Power County Commission minutes for December
Published in The Power County Press Jan. 20, 2010.
POWER COUNTY
COMMISSIONER MINUTES
The Board of Power County Commissioners met in special session on Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009. Present were Commissioners Vicki Meadows, Chairman, and Ron Funk. Also present was Power County Clerk Christine Steinlicht.
POWER COUNTY DISASTER SERVICES – 2009 HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT APPLICATION: Ken Fagnet of the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security appeared before the Commissioners with Power County Disaster Services Director Di Jones, Power County Sheriff Jim Jeffries, Chief Deputy Sheriff Jackie Morris and Deputy Sheriff Kevin Ostler. Following discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Meadows, seconded by Commissioner Funk, to approve and execute Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security Grant Application #2009-SS-T9-0014 in the amount of $32,682.07 as presented. Carried.
POWER COUNTY DISASTER SERVICES – 2007/2008 HOMELAND SECURITY GRANTS (QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORTS): Power County Disaster Services Director Di Jones appeared before the Commissioners with Ken Fagnet of the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security to present copies of the 2007 and 2008 Quarterly Financial Reports that were submitted on November 30th, 2009. Also present were Power County Sheriff Jim Jeffries, Chief Deputy Sheriff Jackie Morris and Deputy Sheriff Kevin Ostler. Following discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Meadows, seconded by Commissioner Funk, to make written request to Colonel Bill Shawver, Director of the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security, that $7,000 of Power County’s 2008 SHSP Grant funds be re-obligated from regional collaboration and training to communications equipment. Carried.
EXECUTIVE SESSION (I.C. #67-2345): Following discussion with Power County Planning & Zoning Attorney Douglas J. Balfour, it was moved by Commissioner Meadows, seconded by Commissioner Funk, to move into executive session pursuant to I.C. #67-2345, to communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated, but imminently likely to be litigated. Upon a call for the question, the following roll call vote was taken:
Commissioner Meadows – Aye
Commissioner Funk – Aye
Carried.
POWER COUNTY PLANNING & ZONING – SHOSHONE BANNOCK TRIBES (IDAHO OPEN MEETING ACT COMPLAINT): Power County Planning & Zoning Attorney Douglas J. Balfour appeared before the Commissioners to discuss the written complaint, prepared by EchoHawk Law Office, that Power County may have violated the Idaho Open Meeting Act. Also present were Alonzo Coby of the Fort Hall Business Council and Mark EchoHawk of EchoHawk Law Offices. Following discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Funk, seconded by Commissioner Meadows, to table further consideration of this matter until Monday, December 14th, 2009, at 3:00 p.m. to allow Commissioner Estep to be present. Carried. Mr. EchoHawk then explained that the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes have no intention of seeking litigation against Power County on jurisdictional or open meeting issues; but rather seek the opportunity to appear and discuss issues at open public meetings.
POWER COUNTY PLANNING & ZONING – MOUNTAIN STATES TRANSMISSION INTERTIE (MSTI) – MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (PARTICIPATION ADDENDUM): Power County Planning & Zoning Attorney Douglas J. Balfour appeared before the Commissioners to present a copy of the proposed Memorandum of Understanding between U.S. Department of Interior (Bureau of Land Management), U. S. Department of Agriculture (Forest Service), U.S. Department of Energy (Idaho Operations Office), Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, the Office of the Idaho Governor and Northwest Energy for the preparation of an environmental impact statement for the Mountain States Transmission Intertie (MSTI) project. Following discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Meadows, seconded by Commissioner Funk, to authorize Power County Planning & Zoning Attorney Douglas J. Balfour to execute the Participation Addendum to add Power County as a “cooperating agency” in the aforementioned Memorandum of Understanding and to appoint Attorney Balfour as Power County’s Point of Contact. Carried.
Adjourned.
VICKI MEADOWS, Chairman
CHRISTINE STEINLICHT, Clerk
POWER COUNTY
COMMISSION AGENDA
The Board of Power County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, December 14th, 2009. Present were Commissioners Vicki Meadows, Chairman, Ken Estep and Ron Funk. Also present were Power County Clerk Christine Steinlicht and Power County Prosecuting Attorney F. Randall Kline.
NORTHERN ROCKIES ECOSYSTEM PROTECTION ACT – POWER COUNTY RESOLUTION #2010-04: Following discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Estep, seconded by Commissioner Meadows, to approve and execute Power County Resolution #2010-04, which is a resolution opposing House Resolution 980 entitled “The Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act” and urging the Idaho Congressional Delegation to oppose HR 980. Carried.
POWER COUNTY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY – FMC SITE (REDEVELOPMENT): Commissioner Meadows reported that she and Commissioner Funk attended a luncheon meeting with the Power County Development Authority (PCDA) and FMC on December 2nd, 2009, to discuss redevelopment of the FMC site. At this time, PCDA is working toward obtaining the required Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification so that redevelopment of its property just north of Highway 30 and adjacent to FMC property can proceed.
POWER COUNTY MISDEMEANOR PROBATION – SERVICES AGREEMENT: Following discussion with Power County Prosecuting Attorney Randy Kline, it was moved by Commissioner Meadows, seconded by Commissioner Funk, to approve and execute the Misdemeanor Probation Services Agreement between Nancy Cladis d/b/a Power County Misdemeanor Probation Services, Inc., and Power County as presented. Carried. Clerk Steinlicht will send the original Services Agreement to Ms. Cladis for her review and approval.
BRIAN HAYNES D/B/A AMERICAN AIR, LLC – COMMERCIAL AIRPORT HANGER LEASE: Following discussion with Power County Prosecuting Attorney Randy Kline, and a finding by the Board of Commissioners that Mr. Haynes is attempting to assign or convey his interest in and to the Commercial Airport Hanger Lease entered into on May 9th, 2005, which attempt is contrary to the terms of said Lease, it was moved by Commissioner Meadows, seconded by Commissioner Funk, to immediately and absolutely terminate and void the Commercial Airport Hanger Lease between Power County and Brian Haynes d/b/a American Air, LLC. Carried.
DAVE SAVAGE D/B/A SAVAGE AIR – AIRPORT LEASES: Following discussion with Power County Prosecuting Attorney Randy Kline, the Commissioners agreed to table further consideration of this matter until January 11th, 2010.
POWER COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS/DEPARTMENT HEADS: The following individuals appeared for the Power County Elected Officials and Department Heads meeting:
Vicki Meadows, Commissioner Chairman
Ken Estep, Commissioner
Ron Funk, Commissioner
Chris Steinlicht, Clerk
Randy Kline, Prosecuting Attorney
Bobbie Mauch, Treasurer
Connie Shepherd, Juvenile Probation Supervisor
Robert Steinlicht, Building Administrator/P&Z
Stan Gortsema, Agricultural Extension Department
Craig Heward, Transfer Station/Landfill Supervisor
Curtis Munk, Weed Department Supervisor
JOB DESCRIPTIONS: The Commissioners reported that they had received and reviewed job descriptions from each Department Head except Weeds Supervisor, and will keep those on file for future reference. Following discussion, the Commissioners suggested that elected officials and department heads may want to prepare job descriptions for each position within their office/department to also keep on file for future use.
POWER COUNTY WEB PAGE – RAVE COMMUNICATIONS: Michael Jones of Rave Communications appeared before the Power County elected officials and department heads to review and discuss the progress to the Power County Web Page. Mr. Jones reported that the old site is scheduled to be discontinued in the very near future. Following discussion, Mr. Jones agreed to conduct training sessions with County employees on Thursday and Friday, January 14th and 15th, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and will also provide user manuals to County employees.
POWER COUNTY PERSONNEL MANUAL – EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATIONS (AMENDMENTS): Power County Clerk Chris Steinlicht reported to the Power County elected officials and department heads that the Power County Personnel Manual regarding “employee classifications” conflicts with the Public Employees Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI) definitions of “employee”, specifically in regard to temporary employees, i.e. temporary “casual” (not to exceed five consecutive months) versus temporary “seasonal” (not to exceed eight consecutive months). Following further discussion, the Commissioners agreed that the Power County Personnel Manual should be amended to correspond with PERSI, and further consideration of this matter was tabled until January 11th, 2010.
2010 IDAHO LEGISLATIVE SESSION: The Power County elected officials and department heads then discussed the 2010 Legislative Session, which will commence January 11th, 2010. Commissioner Estep reported that he attended the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry (IACI) meeting with the Idaho Association of Counties (IAC) Legislative Committee on December 2nd, 2009. IACI intends to pursue elimination of the personal property tax and has provided IAC with a copy of draft legislation that they feel addresses the areas of concerns for County governments; however, given the current revenue projections and budget shortfalls, IAC anticipates that no further tax exemptions will be considered by the 2010 Legislature. Following discussion, the elected officials agreed to discuss this matter further at the IAC Mid-Winter Conference which begins February 1st, 2010.
POWER COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEIT PLAN – GEM PLAN: The Power County elected officials and department heads then discussed the Power County employee benefit plan through the Gem Plan. Commissioner Estep reported that the Gem Plan Board of Trustees is recommending slight increases in employee prescription co-pays and deductibles; however, Power County employees will be given written notice of any changes in coverage. Following discussion, the Commissioners agreed to table further consideration of this matter until December 28th, 2009.
POWER COUNTY CLERK – ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT (I.C. #31-2307): The Commissioners then reviewed the Annual Financial Report, which was prepared by Power County Clerk Chris Steinlicht pursuant to I.C. #31-2307 and submitted to the Board of Commissioners on November 23rd, 2009. Following discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Meadows, seconded by Commissioner Funk, to approve the Power County Clerk’s Annual Financial Report as presented. Carried.
COMMISSIONER MINUTES: Following discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Estep, seconded by Commissioner Funk, to approve the Power County Commissioner Minutes for November 6th, 9th and 23rd, 2009, as presented. Carried. The Commissioners then discussed the possibility of publishing a summary of the Commissioner Minutes in The Power County Press with notice that the full and complete text will be available on Power County’s web page. Following discussion, the Commissioners agreed to table further consideration of this matter until February 8th, 2010.
IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY: Regional Administrator of the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality Bruce Olenick appeared before the Commissioners with Remediation Coordinator Ralph A. Oborn to discuss air quality issues pertinent to Power County. Mr. Olenick reported a highly productive working relationship between DEQ and Southeast Idaho Energy, which has resulted in a permit being negotiated and issued. The Commissioners and Mr. Osborn then discussed the underground fuel tanks that were removed from an area adjacent to the Power County Sheriff’s Office in 1993; however, the DEQ has not closed their file on that matter and will need to pull a water sample from the area. Mr. Oborn assured the Commissioners that any testing will be done at the expense of DEQ and that a certificate of compliance/closure will be forthcoming. The Commissioners instructed Mr. Oborn to contact Power County Sheriff Jim Jeffries directly and arrange a time to obtain a water sample.
POWER COUNTY SHERIFF – IDAHO SHERIFF’S ASSOCIATION (JAIL STANDARDS): Power County Sheriff Jim Jeffries appeared before the Commissioners to report that he attended the Idaho Sheriffs’ Association meeting on December 2nd, 2009, to discuss Idaho Jail Standards, and particularly minimum staffing requirements, which call for two officers to be on duty 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Sheriff Jeffries then reported that he has implemented the most cost effective option in order to comply with the Idaho Jail Standards, and will supplement jail personnel with his administrative staff, a new part-time jail technician and road officers to ensure double coverage during most shifts.
POWER COUNTY SHERIFF – QUARTERLY JAIL INSPECTIONS (I.C. #20-622): Power County Sheriff Jim Jeffries appeared before the Commissioners to report that the Idaho Sheriffs’ Association is preparing new forms for jail inspections conducted by the Board of Commissioners pursuant to I.C. #20-622. Following discussion, the Commissioners agreed that Commissioner Estep will perform the final quarterly jail inspection for 2009 on Friday, December 18th, 2009; however, beginning January 1st, 2010, all jail inspections conducted pursuant to I.C. #20-622 will be done by the full board during a regular business meeting of the Board of Power County Commissioners.
POWER COUNTY SHERIFF – JAIL REPAIRS (WINDOWS): Power County Sheriff Jim Jeffries appeared before the Commissioner to report that one of the windows in the jail area of the Power County Sheriff’s Office is damaged and needs repaired; however, Sheriff Jeffries would like to replace all of the outdated, inefficient jail windows. Following discussion, the Commissioners agreed to immediately repair the damaged window, and suggested that Sheriff Jeffries contact Keven Shreeve at Forsgren and Associates to inquire whether the proposed window replacement would qualify for payment under U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) to enhance energy efficiency of County buildings.
POWER COUNTY SHERIFF – HOMELAND SECURITY GRANTS (COMMUNICATIONS/POINT OF CONTACT): Power County Sheriff Jim Jeffries appeared before the Commissioners to discuss the Commissioners recent change to Power County’s “Point of Contact” on Homeland Security Grants. Following discussion, the Commissioners agreed that on October 5th, 2009, Power County Sheriff Jim Jeffries was officially appointed as Power County’s “Point of Contact” for purposes of communications and/or interoperability projects; however, Power County Disaster Services Director Di Jones will continue to schedule and oversee all education and/or training sessions required under the Homeland Security Grants. Commissioner Estep agreed to contact Idaho Bureau of Disaster Services Regional Director Ken Fagnet to clarify the changes in Power County’s “Point of Contact”.
MOUNTAIN STATES TRANSMISSION INTERTIE (MSTI) – TRANSMISSION CORRIDOR: Commissioner Funk reported that he attended Mountain States Transmission Intertie (MSTI) public information meetings on November 24th and December 3rd, 2009. Commissioner Funk indicated that several options for the placement of a transmission lines through the Pleasant Valley area were presented; however, the landowners in the area are adamant that private property should not be considered as corridors. Commissioner Funk further reported that Tom Pankratz of Northwest Energy is committed to push the landowners’ proposal to by-pass private property; with the understanding that time constraints and/or deadlock may require further negotiation.
POWER COUNTY ASSESSOR – RURAL SUBDIVISION/AGRICULTURAL EXEMPTION (ADJUSTED VALUES): Power County Deputy Assessor Donna Thornton appeared before the Commissioners to report that the 2009 market values on South Bay Subdivision were calculated at the higher “rural subdivision” rather than “agricultural” rate, which a rural subdivision is allowed to maintain under I.C. #63-602(k) until the initial improvement of building or infrastructure is commenced. Following discussion, the Commissioners agreed that the 18 affected parcels, resulting in a total tax cancellation of $31,411.86, should be included on the Power County Treasurer’s next Order for Cancellation of Taxes as an “erroneous assessment”.
CLAIMS: Moved by Commissioner Estep, seconded by Commissioner Meadows, to approve the claims as presented, amended and supplemented. Carried.
Current Expense $ 25,944.57
Ambulance District 5,370.00
Mosquito Abatement District 16,558.33
District Court 5,871.88
Justice Fund 53,495.78
Misdemeanor Probation/
Drug Court 2,103.36
Enhanced 911 Services 1,149.50
Indigent Services 13,739.74
Revaluation 671.00
Solid Waste 34,614.62
Tort 1,000.00
Weeds 2,797.71
Waterways 21.96
PILT 5,581.99
POWER COUNTY TREASURER – ORDER FOR CANCELLATION OF TAXES: Moved by Commissioner Meadows, seconded by Commissioner Funk, to approve the Order for Cancellation of Taxes in the amount of $3,107.79 presented by Power County Treasurer Bobbie Mauch. Carried.
SAFETY AWARD – STATE INSURANCE FUND: Power County Clerk Chris Steinlicht reported that Power County will receive a dividend from the State Insurance Fund in the approximate amount of $4,800.00. Following discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Meadows, seconded by Commissioner Funk, to grant the Power County employees a safety award of $70 for elected officials and full-time employees and $30 for part-time employees. Carried.
EXECUTIVE SESSION (I.C. #67-2345): Moved by Commissioner Estep, seconded by Commissioner Meadows, to move into executive session pursuant to I.C. #67-2345, to consider records that are exempt from disclosure pursuant to Chapter 3, Title 9, Idaho Code, specifically indigent medical applications. Upon a call for the question, the following roll call vote was taken:
Commissioner Meadows – Aye
Commissioner Estep – Aye
Commissioner Funk – Aye
Carried.
INDIGENT CASE #2010-12-I: Moved by Commissioner Meadows, seconded by Commissioner Funk, to deny indigent medical application #2010-12-I, since the application was processed as incomplete pursuant to I.C. #31-3505A. Carried.
EXECUTIVE SESSION (I.C. #67-2345): At the request of Power County Planning & Zoning Attorney Douglas J. Balfour, it was moved by Commissioner Funk, seconded by Commissioner Estep, to move into executive session pursuant to I.C. #67-2345 to communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. Upon a call for the question, the following roll call vote was taken:
Commissioner Meadows – Aye
Commissioner Estep – Aye
Commissioner Funk –Aye
Carried.
