County commission minutes, February 17-18 |
| March 8, 2014 |
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*** County resident Terry Capurso joined the meeting. Chairman Dinning said Clerk Poston has been made aware that any county employee who drives a county vehicle home will have to consider that mileage as income earned on their tax return. There is a daily figure that will need to be added to the employees’ taxes as income. Clerk Poston said this matter has been mentioned at the last few Idaho Association of counties conferences so the county would be remiss if it didn’t act on this. It was said that certain aspects of law enforcement are exempt.
Courthouse Custodian Jim Thompson will retire on It was said in the past there have been concerns about the county’s medical insurance being a “Cadillac plan”, but the county’s plan is not considered that type of plan even though the deductible is low. The condition is based on the premium, not what the plan covers. Chairman Dinning said the concern had been that in 2015 if the plan had been a “Cadillac plan”, the county would have to pay up to a 40% surcharge. Clerk Poston sits on the GEM Plan Board and this information comes from the GEM Plan. Chairman Dinning asked everyone present to revisit the county’s Computer Use Policy with their employees and he advised not streaming music as it slows the system. Chairman Dinning asked Assessor Ryals to explain the lease of a new AS400 server that is used by the Clerk, Treasurer and Assessor’s offices. Assessor Ryals said the AS400 is the primary server for valuation and the tax drive system, which is the bulk of the revenue source for the county. The current server is old and tired, and the operating system is obsolete. This server is still functioning, but its capacity is basically at its limit. The county entered into an agreement with Miicorp to lease a new server for 60 months at $500 per month, which is more advantageous. There is also a $1.00 buyout at the end of the lease. The State Tax Commission is going to move to a PC based system at one point, but if that happens soon, the county can also move to a PC system during the lease. Chairman Dinning asked what happens if the current system overloads. Assessor Ryals said the current system would quit and shut down if it becomes overloaded. Assessor Ryals said the existing system is currently being backed up, but current backup systems would not be compatible so they would have to be converted if the AS400 were to quit working. Commissioners went around the room and asked for office and department updates. Mr. Kothe talked about holding the county’s surplus property auction, and the fact that he is retiring soon so his job has been posted. Mr. Skeen said recycling is increasing; he is staying busy; and looking at avenues for Styrofoam. Mr. Skeen said he has had some equipment breakdowns, but is fixing them. The landfill is still maintaining 12 to 13 tons of garbage in the hole per day. Mr. Studer said Planning and Zoning is busy. Last Thursday during the Planning and Zoning Commission’s regular meeting, the Commission recommended approval of the Comprehensive Plan, which will be forwarded to Commissioners for final decision. Mr. Studer said he will also forward the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation for a replacement as a result of Mike Weland’s resignation. March is already booked up with Planning and Zoning public hearings and the number of building permits is steady. Treasurer Fessler said her office is gearing up for property tax deeding on March 18th. Treasurer Fessler said she is also searching for a part-time employee. Assessor Ryals said he is busy trying to keep up with computers and keep the networks running.
Clerk Poston said the county’s audit is done and
there weren’t any findings or issues. The
federal government is having issues with their
audit clearing house and Ms. Jensen said Extension Educator Carol Hampton will retire at the end of March so elected officials and department heads will see more of her instead once Ms. Ms. Hampton retires. There are currently no plans for Ms. Hampton’s replacement, but more will be heard on that as the date gets closer. The Master Gardener Program starts next week, according to Ms. Jensen. Mr. Guthrie said matters are pretty quiet in the weed world and if he updated Commissioners on anything else, he wouldn’t have anything new to report to Commissioners during his department report, which starts after this meeting is over. Mr. Studer asked Clerk Poston about carry over and how it is used as it pertains to the budget. Mr. Studer asked about revenues coming in such as if revenues are up or down or if there is any concern. Clerk Poston said she knows the county will receive payment in lieu of taxes (PILT), but she doesn’t know how much even though she has budgeted $100,000. Clerk Poston said on the same hand, she also expected to receive money from drug seizures, which helps to fund an office position. Clerk Poston said each and every category has specialties and it’s currently too early to tell, but funding seems to be coming in as it should. Commissioner Pinkerton asked about Mr. Weland’s vacated position on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Studer said he has approximately five applicants for this position. Chairman Dinning thanked everyone for the good working relationships even though there is not always an agreement.
