COMMISSIONERS MINUTES                                March 1, 2010



The Elmore County Commissioners met in regular session at 9:00 a.m. on the above date in the Commissioners room, basement of the Elmore County Courthouse, 150 South 4th East, Mountain Home, Idaho.

Present at the meeting were Chairperson Connie Cruser and Commissioner Arlie Shaw. Commissioner Larry Rose was absent. Also present was Civil Attorney Buzz Grant and Deputy Clerk Barbara Steele.

Bill Richey, Governor’s Special Assistant for Military Affairs, appeared to give a monthly report. The report included the joint land use study that is still underway and a dinner that was held in honor of Singapore’s Chief of Defense, at Carmela Winery, with the Governor in attendance. The F-35 scoping meetings were discussed at length and how important the F-35 is to our community. The decision regarding the location of the F-35 should be made in February of next year.

Marty Jones, Central District Health, appeared and discussion followed on a possible household hazardous collection waste day. Mr. Jones stated the Glenns Ferry Landfill was in good condition. Methane monitoring was discussed. Fred Perez, Idaho Waste Systems General Manager, joined the meeting. Discussion continued on the Glenns Ferry Landfill/Transfer Station and the proposed household hazardous collection day.

The Department Heads met for their regular monthly meeting.

Alan Baumgardner, Veterans Service Officer, was absent but did submit to the Recorder’s Office his written report. The report included that several Veterans have applied for increased ratings and benefits along with the use of the VA Hospital. Twenty five Veterans and spouses have been assisted since the last department head meeting.

Monica Bowden, Juvenile Probation, appeared and gave an update on her department. There will be an opening in the office and interviews will be held soon. The Juvenile Probation budget was discussed.

Angie Ireland, Adult Misdemeanor Probation, appeared and gave a report on the department. Chairperson Cruser asked Ms. Ireland how many people that are on probation physically come to the Courthouse on a monthly basis and Ms. Ireland stated approximately 85%. Drug testing was discussed.

Alan Christy, Growth and Development Director, appeared and gave the Commissioners the February 2010 Expense Report which was reviewed. The County Surveyor and Engineer were briefly discussed and will be tabled until next week.

Mir Seyedbagheri, Extension Agent, appeared and gave a written summary of his accomplishments for the month of February 2010. The report was reviewed and included teaching 12 different Master Gardener classes, two different 4-H Leadership trainings on 7 different subject matters, along with several other accomplishments.

Dan Collins, Plant Facilities Manager, appeared and discussion followed on the energy grant. Replacing the boiler in the courthouse was discussed. Mr. Collins asked the Commissioners if Civil Attorney Grant could become involved in the process and phone Amy Twilegar from Sage Resources to facilitate the energy grant. Discussion followed on who the responsible party should be on the energy grant. It was decided to have Amy Twilegar from Sage Resources attend next weeks meeting, if she is available, to discuss the energy grant.

The proposed Employee Personnel policy was discussed. Ms. Bowden discussed that the drug testing portion needs to be addressed, the relationship policy (nepotism) needs to be reviewed along with the Candidacy for Elective Office section. The electronic communications policy is not included. Mr. Collins asked why a new policy being introduced when the old policy could be updated. Chairperson Cruser stated Clerk Plummer received the proposed policy from ICRMP (Idaho Counties Risk Management Program). Commissioner Shaw stated since ICRMP provides the County with insurance it would be best to follow their policies. Bereavement and compensation time was discussed. Mr. Christy suggested having a cell phone policy.

Motion by Shaw, second by Cruser, to approve the minutes for February 18, 2010 and February 22, 2010.
CRUSER - AYE
SHAW - AYE
ROSE - ABSENT Motion carried and so ordered.

Chairperson Cruser read the tax cancellations into the record: No. 1041 City of Mountain Home $57.24 and No. 1042 Mona’s Boutique $4.18. Motion by Shaw, second by Cruser, to approve the tax cancellations in the amount of $61.42.
CRUSER - AYE
SHAW - AYE
ROSE - ABSENT Motion carried and so ordered.

Motion by Shaw, second by Cruser, to sign the Financial Assurance Plan for the Bennett Road and Glenns Ferry Landfills.
CRUSER - AYE
SHAW - AYE
ROSE - ABSENT Motion carried and so ordered.

The procedures for the McCallum appeals were discussed. There will be two separate hearings on the nine appeals on March 22, 2010.

Motion by Cruser, second by Shaw, to go into Executive Session pursuant to I.C. 67-23459(c) to discuss purchasing property.
CRUSER - AYE
SHAW - AYE
ROSE - ABSENT Motion carried and so ordered.

Regular session resumed. No action was taken as a result of the Executive Session.

Motion by Cruser, second Shaw, to go into Executive Session pursuant to I.C. 67-2345(b) to discuss a personnel issue.
CRUSER - AYE
SHAW - AYE
ROSE - ABSENT Motion carried and so ordered.

Regular session resumed. No action was taken as a result of the Executive Session.

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

At 1:30 p.m. the Commissioners met in Executive Session pursuant to I.C. 67-2345(d) to meet with Social Services Director Marianne Bate on a motion by Cruser second by Shaw.
CRUSER - AYE
SHAW - AYE
ROSE - ABSENT Motion carried and so ordered.

Regular session resumed and the following decision was made:

K-01-10-04 Motion by Shaw, second by Cruser, to deny as not indigent, unable to determine residency as the applicant has not been cooperative and cannot be located.
CRUSER - AYE
SHAW - AYE
ROSE - ABSENT Motion carried and so ordered.

Motion by Shaw, second by Cruser, to accept and sign a letter to discontinue health benefits for a former employee.
CRUSER - AYE
SHAW - AYE
ROSE - ABSENT Motion carried and so ordered.

Motion by Cruser, second by Shaw, to go into Executive Session pursuant to I.C. 67-2345(c) to discuss purchasing a piece property.
CRUSER - AYE
SHAW - AYE
ROSE - ABSENT Motion carried and so ordered.

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

Motion by Cruser, second by Shaw, to approve payment to the Radisson Hotel where the Drug Court Training Team will be staying while attending classes in Newport, California.
CRUSER - AYE
SHAW - AYE
ROSE - ABSENT Motion carried and so ordered.

Motion by Shaw, second by Cruser, to adjourn at 3:57 p.m.
CRUSER - AYE
SHAW - AYE
ROSE - ABSENT Motion carried and so ordered.

/S/ CONNIE CRUSER, Chairperson
ATTEST: /S/ MARSA PLUMMER, Clerk