Commissioner's Minutes 06-26-06

COMMISSIONERS MINUTES JUNE 26, 2006

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

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

Motion by Rose, second by Cruser, to approve the expenses as submitted in the amount of $116,787.01.

EGUSQUIZA - AYE

ROSE - AYE

CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

Motion by Rose, second by Cruser, to approve the minutes for June 19, 2006.

EGUSQUIZA - AYE

ROSE - AYE

CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

Prosecutor Schindele joined the meeting.

Assessor Jo Gridley appeared before the Board to discuss the vacation hours she had remaining prior to her appointment. Assessor Gridley stated that she still has 224 vacation hours on the books, and that she had spoken to Clerk Best about those hours and the Clerk indicated those hours would be lost. Jo stated that she had earned those hours and felt they should be paid to her like any employee who left a position. Commissioner Rose stated he did not believe that had ever been done and he did not agree that the hours should be paid to her. Commissioner Rose went on to explain that an elected official could take as much vacation time as they liked as long as their office ran efficiently. Jo stated that the Personnel Policy does not adequately address the issue. The Board reviewed the policy, page 13, to see how payment for unused vacation was addressed. “Compensation will be made upon termination within the first year. Vacation leave time not taken, will be compensated for only at the time of separation or upon retirement, to the maximum allowed in the above listed schedule.” Commissioner Cruser stated she would like to have some time to think about the issue. Assessor Gridley stated she had no problem with that.

Marty Jones, Central District Health Department - Mountain Home, appeared before the Board to update them on various issues. Mr. Jones stated that the Glenns Ferry Landfill is much improved, and that the weather has probably helped with being able to keep litter under control. Mr. Jones stated he had also checked the collection sites around the County immediately following the Memorial Day weekend, and they all looked good. Mr. Jones stated they must have been diligent about making certain they were all emptied out previous to the holiday weekend so they would not be overfilled. Mr. Jones stated that the press is now reporting that a horse in Elmore County has tested positive for West Nile.

On developments, Mr. Jones reported that there are four proposed developments on Desert Wind Road, three of which are considering central water systems. The developments are Beacon Heights (38 lots), Sterling Sage (170-180 lots), Palm Estates (80 lots), and the fourth has 110-120 lots, but Mr. Jones couldn’t recall a name on that one. Mr. Jones stated that they are working off a preliminary plat in all cases, and that he will be doing test holes there on Tuesday. Chairperson Egusquiza stated she has spoke to Russell Duke from Central District Health prior to today’s meeting regarding water issues. Commissioner Cruser stated that the Board wants to meet with the Idaho Department of Water Resources. Commissioner Rose stated that they have not been able to convince them to participate. Commissioner Cruser stated that they, as Board members, think they must get their take on all of this. Mr. Jones stated that he will see if he can get something set up where the Board can visit with Water Resources in the next few weeks. The Board thanked Mr. Jones for his willingness to help them.

The Department Heads and Elected Officials met with the Board for their regular monthly meeting. Bonnie Sharp, Growth and Development Administrator, stated her office is really busy. The Northwest Motor Sports application is about half done. Noe Garza and Helen Lambert have started last week as temporary part-time employees of 911, and they and Traci are moved into the old Public Defender building. Bonnie stated she has been working on the fee schedule and will present that to the Board during her budget presentation this afternoon.

Jennifer Crogg, Adult Misdemeanor Probation, stated that because of John Traylor’s statement that there is not a Policies and Procedures Manual, she got the manual from Twin Falls County. Jennifer stated she is in the process of revamping that one for Elmore County.

Rose Plympton, Treasurer, stated her office has collected six million in taxes during the past month. Rose stated that is $800,000 up from the past collection. Rose stated that the collection process went well, and that the June collection came out right on target.

Stephanie Kazyaka, Juvenile Probation, stated they did a temporary Policy and Procedures Manual for the Community Services Program. The Judge reviewed the manual with the supervisors and it is in place until a new Director comes in. Ms. Kazyaka stated the new Mediator has not met with any kids as yet, although several are waiting. Stephanie stated the new Mediator has not moved to Mountain Home as she stated she would, but that they have not been billed for any services by the Mediator either.

Dan Collins, Plant Facility Manager, stated some months ago he spoke to the City of Mountain Home about the alley behind the Courthouse. Right now the City apparently has no plans to do anything, and he is wondering if a Board member would talk to the Mayor or City Council. It would be nice to resurface the alley because it is extremely rough and dangerous to walk on. Dan stated there is a problem with the roof on the annex. The contractor feels it is a material issue, that he was sold an inferior product. Dan asked the Board if they thought it would be better to go with trusses and a pitched roof? Presently the roof leaks in the seams each time it rains. Commissioner Rose felt that Dan should get some bids and see what the cost would be for a pitched roof. Dan also spoke to the Board about removing the satellite dish from the side of the annex, which hasn’t been used in at least four years. The satellite dish was used by the Extension Office at one time to access university television from the University of Idaho and other institutions.

Tom Gibbon, Chief of Security, stated he had nothing to report.

Assessor Jo Gridley stated that 5 p.m. today is the last day to appeal tax assessments. Jo reported thus far forty people have appealed their assessment, but some have multiple properties. Jo also reported that the State Tax Commission found they were out of compliance in four categories, and stated that they had to get into compliance. Jo stated she is confident that Elmore County is now in compliance. Board of Equalization was discussed in general, and a tentative time schedule was set up.

