County commission minutes, December 10-11

January 11, 2013

***Monday, December 10, 2012, Commissioners met in regular session with Commissioner Dan Dinning, Commissioner Walt Kirby and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Chairman Ron Smith was out of the office attending a GEM Plan meeting.

 

9:00 a.m., Road and Bridge Superintendent Jeff Gutshall joined the meeting to give the departmental report. No written report was given. Commissioner Kirby thanked Road and Bridge for placing sand on the roads.

 

Clerk Glenda Poston also joined the meeting.

 

Commissioner Kirby moved to appoint Commissioner Dinning Acting Chairman in the absence of Chairman Ron Smith. Commissioner Dinning second. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Mr. Gutshall said the work at the Restorium and the Hospital’s facility consisting of placing rock has been completed.

 

Mr. Gutshall mentioned contacting Denny Wedel of BF Builders about the Waterways Building addition as he is not sure if he can do the concrete pad in this weather. Mr. Gutshall said construction is winding down now.

 

Mr. Gutshall said he wrote a letter to Damon Allen with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) for District 1 about closing out projects. It sounds like this process is going on now and the information should be received by the financial department in Boise. After the credit for another bridge, there should be between $40,000 and $50,000. Mr. Gutshall explained as each project is completed a deposit is made as per the State/Local Agreement. The share for the Meadow Creek Project was over and those additional funds remain in that account as a positive balance.

 

Waterways Board Member Mike Naumann joined the meeting at 9:05 a.m.

 

Mr. Gutshall said he has $150,000 in construction engineering funds for Deep Creek Bridge #4. Mr. Gutshall said it was predicted the cost for Bridge #2 will be $200,000 and he expects there will be a request for $90,000 down, but he doesn’t think the expenses will actually be that high.  

 

Clerk Poston said there is a concern over the status of the Waterways Building addition as the grant will expire June 2013. Commissioners were also informed that the picnic tables still need to be placed at the Deep Creek Boat launch. Clerk Poston said she has the vessel fund reporting form. There are still funds available via the grant to place picnic tables that has not been expended or received. The state will fund $21,850 and the county has matching funds. Clerk Poston expressed her concern and said she doesn’t want to lose site of this grant.

 

Mr. Gutshall said Mr. Wedel wasn’t sure if he would get to this project this winter, but if the weather is good, Road and Bridge may be able to get their portion of the work done. Mr. Naumann said the gas line has already been moved.

 

Clerk Poston said there is a slight change to the Annual Road and Bridge Financial Report and she presented this report for signature.

 

Commissioner Kirby moved to sign the Annual Road and Street Financial Report. Acting Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Commissioner Kirby moved to sign the County Vessel Fund Reporting and Remittance Form for retention of county vessel funds. Acting Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.    

 

Mr. Naumann and Mr. Gutshall left the meeting at 9:15 a.m.

 

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

 

Clerk Poston left the meeting at 9:25 a.m.

 

9:30 a.m., Commissioners considered the County Alcoholic Beverage License Renewal Applications for year 2013. Motions are as follows:

 

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the following establishments for the 2013 Alcoholic Beverage license: Clifford Kramer dba Feist Creek Falls Resort, Great NW Territories LLC dba The Great Northwest Territories Event Center, George H. Elliott dba Moyie Springs Store, Zinsit LLC dba Wild Horse Mercantile & Saloon, Yvonne Sheppard dba Porthill Mercantile & Bistro, Charles F. Quillin dba Three Mile Corner, and Chad & Laura Kimball dba Naples General Store. Acting Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the following establishments for the 2013 Alcoholic Beverage license pending receipt of the 2013 State license and 2013 Panhandle Health District Permit: Patrick Carson dba Everything Wine and Judith and Jon Terry dba JJ Cookshack/Alpine. Acting Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. 

 

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the following establishments for the 2013 Alcoholic Beverage license pending receipt of the 2013 City of Bonners Ferry license and 2013 Panhandle Health District Permit: DaVonna Cada dba Lane 9, Danielle & Michael Reasoner dba Mugsy’s Tavern & Grill, Kootenai Tribal Development Corp. dba Kootenai River Inn Casino & Spa, and David M. Young dba South Hill Mini Mart. Acting Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.                      

