(Boise, Idaho) – The Board of Ada County Commissioners is currently seeking one person capable of filling one vacant seat on the Ada County Planning and Zoning Commission. P&Z Commissioner Steven Edgar resigned his position on the Commission on May 1, 2008 due to pending employment and family obligations. This position is an unpaid, volunteer position that carries a three (3) year term. Applicants must live in unincorporated Ada County (outside a city limits and outside a city’s area of impact). Qualified candidates must have lived in Ada County for at least two (2) years.

The Ada County Planning and Zoning Commission meets twice a month on Thursday evenings and at other times as needed. The primary duty of the seven (7) member Ada County Planning and Zoning Commission is to ensure development within Ada County conforms with the county’s planning and zoning ordinances.

Interested residents need to complete a volunteer board application found in the Board of Ada County Commissioners' Office OR BY CLICKING HERE. The Commissioners’ Office is located on the third floor of the Ada County Courthouse at 200 W. Front Street, Boise, 83702.

Completed applications may be hand delivered, mailed, emailed, or faxed to the Commissioners’ Office. Applications may be faxed to: 208-287-7009. Emailed applications should be sent to: bocc1@adaweb.net. Applicants with additional questions may call: 208-287-7000 for more information.

(Boise, Idaho) – The Ada County Clerk’s Election Division has added a new early voting location for Ada County residents looking to cast their ballot prior to the May 27th Primary Election. Beginning May 12, county residents may now vote early at the Ada County Weed, Pest, and Mosquito Abatement Office located at 975 E. Pine Avenue in Meridian. Residents may also vote early at the Public Safety Building located at 7180 Barrister Drive in Boise. Early voting locations are open to the public Monday thru Friday 8am to 5pm and are clearly identified by “VOTE HERE” signs.

“Meridian has seen significant population growth over the past several years,” said Ada County Chief Deputy Clerk Chris Rich. “We hope residents living in western Ada County will consider taking advantage of this new early voting location. By casting their ballot early, residents can avoid any delay that might occur at their regular polling location on Election Day.”

Election officials will continue to offer early voting services at the Public Safety Building in Boise. There are no special requirements associated with voting early. Ada County residents who are not registered to vote may do so at the early voting locations and at their regular polling location on Election Day. Unregistered voters must provide a current/valid photo I.D. or a copy of a current utility bill or other piece of mail that verifies their name and address.

“We have gone to great lengths to reduce wait times at our polling locations. Earlier this year, we expanded the number of voting precincts and polling locations to accommodate the county’s growing population. In the last election, voters witnessed long lines in Precincts 8 and 9 in the Meridian area. We anticipate our efforts to add new precincts in this area, paired with the expanded early voting opportunity in the Meridian area, will help reduce wait times for voters at the polls,” said Chief Deputy Rich.

NEW VOTING SYSTEM/VOTING MAILER
Ada County voters will likely notice the county’s new voting system when they head to the polls this month. Ada County recently switched to the optical scan ballot voting system, which means voters will use a black or dark blue ink pen to fully darken the oval next to the candidate or initiative they’re voting. The old voting method required the voter to use a stylus to punch a hole in the ballot to cast their vote. In an effort to educate voters about the new voting system, the Ada County Clerk’s Office has developed a “How To Vote” brochure that will be mailed to all 185,000 registered voters in Ada County. Voters can expect to see the brochure arrive in their mailboxes between May 9th and May 12th. In addition to instructions on how to vote using the new optical scan ballots, the mailing will also include the recipient’s precinct information and the address of their polling location.

“Ada County voters should expect to spend a little more time in the voting booth, simply because it takes longer to darken an oval as compared to using a stylus to punch a hole in a ballot,” said Chief Deputy Rich. “It is important voters make their mark dark and fill in the entire oval. Using “X”s or check-marks is not allowed. Voters are also instructed not make any stray marks or write in the margins of their ballots. Doing so may invalidate the entire ballot, which means their vote would not count. If a voter makes a mistake on the ballot they should ask the election official for a new ballot.”

UPDATED BALLOTS
Aside from using a new ballot, voters are also sure to notice lines that have been marked thru certain candidates’ names. Voters SHOULD NOT BE ALARMED by these ballot modifications. Ada County election officials had to update the ballots to remove the names of candidates who dropped out of their respective races.

“In order to mail ballots to our military overseas, we must print the ballots before the deadline to withdraw.” said Chief Deputy Rich. “Unfortunately, two candidates dropped out after we had gone to print. These conflicting deadlines are what prompted the ballot modifications – not only in Ada County but in many Idaho counties. We will work with our colleagues at the state to see what can be done to correct this problem in the future.”

WHO TO CALL WITH QUESTIONS
Voters with questions about the election process, or those who might want to request an absentee ballot, should visit the Ada County Web site at: www.adaweb.net. Once there click on the Clerk, Auditor, Recorder link and then Elections. Voters may also call: 208-287-6860.

(Boise, ID) – Recreationists headed for the hills next month over the long Memorial Day weekend should get an early start on the holiday traffic by registering their recreational vehicles NOW to avoid long lines at Ada County offices.

The May holiday weekend kicks off the summer recreation season for many Ada County residents, but unfortunately a large number of RV, boat, and ATV owners put off renewing their recreational vehicle license until the day they head out of town. Ada County officials say residents should plan early and avoid the traffic jams because typically, this last minute rush translates into long lines at local Department of Motor Vehicle Offices.

The Ada County Assessor’s Office offers several convenient ways for residents to register their recreational vehicles. Owners can register:

* ONLINE: Visit www.adaweb.net and click on the ‘Assessor’ link. Under the Motor Vehicle section, click on ‘Registration Renewal’. Note: You MUST have the access code from your renewal card to renew your registration online. Boats and other equiment requiring off-road stickers cannot be renewed online.

* BY MAIL: Return the renewal card that the Ada County Assessor sent to you in December with the correct registration fee. Allow 10 business days for mail registration.

* OVER THE PHONE: Call the Barrister or Chinden office (numbers listed below) and have your license plate number and your Visa or MasterCard ready. A 3 percent convenience fee will be added for registrations made over the telephone. Allow five days to receive registration stickers.

* IN PERSON: It’s more convenient to register online, via mail or on the phone, but customers are welcome to visit one of the offices below.

Four registration offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone registration is only available at the Barrister and Chinden offices. People needing to register in person will experience shortest lines/waits on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. Officials suggest residents avoid registering vehicles on Mondays and Fridays. Make sure you bring your registration card or license plate number(s). For boats, bring the Coast Guard number located on the side of the boat.

* Public Safety Building: 7190 Barrister Drive in Boise (next to Sheriff’s Office and county jail). Phone: 577-3135

* Willowbrook Business Park: 9115 Chinden Blvd. Ste. #103 in Garden City (located on south side of Chinden between Glenwood and Garrett). Phone: 577-4666

* Fairview Lakes Complex: 1769 N. Lakes Ave., Ste #100 in Meridian (located next to Hastings).

* Ada County Courthouse: 200 W. Front Street in Boise. Go to the Assessor’s Office on the 2nd floor. Remember! The first hour of parking at the courthouse is now free! This office DOES NOT title/register out of state vehicles.

Idaho law requires owners to renew registrations on trailers, horse trailers, motor homes, boats, motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles every year. Unlike automobile registrations, these registrations expire December 31st each year, regardless of when they were purchased. Owners may register utility or boat trailers for up to 10 years and motorcycles for two years.

Approximately 17,500 camp trailers, motor homes, and campers are registered in Ada County. Roughly 38,000 ATVs, boats, motorcycles, and other off-road recreational vehicles are also registered in the county.

(Boise, Idaho) The Ada County Weed, Pest, and Mosquito Abatement Department is helping to educate Ada County residents about the dangers associated with the West Nile virus (WNV) by promoting the American Mosquito Control Association’s (AMCA) “I’M ONE” public awareness campaign. The public service announcement campaign, designed to air on local television stations, seeks to inform Ada County residents that they could be “ONE” – one person infected by West Nile virus this summer.

“The ACMA’s “I’M ONE” campaign has the primary goal of creating and sustaining awareness about the dangers WNV can have on residents living in Ada County,” said Ada County Weed, Pest, and Mosquito Abatement Director Brian Wilbur. “The program highlights how important it is for all Ada County residents to work together to reduce the threat of mosquito-borne disease in our communities. By working together, we can enhance mosquito control, personal protection, and WNV prevention in Ada County to keep resident’s safe.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2006, 252 Ada County residents were infected with WNV. In 2007, the infection rate dramatically decreased in Ada County to 22 infections – thanks to the vigilant control methods and precautions taken by Ada County residents. WNV, and the threat it poses to human health, has been sweeping across America for nearly a decade, claiming and debilitating lives of individuals -- young and old. In 2006, WNV claimed the lives of 23 Idahoans.