POWER COUNTY PLANNING & ZONING – SHOSHONE BANNOCK TRIBES (IDAHO OPEN MEETING ACT COMPLAINT): Power County Planning & Zoning Attorney Douglas J. Balfour appeared before the Commissioners to further discuss the written complaint, prepared by EchoHawk Law Office, that Power County may have violated the Idaho Open Meeting Act. Also present were Mark EchoHawk of EchoHawk Law Office and Alonzo Coby of the Fort Hall Business Council. Following discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Meadows, seconded by Commissioner Funk, to instruct Power County Planning & Zoning Attorney Doug Balfour to prepare the Commissioners written response to EchoHawk Law Office’s letter of complaint dated November 29th, 2009. Carried. Following further discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Estep, seconded by Commissioner Funk, to instruct Power County Planning & Zoning Attorney Doug Balfour to prepare and submit a transmittal to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes to accompany Power County’s 12 comments to the Tribe’s proposed Land Use Plan, which comments are dated February 24th, 2003, through December 14th, 2009. Carried. Paul EchoHawk then requested that the Commissioners consider a response to the November 29th, 2009, complaint consistent with Bannock County’s recent resolution.
POWER COUNTY JUVENILE PROBATION – POST TRAINING: Power County Juvenile Probation Office Supervisor Connie Shepherd appeared before the Commissioners to report that the State POST Academy will be offering a Probation Supervisor certification program in March, 2010. Following discussion, the Commissioners and Ms. Shepherd agreed that certification would be beneficial.
EXECUTIVE SESSION (I.C. #67-2345): Moved by Commissioner Meadows, seconded by Commissioner Funk, to move into executive session pursuant to I.C. #67-2345 to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent. Upon a call for the question, the following roll call vote was taken:
Commissioner Meadows – Aye
Commissioner Estep – Aye
Commissioner Funk – Aye
Carried.
AMERICAN FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT #381 – GRADUATION EQUIVALENT DIPLOMA (GED) PROGRAM – SPANISH: Rudy Pena and Kay Jones of the American Falls School District #381 appeared before the Commissioners to report that the Spanish GED class, which has functioned in Power County since 2000 and has been funded and administered by Boise State University through funds provided by the US Department of Education’s High School Equivalency Program, will be discontinued due to lack of funding, leaving approximately 20 current adult students without any options to further their education and obtain GED certification. Mr. Pena and Ms. Jones requested that a program promoting literacy and GED certification for the Hispanic community be adopted and supported locally. Following discussion, the Commissioners agreed to table further consideration of this matter until December 28th, 2009, at 11:00 a.m.
Adjourned.
VICKI MEADOWS, Chairman
CHRISTINE STEINLICHT, Clerk
POWER COUNTY
COMMISSIONER MINUTES
The Board of Power County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, December 28th, 2009. Present were Commissioners Vicki Meadows, Chairman, Ken Estep and Ron Funk. Also present were Power County Clerk Christine Steinlicht and Power County Prosecuting Attorney F. Randall Kline.
2010 LEGISLATIVE SESSION – PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX LEGISLATION (IACI): The Commissioners reviewed a copy of Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry’s (IACI) draft legislation relating to taxation of personal property to be presented during the upcoming Legislative Session. Following discussion, the Commissioners agreed to review the proposed legislation in greater detail, and this matter was tabled until January 11th, 2010.
EXECUTIVE SESSION (I.C. #67-2345): Following discussion with Power County Prosecuting Attorney Randy Kline, it was moved by Commissioner Meadows, seconded by Commissioner Estep, to move into executive session pursuant to I.C. #67-2345 to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent. Upon a call for the question, the following roll call vote was taken:
Commissioner Meadows – Aye
Commissioner Estep – Aye
Commissioner Funk – Aye
Carried.
SHOSHONE-BANNOCK TRIBES – LAND USE PLAN (SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE): Commissioner Meadows reported that the Commissioners had met with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and other local governments a/k/a “interested parties” to discuss the provisions of the Tribe’s proposed Land Use Plan, and specifically the solid waste disposal ordinance, which meeting was held at the Pocatello City Council Chambers on December 16th, 2009.
EXECUTIVE SESSION (I.C. #67-2345): Moved by Commissioner Meadows, seconded by Commissioner Estep, to move into executive session pursuant to I.C. #67-2345, to consider records that are exempt from disclosure pursuant to Chapter 3, Title 9, Idaho Code, specifically indigent medical applications. Upon a call for the question, the following roll call vote was taken:
Commissioner Meadows – Aye
Commissioner Funk – Aye
Commissioner Estep – Aye
Carried.
