2011-49 at 86.97%, indigent account 2012-17 at 82.34%, indigent account 2012-32 at 87.33%, indigent accounts 2012-21 and 2012-26 at 95.56%, and indigent account 2012-36 at 30.61%. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.  

Deputy Clerk Ryals left at 10:30 a.m.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

Boundary County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Tevis Hull joined the meeting at 10:40 a.m.

10:40 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to go into executive session under Idaho Code #67-2345(1)f, to communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”, and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. 11:00 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to go out of executive session. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

11:00 a.m., Bonners Ferry Herald Reporter Laura Roady, property owner Mike Oehler and Eric Grace with Kaniksu Land Trust in Sandpoint joined the meeting.   

Mr. Oehler met with Commissioners to discuss offering his property to the county in the future for the purpose of being used as a park and to maintain the underground houses and trees. Mr. Oehler said he would like the property to keep its old growth trees. This property consists of 45 acres in the Moravia area.

Commissioner Kirby said San Diego County has an operational park that was property donated to them to be used as a park, etc. Commissioner Kirby said the county had fulfilled the offering property owner’s wish and it turned out to be a beautiful thing.

Mr. Oehler said he would like a crew of three couples to take over the land. The land has to be thinned for fire purposes as he thinks the big fires will come through again. Mr. Oehler said he would like to have something so kids can see an old growth forest and the property is at that stage now.

Chairman Dinning said Mr. Oehler was going to give some further thought to what he wanted the county to do. Mr. Oehler said he doesn’t want the old growth cut and he wants the houses preserved. Mr. Oehler said he would like to see a mini village on the property such as houses made of other materials such as straw bales, rammed earth, sand tubes, sand sacks, cob houses and six other possible materials. Mr. Oehler said he had suggested the county or people who will take the land receive income from renting out the houses on the land. Chairman Dinning said he’s sure the county’s insurance carrier would not think it was a normal government function for a county to own rental property.

Chairman Dinning said it may be better to keep government out of this because sometimes when governments own property all kinds of restrictions can be placed that will keep the goal from being realized. Chairman Dinning said he doesn’t think government will be able to do a lot of what Mr. Oehler is requesting.

Mr. Grace said he’s just tying to get Mr. Oehler’s wishes accomplished. Commissioner Pinkerton said he thinks it’s a wonderful thing to think outside of the box for a wonderful use of property. Commissioner Pinkerton said he also agrees with Chairman Dinning about the restrictions and added that the ideas Mr. Oehler has could be a good opportunity for a college to use as research. The property could be used for engineering studies and could also bring in tourism. Commissioner Pinkerton said he thinks it’s an honorable thing and he applauded Mr. Oehler. Commissioner Pinkerton said the county doesn’t have that kind of funding to go forward, but maybe a university could be a sponsor for this type of event and that brings the county, by default, to benefit from it.

Mr. Oehler said he’s still interested in doing this experimental village in a specific area, but he knows there are restrictions for dwellings on the property. Chairman Dinning mentioned cluster development and explained what would be allowed, but in doing that it would limit the rest of the property, but it allows for the concept of keeping the structures closer together. Chairman Dinning said Commissioner Pinkerton had a good idea with colleges and researchers. Commissioner Pinkerton said he feels that would go a long way and a lot of time has been spent on this. Mr. Oehler said that is a good idea and he would go to the University of Idaho and visit their architecture department.

Mr. Oehler informed Commissioners of an issue he will have with an expected delivery due to spring break up and road closures so Commissioners will have Road and Bridge Superintendent Jeff Gutshall contact Mr. Oehler about a permit.

The meeting with Mr. Oehler ended at 11:50 a.m.

Commissioners recessed for lunch at 11:50 a.m.        

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

1:30 p.m., Commissioner Pinkerton moved to go into executive session under Idaho Code #67-2345(1)b, to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school student. Commissioner Kirby second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. 1:50 p.m., Commissioner Pinkerton moved to go out of executive session. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.  

Commissioner Kirby conducted the quarterly jail inspection of the Boundary County Jail.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

3:30 p.m., Commissioners participated in a legislative conference call. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Treasurer Jenny Fessler, Assessor Dave Ryals, the elected officials from the five northern counties, Fremont County Clerk Abbie Mace, and Tony Poinelli and Seth Grigg from the Idaho Association of Counties.

Those participating in the conference call discussed matters to include oversize truck permits, oversees electors, Board of Commissioner boundaries, personal property taxes, rights-of-way, emailing assessment notices, and annexations and de-annexations from fire taxing districts.

The legislative conference call ended at 4:10 p.m.  

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m.

                                                            /s/

                                                            DAN R. DINNING, Chairman

ATTEST:

/s/

GLENDA POSTON, Clerk

By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk