COMMISSIONERS MINUTES                                                          FEBRUARY 14, 2005


The Elmore County Commissioners met in regular session on the above date in the Commissioner’s Room, basement of the Elmore County Courthouse, 150 South 4th East, Mountain Home, Idaho.

Present at the meeting were Chairman Larry Rose, Commissioners Mary Egusquiza and Connie Cruser. Also present at the meeting was Deputy Clerk Barbara Steele.

Chairman Rose made a motion to approve the expenses, seconded by Egusquiza. Discussion followed on Chamber dues for various offices. Total expenses $346,124.13.
ROSE - AYE
EGUSQUIZA - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

Ted Knudson, Probation, appeared before the Board and asked them if they would approve a contract for victim offender mediation with Kris Mcaulay, and stated that Aaron had the contract and was reviewing it. The Commissioners stated they could.

Motion by Rose, second by Egusquiza, to approve the payroll as submitted in the amount of $305,678.42.
ROSE - AYE
EGUSQUIZA - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

Motion by Egusquiza, second by Rose, to approve the minutes for January 12, 2005, January 19, 2005, January 24, 2005, and January 26, 2005. There were two corrections to the January 24th minutes.
ROSE - AYE
EGUSQUIZA - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

Motion by Rose, second by Egusquiza, to approve for the record only, the Recorder’s Office Report, the Clerk’s Bail Bond Report and the Treasurer’s Office Report.
ROSE - AYE
EGUSQUIZA - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

Motion by Egusquiza, second by Cruser, to approve the liquor license for the Cove.
ROSE - AYE
EGUSQUIZA - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

Motion by Egusquiza, second by Cruser, to approve the liquor license for Los Pinos.
ROSE - AYE

EGUSQUIZA - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

Certificates of Residency were read into the record: Maria Elizabeth Dominguez, Mitchel K. Gardner, Norman Eugene Spidell, Ramajana Steffens, and Darin Benjamin Ash. Motion by Rose, second by Egusquiza to approve the Certificates of Residency.
ROSE - AYE
EGUSQUIZA - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

The Commissioners instructed Deputy Clerk Steele to have Prosecutor Bazzoli respond to Bernie Brown.

A brief discussion on EAP (counseling for employees) was tabled until the next agenda on February 28, 2005.

Tax cancellations were reviewed. No. 755, Mark and Jane Pullo $124.64 and No. 754, Washington Mutual Bank $7,077.80. Chairman Rose read Requests for Extension into the record: No. 442 Thomas Duncan $50.84 date extended to 4-15-05, No. 505 Sharon Gentle $155.80 date extended to Jan 15, 2005, No. 396 Walter Carlton $108.36 date extended to 4-20-05, No. 493 $109.04 Sylvia Nunoz date extended to 12-22-04, No. 443 $50.94 Leon Woods date extended to 4-20-05. Motion by Egusquiza, second by Cruser, to approve the tax cancellations in the amount of $7,202.44 and requests for extension as read.
ROSE - AYE
EGUSQUIZA - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

Bonnie Sharp, Growth and Development Director, appeared before the Board to discuss what she believes is an oversight in the salary schedule for Hemi Kuannark. Ms. Sharp stated that Hemi has been classed as an employee grade 3, but that the job description provided by BDPA lists the position as grade 5. Ms. Sharp explained that Hemi came to work for the department in July 2003 as a part-time employee and then went to full-time in October 2003. Ms. Sharp stated she believes that during the transition from part-time hourly rate and full-time salary rate an oversight occurred since hourly positions are not step and grade rated while salaried employees are. There was a job description in the office but that was never officially assigned to Hemi. Ms. Sharp said she would recommend that Hemi be awarded employee grade 5, step 3 which is commensurate with the position she is filling. Commissioner Egusquiza asked if there was money in her budget to do the increase and whether she has spoken to the E-911 Board that pays half that salary. Ms. Sharp stated that there was sufficient funds in the budget to do the increase and she had wanted to talk to the Commissioners prior to speaking with the E-911 Board, but she felt they would be agreeable. Commissioner Cruser asked what the difference in salary would be? Ms. Sharp stated that presently Hemi is paid $8.71 hourly, a grade 5, step 1 would be $9.22 hourly and that a grade 5, step 3 would be $9.78 hourly. That would make the hourly increase $1.07 per hour.


