***Monday, December 09, 2013, Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

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

9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Superintendent Jeff Gutshall joined the meeting to give the departmental report. Mr. Gutshall presented a written report to include: Road and Bridge has started its seven day per week winter schedule, and the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) is on board with installing a guardrail for the Deep Creek Loop project as the guardrail would be within the project’s vicinity.

Mr. Gutshall briefly mentioned the Trout Creek Bridge. Consultants have come out to view the proposed project and will soon provide estimates. Mr. Gutshall said he will rank the quotes at one point.

Mr. Gutshall discussed a possible project for a Cascade Creek Culvert. Mr. Gutshall said the county has worked on a project with the Wildlife Refuge before so there may be a resolution to reference if going forward with this project.

Chairman Dinning reviewed a quote for a loan for a Caterpillar Motor Grader. Chairman Dinning said there is a bank the county has used that has worked out well and he questioned if Commissioners should consider other options. Mr. Gutshall said he has reviewed the interest rates of other lenders and there is a difference of $500 to $700 over the life of the contract. The starting balance of the loan totaling $80,000 over seven years and there is a difference of .15% so the difference between the two lenders is not huge. Commissioner Kirby said it is hard not to have a relationship with the one lender that has helped the county out in matters that may not have otherwise worked. Commissioner Pinkerton said Commissioners should lean toward the lender that has worked well with the county.

The Road and Bridge Department report ended at 9:33 a.m.

9:33 a.m., Courthouse Maintenance Jerry Kothe joined the meeting to give a departmental report. Mr. Kothe presented a written report. Mr. Kothe said he is just keeping an eye on things to make sure they run properly in the cold weather.

The meeting with Mr. Kothe ended at 9:35 a.m.

9:45 a.m., Court Assistance Officer Jay Sturgell met with Commissioners. Supervisory Court Clerk Rose Sprungl also joined the meeting. Mr. Sturgell introduced himself and explained his position to Commissioners. Mr. Sturgell explained that in July of 2012, he took on this position for the First Judicial District, which are the five northern counties. Mr. Sturgell informed those present that he is changing the program as he no longer has an assistant and he wanted to update Commissioners of this change. Mr. Sturgell explained his role in the court system. Chairman Dinning asked who made the decision to do away with Mr. Sturgell’s assistant. Mr. Sturgell said the decision was more of an administrative decision made in Boise. Mr. Sturgell said he has instituted a number of workshops now and he listed a website available for various services and forms. Basically one person is not enough for this job, according to Mr. Sturgell. Mr. Sturgell invited Commissioners to attend one of his workshops if they are interested and he further explained what he does to assist the public. Chairman Dinning said the feed back that he has received about Mr. Sturgell has been very good, and Supervisory Court Clerk Sprungl added that Mr. Sturgell has made the Court Clerk’s jobs easier and she also has only heard good things.

The meeting with Mr. Sturgell ended at 10:00 a.m.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to reschedule the tax deed date for the Knutti property, parcel #RP62N01E123400A, to February 18, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the minutes of November 25, 2013. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to adopt Resolution 2014-4. A resolution authorizing the sale of surplus county property at public auction. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2014-4 reads as follows:

RESOLUTION NO. 2014-4

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 on Monday, December 23, 2013, beginning at the hour of 10:00 a.m., in the Boundary County Commissioners’ Chambers located at the Boundary County Courthouse, Room #28, 6452 Kootenai Street, Bonners Ferry, Idaho 83805.

               DATED this 9th day of December, 2013.

                                                                                          COUNTY OF BOUNDARY

                                                                                          BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                                          s/___________________________                             

                                                                                          Dan R. Dinning, Chairman

                                                                                          s/___________________________          

                                                                                          LeAlan L. Pinkerton, Commissioner

                                                                                          s/___________________________         

                                                                                          Walt Kirby, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Glenda Poston

Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners

s/________________________________________

Recorded as instrument #259543        

“EXHIBIT A”

December 2013 Boundary County Surplus Auction Items:

1986 Chevrolet 1 ton, 4x4 pickup truck, Vin#1GBJK34W7GS179798

1987 Chevrolet ¾ ton, 4x4 pickup truck, Vin#1GCCV24K3HJ124129

2000 Dodge ¾ ton, 4WD pickup truck, Vin#1B7KF23W1YJ156993

1999 Ford Expedition, 4WD, Vin#1FMRU1867XLB92337

1994 Saturn, 2 door, Vin#1G8ZF1593RZ289087

10:15 a.m., Susan Kiebert with Community Transportation Association of Idaho, Boundary Economic Development Specialist David Sims, Representative George Eskridge, Restorium Board Chairman Larry Dirks, Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee, and Restorium Board members Jeannie Robinson, Wilma DeVore and Peach Baker joined the meeting to discuss a transportation grant for use of the Restorium passenger van.

