COMMISSIONERS MINUTES                                     AUGUST 8, 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 4^th East, Mountain Home, Idaho.

 

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

 

Bud Way, Vice President of Public Finance, Wells Fargo and J.T. Thompson, Senior Underwriter for Wells Fargo in Salt Lake City participated in a conference call with the Board and Clerk Best regarding the issuance of jail bonds.  Mr. Way stated that AMBAC will provide the insurance coverage for the bonds, which is good news.  Commissioner Cruser asked how much that insurance will cost and Mr. Way stated $83,000 would be the cost, and the cost would be paid from the revenue received from marketing the bonds.  The entire principal of $7,500,000 of the bond would be placed into the construction fund to construct the jail.  Mr. Way stated that as of today, the cost of borrowing the funds would be 4.16%, but that will probably change slightly by Tuesday or Wednesday.  Mr. Way stated that the bonds will go on pre-sale tomorrow at 6 a.m., prior to Alan Greenspan speaking at the monthly meeting of the feds tomorrow at about 12:15 p.m.  There was discussion about local investors having the opportunity to purchase the bonds.  Mr. Way stated there would be that opportunity to do so.  Commissioner Egusquiza stated that the Board understood that there would be a forty-eight hour period for local people to purchase - Mr. Thompson did not seem to realize that was the case.  Mr. Way stated that the local brokers would be informed of the sale.  Clerk Best stated she has directed several citizens that have inquired to Mr. Way about bond purchase and Mr. Way stated he has had calls from Elmore County citizens regarding the purchases.

 

A meeting was scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 10^th to sign papers for the bond sale.

 

Bonnie Sharp, Growth and Development Director and Jo Gridley, Chief Deputy Assessor appeared before the Board to discuss GIS systems and information.  Bonnie stated that the Board had requested them to contact other counties to see what was being done on GIS mapping and they had done so.  Bonnie had contacted several contacts she had met through one of her planning groups and Jo had contacted other Assessor’s offices.  Basically they had found that the contacts they made were all struggling with how to accomplish the GIS mapping to offer to the public.  Several of the counties do use Duane Priest to help them with the GIS.  Canyon County has a GIS department.  Both Bonnie and Jo thought Blaine County had the best system, but realize that the tax base is much higher there.  They have a regular GIS department with the department head being an analyst.  The analyst’s name is Joel Hall and he can be reached at 208/788-5560.  Mr. Hall works for the Board of Commissioners.  There was discussion, that perhaps a trip could be made to see Blaine County’s system.  Bonnie will call and see if that could be arranged.  Bonnie asked if the group had a day that would be preferential and it was decided that perhaps Thursday would be the best week day.

 

Motion by Egusquiza, second by Rose, to approve the 3-Lot Letter of Information (LOI) for Jim and Marilyn Markham and direct the Chair to sign the LOI.

ROSE - AYE

EGUSQUIZA - AYE

CRUSER        - AYE     Motion carried and so ordered.

 

Motion by Rose, second by Cruser, to approve the payroll for July in the amount of $312,032.72.  There was some discussion.

ROSE - AYE

EGUSQUIZA - AYE

CRUSER        - AYE     Motion carried and so ordered.

 

Motion by Egusquiza, second by Rose, to approve the expenses.  There was discussion.  The motion and second were amended to approve the expenses with the exception of the bills in the red dot folder.  Total $413,202.15.

ROSE - AYE

EGUSQUIZA - AYE

CRUSER        - AYE     Motion carried and so ordered.

 

The Employee Committee appeared before the Board.  Representing the Committee were Ted Knudson, Dan Collins, Teri Lasuen and Bonnie Sharp.  The first discussion point was whether a paragraph should be added to the Elmore County Personnel Policy - under the Section covering Sick Leave to read “Elmore County Employees are eligible for an in County Sick Leave Bank.  The Bank is separate from the County as an entity.  To be a member, please contact the Payroll Department, or any member of the Sick Leave Bank.