The Board asked Ms. Sharp for her recommendation on Hemi Kuannark’s pay rate and Ms. Sharp stated that she is very valuable to the office, not only because of her regular duties but also since she speaks two languages fluently which is a big plus. Ms. Sharp stated she feels the rate of pay should be $9.78 an hour for Grade 5 Step 3. Commissioner Egusquiza asked if the change would cause any animosity amongst the office staff, and Ms. Sharp stated she did not think so, since Hemi would still be the employee with the lowest wage. Motion by Egusquiza, second by Cruser, to increase Hemi Kuannark’s salary from $8.71 to grade 5, step 3 at $9.78 per hour or $1,696.00 per month beginning March 1, 2005.
ROSE - AYE
EGUSQUIZA - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

Dave Spencer, 5535 South 18th East Street, appeared before the Board to discuss subdividing M1 and M2 properties. Mr. Spencer stated he was developing Juniper Station Industrial Park off Simco Road. The property was previously held by Leonard Eisenman, who is now deceased. Mr. Spencer brought in information for the Board to inform them of what is going on out there. Mr. Spencer stated the property is available from three acres to one hundred sixty acres, each, depending on what size the prospective buyer desires. Mr. Spencer stated there are 1,600 acres available in Elmore County for warehouses, small manufacturing plants, truck terminals and storage facilities, all of which would require little water usage. Mr. Spencer stated that Fat City Fireworks has already constructed a storage facility out there and they have put in extensive facilities to handle sprinkler systems. Fat City Fireworks needed to be able to have a big tank to supply water for the sprinkler - there will be a 400,000 gallon capacity water tank in the industrial park.

Mr. Spencer stated he wanted to see the Board today because he can see a potential problem in this new development. Mr. Spencer stated there is no way to speculate on how large the pieces of property his potential customers will be wanting for their business so he is reluctant to proceed with splitting the lots and he does not quite know how to proceed. Mr. Spencer stated that Bonnie has not been able to assist him but only says it may have to follow residential rules. Prosecutor Bazzoli asked if there are any actual residences out there and Mr. Spencer stated there was not. Commissioner Rose asked if there was a way the property could be split in certain size pieces and then could be sold by one, two or three parcels or whatever at a time to suit the purchaser? Mr. Spencer stated that he would then have to have them individually surveyed and he wanted to avoid that to save time and money. The Board told Mr. Spencer that they would consider his problem to see if they could come up with a remedy for him.


Alan Roberts of Elmore County Rescue appeared before the Board to discuss equipment issues. Alan told the Board the last time he was before them he had discussed putting in for an Emergency Medical Services Rescue Truck grant, and that they were successful in obtaining that grant and are getting close to writing the check for their in kind portion. Mr. Roberts said the truck is $69,845.00 and the grant total is $50,000.00 so they would like to ask for $10,000.00 of the Extrication Fund monies the Board put aside for their use in the current budget. Mr. Roberts stated they did not want to use their own regular budget because then they would not have operating expenses to cover the remainder of the year. Mr. Roberts said when they get the new vehicle they will have an extra one in their fleet, and he thought that vehicle could be put to use in the Pine/Featherville area, he stated that the vehicle has only 30,000 miles on the motor and is in good condition. Mr. Roberts stated if the Title III money could be used, the truck could be equipped with pretty much anything that would be needed for Pine/Featherville. There was discussion. Commissioner Egusquiza will check with Andy Brunelle to see if Title III money could be used for added equipment. It was decided that the $10,000.00 in kind contribution could be transferred from the Commissioner’s Extrication line item to the Extrication budget. Mr. Roberts scheduled another appointment with the Board for February 28th.

Motion by Rose, second by Egusquiza, to adjourn for lunch and a jail inspection tour.
ROSE - AYE
EGUSQUIZA - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

At 1:15 p.m. the Elmore County Commissioners met in Executive Session pursuant to I.C. 67-2345(d) with Social Services Director Marianne Bate.

The following decisions were made:

K-10-04-03 Motion by Egusquiza, second by Cruser, to deny on reconsideration as not a last resource and not indigent.
ROSE - AYE
EGUSQUIZA - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

K-11-04-06 Motion by Egusquiza, second by Rose, to deny as not last resource, not indigent, and the application was withdrawn by the hospital.
ROSE - AYE
EGUSQUIZA - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

NM-02-05-02 Motion by Egusquiza, second by Rose, to approve one month only rental assistance with a payback agreement for when the insurance settlement comes in.
ROSE - AYE
EGUSQUIZA - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

K-02-05-01 Motion by Rose, second by Cruser, to approve with a reimbursement order of $50.00 per month.
ROSE - AYE
EGUSQUIZA - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

K-01-05-01 Motion by Egusquiza, second by Cruser, to deny for all reasons, there is no information or documentation with the application.
ROSE - AYE

EGUSQUIZA - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

K-01-05-02 Motion by Egusquiza, second by Rose, to approve with a reimbursement agreement of $100.00 per month.
ROSE - NAY
EGUSQUIZA - NAY
CRUSER - NAY Motion failed.

K-01-05-02 Motion by Egusquiza, second by Cruser, to deny as not last resource.
ROSE - AYE
EGUSQUIZA - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

K-01-05-03 Motion by Rose, second by Egusquiza, to deny for all reasons.
ROSE - AYE
EGUSQUIZA - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

K-01-05-04 Motion by Rose, second by Egusquiza, to deny as not last resource.
ROSE - AYE
EGUSQUIZA - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

Regular session resumed.

