Meeting Minutes
March 26, 2008

Attendees

Staff and Guests

Commissioner David Ferdinand opened the meeting. He indicated that they are working hard on commercial developments. Canyon County was part of Ada County till 1887. Canyon County encompasses 604 square miles with 9,895 acres of residential property.

David presented a map of the valley and indicated that several people have been working on trying to reserve the property for a Freeway bypass rout. He mentioned three dates for a possible workshop on this issue; April 1, April 23 and May 14. He asked the group if there were any problems with either of these dates. He was planning on trying to hold these workshops in the evening. Phil Bandy indicated that the COMPASS board meeting is on the 21st and this might be a good time to begin this discussion.

Covered Loads Ordinance

David asked Paul Woods to begin the discussion on the Covered Loads ordinance. Paul introduced Mark Dunham with the Association of General Contractors and thanked him for coming to the meeting. Paul indicated that the Partnership has been discussing the possibility of a Covered Load Ordinance since November. Paul then pointed to the latest draft of the ordinance that the working committee has put together. The ordinance has been scaled down considerably from its inception. The goal is to make it short and simple and avoid a big long document.

Paul mentioned that the plan was to have a draft that everyone could buy in on, and then bring the Association of General Contractors in to get their opinion. The Partnership’s intent with this ordinance was to focus on public safety and some of the other issues we deal with as municipal governments, such as cleaning up roads as a result of this activity. However, public safety has been the driving force behind developing this Covered Loads ordinance.

We are intending to make this ordinance uniformly applied throughout the Partnership jurisdictions. Tammy added that the intent was to do this as a region and not to have difference ordinances across the valley. Paul asked for Mark Dunham’s input.

Mark thanked the partnership for his opportunity to comment on this issue. The AGC really understands there is an issue with covered loads. They are supportive to the need and do want the ordinance to be consistent across the valley. He would like to take the ordinance to their Highway Committee. He has talked to the Chair of that committee and they would like to have a chance to look at the ordinance and provide feedback. He also talked to Senator Langhorst who had State legislation on covered loads, during the last legislative session.

Mark indicated that there could be some questions, for example, one of the members of the AGC had a question on what was deemed a term public roadway. The AGC as a whole wanted to have the opportunity review the ordinance and to ask questions like this.

Mark offered to inform the partnership on latest developments at the State Legislature. He indicated that GARVEE had passed. The House Ways and Means Committee was supposed to meet on a transportation infrastructure bill. It would be a package that would increase the fuel tax by 3% and registration fees by 60%. That is projected to raise 45-70 million per year. This is an update as of that instant in time. It could change by this afternoon.

Paul Woods asked for the AGC’s feedback prior to the next TVP meeting and asked the members if they are willing to make a formal commitment to adopting a covered load ordinance in our jurisdictions during May of this year. Those in attendance agreed.

Water Storage Studies

Paul Woods introduced Helen Harrington and Debbie Willis. He mentioned that the Corps of Engineers has been given about $170,000 to look at flood protection and water supply issues. He felt that this would be an ideal time for the Partnership members to partner with other agencies to look at water supply issues. This is a unique opportunity for us to be involved in this study.

Helen Harrington mentioned that in 1986 there were significant changes in how the Corps does business. Basically, it mandated that all future studies had to be cost shared 50-50. The nonfederal share can be totally in-kind match. In 1996 and 1999 they had opportunities to do some studies but were not able to put together a local coalition to further studies. In 1999, the State had been working on their comprehensive plan on the lower Boise. However, there was no local cost-share.

One of the things other communities have done is identify and get credit for, in-kind work that could be used prior to a feasibility cost sharing agreement being entered into. ID Dept. of Water Resources decided that they could get some previous in-kind credit. About three years ago they started working on some language to present to congress to get about $500,000 credit for work they had done, towards a feasibility study on the lower Boise.

That gave impetus to a study. In January, the Corps got an appropriation for funding for the study. She indicated we have a unique opportunity to do a comprehensive plan that includes a multipurpose project focus. Phil Bandy agreed with the opportunity we have before us. He mentioned that this idea of a multi-purpose comprehensive Lower Boise River study has been discussed for several years. We have now have the opportunity to utilize work done by all jurisdictions and have that count as in-kind match. And as a result, we will be able to take a look at all of these issues such as water storage, flood management, etc., as an entire lower Boise Watershed.