 

Chairman Rose expressed concern that if the statement were added to the policy the Board of Commissioners could in some way be responsible for the Sick Leave Bank.  There was discussion about that point.  Chairman Rose stated that the Sick Leave Bank was an Employee Committee function and that the Board really did not want to interfere with the current process.  Teri Lasuen stated that the intent of the Committee was to let new employees know that the Sick Leave Bank exists.

 

The second issue was the Sheriff’s suggestion that the policy address holiday pay for his officers.  The Committee and Sheriff have worked together to see if the following statement could be added in the section covering holidays.  “Employees who work on holidays shall be scheduled to receive a substitute holiday with pay; and must be used, or lost within 60 days of said holiday.  Unscheduled emergency work on holidays shall be compensated at a rate of one and a half times the employee’s regular rate of pay even though the work does not constitute overtime.”  The Committee explained to the Board why the Sheriff was trying to address this problem.  The Board directed the Committee to discuss their suggestions with ICRMP (Idaho Counties Risk Management Program).  The Committee agreed to do so, saying they would come back to the Board when that was done.

 

Motion by Rose, second by Cruser, to approve for the record only, the Recorder’s Office Report, Clerk’s Bail Bond Report, and the Treasurer’s Office Report for July 2005.

ROSE - AYE

EGUSQUIZA - AYE

CRUSER        - AYE     Motion carried and so ordered.

 

Motion by Egusquiza, second by Rose, to approve the minutes for July 18^th and 25^th 2005.  There was discussion.  The minutes of July 18^th and 25^th 2005 were approved with four changes.

ROSE - AYE

EGUSQUIZA - AYE

CRUSER        - AYE     Motion carried and so ordered.

 

Prosecutor Schindele appeared briefly before a scheduled flight to a training conference to discuss the Request for Proposals (RFP) for contracting public defender services.  Prosecutor Schindele will rework the RFP while she is gone and will have it ready for the Board’s review on Monday August 15^th.

 

Motion by Egusquiza, second by Cruser, to recess for lunch.

ROSE - AYE

EGUSQUIZA - AYE

CRUSER        - AYE     Motion carried and so ordered.

 

At 1:15 p.m. the Commissioners met in Executive Session pursuant to I.C. 67-2345(d) on a motion by Rose, second by Cruser, with Social Services Director Marianne Bate.

ROSE - AYE

EGUSQUIZA - AYE

CRUSER        - AYE     Motion carried and so ordered.

 

The following decisions were made:

 

K-07-05-09 Motion by Egusquiza, second by Rose, to deny as not indigent and the Prosecutor’s Office is to be billed.

ROSE - AYE

EGUSQUIZA - AYE

CRUSER        - AYE     Motion carried and so ordered.

 

K-07-05-06 Motion by Rose, second by Egusquiza, to deny as not indigent, no evidence of medical necessity.

ROSE - AYE

EGUSQUIZA - AYE

CRUSER        - AYE     Motion carried and so ordered.

 

There was no representation from the Prosecutor’s Office and the Deputy Clerk was instructed to phone and ask one of the deputy Prosecutors to come over to the hearing that was to be held next.  Chairman Rose went to the upstairs courtroom and Mike Crawford stated he would be down when his court was finished.

Still in Executive Session a hearing was held on K-04-05-05.  Present were the three Commissioners, Social Services Director Marianne Bate, Deputy Clerk Barbara Steele and Steve Jensen from St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center.  Steve Jensen explained the case.  Deputy Prosecutor Mike Crawford arrived.  Discussion followed.  The Board will take this case under advisement for 30 days.  The hearing was recessed.

 

Regular session resumed.

 