“It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to spread the disease,” said Wilbur. “But through our “Fight the Bite’ public education efforts and programs like the “I’M ONE” awareness campaign, we can help prevent WNV from spreading in Ada County.”

The Ada County Mosquito Abatement District works daily to identify and treat more than 2500 known mosquito breeding grounds throughout Ada County. It is through biological larva control measures that the bulk of West Nile prevention occurs. Ada County’s first priority is to kill mosquito larva before they hatch into flying adults. Abatement workers also maintain an aggressive adulticiding control plan which targets adult mosquito populations that were not able to be controlled while in the larva stage.

An important aspect of Ada County’s “Fight the Bite” program is the responsibility the public must take in helping to control mosquito populations in their neighborhoods and around their homes. Ada County residents must work collectively to eliminate breeding grounds by draining areas of standing water on their property. Most homeowners don’t realize water standing in flowerpots, buckets, and birdbaths can be prime breeding ground for mosquitoes. Ada County residents who would like additional information about WNV prevention and precautions should visit the Ada County Mosquito Abatement District's Web site.

“I sincerely hope our local television stations will support the “I’M ONE” public service campaign by airing these :30 second commercial spots as much as possible. The campaign unifies the voices of WNV survivors to foster a central rallying cry for the prevention of this disease. I think viewers will find the PSA's compelling and informative. If you don’t see them running on your favorite local TV station, please call the station and ask the promotion director to consider running the spots,” said Wilbur.

The “I’M ONE” public service campaign comes at no cost to Ada County or its tax payers. The public service announcements were solely produced by the AMCA and offered to their affiliate members across the nation in an effort to help communities control the spread of the West Nile virus.

(Boise, ID) Household toxic waste shouldn’t go down the sink, on the ground or in your garbage can - Ada County will take it for you! National statistics indicate an average household has between three and eight pounds of household hazardous waste in the form of pesticides, herbicides, fuels, paints, motor oil, antifreeze, corrosives, solvents, and mercury-containing household items. Improper handling of these toxic materials can contaminate surface water, groundwater or surrounding soil and could pose a threat to humans, and the environment.

“Collecting and storing household hazardous waste at one location reduces pollution and helps us ensure we can protect the environment for future generations,” said Ada County Solid Waste Director Dave Neal. “It’s an important service we provide for citizens – especially because residents might not realize how much household hazardous waste they really have in their homes, and soon that’s going to get even greater with the conversion to digital television and the need to dispose of older, analogue models.”

A television set houses up to eight pounds of lead found in CRTs, a cathode ray tube commonly called a picture tube. Neal said these CRTs can break and the lead could potentially leach into surrounding soil and groundwater. Because of this danger Ada County treats televisions like household hazardous waste and refuses to dump old TV sets or computer monitors in the landfill.

Ada County Solid Waste Management officials started handling TVs as household hazardous waste in May 2002. Since then, they’ve collected 76,500 units, and have responsibly disposed of three million pounds of lead!

Ada County’s hazardous waste program is one of a few in Idaho. The program was made possible through efforts of Ada County, Boise City, the Central District Health Department, and the Ada County Highway District. In 1989, these groups partnered to have the first-ever, one-day hazardous trash collection event. In a matter of years the collection event doubled to a two-day event. Now residents who don’t want to drive all the way up Seaman’s Gulch to the Hidden Hollow Landfill can instead drop their household waste to one of 12 collection sites throughout Ada County. (Click Here for a list of collection locations.)
The first year the Household Hazardous Waste facility opened at the landfill, workers collected 675,000 lbs of waste. This year they took in 1,640,256 pounds. Of that material, 84 percent was recycled or reused and the remaining 16 percent was properly destroyed so not to pollute the environment. Ada County collects over 3,500 refrigeration units each year and recycled more than 12,500 gallons of used motor oil.

Recycling again…and again…and again…

Ada County PartnerSHIP Saves Landfill Space, Helps Non-Profit

(Boise, Idaho) The Ada County Solid Waste Management Department and local non-profit Supportive Housing and Innovative Partnerships (SHIP) have created a partnership to divert reusable building materials away from the landfill, conserving county resources while bolstering area drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs.

Ada County residents who pay entrance to the landfill can drop off lumber or other reusable construction material to SHIP employees stationed in an area specially designated for recyclable building materials at the landfill. The kiosk will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Allied Waste Services of Idaho donated a 30-cubic-yard storage container so SHIP staffers can keep the donated material clean and dry before taking it to their warehouse. SHIP will reuse these materials for training and fundraising programs delivered through its Second Chance Building Materials Center located in downtown Boise’s Linen District. The recycled building materials will either be resold as-is or made into sellable furniture. All proceeds will help fund SHIP’s operating budget.

“We see this as a worthwhile project that saves landfill space and helps us give back to the community,” said Ada County Solid Waste Department Director Dave Neal. “While residents still must pay the landfill entrance fee to drop off their recyclable building materials, they can feel good knowing they’re giving a second life to materials they’d normally throw away.”

Residents also have added incentive to donate their materials to SHIP because their donations could be tax-deductible, said Melanie Curtis, SHIP’s Executive Director.

“It’s important to realize that much of the waste that goes into the landfill still has a useful life,” she said. “We’ve received tiles, lighting, flooring, cabinets, hardware, and all sorts of products that would have ended up in the landfill. Now these materials can help generate much-needed funding for our programs.”

SHIP helps people in recovery find housing and learn valuable job skills. The Second Chance Building Materials Center helps create jobs for addicts in recovery and funds various treatment programs. Curtis said material collected at the landfill will be brought to the store and either resold at about half its retail price or be remade into “added-value” products like Adirondack chairs or other furniture.

“It’s important to create partnerships like this to benefit valuable community services and help the county out, too,” said Ada County Board of Commissioners Chairman Fred Tilman. “When it comes to sustainable building practices, Ada County is a leader and this partnership is just one more example of our commitment to reducing, reusing, and recycling whenever possible.”

(Boise, ID) – Ada County officials and members of the Idaho chapter of the US Green Building Council will meet at the Weed, Pest, and Mosquito Abatement facility in Meridian at noon today to unveil the county’s newest LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) award to celebrate Earth Week.

The meeting is part of the USGBC-Idaho chapter’s April Program, and will feature a presentation by Ada County Operations Director Dave Logan who will explain Ada County’s commitment to green building. Ada County owns three of Idaho’s six LEED-certified commercial buildings. In 2005, the Ada County Courthouse became Idaho’s first LEED certified building. The county has since earned LEED certification for its Development Services Department office remodel and for the construction of its new Barber Park headquarters facility. The County is also seeking LEED certification for its newest Paramedics station located at the county’s Meridian Campus Complex – just next door to the new Weed, Pest, and Mosquito Abatement office.

“We put our commitment to sustainable building practices in writing when we passed a 2003 resolution mandating new construction projects over 10,000 square feet be built to LEED standards, regardless of if we pursue certification for the project,” said Commission Chairman Fred Tilman. “We hope to be an example for others in the area, proving we can build functional, highly productive, and cost-effective facilities with minimal impact to the environment.”

“We are very pleased to have receive this level of certification from the U.S. Green Building Council,” says Ada County Operations Department Director Dave Logan. “We approached the construction of this new building with energy-conservation and the environment in mind. The end result is this silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, and for that, we are very pleased.”

LEED certification is a nationally recognized rating system used to identify building projects that are more energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and healthier for occupants. LEED-specific features for the new Weed, Pest, and Mosquito Abatement facility include:
• Energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems
• Daylight views for building occupants that also reduce the necessity of indoor lighting
• Water saving fixtures including a waterless urinal
• Building was built with low-emitting construction materials
• A detailed stormwater management and treatment system

(Boise, ID) After more than a year of carefully inventorying Ada County’s natural open spaces, the Ada County Open Space Advisory Task Force today identified four key areas within Ada County in need of preservation and listed a slate of recommendations to the Board of Commissioners as to how Ada County could feasibly secure land within those areas in the future.

Today’s Earth Day event celebrates the achievements of the Open Space Task Force, a 21-member group appointed by the Board of Commissioners and made up of representatives from local cities, neighborhood groups, business interests, developers, and environmental agencies. The task force has met regularly over the course of the past year and has worked to identify and develop mechanisms for preserving public open spaces in Ada County. The Board of Ada County Commissioners formed the advisory task force in March, 2007, in an effort to help mitigate the impacts of rapid growth in the county. The task force is solely advisory in nature and the findings released today are a continuation of the public process launched as part of the county’s Comprehensive Plan update.

“The maps and findings of the Open Space Advisory Task Force are a work in progress that will help guide us through the process of securing and preserving open spaces within Ada County,” said Ada County Commission Chairman Fred Tilman. “We understand how open space conservation plays an important role in our quality of life. I’m pleased to see the task force took their job seriously, and as a result of their hard work, we now have good information that will help us balance preservation with growth for generations to come. ”

In developing its findings, the task force combined past public input and community development plans with mapping and research. The task force examined how land in preservation areas is currently being used and whether those properties are likely in the path of future development. The group targeted conservation in the areas of: the foothills, the Boise River system, land around the Hubbard Recreation Area, and a stretch of land in south Ada County. The report released today also outlines the need for an inter-connected system of parks, trails, open spaces and recreation areas throughout Ada County.

