***Monday, March 21, 2016, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton was out of the office for the day.

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

9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Department Superintendent Clint Kimball joined the meeting to give the departmental report. Mr. Kimball presented a written report. Property owner Ed Minden also joined the meeting.

Mr. Kimball informed Commissioners of a landslide that had occurred along Westside Road last Monday and a washout on Paradise Valley Hill. Mr. Kimball said this week his crew will continue sweeping roads, attend mine safety training, and open more roads. Mr. Kimball said last week he was the successful bidder for a 30 foot by 65 foot shelter that he will use for the sand pile. The cost was $3,000. Along with the ecology blocks Road and Bridge will have a nice sand shelter at the old cold mixing site in Naples. This location will save a large amount of travel time, according to Mr. Kimball. It would be good to have another shelter for the salt brine equipment and a location at the north end of the county in which to store more sand.

Chairman Dinning said in the past Commissioners have asked that Road and Bridge have a contingency plan in the case Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding is not reauthorized.

Mr. Kimball spoke of work done so far to prevent potholes from forming on Pleasant Valley Road.

Mr. Minden spoke to Commissioners about an access to property. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners were under the impression that Basin Lane was a private access. Mr. Minden said he is a part of the West Moyie Homeowner’s Association along with the Sign Company and others. This group includes approximately five residences, to include two businesses and property owner John Minden. It is this homeowner’s association that had an easement off Highway 2. When the homeowner’s association was formed, rules for the access were submitted to the state in year 2001 in order to obtain access. Mr. Minden reviewed a map he provided with Commissioners for reference.

Basin Lane, referenced as the blue line on the map, was never an actual road, according to Mr. Minden. Mr. Minden provided a letter from the county’s GIS Office stating that Basin Lane was for E911 emergency vehicle access and it did not claim any easements or roads. Mr. Minden said the homeowner’s association never created an easement or road until last week. This new road will provide access to three parcels, according to Chairman Dinning. Mr. Minden said he and John Minden bought property and a neighboring property owner, Phillip Tihonovich, granted an easement across his land. Chairman Dinning said as soon as the approved document for the new access is in place, Mr. Minden will have an easement and the county can do what it needs to do with the other access. The existing gate can be shut and locked after Mr. Minden is granted an address.

Sheriff’s Office Administrative Deputy Crystal Denton joined the meeting at 9:23 a.m.

Those present discussed issuing house numbers and closing and locking the gate to the current access.

Mr. Minden said another issue is that neighbors were told they could not trespass across private property until this meeting was held. Mr. Kimball said he took pictures of the situation Mr. Minden is talking about because there were five kids taking up the entire road. Mr. Kimball said he informed the woman that he would delete the pictures. Mr. Kimball said he apologized to her and has since realized the sensitive side of that.

Mr. Minden thanked Commissioners for taking care of this road issue as property in this location could have been sold without this situation being rectified. Mr. Minden updated Mr. Kimball on the association’s members.

Boundary County Emergency Services Incident Commander Bob Graham joined the meeting at 9:30 a.m.

Mr. Minden said there had never been a road previously created. Chairman Dinning asked Mr. Minden to let him know when the easements are signed as he would not want to close the existing access, which would obstruct any emergency vehicles.

Mr. Minden left the meeting at 9:31 a.m.

Mr. Graham updated Commissioners on the mud slide along Cow Creek Road. A geologist and soil specialist are to visit the site this Wednesday to assess the area. Mr. Graham mentioned wanting to ask City of Bonners Ferry Mayor Davis Sims to write a letter about these slides and how they might become a problem for Cow Creek Road. It was said Boundary County owns most of the property where the slide occurred.

Mr. Graham voiced concerns that if the county gets too much more rain, Cow Creek Road may have to be closed.

Mr. Graham left the meeting at 9:37 a.m.

9:39 a.m., Commissioners held a bid opening for upgrading the Sheriff’s Office E911 system. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Sheriff’s Office Administrative Deputy Crystal Denton, and Blue Sky Broadcasting Reporter Mike Brown. The bid opening was recorded.

The only sealed bid received was from Valence Communications in which two copies were received. Chairman Dinning clarified that the bid dollar amount had to be within a certain amount as it is in relation to available grant funds. Ms. Denton agreed. Chairman Dinning said if he is reading the bid correctly, the quote totals $118,345. Ms. Denton said there is enough budget to cover that amount.

