9/28/06 Roadless Area Public Hearing Minutes:

The Board of Bear Lake County Commissioners met on Wednesday, September 28, 2006 at 7:00 P.M. in the Bear Lake County School Boardroom in Paris, Idaho to hold a public hearing and receive public input regarding roadless areas in Bear Lake County. Members of the Board present were Dwight L. Cochran, Chairman, Conrad E. Michaelson and Kerry Haddock, Clerk of the Board.

Others in attendance were Dennis Duehren, Kelly Jensen, Marlan Parker, Ora Parker, Allan Sparks, Bill Stock, Ron Jensen, John Findlay, Jerry Tueller, Dennis Tueller, Rosa Moosman, Glenn Transtrum, Wendell J. Johnson, George Lane and Wayne Keetch.

Commissioner Michaelson welcomed the public and stated the purpose of the meeting was to obtain public input and to give County input to Governor Kempthorn. Dennis Duehren, District Forest Ranger, presented the Forest Service plan for roadless areas with the aid of detailed maps. After discussion it was the consensus of the group to give the following recommendations to the Governor:

To generally support the Forest Service plan.

Keep all areas open for grazing.

Generally agree with roads, motorized trails and unmotorized trails provided.

Increase area for timber harvesting. More specifically to maintain 2.5 to 4.5 million board feet of annual average timber harvest.

Meeting adjourned.

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

ATTEST:/s/ Kerry Haddock, Clerk
KERRY HADDOCK, Clerk

Top of Page

9/12/05 Commissioners Meeting Minutes:

The Board of Bear Lake County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, September 12, 2005, in the Commissioners Room of the Courthouse Annex in Paris, Idaho beginning at 9:00 A.M. Members of the Board present were Dwight L. Cochran, Chairman, Conrad E. Michaelson, Vaughn Rasmussen and Kerry Haddock, Clerk of the Board.

Ardee Helm, Prosecuting Attorney, Lynn Lewis, Assessor, Rodney Wallentine, Treasurer, Brent Bunn, Sheriff, Bill Stock, Paul Underwood, Roy Bunderson, Scott Olsen, Chris Cochran, Kay Beck, Don McClellan, James Holman and Athena Reid also attended the meeting.

OREGON TRAIL CENTER
Roy Bunderson met with the Commission regarding funding for the Oregon Trail Center. Mr. Bunderson presented copies of Section 31-864 of the Idaho Code, which authorizes Counties to support historical societies and museums. In order to do this the county should levy and collect taxes for this purpose. The County should also receive a budget from the nonprofit corporation.

Greg Skinner Road and Bridge Supervisor, Rosa Moosman, Editor of the News- Examiner, and Al Harrison joined the meeting.

ELECTED OFFICIALS MEETING
Assessor Lynn Lewis presented a proposal to obtain a postage meter on a lease/purchase agreement. The cost would be $352 per month for 52 months. There would be considerable time saving and efficiencies. The Commissioners asked Mr. Lewis to investigate an outright purchase and bring it to the next meeting. Sheriff Bunn presented his monthly report. There were four prisoners in Montpelier and three in the Caribou County jail. He reported that his department and other County and City emergency personnel responded to a situation on Saturday with the Bicycle race. The racers encountered unexpected snow and cold temperatures in Emigration Canyon. Many of the racers were treated for hypothermia and discontinued the race in Montpelier. County emergency response personnel were highly complimented on their response.

DAVID LUI CAMPGROUND
Attorney James Holman and Athena Reid met with the Commissioners to review the Judges decision regarding the Brown lawsuit. Mr. Holman stated that the Judge reversed the decision of the Commission, but didn't say how to correct the error. He felt that the Commission should review the campground based on the information received by Planning and Zoning in the public hearing. He then made arguments as to why he felt the Commission should reverse the Planning and Zoning recommendation and grant the conditional use permit. Commissioner Michaelson explained that the Commissioners had decided to retain independent council prior to deciding on a course of action.

OPEN MEETING COMPLAINT
Rosa Moosman, Editor of the News-Examiner informed the Commission that she had filed a complaint for violation of Idaho's open meeting law against two Commissioners who attended an unadvertised meeting regarding economic development. Commissioner Rasmussen stated that he felt that they were not deliberating toward a decision. There was some discussion regarding the open meeting law and what constitutes deliberating toward a decision.