• The foothills area – to secure land in the foothills north of Eagle and Boise, the task force recommends Ada County partner with area cities to consolidate Bureau of Land Management or other public lands through either land swaps or the outright purchase of land available and on the market. The group says Ada County and cities should work together to standardize their land-use planning documents and to outline consistent guidelines, including seasonal restrictions on recreational access and designated motorized vehicle use. The plan also calls for extensive wildlife and habitat preservation.

• Boise River – in protecting access to the river and connectivity to the greenbelt and parks, the task force suggests Ada County and its cities preserve land in the floodplain, and that the jurisdictions require development applications along all parts of the river to show how open lands will be owned and managed to ensure long-term conservation for residents’ recreational use. The group also highlights the need to extend the greenbelt into Canyon County.

• South Ada County - the task force calls for creating parks or preserves at Hubbard, Blacks Creek, and Indian Creek reservoirs and also at Kuna Butte and Initial Point. The group suggests swapping land with the BLM and transferring the title to Hubbard Recreation Area from the state of Idaho to the county to provide permanent public open space, wildlife habitat, trails, wetlands, and fisheries. The task force also recommends building a series of trails along creeks and key irrigation canals in the area to support regional connectivity.

• Snake River Birds of Prey - to preserve the Snake River area and especially the Birds of Prey land in South Ada County, the task force suggests working with the BLM to ensure facilities, trails, and other usage stays consistent with each jurisdiction’s policies. The group said priorities should focus on appropriate access and facilities along the Snake River corridor and suggested building a trail system linking neighboring counties.

• Countywide Trail System – one of the most important ways to preserve Ada County’s open spaces, the group says, is the development of a countywide trail system. The group recommends Ada County partner with cities and landowners to create the network of greenways and parks that would link the cities with one another and also promote the open space preservation proposed in the four other main areas.

“It appears the ideas and feedback contained within the task force’s report is exactly what we asked for,” said Commissioner Rick Yzaguirre. “This group seriously looked at the issue of identifying and protecting open spaces and the challenges we face in securing these areas in the future.”

The Open Space Advisory Task Force was also charged with finding several mechanisms to secure property within the designated preservation areas. The task force suggested establishing an advisory committee to help Ada County and its cities create consistent preservation policies that remain unique to the identified five conservation areas. The group also outlined several potential mechanisms for safeguarding these identified open spaces -- like requiring developers to preserve trails and open spaces, using federal programs to acquire public lands, and entering into cooperative management agreements with local jurisdictions to jointly fund and manage open space areas. The group also suggested using federal land dollars to develop a special fund the county could use to buy development rights to property within the designated conservation areas. Another idea suggested by the task force is to use funds generated through the Tax Deed process to purchase preservation areas.

“Time is of the essence in terms of implementing the suggestions laid forth in this report,” said Commissioner Paul Woods. “I believe there is a sense of urgency when it comes to preserving public open space. The task force has helped us identify land we should consider protecting, and best of all, they’ve given us suggestions as to how to go about securing these areas for generations to come. It’s now up to us to make sure that happens.”

Moving forward, the Board of County Commissioners will thoroughly review the task force’s recommendations and will explore ways to begin implementing those suggestions that are most feasible to Ada County taxpayers. To read the entire Open Space Advisory Task Force report, visit www.adaweb.net. The report has been posted in the Ada County Spotlight box on the homepage.

(Boise, ID) Several new and novel programs added to Ada County’s growing list of environmentally friendly practices prove the county’s commitment to reducing, reusing, and recycling, and county leaders hope these programs will continue to grow.

Thanks to partnerships with Boise and Meridian cities, Ada County remains the only Idaho county to offer curbside recycling to every single resident. A year ago, these agencies partnered to include plastics numbered one through seven into the program, so now Ada County residents can set everything except glass and Styrofoam on their curbs for recycling. Statistics show residents are being conscientious about where their waste goes, too. The Ada County Solid Waste Management Department reports about 11,700 tons of recyclable material were collected last year. That’s up from the roughly 9,820 tons collected in 2006. Considering Ada County collected 430,000 tons of trash at the landfill last year, these rising recycling numbers are welcome news.

Reducing trash saves both the taxpayer and the county money. Diverting this waste helps save landfill space, helping our environment, and ultimately saving the taxpayers’ dollars by extending the life of the landfill. Ada County offices and departments are taking advantage of these recycling programs, too.

“It was brought to our attention that the vending machines within the jail only distribute plastic bottles, but there weren’t any plastics recycling programs there,” said Selena O’Neal, Ada County’s energy specialist. “With over 900 inmates on any given day, imagine the how many plastic containers were just thrown in the trash each day. Thanks to a partnership with Allied Waste, we can recycle these plastics the same way as residents – by setting the bottles out on the curb.

“We’re always looking for way to continuously improve what we do. Ada County is well on its way to becoming an area role model for other businesses and institutions, not just with our widespread recycling programs but through other ways of reducing energy as well.”

The Ada County Operations Department, with the partnership of Idaho Power just launched a new, unique technological gadget to helps the reduce energy costs in an important and often overlooked way. Idaho Power donated 21 “VendingMisers” and installed them each cold beverage vending machine in all the county-owned buildings. Typically vending machines consume over $200 of electricity a year, but by using an infrared sensor to determine when the surrounding area is vacant, the VendingMiser powers the machine down, reducing the electricity use by an average of 40 percent a year. So now these vending machines aren’t needlessly whirring away when all the employees have gone home for the day.
Other sophisticated programs Ada County has incorporated to reduce, reuse, and recycle include:

BUILDINGS & ENERGY USE
• US Green Building Council Member & A commitment to green building
o Since the Ada County Board of Commissioners signed Resolution 1180 calling for all new construction and major retrofit projects for county facilities to meet or exceed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards in 2003, Ada County has received four LEED certifications. LEED buildings typically use less energy than standard facilities, and Ada County’s certified buildings are no exception. The Courthouse, Barber Park facility and the new Weed, Pest and Mosquito Abatement building use significantly less energy than the county’s 16 other facilities.
• LEEDing with our Commitment to Green Building
o Ada County owns four of the seven LEED-certified commercial projects in Idaho. The County earned a Silver LEED certification for the courthouse in 2005, making it the first building in Idaho to be LEED-certified. The new Weed, Pest and Mosquito Abatement facility on the county’s Meridian Campus was the newest county building to be LEED-Certified, earning a Silver certification last month. Ada County has an additional LEED certification for the Barber Park facility and the Development Services department offices inside the existing Courthouse building.
• ENERGY STAR Partner
o Ada County Courthouse has earned an ENERGY STAR rating for four consecutive years, 2004-2007. An ENERGY STAR means a building uses about 30 percent less energy than other facilities. Because of efficient building operations in the Courthouse, Ada County saves approximately $100,000 each year on its energy costs.

TRANSPORTATION
• Hybrid and FFV Vehicles
o In 2006, Ada County voluntarily began developing guidelines to ensure the purchase of hybrid or flex fuel vehicles for half the new vehicles purchases as part of the county fleet. The Sheriff’s office has just one flex fuel vehicle, but they’ve ordered 20 new flex-fuel Crown Victoria vehicles ordered, set to be delivered this spring.
• Fuel
o Last year the County began a pilot program to use a 10 percent ethanol blend fuel in place of unleaded gasoline for vehicles used at the Expo Idaho Fairgrounds to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
• Alternative Transportation
o Employees are eligible to receive either a free monthly bus pass or a discount on using the CommuterRide vans. Approximately 9 percent of Ada County employees who work at the Courthouse either walk, ride a bike, carpool, or ride a bus to work.

OTHER
• Renewable Energy
o Ada County contracts with Georgia-based G2 Energy, who buys methane gas generated at the landfill from the decomposing waste. G2 Energy uses the gas to power generators located at the Hidden Hollow Landfill site, turning the gas into electricity and then selling the green power to Idaho Power. During the last fiscal year, landfill gas generated over 18,000,000 kilowatt hours of electricity – enough to power 1,600 homes.
o Eleven percent of the waste that comes into the landfill each year is wood waste. Ada County contracts to have the wood chipped and hauled away from the landfill, and a percentage of these chips are used for supplement at electricity at electricity co-generation plants.
o Ada County bought a cardboard baler in 2006 for $6,300 – and that cost has since paid off. The county saves $1,500 each year in reduced dumpster fees, and it earns $1,500 from a contracted recycling company for the baled cardboard. So each year Ada County saves $3,000 from just recycling cardboard.
Ada County Promotes Green Programs

(Boise, ID) Several new and novel programs added to Ada County’s growing list of environmentally friendly practices prove the county’s commitment to reducing, reusing, and recycling, and county leaders hope these programs will continue to grow.