Chairman Dinning asked that Ms. Denton take one of the copies of the bid and review it in order to provide a recommendation.

Commissioner Kirby moved to continue bid opening until tomorrow, Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at 2:15 p.m. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

The bid opening ended at 9:44 a.m.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

Boundary Volunteer Ambulance Administrative Chief Ken Baker joined the meeting at 9:50 a.m.

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the minutes for the weeks of February 29, 2016, March 7, 2016, and March 14, 2016. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Boundary Volunteer Ambulance Medical Director Dr. Stu Willis and Boundary Volunteer Ambulance Paramedic Adrian Bethke joined the meeting at 9:57 a.m.

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

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board meeting minutes from February 22, 2016. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Bethke informed Commissioners that BVA Operations Chief Jeff Lindsey could not make the meeting and has asked him to attend on his behalf. Mr. Bethke added that he has nothing he needs to address with the board.

Dr. Willis said a meeting has been set up with Commissioners to review Ambulance District budget matters. Mr. Baker asked about meeting with Commissioners so he could present the next BVA report. Chairman Dinning said in the last meeting with BVA’s board it was decided that communication will be with Mr. Lindsey from now on so Commissioners don’t want to confuse matters. Chairman Dinning informed Mr. Baker that Commissioners could receive his report in email form, and that Mr. Lindsey will be the representative for BVA as it pertains to Commissioners. Dr. Willis said he is not on BVA’s board, but he has agreed to discuss matters with Commissioners as appropriate.

The meeting to go over the budget is set for April 12^th.

10:05 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board and to reconvene as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Dr. Willis, Mr. Bethke, and Mr. Baker left the meeting.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

10:30 a.m., Kootenai Tribe of Idaho Administrator Patty Perry joined the meeting to provide an update on Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative (KVRI) matters.

Commissioner Kirby moved to grant an extension of time to pay year 2015 taxes for parcel #MH63N03E323800A and to accept the tax amount due by May 2, 2016. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Ms. Perry provided Commissioners with the agenda for this evening’s KVRI meeting and she mentioned the accomplishments from the Community Forest Landscape Restoration projects (CFLRP) will be reviewed. A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) meeting was held last week so another meeting will be scheduled for April in order to go over the five year review. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will focus on this area for the Beneficial Use Reconnaissance program (BERP). Chip Corsi will provide an update regarding the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Service’s search to hire someone to possibly work in this area. Commissioner Kirby mentioned an article pertaining to water quality on tribal lands. Chairman Dinning said Commissioners are always invited to attend KVRI meetings, and he added that decisions are not made on behalf of Boundary County at these meetings. Ms. Perry said minutes are also posted on the KVRI website.

Ms. Perry left the meeting at 10:33 a.m.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

10:38 a.m., County Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk joined the meeting.

10:50 a.m., Airport Manager Dave Parker also joined the meeting.

Mr. Wenk informed Commissioners the document on the agenda to sign is the Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) application for funding totaling $32,812.50. Bonner County and Boundary County are to split $25,000. There is no match, according to Mr. Wenk.

Commissioner Kirby moved to authorize the Chairman to sign the State of Idaho, Department of Agriculture Award of 2016 Federal and/or State General Fund Cost Share Funds for the Selkirk Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) totaling $32,812.50. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Wenk left the meeting at 11:00 a.m.

County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull joined meeting at 11:01 a.m.

Commissioner Kirby moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)c, to acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency; and 74-206(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 regarding the airport land acquisition project. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye” and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. 11:25 a.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to go out of executive session. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. No motion was made.

Mr. Parker left the meeting.

Treasurer Sue Larson joined the meeting at 11:28 a.m.

11:28 a.m., Commissioners held a tax deed hearing for delinquent 2012 property taxes. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Treasurer Sue Larson, and County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull. The hearing was recorded.

Chairman Dinning said Commissioners have opened this hearing to consider one parcel, RP62N01E232413A, but it was decided to continue the hearing to April 11, 2016.

Commissioner Kirby moved to reschedule the tax deed hearing for delinquent year 2012 property taxes to April 11, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

The hearing ended at 11:30 a.m., and Treasurer Larson and Attorney Hull left the meeting.

