County commission minutes, February 11-12
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March 2, 2013 |
***Monday, February 11, 2013, Commissioners met
in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning,
Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt
Kirby, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Clerk Glenda Poston and Blue Sky Broadcasting
Reporter Mike Brown joined the meeting at 8:55
a.m.
9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Superintendent Jeff
Gutshall joined the meeting to give the
departmental report. Mr. Gutshall presented a
written report.
Those present discussed the condition of
portions of Lookout View Road. Mr. Gutshall
mentioned areas near the Grove residence and
said since there is still freezing, Road and
Bridge was able to haul rock and use a grader to
patch the road. The rest of Lookout View Road is
fine at the moment. Roads are starting to be
closed for spring breakup, but not many,
according to Mr. Gutshall. Mr. Gutshall said
he’s never seen conditions look better this time
of year such as on the Farm to Market Road,
which is closed, but he thinks the road will get
through breakup fairly quickly.
Mr. Gutshall said he reviewed the Municipal
Lease Purchase Agreement for the excavator with
a mulching head attachment. The Agreement looks
fine and Prosecutor Douglas has also approved
it, according to Mr. Gutshall
Chairman Dinning asked if there is the ability
to sell the equipment aside from Western States/CAT’s
buyback offer. Mr. Gutshall said yes, but the
ability to sell is limited as the equipment
cannot be financed so only larger companies are
financially able to buy the equipment. The
machines returned to CAT are good equipment and
CAT can offer a limited warranty whereas the
county cannot. Typically the lift groups and
wings for equipment are not a part of the
buyback so the county puts them on other pieces
of equipment. Chairman Dinning asked what CAT’s
reaction would be to the county selling the
equipment rather than using the buyback option.
Mr. Gutshall said if CAT knows they have a
customer who will pay a certain amount, they
will participate in the buying process. Mr.
Gutshall said the best time to get a buyback is
when replacing a machine. Mr. Gutshall said it’s
happened that if it’s known a machine will be
used as a trade-in, the buyback had increased
another $20,000.
Mr. Gutshall said Western States/CAT has offered
to extend their warranties from five yeas to
seven years as the county hasn’t always used the
hours so there is a seven year warranty and
usually there are no surprises in that amount of
time. Whatever happens during the warranty is
covered 100% otherwise the equipment controls
are such that it is expensive to repair if the
warranty is up, according to Mr. Gutshall. New
equipment is a different world compared to older
equipment.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked if there is an
added cost for a buyback. If the equipment is
purchased for cash, there is no buyback figure.
Commissioner Pinkerton mentioned costs
associated with balloon payments. Mr. Gutshall
said the lease is set up to payout on the
excavator so it will belong to the county. Mr.
Gutshall said some of this equipment is
expensive and there have been balloon payments
so he can pay ahead of schedule or exercise the
buyback option. Commissioner Pinkerton discussed
expenses with work being done in relation to
mechanics versus the expenses associated with
leasing a new machine. Mr. Gutshall mentioned
all equipment he has had to buy used and have
his department’s mechanics work on. Mr. Gutshall
said maintenance can’t be done on the equipment
as it can be done on vehicles. Commissioner
Pinkerton said if something can be fixed for
$10,000 once where is the payoff for the county
in the buybacks if having to continue making
payments on new equipment after trading in the
old equipment. Mr. Gutshall explained that he
used to have a budget for repairs that he was
actually using well in excess of $100,000 before
going to the buyback option.
Prosecutor Jack Douglas joined the meeting at
9:25 a.m.
Mr. Gutshall said the lease option is more of a
planning tool for him and he can either run
junky equipment or new for the same money and
there’s an old adage for that. Mr. Gutshall said
he’s gained dependability and a warranty in
newer equipment. Mr. Gutshall recalled having to
replace transmissions for old loaders at a cost
of $30,000. Mr. Gutshall said it just depends on
how the equipment is used. Those present
continued the discussion on costs and downtime
due to repairs.
Commissioners and Mr. Gutshall discussed spring
road restrictions. Prosecutor Douglas spoke of a
past issue with a county ordinance in regards to
issuing citations for driving and road weight
limit restrictions. Commissioner Pinkerton said
it’s a matter of catching the driver. Prosecutor
Douglas said he feels the current ordinance
doesn’t need to be tweaked as the judge having
an issue with it is a visiting judge who is
normally not here. Prosecutor Douglas reiterated
that he doesn’t think there is an issue with the
current ordinance, but he does have documents
from other counties so a change could be done if
it’s felt there is a need.
Mr. Gutshall spoke briefly of ordinances from
other counties and he said what Boundary County
has had for an ordinance has worked well. A
driver has to have a permit to haul during this
spring breakup time so if someone is stopped and
doesn’t have a permit, they are guilty right
there. If the driver does have a permit, the
restrictions are listed on that permit.
Commissioner Pinkerton said the state scale is
not able to weigh an entire load so that can get
thrown out. Chairman Dinning said the current
ordinance allows flexibility through Mr.
Gutshall’s restrictions and Mr. Gutshall
referred to allowances for people in need of
propane, etc.
Prosecutor Douglas left the meeting at 9:39 a.m.
