COMMISSIONERS MINUTES SEPTEMBER 25, 2006
The Commissioners met in regular session on the above date in the Commissioner Room, basement of the Elmore County Courthouse, 150 South 4th East, Mountain Home, Idaho 83647.
Present at the meeting were Chairperson Mary Egusquiza, Commissioners Larry Rose and Connie Cruser. Also present was Clerk Merrilee Hiler.
The Commissioners reviewed the expenses.
Marty Jones, Central District Health, appeared before the Board. Mr. Jones updated the Commissioners regarding land developments, two of the three developments in western Elmore County that were looking into public drinking water supplies, are now looking into individual wells and septic systems. One of the developments, Sterling Sage, has over 170 lots. Mr. Jones said the development should be reviewed again by Water Resources. Palm Estates is the other development that also wants individual wells and septics. Beacon Heights is still progressing along with a public drinking water supply.
Commissioner Cruser stated the Commissioners have been asked to put a moratorium on Planned Communities and Planned Developments. Adding mosquito abatement to the Pest Control portion of the County budget was discussed.
Mr. Jones also gave an update on the E-Coli infection from spinach. There were 157 cases and 23 States affected. Wisconsin had the most cases. The solid waste sites were also discussed. Mr. Jones stated that Nick Schilz and Mir Seyedbagheri made the mosquito spraying a success.
The Elected Officials and Department Heads met with the Commissioners for their monthly meeting.
Tom Gibbon, Security, spoke to the Commissioners regarding the law books in the basement in the Security Office. The Judge will be looking at the books to let us know if we need to keep them. Tom also stated Security and Probation were switching offices. The expense of cutting a doorway in the hall downstairs into the new Probation office was discussed.
Clerk Hiler stated to the Elected Officials and Department Heads, if an employee needs their job description reviewed, please try to have them done and turned in by December. She also stated the Clerk’s office has been doing major housekeeping, adding more storage space, getting new desks, etc. The general election is November 7th and there will be an article in paper about absentee voting soon.
Jennifer Crogg, Probation, appeared before the Board for an update on the Probation department. Ms. Crogg reviewed her case load with the Commissioners.
Monica Halliday, Juvenile Probation, appeared before the Board. She discussed the applications for the receptionist position. Chairperson Egusquiza and Commissioner Cruser will participate in the interview process which will be this Wednesday. Ada County’s legal department has the draft copy of the Juvenile Detention Contract. We have been trying to get them to expedite the contract. Prosecutor Schindele has reviewed and approved it. An evaluation of programs in the department has been taking place. Ms. Halliday stated she met with the mediator for Elmore County and gave her some time lines of expectations. The mediator contract expires in December.
Bonnie Sharp, Growth and Development Director, spoke to the Commissioners about the Partlow Letter of Information which is on the agenda for today. The packets were not ready and will be given to the Commissioners later in the day to review.
A brief update on building permits for Federal agencies was discussed. Ms. Sharp gave the Commissioners a printout on the subject.
Ms. Sharp stated the job openings, secretary, Planner and part time Code Enforcer, in the Growth and Development Department have been filled. Another meeting for Northwest Motor Sports will be November 15, 2006. There has been much opposition to the Northwest Motor Sports Project. Commissioner Rose asked what the opposition was. Ms. Sharp replied there have been many reasons, the project is too big, traffic, noise, air pollution, dust, and security. The Sterling Sage Subdivision, which has187 lots, is asking to amend their Conditional Use Permit to individual wells instead of a central community water system. Beacon Heights, which is 50 lots, will have a central community water system and has been approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Ms. Sharp is not sure if the Department of Water Resources has approved it.
A letter from the Mountain Home Rural Fire District regarding a Planning and Zoning Commission decision approving a Subdivision was discussed. The road does not extend to the end of the property, but does have a turn around, and the Fire District was concerned.
Dan Collins, Plant Facilities Manager, appeared before the Board and reported he was working on switching the Security office and Probation office. The office that Security used, which was once a small courtroom, had a riser in one portion. There was water leaking under the riser which was discovered when it was being removed. His crew has been fixing the water problem and should have the room ready soon.
Alan Baumgardner, Veteran’s Service Officer, appeared and gave an update on his office. He has helped 12 Veterans since he took the job. Sometime in October there will be an outreach program which will be advertised. He asked about insurance on his private vehicle if he were to transport a Veteran. The ramp for handicap accessibility in the building he has his office in has not been resolved. Commissioner Rose stated perhaps visiting the handicapped veteran in their home would be a temporary solution. Mr. Baumgardner stated he makes himself available to go to the veteran’s home, in some cases the veteran isn’t comfortable with that option. Mr. Baumgardner invited the Commissioners to come look at the Veteran’s Service’s Office located at the Legion Hall.
Rose Plympton, Treasurer, reported she had attended the IAC Annual conference and gave a handout to the Commissioners. She stated her office is gearing up for the tax drive.
Jo Gridley, Assessor, stated the appraisers in her office are working on the five year review. Jody is getting ready for the State Board of Tax Appeal hearings. The hearings will be here on October 31st, November 1st and 2nd. Mr. Gregerson, one of the appellants, has not been scheduled yet as he is on kidney dialysis. Ms. Gridley stated they have their new laser printer. Their APEX software is working well. She also reported she signed lease with Xerox for her office’s copier/fax machine.
Discussion followed on the Elected Officials and Department Heads monthly meeting and how it is scheduled. Commissioner Cruser stated perhaps having separate meetings for each would be better time management. The Commissioners can brief each group of the important topics of each meeting.
Deputy Laytreda Schultz appeared before the Board regarding the Pine/Featherville garbage collection site. The Commissioners thought it would be best if Prosecutor Schindele addressed the issue legally, and then citations can be written when offenders dump illegal trash. The current garbage collectors have been hauling the illegal trash out.
Commissioner Rose asked Deputy Schultz about dock maintenance. The funds in the waterways/vessel budget go to law enforcement, uniforms and boat maintenance. The funds are not going to purchase or maintain docks. Commissioner Rose explained that Larry Tripp, Forest Service, reported they would pour concrete when the reservoir water level was low at Curlew, for raising and lowering of the docks. Commissioner Cruser stated she was told by the Forest Service they do not have the manpower to raise and lower the docks.
Prosecutor Schindele appeared and the Pine/Featherville Solid Waste Collection site was discussed. Our ordinance does not provide for any of the items being left at the solid waste site. Our ordinance needs to be amended. Prosecutor Schindele stated she was told to table the issue a couple of months ago. Discussion followed on what amendments were to be made. For example, add categories of items not accepted such as appliances and expand upon construction and building waste. Prosecutor Schindele stated she would draft a proposed ordinance and suggested the Commissioners had a work session on the draft ordinance before a public hearing is set. Deputy Schultz asked if we could put that the items must be placed in a dumpster, if it cannot be placed in a dumpster, you cannot leave it.
Prosecutor Schindele left the meeting.
Deputy Schultz gave a brief update on the Sheriff’s Office. The Commissioners asked Ms. Schultz if the Sheriff had contacted Prosecutor Schindele regarding a bridge jumping ordinance. She was unsure and Prosecutor Schindele will be asked later in the day if the Sheriff has talked to her about it.
Mir Seyedbahgeri, Extension Agent, appeared before the Board and pointed out hazardous household waste needs to be included also in the above referenced draft ordinance and will get a list to Prosecutor Schindele. Mir also gave a report on his activities. Commissioner Cruser asked about initiating a mosquito abatement program to be paid through the Pest Control budget. Discussion followed how to levy for that.
Motion by Egusquiza, second by Rose, to go into Executive Session pursuant to I.C. 67-2345(b).
EGUSQUIZA................................................ - AYE
ROSE............................................................ - AYE
CRUSER....................................................... - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.
Regular session resumed. No action was taken as result of the executive session.
A proclamation for National 4-H week was read into the record by Chairperson Egusquiza:
WHEREAS, 4-H is a community where young people learn leadership, citizenship and life skills, and,
WHEREAS, 4-H is one of the largest youth development organizations in Idaho.
WHEREAS, Elmore County’s 4-H program numbers over 150 members and over 30 volunteers;
WHEREAS, 4-H as part of the University of Idaho Extension is a program where youth learn together in all kinds of projects, events and activities; and,
WHEREAS, 4-H has been helping youth and adults learn, grow and work together for more than one hundred years;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, as Chairman of the Elmore County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim October 1-7, 2006 as National 4-H Week in Elmore County and urge the people of this community to take advantage of the opportunity to become more aware of this special program which gives youth the chance to learn together and on their own as part of Elmore County 4-H and to join us in recognizing the unique partnership between our country and our University System.
County Board of Commissioners
/S/ Mary Egusquiza, /S/ Connie M. Cruser, /S/ Larry E. Rose 9-25-06
On Friday, October 6th at 3:00 p.m. the Commissioners were invited to attend at the Mountain Home Library for the formal proclamation and pictures.
Motion by Egusquiza, second by Cruser, to recess for lunch.
EGUSQUIZA................................................ - AYE
ROSE............................................................ - AYE
CRUSER....................................................... - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.
Motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to I.C. 67-2345(d) with Social Services Director Marianne Bate.
EGUSQUIZA................................................ - AYE
ROSE............................................................ - AYE
CRUSER....................................................... - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.
K-11-05-10 Motion by Egusquiza, second by Rose, to approve with a promissory note of $20.00 per month.
EGUSQUIZA................................................ - AYE
ROSE............................................................ - AYE
CRUSER....................................................... - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.
Regular session resumed.
Chairperson Egusquiza asked Prosecutor Schindele about the proposed Fireworks Ordinance. Prosecutor Schindele stated the research she has done reflects we need to follow the State Code. We cannot be more restrictive than the State fireworks code. Prosecutor Schindele will prepare a new draft ordinance with minimum changes.
Building permits on Government property were discussed. Representatives from the Snow Groomer Board had appeared previously with the Commissioners regarding this issue. Prosecutor Schindele stated the organizations must abide by our safety regulations but don’t have to go through the permitting process. The building inspector has to be able to inspect the building process for safety.
The easement with Desert Sage Health Center was discussed. Prosecutor Schindele spoke with Attorney Phil Miller. His recommendation was to have a one of the Commissioners contact the Director of Desert Sage Health Center and find out why they won’t agree to the 20 foot easement. Chairperson Egusquiza asked Commissioner Rose to call the Director of Desert Sage.
A letter received from the Mountain Home Rural Fire Department regarding a suggestion they made on a future subdivision road was discussed. The subdivision portion of our Ordinance requires input from emergency agencies on land being developed. Our Planning and Zoning Commission approved the subdivision without the additional conditions requested by the Mountain Home Rural Fire Department. It was decided to respond that we appreciate their input, but are bound by our ordinance and what the Commission members believe are in the best interest of the residents of Elmore County. Prosecutor Schindele will respond.
The notice of hearing on the Boschma third party complaint received from Catherine Brown was discussed. On October 23, 2006 at 2:30 p.m. the hearing will be held. The complaint was served on Steve Boschma. Prosecutor Schindele stated Mr. Boschma or Ms. Brown cannot have any contact with the Commissioners on the issue before the hearing. They need to be referred to their own counsel. Bonnie Sharp, Growth & Development Director, will be preparing a staff report which will be on file in the Clerks office at least two weeks prior to the hearing.
Commissioner Cruser asked Prosecutor Schindele about a bridge jumping ordinance. She stated the Sheriff talked to her months ago but hasn’t submitted anything to her. Commissioner Rose stated Twin Falls County has a fee they charge if someone has to be rescued. Discussion followed that maybe Elmore County needs to have something similar.
