STATE OF IDAHO
County of Idaho
SEPTEMBER SESSION SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 FIRST TERM DAY
9:00 a.m. The board convened with Commissioners Skip Brandt and Jim Chmelik and Kathy Ackerman, Clerk present. Commissioner Rockwell will be in at 10:00 a.m.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Budget hearings open.
10:00 a.m. Brandt regarding Lochsa Land Exchange-we have been waiting for the USFS to make their next move-proposal did not make it through NEPA-approximately 25,700 of old growth could possibly be negotiated-they are moving forward with plans for exchange, which leaves approximately 4,000 in the Elk City area. Rockwell reiterates that he is against the exchange, but if it has to go through, it should be in the Lochsa and be an acre for acre exchange-this sets us up for a takings lawsuit as is. Discussion. There is still a need for legislation-Larry Craig and Mark Rae have been hired by Western Pacific Timber to working on this. Chmelik looks at is an opportunity to change the way the Federal Government interacts with local government and the people.
Ray Anderson questions who will be assisting Larry Craig-Brandt advises the person’s name is Mark Rae. Anderson questions if any of the 25,700 acres are part of the 40,000 proposal that was mentioned last Fall-asks if a map is available. Brandt indicates that a map may be available from the USFS. Anderson states that his objection is to privatization-feels that privatization will lead to a total loss of recreational use-this needs to be held by the public and managed.
Chmelik advises that the expansion in the West happened because the land was private, not public-advises that he agrees that management is the key and that the State could do a good job on this. Discussion.
Ray Payton regarding the need to focus on the things we agree on-we are getting hung up on a few differences-advises that he doesn’t want to see Idaho become what he left in Texas-indicates that the Commission needs to be seeking other solutions.
Brandt advises that he has a long family legacy here and that his focus is on production and getting people to work, this provides the foundation for strong schools and a stable economy-advises that the Commission is working on numerous solutions, not just focusing on this one aspect of the exchange. Discussion.
10:37 a.m. Jim Chmelik regarding meeting regarding the Juvenile Detention Center in Lewiston-several proposals were made that would share the deficit. Option 1-would be 4% of a 25% deficit for an additional $1,600 per year or Option 2-would be 4% of a 35% deficit for an additional $2,240 per year. Nadine McDonald regarding the funds in her budget to meet the proposal that would keep the facility open. McDonald questions how they calculated and distributed the deficit-Chmelik advises that it is based on usage-would be an ongoing expense. Rockwell moves to approve option 1 or option 2 of the proposed options dependent upon what the other counties do. Brandt seconds the motion. Motion carries with all in favor.
11:00 a.m. Jim Gorges regarding the firm quote on OSB-was in the previous contract documents-discussion. Brandt moves to approve the quote of $2100 for OSB and painting. Chmelik seconds. Motion carries with all favor.
Rockwell moves to approve the minutes of the August 28 meeting as amended. Brandt seconds. Motion carries with all in favor.
Rockwell moves to approve the minutes of the August 14 meeting. Chmelik seconds. Motion carries with all in favor.
11:25 a.m. Ackerman regarding submitting a weekly “Notes from the Idaho County Commission” article to the Idaho County Free Press that would be a very brief overview of Commission meetings. Brandt moves to approve this proposal. Chmelik seconds. Motion carries with all in favor.
11:30 a.m. Brandt regarding webhosting for the County. Rockwell advises that he likes Don Fletcher’s presentation and idea of transparency. Rockwell moves to make change to Northwest Techworx. Mary Mangold presents a chart that shows the average daily usage-proposes that webhosting be continued at least temporarily until this can be put out to bid-advises that transparency comes from what is put forth for communication-is not ‘owned’ by the person hosting the web-questions Mr. Fletcher’s abilities to provide the kind of hosting she feels the County wants and needs-feels he is incompetent. Mangold advises that she feels she is being punished for her activism and that the decision is not being made based on an evaluation of what will be provided to the County. Brandt seconds the motion. Motion carries with all in favor. Brandt will handle the details of getting the new site up and running with Don Fletcher.
12:00 p.m. No public comments regarding budget-Budget Hearing Closed.
Break for lunch.
1:00 p.m. The Board reconvenes.
1:00 p.m. Cedar Hollow Bids-5-Star Forestry $15,120 total; Pony Creek Outfitters-$985 per acre price. Both noted preference for Idaho County workers and minimum wage of $13.00 per hour.
Falcon Ridge Bids-5-Star Forestry $7938.75 total; Pony Creek Outfitters-$985 per acre.
