Idaho County Meeting Minutes

Weekly Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

July 18, 2005

STATE OF IDAHO
County of Idaho

JULY SESSION July 18, 2005 FOURTH TERM DAY

The Board met at 9:00 a.m. with Randy Doman, Jim Rehder, Alice Mattson, Commissioners and Dana Stroop, Deputy Clerk, present.

Jim Biebow asked when there would be some dust abatement on Cove Road. Alice stated they were starting Wall Creek today.

Jon Stroop re: Road report. Dust abatement for Cove Road will be July 21st. Highway Standards discussed.
- Jim made motion to adopt Highway Standards for Idaho County Roads. Randy seconded. Motion carried with all in favor.
- Jon stated they should finish mag chloride application this week – start chip sealing next week.
- Federal Highways on Salmon Road discussed – only have 13 million – need full 17 million to begin project.

Jim asked three questions – Simmons Sanitation ROW on Tom Taha Road– Stites Cemetery – Jon said give him a month on this – Building and Shop repair – Jon said there were two quotes given – considerable difference – go for the $20,000.
- Randy questioned when James Road will happen – Jon stated when he is through chip sealing – next month. Randy also stated they need to get notice of New Highway Standards in, so that the subdivision will now have to abide by Highway Standards.

Idaho County Nursing Home Agreement – Kirk MacGregor and Dennis Albers present - Randy stated the county is proposing to transfer Idaho County Nursing Home in exchange for $100,000. to Syringa Hospital District.
- Randy asked if any of the commissioners have any concerns.
- Alice said she had several phone calls. She is questioning what happens to the asset when the next audit happens.
- Randy stated that the county is doing away with the assets.
- Jim stated county paid nearly $280,000 to Advance Health Care – no income – substantial savings over next year – this is a very reasonable exchange – get out of nursing home business – Jim supports exchange.
- Alice agrees with most of Jim’s comments – but could those things be re-negotiated – asked Dennis – comment – yes can be, but not likely.
- Randy has heard many concerns regarding giving up assets – Idaho County has no unpaid bills – it’s clear that taxing district can exchange between selves – it should have been advertised and bid two years ago when nursing home was leased to the private company – some conversation about nursing home being used for jail – not good idea – county is getting a fair exchange amount – we have lost ability to start nursing home again – too costly – this works out all around.
- Jim questioned delinquent utility bills – Dennis responded – about $1,200 is outstanding for water & sewer – avista may have past due bills – all bills to be paid before final deal.
- Jim made motion to transfer and grant by deed and bill of sale the Idaho County Nursing Home real estate and inventory of personal property to the Syringa Hospital District in exchange for $100,000. which is less than full consideration pursuant to I. C. 67-2322 and 31-808(9) also, this action authorizes the county to enter into a contract with Advance Health Care to current lease providing that AHC pay all accrued bills up through the date of closure. Randy seconded. Motion carried with Randy and Jim voting yes. Alice abstained.

Dennis Albers re: RS2477 hearing - discussion followed.

Heather Sawyer and Phylis, Idaho Commerce & Labor, explained what is going on in county – Jim explained that he invited them to explain trends – population has increased – not only retirees, but workers – smaller businesses are employing more people – highest paid in Idaho are nurses – second highest are teachers – average wage - $26,000 – Idaho County wages way down.

Sheila Sorenson, running for congress for Butch Otter’s seat – came to visit and ask if they had any problems or concerns. Discussion followed.

11:20 a.m. Jim made motion to enter into executive session for legal matters and indigent claims. Randy seconded. Motion carried – all in favor.

11:50 a.m. Executive session ended. Regular session resumed.
Three claims approved.