At 2:00 p.m the Snow Groomers Board appeared before the Commissioners.  Present were Allen Kiester, Carlene Braithwaite, Leroy Bentzinger, Randy Dumar, Kirt Ostrum, and Greg Nitz.  Allen Kiester scheduled a meeting for the proposed Pine Fire District for August 22, 2005 at 2:00 p.m.  The Snow Groomers Board was curious as to why they had been asked to appear.  Discussion followed on Idaho Code statutes, meetings of the Board, paying the bills, and a grant for the groomers shed.  The Snow Groomers Board told the Commissioners they should attend the Forest Service meeting that usually takes place in October as it is an very informative meeting.  Commissioner Egusquiza stated the Commissioners had been receiving complaints and that is why the Snow Groomers Board was asked to appear.  The complaints were: No one knows when the meeting are, they don’t know what the expenditures are, and they would like to rotate the groomers schedule.  It was not stated who the complaints were from.  Discussion followed regarding the complaints.  Greg Nitz stated there is lack of communication between the Snow Groomers Board and the snowmobile clubs.  Mr. Nitz says the clubs never know what is going on and can’t seem to get any answers.  Chairman Rose stated that it sounds to him like there is a problem with communication causing most of the problems here.  The suggestion was made that the Groomer Board use the County’s website to provide some information to the public.  The Board offered to assist in any other way they could to help solve the problem.

 

The office of the Public Defender appeared before the Board to discuss their issues with the Board choosing to contract out the office.  Ed Frachiseur stated that he felt the entire staff will be leaving his department to find other positions.  The issue was discussed.  The target date for the contract to begin will be November 1, 2005.  The Board expressed their regret at having to take such drastic measures, but affirmed they felt they did not have any other choice but to lower the cost of providing defense.

 

Rocky Mountain Corrections represented by Walt Femling and Earl Engelman appeared before the Board to discuss issues raised by the draft proposal they had sent in.  Also present were Sheriff Rick Layher, Chief Deputy Sheriff, Nick Schilz, and Jail Captain, Lynn McCallum.  The items discussed for clarification were General Contractor versus County’s Representative.  Who oversees the design changes was also discussed.  Walt Femling stated that it was crucial that a transition team be formed as soon as possible.  Mr. Femling stated that an economical feasibility study should be done as soon as possible to identify possible revenue sources to support operations.  Mr. Engelman offered to clarify and give an explanation of all ten items listed on the proposal for the Board.  The Board felt once they had received further clarification they would make their decision on whether to hire Rocky Mountain Corrections to assist them in the upcoming decisions they would be required to make.  Mr. Engelman stated he would send that information to Clerk Best as soon as possible.

A liquor license for Las Fuentes, Inc. for the sale of beer and wine was considered by the Board.  Motion by Rose, second by Egusquiza, to approve the liquor license for Las Fuentes, Inc. 

ROSE - AYE

EGUSQUIZA - AYE

CRUSER        - AYE     Motion carried and so ordered.

 

A liquor license for Martin Areco doing business as Martin’s Family Mexican Restaurant for the sale of beer and wine was considered by the Board.  Motion by Rose, second by Cruser, to approve the liquor license for Martin’s Family Mexican Restaurant.

ROSE - AYE

EGUSQUIZA - AYE

CRUSER        - AYE     Motion carried and so ordered.

 

Chairman Rose read the Certificates of Residency into the record: Maria E. Dominguez, Caleb Ronald Durrence, April Dawn Gilliam, Charlina Ruth Hissong, Jessica Beth Howard, Jennifer Angela Lyons, Paul Gary Montgomery, Elma Alicia Ortega, Matthew Edward Rhoads, Michael Edward Rodrigues, Francisca Tapia and Jeffrey Pillon Upchurch.  Motion by Egusquiza, second by Rose, to approve the Certificates of Residency as read.

ROSE - AYE

EGUSQUIZA - AYE

CRUSER        - AYE     Motion carried and so ordered.

 

Jail Bond documents from bond counsel Skinner Fawcett were reviewed.  The matter was tabled until Wednesday, August 10, 2005, since that was the date on the documents.

 

A tax deed sale was set for September 12, 2005 at 12:00 noon on the Courthouse steps.

 

Correspondence received by mail was reviewed.

 

Chairman Rose read a proposed Resolution No. 360-05 into the record:

 

                                                       RESOLUTION NO. 360-05

A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE BUDGET OF VARIOUS AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS OF THE ELMORE COUNTY GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE CONTINUED FUNDING AND ADJUST FOR CHANGES IN SPENDING PRIORITIES.