SNOW REMOVAL
Don McClellan met with the Commissioners to request occasional help from the County with snow removal on the North Pole Loop Road when the snow is very heavy. The road is a private road. Commissioner Rasmussen stated that the County would have to charge for the service and asked if Don had checked with private snow removers. Mr. McClellan stated that he doubted that the County's equipment could clear the road when fully blown in.

DEVELOPMENT PERMITS
Randy Erickson presented a proposed package that would be given to individuals seeking development permits. Commissioner Michaelson noted that typically we had only asked for an outline rather than complete plans. He questioned whether we had gone further than we had intended. We didn't want to restrict all agricultural buildings. Residential structures are what we were trying to control. There was discussion regarding several aspects of the proposed document. The need for a survey in all cases was questioned. Assessor Lewis informed the Commission of a case where an individual started a building on verbal approval. Mr. Erickson explained the situation, but was informed that poor planning was not the fault of the County and permits should be in place prior to building commencing. Mr. Erickson will rework the package with Planning and Zoning.

EMERGENCY CRISIS GUIDE
Betty Sparks from the News-Examiner approached the Commissioners to participate in an emergency crisis guide being prepared by the News-Examiner. The Commissioners will refer the matter to Alan Eborn, County Emergency Manager.

OREGON TRAIL CENTER
Scott Olson, representing the Oregon Trail Center, presented information regarding the significance of the Oregon Trail and the Trail Center. He outlined the long-term strategy and emphasized the economic impact of the Center on the community. He asked for the Commissioners continued support of the Center. Commissioner Rasmussen stated that he supported the Center, but was elected to guard the public funds. The Center was supposed to become self-supporting. Commissioner Michaelson stated that the County had contributed to the Center for a number of years. He was concerned with the lack of financial data provided by the Center.

PROPERTY LINE CLARIFICATION
Morton Hunter met with the Commission regarding a property description on land he owned. The County had a right-of-way, which was there in error. Commissioner Rasmussen made a motion seconded by Commissioner Michaelson to correct the deed as requested.

SNOWMOBILE
Alan Eborn met with the Commission requesting permission to build a building to house snow cats on County property located in Paris Canyon. The building would be funded by grant money. He informed the Commissioners of a planned mock disaster and hospital lock down scheduled for Saturday. There was discussion regarding emergency management supplies stored at the Bern school. The roof leaks and some of the supplies are damaged. Commissioner Rasmussen agreed to help inventory the supplies and find a new storage place. The Commissioners agreed to the snow cat building.

JAIL COMMITTEE
Commissioner Rasmussen will form a citizens committee to look at the feasibility of building a County jail.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MEETING
The Commissioners discussed reviving the Economic Development Corporation. There was a meeting scheduled for September 13, 2005 to review the by-laws and status as a 5013C Corporation.

ROAD AND BRIDGE
Greg Skinner, Road and Bridge Supervisor, reported on roadwork in the County. He also presented proposed billing to several Cities for paving work done on City streets.

MINUTES APPROVED
Commissioner Michaelson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Rasmussen to approve the minutes of August 8, 2005 regular meeting.

AUGUST BILLS APPROVED
The Commissioners reviewed and unanimously approved claims as submitted, authorizing Clerk Haddock to make payment as follows:

CURRENT EXPENSE 50940-51015 $236,309.71 DISTRICT HEALTH 50045-50048 $436.97 CURRENT EXPENSE 51016 195.20 ROAD & BRIDGE CAP. 50007 2,234.39 ROAD & BRIDGE 50341-50368 120,573.78 CHARITY 50057-50064 9,663.34 AMBULANCE 50133-50142 12,387.84 911 50033-50035 402.27 DISTRICT COURT 50238-50253 11,518.50 REVALUATION 50116-50121 2,131.73 DISTRICT COURT TRUST 50002-50003 18.00 SOLID WASTE 50193-50207 20,576.58 DISTRICT COURT BOND 50022 2,000.00 TORT 50021-50023 860.40 DISTRICT COURT BOND 50023 351.00 WEED CONTROL 50151-50160 4,011.85 DISTRICT COURT REST. 50061 499.75 SNOWMOBILE 50113-50119 1,414.05 DISTRICT COURT REST. 50062-50065 3,393.92 WATERWAYS 50067-50071 391.92 FAIR 50062-50076 4,778.91 AIRPORT 50093-50104 13,299.68 JUVENILE JUSTICE 50135-50144 492.55