 

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the following establishments for the 2013 Alcoholic Beverage license pending receipt of the 2013 Panhandle Health District Permit: Kootenai View Golf Resources dba Mirror Lake Golf Course and Northwoods Tavern LLC dba Northwoods Tavern. Acting Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.                                                        

                                   

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the following establishments for a 2013 alcoholic beverage license pending receipt of the 2013 City of Bonners Ferry License: Bright Lights Little City LLC dba Pearl Theater, Truesdell & Co. LLC dba Papa Byrd’s Bistro, Michael Naumann dba Kootenai River Brewing Company LLC, Safeway Inc. dba Safeway #2954, Morgen Fodge dba Pizza Factory, Kathleen & Associates LLC dba Bonners Ferry Conoco, Jack & Shelly Yount dba Under the Sun, J&T Enterprises of Idaho, Inc., dba Akins Harvest Foods, and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie dba Eagles Aerie & Auxiliary #3522. Acting Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the following establishment for a 2013 alcoholic beverage license pending receipt of the 2013 State license and 2013 City of Moyie Springs license: Deborah Jean Hayes dba Moyie Club. Acting Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. 

 

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the following establishment for a 2013 alcoholic beverage license pending receipt of the 2013 State License, 2013 City of Bonners Ferry License and Panhandle Health District Permit: CHS Inc., dba Cenex/Zip Trip #33. Acting Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the following establishments for the 2013 County Alcoholic Beverage License pending receipt of all applicable documentation and fees: Manito Super 1 Foods, Inc. dba Bonners Ferry Super 1 Foods, Sarah Philbrook/Toboggan Hill dba Coffee Creek Cabin, Kevin & Jennifer McLeish dba 505 Steak and Sushi, Good Grief Grill & Grocery, American Legion, Mario DeLeon & Mario’s Mexican Restaurant, and Kootenai River International Resort dba Main Street Gas. Acting Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

 

The motion to approve the beverage license renewals ended at 9:35 a.m.

 

Commissioners reviewed claims for approval. Fund totals are as follows:

 

Current Expense                                    $28,048.19

Road & Bridge                                       69,181.93

Airport                                                     4,759.01

District Court                                           3,183.00

Justice Fund                                            33,916.13

911 Funds                                                  1,149.85

Indigent & Charity                                            9.85

Junior College Tuition                                   42.00

Parks and Recreation                                   724.59

Revaluation                                                      4.47

Solid Waste                                               9,605.44

Veterans Memorial                                    1,068.08

Weeds                                                          239.08

Restorium                                                16,284.54

Waterways                                                   265.34

Grant, Restorium                                     39,772.87

 

                          TOTAL                    $208,254.37

Trusts

Auditor’s Trust                                             161.88

Beverage License                                           20.00

Drivers License                                         8,802.00

Magistrate Trust                                      56,928.46

Motor Vehicle Trust                                65,051.51

Sheriff’s Fund                                                39.52

 

                        TOTAL                      $131,003.37

                       

                        GRAND TOTAL      $339,257.74

 

Citizens are invited to inspect detailed records on file in the Courthouse (individual claims & Commissioners’ allowance & warrant register record 2012).

 

9:50 a.m., Treasurer Jenny Fessler joined the meeting.

 

County resident Channing Nagel stopped by the office to briefly discuss the McArthur Lake Corridor in relation to game and vehicle collisions. Mr. Nagel said the use of the game tunnels north of town doesn’t justify the cost to construct them. The main issue is the driving habits of people of the highway. Mr. Nagel spoke of issues of deer, elk and train accidents. Mr. Nagel also feels the driver education instructors probably need a refresher course because of the results he’s seeing of young drivers. Nothing is taught to young drivers about hydroplaning, according to Mr. Nagel. Acting Chairman Dinning suggested Mr. Nagel discuss his concerns with the school district, but Mr. Nagel said he felt it was better for Commissioners to do that.  

 

Mr. Nagel left the meeting at 10:00 a.m.

 

Commissioners addressed various tax cancellations and extensions.

 

Commissioner Kirby moved to grant an extension of time to pay the second half of year 2012 taxes for parcel #MHM0130000030UA until June 20, 2013. Acting Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.    