Mir Seyedbagheri, County Extension Agent, stated he has not problem with the satellite dish coming down, as it hasn’t been used for many years. Mir presented his activities report to the Board.

Kristina Schindele, Prosecutor, stated that Peter Jones will be leaving the County and going back to Spokane, so she has been interviewing for a new attorney. Prosecutor Schindele said she has narrowed the candidates down to two. Prosecutor Schindele stated she attended a mental health meeting and learned that a part-time clinician has been hired to spend time in Elmore County. Kristina thought perhaps it would be a few hours per week to begin with, but she hopes that time could later be extended. Prosecutor Schindele stated there was a problem with Intermountain Hospital over the weekend, they refused to take a juvenile from Elmore County who was out of control. The hospital’s position was that they were not equipped to handle her because she suffers from multiple problems. The final outcome was that the juvenile was eventually calmed down, medicated, and her Mother took her home with medication to treat her at home.

Kathy Wyllie, Executive Director of the Elmore County Fair brought the Board her activities report. There was discussion about the Cage Fights held recently on the Fairgrounds property and the potential for liability. The Board stated the liability aspect of such events should be checked out with ICRMP prior to any commitment being made to hold such events on County property.

Leslie Strauch and Ian Richardson of CAM-8 appeared before the Board with a budget presentation for consideration for 2007. CAM-8's presentation updated the activities and improvements made during the past year and an outline of activities and improvements they would like to accomplish during 2007. CAM-8 requested $7,000 from Elmore County. CAM-8 would like to be more relevant to the County and are planning to be able to web-broadcast via Internet for those without cable capabilities.

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

EGUSQUIZA - AYE

ROSE - AYE

CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

At 1:30 p.m. the Commissioners met in Executive Session pursuant to I.C. 67-2345(d) on a motion by Egusquiza, second by Cruser, to meet with Social Services Director Marianne Bate and Social Services Secretary Katrina Welch.

EGUSQUIZA - AYE

ROSE - AYE

CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

The following decisions were made:

K-05-06-11 Motion by Egusquiza, second by Cruser, to deny as applicant should have discretionary income to pay his medical bills.

K-05-06-10 Motion by Cruser, second by Egusquiza, to deny as the applicant has discretionary income to pay the medical bills over a five year period and unemployment can be renewed. Applicant is able bodied enough to work.

K-05-06-09 Motion by Cruser, second by Egusquiza, to deny as there has been no interview or any documentation provided.

K-05-06-08 Motion by Egusquiza, second by Cruser, to deny as there has been no interview, or any proof of residency and no documentation of income and expenses.

K-05-06-06 Motion by Cruser, second by Egusquiza, to deny as there has been no interview or any proof of residency.

K-05-06-07 Motion by Egusquiza, second by Cruser, to deny as there is enough discretionary income to pay the providers.

K-05-06-05 Motion by Egusquiza, second by Cruser, to deny as there has been no interview or documentation provided.

A hearing of reconsideration was held. Present at the hearing were the three Commissioners, Ms. Tina Welch, Marianne Bate, Prosecutor Schindele, and Clerk Best. Marianne Bate gave a brief overview of the case. The applicant did not appear, and the providers were not present. Motion by Rose, second by Egusquiza to issue a final denial because no information has been received and no interview has taken place.

Peter Parlow, 8823 S. Broken Wheel Lane, Kuna, appeared before the Board and stated he owns Lot 9 in Anderson Ranch Survey, which his is splitting into four lots. Mr. Parlow stated he should not be required to do his road to any higher standard than the Lester Creek Road is now. Mr. Parlow stated he is concerned about the new ordinance requiring roads to meet highway district standards. There was further discussion and Commissioner Rose stated he thinks there is a misunderstanding between Mr. Parlow and the Mountain Home Highway District. Commissioner Rose asked Mr. Parlow to work with Bonnie Sharp and the Mountain Home Highway District, because he really doesn’t think there is a problem, but perhaps inaccurate communication.

Laurice Bentz and Sheryle Landon representing the Mountain Home Historical Museum appeared before the Board to discuss the 2007 budget. Ms. Landon stated that they appreciated the $3,500 the Board allotted them for this year. Ms. Landon stated that their request for 2007 would be if the Board could possibly allot them $4,000 they would be able to make very good use of the funds. Ms. Bentz reported that the increased hours they are able to remain open has meant a large increase in visitors, 3345 were served in the past year. Ms. Bentz passed around publications, which they have the technology to print in-house, that they have for sale at the museum for the Board to see. Ms. Bentz stated that the volunteers and one employee have made every effort to stay true to their mission statement “Preserve & Promote and Educate History” and outlined what they have been doing. Ms. Bentz also outlined improvements to the building and grounds in the last several years. The Foundation and the various efforts throughout the County to localize historic items by communities was discussed. Ms. Bentz thanked the Board for their past assistance and stated that she hoped the partnership will continue.

Motion by Egusquiza, second by Cruser, to approve the number of ballots to be ordered for the General Election on November 7^th as presented by the Election Department.

Chairperson Egusquiza read the tax cancellation into the record: No. 820 Zaragoza $230.88. Motion by Rose, second by Cruser to approve the tax cancellation.

Budget workshops were conducted for the Growth and Development Department, Prosecuting Attorney and Plant Facilities.