Those present briefly discussed the difference
in warranties for compact and larger equipment.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to authorize the
Chairman to sign the Municipal Lease/Purchase
Agreement No. 20288510 with Panhandle State Bank
for a 2012 Caterpillar Compact Front End Wheel
Loader, Model No. 906HC, Serial No. JRF00564,
for the Boundary County Airport. Commissioner
Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to authorize the
Chairman to sign the Municipal Lease/Purchase
Agreement No. 20288509 with Panhandle State Bank
for a 2012 Caterpillar Excavator with mulching
head attachment, Model No. 320EL, Serial No.
WBK00621 for the Boundary County Road and Bridge
Department. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion
passed unanimously.
Commissioners and Mr. Gutshall briefly discussed
bid documents for road oils and preventative
maintenance.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to go out to bid
for asphalt petroleum products for the Road and
Bridge Department. Commissioner Kirby second.
Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to authorize the
Chairman to sign the Local Public Agency’s
Certificate of Right-Of-Way Activities for the
Old US 2/Deep Creek Loop Project #A012(932), Key
#12932, and any incidental documents necessary
for the Deep Creek Loop/Trout Creek Bridges
Projects for emergency relief. Commissioner
Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners and Mr. Gutshall discussed
conducting road tours as needed.
The meeting with Mr. Gutshall ended at 9:55 a.m.
Commissioners tended to administrative duties.
10:30 a.m., Restorium Administrator Karlene
Magee and Assistant Administrator Jeri Witt
joined the meeting.
Ms. Magee presented Commissioners with the
elevator maintenance agreement with OTIS. The
agreement is time sensitive as it needs to be
signed by February 13, 2013. The cost associated
with maintenance is $175 per month, which covers
24/7 monitoring, maintenance issues, and
inspections every five years. This company also
provides maintenance on the elevators at the
Hospital and the City of Bonners Ferry Visitor
Center, according to Ms. Magee. Ms. Magee
explained a scanning mechanism sends an alert if
there are any issues with the elevator. Ms.
Magee said she is able to budget for
maintenance, but doesn’t yet have a specific
line item for that.
Ms. Magee said the Restorium is down one
resident and now has 33 residents. There is a
newly vacant room that is currently under
construction. One issue the Restorium is having
has to do with flooring in one of the wings. Ms.
Magee said she has contacted the installer many
times and finally heard back today. Ms. Magee
discussed the issue with the recommended
expansions for this flooring. Chairman Dinning
said he would like for the expansion strips to
be removed or install a flatter piece of
material for that purpose.
Chairman Dinning said County Outside Auditor
Leonard Schulte has suggested the Quickbooks
Program be used at the Restorium so that is
something that needs to be used. Ms. Magee said
little knowledge is known about Quickbooks.
Chairman Dinning mentioned leadership training
courses that are held and how Commissioners
would like to have this training for their
department heads. Chairman Dinning reviewed
locations where these courses are held.
Those present resumed the discussion on the
Quickbooks Program and spoke of inputting
information beginning October 1, 2013. Chairman
Dinning discussed the need to clean up the
accounts of those residents no longer at the
Restorium.
Ms. Magee briefly discussed filling a vacant
position in the kitchen and matters regarding a
resident. Chairman Dinning asked Ms. Magee to
think about what room rates should be if
patients were private payers so that the
Restorium could become self sufficient. Clerk
Poston said she estimated rates would increase
approximately $1,000 and briefly explained why.
Chairman Dinning asked Ms. Magee to bring in
information as to what is currently being
charged per room size.
Commissioner Pinkerton suggested reviewing the
tutorial for Quickbooks or to check with people
who are already using it. There may be classes
held on these programs. Commissioner Pinkerton
said Mr. Schulte stated not using this type of
bookkeeping program is not an option so whatever
Commissioners can do to help, let them know.
The meeting with Ms. Magee and Ms. Witt ended at
11:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m., Courthouse Maintenance Jerry Kothe
joined the meeting to give a departmental
report. Mr. Kothe presented a written report.
Mr. Kothe said he thinks the water heater is
working well. Chairman Dinning asked to see how
much a new valve will cost. Mr. Kothe said he
did put a shut off valve on the hot water so if
something happens, it can be shut off. There had
been obstruction in the inlet pipe, according to
Mr. Kothe.
Mr. Kothe reviewed the remainder of his report
to include replacing lights bulbs in the
Extension Office and working on taking inventory
for the landfill and Waterways Building. Mr.
Kothe said he’s accounted for everything at the
Waterways Building with the exception of one
spotlight. Waterways Board Member Mike Naumann
is supposed to get back to Mr. Kothe about the
light by Wednesday before he reports it as not
being present. Mr. Kothe discussed taking
inventory of the county’s docks. Mr. Kothe
explained moving the boiler’s shutoff so it
won’t be hit by someone walking by it.
Mr. Kothe spoke of trimming trees along the
Courthouse. Chairman Dinning asked Mr. Kothe to
contact Doug Dirks to see about costs of
trimming the large trees.
The meeting with Mr. Kothe ended at 11:10 a.m.
