County Commission Meeting Minutes

July 10, 2000

 

Present for the meeting were Commissioners Neal Christiansen, Glenn Davis and Frank Mackert. Clerk Mickie Funke was also present to take minutes.  The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

 

Waste Water System Report: Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) representatives Greg Eager and James Johnston discussed waste water systems.  The Island Park/Macks system was inspected and found to be operating satisfactorily.  Eager suggested putting locks on the monitoring wells. 

The DEQ loan will now be closed out.  The loan was for $1.7 million, of which $1,684,078.46 was spent.  The accrued interest is $69,078.46 (interest stopped accruing after the final inspection), the commissioners determined not to spend the remaining $15,921.54 allowed by the loan.  The Last Chance/Ponds system is over the permitted gallons pumped.  The permit expired in ’97 but has been extended by DEQ.  Eager told the commissioners they need to make plans for expansion and said the county is third on the list for eligibility for a loan.  The mild winter may not have been a good cost estimation on the Snowfluent to consider if the system might work in Last Chance/Ponds system.  

James Johnston discussed dust on the red rock road.  Johnston said that he noticed that there were some dust suppressant placed in front of some locations and that it meets his requirement. Johnston said that he is still monitoring petroleum at a service station in Ashton.

Landfill issues were reviewed.  Eager recommends that the loads be checked from Waste Connections, as the loads are not sorted as to requirements at the landfill.  Commissioners will authorize the landfill superintendent, Butch Nagle, to check the loads and turn them back if the loads are not household waste.  Eager will call Waste Connections and alert them. 

Ard’s landfill was discussed.  Inspections have not been able to be done by District Seven Health Department.  Operating plans are usually done by District Seven but DEQ will be available to help Ard develop the plan.  At this time, they have not been contacted and with out an operating plan the landfill may be shut down.  The county holds the permit and can close the operation until a viable operation is ready.  DEQ can do a notice of violation to Ards because no operating plan has been approved.

 

Sewer Report:  Dan Lostutter gave a sewer report.  There are questions on easements for a sewer line, road, and lift station on property owned by Tim Brown, Bruce Awclans and Randel Benscoter.  The Island Park Village was brought into the system at the end of the project in 1982.  Commissioners will contact Forsgren Engineering and work on legal needs with county attorney Penny Stanford.  Willie Tuescher, Engineer, was present and was advised.  Tuescher said that he would check with his sources in the company to see if they can find anything.

 

Mesa Falls Highway Project: Reporting on the Mesa Falls Highway Project were John Arriaga, and David Heckman, construction engineer from the Federal Highway administration and Weldon Reynolds County Road and Bridge Supervisor.  Arriaga discussed problems with mud holes and the delays they have caused.  Travel is now being detoured but soon a pilot car will lead vehicles through the construction on the new road.  The commissioners requested guardrails along the curbs on the beginning section of the road.  Eagle nests are being looked for.  The road project is scheduled to be completed in September unless delays are caused due to eagle nesting.  The Forest Service will be checking to see if any nests are in the area. (Tailings will be used just like hot asphalt.  They will be putting two inches asphalt less on the road.) 

 

Parker Salem Road: Forsgren Engineer, Willie Tuescher and Weldon Reynolds reported on the Parker Salem Road and Bridge project.   A contract amendment was reviewed for the additional tasks of the road project: the biological assessments - $19,000, wetland determination/finding - $5,000, mitigation - $28,000, additional environmental coordination - $18,200, project administration - $8,400, delineation and compensation, right of way tasks and administration.  The work order agreement is for a cost of $110,000.  A motion was made by Commissioner Mackert to award the contract amendment as proposed, Commissioner Davis seconded the motion, and a voice vote was taken with all commissioners voting in favor.  Commission Chairman Neal Christiansen signed the contract in behalf of the county.

 

Road Report: Road and Bridge Superintendent Weldon Reynolds submitted a written road report on the activities that the crews are completing. 

 

Parks and Recreation: Parks and Recreation Chairman, Tamra Cikaitoga, reported on individuals camping at the County’s Frome Park at Henrys Lake.  There are a number of individuals staying for the summer season at the site.  The county does not charge for the camping locations, the individuals who are camping are watering and mowing the lawn and monitoring use of the park at no charge, similar to a campground host.  

She also said that an ordinance is needed to make the Ora access site a day use only and to consider limitations on the Frome Park as well.  The improvements on the dock at Frome Park will be pursued with the Fish and Game Department.  Commissioners directed Cikaitoga work with county attorney on an ordinance to be for the next year’s season. 

         Cikaitoga said that accountant Sharon Staeb has developed an income statement for the Golf Course.  She will distribute the report to the commissioners in the future. 

 

Board of Equalization

Commission Chairman Neal Christiansen opened the meeting to Board of Equalization to address two appeals, one a casualty loss and one a value change.   Present were all commissioners, Assessor Ivel Burrell and Appraiser Brett Hill.

 

Casualty Loss: Ronda and Eddy Lloyd requested the commissioners consider a casualty loss on RP N0094022001A due to their home burning on April 18th of this year.  They are replacing the home.  Appraiser Brett Hill said that the pro-rated amount would be for a market value reduction from $12,145 to $8,518 with a taxable market value of $3,627 due to homeowners.  The homeowner’s exemption will need to be applied for on the new home for next year.  Commissioners will authorize the casualty loss as presented.