 

Commissioner Kirby moved to cancel solid waste fees totaling $111.48 for year 2012 as the parcel should only have one solid waste fee assessed. Acting Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. 

 

Treasurer Fessler left the meeting at 10:05 a.m.

 

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

 

10:10 a.m., Clerk Glenda Poston and Deputy Clerk Nancy Ryals joined the meeting to discuss Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding.

 

10:15 a.m., Deputy Clerk Ryals informed Commissioners that use of SRS funds is basically the same and the deadline to initiate Title III projects was September 30, 2012. The 45 day comment notice has been published and included all categories so the county is covered. This deadline applies to years 2008 through 2011 and also includes year 2012, according to Deputy Clerk Ryals. The only year the county listed they were using the funds was year 2011 as the funds used in year 2012 had been carried over.

 

The request for use of those funds did go to public comment. The total amount was $15,160.70 and about $12,000 is remaining. Acting Chairman Dinning questioned if the funds are spent once obligated. There is a deadline to obligate funds and that has been done, but all of the funds have not been spent. Any funds not obligated by September 30, 2012 have to be returned.

 

Deputy Clerk Ryals said when these funds are spent it has to be reported. In November 2011, there was a travel expense for Acting Chairman Dinning, but that expense was initially covered by Commissioners and then later reimbursed when the SRS funds came in. Deputy Clerk Ryals said funds had been expended in 2012, and she did not know if Acting Chairman Dinning would have any more expenses. Acting Chairman Dinning said he didn’t know. The report has to be submitted by February 1, 2013, according to Deputy Clerk Ryals.

 

The discussion on SRS funds ended.

 

Commissioner Kirby moved to withdraw the appeal on indigent application #2011-40 as the appeal has been withdrawn. Acting Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. 

 

Those present discussed possible future changes to indigent legislation.

 

Clerk Poston and Deputy Clerk Ryals left the meeting at 10:30 a.m.

 

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the minutes of November 26 & 27, 2012. Acting Chairman Dinning second. Motion passed unanimously.   

 

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

 

***Tuesday, December 11, 2012, Commissioners met in regular session Commissioner Walt Kirby, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser. Chairman Smith was out of the office attending a GEM Plan meeting, but participated in the appeal hearing briefly via telephone. Commissioner Dan Dinning joined the meeting after the appeal hearing, scheduled for 9:00 a.m., ended.

 

9:00 a.m., Commissioners held a public hearing to consider the appeal filed by Patrick and Ada Gardiner and Bryan and Sara Ferguson of Planning and Zoning Application for a Conditional Use Permit #11-063. This is a conditional use permit requested by Tungsten Holdings to open and operate a gravel pit.

 

Present were: Commissioner Walt Kirby, Planning and Zoning Administrator Dan Studer, Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser, Bonners Ferry Herald Reporter Laura Roady, and Tungsten Holdings’ Owner Rick Dinning and employees Stan Pruitt and Raina Haworth. Chairman Ron Smith participated via conference call. The public hearing was recorded.

 

Chairman Smith asked if any Commissioner had a conflict of interest. Commissioner Kirby said he did not. Commissioner Dan Dinning was not present at the appeal hearing due to having a conflict of interest. Chairman Smith also did not have a conflict of interest.

 

Commissioner Kirby moved to continue the appeal hearing until February 19, 2013 at 9:00 a.m., in the Extension Office for the following reasons: #1, Chairman Smith cannot physically attend this public hearing today because he is out of town on county business and Commissioner Dinning cannot take part as it would be a conflict of interest, and #2, the county’s attorney, Phil Robinson, is unable to attend the public hearing due to illness and is also currently out of the state at this time. Commissioners will be enlisting the services of Attorney Tevis Hull to represent the Commissioners at the appeal hearing and it will take from now until the February 19, 2013 appeal hearing for him to get up to date and be knowledgeable for this representation. Chairman Smith yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.  

 

The appeal hearing ended at 9:05 a.m.

 

Commissioner Dan Dinning joined the meeting.