Crane Hill 2-5-Star Forestry $15,400 total; Pony Creek Outfitters-$1130 per acre.
Randy Doman suggests holding off on the bid award until next week.
Brandt questions bid awards from Framing Our Community-Doman advises that he is addressing concerns. Discussion.
1:15 p.m. Brandt moves to go into Indigent proceedings pursuant to IC 31-874. Rockwell seconds. Roll call-all in favor.
0 Approval, 0 Denial, 0 Suspended/Tolled, 1-N1, 0 release-N1, 1-Liens, 0-Lien Release
1:16 p.m. End Executive Session
Approval of Camden Willis as employee in Indigent at $11.59 per hour.
Approval of Israel Whitesell and Rachel Akre as Idaho County Jail employees at $12.10 per hour.
Approval of 3% wage increase for Court Services employees, Alane Robie, Kent Mitchell & Nadine McDonald.
Approval of 3% wage increase for Assessor’s Office employees, James Zehner, Leah Mager, Suzie Eckert, Joyce Bruegeman, Kathy Terhaar, Ron Funke, Kim Nuxoll, Megan Murphy, Linda Arnzen, Deanna Hall, Gwen Swanstrom, Linda Gullikson, Betty Umbinetti, and Marsha Cunningham.
Approval of 3% wage increase for Treasurer’s Office employees, Sharon Cox, Marie Lerandeau, Rebecca Warden, and Shawna Hilbert.
Approval of 3% wage increase for all Sheriff’s Office employees (not listed individually on request).
Approval of 3% wage increase for Weed Control employees Carl Crabtree, Leon Slichter, Alvin Dormaier and Alana Lyons.
Approval of 3% wage increase for Auditor/Clerk’s Office/District Court Employees, Kathy Ackerman, Abbie Hudson, Syd Fuzzell, Molly Terhaar, Bette Polack, Jessica Adams, Sandy Goins, Debbie Todd, Leigh Zimmerman, Kathy Johnson, Joan Hall, Lindsay Greig, and Sherie Clark. Approval of increase to $13.21 for Debbie Greig, who is promoted to Indigent Director/Veteran’s Assistance Officer.
Approval of 3% wage increase for Idaho County employees Jerry Zumalt, Randy Doman, Mike Cook, Norm Lowe, Sheila Key, Vern Meyer, Jill Summers, Skip Brandt, Jim Chmelik and James Rockwell.
Approval of 3% wage increase for Extension Office employees Susie Heckman and Alana Lyons.
Approval of wage increases for Prosecutor’s Office employees as follows-reflects an overall 3% increase in salary line-Kirk MacGregor 1% increase ($719.85 annually), Adam Green 2% increase ($1,194.50 annually), Lark Perry- 12% increase ($1,490.11 annually) and Julie Kaschmitter-7.5% increase ($1,542.06 annually).
2:00 p.m. Kirk MacGregor regarding RFP on the Solid Waste contract-wants to keep on top of this-we do not have to take the lowest bidder-will need to be published twice. MacGregor advises that we had talked of using the Simmons Contract as a template, as well as samples we have from other counties-discussion. MacGregor will prepare a draft for review next week.
2:30 p.m. Gene Meinen regarding lease agreement on a piece of equipment, CAT 938G Front End Loader-lease is about to expire-Meinen requests approval for purchase of this equipment-all but $1800 of the lease payments will go towards purchase price. Brandt moves to approve expenditure. Chmelik seconds. Motion carries with all in favor.
Meinen questions Commissioner Chmelik regarding residents at Secesh creating a highway district-Chmelik provided contact information-hasn’t heard from anyone. Meinen regarding an agreement with Valley County for snow removal. Brandt moves to approve agreement as presented. Chmelik seconds the motion. Motion carries with all in favor.
Meinen regarding gravel stored that could be used for repairs on the French Creek Road. Brandt moves to offer this to Mr. Smid. Rockwell seconds. Motion carries with all in favor.
Discussion regarding miscellaneous letters to address concerns on the Payette NF and on Shingle Creek Road. Letters revised and signed.
3:15 p.m. Meeting recessed until 4 pm.
4:00 p.m. Public hearing on proposed grant for Elk City Water & Sewer. James Rockwell, Skip Brandt, Kathy Ackerman and Debbie Evans of Kamiah Grants present. No attendees present.
4:15 p.m. Public hearing closed.
Chairman:_______________________________ Attest:____________________________
