4/12/04 Commissioners Meeting Minutes

The Board of Bear Lake County Commissioners met on Monday, April 12, 2004, in the Commissioners Room of the Courthouse Annex in Paris, Idaho, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Members of the Board present: Don C. Clark, Chairman of the Board, Dwight L. Cochran, Conrad Michaelson and Joan P. Eborn, Clerk of the Board.

Greg Skinner, Road Supervisor and Rosa Moosman, Editor of the News-Examiner, Lynn Lewis, Assessor, Rodney Wallentine, Treasurer and Brent Bunn, Sheriff also attended the meeting.

Chairman Clark offered the opening prayer.

Chairman Clark called the meeting to order to consider the following items of business:

OREGON TRAIL CENTER FUNDING
Peg Richards, Administrator, Scott Olsen and Paul Underwood Board Members of the Oregon Trail Center Board met with the Commissioners presenting a written proposal, thanking them for the recent release of $5,000 and requesting the additional $22,000 budgeted in the FY 2004 County Budget for emergency use. There are current needs to bring accounts payable current, to meet upcoming payroll and to meet overhead expense as they prepare for upcoming clientele visits and there is no other sources of funding available to open the Center for the season. Peg Richards said she is writing grants every month to obtain funding assistance and Paul Underwood said they have been asking for donations from the public but are still short of what's needed to open.

However, they indicated they already have a 300% increase on scheduled tour buses this year vs. last year. One day they expect and hope to be totally self-funded.

After a lengthy review and discussion of projects currently completed and others being worked on at the center, and after recognizing the economic benefit of the center to the community, plus the need for continued financial accountability on their part and the right of the public to be involved, Commissioner Michaelson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Cochran to release the remaining $22,000 to the Oregon/California Trail Center. Motion unanimously approved.

Roy Bunderson joined the meeting in progress.

ELECTED OFFICIALS MEETING
Rodney Wallentine, Treasurer presented a list of properties that will be tax deeded on May 10, 2004, at 10:00 A.M., unless payment has been made before then. There are 9 owners and 18 parcels of land involved. Publication is set for the 21st of May.

Lynn Lewis, Assessor discussed improving the courthouse and the wiring situation indicating that all the circuits that are needed have been run and the panels will be put back on soon. There is now more power and less computer problems. Mr. Lewis asked about upgrading the phone system, stating it would cost approximately $800 plus $70/hour.

Brent Bunn, Sheriff said Direct Communications were talking a year ago about a grant to install a new telephone system in the Sheriff's Office as well as the Courthouse along with providing computer access to the public.

The Commissioners asked Treasurer Wallentine to follow up on the telephone system proposed previously by Direct Communications.

Assessor Lewis informed those at the meeting the Courthouse Computer system needs to move out of the old DOS operating system and into a new one. We need to update and maintain our database and our network in order to run the current tax administration system and we would need someone to administer and take care of the database, system, server, etc.

SHERIFF'S REPORT
Brent Bunn, Sheriff presented his department's report of activity for the month of March 2004, for the Commissioners review and comments. He informed them the yearly jail inspection was coming up next week. Sheriff Bunn asked about a cooling system in the Sheriff's building. Insulation will be put in the ceiling of the building before further action is taken. Discussion ensued as to whether or not it would be financially feasible to build and staff a jail facility in Bear Lake County and or if it was best to house the prisoners in Caribou County.

LAND USE ORDINANCE
Al Harrison, Bear Lake Regional Commission, advised the Commissioners Planning & Zoning's responsibilities for the implementation of the updated land use ordinance are complete and now the Commissioners need to hold a public hearing to receive public comment and then adopt the ordinance if it is deemed acceptable. As such, the Commissioners unanimously agreed to schedule the public hearing required by law on April 29th, 2004 at 7:00 p.m., in the Commissioners Room of the Courthouse Annex. That hearing was later changed to May 6th, 2004 at 7:00 p.m., in the School District Office.

Harrison informed the Commissioners a gate had been placed across the road in Canyon Estates and the road should be open to the public based upon a previous commitment with the Developer and the County. The Homeowners after that agreement had written a letter wanting the road to remain closed to the public. The county wants access for emergency vehicles and to public lands in that area. Harrison was asked to contact Gary McKee for more information and to report his findings to the Commissioners.

