County commission minutes, May 20-21
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June 12, 2013 |
***Monday, May 20, 2013, Commissioners met in
regular session with Commissioner LeAlan L.
Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby and Deputy
Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Chairman Dan Dinning
was out of the office.
Clerk Glenda Poston joined the meeting.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to appoint
Commissioner Kirby acting chairman in the
absence of Chairman Dan Dinning. Commissioner
Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Superintendent Jeff
Gutshall joined the meeting to give the
departmental report. Mr. Gutshall provided a
written report. Road and Bridge continued to
crush and stockpile rock and most of the crew is
patching potholes this week. Work was done to
Moon Shadow Road, cleaning brush on Lookout View
Road, and putting up new street signs. Mr.
Gutshall said this week will pretty much look
the same and road patching will continue.
Mr. Gutshall said he took a look at the water
problem at District 5 and he will add a culvert
to the particular problem spot tomorrow. Mr.
Gutshall said within one week he should be able
to grind the road surface on Moon Shadow Road
for about one-quarter of a mile and he’s
considering the idea of paving this portion of
road. Mr. Gutshall said this cost is not in his
budget so it may have to come out of his oil
budget. Because of the hill on Moon Shadow Road,
traffic turning into the church and the speeds,
the chipseal gets chewed up, according to Mr.
Gutshall.
Mr. Gutshall said he’s submitted an application
to design a turn-bay on Division Street, but the
Moon Shadow Road project is priority.
Mr. Gutshall discussed biodiesel and reviewed
information received from Caterpillar (CAT). Mr.
Gutshall said it sounds like biodiesel can be
used with similar expectations, but his biggest
concern is that whatever the county does on the
seven year warranties, CAT is good with that,
but if there is a problem and CAT relates the
problem to a county’s change, there could be a
problem. Commissioner Pinkerton said he uses
100% biodiesel in all of his tractors. Mr.
Gutshall and Commissioner Pinkerton mentioned
the rebates involved and Commissioner Pinkerton
said it warrants taking a look at. Commissioner
Pinkerton spoke of the benefits biodiesel has
provided him.
Commissioners and Mr. Gutshall discussed the
idea of a cost share program for dust abatement.
Mr. Gutshall said if that was the plan, the
county would have to start it earlier in the
year. Clerk Poston asked if it’s like an
application system that would have to be
approved. If the program was a 50/50 match and
if someone applied for the program and was
approved, that property owner could pay the cost
and the county would reimburse, such as the
property owner pays the vendor and the county
will reimburse that cost.
Mr. Gutshall said he has his budget to submit to
Clerk Poston and it’s similar to last year’s as
far as being conservative. Two Road and Bridge
positions have been eliminated permanently. Mr.
Gutshall said he will make no more attempts to
cut manpower as in all honesty it’s getting hard
to maintain services and work on projects. Mr.
Gutshall suggested he and Commissioners take a
road tour sometime so he can show them how his
crews are scheduled.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to declare the
following county vehicles surplus property: a
1986 Chevrolet 1 ton, 4X4 pickup truck,
VIN#1GBJK34W7GS179798 and a 1987 Chevrolet ¾
ton, 4X4 pickup truck, VIN#1GCCV24K3HJ124129.
Chairman Kirby yielded the chair to second.
Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to adopt resolution
2013-24. A resolution authorizing the sale of
surplus county property at public auction.
Acting Chairman Kirby yielded the chair to
second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution
2013-24 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2013-24
A Resolution Authorizing the Sale of Surplus
County Property at Public Auction
WHEREAS, Boundary County owns surplus personal
property, which is not being used by the County
and for which the County is presently obliged to
provide storage space, and which the various
department heads and the Board of Boundary
County Commissioners have determined is not
necessary for the County’s use; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Boundary County
Commissioners are authorized under Idaho Code
Section 31-808 to sell or offer for sale at
public auction, after not less than ten days’
previous notice given by publication in a
newspaper of the county, any property, real or
personal, belonging to the County but not
necessary for its use; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Boundary County
Commissioners believes it is in the best
interest of the County that the surplus property
described as in “Attachment A” be sold and
therefore desire to sell the property so
described at public auction as provided in Idaho
Code Section 31-808.
