1/31/06 Special Commissioners Meeting Minutes:

The Board of Bear Lake County Commissioners met on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 beginning at 9:00 A.M. in the Commissioners Room of the Courthouse Annex in Paris, Idaho to conduct Medically Indigent Hearings, to discuss and make decisions on Economic Development Corporation appointments and to appoint a Special Prosecutor for a Hospital Loan. Members of the Board present were Dwight L. Cochran, Chairman, Conrad E Michaelson, Vaughn Rasmussen and Kerry Haddock, Clerk of the Board.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Commissioner Rasmussen made a motion seconded by Commissioner Michaelson to convene an executive session to conduct two indigent hearings for Case #2005-24 and Case #2005-28.

At the conclusion of the hearings, Commissioner Rasmussen made a motion to recess the executive session and to reconvene the regular meeting.

HEARING EXTENDED
Commissioner Rasmussen made a motion seconded by Commissioner Michaelson to extend the two indigent hearings until the next Commissioners meeting on February 13, 2006. Motion was unanimous

Following the executive session, Bill Stock, Paul Underwood and Bill Pattis joined the meeting.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Commissioner Michaelson reported on a meeting of the Economic Development Corporation held earlier that morning. The Corporation is in the process of reorganizing and reestablishing their 501(3)(C) status. Commissioner Michaelson made a motion seconded by Commissioner Rasmussen to appoint Vaughn Rasmussen, K. B. Rasmussen and Ivan Leonhardt as new County representatives to the Economic Development Corporation. Motion was unanimous.

SPECIAL PROSECUTOR
The Commissioners were asked by the Hospital administration to appoint a special prosecutor to review legal documents in regards to financing between the Idaho Health Facilities Authority and Bear Lake County. Based on the information received Commissioner Michaelson made a motion seconded by Commissioner Rasmussen to appoint Clyde G. Nelson as Special Prosecutor for the purpose of advising Bear Lake Memorial Hospital regarding financing from the Idaho Health Facilities Authority. Motion was unanimous.

RELICTED LANDS
Commissioner Michaelson reported on an entity that had plans to build a large marina on the east side of Bear Lake. They had approached the Public Lands Department in Boise but had not approached County Planning and Zoning. He stated that he would like to write a letter to the Public Lands Department requesting the County's input regarding any private structures on public lands. This will be put on the agenda for February's regular meeting.

PLOWING PRIVATE ROADS
Commissioner Michaelson expressed concern that the County was still plowing snow on a few private roads. He felt that we should not plow private roads until they meet County standards and are accepted into the County road system. This will be put on the agenda for February's regular meeting.


______________________________
DWIGHT L. COCHRAN, Chairman

ATTEST:_____________________________
KERRY HADDOCK, Clerk

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1/9/06 Commissioners Meeting Minutes:

The Board of Bear Lake County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, January 9, 2006, beginning at 9:00 A.M. in the Commissioners Room of the Courthouse Annex in Paris, Idaho. Members of the Board present were Dwight L. Cochran, Chairman of the Board, Conrad E. Michaelson, Vaughn Rasmussen and Kerry Haddock, Clerk of the Board.

Rodney Wallentine, Treasurer, Lynn Lewis, Assessor, Greg Skinner, Road and Bridge Supervisor, Todd Boehme, Rosa Moosman, Editor of the News- Examiner, Paul Underwood and Bill Stock also attended the meeting.

ELECTED OFFICIALS MEETING
Treasurer Wallentine presented information regarding tax collections in December showing that 62% of the total tax charge had been collected through the first installment due date. Assessor Lewis talked about addressing. Bill Stock asked if there was a way to make people post their addresses. The Commissioners expressed that there wasn't a way to do this at this time. Clerk Haddock reported that each polling place will have a Voter Assist Terminal to assist handicapped voters beginning with the Primary election in May. These were purchased by the State with Federal funds received in conjunction with the "Help America Vote Act" (HAVA). The Clerk and his staff will be conducting training sessions with election staff prior to the May election.

BOARD OF EQUALIZATION
The Commissioners convened as a Board of Equalization as required by Idaho Code. There was no business.

MINUTES APPROVED
Commissioner Michaelson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Rasmussen to approve the minutes of the December 12th regular meeting and the December 21st and January 3rd special meetings. Motion was unanimous.