11:31 a.m., Boundary Community Hospital CEO/CFO Craig Johnson and Elden Koon joined the meeting to provide Commissioners with an update on hospital matters.

Commissioner Kirby moved to continue the discussion on airport property matters to tomorrow, Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at 3:30 p.m. Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Johnson said for the first two months the hospital has been in the black financially. Mr. Johnson informed Commissioners that Dr. Schneider will soon leave employment at the Rural Health Clinic as of May 26th. There are a number of changes for the health clinic being proposed so we will see how that will affect the hospital. Mr. Johnson spoke of Medicare expansion and Bill 1388. Mr. Johnson said this would help the Catastrophic Health Care Cost Program (CAT) and that would be great. This bill provides access to primary care, but not hospitalization and lab work.

Mr. Johnson informed Commissioners the health fair will be held on April 14, 2016, and he provided brochures for the health fair and hospital itself. The hospital’s new CT scanner will be installed in late May or the first part of June and a portable CT scanner will be used during the transition. The hospital does have a scanner now, but the new unit will have a 64 slice capability. Dr. Di Benedetto will start soon to provide orthopedic, carpal tunnel, and arthroscopic services, according to Mr. Johnson.

There have been a number of matters coming before the hospital from the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Chairman Dinning said he had heard the ACA has created so much government regulation that so many assets had to be put toward that regulation that otherwise could’ve gone toward taking care of people. Mr. Johnson said the aspect of reporting is enormous.

The meeting with Mr. Koon and Mr. Johnson ended at 11:46 a.m.

There being no further business, the meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.

***Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

9:00 a.m., Commissioners held an elected officials/department heads meeting. Present were: Chairman Dan Dinning, Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt Kirby, Clerk Glenda Poston, Noxious Weed Department Superintendent Dave Wenk, Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen, Treasurer Sue Larson, Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee, Courthouse Maintenance John Buckley, Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac, Extension Office Educator Amy Robertson, Planning and Zoning Administrator John Moss, Prosecutor’s Office Manager Tami Goggia, Chief Probation Officer Stacy Brown, and Assessor Dave Ryals.

Chairman Dinning said Commissioners are getting ready to go over upcoming budgets so he wanted to add that any amount of carry forward a department has available will help for the next budget year. It is okay to not spend these funds and department budgets won’t be cut because of it.

Treasurer Larson reminded everyone about the hazards of opening email attachments from unknown people and if they do have a problem, to contact Computer Arts as Microsoft is experiencing glitches right now.

Mr. Moss said Planning and Zoning is fine.

Mr. Buckley said he is finishing winter tasks and spring has snuck up on him.

Ms. Robertson said she has been busy with the Master Gardeners program. The Extension program will hold a free class on protecting yourself from identity theft and on April 20^th there will be a class for high school seniors to talk about life after high school.

Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac said she will soon work on the Medstar memberships. Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac reminded everyone that she had handed out the 1095C tax form so if anyone has a question, to ask her, and that this is information pertaining to Obamacare for informational purposes only. The 1095C form is for proof of having medical insurance for the year.

Assessor Ryals said his office is getting ready for June assessments. The county has passed the assessment at the state for values. Assessor Ryals said there should not be a lot of changes to values for this year.

Mr. Skeen said the landfill has been busy and the operation is finding different avenues for different types of material. Chairman Dinning mentioned to Mr. Skeen that there is an area near the office that could stand to be paved if it is in the budget.

Ms. Goggia said the Prosecutor’s Office is working on two murder cases this year as well as a large parental termination case.

Ms. Brown said she has been attending court and testifying when there is a need. Ms. Brown said her staff is keeping up on courses for child trauma experiences. The Probation Office has been working closely with the Prosecutor’s Office, law enforcement, the schools, and the community.

Ms. Magee said the Restorium has 32 residents so occupancy is up. A donation of $7,500 has been received from the Friends of the Restorium so a project for improvements has been planned to start March 28^th.

Mr. Wenk said Boundary County has been awarded the funds for the Neighborhood Co-Op Weed Treatment program and the application deadline is March 31, 2016. Boundary County has been allotted approximately $12,000, and he has contacted the NewsBF website to notify them of this information.