NOW, THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded
and unanimously carried, it is
RESOLVED that, after publication of notice in
the Bonners Ferry Herald in the manner and for
the time required by Idaho Code, the personal
property of Boundary County described as in
“Attachment A” be offered for sale at public
auction at a date and time determined by the
Boundary County Commissioners.
DATED this 20th day of May, 2013.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Absent__________________________
Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/_______________________________
LeAlan L. Pinkerton, Commissioner
s/_______________________________
Walt Kirby, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Glenda Poston
Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
By s/__________________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk
Recorded as instrument #257507
“EXHIBIT A”
2013 Boundary County Surplus Auction Items:
1 – 1986 Chevrolet 1 Ton, 4X4 pickup truck, VIN
#1GBJK34W7GS179798
1 – 1987 Chevrolet ¾ Ton 4X4 pickup truck, VIN
#1GCCV24K3HJ124129
The meeting with Mr. Gutshall ended at 9:35 a.m.
9:30 a.m., Courthouse Maintenance Jerry Kothe
met with Commissioners to give a department
report. Mr. Kothe presented a written report.
Mr. Kothe said the flower beds have been weeded
and tilled. The waterline at the RV dump site at
the fairgrounds has been leaking so the city has
checked the meter and shut off the water. The
Park and Recreation Board had someone look at
the problem and they will provide a cost to fix
the leak.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to allow Stimpson
Lumber Company the use of the snowmobile park to
temporarily stockpile gravel for a project.
Acting Chairman Kirby yielded chair to second.
Motion passed unanimously.
Deputy Clerk Nancy Ryals joined the meeting at
9:45 a.m.
Mr. Kothe said the gas company is putting
barriers in front of the gas meter at Memorial
Hall. Fulton Construction has repaired the
damage caused by a county resident, but the
staining hasn’t been completed yet.
The meeting with Mr. Kothe ended at 9:45 a.m.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to go into closed
session under Idaho Code #31-874. Acting
Chairman Kirby yielded the chair to second.
Motion passed unanimously. 9:54 a.m.,
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to go out of closed
session. Acting Chairman Kirby yielded the chair
to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to write off
$47,307.21 for indigent account 2008-15 due to a
bankruptcy and there being no pre-bankruptcy
property. Acting Chairman Kirby yielded the
chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve indigent
2013-17 as per the Clerk’s recommendation.
Acting Chairman Kirby yielded the chair to
second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to deny indigent
applications 2013-18 and 2013-19 as per the
Clerk’s recommendation. Acting Chairman Kirby
yielded the chair to second. Motion passed
unanimously.
Deputy Clerk Ryals left the meeting at 9:55 a.m.
Boundary Volunteer Ambulance (BVA) President Ken
Baker joined the meeting at 9:55 a.m.
10:00 a.m., Commissioner Pinkerton moved to
recess as the Board of County Commissioners and
convene as the Governing Board of the Boundary
County Ambulance Service District. Acting
Chairman Kirby yielded the chair to second.
Motion passed unanimously.
President Baker said once BVA’s attorney has
finished working on the contract for ambulance
services, he will bring it to Commissioners.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the
minutes of April 15 2013. Acting Chairman Kirby
yielded the chair to second. Motion passed
unanimously.
10:05 a.m. Commissioner Pinkerton moved to
adjourn as the Governing Board of the Ambulance
Service District and reconvene as the Board of
County Commissioners. Acting Chairman Kirby
yielded the chair to second. Motion passed
unanimously.
Mr. Baker left the meeting at 10:05 a.m.
10:15 a.m., Treasurer Jenny Fessler joined the
meeting to discuss a matter of delinquent
property taxes for parcel #RP63N02E361360T.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to deny the request
to cancel interest and late fees for tax year
2010 for parcel # RP63N02E361360T. Acting
Chairman Kirby yielded the chair to second.
Motion passed unanimously.
Treasurer Fessler said Joseph Duginske has not
paid his year 2009 taxes in full as of the
deadline agreed to by Commissioners and Mr.
Duginske. The remaining balance of $400 was due
as of today.
Treasurer Fessler left the meeting at 10:15 a.m.
10:30 a.m. Phil Allegretti with Panhandle Pest
Control joined the meeting to discuss the
contract for the West Nile Mosquito Study. Mr.