The elected officials/department heads meeting
ended at
The meeting with Mr. Guthrie ended at
Commissioner Kirby moved to grant an extension
of time to pay year 2013 taxes on parcel
#MH61N01W256150A until
Arnold and Lisa Tuttle stopped by Commissioners’
Office briefly to ask some questions about the
janitorial contract. Mr. and Ms. Tuttle left the
meeting at
Deputy Clerk Nancy Ryals joined the meeting at Commissioner Kirby moved to adopt Resolution 2014-13. A resolution to increase the Airport budget due to receipt of unanticipated funds. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2014-13 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2014-13 INCREASE
AIRPORT BUDGET DUE TO
RECEIPT OF UNANTICIPATED FUNDS WHEREAS, the Board of
County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State
of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for
the Airport Fund for fiscal year 2013-2014, and WHEREAS, $1,350.00 has
been received from J-U-B Engineers, Inc. as
payment for the appraisal fee on the Dinning and
Merrifield properties, and WHEREAS, the Airport
Fund for fiscal year 2013-2014 is in need of
this additional revenue to reimburse Eunice
Dinning and Tom and Robin Merrifield for their
property appraisal fees, and WHEREAS, the
addition of this revenue does not affect the tax
levy for WHEREAS, it is
appropriate to increase the Airport Fund Revenue
Account Number 03-00-391-21 in the amount of
$1,350.00 and the Airport Expense Account Number
03-00-489-00, Professional Services-Other, in
the amount of $1,350.00. NOW THEREFORE, upon
motion duly made, seconded and unanimously
carried, IT IS RESOLVED that the
increase in the Airport Fund Revenue Account
Number 03-00-391-21 in the amount of $1,350.00
and the Airport Expense Account Number
03-00-489-00, Professional Services-Other, in
the amount of $1,350.00 is hereby authorized and
ordered; and IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED
that the Clerk is instructed to deliver
certified copies of this resolution to the
Boundary County Treasurer and the Boundary
County Auditor. DATED this 18th day of
February, 2014 BOARD OF
s/_________________________________ Dan R. Dinning, Chairman
s/_________________________________ LeAlan L. Pinkerton,
Commissioner
s/_________________________________ Walt Kirby, Commissioner ATTEST:
s/____________________________________________________ GLENDA POSTON,
Clerk of the Board of Recorded as instrument 260008 Mr. Capurso left the meeting due to the closed session. Commissioner Pinkerton moved to write off 46¢ for indigent account 2010-32. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Pinkerton moved to deny indigent application 2014-18. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve indigent application 2014-15. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously.
Deputy Clerk Ryals left the meeting at Those present discussed Economic Development Council (EDC) meetings. Chairman Dinning said EDC was created by a memorandum of understanding and at times there is a lot of confidential information so he doesn’t know if there is always an open meeting. Those present discussed drainage districts in relation to closing roads, etc. Chairman Dinning said it’s not the county’s decision to close gates. Treasurer Fessler said the cost is on the tax bills, but it’s a fee not a tax. Chairman Dinning administered the oath to Ms. Williams. The parcel in question is a mobile home, and the tax amount owing for year 2013 is $154.85. A hardship exemption had been requested by Ms. Williams in year 2013 for year 2012 taxes, but she was given an extension instead. Treasurer Fessler informed Commissioners that year 2012 taxes have been paid. Ms. Williams said she has been very sick and can hardly breathe. Commissioner verified that Ms. Williams is still paying $300 per month in rent space to her brother. The request for this hardship is to cancel year 2013 taxes. Chairman Dinning asked Ms. Williams if her brother could give her a break on rent. Ms. Williams said no as he has helped her with firewood and he also has two kids to take care of. Ms. Williams said she is on social security disability. Commissioners reviewed Ms. Williams’ income information. Ms. Williams said she is fearful that she will end up in the hospital soon as her pneumonia is not clearing up. The amount of tax owing is $154.85. Commissioner Kirby moved to grant a hardship exemption for parcel #MH65N01W350752A owned by Cynthia Williams to cancel year 2013 taxes. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting to consider the hardship ended at
Mr. Sims said the City of The project cost is almost $500,000 and the grant match is 7.4%, although the City will match 23% as they are also looking into two sets of arms for a crossing. The school wants to close the road, but there are other options such as flashing lights to stop cars. Commissioner Pinkerton said he has often seen kids almost get hit when he has been there picking up his kids from school. It was said there are approximately 1,000 cars per day that drive through that area during school hours.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign a letter of
support for the City of
Commissioners and Mr. Sims discussed the role of
the Economic Development Specialist. Mr. Sims
said in the past the Economic Development
Committee had also helped work on grants for the
city and in looking back to a prior EDC
Specialist, Robin Ponsness had also applied for
grants. Commissioner Pinkerton said as he sees
it, it does not promote expansion so why is Mr.
Sims doing this. Mr. Sims said he would guess
that economic development overlaps with
community development, but that is a valid
concern. Commissioner Pinkerton asked if there
is a page on the EDC website that could list the
EDC accomplishments as he does get approached by
people asking if any work is being done for the
community. Mr. Sims said he could do that.
Commissioner Pinkerton said he does feel Mr.