Clerk Poston said she is going to send budget information out mid-April and carry forward is considered as well. The new voting machines worked very well and saved a lot of time. Ballots for the next election have already been ordered. By April 1^st the county will have to have oversees military ballots mailed out. The next election is May 17, 2016. There was a total of 266 new voter registrations for the March primary and there was a 35% turnout for the Republican primary. Boundary County will receive Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funds totaling $738,000, which is an increase of $123,000. The school district is supposed to receive 30% of these SRS funds, which equates to $316,000. Clerk Poston said she hasn’t heard anything about the push for permanent funding. Chairman Dinning said he thinks the land and water conservation fund that takes royalties off oil and gas drilling and uses it for purchasing lands or conservation easements may be dedicated for the purpose of SRS funds, if what he has heard is correct. The new fuel tax is coming in this year for the purpose of maintenance and tracking will have to be done as far as where the project work was done and how much was spent. Chairman Dinning explained the history prior to SRS funds in that counties were supposed to receive 25% of timber sales off the National Forest.

The elected officials/department heads meeting ended at 9:16 a.m.

9:19 a.m., County Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Dave Wenk presented Commissioners with various tasks he has worked on. Former Noxious Weeds Department Superintendent Duke Guthrie did not have a lot of safety equipment, according to Mr. Wenk. Mr. Wenk said safety equipment is not required by the Department of Homeland Security, but in private practice you look negligent so he has purchased road cones, safety vest, fire extinguisher, etc., for when he is working near streets. Mr. Wenk said Mr. Guthrie had informed him about spill aprons and face shields. Mr. Wenk said these purchases were within his budget. Mr. Wenk showed Commissioners his Emergency Action Plan to have on hand in case of a spill on the road or a fire at a facility where spray chemicals are stored. Mr. Wenk said he gave a copy of this plan to Boundary County Emergency Services Incident Director Dave Kramer and North Bench Fire Department. Chairman Dinning asked Mr. Wenk to have his advisory board review the plan. Mr. Wenk said he has passed the test to obtain his applicators license, etc., and he has taken the 4H course for inspection of hay and straw. In last couple years Ty Iverson was only certified person in the county as he had a weed free product that he was sending out of the county. The State of Idaho has a less strict standard for product leaving the state as far as weeds, according to Mr. Wenk. Mr. Wenk said the “no spray” signs for those agreements have been ordered. Property owners who don’t want to have their weeds sprayed will have to use the county’s sign and they will have to apply for the “no spray” sign every year. Mr. Wenk said if a property owner does not want the county right-of-way treated in front of their property, the “no spray” sign needs to be up by a certain date. Mr. Wenk said he received Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) funds for a new laptop. Bonner County had applied for $35,000 for a vehicle, but they got $25,000.

Mr. Wenk asked about maintenance for the weed department. truck. Clerk Poston said Commissioners might want to see if BF Quick Lube or Riverside Auto would like to provide quotes for oil changes. Commissioner Pinkerton asked Mr. Wenk to get some cost comparisons.

Mr. Wenk said he had been insured while working in Indiana, but he is not sure about pesticides. Commissioners suggested contacting County Insurance Agent Darrell Kerby about insurance matters.

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

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the Certificate of Residency for Shaleyna Higgins and Shaelyn Zimmerman. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to authorize Bonner County Indigent Director Kevin Rothenberger to accompany Boundary County Clerk’s Office staff in traveling to a conference in Pocatello, Idaho. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

10:00 a.m., City of Bonners Ferry Mayor David Sims, Boundary County Solid Waste Department Superintendent Claine Skeen, and Sam Fodge joined the meeting.