Commissioners reviewed claims for payment. Fund
totals are as follows:
Current Expense $72,607.27
Road & Bridge 155,435.38
Airport 4,556.42
District Court 7,947.72
Justice Fund 30,166.50
911 Funds 3,327.39
Indigent & Charity 9.85
Junior College Tuition 126.00
Parks and Recreation 1,253.28
Revaluation 632.07
Solid Waste 21,934.61
Tort 405.94
Veterans Memorial 161.24
Weeds 1,014.97
Restorium 84,877.56
Waterways 266.96
Juvenile Probation, Lottery 3,219.73
Grant, Boat Safety 100.00
Grant, Fire Mitigation 4,740.00
TOTAL $392,782.89
Trusts
Auditor’s Trust 13,156.50
Drivers License 6,798.50
Magistrate Trust 30,546.15
Motor Vehicle Trust 67,843.55
Sheriff’s Fund 510.10
TOTAL $118,854.80
GRAND TOTAL $511,637.69
Citizens are invited to inspect detailed records
on file in the Courthouse (individual claims &
Commissioners’ allowance & warrant register
record 2013).
11:30 a.m., Idaho Panhandle National Forest
Supervisor Mary Farnsworth and Acting Deputy
Forest Supervisor Christine Dawe joined the
meeting to discuss Forest Service projects and
Commissioner interests. Also present were:
District Forest Ranger Linda McFaddan, Blue Sky
Broadcasting Reporter Mike Brown, and Clerk
Glenda Poston.
Ms. Farnsworth said she’s making a circuit of
all county commissioners to ensure communication
and understanding of what the Forest Service is
working on. The first to discuss is the Forest
Plan, which has been in the works for over 10
years. Ms. Farnsworth said the Forest Service is
in consultation with the Department of Fish and
Wildlife as we speak, but the process still
takes time. The biological opinion on the Plan
is expected sometime in March or April and until
then the final Plan cannot be released. When
there is a release it will be the final Forest
Plan and draft Record of Decision. This will be
the first occasion to go through the Forest
Service objection period, which is different
than appeals. When the final Forest Plan is
released with the Record of Decision for the
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) there will
be a 60 day filing period where people can
object for various reasons. Within 10 days of
the closing period a legal publication is
printed identifying people who have objections
so the public is aware. Within 10 days after the
legal notice comes out people have 10 days to
submit notice to be an interested party. As an
interested party that person can take part in
discussions between the two agencies. A person
can also be an observer, but in that position
they can’t partake in the conversations.
Chairman Dinning asked if objectors have
dialogue other than objecting. Ms. Farnsworth
said yes.
Ms. Farnsworth said the reviewing official in
charge of this process comes from Washington,
D.C. This person will participate in the
gathering of objectors, interested parties,
etc., and sort out points of clarity,
negotiating points of clarity, etc. or not
settle objections. It is the hope that this
process will take place in Coeur d’ Alene.
Chairman Dinning said other governments such as
counties and states should have better
understanding of these discussions at the table
and he asked if that issue has been raised. Ms.
Farnsworth said that hasn’t been talked about
directly and she is not sure if there is
anything in the regulations that covers that.
The intent is to get people to the table and
hash things out and to be transparent. Once the
process gets through this and a signature is
written the other issue is a lawsuit.
If someone sends in a comment and wants to
object to something, Ms. Farnsworth said they
have to file a comment on a specific issue prior
to objecting. It’s similar to having a standing
to an appeal. Ms. Dawe said the Forest Service
will error on the side of including someone’s
objections since this is the first experience.
The resolution period for objections is 90 days
however there is the ability to extend that if a
large number of objections are received. Ms.
Farnsworth said they are working on this as they
are waiting for information.
Ms. Farnsworth mentioned issues with the
wolverine and said the Forest Service is waiting
to see if there is a listing in the midst of the
Forest Plan. Ms. Farnsworth said she doesn’t see
any big effects if things remain as written in
relation to affects to the wolverine. Chairman
Dinning said because of designation of critical
habitat the Forest Service still has to work
with the recovery zone. Ms. Farnsworth said yes.
The Plan is to be signed sometime in the fall
and Ms. Dawe is in the process of developing a
timeline of process so people will know.
Chairman Dinning said he would like to somehow
see that local governments get opportunities
they may need and Ms. Farnsworth said she will
make sure that happens.
Ms. Farnsworth discussed the North Zone Travel
Plan specifically for winter. The Forest Service
is under court order to limit motorized use in
portions of forest in the northern area and that
has not changed with designation of critical
habitat. Ms. Farnsworth said her considerations
are that she doesn’t have capacity to launch
another large project. In her view this is a
very large project and should have focus groups
for the desires of the community and public,
which takes a lot of effort. Ms. Farnsworth said
she needs to be very vigilant in that the Forest
Service doesn’t have the capacity to launch
another large project as they are dealing with
the Forest Plan. The Panhandle Collaborative and
Idaho Conservation League have stated they are
interested in launching travel planning and are
willing to help. Ms. Farnsworth said she has no
budget to do a winter travel plan. Both the
snowmobile groups and environmental community
want a resolution, but Ms. Farnsworth said the
Forest Service is challenged financially and
needs to find a way to prioritize a way to make
it happen as she is very conscious that there is
a economic benefit. Ms. Farnsworth said she
doesn’t want to wait until after the Forest Plan
is signed, but does want to wait until it is
released so maybe some sort of dialogue will
take place in June or July. The discussions will
begin with focus groups on where people stand,
etc., and there is a lot of data and
alternatives to put together. Ms. Farnsworth
said there are new players involved so there is
a need to start over with public involvement and
she is looking at the Bonners Ferry, Priest
River and Sandpoint Ranger Districts.
