Lease extended on USDA building

Randy Brooks, County Extension Agent, met with Clearwater County Commissioners March 20 to discuss the lease of their building.

USDA has requested an extension of six months on the lease. The Supplemental Lease Extension as submitted by USDA.

The Ambulance District Board held a bid opening for a new ambulance. One bid was received from Pacific Emergency Vehicle for $104,509 to purchase a Type I Medtec PD 146 Model Walk Through for 2006 Model year Ford F350 4X4 Chassis. The purchase is funded by grant and the cost to the county is approximately $14,000. The bid was approved.

A notice of insurance renewal was received from Wally Burchak, KBC Transport LLC, DBA Duane Orcutt Trucking. The invoice for the pollution insurance on solid waste hauled for the county is due and payable. Clearwater County equally shares in the premium with Lewis County. Paying the premium for pollution insurance in the amount of $3,552.29 was approved.

A Planning and Zoning update and report on building permits were reviewed with TJ Rausch, P&Z administrator. Chairman Don Ebert initiated a discussion about amending the simple subdivision ordinance. There is concern over the impact on the county roads from the increase of land splits. Rausch also explained that he checked into hiring an intern for the summer for clerical training. This program is funded through Idaho Department of Commerce and Labor at no cost to county.

The Sheriff's Department report as given by Chief Deputy Chris Goetz and Walt Harney. Harney presented the estimate for engine replacement on the Chevy Tahoe; a rebuilt engine will cost approximately $3,000 if the core on engine is good. The price for a new engine is similar. Consensus of Board is to fix the vehicle with the new engine for $3,181.00; plus front end parts and alignment.

Sheriff Alan Hengen presented the law enforcement contract between the county and Clearwater National Forest. This annual contract is the same as in the past with the exception of fuel allowance. The signing contract was tabled to get recommendation from legal counsel.

Technology/Networking, issues were reviewed with Angela Vander Pas. The Windows upgrade was made on all computers and virus scans were run. The tape backup system and tapes need to be replaced. Approval was given to order a tape backup device and tapes for a cost of approximately $2,000.

Don Gardner, Emergency Management coordinator, provided an update on issues. The 2003 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) is closed; the 2004 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) is done and closed.

Road and Bridge Supervisor Rob Simon presented an update. There will need to be a meeting to kick off the Master Transportation Plan work. There was discussion held on forming an advisory committee to work on the planning. Grangemont Rd. meeting and tour with Tri-Agencies will be scheduled for April 13. This meeting will help establish the guidelines for spending the $9.6 million that was appropriated for the road. Road crews are working on Sunnyside Rd. and hazard tree removal on the Grangemont Rd.

Three executive sessions were held to discuss personnel and indigent issues. All three commissioners were present for the regular meeting.