ROAD AND BRIDGE ISSUES
Greg Skinner and Todd Boehme met with the Commissioners to discuss Road and Bridge issues. Mr. Skinner reported that he was working on a Grant to upgrade an area on the Nounan Road. He presented two quotes to upgrade the electrical service at the County Shops. Utah Power will also have to do some upgrades. He also stated that they were getting a lot of calls on icy roads and were running low on cinders. The High School had requested help seal coating their parking lot. The Commissioners suggested that they should get bids in the private sector. Clerk Haddock presented for signature a supplemental grant agreement for increased costs to the Outlet Canal Bridge due to changes in environmental regulations.

SEICAA RENTAL ASSISTANCE
Deb Hemmert, Julia Campbell and Karen Briand, representing the Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency met with the Council to ask for an increase in funding their office rent. The County currently pays $100 of their $450 rent. They asked the Commissioners to increase funding to $225 per month and stated that they were going to approach the City of Montpelier for a like amount. SEICAA provides energy assistance, food commodities and other services for low income families. They stated that the need for services in Bear Lake was increasing. Commissioner Michaelson made a motion seconded by Commissioner Rasmussen to increase the funding to $225 per month. Motion was unanimous. They also discussed a self-help housing program that they would like to introduce in Bear Lake where individuals use their own time to help build their house. They asked for a letter of support from the Commissioners regarding this program. Commissioner Rasmussen made a motion seconded by Commissioner Michaelson to write a letter of support for the program. Motion was unanimous.

SEARCH AND RESCUE GRANT
Craig Bunn, representing Search & Rescue, asked the Commissioners for a letter of support for a Parks and Recreation grant they were pursuing to purchase an inflatable raft to be used by the dive team. Total cost of the raft would be $16,000 with 75% coming from the grant and the remaining to be split between Search and Rescue and the Waterways Department. Commissioner Rasmussen made a motion seconded by Commissioner Michaelson to sign a letter of support for the grant. Motion was unanimous.

PARKS AND RECREATION
Kirk Rich reported that there might be funds available from Parks and Recreation to help with the potential upgrading of the road from Dingle to Bear Lake. The County has made a grant application for funds for the project but would need additional funds to complete the project. He also was seeking a grant to help pay for a shed to house trail groomers at the base of Paris Canyon. The balance of the project costs would come from the current snowmobile fund. Commissioner Michaelson made a motion seconded by Commissioner Rasmussen to sign a letter of support for the grant. Motion was unanimous. Mr. Rich also informed the Commissioners that the Department of Parks and Recreation had made application for grant funding for improving or replacing the water tank at the Bear Lake East Beach State Park.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Sherry Brown presented a written request for release of funds to the Historical Society for support of the Oregon Trail Center where the Rails and Trails Museum is housed. Commissioner Michaelson made a motion seconded by Commissioner Rasmussen to release the funds this year and establish a separate taxing levy for next year to support museums. Motion was unanimous.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Paul Underwood, representing the Bear Lake Chamber of Commerce, met with the Commissioners to discuss cloud seeding and the upcoming hill climbs. Commissioner Rasmussen made a motion seconded by Commissioner Michaelson to pay the cloud seeding bill. Motion was unanimous. The Commissioners also agreed to move snow to help with preparation for the hill climbs.

GENEVA ROADS
David Peterson, Rodney Boehme, Joel Tuescher and Richard Loertscher met with the Commissioners regarding some roads, culverts and cattleguards in the Geneva area that need attention. They expressed several safety concerns and stated that there was not much work done in the Geneva area while Montpelier Canyon was closed. Mr. Skinner was aware of their concerns and had many of these projects on his schedule for the summer.

JAIL COMMITTEE
Commissioner Rasmussen reported that Paul Underwood and Alan Michaelson would serve on the jail committee. There will be a jail committee meeting February 15th.

SHERIFF'S REPORT
Sheriff Bunn presented his monthly report and annual financial report. He also reported that he had contacted a firm in Phoenix that might be able to supply the mobile command vehicle.

RESOLUTION NO. 2006-03 - AIRPORT BUDGET
The Commissioners acted unanimously to adopt Resolution #2006-03 to increase the Airport Budget.

RESOLUTION #2006-03

Pursuant to Idaho Code 31-1605, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Bear Lake Board of County Commissioners hereby authorize and direct the Bear Lake County Prosecuting Attorney to petition the District Court to open the Fiscal Year 2005-2006 budget to increase the following budget:

AIRPORT

COMMISSIONER DISTRICTS
Pursuant to Idaho Code 31-704, which requires that the Commissioners set the Commissioners' districts for the 2006 election, Commission Rasmussen made a motion seconded by Commissioner Michaelson to set the districts the same as they were for the 2004 election. Motion was unanimous.