Thanks to partnerships with Boise and Meridian cities, Ada County remains the only Idaho county to offer curbside recycling to every single resident. A year ago, these agencies partnered to include plastics numbered one through seven into the program, so now Ada County residents can set everything except glass and Styrofoam on their curbs for recycling. Statistics show residents are being conscientious about where their waste goes, too. The Ada County Solid Waste Management Department reports about 11,700 tons of recyclable material were collected last year. That’s up from the roughly 9,820 tons collected in 2006. Considering Ada County collected 430,000 tons of trash at the landfill last year, these rising recycling numbers are welcome news.

Reducing trash saves both the taxpayer and the county money. Diverting this waste helps save landfill space, helping our environment, and ultimately saving the taxpayers’ dollars by extending the life of the landfill. Ada County offices and departments are taking advantage of these recycling programs, too.

“It was brought to our attention that the vending machines within the jail only distribute plastic bottles, but there weren’t any plastics recycling programs there,” said Selena O’Neal, Ada County’s energy specialist. “With over 900 inmates on any given day, imagine the how many plastic containers were just thrown in the trash each day. Thanks to a partnership with Allied Waste, we can recycle these plastics the same way as residents – by setting the bottles out on the curb.

“We’re always looking for way to continuously improve what we do. Ada County is well on its way to becoming an area role model for other businesses and institutions, not just with our widespread recycling programs but through other ways of reducing energy as well.”

The Ada County Operations Department, with the partnership of Idaho Power just launched a new, unique technological gadget to helps the reduce energy costs in an important and often overlooked way. Idaho Power donated 21 “VendingMisers” and installed them each cold beverage vending machine in all the county-owned buildings. Typically vending machines consume over $200 of electricity a year, but by using an infrared sensor to determine when the surrounding area is vacant, the VendingMiser powers the machine down, reducing the electricity use by an average of 40 percent a year. So now these vending machines aren’t needlessly whirring away when all the employees have gone home for the day.
Other sophisticated programs Ada County has incorporated to reduce, reuse, and recycle include:

BUILDINGS & ENERGY USE
• US Green Building Council Member & A commitment to green building
o Since the Ada County Board of Commissioners signed Resolution 1180 calling for all new construction and major retrofit projects for county facilities to meet or exceed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards in 2003, Ada County has received four LEED certifications. LEED buildings typically use less energy than standard facilities, and Ada County’s certified buildings are no exception. The Courthouse, Barber Park facility and the new Weed, Pest and Mosquito Abatement building use significantly less energy than the county’s 16 other facilities.
• LEEDing with our Commitment to Green Building
o Ada County owns four of the seven LEED-certified commercial projects in Idaho. The County earned a Silver LEED certification for the courthouse in 2005, making it the first building in Idaho to be LEED-certified. The new Weed, Pest and Mosquito Abatement facility on the county’s Meridian Campus was the newest county building to be LEED-Certified, earning a Silver certification last month. Ada County has an additional LEED certification for the Barber Park facility and the Development Services department offices inside the existing Courthouse building.
• ENERGY STAR Partner
o Ada County Courthouse has earned an ENERGY STAR rating for four consecutive years, 2004-2007. An ENERGY STAR means a building uses about 30 percent less energy than other facilities. Because of efficient building operations in the Courthouse, Ada County saves approximately $100,000 each year on its energy costs.

TRANSPORTATION
• Hybrid and FFV Vehicles
o In 2006, Ada County voluntarily began developing guidelines to ensure the purchase of hybrid or flex fuel vehicles for half the new vehicles purchases as part of the county fleet. The Sheriff’s office has just one flex fuel vehicle, but they’ve ordered 20 new flex-fuel Crown Victoria vehicles ordered, set to be delivered this spring.
• Fuel
o Last year the County began a pilot program to use a 10 percent ethanol blend fuel in place of unleaded gasoline for vehicles used at the Expo Idaho Fairgrounds to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
• Alternative Transportation
o Employees are eligible to receive either a free monthly bus pass or a discount on using the CommuterRide vans. Approximately 9 percent of Ada County employees who work at the Courthouse either walk, ride a bike, carpool, or ride a bus to work.

(Boise, Idaho) The development of Ada County’s FY2009 budget is underway, and while the first official budget hearing won’t be held until August 26th, the Board of Ada County Commissioners is inviting all Ada County residents to get involved in the budgeting process now by taking part in a special online budget priorities survey. (County residents may take the budget priorities survey by visiting the county’s web site at www.adaweb.net. The survey is located in the “Ada County Spotlight” section on the homepage. The survey submission deadline is Monday, May 19, 2008.)

Ada County’s FY2008 budget was $195,036,934. In recent years, the county’s budget model has evolved from an expenditure control budgeting formula, which in board terms allocated a set percentage budget increase for all county offices and departments, to the Budgeting for Outcomes model. Developed by the Government Finance Officers Association, the Budgeting for Outcomes model uses valuable public input to help officials first prioritize funding for county services according to desired outcomes. Budget experts say the model empowers citizens to participate in a budgeting process that helps ensure the delivery of effective and efficient government programs.

“Our main focus here is providing as much property tax relief as possible to Ada County taxpayers,” said Ada County Commission Chairman Fred Tilman. “We hope to be able to continue to forego the collection of the three percent annual budget increase that, by law, every taxing district is entitled to. We will do everything we can to hold the line on property taxes without jeopardizing the quality of services and programs Ada County residents have grown to expect.” For the past two years, Commissioners have foregone the collection of approximately $5 million in property taxes.

ONLINE BUDGET SURVEY DETAILS
As a way of obtaining meaningful public input during the development of the FY09 budget, the Board of Ada County Commissioners has developed an online public survey that asks county residents to determine how much money they think should be allocated to programs and services that fall into the county’s seven budget outcomes categories. The seven categories are:

• Provide an Effective and Efficient Judicial System
• Provide Public Safety and Health Services
• Ensure Government Efficiency and Financial Stability
• Provide Excellent Public Services
• Provide for Growth and Resource Management
• Ensure Regional Collaboration and Cooperation
• Support a Strong Economy

Additionally, the online survey asks county residents to examine the previous year’s budget allocations and then allocate funding based on what they think future budget allocations should be. The survey results will give Commissioners a good understanding of the public’s spending preferences as they review and evaluate the numerous FY09 budget requests submitted by county elected officials and department heads.
“This process plays an important role in deciding the county’s future funding priorities while ensuring government services stay within their means,” said Ada County Commissioner Rick Yzaguirre. “The input we receive from this survey, and from public testimony given at our budget hearings, will help us better manage county resources. I am confident this new process will help us develop a new county budget that accurately reflects the values of Ada County residents.”

Ada County Commissioner Paul Woods said, “This forward-thinking budgeting process focuses on desired future outcomes as opposed to just building upon budget initiatives of the past. In the end, the Budgeting for Outcomes approach will help Ada County residents get the services they want and need at a price they are willing to pay. We have not lost sight that this is the people’s budget, which is why we desperately need citizens to get involved in this process.”

The Budgeting for Outcomes model includes several checks and balances to ensure funding levels remain consistent with public priorities. Over the next several weeks, steering committees called “Results Teams” will review all departmental budget requests to evaluate how well the financial requests align with or support the county’s seven budget outcomes. Once all Results Team presentations are completed, the Board of Commissioners will continue the budget analysis process to ensure requested budget expenditures align with the publics' spending priorities captured during the public survey process. From there, the Board of Commissioners will work with the Clerk’s Office to develop the formal budget document, which will be presented to the public at a series of public hearings in August and September.

In addition to taking the online budget priorities survey, the Board of Ada County Commissioners strongly encourages the public to attend the following budget meetings/hearings:

PUBLIC BUDGET HEARINGS TIMELINE

Preliminary Budgets Submitted to County Clerk
May 13-19

Commissioners Set Tentative Budget
July 22, 2008, 9 am
Commissioners’ Conference Room
Ada County Courthouse, 3rd Floor

Tentative Budget Published in Idaho Statesman
July 29, 2008

Proposed Budget Presentation to Public
August 26, 2008, 5-6pm
Commissioners’ Public Hearing Room
Ada County Courthouse, 1st Floor

Tentative Budget Hearing
September 2, 2008 9am
Commissioners’ Conference Room
Ada County Courthouse, 3rd Floor

Budget Approval / Levies Set
September 8, 2008

Ada County residents who would like to submit written budget comments to the Board of County Commissioners may do so by writing to:

[b]Board of Ada County Commissioners
200 W. Front Street
Boise, Idaho 83702

(Boise, Idaho) This Saturday, April 19, 2008, Ada County election workers will spend hundreds of man hours preparing the ballots for the upcoming May 27th Primary Election. Specifically, workers will be crossing-out names of individuals who previously announced their candidacy for office and then dropped out of their race after the ballots were already printed.

“Federal Voting Assistance guidelines have us mailing ballots to overseas military personnel 45 days before Election Day. Add to that the lead time to print and we have to go to press 50 days or so out,” said Ada County Deputy Clerk Chris Rich. “Unfortunately, Idaho statute 34-717 t allows candidates to drop out of their races the same day we are supposed to be mailing ballots to our troops overseas. Because of these conflicting dates, we are in a position of having to mark out the names of those candidates who decided to withdraw.”

Deputy Clerk Rich estimates it will take approximately 50 – 60 election workers most of the day Saturday to cross out 239,615 entries on 115,000 printed ballots. Workers will use a black marker to carefully line through the 10 candidates who have withdrawn their name from their respective races. The Ada County Clerk’s Office has notified officials from both the Republican and Democratic parties of their plans and have invited party officials to monitor the process.

“County residents who request their ballots by mail, vote early, or those who will vote their ballot at a polling location on May 27th, should not be alarmed if they see a candidate’s name crossed out. It’s unfortunate this situation has surfaced, but we really have no other choice, other than to reprint all 115,000 ballots, at 34-cents a ballot, or hiring 60 people for an eight hour day at a quarter of the cost,” said Deputy Chief Rich.

“We’re beginning our year,” said Mosquito Abatement Field Operations Manager Jack Bennett. “We put most of our larviciders in the field yesterday and today. We’re using our field equipment to identify and map new mosquito breeding sites. Since the weather is still cool, we don’t expect to find mosquito larva for about three weeks, but regardless, we’re getting an early start on the season now.”

Larviciding is the first line of defense in controlling mosquito populations. Ada County abatement workers use natural, biological products to either kill or stunt the growth of mosquito larva living in standing water before they hatch into adults. One additional employee has been added to the larviciding team this year. Currently, the Ada County Mosquito Abatement District monitors and treats approximately 2,520 breeding sites throughout the county. “We also have added an additional fogger to our fleet and upgraded our technology to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of our adulticiding abatement program,” Ada County Weed, Pest, and Mosquito Abatement Director Brian Wilbur said. “These enhancements, plus additional staffing, should help us take care of any problems that might arise this season.”

Bennett said it’s tough to gauge mosquito populations, and the subsequent potential for the West Nile Virus, on any given year. But he said the department takes four major factors into consideration when trying to predict mosquito populations:

* Temperature: “So far spring temperatures are below those of the last two years,” Bennett said. “This will delay the mosquito season until temperatures begin to raise.”
* Precipitation: While snowpack in the Boise basin is running very close to what we saw in 2006, Bennett said we haven’t had the high spring rainfall we got that year. This should lessen runoff volume and duration compared to 2006, he said, resulting in fewer mosquito-breeding sites to contend with.
* Bird Populations: “We are seeing more robins, crows, and magpies in Ada County which might affect the transmission of WNV from birds to mosquitoes,” but Bennett said it’s not a given. Bird populations can serve as possible pools for WNV, but not necessarily. It’s just one of the many tools experts use to track indications of the virus’ presence.
* Breeding Sites: Ada County’s mosquito abatement program includes checking and treating known breeding sites on a routine basis. The county now tracks approximately 2,520 breeding sites – up from 1,600 in 2006.

Ada County Weed, Pest, and Mosquito Abatement officials say that based on research from other western states over the past years, there will likely be an increase of WNV cases this season, but they say not to expect anything like what we saw in 2006.

“WNV is here to stay, and will be a health concern from now on,” Bennett said, “But the Ada County Weed, Pest and Mosquito Abatement Department will do everything it possibly can to minimize its impact on the residents within our district.”

Ada County Mosquito Abatement officials urge all residents to “Fight the Bite” and protect themselves against WNV. Residents should routinely eliminate potential mosquito breeding areas from their property. Mosquitoes lay eggs in areas of standing water like birdbaths and fishponds, flowerpots and buckets, gutters and drains, old tires, and in over-watered landscapes where water collects in low-lying areas.

The Ada County Board of Commissioners is currently seeking qualified individuals who are interested in volunteering their time to serve on the five-member Ada County Mosquito Abatement Advisory Board. Board members serve in an advisory capacity and meet on the second Monday of each month to discuss all aspects associated with mosquito control programs within Ada County. Board members may also be asked to perform other duties and functions as required by the Mosquito Abatement District Advisory Board’s by-laws.
Appointees to the advisory board must be a resident property owner in Ada County and a registered voter. Board members are appointed to serve 4-year terms.

Individuals with a background in pest/insect management, those who simply have an interest in mosquito abatement activities in Ada County, should complete a volunteer board application found in the Board of Ada County Commissioners' Office. The Commissioners’ Office is located on the third floor of the Ada County Courthouse at 200 W. Front Street, Boise, 83702.

Boise, ID – For the first time in Western Idaho Fair history, Chicago, Corbin Bleu and Gary Allan perform this summer serving up the best of classic rock, ‘tween rock and country music. Each will perform mid-week and are FREE as part of gate admission to Western Idaho Fair August 15-24, 2008 in Boise, ID.

Country music recording artist GARY ALLAN opens the big-name acts with hot hits like this winter’s smash “Watching Airplanes” which went #2 on Billboard and the new hit “Learning How To Bend” which just entered Billboard at #41 and is climbing. Off of his album Living Hard, Allan’s hard-rocking, no-apologies country music is tinged with that gravelly growl fans recognize as the Gary Allan voice. That voice made Allan a star in 1999 when his first big-scoring album, Smoke Rings in the Dark, went Platinum. Since then, his hits have included “Tough Little Boys,” “Nothing on But the Radio,” “Best I Ever Had,” and “Life Ain’t Always Beautiful.” As is Dwight Yoakum’s unique characteristic, Gary Allan’s sound has also been influenced by the Bakersfield scene, especially Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.

CHICAGO, performing second in order, will croon into Boise with 21 number-one hits, record sales topping the 100 million mark, and five consecutive number-one albums. Remarkably, 25 of their 30 albums have been certified platinum. Very few people who remember the hot 70s summers are unfamiliar with “Saturday in the Park,” Chicago’s biggest hit to that date and catapulting the album Chicago V to #1 in 1971. While Chicago would average two huge hits per album, it wouldn’t be until the 1980s that they would find king-like success. Their early hits such as, “Just You -N- Me,” and “Old Days” were ramped up by the ballads of the 80s: “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” “Stay the Night,” “Hard Habit to Break,” and one of the most memorable, “You’re the Inspiration.” Conducting their annual U.S. tour of outdoor venues this summer, Chicago will perform traditional and new hits, with the kind of powerhouse musical finale for which Chicago is famous.

CORBIN BLEU is the third artist. The Disney talent from “High School Musical” and Discovery Kids Channel’s “Flight 29 Down” is the newest singing sensation to break out of the recent Disney hit makers. Anyone with a girl living in their house who is between eight and 13 years old (thus the label “ ‘tween” artist) will have a fairly good idea about Bleu’s popularity. Probably as known for his wild curly hair as his leaping, jiving energy, the Brooklyn-born boy was already taking dance classes as a toddler when most kids were learning their first words. He starred in commercials, modeled and appeared in an off-Broadway play as he matured. By 2004, he landed a starring role in the feature film “Catch That Kid” that took notice with producers—and the public.

Western Idaho Fair presents Gary Allan Tuesday, August 19; Chicago Wednesday, August 20; and Corbin Bleu Thursday August 21. All concerts are held on the Grandstand Stage at 7:30 p.m. nightly and there is no additional charge for the concerts. Seating is general admission. For additional information, visit: idahofair.com or call 208-287-5650.

(Boise, Idaho) -- Ada County residents eligible for property tax assistance through Idaho’s Circuit Breaker program have only one week left to submit their applications. The deadline to apply for the Circuit Breaker tax reduction is April 15, 2008. Those who fail to submit an application by the deadline must wait until January 2009 to apply.

Property owners who qualify for the Circuit Breaker program can reduce their annual property tax bill by as much as $1,320. The State of Idaho reimburses Ada County for the portion of property tax not collected from the homeowner.

“It’s important for residents to remember they must apply for the Circuit Breaker program every year, they are not automatically re-enrolled,” said Ada County Assessor Robert McQuade. “This program, administered by the Idaho State Tax Commission, is intended to help senior citizens, people with disabilities, and others, cope with rising property taxes.”

To be eligible, property owners must fit into one of the following categories as of January 1, 2008:

Age 65 or older
Widow(er) of any age
Disabled (as recognized by the Social Security Administration, Veterans Affairs, Railroad Retirement Board, or Federal Civil Service)
Blind
Fatherless or motherless child under 18 years of age
Former prisoner of war or hostage

Additionally, applicants to the Circuit Breaker program must also have a net 2007 income of $28,000 or less (after deducting non-reimbursed medical expenses).

(Boise, Id) -- The Board of Ada County Commissioners is seeking a volunteer to serve on the Ada County Waterways Advisory Committee. This seven-member committee serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of Commissioners helping to provide direction on issues relating to waterway maintenance and improvement.

The committee must represent a broad cross section of individuals who are required to live within Ada County while they serve their entire three-year term. The Waterways Committee meets at 3 p.m. on the fourth Monday of every month.

Interested applicants should fill out an application available at the County Commissioners’ Office on the 3rd floor of the Ada County Courthouse located at 200 W. Front St. in Boise. Applications may also be downloaded from the Volunteer Boards and Committees section of the Commissioner’s website at www.adaweb.net. This position will remain open until filled.

(Boise, Idaho) The Ada County Courthouse and Administration building has once again received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s prestigious ENERGY STAR award. The facility was the first county courthouse in the nation to earn the award and remains on a list of just 28 federal and county courthouses nationwide to be recognized for energy conservation efforts.

This is the fourth consecutive ENERGY STAR Ada County’s Courthouse has garnered, and each year Ada County’s efficiency improves. The EPA ranks a commercial building’s energy conservation practices on a scale from 1-100. Buildings scoring higher than 75 points receive the ENERGY STAR award. In 2004, when Ada County’s Courthouse first received the recognition, the building scored 76 points. This year, Ada County’s Courthouse was awarded 84 points.

Buildings that earn the ENERGY STAR award prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy, and on average, buildings awarded the ENERGY STAR use about 35 percent less energy, while still providing quality service and comfort to occupants and visitors.

“Receiving the ENERGY STAR a fourth time proves our commitment to efficient building operations isn’t a flash in the pan,” said Ada County Commission Chairman Fred Tilman. “We built this Courthouse facility to be economically and environmentally efficient from day one. By using less energy to operate the building, we are saving money while setting a good example for our community by showing it’s easy to conserve energy without impacting the quality of the facility.”

The Ada County Courthouse earned the ENERGY STAR largely as the result of excellent design and high quality operations and maintenance practices, and also due to specifics including:
· A geothermal heating system
· Insulated ductwork and waterlines
· Low-E (emissivity) glass and window tinting
· Energy efficient lighting

(Boise, Idaho) The Ada County Prosecutor’s office raised approximately $3,000 with a bake sale that launched major fundraising effort for an emergency assistance fund established for victims of domestic violence.

The Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s office and its Victims Witness Unit held the bake sale all day yesterday, March 17 at the Ada County Courthouse. Organizers would like to thank all Ada County employees and Courthouse visitors who made the fundraiser for the Domestic Violence Victim’s Emergency Fund such a huge success!

“Victims of domestic violence often find themselves in a situation where they need financial assistance for themselves or their families in order to make a safe decision to leave a dangerous domestic violence situation at home,” said Ada County Prosecutor Jan Bennetts. “These funds will be well-spent, helping victims and their children escape the very real dangers sometimes associated with abusive relationships.”

The Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office would especially like to thank Mr. Dwayne-Neal Horikami of the Chocolate Bluebird Bakery in Nampa. Mr. Horikami generously donated more than 100 loaves of fresh bread for the sale. Coordinators would also like to thank those individuals who made large donations to the fund.

“It is through the kind and generous donations of our community that the Ada County Prosecutor's office and our partnering agencies housed in the FACES facility will be able to continue to offer the valuable services domestic violence victims need to help them break the cycle of violence,” said Claudia Fugate, Ada County Victim Witness Administrator. “Having these emergency funds on hand now means we can get a victim’s crucial needs met. It’s amazing to look at this event and see how much community support is out there for such a worthwhile cause.”

The Domestic Violence Victim’s Emergency Fund helps victims served by the Ada County FACES program. FACES, or the Family Advocacy Center and Education Services program, is an all-inclusive center to provide legal, social, and health services to victims of domestic violence and their families. To learn more about FACES, visit www.adaweb.net/departments/faces.

Ada City-County Emergency Management Launches
When Sirens Sound Public Awareness Campaign

LOCAL BOY SCOUTS VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME FOR LOCAL LEAFLET DROP

(Boise, Idaho) Local hydrologists say the potential of spring flooding has dramatically decreased in the Boise foothills gulches and drainages, but all Ada County residents should remain alert to the local flood potential – especially those people living in low-lying areas of the county.

In an effort to help Ada City-County Emergency Management (ACCEM) officials educate the public about flood preparation, local Boy Scouts and members of the Community Emergency Response Team will volunteer their time this Saturday to deliver important flood literature to Boise homes located within designated flood zones. The door-to-door leaflet drop is part of the ACCEM’s “When Sirens Sound” bi-annual public awareness campaign.

Volunteers from Eagle’s Cub Scout pack #127 and Meridian’s Boy Scout Troop #25 will be going door-to-door to deliver the “When Sirens Sound” materials. The information kit includes flood preparedness tips, an evacuation zone map, Red Cross shelter protocols, and the “When Sirens Sound Seek High Ground” brochure detailing what residents should do should a flood occur.

“The best protection from flooding is the action you take before a flood,” said Ada City-County Emergency Management Director Doug Hardman. “Flooding is impossible to predict. Ada County and its cities have multiple mechanisms in place that will alert residents in the event of a flood, but it’s up to the resident to seek high ground if sirens sound. We all should be prepared in case of flooding, and that’s what this campaign aims to do – to educate and motivate area residents about the risks associated the with high water.”

Public education outreach aside, the City of Boise also performed routine maintenance on the flashflood siren system located throughout the Boise foothills. The seven-siren system is in working order and ready to be used if future flash flooding occurs in north Boise gulches and drainages. The emergency sirens, located throughout the Cottonwood, Hulls, Crane, and Stuart gulches, were installed in 1997 following the historic foothills fire. In the event of an actual emergency, the sirens will sound for a minimum of three minutes when flash flooding in the Boise Foothills is confirmed. For more information about the Ada County-City Emergency Management flash flood siren system, visit www.accem.org/siren.html.

WHO: ACCEM/Boy Scout volunteers

WHAT: Launching the When Sirens Sound bi-annual public awareness campaign distributing important flood literature door-to-door

WHERE: Throughout north Boise

WHEN: Saturday, March 15, 2008 9:00 a.m.

Stuart Gulch Area:
Cub Scout Pack 127 will be delivering the When Sirens Sound packets to homes in this area. Beginning at 9 a.m. They will meet at Hillside Park to assemble their materials.

Crane Creek/Hull’s Gulch
The Boy Scout Troop 25 will go door-to-door to homes in these areas. They will meet at Highland Elementary at 9 a.m.

Cottonwood Creek
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members will deliver materials to homes in this area, and are scheduled to meet at the parking lot of the Boise Little Theater at 9 a.m.

(Boise, Idaho) – In order to establish a fund dedicated to assisting victims of domestic violence, the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s office and its partners will hold the first of many fundraisers, a bake sale, at the County Courthouse on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.

“Victims’ needs sometimes go unmet simply because programs require on-hand cash ready for emergency items,” said Claudia Fugate, Ada County Victim Witness Administrator. “Getting these crucial needs met at the time when victims of domestic violence most need them can mean the difference between a victim choosing safety or choosing to remain in the abusive situation.”

Fugate said the bake sale fundraiser would also be used to raise community awareness about domestic violence in Ada County. It’s the first of many major efforts to establish and maintain an emergency, as-needed fund for victims served at the Ada County FACES program. FACES, or the Family Advocacy Center and Education Services program, is an all-inclusive center to provide legal, social, and health services to victims of domestic violence and their families. Victims can now come to one location to speak with an advocate, plan for their safety, meet with a police officer or prosecutor, or receive medical assistance.

“We are committed to providing victims and their children the help they need to break the cycle of family violence that so often destroys families,” said Executive Director Kevin McTeague. “We are here not only as an essential resource to victims, but to do our part to help stop child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault in Ada County.”

McTeague said the bake sale is only the beginning for this fund. He plans on launching major fundraising efforts within the local community and seeking government grants to help sustain the fund.

“The proceeds from this bake sale will go directly to help victims of domestic violence,” Fugate said. “None of it will be used for administrative costs.”

Fugate said Ada County will also be accepting donations for the fund and donors will receive receipts for their gift. The bake sale, offering items from local victims’ rights advocates, runs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Ada County Courthouse lobby on Monday, March 17.

(Boise, Idaho) – The Ada County Board of Commissioners presented the 4th Annual State of Ada County address to a crowd of approximately 350 county residents this morning, highlighting the previous year’s accomplishments and showcasing initiatives planned for the 2007-2008 budget year. The Board of Commissioners also awarded the Children’s Home Society the prestigious ‘Making History Award’ during the event.