Mr. Fodge informed Commissioners of a Canadian company that wants to construct a waste energy facility and they are currently working on power through Avista. Mr. Fodge said he knows that the price through Avista is more than enough to operate this facility. This machinery will burn waste from the landfill and it will be all green power, according to Mr. Fodge. Commissioners asked about wood. Mr. Fodge said the equipment will accept just about everything. There would be a $40 to $50 tipping fee to come down to the site and Mr. Fodge said the sorting would be done locally. The cost could equate to $250,000 per year. Mr. Fodge said the biggest thing this equipment does is utilize 430 tons per day so the biggest concern is getting Sandpoint, Montana, and Canada to also provide material. Mr. Fodge said this unit would be located at his mill site and it will take up 25 acres. Mr. Fodge said with as cheap as gas prices are right now and with the amount of gas needed, he can operate on that as well if he does not get wood. Mr. Fodge mentioned trying to keep the tonnage a certain amount for the operation. Mr. Fodge said paperwork would be brought in for Commissioners to review. The City of Everett, Washington, also wants to bring their material over via rail. Mr. Fodge explained that this operation is a low pressure steam system so it can provide for an alternative heating source, the county would not have to sort materials, and there are no emissions whatsoever. Chairman Dinning said from a county standpoint Commissioners just need to analyze this and he asked how long Commissioners have in which to make a decision. Mr. Fodge said a month or two. Mr. Fodge mentioned needing to get contracts with Boundary County, Sandpoint, Everett, etc. Chairman Dinning listed the possibility of Lincoln County, Montana, as they are having issues.

Commissioner Pinkerton asked what the benefits would be for the landfill. Mr. Skeen said one benefit would be the landfill’s closure as the landfill would be a collection facility for material to then be hauled to another facility. Mr. Skeen said the City of Bonners Ferry could haul their material directly to the site. Mr. Skeen mentioned the county pays $30 to $35 per ton for recyclables at the current market. Chairman Dinning questioned if the small community exemption would be jeopardized if the county is not using the landfill. Commissioners said if in 10 to 15 years this company stops operations, the county needs to protect itself. Commissioner Pinkerton said the county wouldn’t have to worry about the 20 ton per day limit. Mr. Fodge added that this plant will also accept tires. Commissioners asked Mr. Skeen to analyze this information. Mr. Fodge said he would have to guarantee power 24 hours per day, seven days per week. If he couldn’t get enough garbage or wood, the operation can run on gas. Syngas byproduct can be turned into diesel, jet fuel, etc., so everything, but metal and concrete can be used. Mr. Fodge said nails in a woodpile would not matter and he explained how the separation process works.

Mayor Sims said he would have to look at zoning as the city’s use table might not include power plants so that would have to be added to the use table. The city also doesn’t have its own emission standards so it would follow state and federal standards. Mr. Fodge said he already follows those standards. Mr. Fodge said there would be no odor and no emissions as the operation is completely enclosed. There might be steam, according to Mr. Fodge. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Environmental Quality DEQ have already been zoned for this purpose. Mr. Fodge said he will get the operation going as soon as he gets everyone’s blessing and has enough fuel, then construction of the facility will start so it should take about 18 months. Mr. Skeen asked about the county’s wood pile at the landfill. It was said the wood from the landfill would be ground up lose and then it becomes the property of Mr. Fodge. Mr. Fodge spoke of wanting this to benefit the community. Commissioners asked what Mr. Fodge would like from them and he responded that he would like a letter of intent.

Mr. Skeen said if the tipping fee is $40 to $50 to start, will there be an increase in that cost. Mr. Fodge said he would enter into a contract with the county stating for the next five years he would keep the fee a set amount. Mr. Fodge said this operation may create 37 jobs. It will be an Idaho company with the Canadian company being part owner. Clerk Poston asked if the City of Bonners Ferry residents’ bill would decrease. Mayor Sims said that could be. Frederickson’s Bonners Ferry Garbage and the county trucks could go direct to this new plant, but it is not going to be a public drop off. Mr. Fodge said when he mentioned the minimum of 14 tons needed he did not include recyclables.

Mr. Fodge explained the issue of the prior cogeneration operation discussed a few years ago in which the county was considering looking into this involving the City of Sandpoint and Waste Management. In this case the county would not have the expense with this new plant.

Chairman Dinning said he wants to check with DEQ as to whether or not the county will still have the small community exemption if it doesn’t use the landfill in the manner it has been used. Mr. Skeen said the bottom line is if the county can keep the exemption for an extended period of time. Mr. Skeen said he will look more into DEQ. This project may eliminate that landfill closure aspect for the county if the county is not liable for the closure in the future. Chairman Dinning said the county will always be liable for the closure. Mr. Skeen said we have the option for mining the landfill. Chairman Dinning said the county will still have to deal with that.

Mr. Fodge and Mr. Skeen left the meeting at 10:32 a.m.