Commissioners reports:
- Alice – recreation meeting in Kamiah – Recreation Group want to set up taxing district – take in Kamiah School district.
- Jim – mental health board meeting in Lewiston – talked about grant projects – meeting second Thursday of each month – Wednesday – upper Clearwater – Friday went to District II meeting – good meeting.
- Randy – fire meeting on 8-18-05 – follow up on district II meeting – spent lots of time with 1% initiative – constitutionality of it – pretty much an unknown – talked about voting machines – advised to stay with what you have – any precinct with less than 125 can be all mail out.
- Randy – Tribal issues – last night spoke to about 350 people at Tolo Lake – annual Chief Joseph trail ride – riding Joseph Trail.
- Jim wants to communicate with public – wants to have a column in local papers – not political – just communicating with public.
- Randy stated editors are hired to write and edit paper – hard not to put slant in – doesn’t want us to start writing opposing views – Randy feels that the minutes should be sufficient – Alice wanted to do a commissioners corner, but would be charged, so that what stopped her. Jim wants to better communicate to the public what’s going on.
- Randy – you can write letters, just not as commissioners.

Mardell Edwards said she talked with Jodi Walker, Lewiston Morning Tribune – asked her to write a big article about the commissioners meeting – to cover all the issues – not just one issue – wants more coverage for commissioners meeting.

Fire Mitigation – Randy wants to get position filled – suggests that we have a three person committee – one commissioner – Jerry Zumalt – and one other person.
Alice thinks all the commissioners should look at the applications.

Order for cancellation of taxes approved – Klaus Sisters and Brian Penman

Trudy Slagle gave handouts regarding remodel project – vehicles – discussion
- Randy wants to hold until they check funds in building and grounds – to do the records desk and carpeting and misc carpentry work. Request to purchase pre-approved grant items – all commissioners said expenditures are approved – get the grant going.
- Vehicles – five vehicles leased - $3,175 per month for 12 months – asking to lease one new vehicle – had three breakdowns during weekend.
- Randy stated – no need to vote – if it’s in your budget – go for it.
- Jim suggested that Trudy look at sheriff’s office year end budget and see if there is any money there.

The Board recessed at 2:25 p.m.


Chairman:____________________________ Attest:____________________________

July 13, 2005

STATE OF IDAHO
County of Idaho

JULY SESSION July 13, 2005 THIRD TERM DAY

The Board met at 9:00 a.m. with Randy Doman, Jim Rehder, and Alice Mattson, Commissioners and Dana Stroop, Deputy Clerk, present.

Race Creek RS2477 continuation hearing – recorded.

Dennis Albers – Brit Groom – Jerry Wardle – lawyers present.

Randy asked Brit Groom where his client was – will not be able to attend – said the only witnesses would be Dolly Gill and Hunter Edwards.

Randy gave Dennis Albers a letter from Susan Galli to read aloud – he proceeded – letter marked Exhibit “A”.

Alice asked Dennis if he had checked “official RS2477 map” for this place – Dennis said he had not. James Zehner contacted to present map.

Dolly Gill - sworn in to testify. – provided picture of old Aitken place – homesteaded in 1932 by Seyfried – Exhibit “B”.

Dolly marked road on map and presented as Exhibit “C”

Hunter Edwards – sworn in to testify – read map.

Cliff Galli – sworn in to testify - commented on ROW from BLM

Ron Grant, BLM, offered to pull up public lands entries.

Randy concluded - need to study facts – set a date to make determination – approx August 15, 2005 –

Board adjourned at 11:20 a.m.

Chairman:____________________________ Attest:______________________

July 11, 2005

STATE OF IDAHO
County of Idaho

JULY SESSION July 11, 2005 SECOND TERM DAY

The Board met at 9:00 a.m. with Randy Doman, Jim Rehder, Alice Mattson, Commissioners, Rose Gehring, Clerk, present.

Jerry O’Neil and Ron Pike re: James Road – expressed their concerns – lived there six years – road is deteriorating – want to know status on road- no decision made on this road at this time.

Mardell Edwards re: June 20, 2005 minutes correction request – irrelevant to commissioners’ minutes – no changes made.