Introductions were made around the room and Mr. Sims explained that Ms. Kiebert took over for Clif Warren. Mr. Sims said over one year ago the Senior Hospitality Center’s bus was transferred to the Restorium. The Area Agency on Aging now has funding for senior transportation and, they are willing to spend all of these funds in Boundary County. Mr. Sims said there has been a delay in this process as Area Agency on Aging Director Pearl Bouchard has retired so he’s been working with the interim director who is still willing to spend the funds in Boundary County. The funds need to be spent on senior transportation so they can be used to offset the cost of operating the Restorium’s van. It has also become apparent the Area Agency on aging wants the money to be spent on more than just the Restorium’s residents and to include more seniors.

It was said the fee paid to the county is on a per boarding basis so the number of people who use the van will be tracked. Ms. Kiebert said $31,000 needs to be spent by June 2014 and it can be spent on maintenance and payment to the driver or coordinator for the service. Chairman Dinning asked how much the fee is per boarder and Mr. Sims said the fee is $10 per boarder one way so a senior traveling to their destination then back is considered two boardings. The issue is that funds need to be used by June so this is short term. The Area Agency on Aging will most likely have additional funding at that point and then 5311 funding can be applied for, but it’s too late for this year. Ms. Kiebert said the goal is to create an ongoing solution for seniors and the Restorium.

Boundary Community Hospital has a couple needs for transportation such as taking someone to their doctor’s appointment in Coeur d’ Alene, but Hospital CEO/CFO Craig Johnson didn’t think sharing a vehicle would work, but could probably coordinate for field trips or events such as the Festival of Trees. Chairman Dinning asked if it would be cost effective for multiple people going to Sandpoint.

It was said the Area Agency on Aging had been receiving 5311 Grant funds and the Senior Hospitality Center used their own funds as match. Ms. Kiebert said one reason for the interest in total allocation to Boundary County is that there are already comparable types of services in other counties such as different bus services, but Boundary County was the only county that wasn’t receiving any type of subsidies for senior transportation. Dividng up the funds between the counties didn’t do much so it was decided to fund all to Boundary County. Mr. Sims said the 5311 Grant match is approximately 20%, but if the county can provide office space at the Restorium, that could be used as match. Ms. Kiebert said no cash match is required as match can be totally in-kind. Anything above and beyond the grant can be used as in-kind. It was said $2,500 is allowed for administrative costs and Mr. Sims added that the administrative fees are allowable fees under the grant. Chairman Dinning asked if the county is locked into future obligations if Commissioners accept the grant. Ms. Kiebert said the term is the state fiscal year so it’s within those parameters. Ms. Kiebert said the goal is to have sustainability and not just have service for six months.

Mr. Dirks said the Restorium has two volunteer drivers since acquiring the passenger van. This system will provide for a more efficient operation than the current situation, according to Representative Eskridge. Mr. Sims said this grant would allow the service to be developed for 5311 funding. Ms. Kiebert said this will probably be a six month trial period. Ms. Kiebert said the Office of the Area Agency on Aging funds are considered match for this program. Commissioner Kirby said our community also has the Senior Companion Program through the Panhandle Health District, which is a volunteer program and they would have a list of clients.

Commissioner Pinkerton asked about the administrative fee. It was said when this year is over the fees will have to be justified and the administrative fee can be used as justification. Ms. Kiebert said volunteers can be used towards in-kind match. Ms. Kiebert added the State of Idaho Mobility can provide training for a driver to become a skilled driver so this is reaching out and putting together a system that fits the community.  

The State has approximately $31,000 available and should the county choose to go forward the county will receive $10 per boarding. During the first year any administrative fees, the driver fee, and van maintenance will come out of the funds received, but during the following year is the potential to receive administrative funds. The driver will come out of this fee as well as office space and insurance. Mr. Sims said total funding available is $31,085. The required match is $5,486. Ms. Kiebert said it will not be difficult to generate that. Chairman Dinning said if the county chooses this program, it needs to lay something out as to how this is going to work to include other local senior facilities and the Hospital. Commissioners said they had no reservations about going forward.

Chairman Dinning said the Restorium’s volunteer drives need to be sure to be added to the county’s insurance coverage.

The meeting to discuss the senior transportation program ended at 10:45 a.m.