PAYROLL
CURRENT EXPENSE 878-922 $58,661.37 JUVENILE JUSTICE 944-947 $3,585.34 ROAD & BRIDGE 923-937 30,635.02 REVALUATION 948-949 3,964.00 AMBULANCE 938 575.61 SOLID WASTE 950-954 10,970.26 DISTRICT COURT 939-942 5,776.46 WEED CONTROL 955-956 2,456.67 FAIR 943 107.74

INSURANCE AND WITHHOLDINGS
CURRENT EXPENSE 50932-50939 $52,596.38 JUVENILE JUSTICE 50129-50134 $2,623.28 ROAD & BRIDGE 50333-50340 27,003.08 REVALUATION 50109-50115 3,295.34 AMBULANCE 50132 96.78 SOLID WASTE 50186-50192 9,753.86 DISTRICT COURT 50230-50237 5,985.72 WEED CONTROL 50146-50150 2,779.08 FAIR 50061 706.35 WATERWAYS 50065-50066 157.63

RESIDENCE AFFIDAVITS
Residency affidavits were approved for Junior College scholarships for Sonya Locher, Lindsey Transtrum, Zaccari Nate, Thomas Carroll and Patrick Eborn.

BUDGET RESOLUTION

RESOLUTION #2005-17
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE ENSUING BUDGET
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005-2006
COUNTY OF BEAR LAKE, STATE OF IDAHO

WHEREAS, Idaho Code Section 31-1605, requires a public hearing upon budget appropriations; and

WHEREAS, The Board of County Commissioners met in the Commissioners Room at the Bear Lake County Courthouse on Monday, September 12, 2005, pursuant to designated published time; and

WHEREAS, No one attended said designated hearing to voice any opposition to said budget; so

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That upon conclusion of said hearing, the Bear Lake County Board of County Commissioners determined and fixed the amount of the FY 2006 budget in the amount of $5,907,163, which is not greater than the amount of the published tentative budget nor includes an amount to be raised from property taxes greater than the amount advertised.

Adopted this 12th day of September 2005.

BEAR LAKE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

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

/s/ Conrad Michaelson
CONRAD MICHAELSON

/s/ Vaughn N. Rasmussen
VAUGHN RASMUSSEN

ATTESTED:
/s/ Kerry Haddock
KERRY HADDOCK, Clerk

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
Top of Page

9/6/05 Special Commissioners Meeting Minutes:

The Board of Bear Lake County Commissioners held a Special Meeting and Budget Hearing at 9:00 A.M. on Tuesday, September 6, 2005 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.

Bill Stock was also present.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board voted unanimously to go into executive session to discuss Indigent Medical claims and pending litigation. The Board unanimously agreed to approve and deny the following: Case # 2005-10 - Approved for payment; #2005-12 - Denied - Provider withdrew Appeal; #2005-15 - Denied - Provider withdrew Appeal; #2005-20 - Denied - Not the last resource, Applicant failed to cooperate with County.

After the discussion the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the executive session and reconvene the regular meeting.

Rodney Wallentine, Treasurer, Lynn Lewis, Assessor, Paul Underwood and Roy Bunderson joined the meeting.

ALLINGER PARK EQUIPMENT
Clerk Haddock presented a request for the purchase of a utility vehicle for maintenance at Allinger Park. Commissioner Rasmussen made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Michaelson to authorize spending up to $2,500 for maintenance equipment at the Park. Motion was unanimous.

There was a short discussion regarding the creation of a recreation district to provide funds for Allinger Park. Commissioner Rasmussen agreed to meet with Rod Jacobson to explore the matter.