Jon Stroop re: road report – road stabilization work is being done – highway standards discussed – Alice has problems/concern with setting standards – doesn’t want to be stuck with standards – discussion.
- Jon stated we need a set of standards – Randy stated we are going to shoot toward standards as close as possible – goal for safe roads.
- Dennis Albers can write exemption for older roads – should follow standards for new roads – standards are guidelines, only.
- James Road – it is the call of commissioners to spend money on road or open road to public without setting presidence. – Liability discussed. Jon recommended county fix road temporarily – fix in September.
- Alice made motion for the potholes to be fixed and blade road. Jim seconded. Motion carried with Alice and Jim in favor. Randy abstained.
- FAA will issue grant on airport – contract will be drawn – 30 days to complete project – done by middle of October, 2005.

9:26 a.m. Jim made motion to enter into executive session for litigation and indigent claims. Alice seconded. Motion carried with all in favor.

9:55 a.m. Executive session ended. Regular session resumed.
Two liens Two N-1’s One assignment.

10:00 a.m. BOE decision on Columbia Grain. Jim excused for personal reason/conflict. Sharon Cox, Treasurer, is sitting in for Jim Rehder.
- Randy made motion to replace Jim Rehder with Sharon Cox. Alice seconded. Motion carried with all in favor.
- Sharon questioned economic obsolescence – discussion followed. Randy reviewed local regional sales.
- Randy made motion to sustain valuation on Columbia Grain. Alice seconded. Motion carried with all in favor.

Jim Rehder back on board.

BOE – Ingar & Todd Blount presented by Leah Mager – explained the case – Blount purchased it for $45,000. Commissioners said to leave it at $40,000 – which they thought the appraisers set – discussion followed.
- Randy made motion to sustain the new value on mobile home after new information. Jim seconded. Motion carried with all in favor.

Stephanie re: claims.
Current Expense $23,760.46
Road & Bridge $21,105.99
Airport 2,391.82
District Court 1,654.82
Indigent 15,174.99
Appraisal 121.09
Solid Waste 72,894.73
Noxious Weed 3,647.98
Jim made motion to approve claims. Alice seconded. Motion carried with all in favor.
- Total claims $140,751.88

Commissioners reviewed correspondence and Board of Equalization letters.

Sheriff Quarterly Report approved – Civil Department and Driver’s License

Suzy Hardy - Clint Berry – Joel Strickler, Qwest, discussed Centrex Prime System (local service) – information given to commissioners and Stephanie – discussion followed – NARS discussed – if commissioners decide to go with this system to save the county money – it will take three weeks to get it changed over from our present system. Commissioners will do more research.

1:05 p.m. – Idaho County Ordinance #50 hearing as advertised – Dennis read ordinance – ordinance regarding permit system for manufactured and mobile homes.

Russ Matson questioned manufactured home ordinance – rehabilitation requirements – water pressure discussed – discussion followed.

Mardell Edwards questioned – is there an ordinance that this one will repute – answer “no” – this ordinance is for general use – Mardell’s storage shed is ok now, unless she tries to move it. Discussion followed. She also questioned provisions for getting rid of older ones – answer “no” – county is not condemning any of these. Mardell wants an allowance for this.
- Mark Jackson commented on the ordinance.

1:25 p.m. Alice excused herself for personal reasons.

Jim made motion to adopt ordinance #50. Randy seconded. Motion carried with Randy and Jim in favor. Alice absent.

Randy explained the ordinance is for the protection of people.
- Jim made motion to have the clerk be the point of contact for the ordinance. Randy seconded. Motion carried with Jim and Randy in favor.Hearing closed at 1:30 p.m.

Commissioners signed Board of Equalization letters.

July 5, 2005 minutes. Jim made motion to approve minutes as amended. Randy seconded. Motion carried.

Butch Walker and Marietta dba Walco, Inc. – asking for 10% increase – existing rate is $36,903.80 – new rate - $40,594.20. Randy questioned receipts from Idaho and Lewis County – trucking expense – landfill disposal cost – this is the total tonnage for all of Idaho County – this includes all cities – Randy wants break down for county and cities – Butch stated it is included with the billing. Randy wants to know if cities are being assessed for their share. Butch stated this is hard to do – Randy feels that county is paying for all of the disposal – wants Walco to come up with some figures.