 

WHEREAS, The Board of Commissioners of Elmore County has the authority and duty under Article VXIII, Section 6 of the Idaho Constitution and Title 31, Chapter 6 of the Idaho Code to provide funding operation of the government of Elmore County for the expenditure of those funds; and

 

WHEREAS, The Board considered this adjustment to the County budget during its regular public meeting of August 8, 2005, and the need to amend to County budget has been satisfactorily demonstrated to the Board of Commissioners.

 

IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED:

 

1.  That $40,000.00 be shifted from 138-338-00-99 of the PILT Fund, to line 185-385-00-098 of the Glenns Ferry Police Contract Fund.

 

2.  That this Resolution shall have effect immediately upon its passage.

 

PASSED, at a regular meeting of the Elmore County Board of Commissioners in the City of Mountain Home, County of Elmore, State of Idaho, held on the 8^th day of August, 2005, upon which roll call vote was duly taken and said Resolution duly passed by a unanimous vote.

 

ELMORE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

 

Larry E. Rose, Chairman

Mary Egusquiza, Commissioner

Connie Cruser, Commissioner

ATTEST: Gail L. Best, Clerk

 

Motion by Rose, second by Cruser, to approve the resolution.

ROSE - AYE

EGUSQUIZA - AYE

CRUSER        - AYE     Motion carried and so ordered.

 

Chairman Rose read proposed Resolution No. 361-05 into the record:

 

                                                           RESOLUTION 361-05

 

A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE BUDGET OF VARIOUS AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS OF THE ELMORE COUNTY GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE CONTINUED FUNDING AND ADJUST FOR CHANGES IN SPENDING PRIORITIES.

 

WHEREAS, The Board of Commissioners of Elmore County has the authority and duty under Article VXIII, Section 6 of the Idaho Constitution and Title 31, Chapter 6 of the Idaho Code to provide funding operation of the government of Elmore County and to account for the expenditure of those funds; and

 

WHEREAS, The Board considered this adjustment to the County budget during its regular public meeting of August 8, 2005, and the need to amend the County budget has been satisfactorily demonstrated to the Board of Commissioners.

 

IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED:

 

1.  That $120,000 be shifted from line 138-338-00-099 of the PILT Fund, to line 129-329-00-098 of the Ambulance Fund.

 

2.  That this Resolution shall have effect immediately upon its passage.

 

PASSED, At a regular meeting of the Elmore County Board of Commissioners in the City of Mountain Home, County of Elmore, State of Idaho, held on the 8^th day of August, 2005, upon which roll call vote was duly taken and said Resolution duly passed by a unanimous vote.

 

ELMORE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

/S/ Larry E. Rose, Chairman

/S/ Mary Egusquiza, Commissioner

/S/ Connie Cruser, Commissioners

ATTEST: /S/ Gail L. Best, Clerk

 

Motion by Rose, second by Cruser, to approve the resolution.

ROSE - AYE

EGUSQUIZA - AYE

CRUSER        - AYE     Motion carried and so ordered.

 

A Rural Ambulance Billing Agreement proposed by Northwest Paramedics Associates, Inc. was discussed.  The Board requested Clerk Best add it to the agenda for August 22, 2005.

 

An annexation request to the Mountain Home Rural Fire District was discussed.  The Board will ask the Prosecutor to review the request.

 

A bill from the Humane Society was discussed.  Motion by Rose, second by Cruser to pay the bill using the Sheriff’s budget.

ROSE - AYE

EGUSQUIZA - AYE

CRUSER        - AYE     Motion carried and so ordered.

 

Chairman Rose read proposed resolution No. 362-05 into the record:

 

                                                       RESOLUTION NO. 362-05

 

A RESOLUTION RESOLVING TO JOIN THE IDAHO WORKFORCE CONSORTIUM

 

WHEREAS, the Congress of the United States has enacted the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, hereinafter referred to as the ACT, to implement a comprehensive workforce investment system intended to be customer focused and to help companies find skilled worker; AND

 

WHEREAS, The Governor of the State of Idaho has designated the counties which have signed this Consortium Agreement as a Workforce Investment Area pursuant to the ACT; AND

 

WHEREAS, The Idaho Workforce Consortium represents the local elected officials of the said counties of the State of Idaho within the designated workforce investment area formerly known as Regions I-V; AND