Ms. Farnsworth spoke the of Vege Programs and
said in year 2012 the Forest Service was
responsible for 42 million board feet and is
also responsible for that volume coming out this
year. The Community Forest Landscape Restoration
Project (CFLRP) through the Kootenai Valley
Resource Initiative (KVRI) has a specific target
of 13.9 million board feet specific to this
area, which is a great thing as it has to be
produced here. Ms. Farnsworth said the Forest
Service has met all of its timber
responsibilities this year and is on track for
everything for the most part. The Forest Service
is almost ready for the Twenty Mile Project as
it had been in recent litigation, but the timber
will probably be sold in the first quarter of
2014.
Ms. Farnsworth informed Commissioners the Forest
Service Office in Washington inquired about the
Five Year Plan and what this area is capable of.
If funding is available, this Plan is already in
position to know what to do next. That is a very
good thing for a forest to get treatments done
and for the community to get some product,
according to Ms. Farnsworth.
There are a lot of sales right now;
approximately five or six active sales in this
area. That is 150 million board feet that hasn’t
been cut so there will be jobs once those sales
activate.
Ms. Farnsworth discussed the Ball Creek Road.
This is a road that cuts across Canada and
Customs and Border Protection has requested
access. Ball Creek Road is washed out in two
places and hasn’t been open since 1988 so it
will take a lot of reconstruction and
maintenance to open this road. This is core
habitat and the public meetings are the week of
the 18th. On February 20th from 4:00 to 8:00
p.m., there will be a public meeting in Bonners
Ferry. It’s an open house for the public to
learn about the project. Comments will be
solicited, according to Ms. Farnsworth.
The Border Patrol is the lead agency for this
proposal and they have to decide to fund this
project with federal monies. Ms. Farnsworth said
she is the decision maker for Forest Service
decisions and there will be information about
ground disturbing measures and mitigation
decisions. Customs and Border Protection will
lead the meetings and the Forest Service
wildlife biologist, Bonners Ferry District
Ranger Linda McFaddan and Ms. Farnsworth will
also be at the meeting.
Chairman Dinning said in some processes he’s
seen that the Forest Service will cooperate, but
the Fish and Wildlife Service throws in their
opinion. Ben Conard with the Fish and Wildlife
Service has been engaged in the meetings with
the Forest Service and Customs and Border
Protection, according to Ms. Farnsworth. The
Forest Service needs to figure out how
consultation will take place, but Mr. Conard is
already engaged. The Forest Service biologists
will be at the meeting for questions.
Chairman Dinning said this process will be
followed and Forest Service representatives will
make a representation as to what reactions to
anticipate, but consultation happens much later
than the public involvement and there can be a
real negative decision made that the public had
no idea was going to be made. Ms. Farnsworth
said that can’t happen during the usual process.
The decision to be made must be made within the
scope of alternative that has been laid out to
the public. Ms. Farnsworth said she is the
decision maker and can pick and pluck certain
things, but all of that information is
disclosed. Ms. Dawe said there has already been
a lot of back and forth. Ms. Farnsworth said the
Grizzly Bear Access Amendment will guide the
Forest Service through this process as it’s an
amendment to the Forest Plan and so it becomes a
guide.
Ms. Farnsworth informed Commissioners she is
going through the administrative hoops to reduce
costs and she mentioned having to take a hard
look at matters in the Panhandle. The Forest
Service is in a $750,000 per year lease in Coeur
d’ Alene and that is a lot especially when the
Forest Service has their own piece of property.
Financially it makes sense to look at
alternatives. The leases expire in three to five
years so now is the opportunity to see if it’s
time to get out from those leases. Ms.
Farnsworth said she believes in living within
the means.
Ms. Dawe said the Forest Service location in
Coeur d’ Alene shares administrative operations
with the Bureau of Land Management so that makes
it a little more complicated in terms of what
the Forest Service can and can’t do with another
agency. Ms. Farnsworth said she is taking a look
at Forest Service owned facilities. There are
800 facilities and that is a lot. Sometimes
those facilities are restrooms, but they still
have to be counted. Ms. Farnsworth said she
needs to be smart about what to do about the
property and the Forest Service can at times
convey property to the public, but she doesn’t
take it lightly because once the property is
gone it’s gone.
Ms. Farnsworth briefly mentioned going through
workforce planning and that the Forest Service
is shrinking in size due to attrition.
The meeting with Ms. Farnsworth, Ms. McFaddan
and Ms. Dawe ended at 12:15 p.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:15 p.m.