SPECIAL USE PERMIT
Harrison advised the Commissioners not to renew the Blake Blair's Special Use Permit allowing him to continue to rent snowmobiles and four wheelers until he complies with the ordinance.

ROAD REPAIR REQUEST
Don Wind, Bailey Creek resident presented a petition consisting of 71 signatures from Bear Lake County residents living in Bailey Creek requesting pavement of the Pioneer and Caribou Roads this year, with respective lengths of 1550 and 500 feet. The roads are in very poor condition, he acknowledged that Caribou County has spent over $400,000 in the last two summers on roads and hopes Bear Lake County will follow their lead the summer of 2004.

The Commissioners agreed to look at the budgets and indicated they will put those roads on the high priority list of the roads to be upgraded this coming summer. However, Road Supervisor Skinner said there have been problems and complaints in that area associated with snow removal in the past and the county needs a definite right-of-way access before paving the roads in question.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Judy Hyde, President of the Bear Lake Economic Development Board requested county money be used for economic development, that the Hospital's example in getting grants to fund economic development should be followed by the county. Their goal now is to apply for county economic development funds and use those funds to hire staff and/or an economic development specialist. She presented their goals and organizational issues in writing for review and comment.

The position that Richard Westerberg holds as Economic Development Specialist for three counties and what if any success he has had in Bear Lake County for what he is being paid was also discussed.

RAINBOW TRAIL RESTORATION UPDATE
Rob Bundy, Bear Lake Wildlife Refuge expressed his thanks to Sheriff Bunn and his department for the apprehension of the people who were involved in the many burglaries in the valley, two of which occurred at the refuge. There was about $3,000 worth of tools stolen and $500 worth of damage at the Refuge.

Mr. Bundy presented written documentation and pictures of project plans for the Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge in the future including, marsh management, water bird production, a wetland enhancement, the Rainbow Trail Restoration Project and the restoration of the St. Charles Creek System for the coming year.

Mr. Bundy asked the Commissioners about acquiring surface rock from the county and they expressed their willingness to help with the project.

Mr. Bundy also asked for a letter of support from the Commissioners regarding the St. Charles Creek System as such, Commissioner Michaelson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Cochran to write a letter supporting the National Wildlife Refuge St. Charles Creek Restoration Project. Motion was unanimous.

Commissioner Michaelson offered to write the letter as agreed upon.

WEED CONTROL/BIOLOGICAL PROGRAM/DYERSWOAD
Todd Transtrum, Weed Control Department Supervisor presented information on a biological control program for Dyers Woad, involving insects that feed on the plants, that occur naturally in their native range. The program does cost quite a bit of money so the option of piggybacking 2 programs together in hopes of saving some money was suggested. Transtrum said the program is asking for a contribution of $1,000 from the County for this year and asked the Commissioners to sign a letter which he presented for signatures in support of the Biological Control Coalition Program to control Dyers Woad.

Commissioner Michaelson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Cochran to sign the letter in support of the Biological Program for controlling Dyerswoad and to also support and contribute the $1,000 as requested to the coalition. Motion was unanimous.

MEET THE CANDIDATE NIGHT
Rosa Moosman, Editor of the News-Examiner said she would host a "Meet the Candidate Night" at the Montpelier City Hall on May 6th or 7th, 2004 at 7:00 P.M.

AIRPORT HAY BID OPENING
Airport Hay bids were opened at 11:00 a.m. as previously advertised:

Fred Nate - North of the Airport - $1,825.00
Fred Nate - South of the Airport - $3,500.00

Chad Hulme - North of the Airport - $1,970.00
Chad Hulme - South of the Airport - $2,970.00

All bids were submitted with a 5% bid bond as required.

Commissioner Michaelson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Cochran to award bids for hay grown at the Airport to the highest bidders as follows: North of the Airport Proper to Chad Hulme for $1,970 and South of the Airport Proper to Fred Nate for $3,500. Motion unanimously carried.