Helen stated that the result could include individual needs of each jurisdiction; including sewage needs for example. In addition, this represents a good opportunity to do a programmatic environmental impact statement, so when jurisdictions want to undertake activities along and involving the Boise River, then it is easier because we have already addressed environmental consequences of programmed needs.

She stated that in this fiscal year, they received $172,000 and projects the study could cost upwards to $2,000,000.00. As we get started in the public input process, we are going to find out additional needs that will be added to the study.

From an in-kind service standpoint, the jurisdictions need to look at all the work that has been done in the following areas. A more complete list will be provided to Bill to distribute to the Partnership members.
GIS Database work
Assessed properties in the 100 & 500 yr. Flood plain
Utilities
Include work that includes tributaries of the Lower Boise

Phil Bandy asked if we are looking at multiple use and supply, then ground water should be a significant component. Helen agreed, we are looking at water supply and demand and that includes both surface and ground water. Phil asked, if conjunctive management is going to be a part of the continuum of water resources? The Department of Water resources has asked to do a ground water study in the Boise foothills, could this potentially be used as in-kind match. Helen stated actually associated with this study is a ten year aquifer basin planning project. These include both the Rathdrum and Treasure Valley areas.

She reiterated that, the State alone could not come up with the local community match. They are actively seeking local communities to help provide the in-kind match for the plan. Debbie stated that the Bureau of Reclamation is also very much involved.

Paul stated that he got interested as a result of a presentation to the Partnership last summer. He has been intrigued by the opportunity to take what we have already done and leverage it. For the Partnership, new development is not just about infrastructure, it is about where the water is going to come from. We need to start addressing how we “regionally” can create a source of water we can control. He stated that we all have fun dealing with the irrigation districts. This is an opportunity for us to look at creating a storage facility for us. His priority is in knowing how we participate and have a voice.

Dave Ferdinand added that maybe look at more than one area for water storage. Could this be part of the study? Debbie Willis stated, it could be, but they do not know the answers right now. They are in the beginning phase of developing this study effort. She indicated that they will be in touch with the Partnership members to work to generate the in-kind match documentation that will go toward the study. She plans on having the initial stages complete to begin the public input process by June.

Margie Watson welcomed the opportunity for the Partnership entities as a whole to have a voice and be able to provide past work to be used as in-kind match. Debbie indicated that they will be developing a list of potential city/county planning activities that could be used.

Brad Holton asked about how water quality issues might be included in this study? Debbie was unsure how water quality aspects might fit in. She indicated that when you are looking at surface and ground water from a conjunctive management aspect and you are dealing with declining ground water, you that is when you can look at a comprehensive study of water supply. Then you can ask the question if surface water can be used in place of the ground water. All of this is part of the big picture and a comprehensive study allows you to take into consideration of all aspects of water supply and usage.

Dave Ferdinand asked if, through this comprehensive study, we could gain some ground on NEPA studies associated with infrastructure development along river channels. Helen stated that this may in fact help shave some years off the process.

Other News

Paul Woods mentioned that they were successful in securing $900,000 funds for the Community Crisis Center. It will be located near St. Alphonsus Hospital.

Project Manager’s Report

Bill mentioned that there were no out of the ordinary expenses and our monthly financial report includes the quarterly SAUSA Project payment. Margie Watson moved and John Evans seconded to approve the financial report and the minutes from the previous meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

Bill shared the latest quarterly SAUSA Project report. He also indicated that Matthew Faulks, Owyhee County Prosecutor is not running for reelection this year. He stated that the Partnership as a whole may want to look at the hosting of the SAUSA Project. Margie Watson felt that the three counties should look at taking turns at hosting the project. Dave Bieter mentioned that the project speaks for itself and encouraged the members to speak to their respective county prosecutors in case we need to switch hosting entities. Hal Tolmie requested that the Partnership hold off and he will do some more investigating and would have some input on this issue at a meeting in the near future.

Bill indicated that he has been diligent in attempting to update the Partnership website. It seemed like updates would show up and then go away. After a couple of months struggling with this issue, Bill terminated business with the website host and hired a different hosting organization for the same money.

Bill wanted the organization to again take a look at meeting dates/times for the Partnership. Even though we have had much improved attendance since shifting to the 4th Wednesday, this day does not work with Garret’s schedule. Dave Bieter mentioned that we should go through this exercise again and attempt to find a time that is conducive to everyone’s schedule. John Evans added that we should stay away from COMPASS meeting dates. Bill stated he would send out a schedule and have an analysis of potential meeting dates/times at the next meeting.

Meeting Adjourned.