Commissioners, Clerk Poston, and Mayor Sims spoke of the hazards of depending on a private company as well as the involvement of urban renewal.

Mayor Sims left the meeting at 10:45 a.m.

10:51 a.m., Veterans Services Officer John Tucker joined the meeting.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

Mr. Tucker is currently the Assistant Veteran’s Services Officer. Clerk Poston said we are assuming Mr. Tucker will be appointed as the Officer for the Veteran’s Services.

Commissioner Kirby moved to appoint John Tucker as Boundary County Veteran’s Service Officer. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Tucker said he is going to need a laptop, printer, and scanner for Veteran’s Services work. Clerk Poston said there may not be enough funds in the budget for this equipment. Internet service is not needed as it is already provided. Clerk Poston questioned what types of programs Mr. Tucker will need for the computer such as Microsoft Word. Clerk Poston said there is also very little budget for travel, etc., so that line item usually ran over the amount budgeted. Mr. Tucker said he would review how much is actually needed for travel. In the past the county would cover the cost of lodging and travel for conferences in Boise, according to Mr. Tucker.

Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac joined the meeting at 11:00 a.m.

Clerk Poston asked Mr. Tucker to review the budget for Veterans Services and get back to her with the information of what he foresees needing.

The meeting with Mr. Tucker ended at 11:03 a.m.

Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac met with Commissioners to discuss payroll matters pertaining to a member of the Veterans’ Services. Mr. Tucker will be put on payroll for March 1, 2016.

Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac left the meeting at 11:06 a.m.

Commissioners addressed a request for reimbursement from Robert Peccia and Associates (RPA) that needs to be approved and signed.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve pay request #4 totaling $4,387.55 to Robert Peccia and Associates (RPA) and $11,101.86 to Road Products Inc. (RPI) as it pertains to Airport Improvement Project #3-16-0004-013-2015. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

11:26 a.m., Boundary County resident Tim Dillin met with Commissioners to discuss a matter pertaining to John Deere representation in Boundary County. Mr. Dillin said he is concerned about losing John Deere representation here. There are other farmers who are concerned as well and if Boundary County loses the current John Deere dealership and parts, it will be a huge hardship to everyone who owns John Deere equipment. Pape´ Machinery is the local John Deere representative and they have stated they will be able to get a mechanic from another area, but it could be late in the afternoon on a Saturday when equipment breaks down so who can you call when that happens. Mr. Dillin said the City of Bonners Ferry is concerned about losing another business so he thought it would be helpful for the county to write a letter voicing Commissioners’ concern if John Deere representation were to leave. Mr. Dillin said as soon as Pape´ Machinery located to Bonners Ferry they never made it clear as to whether or not they were happy to even be here. Mr. Dillin said this is a small community and if everyone is leaving their job and jumping ship, something is going on such as it must not be a good place to work.

Chris Amoth joined the meeting.

It was said Bonners Ferry Pape´ lost $40,000 last year and there is the philosophy that the Pape´ Corporation has to make a certain amount of money. Mr. Dillin said he was just thinking the City of Bonners Ferry and county can send a joint letter voicing concern over losing another business. A local John Deere equipment owner would have to pay for a John Deere service call from locations quite far away such as Four Lakes, Cheney, Tekoe, etc.

Mr. Amoth said he thinks it’s a lost cause and he voiced the reason being that it is the way that Pape´ treats people. Mr. Amoth said Pape´ had asked what is wanted of them and Mr. Amoth said they should take care of their customers better. It was said in just observing this, this is not the only business that starts owning their customers and that approach doesn’t work. Mr. Dillin said he had never gotten a call or response from Pape´ until he called the John Deere regional office. Then an hour later the president from Pape´ called. When the only agriculture equipment mechanic put in his two weeks’ notice the John Deere representative wasn’t aware of that happening. Mr. Dillin said we just need to let John Deere know the agriculture community is concerned.

Mr. Dillin said it doesn’t matter what brand the equipment is if you don’t have someone to service it. Mr. Dillin said the store in Pend Oreille is just full of small lawn tractors now. Commissioner Kirby spoke of how John Deere just sees this community as just using small lawn mowers and not an agricultural community. Mr. Dillin said he understands that Boundary County and the City of Bonners Ferry cannot do anything about this, but a letter may help. Those present discussed where the next closest John Deere business might be located.