3:55 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the
afternoon session with Chairman Dinning,
Commissioner Pinkerton, Commissioner Kirby, and
Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to reappoint Matt
Cossalman to the Planning and Zoning Commission
with a term to expire January 2017. Commissioner
Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to reappoint Bruce
Behrman to the Planning and Zoning Commission
with a term to expire January 2017. Commissioner
Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to amend today’s
agenda for 3:00 p.m. to include a motion to sign
the OTIS Service Contract in regards to the
elevator at the Boundary Community Restorium as
it is a time sensitive matter. Commissioner
Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Motion Kirby moved to authorize the Chairman to
sign the OTIS Service Contract for the Boundary
Community Restorium elevator. Commissioner
Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the minutes
of January 21 and 22, 2013. Commissioner
Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Kirby moved to amend the agenda for
tomorrow at 9:00 a.m., to include a motion to
adopt resolutions associated with the Municipal
Lease Purchase Agreements for an excavator with
mulching head attachment for the Road and Bridge
Department and for a compact front end wheel
loader for the Boundary County Airport.
Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed
unanimously.
4:00 p.m., Kurt Pavlat with the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) joined the meeting to discuss
BLM projects and updates. Bonners Ferry Herald
Reporter Laura Roady also joined the meeting.
Mr. Pavlat discussed the Two Tail Project and
another project on the Kootenai Bench consisting
of 120 acres. Mr. Pavlat said his senior
forester didn’t think the Kootenai Bench project
was ready for thinning yet so BLM will do a
pre-commercial thin followed by a commercial
thin two to three years out. There is
approximately 4,400 acres of BLM land in this
county, according to Mr. Pavlat. Mr. Pavlat said
the last time he spoke to Commissioners he
discussed a potential exchange with the Idaho
Department of Lands (IDL), but doesn’t think
that exchange will happen. Mr. Pavlat spoke of
other possible exchanges.
Mr. Pavlat discussed education management, fuels
projects and timber sales information with
Commissioners. Mr. Pavlat spoke of riparian and
stream restoration. Work has been done on
hideaway islands in part of the Kootenai Tribe’s
restoration project.
Mr. Pavlat said the BLM had a staff of 19 in
year 2010 and they are now down to 15. Mr.
Pavlat said the BLM is trying to do their part
to reduce spending and they are just as
efficient now as when they had 19 employees.
Mr. Pavlat thanked Chairman Dinning for his
efforts on the Resource Advisory Council.
Commissioner Kirby and Mr. Pavlat discussed
creation of the Bureau of Land Management.
Chairman Dinning asked if BLM’s forester checks
on their parcels every so often to see what can
be done. Mr. Pavlat said not every parcel is
checked as some are too steep. Maybe at one
point the BLM could do helicopter logging, but
right now it wouldn’t pencil out. Mr. Pavlat
briefly discussed which parcels the BLM has
worked on and reiterated that the work has to
pencil out. Mr. Pavlat said BLM probably doesn’t
take a look at their property much as they
should, but they do come up every so often.
The meeting with Mr. Pavlat ended at 4:25 p.m.
4:25 p.m., There being no further business, the
meeting recessed until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
***Tuesday, February 12, 2013, Commissioners met
in regular session with Chairman Dan Dinning,
Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton, Commissioner Walt
Kirby, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.
9:00 a.m., Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk
Nancy Ryals, and Mike Wolcott and Don Gunter
with Inland Forest Management (IFM) joined the
meeting.
Mr. Gunter and Mr. Wolcott discussed the Western
States Competitive Grant proposal. Mr. Gunter
said the county has not applied for this grant
before and this is the time to apply if the
county wants to because the work done in this
county would be leverage for this type of grant.
IFM would request up to $240,000 in grant funds
in a time frame to complete in three years and a
lot of collaborative work would take place. Mr.
Gunter said this is funding that does not have
to be used for Forest Service adjacent lands and
this grant is broader in prospective. The State
of Idaho conducted a statewide assessment of
forest resources and set priority areas for
work, which includes parts of Bonner and
Boundary Counties. Mr. Wolcott said the state
mentioned if the county wants to be eligible for
grants this assessment had to be done. North
Idaho was targeted for this grant for a variety
of reasons.
Mr. Gunter said the lower Kootenai basin,
watershed, and Community Forest Landscape
Restoration Project (CFLRP) fits right in with
this grant. Mr. Gunter said this grant would
identify 800,000 acres in the county with
400,000 acres belonging to the Forest Service
and 400,000 being private lands. Mr. Gunter
clarified that this is a competitive grant
proposal for only private and state lands.
Industrial and federal lands are not eligible,
according to Mr. Wolcott and Mr. Gunter. Mr.
Gunter said Boundary County will be competing
with 17 other states for this money if
Commissioners decide to go forward. Mr. Wolcott
said he thinks the county has an excellent
chance for this grant.
Chairman Dinning said this work would employ
people locally and he asked if IFM foresees this
grant to be used other than for work on the
ground. Mr. Wolcott said there will be a need
for administration and noxious weeds treatment
would also be included. Mr. Gunter reviewed a
list of proposed activities to also include a
seed bank. Mr. Gunter said a committee has been
formed and good proposals have come forward.