 

Commissioner Kirby moved to appoint Commissioner Dan Dinning Acting Chairman in the absence of Chairman Smith. Commissioner Dinning second. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

 

9:30 a.m., Boundary County Translator District Board Chairman Michael Listman joined the meeting to question the District’s ability to borrow funds.  

 

Mr. Listman said the District’s Board is interested in borrowing funds, but he doesn’t know what hoops they would have to jump through. Acting Chairman Dinning said the Translator District is an entirely separate district and he suggested Mr. Listman check with the District’s attorney. Acting Chairman Dinning said there is an Idaho Code section that refers to working with a lending institution. Acting Chairman Dinning said he thought it would take a judge to say whether or not the purchase was a normal and necessary expense. Mr. Listman said the District is thinking of running fiber up Black Mountain, which would allow for more tenants on the tower, and Verizon and AT&T have expressed interest. Mr. Listman said this project would consist of approximately nine miles of cable at a cost of approximately $300,000 to $400,000. This is a point to point system so people along the way would not be able to access the cable, according to Mr. Listman.

 

Commissioners and Mr. Listman discussed what channels are being broadcast. Mr. Listman said after fiber is installed and the channels are updated, he hopes to reduce the translator fee. There will be no increases for this improvement other than possibly the tenants on the tower.

 

Mr. Listman left the meeting at 9:40 a.m.

 

Commissioners tended to administrative duties.

 

Commissioner Kirby moved to grant an extension of time to pay taxes for year 2009 for parcel #RP63N01E147050A until May 15, 2013. Acting Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.  

 

There being no further business, the meeting recessed until this afternoon at 1:45 p.m.

 

1:45 p.m., Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Acting Chairman Dinning, Commissioner Kirby and Deputy Clerk Michelle Rohrwasser.

 

1:45 p.m., Commissioners reviewed the Findings and Decision for Zone Map Amendment #12-006, for a rezone of multiple properties located on the Moyie River from agriculture/forestry to suburban as reflected on the Boundary County Comprehensive Plan Map. The proceedings were recorded.

 

On October 29, 2012 Commissioners held their final public hearing to consider this rezone and at the time, moved to approve the application. The purpose is to rezone certain properties from agriculture/forestry to suburban. Acting Chairman Dinning said a narrative is attached to the written findings, conclusion and decision.

 

During deliberation the Commissioners find that the purpose of the amendments is to bring the Zone Ordinance up to date with the Comprehensive Plan, that the area involved is not Agricultural/Forestry by its nature, and is more suited for recreational purposes, and road access in the area is by state, county and private roads. All parcels and lots in the proposed change are accessible by road, and access to these areas is consistent with roads throughout the county.

 

Commissioner Kirby had made motion on October 29, 2012 to rezone the following areas from agriculture/forestry to suburban: 51 total lots and parcels of the Lane’s Moyie River tracts, 27 total lots and parcels of the Welcome Ranch tracts, 85 total parcels and lots of the Nixon’s Moyie River tracts, and 47 total lots and parcels of the Queen Mountain/Twin Bridges tracts as depicted in the Comprehensive Plan Map. Commissioner Dinning had seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.

 

Commissioner Kirby moved to approve the Findings and Decision for the Zone Map Amendment #12-006, Moyie River Corridor. Acting Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Commissioner Kirby moved to adopt Ordinance 2013-1. An ordinance amending the Zone Ordinance Map 2012-1 to comply with Boundary County’s Comprehensive Plan Map 2008-23 to show areas currently depicted as agriculture/forestry zone to suburban zones along the Moyie River corridor. Acting Chairman Dinning yielded the chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. Ordinance 2013-01 reads as follows:

 

Boundary County Idaho Ordinance 2013 - 01

 

AN ORDINANCE OF BOUNDARY COUNTY, IDAHO, AMENDING THE ZONE ORDINANCE MAP 2012-1 TO COMPLY WITH BOUNDARY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MAP 2008-23 TO SHOW AREAS CURRENTLY DEPICTED AS AGRICULTURE/FORESTRY ZONE TO SUBURBAN ZONES ALONG THE MOYIE RIVER CORRIDOR.