Wanda Keefer, CEDA, re: Workforce Development Issues – goal is to challenge the issues that are a problem to Idaho County – wants county to participate on their board. Wanda reported on the various projects of CEDA.

Jerry Zumalt re: disaster declaration extension – requesting 30 day extension – Jim made motion to extend the disaster declaration another 30 days for the slide of U. S. Highway 95 – mp 210 north of Riggins, in Idaho County on June 3, 2005. Randy seconded. Motion carried.
- Reimbursement discussed on county emergency grant – emergency plan is in draft form – infrastructure equipment is in place – ready to order.

Don & Robert Simmons re: budget – placement of dumpsters in their area discussed – fencing needs to be place around some of the dumpsters – wanting area residents to help police the dumpsters – problems with human waste discussed – Beaver Slide and Tomy Taha will have dumpsters to serve neighborhood – Lewis County will continue to pull their dumpsters – suggests that county charge city residents the way they do in Lewis County – Simmons requesting 19% increase for f/y06.

Randy made motion to approve letter sent to Sam Stamper. Jim seconded. Motion carried.

Commissioners reports:
Jim – July 6, 2005 attended Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation - Clearwater National Forest signed MOU for elk habitat – reported on who all attended and talked with all of these folks regarding Elk City tour – sent memo to cities/schools to support National School Coalition. Jim reported on Secesh trip – need a plan for purchased land. Jim schedule is: Race Creek hearing – upper Clearwater TAC #2 on July 13th and fire planning meeting – District II meeting.
- Randy reported on draft copy of employee handbook– approval in September – have until August 19, 2005 for comment period – reported on Secesh trip – August 6, 2005 homeowners association meeting in Secesh – want commissioners to attend – Idaho State Fire Group. Randy also reported on various upcoming projects.

The Board recessed at 4:45 p.m. until July 13, 2005 at 9:00 a.m.


Chairman:_________________________ Attest:___________________________

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

July 5, 2005

STATE OF IDAHO
County of Idaho

JULY SESSION July 5, 2005 FIRST TERM DAY

The Board met at 9:00 a.m. with Randy Doman, Jim Rehder, Alice Mattson, Commissioners and Rose Gehring, Clerk, present.

June 28, 2005 minutes. Jim made motion to approve minutes. Alice seconded. Motion carried.

June 27, 2005 minutes. Jim made motion to approve minutes with corrections. Alice seconded. Motion carried.

Jon Stroop re: road and airport report. Bid for Airport Extension – Jim made motion to accept Western Construction for $704,211.00 contingent on the concurrence of FAA. Randy seconded. Discussion . Riedesel bid summary was presented to commissioner – reviewed – 2.5% is county’s match – Motion carried with all in favor. Construction will begin as soon as FAA approves – 30 days will be the amount of total project.
- Rice Creek grade – cattle guards installed – discussion – meeting in Secesh scheduled for July 7, 2005.
- James road – presented scope of work to bring up to standard – approximate estimate only.
- Alice wants road temporarily fixed. Discussion followed.
- Jon’s recommendation – temporary fix and as time goes on improve road.
- Randy stated he wants history of road regarding ROW – also, will this obligate county in the future. Jon will obtain more information.

Highway Standards and Guidelines review - Jim made motion to adopt Highway and Street Guidelines. Jim withdrew motion. Jon will check with Dennis Albers on wording of standards.

Name change hearing for roads – discussion followed – pros and cons – Randy said to negotiate with people or once sign is up and then a request to change name – a hearing should be held. Hearing on Cox road as earlier scheduled – cancelled. Money will be refunded to Jim Babb.

Shaun Maxey re: infrastructure issues – Tele-Com – study will be completed in July. Rail Service East of Lewiston discussed – Rail situation has improved nationally and locally – discussed issues and problems – grant application coming soon regarding the rails.