Mr. Gunter mentioned working on this grant in
two phases. Chairman Dinning said if a private
landowner wanted help, how would education to
the community be provided in order to know about
this program? Mr. Wolcott said he thinks a
committee would prioritize work. Mr. Gunter
spoke of taking a look at someone’s property,
and Chairman Dinning said it’s similar to the
Fire Safe Program. Chairman Dinning asked if the
private landowner has to agree to anything to
participate. Mr. Gunter said he doesn’t yet
know, but he mentioned what is required of a
property owner participating in the Fire Safe
Program. Commissioner Pinkerton said that would
be a question of his as well. Would a private
property owner sign a contract stating they are
to keep the property maintained as treated for a
specific amount of time? A property owner would
need to know this requirement up front. Chairman
Dinning said he knows that the property owners
have been well aware of the requirement in the
fuels reduction program. Mr. Gunter said this
grant does state the property has to be
maintained during that ownership until sold.
Chairman Dinning said in looking at the proposal
does Boundary County have to be the applicant.
Mr. Gunter said that would be the best fit.
Clerk Poston discussed the issues with payments
and contractors that has come up and mentioned
the need to change the contracts to terms of
payment in 60 days.
Chairman Dinning said if the committee goes
forward, they will want to design a mechanism to
analyze and prioritize. Commissioner Pinkerton
asked if there is a land size restriction and
Mr. Gunter said not that he’s aware of, but it’s
possible a minimum of six acres is needed. Mr.
Wolcott said there is commitment at this point
and IFM and the committee would write the grant.
Clerk Poston mentioned the ability to explore
having the county act as the grant
administrator. No requirement for in-kind or
cash match was mentioned and Mr. Gunter said he
saw the county required some landowners to do
something, but grant contact Mary Fritz said
there is no match.
Commissioners said they had no opposition to
going forward with the grant process.
Mr. Wolcott provided a background and update on
the Fire Safe Program and discussed
firefighting. Fire Safe has been a very
successful program and Boundary County has
received a lot of funding through this program.
Approximately 1.8 million dollars has come to
Boundary County through this program and
Boundary County has been the example to follow.
Mr. Gunter mentioned how the program had been
about fuel breaks around homes and communities.
Those present discussed the Twenty Mile Project
with the Forest Service and projects in the
south end of the county.
Mr. Gunter said the Idaho State Fire Protection
Working Group holds meetings and he has put
together a PowerPoint presentation for that
meeting that is about Boundary County and
historic fires and what has been done here.
Chairman Dinning said Boundary County’s program
being mentioned at the state level shows that
Inland Forest Management needs to take credit
for that and Commissioners appreciate them.
The meeting with Mr. Gunter and Mr. Wolcott
ended at 9:50 a.m.
Clerk Poston remained after the meeting.
Boundary County Emergency Services Incident
Commander Bob Graham and Director Dave Kramer;
Beth Reinhart and Shane Slate with the Army
Corps of Engineers; Greg Taylor with the Idaho
Department of Water Resources; County Planning
and Zoning Administrator Dan Studer; Bob Olson
with Kootenai Valley Restoration Association;
Jay Baker with the Idaho Bureau of Homeland
Security; City of Bonners Ferry Administrator
Stephen Boorman and Assistant Administrator
Andrakay Pluid; City of Bonners Ferry Mayor
David Anderson; and Tom Daniel and Ken Irons
with Soil Conservation District; Ken Roberts,
Rene Riddle and Ree Brannon with the Natural
Resource Conservation Services; and Patty Perry
representing the Kootenai Tribe joined the
meeting.
10:00 a.m., Ms. Reinhart said she requested the
meeting to help people involved understand the
regulatory process to have work permitted and
steps to go through when doing work in relation
to the Army Corps of Engineers. Ms. Reinhart
explained that the Army Corps of Engineers is a
very large organization with many branches. Ms.
Reinhart discussed memorandums of understanding
involved and other paperwork for permitting work
to be done. Ms. Reinhart put on a PowerPoint
presentation to help clear up confusion and
answer questions of what information is required
for temporary and permanent work that is done.
Mr. Taylor also put on a PowerPoint presentation
on behalf of the Idaho Department of Water
Resources.
The meeting ended at 11:35 a.m.
11:35 a.m., Bob Graham and Dave Kramer with
Boundary County Emergency Services remained
after the meeting to discuss public information
officers (PIO) for the county. Mr. Kramer said
there used to be one person as public
information officer and at the last meeting with
Commissioners he had proposed having a couple of
people for this position depending on need and
availability. One suggestion is David Sims who
is interested and would like to attend a
training course. Mike Weland is another person
who would like to stay involved and Mr. Kramer
said he would like to have Mr. Weland as a
resource. Mr. Kramer mentioned another option in
Mike Myers and he offered background information
on Mr. Myers. Mr. Kramer said Dean Satchwell and
Tony Rohrwasser also have experience in this
area. Those present expressed the need to have
common and consistent information.
Commissioners said they didn’t need to make a
motion to select a public information officer as
they would trust in Mr. Kramer’s and Mr.
Graham’s recommendation.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Dan Studer
joined the meeting at 11:45 a.m.
Mr. Kramer said in March he’s planning on
holding a shooter exercise for the new City of
Bonners Ferry Police Chief, the high school
principal and school district superintendent.
Mr. Kramer also mentioned looking at holding a
full scale exercise next year.