Motion to meet as a Board of Equalization by Rose, second by Cruser.
ROSE - AYE
EGUSQUIZA - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

Mary Ann John appeared representing Colleen Hannigan. An application for “Extraordinary Exemption” for cancellation of property tax was the subject. The application was returned to Ms. John as the last page was not signed and the application is still incomplete. The issue was placed on the next agenda, February 28, 2005 at 2:00 p.m.

Regular session resumed.

A professional services contract with Kris Mcaulay was discussed by the Board with Prosecutor Bazzoli. Prosecutor Bazzoli explained the benefits of the contract to Elmore County which will be funded by grant. Motion by Egusquiza, second by Cruser, to sign and accept the contract with Kris Mcauley for Professional Services to Victim Offender Mediation.
ROSE - AYE
EGUSQUIZA - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.


Motion by Rose, second by Egusquiza, to go into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 67-2345(b).
ROSE - AYE
EGUSQUIZA - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

Regular session was resumed. No action was taken as result of the executive session.

Joe Twitchell appeared before the Board on behalf of the RC&D Council to do a conference review report on his recent Western Region meeting in Wyoming. Mr. Twitchell stated that a review of the current federal budget proposal indicates that possible severe budget cuts will be occurring for RC&D operations, which may be particularly devastating for the western region. If the cuts occur, they will eliminate any new projects starting allowing only those already in progress to continue. Mr. Twitchell requested that the Board write legislators and senators serving on the Agricultural Committee to urge that funding be continued for RC&D. Mr. Twitchell also shared conference information he had received in Wyoming with the Board and told the Board the RC&D office in Meridian had a wealth of information on many subjects of interest to be used by the public. Mr. Twitchell spoke about how RC&D addresses the urban influence on rural areas. Mr. Twitchell stated that to attract business into the area the rural areas must have infrastructure in place to accommodate that growth. Mr. Twitchell stated, in his opinion, a good business for Elmore County to attempt to attract would be warehousing since we have plenty of space and warehousing does not use anymore water than a restroom and coffeepot. The Board thanked Mr. Twitchell for all his hard work on behalf of the County on RC&D.

Carrie and Karl Vogt of Northwest Paramedics appeared before the Board to discuss the contract between NPA and Elmore County. The last draft was carefully reviewed by the parties. The number of ambulances supplied by each entity as described on page 6 of the draft were reviewed. Mr. Vogt stated that currently two ambulances in use belong to NPA and three ambulances belong to Elmore County - the oldest which is a backup is in running condition and the engine is started daily to ensure the ambulance is ready for service. Ground procedure rates were discussed, as described in Section I, M-Rate Schedule. Carrie Vogt stated that the rate is $475.00 for basic service, $575.00 for advanced services and $675.00 for critical care services. A rate schedule listing procedure and charge will be attached to the contract and will be updated when the charges are revised. Section II, B(1) was discussed as it pertains to Non-emergency transport. There was discussion regarding inter facility transfers. Mr. Vogt stated that he had information, on good authority, that Elmore Medical was having transfers made by the new ground services provided by St. Al’s. There was discussion regarding the fact that St. Al’s ground has not been licensed to operate in Elmore County. Prosecutor Bazzoli suggested a letter to the Hospital’s legal counsel and after discussion the Board decided to hold off on a formal letter until further investigation could be done.


Commissioner Cruser, referring to page 8 on the draft asked how often the Board is receiving monthly reports from NPA? Mr. Vogt stated that reports have not been requested. Commissioner Cruser stated, in light of what has occurred with other contracted services for the County, perhaps requiring reporting by the Contractor would be the prudent thing to do. It was agreed by the parties that reporting would be required quarterly from NPA to Elmore County. It was also noted that the numbering in Section G page 8 needed revision for the final contract draft. Mr. Vogt stated, just for interest, that from October 2004 through December 2004 NPA had 308 call-of-which 40-50% were Medicare calls and another 15-20% Medicaid calls. An appointment to review and sign the final contract draft was scheduled for February 28, 2005 at 3:30 p.m.

Information received from Captain Mike Barclay relative to surveillance camera equipment was reviewed by the Board. The price information indicated the night vision camera is $2,000.00 but then there is computer and additional mounting equipment as well. There was discussion on where the computer could be located. Chairman Rose will do additional research into whether the County can successfully use the surveillance camera systems to monitor collection sites and will report back to the Board on February 28th.

The safety resolution and discussion on EAP which were business items were moved to the agenda for February 28th.

Motion by Rose, second by Egusquiza to adjourn.
ROSE - AYE
EGUSQUIZA - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

/S/ LARRY E. ROSE, Chairman
ATTEST: /S/ GAIL L. BEST Clerk