Kim Nuxoll – Max Pelham – Ron Funke – Kathy Terhaar regarding Board of Equalization decisions:
- Framing Our Community – Jim made motion to exempt. Randy seconded. Motion carried.
- Bill Kishpaugh – Pineridge Water & Sewer – Randy made motion to exempt 1/5 of property – portion they are using. Jim seconded. Motion carried with Jim and Randy voting yes – Alice, no.
- Wilbern Jones – Jim made motion to sustain assessor’s value. Randy seconded. Motion carried with all in favor.
- Frances Barnes – Jim made motion to sustain assessor’s value. Randy seconded. Motion carried with Jim and Randy in favor. Alice abstained.
- Ingar & Todd Blount – Jim made motion to refund amount to newly adjusted value of $40,000 from $58,000. Alice seconded. Motion carried with all in favor.
- Kelly Lineberry, Pentecostal Church, Randy made motion to deny request. Jim seconded. Motion carried with Randy and Jim in favor. Alice abstained.
- Terry Gestrin – Randy made motion to deny request for tax relief. Jim seconded. Motion carried with Randy & Jim in favor. Alice voting no – wants more information on who tax notice will be sent to.
- Larry Allen – Jim made motion to deny request. Randy seconded. Motion carried with Jim and Randy in favor. Alice, no.
- Gail & Roy Travis – Alice made motion to sustain assessors value. Jim seconded. Motion carried with all in favor.
- Don Solberg – No decision required – requesting county to notify tax payer change in land use.
- Bennett Forest Industries – Jim made motion to sustain assessor’s value. Alice seconded. Motion carried with all in favor.
- BOE in recess until 4:00 p.m.

Randy made motion to approve letter regarding indigent claim/hearing of June 13, 2005. Jim seconded. Motion carried with Jim and Randy in favor – Alice abstained. Letter was signed by Jim and Randy – Alice did not wish to sign letter.

Certificate of residency approved:
- Eric F. Mader and Lauren Anne Merrill

Order for cancellation of taxes approved:
- Michael Cook – 3.51 – 2004RP – postmark ok

James Zehner and Chuck Coen – schooling for advanced mapping class – discussion followed on whether both should go every other year or option of sending each one every other year on a rotation basis. Commissioners stated they should make decision and let them know.
- Rural addressing process – two routes from Grangeville mailed out – Grangeville post office boxes next – then Cottonwood post office. White Bird/Lucile this fall/winter – Riggins this Spring – Elk City/Dixie next year – Powell will be in a few years – addressing is 10% complete.

Lenore Hill re: landscape for front of courthouse – planter needs to be painted – will work with Vern Meyer on this.

Dennis Thomas & Tera King, Northwest Management, re: fire coordinator – interested in contracting for this job – discussion followed – explained what they can do for Idaho County – have written up fire mitigation plans for other entities – explained going to a team approach instead of a single person approach – no overhead costs – they have liability coverage – do their own accounting – will write the grants. Commissioners will review proposal.

Order for cancellation of taxes approved:
- Quigley Brothers – 699.34 – 1999 & 2000 PP – business defunct

Commissioners’ reports:
- Jim – Region II detention center – will not raise rates – Cottonwood Housing Association meeting – Elk City Tour – mission accomplished – collaboration effort recommended – Current (Riggins Newspaper) guest commentary – discussion followed – he has been asked by another newspaper to do guest commentary – requesting if the other commissioners are interested in this and willing to participate – helpful and informative site – factual commentary.
- Randy wants this on the agenda to discuss – wants the entire board decision.
- Alice – Elk City Tour – good meeting – Building inspectors list was reviewed on the ones she could contact.

Gary Damon, Pollock Road – grass high on road – 25 mph – called sheriff’s office – people speeding – wants children’s sign installed – will talk with Jon Stroop regarding this.

BOE – Russ Braun – Columbia Grain – Big Butte – Cottonwood and Fenn.