Those present resumed discussing public
information officers and it was said Dan Studer
would also be a good candidate for public
information officer if he is willing. David
Sims, Mike Myers, Mike Weland, Dean Satchwell,
John Moss, and Tony Rohrwasser were the names
given to Commissioners as possibilities. Mr.
Kramer said PIO’s don’t take the media away from
talking to Commissioners. Commissioner Pinkerton
he’s had limited experience with PIO’s and the
concern is having so many people involved and
having dissension of information. Mr. Kramer
said use of PIO’s would be done on a per
incident basis. Mr. Kramer mentioned a network
for PIO’s. Commissioner Pinkerton suggested
narrowing the PIO selection to one main person
unless that person is out of town, but then to
have a backup. Chairman Dinning asked if it
would make sense to designate one main person
with an alternate. PIO’s are typically brought
in when there is an incident and it has to be
cleared by the incident commander.
Chairman Smith spoke of the Myrtle Creek fire
and how the Forest Service had their own PIO who
dealt with the media and the County PIO was able
to step back. Mr. Graham said the Forest Service
and Idaho Department of Lands were able to back
off from everything except for the fire itself.
The Myrtle Creek fire incident is a good example
as the Forest Service has a full staff day and
night and they provide a PIO on the fire only
and the county’s PIO provided traffic and other
information. Chairman Dinning said being that
Boundary County is coming up on flood season
there needs to be cooperation agreements with
the Forest Service in place and he asked if Mr.
Graham would check to see if those are in place.
Mr. Kramer said he has a lot of confidence in
all the choices for PIO and he thinks David Sims
would be a good choice, but Mr. Sims would
prefer to attend a training course. Mr. Kramer
said he would like to send a couple people to
PIO training so there is an alternate person.
Mr. Kramer said he would still work with the
North Idaho Public Information Network.
The meeting with Mr. Kramer and Mr. Graham ended
at 11:55 a.m.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to amend the agenda
for today at 11:55 a.m., in order to meet with
Planning and Zoning Administrator Dan Studer
ahead of his normal meeting time as it’s time
sensitive. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion
passed unanimously.
Mr. Studer said he has file folders on
enforcement for Planning and Zoning that
involves division of property and out of 10
incidents most were family splits and financing
related so those issues have been cleared up.
Mr. Studer said Idaho Land Sales does not have
permits for the property splits to the north and
west of Three Mile. There are also properties
along Snow Creek and Lions Den Road with issues.
There is a 20 acre parcel that was split with no
subdivision or variance application and there
could’ve been false representation of the sale
of that property. This matter will be going
forward, according to Mr. Studer. For the
enforcement actions that look more serious, Mr.
Studer said he would keep Commissioners
informed.
The meeting with Mr. Studer ended at 12:00 p.m.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to adopt Resolution
#2013-14. A resolution to enter into a Municipal
Lease Purchase Agreement with Panhandle State
Bank for a 2012 Caterpillar Excavator Model
320EL, Serial No. WBK00621, with mulching head
attachment for the Road and Bridge Department.
Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed
unanimously. Resolution #2013-14 reads as
follows:
RESOLUTION 2013-14
AUTHORIZING ENTERING INTO MUNICIPAL
LEASE/PURCHASE AGREEMENT
FOR A 2012 CATERPILLAR MODEL 320EL EXCAVATOR
WITH MULCHING HEAD ATTACHMENT, SERIAL #WBK00621,
FOR THE ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT
At a duly called meeting of the governing body
of Lessee held in accordance with all applicable
legal requirements, including open meeting laws,
on the 12th day of February, 2013, the following
resolution was introduced and adopted:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND
DELIVERY OF A MUNICIPAL/GOVERNMENTAL
LEASE-PURCHASE AGREEMENT NO. 20288509, AND
RELATED INSTRUMENTS, AND DETERMINING OTHER
MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
WHEREAS, the governing body of Boundary County
(“Lessee”) desires to obtain certain equipment
(the “Equipment”) described in Governmental
Lease-Purchase Agreement No. 20288509
(collectively, the “Lease”) with Panhandle State
Bank (“Lessor”), the form of which has been
available for review by the governing body of
Lessee prior to this meeting; and
WHEREAS, the Equipment is essential for the
Lessee to perform its governmental functions;
and
WHEREAS, the funds made available under the
Lease will be applied to the acquisition of the
Equipment in accordance with such Lease; and
WHEREAS, Lessee has taken the necessary steps,
including those relating to any applicable legal
bidding requirements, to arrange for the
acquisition of the Equipment; and
WHEREAS, Lessee proposes to enter into the Lease
with Lessor substantially in the form presented
to this meeting.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING
BODY OF LESSEE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. It is hereby found and determined
that the terms of the Lease in the form
presented to this meeting and incorporated in
this resolution are in the best interests of
Lessee for the acquisition of the Equipment.
Section 2. The Lease and the acquisition and
financing of the Equipment under the terms and
conditions as described in the Lease are hereby
approved. The Governing Body of Lessee and any
other officer of Lessee who shall have power to
execute contracts on behalf of Lessee be, and
each of them hereby is, authorized to execute,
acknowledge and deliver the Lease with any
changes, insertions and omissions therein as may
be approved by the officers who execute the
Lease, such approval to be conclusively
evidenced by such execution and delivery of the
Lease. The Governing Body of the Lessee and any
other officer of Lessee who shall have power to
do so be, and each of them hereby is, authorized
to affix the official seal of Lessee to the
Lease and attest the same.