Allegretti explained the study and his
participation, which is to set and collect the
mosquito traps and send them to the state for
testing. Mr. Allegretti briefly listed various
locations where he puts his traps.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to authorize Acting
Chairman Walt Kirby to sign the State of Idaho
Department of Health and Welfare Contract
#HC793900 for Boundary County’s West Nile survey
study. Acting Chairman Kirby yielded the chair
to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the
Independent Contractor Agreement with Phil
Allegretti with Panhandle Pest Control for the
West Nile Study upon the Agreement’s completion.
Acting Chairman Kirby yielded the chair to
second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Allegretti left the meeting at 10:40 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
Commissioners discussed the request made by a
county resident for Commissioners to hold town
hall meetings. Commissioner Pinkerton said
Commissioners will add a discussion of town hall
meetings on the agenda and to inform the person
who had made the request.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
11:00 a.m., Restorium Administrator Karlene
Magee and Assistant Administrator Jeri Witt
joined the meeting.
Ms. Magee presented Commissioners with a report
generated from the QuickBooks Program from
September 30th to present. Those present
reviewed the format in the report.
The meeting with Ms. Magee and Ms. Witt ended at
11:25 a.m.
11:30 a.m., Boundary Community Hospital CEO/CFO
Craig Johnson and Hospital Board of Trustees
Chairman Elden Koon joined the meeting.
Mr. Johnson said the Hospital’s finances are in
the red for the month of April, but would be in
the black without depreciation. April was a slow
month for admissions, but admissions had
increased in May. The Hospital’s health fair was
held last weekend and between 300 to 400 people
attended. There will be a golf tournament held
on June 14 and a golf ball drop game will be
done. This is an event sponsored by Life Flight
in which people can purchase a golf ball for
$5.00 and whoever has their golf ball dropped
and land in a hole wins a 55 inch television.
The golf balls can be purchased from Linda Hiatt
at Riverside Auto, according to Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Johnson said Saturday, June 15, 2013 will be
the day for Dr. Lucero’s dedication of services
and then Dr. Lucero’s family will hold a
celebration for him at Memorial Hall.
The meeting with Mr. Koon and Mr. Johnson ended
at 11:40 a.m.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners opened the sealed
quotes for surplus county vehicles. The county
is seeking quotes for the following vehicles:
1987 Chevrolet ¾ Ton, 20DLX, 4X4, VIN
#1GCEV24K4HJ136765; 1999 Ford Expedition 4WD,
VIN #1FMRU1867XLB92337 and 1989 Ford F250, 4X4,
VIN #1FTEF26H5KLA83665. Present were:
Commissioners, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser,
Darlene Higgins, Jeff Gutshall and Ken Arthur.
The proceedings were recorded.
Two sealed quotes were received for each
vehicle. Darlene Higgins, Jeff Gutshall, Evan
Ellis and Terry Johnson provided sealed quotes
for various vehicles.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to accept quote of
$565 from Darlene Higgins for a 1987 Chevrolet ¾
ton 4X4 pickup truck, VIN#1GCEV24K4HJ136765.
Acting Chairman Kirby yielded the chair to
second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to accept quote of
$677 from Darlene Higgins for a 1989 Ford F250 ¾
ton pickup truck, VIN#1FTEF26H5KLA83665 from
Darlene Higgins. Acting Chairman Kirby yielded
the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to accept the quote
of $976 from Darlene Higgins for a 1999 Ford
Expedition 4WD, VIN #1FMRU1867XLB92337. Acting
Chairman Kirby yielded the chair to second.
Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting to open quotes for surplus county
vehicles ended at 1:45 p.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
3:00 p.m., There being no further business, the
meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
***Tuesday, May 21, 2013, Commissioners met in
regular session with Acting Chairman Walt Kirby,
Commissioner LeAlan L. Pinkerton and Deputy
Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Commissioner Dan
Dinning was out of the office.
Commissioners held an elected
officials/department heads meeting. Present
were: Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee,
Clerk Glenda Poston, Treasurer Jenny Fessler,
Planning and Zoning Administrator Dan Studer,
Courthouse Maintenance Jerry Kothe, Noxious
Weeds Superintendent Duke Guthrie, Extension
Office Educator Carol Hampton, Road and Bridge
Superintendent Jeff Gutshall, Chief Deputy Clerk
Tracie Isaac, Assessor Dave Ryals, Prosecutor’s
Office Manager Tammie Goggia, and Chief
Probation Officer Stacy Brown.