RESIDENCY AFFIDAVITS
Residency affidavits were approved for Junior College scholarships for the following: Karen Lee Derricott, Jennifer L. Stevens, Kasey Lee Derricott, Krystal Rae Derricott and Morgan Kidd.

TAX CANCELLATION
An application for cancellation of property taxes due to a hardship was reviewed by the Commissioners. The Commissioners decided to have the applicant attend the next Commissioners meeting to get more information.

STREAMBANK RESTORATION BANK
The Commissioners were asked by the Bear Lake Regional Commission to sign letters of support for streambank restoration grants to individuals along the Thomas Fork River. Commissioner Michaelson made a motion seconded by Commissioner Rasmussen to sign the letters. Motion was unanimous.

GEM PLAN RESOLUTION #2006-04
The Commissioners acted unanimously to approve Resolution No. 2006-04 in support of the Gem Plan as follows:

RESOLUTION #2006-04

WHEREAS, there are currently 20 counties participating in a multi-county, self-funded health care plan known as the GemPlan; and

WHEREAS, there is considerable effort being put forth by the Department of Insurance, major insurance carriers, and some Idaho legislators, to place cumbersome and costly regulatory requirements on the GemPlan, which is contrary to current Idaho law; and not consistent with requirements typically placed on governmental entities; and

WHEREAS, the reasoning for such efforts is their perception that GemPlan benefits unfairly from these regulatory exclusions, that GemPlan will leave providers unpaid and result in employees paying for medical claims, or leave counties who continue to participate in the plan paying for medical claims of those who exit the plan with a negative fund balance; and

WHEREAS, GemPlan has experienced financial challenges typical for a new health care plan and proposed regulation could further burden its effort, possibly forcing the GemPlan to dissolve, which could leave Idaho counties, especially small counties, with few options for employee health care coverage and the added responsibility to reconcile current debt without the opportunity to build the plan toward a stronger financial position; and

WHEREAS, member counties wish to convey to the legislators and the DOI the GemPlan's willingness for some oversight and regulation, its desire to benefit from any mentoring, advice, or reasonable structure agreed upon by the legislators, the DOI and the GemPlan which will enhance its ability to succeed; and

WHEREAS, GemPlan further wishes to alleviate and neutralize fears now held by some legislators and the DOI by committing to the following;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that member counties recognize that long-term success of the plan is contingent upon a long-term commitment by each member county; and member counties are willing to make that commitment should a compromise be reached between the DOI, the legislators and the GemPlan regarding the pending legislation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board of Bear Lake County Commissioners, in conjunction with the counties now in GemPlan and any new members who join agree to continue participation in the plan as GemPlan negotiates with the legislators and the DOI to develop the appropriate level of regulation and explore all future options, or agree to pay all claims including run-out claims incurred by their county, therefore stemming concerns to pay the medical expenses of those who exited; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, in the event of plan dissolution all member counties agree to exit simultaneously and pay their respective claims including run-out claims as provided in the Joint Powers Agreement again laying to rest the fears of adverse selection and assuring appropriate financial responsibility; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, the counties in the GemPlan ask that the Idaho legislators and the DOI, through a mentoring role be sensitive to GemPlan's challenging situation by allowing it at least a year to show improved results, and monitor it as it builds toward success of the program and the best interest of the participating counties.

APPROVED THIS 9TH DAY OF JANUARY 2006.

DWIGHT L. COCHRAN, Chairman

ATTEST:
KERRY HADDOCK, Clerk

DECEMBER BILLS PAID
Commissioner Rasmussen made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Michaelson to approved December's bills. Motion was unanimous.

CURRENT EXPENSE 574-949 $68,542.60 911 719-722 $ 824.51
ROAD & BRIDGE 654-678 37,289.37 REVALUATION 723-724 525.21
AMBULANCE 679-678 36,618.80 SOLID WASTE 725-737 12,794.42
DISTRICT COURT 692-772 4,446.85 WEED CONTROL 738-749 22,293.58
FAIR 701 20,000.00 SNOWMOBILE 750-757 1,020.74
JUVENILE JUSTICE 702-707 475.07 WATERWAYS 758-761 275.38
DISTRICT HEALTH 708-713 11,712.33 AIRPORT 762-768 268,441.18
ROAD & BRIDGE CAP. 714 11,184.45 DISTRICT COURT TRUST 801-951 39,821.31