BOE ended at 5:00 p.m. for Columbia Grain.

Randy report – roadless area problem – will work with Idaho Association of Counties.

The board recessed at 5:12 p.m.

Chairman:__________________________ Attest:_____________________

Wednesday, July 06, 2005

June 28, 2005

STATE OF IDAHO
County of Idaho

JUNE SESSION June 28, 2005 FIFTH TERM DAY

The Board met at 9:00 a.m. with Randy Doman, Jim Rehder, Alice Mattson, Commissioners, and Rose Gehring, Clerk, present.

Bids opened as advertised for Airport Extension. Following bids submitted:

- Crea Construction, Inc. - $745,110.00
- Western Construction & Excavation - $704,211.00
- Debco - $731,631.62

Bids tabled – Decision will be made July 5, 2005.

The Board adjourned at 9:07 a.m.


Chairman:__________________________ Attest:_________________________

June 27, 2005

STATE OF IDAHO
County of Idaho

JUNE SESSION June 27, 2005 FOURTH TERM DAY


The Board met at 9:00 a.m. with Randy Doman, Jim Rehder, Alice Mattson, Commissioners and Rose Gehring, Clerk, present.

The Board met as the Board of Equalization.

Tim Rubio, CEDA, requesting signed letter to express opposition to Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne’s request for the US Department of Labor to grant a waiver that would allow the state board – the Idaho Workforce Development Council appointed by the Governor of Idaho – to act as the local planning board for the entire state. Letter signed.

Board of Equalization:
- Framing Our Community by Jim Beckman and Ron Funke
- Bill Kishpaugh representing Pineridge Water & Sewer.
- Wilbern Jones

Order for cancellation of Taxes:
- Wilf Struck – 13.70 – 2004RP – posting error

BOE continued:
- Frances Barnes
- Ingar & Todd Blount presented by Leah Mager & Jim Beckman
- Kelly Lineberry representing Pentecostal Church of God
- Terry Gestrin
- Larry J. Allen
- Don Solberg
- Gail Travis

Stephanie re: Claims.
Current Expense - $20,595.33
Road & Bridge - $13,598.89
Airport - 48,606.64
Emergency Comm - 862.43
District Court - 2,374.54
Indigent - 7,539.67
Appraisal - 14.48
Drug Enforcement - 1,682.98
Solid Waste - 36,793.00
Noxious Weeds - 6,620.08
Snowmobile 25B - 6.00
- Randy made motion to approve claims. Jim seconded. Motion carried.
- Total Claims $138,694.04

3:05 p.m. Randy made motion to enter into executive session for indigent claims. Alice seconded. Motion carried.

3:16 p.m. Executive session ended. Regular session resumed.
- Two approved – one denied – one extended – one lien – one N-1

June 20, 2005 minutes. Jim made motion to approve minutes with corrections. Randy seconded. Motion carried.

Alice questioned nursing home hearing – Randy said it is not a hearing – it will be a meeting – discussion followed. Meeting set for July 18, 2005 at 9:30 a.m.

Idaho County Liquor Catering Permit for Lucky Lady – Kooskia to be used: 7-1-05, 7-2-05, and 7-4-05. Approved.

Commissioners reviewed correspondence.

BOE continued:
- Todd & Ingar Blount presented by Leah Mager

Commissioners’ report:
- Alice – Ida.Lew meeting in Kooskia – Alliance Meeting.
- Jim – Telecom Session (Ida.Lew host) – Idaho Commerce & Labor – CEDA meeting – Idaho Committee Foundation – future meetings – tech meeting – building inspector list.
- Randy – National Forest Coalition – Meth & Mental Health Board – ACT team will be in Orofino – fire meetings – roadless issue (Randy will get more information).

BOE - Bennett Lumber presented by Jim Beckman

The Board of Equalization for applications ended at 5:00 p.m.

The Board adjourned at 5:05

Chairman:________________________ Attest:_____________________________