Prosecutor Schindele stated she was still working on a letter to Mr. Wyncoop on our Roadway Ordinance.
Commissioner Cruser asked about the City of Glenns Ferry letter requesting past due property taxes be cancelled on property they own. Prosecutor Schindele stated she is still researching the issue.
A change order on the E-911 contract was discussed. Prosecutor Schindele stated it must be very specific. For example, there should be a cap on the amount we will pay listed in the change order if that is what the Commissioners want.
Motion by Egusquiza, second by Rose, to approve the Polling Places for the General Election to be held on November 7, 2006.
EGUSQUIZA................................................ - AYE
ROSE............................................................ - AYE
CRUSER....................................................... - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.
POLLING PLACES
Mountain Home #1.......................................... Retirees Activities Committee Corp. (Bingo Hall)
....................................................................... 3265 Airbase Road
....................................................................... Left side of Airbase Road going to the Airbase
Mountain Home #2.......................................... Senior Citizen’s Center
....................................................................... 1000 North 3rd East
....................................................................... Corner of 3rd East and 10th North
Mountain Home #3.......................................... Senior Citizen’s Center
....................................................................... 1000 North 3rd East
....................................................................... Corner of 3rd East and 10th North
Mountain Home #4.......................................... Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
....................................................................... 1150 North 8th East, in gymnasium
....................................................................... Corner of 7th East and 12th North
Mountain Home #5.......................................... First Southern Baptist Church
....................................................................... 1400 North 3rd East
....................................................................... Corner of 3rd East and 14th North
Mountain Home #6.......................................... First Congregational Church
....................................................................... 515 East 15th North
....................................................................... Between 3rd East and 6th East on 15th North
Mountain Home #7.......................................... Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
....................................................................... 1150 North 8th East, in gymnasium
....................................................................... Corner of 7th East and 12th North
Mountain Home #8.......................................... Nazarene Church
....................................................................... 950 North 7th East
....................................................................... North on 6th East, Right on Market – 1 block
Mountain Home #9.......................................... First Congregational Church
....................................................................... 515 East 15th North
....................................................................... Between 3rd East and 6th East on 15th North
Atlanta............................................................ Mail-In Ballot Precinct
....................................................................... Absentee voting available in the Courthouse
Camas............................................................. Mail-In Ballot Precinct
....................................................................... Absentee voting available in the Courthouse
Chattin Flats.................................................... George Bennett Residence
....................................................................... 573 N Bennett Rd. – Hwy past Simplot Feed Lot
....................................................................... Turn on 1st Road to Right/2nd House
Glenns Ferry.................................................... Glenns Ferry City Hall
....................................................................... 110 East 2nd Avenue Turn left from 1st Avenue
....................................................................... on Lincoln St. and go North Two Blocks
Hammett......................................................... Hammett Community Church
....................................................................... 9223 W. Church Street Go through Hammett
....................................................................... on Hammett Rd, turn left, one block
King Hill.......................................................... King Hill Presbyterian Church
....................................................................... 5391 East Main (Near Post Office)
Mayfield.......................................................... Erin Lord Residence – 1171 Mayfield Road
....................................................................... Mayfield Exit #71 on I-84 near Boise Stage Stop
....................................................................... Go 5 miles, staying left at all intersections, green &
....................................................................... white house on left.
Pine................................................................. South Fork Boise River Senior Center
....................................................................... 390 N. Pine Featherville Road, Pine, Idaho 83647
Prairie............................................................. Community Hall
....................................................................... 137 Smith Creek Road, Prairie, Idaho 83647
Board members on various Commissioners elected Boards were discussed. The Fair Board was discussed in detail. The Board member information will be requested from the Fair Board. The Capital Investment Board and the Snow Mobile Groomer Board’s terms are getting ready to expire. The topic will be put on next week’s Commissioners meeting agenda.
The Ambulance Contract and purchasing new ambulances was discussed.
