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 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING MINUTES & PUBLIC NOTICES


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4/25/05 Minutes of Continuation Meeting:

The Board of Bear Lake County Commissioners met in a special meeting on Monday, April 25, 2005, beginning at 9:00 A.M., in the Commissioners Room of the Courthouse Annex in Paris, Idaho to continue business from April 11, 2005 meeting. Members of the Board present, Dwight L. Cochran, Chairman of the Board, Conrad E. Michaelson, Vaughn Rasmussen, and Kerry Haddock, Clerk of the Board.

Greg Skinner, Road & Bridge Supervisor, Bill Stock, and Paul Underwood also attended the meeting.

SPEED LIMIT SIGN
Brandon Baker met with the Commissioners to request that speed limit signs be placed on the Pescadero Road. Commissioners agreed to post the speed at 35 mph.

EXTENSION OFFICE LEASE
Commissioner Michaelson pointed out the need to modify the Extension office-building lease to add an annual cancellation clause. Clerk Haddock agreed to handle with Attorney Helm.

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORTS
The Commissioners reviewed and approved quarterly reports of the Sheriff's Office, the Recorder's Office and the Treasurer's Office as presented by Clerk Haddock.

Ardee Helm, County Attorney, Brent Bunn, Sheriff, and Roy Bunderson joined the meeting.

ENFORCEMENT OF COUNTY ORDINANCES
Commissioner Michaelson read excerpts from the County nuisance ordinance regarding junk cars, singlewide trailer houses and salvage yards. He then expressed a desire to enforce the ordinance better. Sheriff Bunn stated that he had talked to several people regarding violations of the ordinance. He tried to work with people rather than issue citations. Sheriff Bunn and Attorney Helm agreed that the Sheriff's office was the proper enforcement agency. There was some discussion that there had been several nuisance ordinances in effect through the years. There needs to be clarification to determine the most current rules.

Rosa Moosman, Editor for the News Examiner, Mark Johnson, Brad Tolman, Scott Morrell, and Judy George joined the meeting.

BEAR HOLLOW SUBDIVISION
Mark Johnson, Brad Tolman and Scott Morrell met with the Commission to discuss access to the Bear Hollow Subdivision. They wanted to be able to access the property from Highway 89 via a road next to the County landfill. It was pointed out by the Commissioners that the road in question, which provides access to a shooting range, was not part of the County road system and was too steep for proper maintenance. The road was also located in an area that is going to be used for future landfill expansion. Further discussion of the subdivision revealed that the scope of the development had been changed enough that it probably needed to be reevaluated by Planning & Zoning.

CANCELLATION OF PROPERTY TAX
Commission was presented with an application for property tax hardship exemption. Commissioner Rasmussen will investigate for a decision at the next meeting.

RESOLUTION
Commissioner Cochran moved and Commissioner Rasmussen seconded to adopt Resolution #2005-10. Motion passed unanimously as follows:

COUNTY RESOLUTION #2005-10

EXTRACT FROM THE MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNTY COMMISSION OF THE COUNTY OF BEAR LAKE, IDAHO HELD ON APRIL 25, 2005.

The following Resolution was introduced by Commissioner Dwight L. Cochran, read in full, considered and adopted:

RESOLUTION NO. 2005-10 OF BEAR LAKE COUNTY, IDAHO ACCEPTING THE GRANT OFFER OF THE STATE OF IDAHO THROUGH THE IDAHO TRANSPORATION DEPARTMENT, DIVISION OF AERONAUTICS, IN THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF $3,947.00 TO BE USED UNDER THE IDAHO AIPORT AID PROGRAM PROJECT NO. 3-16-0027-003 and W/A #F048030 IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BEAR LAKE COUNTY AIRPORT; AND

Be it resolved by the Chairman and Commission of Bear Lake County, Idaho (herein referred to as the "County") as follows:

Sec. 1. That the County, shall accept the Grant Offer of the State of Idaho in the amount of $3,947.00, for the purpose of obtaining State Aid under Project No. 3-16-0027-003, in the development of the Bear Lake County Airport; and

Sec. 2. That the Chairman of the County Commission is hereby authorized and directed to sign the statement of Acceptance of said Grant Offer (entitled Part II - Acceptance) on behalf of the County. The County Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to attest the signature of the Chairman and to impress the official seal of the COUNTY on the aforesaid statement of Acceptance; and

Sec. 3. A true copy of the Grant Offer referred to herein be attached hereto and made a part thereof.

PASSED BY THE COMMISSION AND APPROVED BY THE CHAIRMAN THIS 25TH DAY OF APRIL 2005.

____________________________________
DWIGHT COCHRAN, Chairman

ATTEST:______________________________
KERRY HADDOCK, County Clerk

CERTIFICATE

I, Kerry Haddock, County Clerk do hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of Resolution No. 2005-10 adopted at a regular meeting of the Commission held on the 25th day of April, 2005, and that the same is now in full force and effect. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and impressed the official seal of the County, this 25th day of April 2005.

____________________________________
KERRY HADDOCK, County Clerk

D. J. Reid, James Holman and Tobe Dunn joined the meeting.

DAVID LUI CAMPGROUND
D. J. Reid met with the Commission to discuss the status of the David Lui Campground near Geneva. Mr. Reid discussed their progress with regard to wells and septic systems. Mr. Dunn presented two options for roads leading to the development showing how they would tie-in to Highway 89. The Commissioners pointed that there were definite conditions which needed to be completed prior to construction including a well permit, a letter from the Idaho Transportation Department approving the road location, DEQ permit for a septic system, deeded right of way for road access and the road should be completed before major construction. Mr. Holman stated that he had filed a motion to intervene on behalf of the campground in the Brown law suite. Commissioner Michaelson stated that the matter should be returned to Planning & Zoning. Mitch expressed that this might confuse the issue. Roy Bunderson expressed concern over having two agencies dealing with these issues.

Lynn Lewis, Assessor joined the meeting.

BUILDING PERMITS
Bill Stock met with the Commission expressing concerns regarding consistency with building permits and direction and guidance with building inspections. He also was concerned with enforcement of Planning & Zoning ordinances and the County's rural addressing system. The discussion was that these things all tied together and needed a central point of control. The Assessor expressed that it would be best for his office to handle rural addressing.

DAMAGED FENCES
Some of the Commissioners had received calls concerning damaged fences caused by county snowplows. Fences should be 30 feet from roadway center. Individuals should be responsible for laying them down or moving them if they are not. Commissioner Cochran stated that County fences at the Airport needed repair. We will likely need to bid the fence repair.

ROAD AND BRIDGE ISSUES
Greg Skinner, Road and Bridge Supervisor, met with the Commissioners. The Commissioners agreed that the County would pay for hazardous material endorsements on CDL licences required by County employees. The Commissioners agreed to promote a part-time employee to full-time per the County's personnel manual. The County will also advertise for additional seasonal employees for the Road & Bridge department for the summer months.

LOADER LEASE
Attorney Helm stated that he still needed additional information prior to approving the loader lease.

OPEN MEETING TRAINING
As a result of a complaint filed by The News-Examiner, Special Prosecutor Robert Eldridge requested Attorney Helm conduct an open meeting training session for the Commissioners.

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

/s/ Dwight L. Cochran
DWIGHT L. COCHRAN, Chairman

ATTEST: /s/ Kerry Haddock
KERRY HADDOCK, Clerk

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4/25/05 Continuation of Meeting held 4/11/05 & additional Agenda items:

9:00 A.M. BRANDON BAKER - Speed Limit/Road Paving

9:15 A.M.

9:25 A.M. MARK JOHNSON, VAUGHN RASMUSSEN AND GREG SKINNER - Bear Hollow Subdivision Road

9:30 A.M.

9:45 A.M.

10:00 A.M.

10:15 A.M. DJ REID - David Lui Campground Update

10:30 A.M.

10:45 A.M.

11:00 A.M.

11:15 A.M.

11:30 A.M.

11:45 A.M. BILL STOCK - Dwelling Permits

LUNCH

1:00 P.M. OPEN MEETING LAW TRAINING

OLD BUSINESS
Road & Bridge Loader Lease

NEW BUSINESS
Medically Indigent Claims

Quarterly Reports

Cancellation of Property Taxes

Adopt Resolution #2005-11 - Airport Aid Program Project

Enforcement of County Ordinances - Singlewide Trailers, Cars on County right-of-ways, Junk Cars.

Extension Office Building Lease

Fence Damage Due to Snowplowing

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4/15/05 Special Meeting Notice Hosted by the Lincoln County Wyoming Commissioners in Montpelier:

The Lincoln County Commissioners have scheduled a meeting on Friday, April 15, 2005 at 10:00 A.M. at the Montpelier City, Idaho Town Hall in the Council Chambers located at 534 Washington Street, Montpelier, Idaho.

They are inviting the County Commissioners, Sheriffs and County Attorneys for Bonneville County, Bear Lake County, Caribou County & Lincoln County.

They will be discussing MOU's for fire, ems and law enforcement.
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4/11/05 Commissioners Meeting Minutes:

The Board of Bear Lake County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, April 11, 2005, beginning at 9:00 A. M. in the Commissioners Room of the Courthouse Annex in Paris, Idaho. Members of the Board present, Dwight L. Cochran, Chairman of the Board, Conrad E. Michaelson, Vaughn Rasmussen, and Kerry Haddock, Clerk of the Board.

Brent Bunn, Sheriff, Rodney Wallentine, Treasurer, Greg Skinner, Road & Bridge Supervisor, Dan Chadwick, Executive Director of the Idaho Association of Counties, Rosa Moosman, Editor for the News-Examiner, Bill Stock and Paul Underwood also attended the meeting.

OPEN MEETING LAW
Dan Chadwick answered questions about Idaho's open meeting law. He stated that although administrative matters do not have to be done in an open meeting, it is good to conduct as much business as possible in open meetings. There was discussion on several specific examples concerning meetings some of the Commissioners had attended and other things that had been done. Mr. Chadwick discussed those and talked about other cases that had occurred around the state.

Lynn Lewis, Assessor, Ardee Helm, Prosecuting Attorney, Ross Walker, and Jo Ann Taylor joined the meeting.

Regarding Planning & Zoning Mr. Chadwick stated that the Commissioners could over rule the Planning and Zoning Board, but could only consider evidence presented in a public meeting in doing so. Attorney Helm stated that he felt the discussion was not appropriate as it was not on the agenda. Mr. Chadwick stated that since he was only giving general information and the Commission was not deliberating toward a decision that his discussion was not a violation of the open meeting law.

ELECTED OFFICIALS MEETING
Sheriff Bunn presented his report of spending for the first ½ of the year. He stated that increasing gas prices were going to be a significant problem for his department. He reported on Incident Command training held in Montpelier over the weekend.

Treasurer Wallentine presented 18 parcels that will be tax deeded in May's Commissioners Meeting if taxes were not paid. He stated that this was considerably more than he had seen in past years.

CLOUD SEEDING
Jo Ann Taylor from the Bear Lake Soil and Water Conservation District presented a report on cloud seeding in the County. She suggested having a consultant examine our seeding locations. Commissioner Michaelson agreed to attend cloud seeding meetings.

GEM COMMUNITY COMMITTEE
Ross Walker from the Montpelier Gem Community Committee met with the Commissioners requesting help with cleaning up abandoned vehicles in the County. He stated that Hennings Salvage yard would pay $25 to $50 for cars towed to the salvage yard. He asked for help in towing these vehicles. Greg Skinner stated that this would interfere with higher priority items for his crews. Commissioners indicated that there was not enough in the budget and that the County might be competing with private industry in doing so.

Commissioner Cochran excused himself to attend an Oregon Trail Center visit to a museum in Oregon. Commissioner Michaelson took the Chair.

PREVIOUS MINUTES APPROVED
Commissioner Rasmussen made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Michaelson to approve minutes for the March 11, 2005 and March 21, 2005 meetings with one correction.

WESTERN STATES LOADER
The lease/purchase agreement with Wells Fargo Equipment Finance was presented for signature. Attorney Helm had not completed his analysis of the purchase and lease agreement. Clerk Haddock agreed to get him additional information.

Roy Bunderson joined the meeting.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT APPLICATIONS
The applications for the Emergency Manager position were reviewed. It was decided to discuss them in executive session later in the day.

RISK MANAGER
The position of Risk Manager was discussed. Commissioner Rasmussen made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Michaelson that a paying salary be discontinued and that elected officials that desire attend risk management certification training and form a risk management team. Motion passed unanimously.

LONGEVITY PAY
The issue of longevity pay was discussed. Commissioner Michaelson stated that the current policy is to add $50.00 per month for each 5 years of service, to the base pay of all full-time employees and elected officials. The concept of longevity pay was discussed at length. Most felt that it was not the best way to determine pay. The consensus was that pay should be determined by skills required to do the job and performance. Elected officials should be paid according to job responsibilities and in line with other counties of similar size. Commissioner Michaelson suggested a review of salaries in the county. Assessor Lewis agreed to head a study assisted by Commissioner Rasmussen.

PARIS CITY ROAD ISSUES
The City of Paris asked the help of the County in straightening the Paris Canyon road in one spot. Roy Bunderson stated that there were some issues with the right-of-way in that area. Commissioners agreed that if the city would define the right-of-way, the County would help straighten the road. They also wanted help improving other roads in the city. Commissioners agreed to help with labor if the city would supply the material.

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

Fred Nate - North of the Airport
Fred Nate - South of the Airport - 3,500.00

Chad Hulme - North of the Airport - $2,031.00
Chad Hulme - South of the Airport - $3,303.00

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

Commissioner Rasmussen made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Michaelson to award bids for hay grown at the Airport to the highest bidders as follows: North of the Airport to Chad Hulme for $2,031.00 and South of the Airport to Fred Nate for $3,500.00. Motion unanimously carried.

COUNTY - CITY MEETING
Commissioner Rasmussen expressed a desire to hold a meeting with all the incorporated cities in the County to discus various issues and agreed to set up the meeting.

AREA MEETING
Lincoln County officials invited Commissioners and Law enforcement officials from Bear Lake, Caribou, and Bonneville Counties to discuss emergency services in state border areas. Meeting will be in Montpelier on Friday.

EMPLOYEES ON BOARDS
There was a discussion as to whether the current County Personnel Policy allowed County employees to serve on County Boards such as Planning and Zoning. It was decided to discuss the current County Personnel Policy at the next meeting.

MAPPING AND ADDRESSING
The need to update the County's rural addressing system was discussed. Need to define who is responsible. Commissioner Michaelson will set up a meeting with all the effected county entities.

COUNTY BOARDS
It was noted that there were several County Boards with members whose terms had expired. The Commissioners agreed to contact these Boards and get them up to date. They agreed to eliminate the Weed Board.

COUNTY FUNDS
There is still some confusion over what kind of spending is allowed under the Idaho Constitution. Spending for such entities as the Oregon Trail Center and Bear Lake Chamber of Commerce were questioned. Commissioner Rasmussen agreed to get a legal opinion for the next meeting.

PACIFICORP FUNDS
Glen Pond, Pacificorp representative, met with the Board. He informed them that Utah Power would ask the Public Utilities Commission for a rate increase this year. This should be kept in mind in preparing next year's budget. He then discussed the availability of grant funds for projects that will benefit the quality of the Bear River and the habitat for Bonneville Cutthroat Trout.

OPEN MEETING TRAINING
Training was postponed until all Commissioners will be present.

REHABILITATION PROGRAM
County Attorney Ardee Helm expressed his desire to set up a rehabilitation program in the County. He explained that since the County does not have a jail and that 75% of the crimes committed in the County were a result of substance abuse, this might be a better use of funds. He would like to set up a budget for a pilot program.

CLAIMS ALLOWED PAID
The Commissioners reviewed and unanimously approved claims as submitted, authorizing Clerk Haddock to make payment as follows:

CURRENT EXPENSE 50537-50605 $22,695.95
ROAD & BRIDGE 50176-50197 17,187.94
AMBULANCE 50073-50081 7,253.75
DISTRICT COURT 50125-50136 14,534.03
FAIR 50023-50025 66.31
JUVENILE JUSTICE 50073-50081 1,553.96
COURTHOUSE CAPITAL 50003 11,765.13
DISTRICT HEALTH 50025-50027 530.59
CHARITY 50022-50024 281.25
 
CURRENT EXPENSE 459-503 $58,002.73
ROAD & BRIDGE 504-518 31,074.37
AMBULANCE 519 1,000.50
DISTRICT COURT 520-523 5,743.44
FAIR 524 107.74
INSURANCE & WITHHOLDINGS
 
CURRENT EXPENSE 500528-50536 $52,096.67
ROAD & BRIDGE 50168-50175 25,452.10
AMBULANCE 50071-50072 155.46
DISTRICT COURT 50117-50124 5,959.73
FAIR 50022 724.20
911 50015-50018 $416.77
REVALUATION 50057-50059 587.79
SOLID WASTE 50107-50112 3,171.05
WEED CONTROL 50067-50073 4,667.70
SPECIAL BRIDGE 50004 2,106.63
SNOWMOBILE 50078-50088 7,342.27
WATERWAYS 50028-50030 831.25
AIRPORT 50046-50053 3,221.51
PAYROLL
 
JUVENILE JUSTICE 525-527 $3,750.38
REVALUATION 528-529 4,009.57
SOLID WASTE 530-534 10,840.70
WEED CONTROL 535-536 3,062.49
SNOWMOBILE 537-538 1,573.18
 
 
JUVENILE JUSTICE 50067-50072 $2,299.22
REVALUATION 50051-50056 5,977.02
SOLID WASTE 50099-50106 7,103.65
WEED CONTROL 50062-50066 1,987.67
SNOWMOBILE 50075-50077 1,332.62

Because only 2 Commissioners were present and one did not feel well it was decided to continue the meeting on April 25, 2005 to conclude scheduled business.

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

/s/ Dwight L. Cochran______________
DWIGHT L. COCHRAN, Chairman

 

/s/ Kerry Haddock____________
ATTEST: KERRY HADDOCK, Clerk

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4/11/05 Commissioners Meeting Notice:

9:00 A.M.

9:15 A.M. ELECTED OFFICIALS MEETING

9:25 A.M. JOANN TAYLOR - Bear Lake Soil Conservation District - Cloud Seeding Report

9:30 A.M. ROSS WALKER - Gem Community Committee (Montpelier) Assistance from County Clean-up, etc.

9:45 A.M.

10:00 A.M.

10:15 A.M.

10:30 A.M.

10:45 A.M. BRENT LEWIS - City of Paris Roads/Search & Rescue Funding

11:00 A.M. AIRPORT HAY BID OPENING

11:15 A.M.

11:30 A.M.

11:45 A.M.

LUNCH

1:30 P.M. COMMISSIONER RASMUSSEN - Glenn Pond Presentation

1:45 P.M. " "

2:00 P.M. ARDEE HELM - Open Meeting Training

2:30 P.M. ARDEE HELM - Opening Meeting Training Continued

2:45 P.M. ARDEE HELM - Funding of Rehabilitation Programs

OLD BUSINESS
Approve Minutes of Previous Meetings

Select Emergency Management Coordinator

Road & Bridge Loader Lease

NEW BUSINESS
Road & Bridge/Solid Waste/Garbage Issues

Medically Indigent Claims

Quarterly Reports

County/City Meeting

County Personnel Policies

Risk Manager & Longevity Pay

Mapping - Assessor/Road & Bridge

Cancellation of Property Taxes

County Boards

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