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Airport grants on BOCC agenda

by CAROLINE LOBSINGER
Staff Writer | August 25, 2024 1:00 AM

SANDPOINT — A trio of airport-related grants are among the items slated for discussion by Bonner County commissioners Tuesday.

Airports manager Dave Schuck is seeking the commission's approval on three airport-related grants.

The first is for a four-year $336,000 Federal Aviation Administration grant. The grant would allow the construction of a taxilane for aircraft storage and expand an aircraft parking apron that would allow for an additional tie-down space at the Priest River Airport.

The second would be for a $194,607 grant that would pay for the first phase of a data collection effort needed to update the airport layout plan at the Priest River Airport. The third grant, for a maximum of $444,271, involves the second phase of the taxilane project at the Priest River Airport, which would allow construction of four additional conventional hangers and one T-hanger site at the airport.

Several minor land divisions are included in the consent agenda, the Good Dog Acres MLD off Gooby Road which would split a 13.97-acre parcel into three smaller lots of varying sizes; and the Weichal Subdivision off Clagstone Road, which would split a 9.5-acre parcel into two 4.75-acre lots.

Bonner County Clerk Mike Rosedale is seeking approval of a batch claim for just over $96,206 as well as approval for various veteran's, treasurer's, human resources and risks budgets. Elections manager Tere Schultz is seeking approval for the disposal of election records that fall outside the retention period mandated by the state.

The Waterways Advisory Board is seeking the appointment of Winthrop Taylor to complete a vacant seat on the board. The term would be to fill the two years remaining on the term.

Also on the agenda is a $89,426.76 change order for the Colburn site improvement project for a manual transfer switch and assorted upgrades.

Planning Director Jake Gabell is slated to appear before the board to adjust the Planning Department's budget to account for unanticipated revenue of $31,800 for vacation rental fees. Gabell is asking the BOCC to use $29,000 of the funds to pay for the renewal of short-term rental software.

Bonner County Emergency Management is seeking approval of several contracts as part of the county's BONFire program, which assesses fire hazards and helps create defensible spaces in terms of wildland firefighting. The work is being covered under an Idaho Department of Lands grant.

Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler is seeking approval of an inmate housing agreement with the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho. Under the agreement, the tribe would reimburse Bonner County $90 per day for each inmate housed at the Bonner County Jail from the date of the agreement until November 30, 2025.

The Facilities Department is seeking approval to purchase a skid steer and snowblower attachment, totaling $79,747.50. The equipment is needed, department officials said, for snow removal at the EMS station and office complex being built across from the Bonner County Administration Building.

The department is also seeking approval to proceed with the lease/purchase of a skid steer, with the lease accounting for the first five years of the six-year agreement. The agreement calls for annual payments of $15,587.32 with the option to purchase for $1 in the sixth year.

Commissioner Asia Williams is scheduled to give an update on guests scheduled to appear on her Commissioner Chat program as well as address ongoing concerns and issues, potential litigation and workshops.

Several executive sessions are listed on the board's agenda, with the first concerning the potential hiring of district court and planning employees; and the second regarding personnel or hiring. Executive sessions are closed to the public to give officials a chance to discuss confidential information; however, all decisions must be made in open session.

Board of Bonner County Commission meetings are held at the Bonner County Administration Building, 1500 U.S. 2; and also are livestreamed via YouTube. To access the streams, visit the Bonner County YouTube page at bit.ly/3NElj9X.