RESOLUTIONS - Budget Increases
Commissioner Rasmussen made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Michaelson to approve Resolution #2005-15 - to increase the Ambulance Budget $25,000, to allow for unanticipated revenue from an increase in Ambulance runs and Resolution #2005-16 - to increase the Current Expense Budget $225,000, to allow for the expenditure of unanticipated revenue from a grant for flood control on the Bear River. Motion unanimously carried.

RESOLUTION #2005-15

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 2004-2005 budget to increase the following budget:

AMBULANCE

/s/ Dwight L. Cochran
DWIGHT L. COCHRAN, Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners

RESOLUTION #2005-16

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 2004-2005 budget to increase the following budget:

CURRENT EXPENSE

/s/ Dwight L. Cochran
DWIGHT L. COCHRAN, Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners

DAVID LUI CAMPGROUND
The Commissioners discussed the decision from the Courts concerning the David Lui Campground and the Brown lawsuit. Commissioner Michaelson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Rasmussen to obtain independent council to advise the Commission whether to hold a public hearing considering only the information received from Planning and Zoning or to remand back to Planning and Zoning for a 2nd hearing and new recommendations. The motion was unanimous.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
The Commissioners discussed reactivating the Bear Lake Economic Development Corporation and tentatively scheduled a meeting to do so.

UNION PACIFIC LEASES
Clerk Haddock presented two right-of-way lease renewals that were received from Union Pacific for County roads that were on the Union Pacific right-of-way. These were 25- year leases that were signed by previous Commissioners and were now expiring. They asked for $500 for a spot at milepost 97.9 near Pegram and $10,000 for several areas on the Pescadero Road between mileposts 120 and 125.

Rosa Moosman, Todd Transtrum, Al Harrison, Judy Holbrook, and Kay Beck joined the meeting.

BUDGET HEARING
At 11:00 A.M. the Commission began a public hearing as previously advertised and required by Idaho Code 31-1605, to receive public comment on the proposed budget. Commissioner Rasmussen expressed concern with the rising cost of fuel and questioned whether we had budgeted enough. After some discussion regarding the Prosecutors budget, Commissioner Michaelson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Rasmussen to move the Revolving Fund for the Rehabilitation line item ($10,000) and the Experts and Consultants line item ($10,000) from the Prosecutors budget to the Commissioners budget and lower the proposed Prosecutors salary by $1,180. Motion was unanimous. Later in the meeting Commissioner Rasmussen made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Michaelson to put the savings into the Road and Bridge fuel budget. Motion was unanimous. Commissioner Rasmussen expressed the need to recover the costs when the County does roadwork for the Cities. There was a question on the Miscellaneous part of the Current Expense Budget. It was explained that about 2/3 of this amount was employee benefits such as FICA, PERSI retirement system and health insurance. Other major components were for the Bear Lake Regional Commission, Economic Development, Agreements and Contracts and a Contingency fund.

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
Top of Page

9/12/05 Commissioners Meeting Notice:

9:00 A.M. ROY BUNDERSON - Oregon Trail Center

9:15 A.M. ELECTED OFFICIALS MEETING

9:30 A.M. DAVID LUI - Campground Review - Judge Remanded to Commissioners

9:45 A.M. ROSA MOOSMAN - Open Meeting Law

10:00 A.M. LEONARD MATTHEWS - Appoint Deputy Coroner

10:15 A.M. BETTY SPARKS - News-Examiner - Emergency Crisis Guide

10:30 A.M.

10:45 A.M. SCOTT OLSEN - Oregon Trail Center

11:00 A.M. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, SALARIES, LONGEVITY

11:15 A.M. " "

11:30 A.M. PROPERTY LINE CLARIFICATION - MORTON HUNTER

11:45 A.M. ALAN EBORN - Snowmobile

LUNCH

1:30 P.M. BILL STOCK - Development Permits

1:45 P.M. BUDGET APPROVAL AND LEVY CLARIFICATION

2:00 P.M.

OLD BUSINESS
Road & Bridge/Solid Waste Issues

Jail Possibility Committee

NEW BUSINESS
Road & Bridge/Solid Waste Issues

Junior College Affidavits

Cancel Warrant #02-50310 - Road & Bridge Duplicate Payment

Top of Page