The meeting with Mr. Dillin and Mr. Amoth ended at 11:56 a.m.

Commissioners recessed for lunch at noon.

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

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the Certificate of Residency for Robert Endicott. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chief Deputy Clerk Tracie Isaac and Restorium Administrator Karlene Magee joined the meeting.

1:31 p.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to go into executive session under Idaho Code 74-206(1)b, to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school student. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”, and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. 2:20 p.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to go out of executive session. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. No action was taken.

Ms. Magee and Chief Deputy Clerk Isaac left the meeting.

2:20 p.m., Commissioners continued the bid opening for the Sheriff’s Office E911 system upgrade. Present were: Chairman Dinning, Commissioner Pinkerton, Commissioner Kirby, Clerk Poston, and Deputy Clerk Rohrwasser. The proceedings were recorded.

Chairman Dinning said Commissioners received a recommendation from the Sheriff’s Office to accept the bid from Valence Communications. No match is required as this is an upgrade funded through the E911 fund through the State of Idaho. This is a needed upgrade for 911 dispatch to continue operations.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to accept the bid of $118,345 from Valence Communications for the E911/Zetron system upgrade. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chairman Dinning said he agrees that this system is a lot of money, but he recalls the time when the county did not have a system like this for the community.

The bid decision was completed as of 2:23 p.m.

Commissioners and Clerk Poston discussed the matter of the proper process for personnel files.

2:31 p.m., Commissioner Pinkerton moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)a, to consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent. Commissioner Kirby second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”, and Commissioner Kirby “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. 2:40 p.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to go out of executive session. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. No action was taken.

3:00 p.m., Commissioners participated in a conference call with Lincoln County, Montana Commissioners Greg Larson, Mark Peck, and Mike Cole; and Bonner County Commissioner Glen Bailey, Boundary County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull, and Attorney Jack Connor and Allan Payne with Doney Crowley Law Firm to continue discussion on the matter of the grizzly bear lawsuit between the Fish and Wildlife Service and Alliance for the Wild Rockies.

Blue Sky Broadcasting Reporter Mike Brown and Boundary County Emergency Director Bob Graham were also present.

Participants of the conference call reviewed a document containing bullet points on the matter. It was said there is a potential for critical habitat to reach farther than what is shown on the map. Lincoln County Commissioner Larson asked if this is beyond the Selkirks on the map. Attorney Connor said yes, but there are also arguments that could make for a smaller critical habitat. Bonner County Commissioner Bailey asked if he could get the speculation on the likelihood of the Alliance for the Wild Rockies being successful in their petition. It was said that is dependent on the ability of counties intervening in that the Alliance for the Wild Rockies could be less successful. The overall chance of success, even without the counties, is a hard thing to judge. The primary issue the Alliance for the Wild Rockies is making is the changed designation. It is peculiar that the lawsuit was getting up and going. If the counties are involved, there is a lesser chance that the Alliance for the Wild Rockies will prevail. Lincoln County Commissioner Peck said it will be difficult for the Alliance of the Wild Rockies and the Fish and Wildlife Services to go into negotiations. If the county is not involved, some settlement could be made. It was said that is correct. Bonner County Commissioner Bailey said if we wished to discuss entering a motion to intervene, should we go into executive session to discuss that potential litigation. Attorney Payne said with respect to Boundary County he would defer to Attorney Hull. Attorney Hull said yes, from Boundary County’s perspective, the parties should go into executive session.

Commissioner Kirby moved to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(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 regarding the potential grizzly bear lawsuit. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”, and Commissioner Kirby “aye.” Motion passed unanimously. 4:00 p.m., Commissioner Kirby moved to go out of executive session. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. No action was taken.

Commissioners and Attorney Hull discussed matters pertaining to the Courthouse cleaning contract. Attorney Hull suggested Commissioners have Arnold and Lisa Tuttle prepare an addendum to extend the contract to continue with the same services.

Commissioners asked Attorney Hull if they need to seek quotes for a new farming lease when the current lease expires. Attorney Hull said Commissioners did not need to seek quotes for this.

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

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DAN R. DINNING, Chairman

Attest:

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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk

By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy