Top
of Page
|
|
2/24/04 Commissioners Special Meeting
The Board of Bear Lake County Commissioners met briefly on Tuesday, February 24, 2004, at the request of Ron Ramirez allowing him to present information about the Gem Plan in the Commissioners Room of the Courthouse Annex in Paris, Idaho, beginning at 11:00 A.M. Board Members present included, Don C. Clark, Chairman of the Board, Dwight L. Cochran, Conrad E. Michaelson and Joan P. Eborn, Clerk of the Board.
Lynn Lewis, Assessor, Rodney Wallentine, Treasurer, Craig and Eileen Bunn, April Loveland - Farmers Insurance, Mike Kunz - Insurance Designers and Tom Hulme - Blue Cross of Idaho Agent also attended the meeting.
Ron Ramirez informed those attending he was a Teton County Commissioner and had previously owned an insurance agency. He presented the Gem Plan, (Governmental Employers Medical Plan) which as proposed consists of counties joining together in an effort to self-fund major medical insurance benefits for their employees. Many of the counties are having to reduce benefits each year to fund the insurance for their employees, some are going to higher and buy-down deductibles while others are no longer paying premiums for the employees dependents and some only pay a portion of the employees insurance.
Member counties will join the plan by executing a Joint Powers Agreement, which allows them to become owners of the plan. The Mutual Group out of Pocatello will manage the program and they will be paid 5% for the agents and other operational costs. The other 95% of the contributions would stay in the trust fund. They have also purchased a re-insurance policy with ING Company for any claims exceeding $75,000.
The Gem Plan will be governed by a Board of Trustees. That Board will be comprised of elected public officials voted in by the member counties. The Gem Plan will be owned and controlled by the counties and is for counties only.
The larger the group is, the more stable it is. They have approximately 12 counties who will be joining the Gem Plan on or before April 1st. Commissioner Romirez encouraged the Commissioners to join the Gem Plan as soon as possible.
He indicated Western Benefits Solution/Blue Cross of Idaho could be impacted by so many of the counties leaving their poll to join the Gem Plan.
It was noted some of the employee's applications have already been sent to Mutual and the rest will follow by fax for premium cost analysis
The failure of the Upper Valley Alliance Insurance program was discussed and it was determined they were grossly under-funded and the reinsurance they purchased was from an inadequate group who went broke causing some claims to be left unpaid.
Some discussion ensued about some horrendous claims activity in various counties and the impact something like that would have on the Gem Plan.
Benefits for the first year would remain the same plus some additional benefits as what the counties now provide for their employees through whatever insurance they participate in. The cost would be 5% less than the present premium paid to Blue Cross of Idaho by Bear Lake County. However, the Gem Plan Administrators are asking counties to hold in reserve that 5% in case of an excess of major medical claim expenses. The renewal date would be extended to January 1, 2005 rather than October 1, 2004 with the present coverage.
Ramirez said they are contacting various medical providers asking them to sign agreements with the Gem Plan the same as the present insurer's PPO plans.
Many of the counties in Idaho are self funding now and have reported success in doing so. He suggested the Commissioners contact the following counties in regards to their self-funded programs: Ada, Bannock, Bonner, Canyon, Franklin, Kootenai and Power. He stated self funding does work and saves money.
Additional benefits include a $2,000,000 lifetime benefit per insured, early retiree coverage, 100% mammography coverage, contraceptive coverage, wellness/preventive care benefits-$300 per covered person per calendar year, smoking cessation coverage $500 lifetime benefit, weight loss management coverage and 100% coverage for flu vaccinations and immunizations.
On-going increases in health care costs and insurance premiums have made it necessary for counties to look for avenues to curb costs for the entities as well as Idaho's taxpayer. Rameriz indicated those involved hope and anticipate the Gem Plan will be the answer. The Board of Trustees feels confident the self-funded pool will be successful, they have financial stability and good sound reinsurance.
Meeting adjourned subject to recall by the Chairman or his order.
The Board of Bear Lake County Commissioners began meeting at 9:00 A.M., Monday, February 9th, 2004, in the Commissioners Room of the Courthouse Annex in Paris, Idaho. Members of the Board present: Don C. Clark, Chairman of the Board, Dwight L. Cochran, Conrad E. Michaelson and Joan P. Eborn, Clerk of the Board.
Ardee Helm, Prosecuting Attorney, Lynn Lewis, Assessor, Rodney Wallentine, Treasurer, Greg Skinner, Road & Bridge and Rosa Moosman, Editor of the News Examiner also attended the meeting.
Chairman Clark offered the opening prayer and called the meeting to order to conduct county business as follows:
ELECTED OFFICIALS MEETING
Lynn Lewis, Assessor talked about dishonesty in the workplace
and Rodney Wallentine, Treasurer reported he had sent pending
issues for unpaid tax and asked about a bankruptcy situation.
Attorney Helm advised him to file another claim.
SOLID WASTE ISSUES
Dale Thornock, Chief Deputy Assessor said an individual applying
for a building permit to build a garage objected to paying the
additional fee associated with the new solid waste policy. It
was stated the fee was intended for residential and commercial
buildings. They discussed collecting the fee for barns and sheds
and whether the value of the buildings being constructed should
be considered before collecting the fee. It was also decided the
county would contact the five municipalities in the county asking
for their assistance by collecting the fee for the county when
they process building permits.
Al Harrison, Bear Lake Regional Commission joined the meeting in progress indicating he thought that the Bear Lake West Homeowners Association charge a refundable $500 garbage fee for new construction projects and they might think that's all they have to pay.
The Commissioners acted unanimously to add to the Solid Waste Policy on page 2, paragraph 2, the following: "A minimum charge of $240 for a 300 gallon bin or $300 for a 450 gallon dumpster must be paid to the Bear Lake County Assessor prior to obtaining a building permit in Bear Lake County "for any residential or commercial structure, but does not include detached garages or farm buildings."
Roy Bunderson joined the meeting in progress.
SOLID WASTE FEE COMPLAINT
Lyman Kunz read portions of a letter to the Commission in regards
to the landfill service and presented copies of two receipts,
one in 1994 and one in 1996 for $5.00 each saying he will continue
to pay the same fee as nonresidents do when they use the landfill.
If and when he uses the pickup service he will pay for it. He
is still very much opposed to the fee being applied to his tax
notices.
PUBLIC DEFENDER
Steve Wuthrich, Public Defender reviewed a letter he had written
to Ardee Helm, Prosecuting Attorney stating he had received no
pay increases as public defender since signing the original contract
in 2001, not even a cost of living adjustment. He stated his workload
has increased about 33%. In 2001, he handled 56 cases, in 2002,
53 cases and in 2003, 79 cases. His current annual payment rate
is $26,000 and 33% of that figure would amount to an increase
of $8,580. He asked the Commissioners to increase the contract
amount they pay him as the public defender to $34,000. He also
voiced concern about problems created by the policy some jail
facilities have whereby the prisoners are not allowed to call
him unless they make a collect call through a phone system at
the jail even though the calls would ordinarily be toll free.
He related an incident when a telephone block had mistakenly been
placed on calls to him from prisoners and he was concerned. He
feels the calling system may be a way for the jail facilities
to make additional revenue. The county is reimbursing him for
the collect calls but it is an additional expense.
He also informed the Commissioners people in the county with drug and alcohol problems are not receiving the rehabilitation services they need. Road to Recovery no longer provides that service in Bear Lake County.
The Commissioners agreed to consider the increase in the FY 2005 Budget projections.
COURTHOUSE CONSTRUCTION PERSENTATION
Stan Cole and Bruce Poe, representing Cole Association Architects
presented information and pictures of the Jerome County Courthouse
Construction Project they are presently involved with. Sites,
programs and funding sources were discussed for the construction
of a new courthouse in Paris. Estimated costs range from $85 to
$125 a square foot.
DOCUMENTS SIGNED
The Commissioners unanimously approved and signed Certificates
of Residency Affidavits for Karen Lee Derricott, Stephen N. Caywood
and Clinton John Holjeson for their attendance at the College
of Southern Idaho.
Schedule of Bills Paid for the month of December 2003.
SNOWMOBILE BUDGET INCREASE RESOLUTION
Alan Eborn informed the Commissioners the Bear Lake, Franklin
and Caribou County Snowmobile program is the fastest growing program
in the State. Around 5000 Snowmobile users utilize the trails
and it is felt to be an economic boom to the County. He said they
have received a grant in the amount of $86,000 for equipment upgrades.
In order to spend the money the Snowmobile Budget will need to
be increased. Commissioner Michaelson made a motion, seconded
by Commissioner Cochran to adopt resolution #2004-05 to increase
the FY 2004 Snowmobile Budget $86,000 as provided in Idaho Code
31-1605, which allows the expenditure of unanticipated revenue.
Motion unanimously carried (SEE ATTACHED)
SOLID WASTE FEE CANCELLED
Marie Rasmussen met with the Commissioners asking for a cancellation
of the garbage fee applied to an unlived in 14' x 66' trailer.
Her request was made at the same time as others that were granted
cancellation prior to the change in the solid waste fee policy,
which disallowed exemptions for vacant homes. Commissioner Cochran
made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Michaelson to cancel the
fee due to her timely written request and information she had
received from the Clerk's Office. Motion unanimously carried.
RED PINE CANYON ROAD
Dallan Smith, Broker for Smith & Company Realty again met
with the Commissioners to summarize their position in regards
to the status of Red Pine Canyon Road reading parts of a letter
asking if that road really is a necessary public access. He said
his customer and potential buyer is requesting the county not
pursue legal action to declare free public access across property
he wishes to purchase at the lower end of Red Pine Canyon. It
was generally thought the road had always been used for various
activities and the residents in that area want the road left open
for public use. Various kinds of maintenance have been done on
the right-of-way through the years. Commissioner Michaelson asked
Attorney Helm to review and give an opinion to defend the county's
rights in regards to a prescriptive right-of-way on Red Pine Canyon
Road.
AIRPORT BUDGET INCREASE
Purusant to Idaho Code 31-1605, Commissioner Cochran made a motion
to adopt Resolution 2004-06 to increase the Airport Budget $76,172
to allow the expenditure of an unanticipated grant to improve
the county Airport. Commissioner Michaelson seconded the motion.
Motion unanimously carried. (SEE ATTACHED)
ALLRED CENTER
The Commissioners discussed a request from Ron Echols, High School
Principal to use the Allred Center for special education classes.
The condition of the building and the need of repairs and the
cost for heating the building were considered and one of the Commissioners
will contact the School about the repairs needed and payment of
the utilities before making a decision.
ROAD AND BRIDGE
Greg Skinner reported the Road & Bridge Employees are busy
with snow removal and diking. He asked if they had made a decision
as to who would replace Monte Transtrum as the Road and Bridge
Supervisor, as Transtrum had resigned from that position on January
23, 2004. He was told sometime during the day a decision would
be made.
Mr. Skinner asked about acquiring additional gravel sources in the Georgetown, Bennington and the 3 Mile area as well as the Wardboro and a mined-out State pit, indicating there was still some round rocks that could be used. He wondered if they could buy or lease the properties in question.
BOARD OF EQUALIZATION
Pursuant to Idaho Code 63-501, Commissioner Michaelson made a
motion to recess the regular meeting and to convene as a Board
of Equalization. Commissioner Cochran seconded the motion. Motion
unanimously carried.
There were no appeals to be heard or reviewed.
Commissioner Michaelson made a motion seconded by Commissioner Cochran to recess the Board of Equalization Meeting and to reconvene the regular meeting. Motion unanimously carried.
PREVIOUS MINUTES APPROVED
Commissioner Michaelson made a motion seconded by Commissioner
Cochran to approve the minutes of the meeting held on January
12th, 2004, as presented by Clerk Eborn. Motion unanimously carried.
Commissioner Cochran made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Michaelson to recess the Board of Equalization Meeting. Motion unanimously carried.
The meeting recessed for lunch reconvening at 1:30 P.M., to continue county business as follows:
PUBLIC INPUT
Roy Bunderson asked for a copy of the county designated road map.
Mr. Bunderson feels the map should be on record somewhere. Discussion
ensued as to roads designated under RS 2477 and whether the county
has taken a position to protect right-of-ways. The county has
and is trying to secure right-of-ways. Depositions are still needed
from some of the older population in the county to assist in that
effort. Mr.Bunderson cited examples where the Forest Service has
closed roads by ripping them up and by placing large rocks on
them, Worm Creek from old Clark Canyon and the Lefthand Fork.
When he complained, he was told by Hiedi, at the Forest Service,
quote "to keep your mouth shut if you don't want to have
problems with your permit."
He asked the Commissioners to allow comments from the public during the meeting rather than having a designated time on the agenda.
He also complained about the wording of a one paragraph letter the Clerk had written regarding $10,000 allocated to be used as matching funds for the construction of an information center in Montpelier during Fiscal Year 2005 wanting the letter to say budgeted rather than approved.
UPCOMING FLY-IN
Olean Parker informed the Commissioners about the Fly-in scheduled
for June 25th and 26th. He felt it was a good project last year
and should be bigger and better this year. He is trying to get
a B-25 plane on those days. He complained about the way he has
been treated at the Airport and said he was not allowed in one
of the Airport Board Meetings and also wondered why they refuse
to fly the state flag at the Airport. Chairman Clark will address
his concerns with the Board.
COURTHOUSE PLANS
Dan South representing Dome Technology presented brochures depicting
metal buildings that could be considered for a new courthouse
in Paris. Commissioner Michaelson asked if he could provide plans
and a cost estimate for a 100 x 150' building if he were given
a floor plan of the various offices and other needs. Commissioner
Michaelson felt the County could save money by eliminating architects
and/or engineers.
SHERIFF'S REPORT
Brent Bunn, Sheriff presented his department's report of activity
for the month of January, 2004, indicating it was a very busy
costly month for prisoner incarceration. He wondered if Search
and Rescue was going to be given the Sheriff's vehicle no longer
used by his department. Later during the meeting the Commissioners
agreed to transfer the 1995 Chevy Blazer to Search and Rescue.
SHERIFF'S DEPUTY
Pursuant to a request from Janet Michaelson for cash in lieu of
major medical benefits, Commissioner made a motion, seconded by
Commissioner Cochran to deny Janet's request. County policy does
not provide for medical insurance for part-time employees. Motion
unanimously carried. When asked, Commissioner Michaelson stated
Janet was not interested in PERSI benefits.
OREGON TRAIL CENTER
It was noted the Oregon Trail Center needs $5,000 to cover checks
written. No decision was made because the issue was not on the
published agenda.
ROAD & BRIDGE SUPERVISOR
Commissioner Cochran made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Michaelson
to appoint Greg Skinner as the Road & Bridge Supervisor effective
February 1, 2004. Motion unanimously carried. The Commissioners
are also considering one of the Road & Bridge Employees as
a lead man over the Solid Waste Department.
MAJOR MEDICAL INSURANCE PREVIEW
Due to requests from representatives of the Gem Plan, the Commissioners
acted unanimously to set up a meeting for January 23, 2004, beginning
at 11:00 A.M., in the Commissioners Room of the Courthouse Annex
in Paris, Idaho. At that time Gem Plan representatives will present
a major medical insurance program.
MEDICAL APPLICATIONS
The Commissioners reviewed medical claims as submitted by Clerk
Eborn, acting unanimously as follows:
Application #2003-07, approved, the individual is medically indigent.
Application #2004-02, denied, no emergency exists, services may not be necessary medical services, applicant is not medically indigent, application filed untimely, county may not be the last resource.
Application #2004-03, denied - no emergency
need exists, services may not be necessary
medical services, applicant is not medically indigent, county
may not be the last resource for funding.
CLAIMS ALLOWED PAID
The Commissioners reviewed and unanimously approved claims submitted
authorizing Clerk Eborn to make payment as follows:
HOSPITAL SOLID WASTE FEES
After a brief discussion in regards to the solid waste fees charged
to offices and buildings used by the Hospital and auxiliaries,
it was agreed the hospital would be charged per use of the dumpsters/bin
as other businesses.
Commissioner Michaelson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner
Cochran to adjourn the meeting subject to recall by the Chairman
or his order. Motion unanimously carried.
2/9/04 Commissioners Agenda Public Notice