COMMISSIONERS MINUTES                                February 2, 2009


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 Arlie Shaw and Connie Cruser. Also present was Deputy Clerk Barbara Steele.

Motion by Rose, second by Cruser, to approve the minutes for January 26, 2009.
ROSE - AYE
SHAW - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

An unemployment claim for a fair employee was discussed. Payroll Clerk Linda Pickett appeared for further discussion. A copy of the claim will be given to the Fair Board. The Commissioners asked if there was a line item for unemployment in the Fair budget and Ms. Pickett stated no. Ms. Pickett asked about employees using the internet and email during their break due to a memo that was sent to each employee regarding the issue. The Commissioners replied employees are not allowed to use the internet or email for personal use at any time.

Motion by Rose, second by Shaw, to approve the January 26, 2009 public hearing minutes.
ROSE - AYE
SHAW - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

Motion by Rose, second by Shaw, to approve the liquor license for Teresa Juarez doing business as La Tapatia Abarrote.
ROSE - AYE
SHAW - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

Chairman Rose read Resolution No. 418-09 into the record:

RESOLUTION NO. 418-09

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

WHEREAS, The Board of Commissioners of Elmore County have the authority and duty under Article XVIII, Section 6 of the Idaho Constitution and Title 31, Chapter 6 of the Idaho Code to provide funding operations of the Government of Elmore County for expenditure of those funds; and

WHEREAS, The Board considered this adjustment to the 2009 Fiscal Year County Budget during its regular public meeting on February 2, 2009, and the need to amend the 2009 Fiscal Year County Budget has been satisfactorily demonstrated to the Board of Commissioners.

IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED:

1. That $50,000.00 from line item 100.417.02.028.00 Contingency, be shifted to line item 185. 385.00.098.00 GFPD Contract.

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 County of Elmore, State of Idaho, held on the 2nd day of February, 2009, upon which roll call vote was duly taken and said Resolution duly passed by a unanimous vote.

ELMORE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
LARRY E. ROSE, Chairman
CONNIE M. CRUSER, Commissioner
ARLIE SHAW, Commissioner
ATTEST: MARSA GRIMMETT, Clerk

Motion by Rose, second by Cruser, to approve and sign Resolution No. 418-09.
ROSE - AYE
SHAW - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

The Fair Board submitted two letters regarding appointments to their Board. Motion by Rose, second by Cruser, to appoint Mrs. Jean Mullen and Mrs. Janna Beauclair, four year terms each, to the Elmore County Fair Board.
ROSE - AYE
SHAW - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

Motion by Rose, second by Cruser, to sign the Financial Status Report, Request for Reimbursement for the Pine/Featherville Fuels Reduction Fire Break grant.
ROSE - AYE
SHAW - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

Correspondence received by mail was reviewed.

Bonnie Sharp, Growth and Development Director, appeared before the Board with resumes for the County’s Qualified Planner position. Ms. Sharp also gave the Board suggested changes for the proposed Planning and Zoning Ordinance for the record, along with written testimony from Wayne Tindall. Mr. Bruce Wall was phoned regarding the Qualified Planner position.
Albert Clement, Idaho Department of Labor, appeared before the Board to discuss the current economy in Elmore County. Mr. Clement had prepared information which he reviewed with the Commissioners. Mr. Clement stated Elmore County is Idaho’s 14th most populous county and ranks as the sixth largest in the area of Idaho’s 44 counties. Despite the slowing growth rate of Elmore County the civilian labor force continues to expand due to Marathon Cheese and continued construction that is taking place at Mountain Home Air Force Base. The unemployment rate and funds spent were reviewed. Walmart is also a major employer in Elmore County, with an average of 320 employees year round. Most of Walmarts employees are part time with no benefits but people are working. The economy in Glenns Ferry was discussed. Chairman Rose stated perhaps the Department of Labor could offer suggestions to help with the position Billy Richey holds as the Governor’s Special Assistant for Military Affairs. Due to State cutbacks the position will no longer be funded. Discussion followed on the importance of the position Mr. Richey holds and possible solutions to gain more support. Commissioner Cruser asked if Mr. Clement had any suggestions regarding the current economic status. Mr. Clement replied in these tough economic times, people are the biggest asset and encouraged the Commissioners not to cut employees, cut programs first. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Clement for coming in.

Commissioner Cruser stated she has been working on dental services for inmates and arrangements have been made with the Dental Center regarding appointments. Billing the State for dental services for State inmates was discussed. Repairing the ambulance that had transmission problems was discussed. An oil change is needed along with new batteries for that ambulance. Ms. Cruser stated Elmore Medical Center did meet with Northwest Paramedics and discussed equipment. A proposed ambulance shed in Glenns Ferry was discussed.

Motion by Rose, second by Shaw, to recess for lunch.
ROSE - AYE
SHAW - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

Motion by Rose, second by Cruser, to go into Executive Session pursuant to I.C. 67-2345(d) to meet with Social Services Director Marianne Bate. Roll call vote was taken.
ROSE - AYE
SHAW - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

The following decision was made:

K-12-08-04 Motion by Cruser, second by Rose to deny as not indigent and not last resource.
ROSE - AYE
SHAW - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

Still in Executive Session a hearing was held on K-10-08-08. Present at the hearing were the three Commissioners, Social Services Director Marianne Bate, Deputy Clerk Barbara Steele, Vicky Halford, representing St. Lukes Regional Medical Center, Mark Peterson from Moffatt Thomas representing St. Lukes Regional Medical Center and the applicant. Ms. Bate read a brief summary of the case into the record. The applicant was asked questions. Motion by Rose, second by Shaw, to continue case K-10-08-08 to March 9, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. to receive further documentation. The hearing was closed.
ROSE - AYE
SHAW - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

Regular session resumed.

The public portion of the meeting was held. No public appeared.

The Commissioners phoned Bruce Wall and discussion followed regarding the Qualified Planner position available in Elmore County. The Commissioners asked Mr. Wall if he would fill the position. Mr. Wall will have a contract ready by Monday, February 9, 2009.

The Growth and Development Director’s job advertisement was discussed.

Motion by Shaw, second by Cruser, to adjourn.
ROSE - AYE
SHAW - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.

/S/ LARRY E. ROSE, Chairman
ATTEST: /S/ MARSA GRIMMETT, Clerk