Section 3. The proper officers of Lessee be, and
each of them hereby is, authorized and directed
to execute and deliver any and all papers,
instruments, opinions, certificates, affidavits
and other documents and to do or cause to be
done any and all other acts and things necessary
or proper for carrying out this resolution and
the Lease.
Section 4. Pursuant to Section 265(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
“Code”), Lessee hereby specifically designates
the Lease as a “qualified tax-exempt obligation”
for purposes of Section 265(b)(3) of the Code.
The undersigned further certifies that the above
resolution has not been repealed or amended and
remains in full force and effect and further
certifies that the Lease executed on behalf of
Lessee is the same as presented at such meeting
of the governing body of Lessee, excepting only
such changes, insertions and omissions as shall
have been approved by the officers who executed
the same.
Date: February 12, 2013
Lessee: Boundary County
By: s/__________________________________
DAN R. DINNING
Title: Chairman, Board of County Commissioners
Address: P.O. Box 419, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805
Telephone: 208-267-7723
Facsimile: 208-267-7814
ATTEST:
s/____________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy
Recorded as instrument #256470
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to adopt Resolution
#2013-15. A resolution to enter into a Municipal
Lease Purchase Agreement with Panhandle State
Bank for a 2012 Caterpillar Model 906H2 Compact
Wheel Loader, Serial No. JRF00564 for the
Boundary County Airport. Commissioner Kirby
second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution
#2013-15 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2013-15
AUTHORIZING ENTERING INTO MUNICIPAL
LEASE/PURCHASE AGREEMENT
FOR A CATERPILLAR MODEL 906H2 COMPACT WHEEL
LOADER, SERIAL #JRF00564, FOR THE BOUNDARY
COUNTY AIRPORT
At a duly called meeting of the governing body
of Lessee held in accordance with all applicable
legal requirements, including open meeting laws,
on the 12th day of February, 2013, the following
resolution was introduced and adopted:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND
DELIVERY OF A MUNICIPAL/GOVERNMENTAL
LEASE-PURCHASE AGREEMENT NO. 20288510, AND
RELATED INSTRUMENTS, AND DETERMINING OTHER
MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
WHEREAS, the governing body of Boundary County
(“Lessee”) desires to obtain certain equipment
(the “Equipment”) described in Governmental
Lease-Purchase Agreement No. 20288510
(collectively, the “Lease”) with Panhandle State
Bank (“Lessor”), the form of which has been
available for review by the governing body of
Lessee prior to this meeting; and
WHEREAS, the Equipment is essential for the
Lessee to perform its governmental functions;
and
WHEREAS, the funds made available under the
Lease will be applied to the acquisition of the
Equipment in accordance with such Lease; and
WHEREAS, Lessee has taken the necessary steps,
including those relating to any applicable legal
bidding requirements, to arrange for the
acquisition of the Equipment; and
WHEREAS, Lessee proposes to enter into the Lease
with Lessor substantially in the form presented
to this meeting.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING
BODY OF LESSEE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. It is hereby found and determined
that the terms of the Lease in the form
presented to this meeting and incorporated in
this resolution are in the best interests of
Lessee for the acquisition of the Equipment.
Section 2. The Lease and the acquisition and
financing of the Equipment under the terms and
conditions as described in the Lease are hereby
approved. The Governing Body of Lessee and any
other officer of Lessee who shall have power to
execute contracts on behalf of Lessee be, and
each of them hereby is, authorized to execute,
acknowledge and deliver the Lease with any
changes, insertions and omissions therein as may
be approved by the officers who execute the
Lease, such approval to be conclusively
evidenced by such execution and delivery of the
Lease. The Governing Body of the Lessee and any
other officer of Lessee who shall have power to
do so be, and each of them hereby is, authorized
to affix the official seal of Lessee to the
Lease and attest the same.
Section 3. The proper officers of Lessee be, and
each of them hereby is, authorized and directed
to execute and deliver any and all papers,
instruments, opinions, certificates, affidavits
and other documents and to do or cause to be
done any and all other acts and things necessary
or proper for carrying out this resolution and
the Lease.
Section 4. Pursuant to Section 265(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
“Code”), Lessee hereby specifically designates
the Lease as a “qualified tax-exempt obligation”
for purposes of Section 265(b)(3) of the Code.
The undersigned further certifies that the above
resolution has not been repealed or amended and
remains in full force and effect and further
certifies that the Lease executed on behalf of
Lessee is the same as presented at such meeting
of the governing body of Lessee, excepting only
such changes, insertions and omissions as shall
have been approved by the officers who executed
the same.
Date: February 12, 2013
Lessee: Boundary County
By: ____________________________________
DAN R. DINNING
Title: Chairman, Board of County Commissioners
Address: P.O. Box 419, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805
Telephone: 208-267-7723
Facsimile: 208-267-7814
ATTEST:
s/____________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy
Recorded as #256471
There being no further business, the meeting
adjourned at 12:01 p.m.
/s/
DAN R. DINNING, Chairman
ATTEST:
/s/
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk |
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