Commissioners reviewed claims for payment. Funds totals are as follows:

Current Expense                                    $36,835.76

Road & Bridge                                       30,668.85

Airport                                                     4,655.69

District Court                                           6,124.22

Justice Fund                                            42,597.06

911 Funds                                                  1,057.18

Indigent & Charity                                     6,843.08

Junior College Tuition                                 410.50

Parks and Recreation                                1,187.87

Revaluation                                               1,914.30

Solid Waste                                             12,301.17

Tort                                                              833.16

Veterans Memorial                                       189.04

Weeds                                                          107.25

Restorium                                                15,793.08

Waterways                                                   138.58

Grant, Emergency Communication          12,313.25

                          TOTAL                    $173,970.04

Trusts

Auditor’s Trust                                        10,000.00

Beverage License Trust                                  25.00

Drivers License                                         5,889.50

Magistrate Trust                                      38,778.44

Motor Vehicle Trust                                65,174.96

Sheriff’s Fund                                              766.20

                        TOTAL                      $120,634.10

                        GRAND TOTAL      $294,604.14

Citizens are invited to inspect detailed records on file in the Courthouse (individual claims & Commissioners’ allowance & warrant register record 2013-2014

Commissioners addressed the request for a credit card for the Fair Board. Fair Board Secretary Sandy Schnepf had been asked to speak to county outside auditor Leonard Schulte about a proposed credit card for the Fair Board’s use. Mr. Schulte has provided his recommendation and approval of applying for a credit card.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the Fair Board’s decision to obtain a credit card provided the rules of use are followed. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to cancel taxes for year 2013 in the amount of $36.02 and specials in the amount of $131.48 for a total of $167.50 for parcel #MH61N01W349449A because the mobile home is unlivable and is being torn down. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

10:50 a.m., County Public Information Officer Mike Meier and Solid Waste Superintendent Claine Skeen joined the meeting.  

11:00 a.m., Mr. Skeen and Mr. Meier met with Commissioners to discuss drafting a public notice about the change in hours for the Solid Waste Department’s monitored sites as opening at 9:00 a.m. and closing at 5:00 p.m. Mr. Skeen he will implement the time change on January 1, 2014. Chairman Dinning said the only reason the time change is taking place is due to the Affordable Health Care Act as it pertains to part-time employees in regards to insurance. It was also mentioned this affects part-time employees at the Restorium as well. Mr. Meier provided his input and stressed that the public notice should state the change is hours is not at the request of the county or the landfill, but that the county has to live with the affects of the new health care act. Mr. Skeen requested closing the monitored sites at 4:00 p.m., on Christmas Eve and Commissioners said that is fine.

The meeting with Mr. Skeen and Mr. Meier ended at 11:05 a.m.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the Federal Financial Report Form 425 for Airport Grant #16-0004-012. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the Idaho Airport Aid Program, FY-2014 Grant Offer for the Boundary County Airport, IAAP Program Number: FAA865S, IAAP Project Number: 3-16-0004-012. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.  

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to adopt Resolution 2014-5. A resolution accepting the Grant Offer of the State of Idaho, through the Idaho Transportation Department, Division of Aeronautics, in the maximum amount of $32,158 to be used under the Idaho Airport Aid Program, Program Number:FAA865S, Project Number: 3-16-0004-012. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2014-5 reads as follows:

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

Commissioner Kirby moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Boundary County Mosquito Abatement District Surveillance Program, Amendment #2 for an amended amount of $4,000. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Kirby moved to authorize the Chairman to sign Exhibit A to the Cooperative Law Enforcement Annual Operating Plan and Financial Plan for year 2014 between the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office and the USDA, Forest Service, Idaho Panhandle National Forests for an amount not to exceed $8,800. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.  

A county resident stopped by Commissioners’ Office briefly to voice a complaint about the delayed response from Boundary Volunteer Ambulance for two separate calls.

Boundary County Emergency Services Director Dave Kramer stopped by Commissioners’ Office at 11:45 a.m.

Mr. Kramer informed Commissioners that he is acting as the interim Chief of Police for Bonners Ferry for approximately four months until the City finds a permanent replacement. Mr. Kramer explained there will be a tabletop training exercise in Naples coming up and Bonner County’s Emergency Manager Bob Howard will act as an evaluator. Those present discussed the potential for high costs as a result of holding these exercises, but Mr. Kramer mentioned steps being taken to reduce costs to include the Naples Helping Hands cooking for the event.

Mr. Kramer left the meeting at 11:55 a.m.

Treasurer Fessler stopped by Commissioners Office regarding the Kinnear property, which is in care of Boundary County. Chairman Dinning asked Treasurer Fessler to look into ownership of this property. Treasurer Fessler left the meeting.

There being no further business for the week, the meeting adjourned at 12:34 p.m.   

                                                            /s/

                                                            DAN R. DINNING, Chairman

ATTEST:

/s/

GLENDA POSTON, Clerk

By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk