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Printer Friendly Cassia County Minutes 01-26-09

COMMISSIONER MINUTES
#581 January 26, 2009

The Cassia County Board of Commissioners met this day with Chairman Dennis Crane, Paul Christensen and Clay D. Handy, Board Members; Alfred E. Barrus, Prosecuting Attorney; Larry Mickelsen, Clerk of the Board, and Kerry D. McMurray, County Administrator, present.
PREVIOUS WEEK’S MINUTES
The Minutes for January 12, 2009 were discussed. A motion was made and seconded to approve and proceed with publication of an appropriate synopsis. Roll call vote was unanimous by the Board.
CALENDAR
The Board reviewed the calendar for January & February 2009.
CORRESPONDENCE
The Board reviewed the following:
1. A draft of the Cassia County Hazard Mitigation Plan from the Sheriff’s Office.
2. An invitation to attend BOE training
3. A letter from Richard & Sandra Cantu.
4. A letter from the USFS Re: proposed FS Flats Developed Dispersed Campground Project.
5. A letter from the BLM Re: Environmental Assessment and Findings for the Minidoka Fuel Break Project north of Minidoka, ID.
6. An invoice from the Mid-Snake RC&D Annual Dues of $100.00. It moved and seconded to approve payment and roll call vote was unanimous by the Board.
7. Invitations to the Morrison Funeral Home open house, the Idaho State University Alumni Association reception for Idaho legislators, & the NACo Legislative Conference.
COUNTY ROAD ISSUE
The Board reviewed the purchase of equipment for road compaction for the County Road & Bridge Department. The equipment bids were from Rhino Inc., used for $29,000, and Caterpillar Inc. new for $105,000. The Board put the issue on hold for consideration at a later date.
BOARD OF COMMUNITY GUARDIANS
The Board considered some applications to serve on the Board of Community Guardians. After review and discussion of the applications of Virginia Worthington and Linda Pethtel, it was moved and seconded to approve their applications to be members of the Board and roll call vote was unanimous by the Board. Linda Pethtel is a Minidoka county resident and the Board will send her application to them for their approval.
IRS ISSUE
Clerk Larry Mickelsen discussed the IRS Audit for 2008. He explained the IRS position regarding gift certificates, clothing allowances and mileage to local meetings. After discussion, it was moved and seconded to have Bob Stephenson work with Cara Petterson to correct the W-2 forms for all employees and roll call vote was unanimous by the Board.
BLM AMENDMENT REQUEST
The Board reviewed an Amendment Request for DLA060211 with the BLM. It was moved and seconded for the Chairman to sign and execute the Amendment and roll call vote was unanimous by the Board.
CHANGE OF STATUS
The Board reviewed 4 changes of status forms, 1 for the Sheriff’s Office, 1 for Adult Misdemeanor Probations Office and 2 for the MCCJC. It was moved and seconded to approve the changes of status and roll call vote was unanimous by the Board.
DEPARTMENT HEAD MEETING
Assessor: Marty Holland reported that they are very busy getting the personal property notifications out to the citizens. Whisper Mountain information is coming in and they will work with Sara Haynes and Todd Quast about it. Dan has retired and the Commissioners will send him a letter recognizing his work.
Detention Center: Rob Neiwert was introduced as the new MCCJC Director. They are short 3 people, but have 3 candidates to fill them. There will be 3 females sent to POST in March. There was a water leak in the Control Room, and Larry Osterhout was able to repair it before any significant damage occurred. They have a computer virus that Stephenson’s is resolving. He feels that things are going very well. Jail Population is 165, with 69 from Cassia County, 43 from Minidoka County, 36 from the State, 11 from the US Marshal, 4 from other Jurisdictions, and 2 from the Border Patrol. There are 132 males and 33 females, 122 felonies and 30 misdemeanors.
Sheriff’ Department: Sheriff Randy Kidd reported that they have been very busy. They have 2 people at POST. Some offices have been shifted around. They want to raise concealed weapons fees from $29.25 to a higher amount. Because of a lower fee than other counties, they do a lot of work for other counties. The VIN inspections need to be completed by other authorized, trained personnel, rather than a sworn officer. There have been a large number of arrests this past week.
Treasurer: Gayle Erekson reported that IAC inquired about the tax delinquencies for this year. She responded that things are about the same as in previous years, down just a little. She estimates that the collections will eventually be the same as previously collected.
Janitorial/Maintenance: Sharon Higgins reported that all is well with the exception of an extension cord that is bad. There will be a fire inspection within the next few days.
Extension Office: Richard Garrard reported that for the past few years Cassia County has had the largest agricultural production in the State. This is predominantly because of the dairies in the county. The proposed “dairy buy-out” will cripple the beef industry in the county. Dairy prices are still stable, hay is down about 50%, grain prices are down a little. Sugar beet acreage will be about the same. The 4-H program is going well and starting strong for this year. They put in test blocks for development of cochia that can be used for grazing in the fall.
County Administrator: Kerry McMurray reported that P&Z is getting ready for some ordinance changes in the February 26, 2009 P&Z meeting. Subdivision development in Prime Ag is not allowed and will not change. The County junk yard ordinance needs to have the authority for fines for non-compliance. Mapping is going full speed ahead and going very well. Building requests are down a little because of the cold weather. Kerry handed out a packet of new employee rights.
Clerk: Larry Mickelsen asked the Department heads to watch their budgets closely this year because of less than anticipated revenues because of state hold backs.
Prosecuting Attorney: Al Barrus reported that they are very busy. Judge Crabtree is doing very well in getting cases moved through the courts.
Commissioners: Paul asked about Pacific Ethanol production. Richard Garrard reported that it is limited production. Clay asked if the property that is tax deeded and sold, then what happens to the revenue from the sale.
COUNTY EXPENDITURE
The Board reviewed the County’s Payables Approval Report dated 01-26-2009. A motion was made and seconded to approve the report and roll call vote was unanimous by the Board.

CURRENT EXPENSES 104 $26,278.42
INDIGENT FUND 105 $2,194.70
DISTRICT COURT FUND 106 $209.29
COUNTY ROADS & BRIDGES FUND 107 $3,326.44
911 COMMUNICATIONS FUND 115 $18,614.05
JUSTICE FUND 130 $288,147.51
MINI-CASSIA DRUG ENFORCEMENT TASK FORCE 136 $86.04
PHYSICAL FACILITIES FUND 144 $552.14
CASSIA COUNTY BENEFITS TRUST 148 $101,505.00
TOTAL $440,913.59

EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 10:34am it was proposed by Commissioner Handy and seconded by Commissioner Christensen that the Board convene in Executive Session under Idaho Code Section 67-2345(1)(d) with Commissioner Christensen voting yea, Commissioner Crane voting yea, and Commissioner Handy voting yea. The purpose and general tenor of the meeting was to discuss medical indigent matters. Following the discussion, the Board returned to regular session at 10:52am.
Following Executive Session the Board Approved Cases # 208111, and 208075; Signed Notice of Lien for Cases # 2009007, 2009008 and 2009009; Signed Release of Lien for Cases # 200024, 202115, 207035, 208049, 208087, 208132, and 208136; Denied Cases # 208144, 208147, and 2009002; Signed Stipulation for Case # 208106; Presented Cases # 208145 and 2009008; Turned the following Cases over for Collections: 206088, 206118, 207003, 207006, 207041, 207044, 207046, 207062, 207069, 207079, 207085, 207092, 99147, 99004, 202050, 205127, 207091, 99002, 200025, 201068, 202072, 202117, 202121, 202134, 204051, 204082, 204139, 204164, 205029, 205064, 205140, and 206065
SOUTHERN IDAHO TOURISM
Will be rescheduled for February 9, 2009.
BOARD OF HEALTH
The Board considered a letter of support for a Blaine County nomination for the Board of Health. After discussion, it was moved and seconded to support Angenie McCleary to complete the appointment of Dr. Peter Curran’s term as a member of the Board of Health and roll call vote was unanimous by the Board.
RAFT RIVER HIGHWAY DISTRICT
The Board reviewed a letter of support for the Raft River Highway District. It was moved and seconded to sign the letter of support and roll call vote was unanimous by the Board.
FAIRBOARD ISSUE
The Board reviewed the Fair Board Travel Vouchers. After review and approval, it was moved and seconded for Chairman Crane to sign the travel vouchers and roll call vote was unanimous by the Board.
BLM
Jim Tharp and Mike Courtney met with the Board. Jim discussed his experience with the local BLM office. Mike reported that a new geologist will start next week and a wildlife biologist will begin work in March. Chairman Crane explained the formation of the FLAG and the first meeting to be held the 2nd Wednesday of February (February 11, 2009). Mike feels the FLAG will help to have public understanding of BLM affairs. Mike reported that they sold 3 more geothermal sites in the Raft River area, they received a right of way request for 3600 acres on Middle Mountain. The “Gateway Project” route has encountered difficulties in Cassia County because of the electrical impact on the dairy industry and the impact on the computerized wheel lines. A substation, named Cedar Point, will be built near Rock Creek, but they have the entire EIS process to complete prior to construction. Mike reported on the opportunity for development and cleanup of the Milner Recreation Site. Coordination will be made with the Sheriff’s Office to ensure there will be law enforcement coverage at the site.
LUNCH
At 12:00pm the Commissioners departed for lunch at Perkins, and to meet with Leonard Beck representing Water District 01, to discuss irrigation water issues. The discussion centered around collecting an assessment for irrigated acres in Cassia County. The matter was referred to County Attorney Al Barrus for follow-up.
RECESS
Meeting was recessed until 9:00 a.m., Monday, , 2009.
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE AT TODAY’S MEETING
Margi Owens, Weekly News Journal;
ATTEST:  APPROVED:
/s/Larry A. Mickelsen /s/Dennis D. Crane


Larry A. Mickelsen, Clerk Dennis Crane, Chairman

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Burley, Idaho 83318

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