“Working For You” was the theme of this year’s address, and several headline-making initiatives were unveiled during the hour-long presentation sponsored by the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce. Main highlights and announcements made during the event include:

· The decision to use the ‘Budgeting For Outcomes’ approach when developing the new Ada County Budget
· Major efforts to build and fund a mental health and substance abuse treatment center operated by the county
· Relocation of county services to a west-Boise building to allow residents easier access to services
· New “ACCESS Ada County” publications to keep residents informed on their county government
· Soon-to-be-released findings from the Ada County Open Space Task Force

“We are working hard for every single Ada County resident,” Ada County Commission Chairman Fred Tilman said after the speech. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done. That’s what today’s event is all about; it’s a chance for us to show the citizens of Ada County the great accomplishments we made last year and the hard work we are doing now to make Ada County an even better place to work, play and live.”

The commitment to building and funding a new, regional drug, alcohol, and mental health crisis center has been years in the making, but after a major announcement made today, it appears construction on the center will occur in the very near future. Ada County and its fellow community detox partners, which include city agencies, local hospitals, and charitable organizations, have worked together with area counties to lobby the Legislature for dollars needed to operate the 20-bed facility. When complete, the center will service several surrounding counties, but Ada County will be responsible for handling day-to-day operations. The commissioners anticipate construction on this facility will begin in the coming months.
“This morning, I am proud to announce that it appears the Idaho Legislature will step up to the plate by agreeing to contribute $900,000 a year to help cover the annual operating costs of this facility,” Commissioner Paul Woods said. “This regional detox center is an example of counties, cities, private businesses, and civic organizations working together to solve the region’s drug, alcohol, and mental health challenges. To our detox partners we say thank you for helping us make this a reality in our community.”

The Board of Commissioners also announced plans for a building the county will remodel to allow better access to important county services. Last year Ada County purchased the 85,000-square-foot building on Benjamin Lane in west Boise to more conveniently relocate existing county services into areas of the county experiencing growth. County officials hope to have the building operational by the end of the year, though it might not be open until early 2009. The Benjamin Lane building will house the entire Ada County elections division and, most importantly, will house an expanded Motor Vehicle Registration Office and Driver’s License Bureau to help eliminate long lines created by current space constraints in the Public Safety Building on Barrister Drive. Expanded Juvenile Court and Drug Court offices will also be located in the new building.

“This move means visitors to these high-traffic offices will no longer have to deal with the long lines they are currently seeing in some outgrown facilities,” Tilman said. “It’s proof that as demand for these services continues to grow, we’re making it easier for Ada County residents to access their government.”

“ACCESS” was another major theme unveiled at the address. Ada County has launched two new public outreach initiatives – an electronic newsletter and the new “ACCESS Ada County” magazine. Approximately 25,000 copies of the magazine were inserted into this morning edition of the Idaho Statesman. The magazine will also be made available at all Ada County offices and online. Of the same name, the “ACCESS Ada County” electronic newsletter is also being posted to the Ada County web site on a bi-monthly basis and residents can subscribe to receive the electronic newsletter via email whenever new issues are published.

“We are always seeking new and innovative ways to communicate how Ada County is working for you,” said Commissioner Rick Yzaguirre. “County residents can learn of the county’s many innovative programs and policies in the ACCESS Ada County magazine, and every other month the electronic newsletter will showcase timely, pertinent information coming from each Ada County elected office and department. It’s a valuable tool for residents curious to see how their government is working to provide quality services in the most efficient manner.”

Efficiency was a key point made by the Commissioners when they announced they would use the new, innovative “Budgeting for Outcomes” process to build the county’s 2008-2009 budget. This new budgeting model ensures county offices and departments operate as efficiently as possible. Chairman Tilman said that for three years going, the county has forgone the collection of $5 million in property taxes. He added this new budgeting process will continue to ensure the county operates in a fiscally sound manner while continuing to forego the collection of some property taxes that, by law, could be collected.

“We again plan to hold the line and do our part to offer property tax relief again this next year,” Tilman said. “Instead of starting with the previous year’s budget and justifying increases or cuts from the base, the ‘Budgeting for Outcomes’ approach identifies funding priorities that are important to Ada County citizens, like public safety and security, courts, health services, managing growth and resources, and fostering a healthy economy.” Each elected official and department head will justify to the board exactly how their proposed budget will further the accomplishment of these goals. “If they can’t,” Tilman said, “then their budget request will be denied.”

Lastly the commissioners announced they would soon have recommendations from the county’s Open Space Task Force, developed as an offshoot of the two-year planning process that resulted in the adoption of the Ada County Comprehensive Plan. Officials from across Ada County, including business, city, and county leaders as well as the public, have been meeting to ensure open space within Ada County is preserved for future generations to come. The Board of Commissioners told State of the County attendees that the task force is prepared to deliver its recommendations to the publc on Earth Day, April 22nd.

“Making History” Award:
Following the Board of Commissioners’ keynote speech outlining major announcements planned for the FY 2007-08 budget cycle, Commissioner Tilman presented the 3rd annual Making History Award to the Children’s House of Idaho, which has operated from its location on historic Warm Springs Avenue for the last century.

The Making History Award is given to individuals and organizations that make history every day by their contributions to Ada County. This is the first organization to be honored, and, according to Commissioner Tilman, most deserving of the honor because of the organization’s ability to adapt with the needs of Ada County to provide much-needed services for underprivileged children and families.

Previous Making History winners include architect Charles F. Hummel, whose grandfather and namesake, interestingly enough, drew up the plans for the Children’s Home back in 1908. J.R. Simplot was the recipient of the first Making History Award.

(Boise, Idaho) – As a tribute to Ada County’s diligent financial managers, the Board of Ada County Commissioners has signed a proclamation declaring March as “Certified Government Financial Manager Month.”

To become a Certified Government Financial Manager, a government accountant or employee in a related field must be deemed qualified by the national Association of Government Accountants. Of that group’s 14,500 members, just 40 percent hold the certification. Of the Idaho AGA chapter’s 199 members, only 21 percent are certified. Ada County has two certified employees – Cheryl Bower, Controller and Kathleen Graves, Assistant Controller. The certification program includes education requirements and a rigorous, three-part exam. To maintain their certification, Graves and Bowers must attend 80 hours of continuing professional education every two years.

The AGA’s certification program is specifically designed to emphasize professional qualifications needed in government financial managers.

Meanwhile the county is seeking its nineteenth consecutive award from the Government Finance Officers Association for excellence in financial reporting. According to the group, Ada County’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports meet the finest standards in government accounting and financial reporting.

The Ada County Board of Commissioners also recognize Dawn Burns, internal auditor, for being named a “Certified Government Auditing Professional” by the Institute of Internal Auditors, an international association based in Florida. The “CGAP” certification is specially designed for public-sector auditors and tests the auditor’s role in accountability and ability to improve government services. Burns has been with Ada County a year this April.

(Boise, Idaho) – Ada County leaders invite residents to attend the fourth annual State of Ada County Address, held at the Doubletree Riverside on March 12, 2008.

“Working for You” is the theme of this year’s address which will offer an in-depth review of the many goals and objectives Ada County achieved last year. The program will also outline future initiatives expected to occur in the 2007-2008 budget cycle. During the speech, the Ada County Board of Commissioners will discuss several headline-making initiatives including an innovative approach to budget planning and a strategic plan to locate existing county services into areas of Ada County that have seen the largest population growth. To cap off the event, county leaders will present the fourth-ever Making History Award. This award is given each year to an individual or group whose past and present actions have made a significant contribution to Ada County’s future.

The Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce is hosting the breakfast event. Early-bird tickets are $35 for chamber members and $45 for non-chamber members. Those not wishing to attend the breakfast portion of this event should plan to arrive at the event location at 8 a.m. where limited free seating will be offered to individuals only wishing to listen to the keynote address.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE

WHO: Ada County Elected Officials
Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce

WHAT: 4th Annual State of Ada County Address

WHERE: Double Tree Riverside
2900 Chinden Blvd., Boise

(Boise, Idaho) – The Ada City-County Emergency Management Department plans to conduct routine maintenance on the flash flood siren system located in the Boise foothills this week. The work is expected to begin this Wednesday, February 27 and will continue thru Friday, February 29th.

A total of seven sirens have been installed in the Boise Foothills to warn residents of flash flooding in the areas of Cottonwood Gulch, Hulls Gulch, Crane Creek, and Stuart Gulch. While there is no information these areas will flood this year, emergency management officials say snowpack conditions in the upper Boise Foothills COULD lead to potential flooding if our local weather pattern turns unseasonably warm and wet. Officials say the maintenance performed this week will ensure the siren system is ready should the system need to be activated.

During the maintenance, sirens may sound for short, intermittent durations (usually between 15 and 30 seconds) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.. Residents do not need to take any action if they hear these short-siren bursts while the system is being worked on. In the event of heavy rain, the testing may be delayed or postponed.