INDIGENT CASE #2009-18-I: Moved by Commissioner Meadows, seconded by Commissioner Estep, to approve indigent medical application #2009-18-I. Carried.
INDIGENT CASE #2010-13-I: Moved by Commissioner Meadows, seconded by Commissioner Estep, to deny indigent medical application #2010-13-I, since applicant has other resources sufficient to pay the medical expenses incurred. Carried.
POWER COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN – GEM PLAN: Following discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Estep, seconded by Commissioner Funk, to make the following adjustments to Power County’s employee medical benefit plan through the Gem Plan, effective January 1st, 2010:
Increase annual employee/family deductible to $350
Increase generic prescription drug co-pay to $5.00 for 30 day supply
Increase generic prescription drug co-pay to $10.00 for 90 day supply
Increase all formulary prescription drug co-pay to $25.00
Increase all non-formulary prescription drug co-pay to $25.00 base plus 30%
Carried.
POWER COUNTY TREASURER – MONTHLY REPORT (I.C. #31-2113): Power County Treasurer Bobbie Mauch appeared before the Commissioners to present her monthly Statement of Treasurer’s Cash for the period ending November 30th, 2009.
EASTERN IDAHO STATE FAIR – ANNUAL BUDGET HEARING: Commissioner Funk reported that the annual budget hearing for the Eastern Idaho State Fair is scheduled for January 29th, 2010, at 12:00 noon at the Eastern Idaho State Fairgrounds in Blackfoot, Idaho.
AMERICAN FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT #381 – GRADUATION EQUIVALENT DIPLOMA (GED) PROGRAM – SPANISH: Rudy Pena of American Falls School District #381 appeared before the Commissioners to discuss the adult Spanish GED program in Power County. The Commissioners reported that they had discussed the concept of creating a “Community Education Foundation” to privately fund the GED program. The Commissioners further reported that they have approached several of the major employers in the Power County area, and all have expressed an interest in referring employees to the program; however, additional information will be required before any corporate or business funds could be appropriated. Following discussion, the Commissioners requested that Mr. Pena provide a detailed synopsis of the adult Spanish GED program, including an emphasis on English language education, to be included in a package/proposal and presented to area businesses and industry for funding consideration. Following discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Meadows, seconded by Commissioner Estep, to authorize Power County Clerk Chris Steinlicht to establish the “Community Education Foundation” trust fund and to transfer $15,000 into said trust from PILT contingency to operate the adult Spanish GED program in Power County for a period of twelve (12) months, or until a “Community Education Foundation” is properly created and funded, whichever first occurs. Carried. Following further discussion, the Commissioners agreed that Commissioner Meadows, Prosecutor Kline and Rudy Pena will lead the effort to coordinate community outreach and this matter was tabled until January 11th, 2010, at 2:00 p.m.
POWER COUNTY SHERIFF – MARINE PATROL (BOAT GRANT/MATCH): Power County Sheriff Jim Jeffries and Marine Patrol Deputy Pete Williams appeared before the Commissioners to discuss the possibility of trading in the Power County Sheriff’s 2007 Thunder Jet boat for a new 2010 Thunder Jet Boat, which would allow the Power County Search & Rescue to more safely patrol the Angel Falls area of the Snake River in Power County. Mr. Williams reported that the Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation is offering boat/equipment grants, which if approved would require $10,344.60 in matching funds from Power County. Sheriff Jeffries suggested that if the grant were awarded for the 2010 Thunder Jet Boat, the match could be paid equally by the Power County PILT and Waterways Funds. Following discussion, the Commissioners agreed to take this matter under advisement until January 11th, 2010.
CLAMS: Moved by Commissioner Meadows, seconded by Commissioner Estep, to approve the claims as presented, amended and supplemented. Carried.
Current Expense $ 12,412.48
Ambulance District 2,018.20
District Court 2,806.71
Justice Fund 6,584.10
Misdemeanor Probation/
Drug Court 1,323.00
Enhanced 911 Services 27.69
Indigent Services 7,719.41
Revaluation 40.15
Solid Waste 2,291.28
Weed Department 2,651.53
PILT Fund 15,374.70
Adjourned.
VICKI MEADOWS, Chairman
CHRISTINE STEINLICHT, Clerk