STATE OF IDAHO
County of Idaho
MARCH SESSION March 31, 2015 FIFTH TERM DAY
9:30 a.m. The board convened with Commissioners Jim Chmelik, Mark Frei and Skip Brandt, and Kathy Ackerman, Clerk present.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Brandt moves to amend the agenda to include a discussion at 9:55 a.m. on FLAP grant application that has a Friday deadline. Chmelik seconds. Roll call: District 1-yes, District 2-yes, District 3-yes
9:30 a.m. Greg Skinner regarding property located on Frasure Grade-was received through a trust-presents map of area and number of previous splits-asks for direction regarding need for a variance-several options discussed. Skinner will check into this further and possibly pursue a variance if necessary. Gene Meinen regarding maintenance provided up to the Rupp residence-there are some issues with people wanting access through an old wagon road that goes through the Rupp property-discussion regarding vacation process. Skinner will work with parties involved-parties may elect to file a petition for vacation.
9:55 a.m. Gene Meinen regarding chip seal project on Dixie Road-project is a few years out, but the Federal Lands Access Program grant application is due on Friday. Brandt moves to approve grant application. Frei seconds. Motion carries with all in favor. Grant application signed.
Meinen questions the need for him to be present at the Buckhorn Road trip-discussion. Commission advises they would like him to be present if he can clear his schedule.
Approval of retirement notification from Sandra Goins effective May 29, 2015.
Approval of retirement notification from Carl Crabtree effective March 30, 2015.
Approval of hiring of Amanda Windsor as Road Department secretary commencing April 6 at $11.32 per hour.
10:00 a.m. Kirk MacGregor and Mike Cook regarding draft of letter regarding objection to Crooked River project-discussion regarding timeliness of previous correspondence, involvement of SHPO in mitigation concerns, etc. Mike Edmondson provides an update on their objection-discussion. Chmelik regarding taking this forward in a lawsuit-feels that the Supreme Court needs to take a stand-discussion regarding whether or not this situation would fit with moving forward toward litigation. Jon Menough regarding the possibility of having Elk City area residents who recall what the area looked like prior to the channeling of Crooked River submit affidavits-discussion regarding whether or not the proposed plan attempts to restore the stream bed to its original/historical state. Jamie Edmondson presents update on her objection. Edmondson advises that she cannot speak on behalf of the Idaho County Historic Preservation Commission-she is a member, but cannot speak officially for the group. She advised that they had a meeting, a vote was taken and they declined to comment. Cook questions whether or not the State Commission contacted ICHPC-Edmondson advises that they did not-advises that ICHPC is drafting a letter to the Commission regarding their decision to decline comment. Cook, MacGregor and the Edmondsons will meet later this week to work on this further. Set for discussion again next week.
11:00 a.m. Kathy Ackerman regarding resolution for transfer into Fixed and General fund to cover the payout of Carl Crabtree’s sick leave-after discussing with Syd, no resolution needs to be done at this point-adjustment will be made at the end of the fiscal year.
11:09 a.m. Mark Frei requests a 30 day extension on coming on to the County insurance plan-Ackerman advises we need to check with Regence to make sure will allow that. Discussion regarding concerns employees have regarding the insurance proposal-Frei advises that his intent was not to jeopardize employee benefits-Ron Funke wants a guarantee that the County will absorb any increase in insurance premiums in the event we have to renegotiate our policy due to breaching the 85% coverage requirement. Frei advises that he has sought a second legal opinion-the recommendation was essentially the same as provided by Kirk MacGregor except there was a recommendation to obtain a letter from the IRS. Frei regarding an alternative of offering either the County plan or a health sharing ministry plan-discussion regarding how this could be implemented through payroll. Frei questions what direction the Commission wants to take. Brandt advises he feels we should pursue a letter from the IRS-advises that his only concern in pursuing this is that there may be an additional cost to the taxpayers-feels that fiscal accountability is one of his primary responsibilities as a Commissioner. Brandt advises he would be interested in knowing how the employees feel about the various options on the table. Chmelik advises he is in support of the alternate plan. Frei explains how the health sharing ministry works and the coverage provided-questions what direction those present want him to pursue. Frei will put together a survey to send out to employees. Molly Terhaar advises Regence allows 90 days for employees to come on to our plan-it is not available to employees after those 90 days until open enrollment. Frei requests that the Commission allow him to come on the health sharing ministry plan after the 90 days in the event he is able to put the alternate plan together. Discussion regarding Idaho County policy-Ackerman advises that if this is allowed for a Commissioner, it has to be allowed for any other employee who requests the same consideration. After discussion, Chmelik advises we will go by existing County policy.
11:47 a.m. Chmelik moves to go into Indigent proceedings pursuant to Idaho Code 31-874. Brandt seconds. Roll call-District 1-yes, District 2-yes, District 3-yes.
0-Approval, 3-Denial, 0-Suspension, 0-Liens, 0-N1, 1-Lien Release, 1-N1 Release
12:02 p.m. End Indigent
12:25 p.m. Brandt moves to approve minutes of the March 24 meeting as amended. Chmelik seconds. Motion carries with all in favor.
12:35 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
Chairman_______________________________ Attest:_________________________