 

Value Change: Assessor Ivel Burrell said that a value change for Morry Allred would be made from market value of $125,480 to $100,380.  Commissioner Frank Mackert made a motion to approve the value change as presented.  Commissioner Glenn Davis seconded the motion; a voice vote was taken with all commissioners voting in favor. 

 

         The Board of Equalization for the real roll was then closed and the regular commissioners meeting resumed.

 

Social Services: Deputy Clerk Debbie Adams, Social Services Director, met with the commissioners in closed session to review medical claims.  Commissioner Frank Mackert made a motion to approve medical claim #2000-161 for $10,959 before negotiations; this claim is reconsideration due to a Medicaid denial; to deny medical claim #2000-199 for other resources; to deny medical claim #2000-198 for other resources.  A reimbursement agreement is required on all approved claims. Commissioner Glenn Davis seconded the motion.  A voice vote was taken with all commissioners voting in favor.  Other business was one new lien and a review of the quarterly report for April-June.  The Federal Emergency Management Association, FEMA, grant of $3,500 was received for rent and utility assistance. 

 

D.A.R.E. Program: Proponents of the D.A.R.E. program, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Law and their children, Beth Cannon and her two daughters were present to discuss the D.A.R.E. funding.  Richard Law submitted a proposal for the continuation of the D.A.R.E. program.  He submitted an estimated budget totaling $51,000, the city would fund $40,500 and the school district $10,500.  The agreement between the city of St. Anthony paying the county dispatch service for $10,000 could be cancelled for the county’s support on D.A.R.E. program.

 

Insurance Claim: One accident claim for liability insurance was reviewed.  ICRMP insurance company will be contacted.

 

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Patricia McCoy gave a monthly report.  Cancellations for the month of June were $618.20, which includes penalty and interest.  Commissioners accepted report,  $2,127,717.48 was collected in the June collection leaving 8% of ’99 delinquent.  All year’s delinquencies total $953,000 plus penalty and interest.  Tax deeds are processed if taxes are not paid after three years.  Reminders will be sent for unpaid personal property and mobile homes.  There are no extensions granted after the June collection.    Marinda Ballard will continue to work as a treasurer’s deputy but on a more regular basis, perhaps three or more days per week.

 

Purchase of Equipment:  A group of people requested information from the commissioners on equipment purchases.  Present were Deverl Stoddard, spokesman, also present was Pat Stoddard, Greg Stoddard, Phil Belnap, Darryl Simmons, Ralph Miller, Mike Miller and Herb Parker.  Stoddard wanted to know if the county can justify a track hoe purchase through cost accounting and if the rules apply concerning bid requirements.  He also wanted to know who wrote the track hoe specifications for the bids, and who accepts or rejects the bid.  Who determines if a new piece of equipment is needed, what are the perimeters used to determine the need.   What now justifies the need for a track hoe when expenditures on renting or use of a track hoe in past years is less than $10,000. 

What about costs relating to operation of machine including administration and operator costs?  Stoddard asked about future costs on planned projects, digging a fish pond, working on the city airport, riprap placement in rivers, breaking out projects to be below a bidding requirement rather than figuring all pieces together.  Stoddard asks the commissioners to evaluate and justify every job and item purchased.  Stoddard said that residents are available to set in on ad hoc committees for the commissioners.  Stoddard wanted to know the background usage of the leased track hoe during the lease time, were there records kept on the jobs the equipment has been doing.  Stoddard wants a response back to the questions asked and is concerned that the bid specifications are squed to one make of machine. 

 

Proposed Dog Ordinance:  A proposed ordinance on licensing of dogs was held as advertised.  Present were Pam Davis, Bill Enget, Carol Albertson, Kathy Albertson and LaVerl Singleton.  Residents discussed the ordinance.  Commissioner Davis explained the need for the ordinance.  Commissioners will consider placing an advisory vote on the need for the ordinance on the ballot for the general election held in November.

 

Subdivision Survey: Denny Jones, Bonnie Moore, Karen Lords, Ivel Burrell, Patricia McCoy were present to discuss the homeowners meeting held at Island Park, Bills Island over problems with the plat.  Jones said that most of the homeowners were in favor of the survey and will agree to pay for the survey, but there may be a few people who do not want, nor will be willing to pay for their share.  Idaho Code does allow for the associated cost to be placed as a collection fee on the individuals tax notice. 

Moore estimates that the cost will be about $400 per lot.  If parties sharing boundaries can make a decision on the boundary there will be less to survey.  The association will send representatives to meet with Jones and Moore.  Jones wanted to know if the county will pay for any delinquent fee until it is collected.  Jones wanted to know how his time should be compensated, if the homeowners’ cost will include his fee. 

Moore suggested an administration fee be attached.  

 

Beer License: One beer and wine license was reviewed and approved for Valley Food and Fuel, applicant manager, Ryan Stauffer for White Pines Travel Plaza L.C. for retail beer and wine not consumed on the premises. 

 

Contract:  Commissioners discussed contracting with Mickie Funke as a consultant beginning the month of August.   Contract will start with six months consulting with a minimum of $1,000 per month; additional hours were discussed at a cost of $50.00 per hour. Commissioners will review the contract at their meeting in December. 

 

         There being no further business to come before this Board, the meeting was recessed until the next regularly scheduled meeting to be held on July 24, 2000.

 

         Dated at St. Anthony, Idaho, this tenth day of July 2000.