Sims is working on things and he asked what kind
of work is done to recruit businesses. Mr. Sims
said one area he is involved in is reaching out
to area businesses such as retail, which is
different than industry. Mr. Sims referred to
trying to find someone to move into a building
at the airport. Mr. Sims said if you listen at
the state level, recruitment has a very low
success rate so if time is spent doing that,
chances of success are pretty small.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked if Mr. Sims is
having trouble going out and finding businesses
or if he has budget issues as the EDC Specialist
position is vital and Mr. Sims has the mind for
the job. Commissioner Dinning said if Mr. Sims
had the ability and had a travel budget, that
would be one thing, but he doesn’t have budget
to visit out of state companies. Commissioner
Pinkerton said contact gathering is the first
step, not visiting them. Commissioner Pinkerton
questioned what we have as a state and county as
an incentive to offer someone as that is
something the county, along with other
partnerships, should work to find a way to get
Mr. Sims to where he needs to go. Mr. Sims said
historically
Mr. Sims said Idaho Department of Commerce
Program Director Jeff Sayers is addressing some
of these matters and if it goes forward, it will
be helpful. Incentive-wise,
Commissioner Kirby said he’s been looking at
this issue since before becoming a Commissioner.
Commissioner Kirby said as you try to get a
business to come in Chairman Dinning said a mistake has already been made such as the sewer system that could have been installed allowing a whole large area in the county be ready for future growth. Now we need to refocus and work toward the infrastructure that is needed. It was asked how we are to help the private landowner.
Mr. Sims said he had talked to Greg Seibert with
the Idaho Department of Commerce about
recruiting and he mentioned the upcoming Shot
Show to be held in
Clerk Poston said maybe another area to consider
is having the county and the Kootenai Tribe
adjust their contributions for the EDC position
as they have not looked at that in years. Clerk
Poston mentioned that grant funding for this
position has also decreased by $5,000. Chairman
Dinning said just living in this area is an
asset and also included are two railways and
relatively low property taxes. Mr. Sims said the
best opportunity to attract is the small
businesses with a handful of employees.
Commissioner Pinkerton questioned if he was a
private business, where would access to rail
services be available as they cannot be accessed
at the Brinkmeyer property. It was said
The meeting with Mr. Sims ended at Commissioners mentioned receiving the Airport Advisory Board minutes which included the Board’s motion to reappoint board members Pat Gardiner and Kristi Kline as their terms had expired.
Chairman Dinning said an individual had
approached him to voice concerns about an
airport board member and this person was going
to send a letter about the concern, but as of
today, no letter has been received. Commissioner
Pinkerton said it is his perception in going
through all this airport business that it is
becoming heavy for the county. With the current
Airport Board members the direction will just
continue in that same fashion. The board members
all have an endgame and the county’s perspective
is missing. Not that these board members are not
doing a stellar job, but there are personal
interests that are detracting. Chairman Dinning
said if this is talking about expansion, there
are only two more parcels involved. It was said Commissioner Pinkerton moved to reappoint Kristi Kline and Patrick Gardiner to the Airport Board with terms to expire February 2017. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Johnson said the Hospital ended up in the black for year 2013 and that continues into January, which includes funding depreciation. The first half of February has been busy, according to Mr. Johnson. The Health Fair will be held on May 12th and the pie sale will be held this Friday, February 21st.
Commissioner Kirby moved to go into executive
session under Idaho Code 67-2345(1)f, to
communicate with legal counsel for the public
agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and
legal options for pending litigation, or
controversies not yet being litigated but
imminently likely to be litigated. Commissioner
Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as
follows: Chairman Dinning “aye”, Commissioner
Pinkerton “aye”, and Commissioner Kirby “aye”.
Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with Mr. Johnson and Mr. Koon ended
at
Commissioners recessed for lunch at Commissioner Pinkerton moved to appoint Commissioner Kirby Acting Chairman in the absence of Chairman Dan Dinning. Commissioner Kirby second. Motion passed unanimously. Acting Chairman Kirby reopened the public hearing for application #13-075, the County Subdivision Ordinance amendment. Acting Chairman Kirby said all public comments and discussion have been received and taken place, and Commissioners will continue the discussion amongst themselves. Acting Chairman Kirby reviewed in detail the options for this application, which is to approve, approve as amended, disapprove, or table the proposal. Acting Chairman Kirby requested a motion to deny Application #13-075 and that Commissioners would supply written findings to support their discussion at the appropriate time. Commissioner Pinkerton said it was Commissioners’ intent during the prior public hearing to send the application back to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Commissioner Pinkerton moved to deny Planning and Zoning Application #13-075 for the request for an amendment to the County’s Subdivision Ordinance and to provide written findings to support the decision. Acting Chairman Kirby yield the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
The public hearing ended at
There being no further business, the meeting
adjourned at
/s/ Dan R. Dinning, Chairman ATTEST: /s/ GLENDA POSTON, Clerk By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy Clerk |