Acting Chairman Kirby said two of the three
items on the agenda are not quite ready for
discussion. Carrie Spears, representative from
Afflac was supposed to be on the agenda to
inform employees of their services. Chief Deputy
Clerk Isaac said if any office has employees
interested in Afflac’s services, they can
contact her as she has Ms. Spears’ contact
information.
Clerk Poston said today is the election for
members of the school board so if someone is not
sure what zone they are in to check with her
office. Absentee voting is not an option any
longer so voters will have to go to their
specific polling place.
Mr. Kothe asked about part-time employees as far
as medical insurance. It was said the cut off
hours for part-time is 30 hours or more to
require the county having to provide insurance
benefits. Clerk Poston said this matter is still
a moving target. Commissioner Pinkerton said
every time Obamacare is discussed in Washington
D.C. a whole gamut of issues arises. It was said
the administration is still operating with
current and past regulations. Ms. Hampton said
all proposals on the table from both sides are
to protect those people 55 or older.
Mr. Gutshall said he thought the sealed bid
process for surplus auction items was a good
idea. Acting Chairman Kirby said the Restorium
has a small Datsun pickup to surplus, but they
need to replace it with something else.
The elected officials/department heads meeting
ended at 9:19 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
9:30 a.m., Noxious Weeds Superintendent Duke
Guthrie provided Commissioners with a department
report. Mr. Guthrie said the city would like him
to spray weeds again and it would be similar to
the agreement from the prior year. Acting
Chairman Kirby said he feels Mr. Guthrie should
take care of spraying and sending the invoice
himself. Commissioner Pinkerton said he has been
approached by people interested in the
reimbursable weed spraying program so he
referred them to Mr. Guthrie.
The meeting with Mr. Guthrie ended at 9:35 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
Treasurer Fessler stopped by the Commissioners’
Office to question matters relating to a
potential tax deed situation.
Jeanne Diel joined the meeting at 9:40 a.m.
Ms. Diel said she is on the committee for the
all school reunion and she asked if the county
could be a part of hosting the event. Ms. Diel
said the request is just for insurance purposes
and the City of Bonners Ferry has agreed to
participate as host as well. Acting Chairman
Kirby said both the city and county are insured
under the same company. A joint powers agreement
could be drafted for all involved. Ms. Diel said
insurance agent Darrell Kerby offered to explain
how the insurance works. Acting Chairman Kirby
and Commissioner Pinkerton said they would like
to be part of the all class reunion.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved for the county to
partner in hosting the 2013 all class reunion
along with the City of Bonners Ferry and the
Boundary County School District. Acting Chairman
Kirby yielded the chair to second. Motion passed
unanimously.
The meeting with Ms. Diel ended at 9:55 a.m.
10:00 a.m., Commissioners held a public hearing
in the Extension Office for Planning and Zoning
Application #13-019 for a special event permit
requested by DelRay Romero to put on a mud bog
and rock crawl event. Present were: Acting
Chairman Walt Kirby, Commissioner LeAlan
Pinkerton, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser,
Planning and Zoning Administrator Dan Studer,
Applicant DelRay Romero, James Wilger, Jerry
DePue, Jerry Blakely, Scott Peterson, Jeff
Gutshall, Emma Ivins, Roy Burton, Frank Hanks,
Kathy Hanks, Robin Sowers, Clarence Jones,
Robert Sanders, Oma Sanders, Cheri Romero, Dave
Wenk, Linda McFaddan, Mark McFaddan, Darlene
Miller, John Miller, Jacqueline Gale, Don Rigney,
Greta Marcy, Leon Marcy, Curtis Gunnells,
Cynthia Dalrymple, Mary Gutshall, Teri Wallace,
Jerry Wallace, Bonners Ferry Herald Reporter
Laura Roady, Jeff Lewis, Gary Ivins, Robert
Thompson, Carol Thompson, David Hester, Lori
Mason, Pat Atkins, Tia Avery, Kortni Roy, and
Kaley Piatz. The public hearing was recorded.
Acting Chairman Kirby briefly reviewed the
public hearing procedures. No member cited a
conflict of interest. Acting Chairman Kirby
asked for the applicant to give an opening
statement.