IDAHO DEPARTMENT PARKS AND RECREATION
Kirk Rich, Idaho Dept. of Parks and Recreation briefly discussed a request from the State of Utah's Department of Parks for financial assistance on a dredging project at the Utah State Park Marina in Garden City, Utah. Utah Power/Pacificorp has agreed to assist them by donating $30,000 as part of mitigation plans related to the dredging and pumping they have been doing at Camp Lifton. Kirk said there are other entities that have agreed to pledge monies and he has discussed the project with the Bear Lake County Waterways Committee and recognizing that many Idaho boaters are using the marina as the only place to dock a boat on Bear Lake and they are supportive of the expenditure.

Commissioner Michaelson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Cochran to release funding in the amount of $3,000 from the waterways/vessel account to assist with the dredging at the Utah State Park Marina in Garden City, Utah. Motion was unanimous.

BOAD OF EQUALIZATION
Commissioner Michaelson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Cochran to recess the regular meeting and to convene as a Board of Equalization. Motion unanimously carried.

As no one appeared to protest their valuation or taxes, Commissioner Michaelson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Cochran to recess the Board of Equalization and to reconvene the regular meeting. Motion unanimously carried.

APPOINTMENT - SOUTHEASTERN IDAHO DISTR. BOARD OF HEALTH
Commissioner Michaelson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Cochran to reappoint Keith Martindale as the Bear Lake County representative on the Southeastern Idaho District Board of Health. Motion unanimously carried.

APPOINTMENT - DISTR. #4 ANIMAL DAMAGE CONTROL BOARD
Commissioner Michaelson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Cochran to reappoint Dennis Hunzeker to the Idaho District #4 Animal Damage Control Board. Motion unanimously carried.

PREVIOUS MINUTES APPROVED
Commissioner Michaelson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Cochran to approve the minutes for the regular meeting held on March 8, 2004, the minutes of a meeting held on March 22nd to review major medical insurance, to establish vote by mail precincts, to discuss solid waste fees and to resolve salary disputes and to also approve the minutes of the meeting held on April 1st to discuss roads and trails in the proposed wilderness area on the west side of the valley. Motion unanimously carried.

SOLID WASTE FEES
The Commissioners discussed the possibility of having Hennings Salvage Yard deliver and dump roll-off containers at construction sites in the Bear Lake West as well as other areas in the county. Road Supervisor Skinner reported Tom Hayes, Solid Waste had talked with Hennings and they said they would be willing to do this. The costs involved are yet to be determined.

ROAD & BRIDGE
Road Supervisor Skinner reminded the Commissioners the bid opening for purchase of
a water truck are to be opened on May 17th. He also discussed the summer road repair agenda and problems associated with repairing the equipment when it breaks down.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
Roy Bunderson told the Commissioners about the damage done to roads in the City of Bloomington when Direct Communications failed to restore the road to the same condition it was in after their installation of telephone cable down the center of the road. He suggested both the County and City contact Direct Communication before any other action is commenced.

BEAR LAKE BASEBALL ASSOCIATION
In response to their request Commissioner Michaelson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Cochran to donate $2,300 to the Bear Lake Baseball Association. Motion unanimously carried.

CANDELLATION OF TAX
The Board acted unanimously to cancel personal tax amounting to $194.54 due to a duplicate assessment.

BEAR RIVER BRIDGE WEST OF GEORGETOWN
Commissioner Michaelson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Cochran to approve appraisel settlement statements and purchase of the right-of-ways necessary for the construction of the new Bear River Bridge West of Georgetown. Motion unanimously carried.

QUARTERLY REPORTS
Commissioners reviewed and approved quarterly reports from the Clerk's, Treasurer's and Sheriff's Offices.

VOTE BY MAIL PRECINCTS
The Commissioners discussed the Vote By Mail Precincts and were hesitant to make Bern a Vote By Mail Precinct due to adverse comments from the voters in that precinct.

Meeting recessed for lunch reconvening at 1:30 P.M., to continue county business as follows:

TELEPHONE REPORT
Rodney Wallentine, Treasurer reported he had contacted Jeremy Smith at Direct Communication and had learned they have nothing to do with phone systems and in the past they were only considering a grant for public computers somewhere in the City of Paris. He also learned Diane Pitt has information about internet access lines.

COUNTY MILEAGE RATE
The Commissioners acted unanimously to increase the mileage rate paid to employees and elected officials when using their personal vehicles for county business from 32 cents a mile to 37.5 cents a mile.