During an actual emergency, the sirens are activated when flash flooding is confirmed in the Boise Foothills. The sirens will sound for a minimum of 3 minutes. Residents who live in the Evacuation Zone 1 – those areas located in or near the mouth of the gulches – should evacuate immediately. Residents living adjacent to those areas should stay tuned to their radio and/or TV for further emergency information and instructions.

Residents may visit the PREPARE section of the Ada City-County Emergency Management website (www.accem.org) for a copy of an Evacuation Zone Map and additional information about the early warning siren system.

CURRENT SIREN LOCATIONS

SIREN # 1
Drainage: Cottonwood Creek
Location: Fort Boise Park Area
Reserve Street & Mountain Cove

SIREN # 2
Drainage: Hulls Gulch
Location: Camelback Park Area
Southwest corner of 9th & Heron

SIREN # 3
Drainage: Crane Creek
Location: 16th & Hill Road Area
2324 1/2 North 16th

SIREN # 4
Drainage: Crane Creek
Location: Highlands Elementary Area

Curling Drive near Bogus Basin Road

SIREN # 5
Drainage: Stuart Gulch
Location: Hillside Jr. High Area
Northeast corner of Hill Road & Hillside Jr. High exit

SIREN # 6
Drainage: Stuart Creek
Location: Medicine Creek Subdivision
Northeast corner of 36th & N. Eyrie Way

SIREN # 7
Drainage: Crane Creek
Location: Crane Creek Hollow Condominiums
End of Hearthstone Drive, northwest corner of cul-de-sac.

(Boise, Idaho) – The Ada City/County Emergency Management Department is encouraging all Ada County residents to be prepared for potential flooding that MAY occur in the coming weeks. Currently, the biggest possible flood-threat exists in low-lying areas around foothills gulches, small creeks, and other small irrigation ditches.

“We can’t be 100-percent certain we’ll experience flooding this year,” said Ada City/County Emergency Management Director Doug Hardman. “But what we can be certain of is the current snowpack in the Boise foothills, which presently rivals the snow conditions we experienced in 2006 when the area experienced minor flooding.”

Experts predict foothills gulches and drainages could experience brief periods of rapid runoff IF we receive extended periods of warm weather paired with significant rainfall. Long-range forecasts developed by the National Weather Service predict cooler than normal temperatures but near or above average precipitation. Regardless the circumstances, Ada County officials are encouraging residents to be prepared.

“You only have to look to the foothills for proof that we’ve received a great deal of snow this year,” said Ada County Commission Chairman Fred Tilman. “It is important Ada County residents be mindful of the current flood potential and begin to take the appropriate precautions to protect their property and their lives.”

The best protection from flooding is to take action BEFORE a flood occurs. To reduce potential injury and property damage, Ada County residents are encouraged to:

• Grade or landscape their property to ensure water drains away from their home
• Keep all drainage ways free of yard waste, litter, and debris
• If drainage obstructions are spotted, immediately report them to the authorities
• Immediately report flood occurrences by dialing 911

Ada County emergency managers also suggest residents living near the 100-year floodplain purchase flood insurance through their local insurance agent. It is important to note most flood insurance policies do not take effect until 30-days AFTER they are purchased. Officials say NOW is the time to get those flood insurance policies in place.

In the event of a flood, the Ada City/County Emergency Management Department (ACCEM) and other local agencies will respond according to the existing flood plan developed by the Emergency Management Department. Local government agencies routinely practice this plan, which includes coordinating public protection strategies, procuring resources, and determining the need for sand, sandbags and other measures to protect public safety.

In the coming days and weeks, the Ada City/County Emergency Management Department will continue its educational outreach efforts by holding table-top exercises to practice its multi-agency flood response plan. The ACCEM will also conduct a test of the emergency siren network located throughout the Boise Foothills. In addition to these efforts, the Board of Ada County Commissioners is also taking the advice of the Bureau of Homeland Security and has started to prepare the appropriate disaster declaration paperwork JUST IN CASE a significant flood event occurs within Ada County.

“While we don’t anticipate having to coordinate a major flood relief effort, I think it’s important the citizens of Ada County understand that now is the time to prepare for flooding. We, as a government agency will continue our preparation efforts and we call upon all county residents to do the same.,” said Commissioner Tilman.

Sheriff Gary Raney and Ada County Commissioners, today, welcomed nearly 200 members of the community into the Ada County Jail to mark the opening of the new jail Health Services Facility. The facility will provide necessary medical and mental health care for Ada County Jail inmates.

The new 81-bed Health Services Facility replaces the 10-bed, 1770-square-foot medical unit that has been operating inside the jail since 1994. The new facility will provide 13 times more space, allowing the highly-trained medical staff to treat more inmates inside the jail, saving the cost and safety-risks associated with transporting inmates to and from off-site health care facilities.

“As medical professionals, we walk a fine line every day. We strive to provide the highest quality of care to the members of our community in the jail, but as a county agency we are critically aware we must work as cost-effectively as possible. This facility is going to allow us to do that on a much larger scale,” said Ada County Sheriff’s Office Health Services Administrator Kate Pape.

The $5.8 million addition began several years ago with extensive planning that included both designing and funding the project.

“Protecting Ada County taxpayers from the liability associated with inmate-filed lawsuits is one of the most important duties we have as Ada County Commissioners,” said Ada County Commission Chairman Fred Tilman. “Raising taxes to pay for this project simply was not an option, which meant we had to prioritize budget requests, restrict budget expenditures and save money wherever possible to pay for this project. Cutting the ribbon on this project today does not mark an end to this project – but rather, a continuation of our commitment to protecting the interests of all Ada County taxpayers.”

“I applaud our Commissioners who had to scrape to fund this project without increasing taxes. There are a lot of things you can do with money and building jail space is not a fun choice, but Commissioners did the right thing,” said Sheriff Gary Raney.

The 24,000 square-foot facility operates as a small hospital equipped with private beds, urgent care rooms, a clinic, exam rooms, dental offices, and a pharmacy. If the Health Services Facility was a community hospital, it would be the twelfth largest in the state of Idaho. The facility integrates the security of a jail with the medical care, mental health and substance abuse treatment needs of the inmate community. Forty-one beds in the new unit will be used for substance abuse and mental health care.

“We know that 80-85% of crime is rooted in substance abuse. In a jail facility, substance abuse and mental health concerns go hand and hand. This addition allows us to manage the facility and manage the inmates as wisely as we can, so that we can help these men and women learn to live out in the community and not come back,” said Sheriff Raney. “It is easy to build walls and easy to warehouse people, but that’s not what we do. We want to change lives.”

Construction began on the addition in December of 2006. Boise-based Layton Construction and CHSQA were in charge of the design-build process. CH2MHill served as the owner’s representative and managed the construction process.

The Health Services Facility is expected to be staffed and fully-operational by June 2008.

FAST FACTS:

* Old Medical Unit: 1770 square feet
New Health Services Facility: 24,000 square feet (13 times larger)

* New Health Services Facility: 83 beds - includes group dorms, single cells, detox and
mental health care areas

* In 2007, 1162 inmates received psychiatric care while in jail

* In December 2007, 410 inmates were referred to mental health for services – 60% of the total inmate population

* During 2006, more than 3000 inmates were seen in the health facility between 7:00 pm – 7:00 am (not including routine medication delivery and blood sugar monitoring)

(Boise, Idaho) – The Ada County Planning and Zoning Commission hearing, originally scheduled for Thursday, February 7, 2008, has been cancelled. The hearing at which Ada County Planning and Zoning Commissioners will review the Cartwright Ranch planned community application is now scheduled for February 14, 2008.

(Boise, Idaho) – The Board of Ada County Commissioners is currently seeking two individuals interested in filling two seats that will open up on the Ada County Planning and Zoning Commission in April, 2008. These are unpaid volunteer positions that each carry a three (3) year term. Each applicant must live in unincorporated Ada County (outside a city limits and outside a city’s area of impact). Qualified candidates must have lived in Ada County for at least two (2) years.

The Ada County Planning and Zoning Commission meets twice a month on Thursday evenings and at other times as needed. The primary duty of the seven (7) member Ada County Planning and Zoning Commission is to ensure development within Ada County conforms with the county’s planning and zoning ordinances.

Interested residents need to complete a volunteer board application found at the Board of Ada County Commissioners' Office. The Commissioners’ Office is located on the third floor of the Ada County Courthouse at 200 W. Front Street, Boise, 83702. The volunteer board application has also been posted to the Ada County Commissioner’s website at www.adaweb.net. After clicking on the Commissioner’s section, click on the ‘Volunteer Boards & Committee’ link.

Completed applications may be hand delivered, mailed, emailed, or faxed to the Commissioners’ Office. Applications may be faxed to: 208-287-7009. Emailed applications should be sent to: bocc1@adaweb.net. Applicants with additional questions may call: 208-287-7000 for more information. Deadline to apply: Friday, February 29, 2008.