DelRay Romero introduced himself to those
present and explained the reason he is proposing
the mud bog/rock crawl is to generate funds as
he has taken over his mother’s property payment
and it is hard to make two payments. Mr. Romero
said the options are divide the property and
sell, or to hold a motor sports event. Mr.
Romero said he has spoken to various people as
to what it would take to host such an event. Mr.
Romero said he is aware there are a lot of
rumors that Bruce Behrman, host of the Moyie Mud
Bog is going to run this operation, but he has
never met Mr. Behrman and Mr. Behrman running
the event will not happen.
Mr. Romero said he estimated approximately 500
attendees and he explained his thought is the
motor sports event would not be a recurring
event otherwise he would have to go through this
process all over again. Mr. Romero said he has
contacted a security company and various
agencies about concerns so those concerns could
be addressed. An ambulance and South Boundary
Fire District will be on standby and in addition
he and others present are also EMT/fire
fighters. A helipad will be developed in case
there is need. Mr. Romero said he knows that
dust is a concern so he will mitigate that
before the event. A water truck will be onsite
for the dust on the property itself. No alcohol
will be served and will be prohibited and if
alcohol is seen, it will be confiscated. Mr.
Romero said he wants to have a family event. Mr.
Romero said he was told having a beer garden
would provide a means for containment, but then
people would potentially leave intoxicated so he
decided against alcohol all together.
The dates proposed are Friday, August 9th
through Sunday, August 11th from the hours of
9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and there will be no
partying or bonfires. Mr. Romero said he thinks
these restrictions will prevent a lot of people
from coming. Of the funds raised, 15% will be
donated to the school district. Mr. Romero said
he expects to pay approximately $15,000 for
staffing and other related costs and that
approximately $25,000 in commodities will be
spent as a result of people coming to town for
the event. Mr. Romero said he’s not sure how
much money this event will raise so it might not
help save the property. Of the adjoining
neighbors four are in favor, one is against and
two others couldn’t be reached, according to Mr.
Romero. Mr. Romero said there will be increased
noise, but he plans to set up the course so that
noise is directed to the state’s land. Mr.
Romero said he consulted various county
representatives about a noise ordinance and it
is fairly vague.
Mr. Romero said there will be no music or bands.
The Sheriff’s Office voiced concerns about drunk
driving and underage issues and Chief Deputy
Sheriff Stephens had concerns over personal
property damage. Mr. Romero said he would have
the Sheriff’s Office, if willing, come onto the
property to address any issues that arise.
If there are injuries, Mr. Romero said Boundary
Volunteer Ambulance will be present in addition
to himself and others who happen to be
paramedics. Limited camping will be available on
his property and if there is overflow, there is
the use of local motels. Benefits to the
community include: shopping in grocery stores,
specialty stores and auto parts stores, staying
at local motels and hotels, paying Oxford Inc.
for dust control, paid staff will be local
people, and 15% of proceeds will be donated to
schools.
Mr. Romero said he knows that people are worried
about decreased property values due to his
event, but this is a one time event as opposed
to splitting up the property and selling it at a
reduced price quickly, which will reduce values.
Mr. Romero said he wants a fun event for
families. A lot of these motor sports events
happen, but they allow alcohol and that’s not an
environment for kids and families. It’s possible
that the Road and Bridge Department can address
any potential damage to the county road, but
maybe it’s no worse than the number of
huckleberry pickers. Addressing the snowmobile
park concerns, Mr. Romero said if his
application is approved, resources could be
pooled to create a sign or build a fence or
maybe have the county close the park for the
weekend.
Mr. Romero read aloud a letter written in 2007
in which County Commissioners voiced their
support of the Moyie mud bog as well as a letter
from Oscar Anderson who voices approval as the
purchase of boulders will be beneficial to his
company and employees. Mr. Romero also
referenced letters of support from Linda
McLeish, Kenny Corsi and Gail Solomon.
Acting Chairman Kirby asked if Commissioners had
any questions. Commissioner Pinkerton said Mr.
Romero did a great job and was thorough, and he
appreciates the planning.