INDIGENT APPLICATIONS
The Commissioners reviewed applications for medical assistance and burial help as follows acting unanimously to deny claim #2004-05 as the applicant may have discretionary income to pay the claim and the county may not be the last resource and to approve payment of $200 for opening a grave site to the City of Montpelier.

CLAIMS
The Commissioners reviewed and approved claims as submitted authorizing Clerk Eborn to make payment as follows:

LANDFILL
Commissioner Michaelson reported he had talked to DEQ in regards to the necessity of drilling another test well at the Landfill and wondered if it could be moved to the North if in fact one really needed to be drilled at all. He hesitates to do anything as none of the samples previously taken were contaminated at the lower wells and it seems reasonable that wells higher on the mountain side would test the same or better.

INTERVIEWS FOR THE ROAD & BRIDGE POSITIONS
During the afternoon beginning at 2:00 p.m., the Commissioners interviewed 11 applicants for two vacant Road & Bridge positions and at the conclusion of the interviews acted unanimously to hire Lee Critchlow and Wynn Olsen. Road Supervisor Skinner was authorized to contact the applicants interviewed to make them aware of the Commissioners decision.

Meeting adjourned subject to recall by the Chairman or his order.

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4/12/04 Commissioners Agenda Notice

9:00 A.M. PEG RICHARDS, SCOTT OLSEN - Oregon Trail Center Funding

9:15 A.M. ELECTED OFFICIALS MEETING

9:30 A.M. MITCH POULSEN & ARDEE HELM - Land Use Ordinance

9:45 A.M. DON WIND - Paving Dirt/Gravel Roads in Bailey Creek Area

10:00 A.M. EULALIE LANGFORD - Representative

10:15 A.M. ROB BUNDY - Rainbow Trail Restoration Update

10:30 A.M. TODD TRANSTRUM - Biological Program/Dyerswoad

10:45 A.M. JUDY HYDE & OTHERS - Economic Development Corp.

11:00 A.M. AIRPORT HAY BID OPENING

11:15 A.M.

11:30 A.M.

11:45 A.M. BOARD OF EQUALIZATION

LUNCH

1:30 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENTS

1:45 P.M.

2:00 P.M. ROAD & BRIDGE INTERVIEWS

2:15 P.M.

2:30 P.M.

OLD BUSINESS
Approve Minutes of Previous Meetings

Road & Bridge/Solid Waste/Garbage Issues

Solid Waste Fees

Budget Adjustments

NEW BUSINESS
Review and Approve Claims Submitted

Idaho Damage Control Board Appointment

Raise County Mileage Rate

Indigent/Medical Assistance Applications

Increase Mileage Rate

Southeastern District Health Department - District Board of Health Term Expiration

Joint Powers Agreement - Bear Lake County/Caribou County

Designation/Confirmation Vote by Mail Precincts

Quarterly Reports

Cancel Tax - Duplicate Assessment

Bear River Bridge Agreement to Purchase
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4/1/04 Special Commissioners Meeting Minutes:

The Board of Bear Lake county Commissioners met on Thursday, April 1, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. in the Allred Center at Montpelier, Idaho to discuss roads in the proposed wilderness areas of the Caribou National Forest and to make a decision about submitting to the electorate by advisory ballot the question of hiring a part-time economic development specialist as advertised.
Others attended the meeting included: Ardee Helm, Jr., Prosecuting Attorney, Max and Roy Bunderson, Rick Thomas, Wendell Johnson, Venile Bee and Dennis Duehren, US Forest Service.

After a lengthy discussion regarding the RS 2477 Roads and clarification of them, the county would pursue adding Danish Canyon Road, Middle Fork of Bloomington Dry Canyon to the forest line and Left-Hand Canyon Road to the county road system.
Commissioners agreed to place the question of shall the Commissioners spend $20,000 per year to hire a part-time economic development specialist on the primary election advisory ballot.
Meeting adjourned subject to recall by the Chairman or his order.

BEAR LAKE COUNTY

DON C. CLARK
Chairman of the Board

/s/ Joan P. Eborn

JOAN P. EBORN
Clerk of the Board

Copies of the minutes in their entirety are available upon request from the Clerk's Office in Paris, Idaho.

Publish: April 21, 2004

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