The Intermountain Hospital Contract was discussed. Prosecutor Schindele reviewed the contract and has made some corrections and suggestions. The contract will be faxed back to Intermountain Hospital with the proposed changes with a request for them to send it back to us corrected and signed.
The public portion of the meeting was held. There was no public present that wished to speak.
Nick Schilz, Chief Deputy, Sheriff’s Dept, appeared before the Board with a Certificate of Appreciation for Patrick H. Frischmuth, Homeland Security, for help with the quick action in the emergency mosquito spraying. Robert Hayes will also be recognized for his participation. He is with US Dept of Agriculture. Tom Turcotte, who is retired from Central District Health, will be recognized also.
Motion by Rose, second by Cruser to approve the expenses as submitted in the amount of $819,921.23.
EGUSQUIZA................................................ - AYE
ROSE............................................................ - AYE
CRUSER....................................................... - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.
Bonnie Sharp, Growth and Development director, appeared before the Board and reported that the interviews took place for the vacancies in her office, and they have been filled. The LOI (Letter of Information) for Peter Parlow was discussed. The property is in the Anderson Bluffs Survey. Motion by Rose, to approve the LOI (Letter of Information), for Peter Partlow for a 4 lot split, second by Cruser.
EGUSQUIZA................................................ - AYE
ROSE............................................................ - AYE
CRUSER....................................................... - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.
Monica Halliday, Juvenile Probation, appeared before the Board and presented five receptionist applications which were reviewed.
Motion by Egusquiza, to approve the minutes for September 5, 2006, September 11, 2006 and September 18, 2006, second by Cruser. One change was made to September 18, 2006.
EGUSQUIZA................................................ - AYE
ROSE............................................................ - AYE
CRUSER....................................................... - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.
Motion by Egusquiza, second by Rose, to cancel 2005 taxes for Southwest Idaho Co-Op in the amount of $21,078.82.
EGUSQUIZA................................................ - AYE
ROSE............................................................ - AYE
CRUSER....................................................... - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.
Correspondence was reviewed.
Commissioner Rose read a letter into the record from King Hill Rural Fire District:
Date: September 24, 2006
To: Elmore County Commissioners
Our Fire Department currently handles the extrication for the eastern Elmore County. Our boundary lines are from MP107 to MP132 of Interstate 84 as well as all the roads in our Fire District which is one of the largest in Idaho with well over 600 square miles.
The area from MP107 to MP114 has been deemed one of the areas in Idaho that records most accidents as well as fatalities.
Our Budget is a little over $56,000 a year which does not allow us much room for frills or equipment replacement. Our trucks and equipment are both up to date and our personnel well trained.
Our problem arises with lack of space to put our trucks. We would like to construct a 40’ by 40’ building capable of holding 3 trucks and would like to see if the County could possibly find it within their means to fund this. We own the property where the building could be placed and the total costs would be approximately $68,000.
We understand the County built the building in Mountain Home for this purpose and would like to see if it would be possible to include Glenns Ferry in your plans.
Currently we have fire trucks sitting outside that need to go in before cold weather and with the cost of the extrication equipment do not want it sitting outside.
Thank you for your consideration.
/s/ Bob Janousek, Fire Chief
Discussion followed and the Emergency Service’s Building being constructed in Mountain Home is being funded with a variety of sources. The Commissioners discussed they wish there were enough funds to take care of the needs of all the volunteer agencies in the County.
Motion to approve an ambulance bill to Pine Extrication in the amount of $272.98 by Egusquiza, second by Rose.
EGUSQUIZA................................................ - AYE
ROSE............................................................ - AYE
CRUSER....................................................... - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.
A small recess was taken.
Regular session resumed. Motion by Egusquiza, second by Rose, to adjourn.
EGUSQUIZA................................................ - AYE
ROSE............................................................ - AYE
CRUSER....................................................... - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.
/S/ MARY EGUSQUIZA, Chairperson
ATTEST: /S/ MERRILEE HILER, Clerk