Mr. Studer provided a staff report and said some
of the Ordinance’s provisions do come up. This
property is in the agriculture zone and this
event is considered a moderate use. Mr. Studer
said he had deferred his decision making
authority to County Commissioners. From the
Comprehensive Plan, provisions from the
Agriculture/Forestry Section, 13.4.8, were
reviewed. Mr. Studer said the use proposed by
Mr. Romero is, of course not identified. The use
is considered high occupancy and moderate,
according to Mr. Studer.
Acting Chairman Kirby asked for public comments
in favor of the application.
Tia Avery said Mr. Romero will do a great job
with enforcing no alcohol. This event is very
family oriented and great for kids. Mr. Romero
went above and beyond to consider the safeguards
and has done his research.
Jeff Lewis said he’s lived on his property for
five years now. He’s had concerns over the
event, but mainly over access easements as he
doesn’t want his access used. Mr. Lewis said Mr.
Romero was totally workable, and he doesn’t
think the event is for profit. It’s a community
rallying together and to keep the property from
being subdivided. Splitting the property will
devalue the property and selling it at a low
cost could bring in the wrong type of crowd. Mr.
Lewis said the thought needs to be on Ms. Romero
and her son who could lose the property. Mr.
Lewis said he’s in favor of the application.
It’s only going to take place over three days
and he would hate to see division of the
beautiful pasture land. Mr. Lewis said he’s
about 1,000 feet to the south of the proposed
site.
Gary Ivins said he lives the closest to the
proposed event and has lived there for seven
years. Ms. Romero has been the best of
neighbors. Most important is to come to rally
for the neighbors and a one time, three day
event will not kill him. Mr. Ivins said his only
concern is after the costs of the motor sport
event is paid, will there be any profit left
over. Mr. Ivins said he speaks very highly in
favor of Mr. Romero’s application.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Dan Studer
read a letter of support from Janet Preston into
the record.
Acting Chairman Kirby called for public comments
from those uncommitted to the applicant.
Lori Mason said Mr. Romero has really done his
work. Ms. Mason said her son attended the Moyie
mud bog and had fun, but spoke of people
littering. Removing alcohol is a good thing, but
she doesn’t trust that people will do the right
thing. A concern over the snowmobile park was
also mentioned. Ms. Mason said Ms. Romero is a
friend and she feels bad for her situation, but
at the same time she’s concerned about the
element this type of event could bring.
Speaking in opposition was Dave Wenk, Gold Road.
Mr. Wenk read aloud a petition signed by 93
people and presented it to Commissioners. Mr.
Wenk’s concerns included the size of the event
not zoned for the area, loud noise, dust, lack
of an exit for emergency medical services, fire
danger, and disruption to the area’s
tranquility. Mr. Wenk said the event is the
right thing, but in the wrong location. The
noise isn’t always the worst, but due to the
site’s proximity to a nearby hill, the noise
will be deflected back towards the neighborhood.
James Wilger, Tanna Lane, said the Romero’s sold
his property to him and he listed various
concerns as follows: according to public records
Mr. Romero owes no money on the property, a
neighbor, Mr. Moore, hadn’t been notified of the
event and Mr. Romero’s testimony is all verbal
with no written information. Mr. Wilger reviewed
a letter written from Beth Reinhart with the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stating that
anytime work is done near wetlands the person
doing the work is encouraged to contact them.
Mr. Romero’s application lacks details such as
the size of the pit, etc. Mr. Wilger said June
Berquist with the Department of Environmental
Quality stated that there are no water rights in
that section and in speaking to the Department
of Water Resources, Mr. Wilger said any runoff
into Highland Creek would be an issue. Several
things in the application do not match Mr.
Romero’s testimony and permitting this
application would be irresponsible. Mr. Wilger
said to vote no.
Scott Peterson said he owns property next to
Sheri Romero. The property had once been 320
acres, has been split several times and is now
72 acres. Other than the water issue, Mr.
Peterson said he is worried about safety. The
mud bog in Moyie Springs is set down in gravel
and the crowd can be separated, but in this case
the ground is flat.
Jeff Gutshall said he doesn’t want the Romero’s
to lose the farm, but he thinks they will do
fine. Mr. Gutshall expressed concern over the
use of the snowmobile park and said if not
regulated, there could be alcohol present. Mr.
Gutshall said to Commissioners if they look
around most of the properties are 10 acres in
size with little gray haired people such as
himself who like to go for walks and keep to
themselves. Mr. Gutshall said Mr. Romero did a
great job, he really did, but he’s not sure if
the event would be a one time thing.