 

               WHEREAS, Section 18.6 of the Boundary County Planning and Subdivision Ordinance 2012-1 empowers the Board of County Commissioners to initiate Legislative action to amend the Ordinance Zone Map; and

 

               WHEREAS, the Boundary County Comprehensive Plan and Map as signed on July 8, 2008 and as amended November 29, 2009 show specified subdivisions and parcels along the Moyie River corridor as Suburban Zone; and the revision of the Boundary County Zone Ordinance and Map signed October 24, 2011 show these same parcels under the Agriculture/Forestry Zone, the Board of County Commissioners exercised their right to apply for a Zone Map Amendment 12-006 to amend the Zone Ordinance Map from Agriculture/Forestry to Suburban to reflect the intention of the Comprehensive Plan and bring both maps to agreement; and

 

               WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission did hold public hearing on March 15, 2012 and forwarded to the Board of Commissioners a recommendation to deny the amendment noting the sentiment that Suburban Zone is inappropriate for the rural area, which lacks Suburban infrastructure, has problems related to road access and safety, especially with concern for emergency vehicle access; and

 

               WHEREAS, the County Commissioners held public hearing June 15, 2012 and reviewed the staff report, Comprehensive Plan, and took public testimony.  Commissioners recognize the blocks as recreation zones, and not Agriculture/Forestry commercial in nature.  The county and private roads are consistent with roads throughout the county.  The Commissioners voted on an amended decision to approve the Nixon-Moyie block (85 lots and parcels), the Lanes Moyie River (51 lots and parcels), and the Queen Mtn./Twin Bridges block (47 lots and parcels).  The remainder blocks were not changed; and

 

               WHEREAS, on August 21, 2012 Ken Lustig did meet with the Commissioners regarding public notification of the June 15 hearing, and having not had notice, and being an interested party, Commissioners asked Dan Studer on procedures taken.  Studer reported that only legal notice was issued in the newspaper, and mailing and signs not completed.  The Commissioners therefore scheduled a rehearing of 12-006 for September 25, 2012; and

 

               WHEREAS, on September 25, 2012 Commissioner Smith and Dinning met in public hearing where issues arose due to proposed motions for an amended decision lead both Commissioners to agree to table the hearing until Commissioner Kirby could attend and provide for a third vote; and

 

               WHEREAS, Commissioners met on October 29, 2012 to reopen the public hearing discussion, at which a letter from Civil Attorney Robinson regarding road issues, and Zone Administrator Studer regarding subdivision ordinance rules, were read into the record; and

 

               NOW, THEREFORE, Commissioner Kirby moved to rezone the following areas from Agriculture/Forestry Zone to Suburban Zone: 51 total lots and parcels of the Lane’s Moyie River tracts; 27 total lots and parcels of the Welcome Ranch tracts; 85 total parcels and lots of the Nixon’s Moyie River tracts; and 47 total lots and parcels of the Queen Mountain/Twin Bridges tracts, whose legal description is as depicted in the Comprehensive Plan Map 2008-23.

 

               IT IS RESOLVED by unanimous vote that the lots and parcels identified are changed on the Zone Ordinance Map to Suburban Zone and the descriptions are those described on the Comprehensive Plan Map 2008-23.

 

Approved and adopted as an Ordinance of Boundary County, Idaho, by the Board of County Commissioners, this 11th day of December, 2012, upon the following roll call vote:

 

Commissioner Smith:                       _Absent_ YES

                                                            ________ NO

 

Commissioner Dinning:                   ___X____YES

                                                            _________ NO

 

Commissioner Kirby:                       ___X____YES

                                                            _________NO

 

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

 

                                                                           ABSENT_____________________

                                                                           RONALD R. SMITH, CHAIRMAN

                                                                           s/____________________________

                                                                           DAN DINNING, COMMISSIONER

                                                                           s/____________________________

                                                                           WALT KIRBY, COMMISSIONER

ATTEST:

s/_____________________________

GLENDA POSTON

Clerk of the Board of Commissioners

Recorded as instrument #256001

 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:50 p.m.

 

 

                                                /s/

                                                DAN R. DINNING, Acting Chairman

Attest:

 

/s/

GLENDA POSTON, Clerk

By: Michelle Rohrwasser, Deputy