Boundary County Translator
District
Regular Meeting—Board of Directors
September 11, 2007
Chairman Greg Garrison called the regular meeting of the Boundary County Translator District Board of Directors to order at 10:00a.m.
1.
Roll Call
Present:
a. Board Members:
Michael Listman Greg Garrison
Sherrie Hendricks
Also Present:
Mike Ladely Deborah Youngwirth
Rod Bacon, Password Marcia Cossette, Cedar Mt Med/Respir
Elaine Sandman, BF Herald Mary Moss
John B. Moss, CCVFD-BOD Joyce Schernitzki
Walter Burrow
Chris Wheeler Karen Bryant
2.
Minutes of
Previous Meeting
3.
Treasurer’s
Report
The Board reviewed the treasurer’s
report;
4. Old Business:
a. Tower Rental Fees – Public hearing meeting took place to discuss the proposed increases to rental rates. A number of people were in attendance to discuss the issue. Jack Tice, former board member, addressed the fact that the $10 user fee per household that is a part of the county tax assessment has not been increased in the last 10 years. The board feels that $100 per renter per month is not comparable to what most other renters pay with other Translator Districts, but the $10 user fee per household is in line. The board feels that both the user fee and the rent is something that needs to be looked at and considered for increase, however the low rent rates appear to be the most out of line and therefore were the first to be addressed when considering rate increases. The board felt the District needed to keep options open in regard to what to charge homeowners for taxes. An audience member made comment that everyone should be equal as far as percentage increase. The board responded that the District can only levy a max of $15 per year and we needed to have the tenants to market rate first since the rates were so low for so many years. Either way someone would be upset with the board, either the renters who are looking at an increase or the county taxpayers having to pay more on the taxes while renters are not paying market rate. One audience member stated that he felt many people in the county would have no problem paying the additional $5 per year and felt that was an immediate choice that should have been made. Jack Tice, former board member, stated that raising the levy rate to $15 would be a legitimate increase considering the amount and the fact that the $10 rate has not changed in a number of years. This increase would only generate $22,000 and at that rate would not be enough to recover the $100,000 already spent on the digital upgrades. Rod Bacon, with Password Pager, stated that a 600-700% increase is too high an increase. He feels this is way out of line and there is no basis for the increase. The board shared with Mr. Bacon the sources of information gathered that was used to help determine the proposed new rent structure. Mr. Bacon felt the information was misleading and perhaps was interpreted incorrectly by the board. Karen Bryant, a member of the audience, stated that the increase should be across the board and there is no rationale for singling out customers. The digital upgrades benefit the residents, but not the business owners. It was felt that the board should look to residents and levy rates first before business owners. Gary Gage, with Meadowcreek Computers, asked why some renters are not being charged. The board responded that of the 14 renters, only 4 do not pay. Two are public television that no translator charges rent for, one is the Boundary County Sheriff that is a county government entity the same as the translator, and one is Verizon in which the District has a pay back agreement with to cover the cost of the building that was built by Verizon in which the District will own upon completion of the agreement. Gary Gage stated he would be willing to pay $10 per foot rather than $20 per foot which would raise his rent by 300% rather than 600%. It was suggested by Gary Gage that the discussion be tabled to next month’s meeting so that more information can be gathered. Rod Bacon with Password Paging, requested the decision be tabled to next month’s meeting and prior to the next meeting he will gather information on rates Password is currently paying with other translators so that the information can be taken into consideration by the board prior to deciding on the new rent rates. Barry Coleman motioned to table the tower rate increase for 30 days, until the October meeting, Carl Hendricks seconded, motion carried.
b. KBMI – The transmission is interfering with 92.1 KPBX – Mike Ladely is going to turn the power down on KBMI to see if the interference can be resolved.
c. Gary
Gage – Copper Ridge Site –
d. Digital System – It was determined that a processor can be delivered within a couple of weeks so the purchase will be put on hold until temporary testing license is approved by the FCC. This is looking to be a spring install.
e. Boundary Amateur Radio Club – Mike Ladely is meeting with Anthony Compton to discuss the location of the antennae on the tower.
5.
Maintenance
Report
a. Propane – Verizon has already filled its tanks so there will be no cost savings there. Mike Ladely will look into arranging to get the tank filled.
b. Install of generator – there is still about four to six hours of work for install on the generator.
c. Mike Ladely will speak with John Barnett about grants that may be available to the District and also inquire about what other Districts charge for tenants such as the Sheriff’s Office.
6. Bud Larsen Report:
a. Bud
Larsen submitted a resignation letter to the board. Bud’s health and other home priorities have
necessitated the need to resign from his position as District Historian. He has provided Deb Youngwirth’s
office with any documents in his possession.
Mike Ladely will talk with John Barnett about picking up some of the
duties that Bud was taking responsibility for, in particular the renewal of
licenses.
7. New Business:
a. Ryan Geis and Scott Daily – New Radio Station in Sandpoint. They would be requiring about 19 feet of vertical space. They need a reasonable assurance letter prior to next months meeting to complete the application. Mike Listman motioned to provide a reasonable assurance letter with final approval pending contract rates and final board review. Ryan Gies will send a template to Deb Youngwirth with final review of letter by board members though email. Barry Coleman seconded, motion carried.
8.
Tax Waiver
Applications:
a.
None.
9.
Emergency
Response Committee Report:
a.
Still
working on getting repeater on tower.
b.
The all
county emergency exercise that took place on August 25, 2007 went well.
10.
Adjournment:
Next
Meeting: Tuesday, October 9, 2007, 10:00
A.M. @ Chic N Chop Restaurant.