Clarence Jones said the application is good, but
a lot is missing. There will be tremendous
expenses involved. There will be rock that is
hauled in, but won’t be hauled out. Mr. Jones
said he spends a lot of time on Highland Flats
Road and he knows the traffic and spoke of the
number of increased beer cans along the side of
the road in the summer. These people will come
speeding down the straight stretch of the road.
Mr. Jones questioned where Mr. Romero will be
able to park 250 cars and 150 trailers. There
will be a lot of people, cars, traffic, and beer
cans.
Robert Sanders said he is opposed and voiced
concerns over the snowmobile park. There are no
posted regulations for the park such as allowed
lengths of time to stay and fires. There are no
gates, the pavilion has downed trees and there
are no spark arresters at the fire pit. Mr.
Sanders submitted photos of the snowmobile park.
Mr. Romero will shut down the event, but the
park won’t be shut down.
Oma Sanders said she heard about the mud bog
through the grapevine and hadn’t received
written notice. Ms. Sanders said Mr. Romero is
delightful, but he had told her the night
previous that if the event goes well, he may
decide to do it again.
Mark McFaddan voiced concerns over the traffic,
garbage and the event’s possible repetitive
nature.
Don Rigney said he has 64 acres off Highland
Flats Road and he and his granddaughter spend
one day a week picking up trash along the road.
This road is breaking up and traffic is a major
issue. Mr. Rigney spoke of increased traffic and
auto accidents that have ended up on his
property as it’s a bad stretch of road. Mr.
Rigney said when people leave the mud bog they
will speed unlike the residents who live there.
Wildlife is suffering due to the traffic,
according to Mr. Rigney.
There being no further comment Commissioners
asked for Mr. Romero’s rebuttal. Mr. Romero
addressed Mr. Wilger’s comments. Mr. Romero said
he spoke to Mr. Moore, but he couldn’t be
reached earlier. There was no intention to have
a vague application and if it’s preferred, more
details could be provided. Mr. Romero said his
plan is to construct a fence around the creek
and he mentioned the wetland riparian area. Mr.
Romero said in regards to water sources, he has
two private wells on the property. In doing a
rough measurement the area there is room to park
up to 2,000 cars. In addressing Ms. Sanders’
comments about holding another mud bog event, if
he did get a permit to hold the event this time,
he would have to go through the entire process
again for another one. Mr. Romero said he
doesn’t like trash either, but once people are
off his property and out in the county, he can’t
control that. Mr. Romero said he would like to
shut the snowmobile park down if the county is
able to. Mr. Romero said he would like to have
people work towards a solution in regards to the
park as he’s heard the problems, but no
solutions.
The hearing was closed to public testimony.
Commissioner Pinkerton said there is a lot for
Commissioners to think about such as what is
applicable, what is not, and adverse impacts,
etc. Commissioner Pinkerton said he’s got to put
a lot of thought into this.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to continue the
public hearing for Planning and Zoning
Application #13-019, a request for a mud
bog/rock crawl event made by DelRay Romero to
Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at 10:00 a.m., to be held
in the Extension Office in order to allow the
Commissioners to deliberate as a full board and
to come to a decision. Written public comments
will be accepted up until that time. Acting
Chairman Kirby yielded the chair to second.
Motion passed unanimously.
The public hearing ended at 11:25 a.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch.
1:30 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the
afternoon session with Acting Chairman Kirby,
Commissioner Pinkerton, Deputy Clerk Michelle
Rohrwasser.
Clerk Glenda Poston joined the meeting.
1:30 p.m., Local youth Jacob Fletcher and his
parents met with Commissioners, Clerk Poston,
Treasurer Jenny Fessler, Chief Deputy Sheriff
Rich Stephens, Boundary County Emergency
Services Incident Director Dave Kramer, Boundary
Volunteer Ambulance President Kenny Baker and
Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown.
The purpose of Mr. Fletcher’s meeting with
Commissioners was for him to apologize for
calling in at least one of the bomb threats to
the Boundary County Schools. Mr. Fletcher said
he would like to apologize to Commissioners for
what he had done and for doing that to
Commissioners’ kids and grandkids.
Commissioner Pinkerton said he’s glad that Mr.