PAYROLL/INSURANCE & WITHHOLDINGS
CURRENT EXPENSE 1274-1396 $115,818.65 MISDEMEANOR PROB. 1338-1402 $ 908.23
ROAD & BRIDGE 1315-1397 57,687.36 REVALUATION 1339-1403 7,579.53
AMBULANCE 1329-1398 1,154.35 SOLID WASTE 1341-1404 21,713.49
DISTRICT COURT 1330-1399 11,496.08 WEED CONTROL 1346-1405 4,710.74
FAIR 1333-1400 129.36 SNOWMOBILE 1348-1406 6,529.14
JUVENILE JUSTICE 1334-1401 7,272.15

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Commissioner Michaelson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Rasmussen to convene an executive session per Idaho Code 67-2345, to discuss medically indigent cases. Motion was unanimous.

Case #2005-43 - Denied - Not the last resource; Application is incomplete; Applicant failed to cooperate with the County.
Case #2005-44 - Denied - No emergency exists; Not the last resource; Applicant failed to cooperate with the County.
Case #2005-45 - Denied - Not the last resource; Application is incomplete; Applicant failed to cooperate with the County.
Case #2005-46 - Denied - Not the last resource; Application is incomplete; Applicant failed to cooperate with the County.
Case # 2005-48 - Denied - Not medically Indigent - has discretionary Income; Not the last resource.
Case #2005-49 - Denied - Not the last resource; Application is incomplete; Applicant failed to cooperate with the County.
Case #2005-50 - Denied - 3rd Party Applicant withdrew application - applicant paid in full; Not the last resource; Application is incomplete; Applicant failed to cooperate with the County.

At the conclusion, Commissioner Michaelson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Rasmussen to adjourn the executive session and to reconvene the regular meeting.

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

______________________________
DWIGHT L. COCHRAN, Chairman

ATTEST:______________________________
KERRY HADDOCK, Cl
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1/3/06 Special Commissioners Meeting Minutes:

The Board of Bear Lake County Commissioners met in a special session at 9:00 A.M. on January 3, 2006 in the Commissioner's Room of the Courthouse Annex in Paris, Idaho. Members present were Dwight L. Cochran, Chairman, Conrad E. Michaelson, Vaughn Rasmussen and Kerry Haddock, Clerk of the Board.

Colleen Kelsey, Deputy Clerk, also attended the meeting.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Commissioner Rasmussen made a motion seconded by Commissioner Michaelson to recess the regular meeting and to convene an executive session per Idaho Code 67-2345 to discuss medically indigent cases. Motion was unanimous.

#2005-40 - Denied - Not the last resource, Application is incomplete, Applicant failed to cooperate with the County.
#2005-41 - Denied - Not the last resource - Medicaid/SSI - pending.

Commissoner Rasmussen made a motion seconded by Commissioner Michaelson to adjourn the executive session and the reconvene the regular meeting. Motion was unanimous.

GEM PLAN - RON RAMIREZ
Ron Ramirez met with the Commissioners regarding legislation being proposed by the State Department of Insurance that could be detrimental to the Gem Plan. The Gem Plan is a multi-county, self-funded health care plan, which has 20 counties participating, including Bear Lake. The legislation would make Gem Plan an insurance company, which would substantially increase their reserve requirements. Mr. Ramirez asked the Commissioners to pass a resolution in support for the Plan and to contact local Legislators asking for their support in defeating the bill. The Commissioners were very supportive of the Gem Plan and agreed to pass the resolution in their January 9, 2006 meeting subject to review from the Prosecuting Attorney.

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

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1/9/06 Commissioners Meeting Notice:

9:00 A.M.

9:15 A.M. ELECTED OFFICIALS MEETING

9:30 A.M. DEB HEMMERT - SEICAA - Rental Assistance

9:45 A.M. CRAIB BUNN - Search & Rescue Grant

10:00 A.M. BEAR LAKE HISTORICAL SOCIETY - Oregon Trail Center Funding/New Board Members

10:15 A.M. KIRK RICH - Letters Regarding Grant Applications for Snowmobile/Waterways

10:30 A.M.

10:45 A.M.

11:00 A.M.

11:15 A.M.

11:30 A.M.

11:45 A.M. DAVID PETERSEN - Concerned Citizens - County Roads

LUNCH

1:30 P.M.

1:45 P.M.

2:00 P.M.

OLD BUSINESS
Road & Bridge/Solid Waste Issues

Cloud Seeding

NEW BUSINESS
Road & Bridge/Solid Waste Issues

Approve December's bills/Minutes

Commissioner Districts

Junior College Residency Affidavits

Property Tax Cancellation

Board of Equalization

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