Fletcher came and wanted to apologize to the
community as that it is the right road to take.
Commissioner Pinkerton told Mr. Fletcher that he
is a good young man and he wants all young men
like Mr. Fletcher to grow up to become good men.
This is the right step for Mr. Fletcher to take
to become that good man and this is the first
step. What’s most important for Mr. Fletcher and
others to know is that they’re not by themselves
and that there are good people around us to help
us, Mr. Fletcher and others. It’s more than
saying sorry; it’s acting on it and asking what
can be done to keep on the right road.
Commissioner Pinkerton said that’s being a good
neighbor and he appreciates that very much.
That’s a promise for Mr. Fletcher to keep,
according to Commissioner Pinkerton.
Chief Deputy Sheriff Stephens told Mr. Fletcher
that he is a good kid and not a monster that the
media can portray, but he wanted Mr. Fletcher to
know that the present group of people in
Commissioners’ Office is just a small group who
were affected by the bomb threat that was called
in.
Acting Chairman Kirby said there will be a good
amount of people in this room that can be Mr.
Fletcher’s friend and help him in ways they can.
That’s our job in life, according to Acting
Chairman Kirby. Things have changed and we are
Mr. Fletcher’s friend.
Mr. Kramer said he’s glad Mr. Fletcher is here
accepting responsibility for what he had done.
Mr. Kramer said he hopes Mr. Fletcher
understands the response involved due to the
bomb threats and he hopes Mr. Fletcher will give
back to the community and will maybe become a
volunteer in the community. It takes a lot to
come into the community and to accept
responsibility, according to Mr. Kramer.
Clerk Poston said Mr. Fletcher will help the
community by performing community service work.
Commissioner Pinkerton told Mr. Fletcher that
whatever he does in life to do the best he can.
The meeting with Mr. Fletcher ended at 1:35 p.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
1:45 p.m., Deputy Clerk Nancy Ryals, Waterways
Board member Mike Naumann, KPND News Reporter
Mike Brown, and Bonners Ferry Herald Reporter
Laura Roady joined the meeting.
Mr. Naumann informed Commissioners the addition
to the Waterways Building is almost complete and
it just needs a soffit. Mr. Naumann said he is
just waiting to receive one invoice from BF
Builders. Mr. Naumann said he still needs to
complete the outside water. Deputy Clerk Ryals
said the project needs completed by June 30th.
Deputy Clerk Ryals reviewed the grant amount and
the amount of the bid from Bonners Ferry
Builders. Totals were over the budgeted amount
and funds were added due to permitting issues.
Both the state and county are to contribute
$21,850 each and funds from the state have to be
requested in order to pay Bonners Ferry
Builders. Mr. Naumann said he has the form to
request the funds from the state.
Deputy Clerk Ryals said $22,184.89 has been
expended for the grant for the Deep Creek
restroom, but that doesn’t include $250 for the
Panhandle Health District permit fee. The state
has sent $11,389 for the invoice from Kelly’s
for the slab, but state reimbursement is still
needed for the picnic tables. There is still
landscaping and gravel placement at a cost of
$2,000 that still needs done. Mr. Naumann said
the county is committed to match $1,000 in labor
and gravel. Clerk Poston asked if reimbursement
has been requested for the picnic tables. Deputy
Clerk Ryals said no, and she mentioned getting
the projects going while requesting
reimbursement at the same time. Mr. Naumann said
he’s aware this all has to be completed by June
30th. Clerk Poston said Mr. Naumann needs to get
this going so she knows where the budget is for
next year. Deputy Clerk Ryals asked for a copy
of the request for reimbursement when Mr.
Naumann has it done.
Mr. Naumann said he would like to apply for a
grant for new docks at the Waterways site. Clerk
Poston said the existing grant really needs to
be completed first as it’s already received an
extension.
Those present discussed getting all Search and
Rescue items together to keep them central.
Clerk Poston said the picnic tables and building
addition information need to be added to the
county’s inventory for insurance coverage.
Deputy Clerk Ryals said the state is going to
close their financial books on June 30th and no
funds will be issued for a few weeks.
The meeting with Mr. Naumann, Deputy Clerk Ryals
and Clerk Poston ended at 2:00 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting
adjourned at 2:15 p.m.
/s/
DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
/s/
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk |
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