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Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Department Report
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Timber
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Leases & Permits
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Fire Season Update
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Attachment: Status Update - Fire Season Update
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The Governor stated this was a great report and expressed his pleasure with the IDL fire team for catching fires early. He asked that the firefighters please stay safe.
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Secretary of State Phil McGrane brought up his opportunity to go to the Goldrun Fire. He expressed his thanks to Julia and Casper for showing him around and allowing him to observe the transition.
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The Governor asked if the level of fire investigators is adequate in light of the number of fires under investigation. The director said IDL is in a good place with good partnerships.
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The director thanked the Land Board for the accolades and stated he was proud of the IDL team.
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Land Revenue Forecast
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Consent Agenda
Disclaimer of Interest Request D1800274
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Attachment: Disclaimer of Interest Request D1800274
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Approved 5-0
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The Governor asked if IDL was losing money with the disclaimers of interest. Bureau Chief Eric Wilson explained the $300 is minimum and that the applicant is billed for the actual cost, in this case $1100.
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The Governor asked if a policy similar to that for streams is needed. Wilson said they will look into it.
Regular Agenda
Endowment Fund Investment Board
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EFIB Manager's Report
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EFIB Investment Report
Approve FY 2025 Department of Lands Budget Enhancements
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Attachment: Approve FY 2025 Department of Lands Budget Enhancements
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Approved: 4-0 Governor recused himself
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The Secretary asked how firefighter recruitment and retention was being figured into the budget. The director stated it is a big concern as IDL is competing against the federal government. He added they are looking at pay structures and how we can pay more, but that increasing pay at the entry level creates compression issues. He noted there are conversations and ideas being discussed. The Secretary noted there is nothing in the budget currently and asked about actions like allowances for fire boots. He added he is concerned IDL will train firefighters for the Forest Service to take them. The director noted that IDL needs to be more creative with things like boots and seasonal housing as a way to help offset the cost. He added there is nothing in the budget about bumping pay, but he would love to have more conversations with Land Board staff.
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Controller Brandon Woolf asked about funding types. He asked about the outlook on spending $1.3 million, how expenses are reduced on the other side, and how it is determined where the funding comes out of. The director noted IDL wants to be as lean as possible but there are more demands for the services we provide. He added there is an impact to earning reserve, but if investment is made on the timber side, there will be an increase of revenue on the timber side.
Negotiated rulemaking for IDAPA 20.04.01 Rules Pertaining to Forest Fire Protection
Negotiated rulemaking for IDAPA 20.04.02 Rules Pertaining to the Idaho Forestry Act and Fire Hazard Reduction Laws
Use of Land Bank Funds for Employee Housing
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Attachment: Use of Land Bank Funds for Employee Housing
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Approved – No vote was taken, the board gave direction to do a legal analysis and answer some of the board’s questions
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Attorney General Raul Labrador expressed concern about the real estate market and thinks it is a bad time to purchase and asked who would use the housing. Division Administrator Michele Andersen used the example of the Kamiah purchase where a unique property was well suited for IDL but not necessarily others. She added IDL is not looking to buy a house in a subdivision. She noted the housing is not for all staff but would be targeted for markets where there is a struggle for housing and this could be used for recruitment and retention.
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The AG was concerned that once property is found it would make it difficult to step away. Andersen said prior to an offer being made it would be brought to back to the Land Board. Anderson noted that while this is primarily seasonal housing, it could be transitional housing in tough situations where it takes more time to find housing for permanent employees due to the housing market.
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The Secretary said the desired achievement makes sense, but there are other hurdles. He would like to have for information for the scope and is concerned there is more risk. He would like the Land Board to weigh in earlier in the process. Andersen noted this can be addressed. She added they will be looking for dormitory style housing as this works better. She noted if suitable property can be found it could be brought to Land Board before offers are made.
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The Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield expressed support for the concept if in working through the details the right balance can be found. She noted an interesting correlation with what school districts across the state are dealing with that Land Board is looking at it.
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The Controller asked if the intent is for IDL or for others also. Andersen stated there have been conversations with Fish and Game and Parks and Recreation to solve common needs and overlaps. The goal is to meet IDL’s needs and supplement other agencies.
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The Governor stated he did not think the intent of establishing the Land Bank Fund was to build housing. He added there is a need to look at the constitutionality, as it may be at least skirting intent. The Governor prefers to address constitutionality and question what happens when the real estate market collapses. He was concerned about the Land Bank competing with businesses. He stated it is better to tiptoe instead of run into this. Andersen agreed that the first step is legal analysis.
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The AG was concerned this action could open a pandora’s box. He added the heart is in the right place but there is a need to tread gingerly. He stated his office will do a legal analysis.
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The Governor recommended slowing things down, answering some questions from Land Board.
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The Secretary suggested Land Board give the direction to do the legal analysis to answer some of the questions and then come back to decide if there will be further discussion.
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The director stated he appreciates the direction. IDL's desire is to make sure the Land Board would be comfortable approaching this. Those who have worked to find a solution, their hearts are in the right place, the board recognizes that and wants to be part of the solution. He appreciated the recommendation and stated IDL can get on board with that.
Information Agenda
IT Consolidation
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Attachment: IT Consolidation
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The Governor asked how many IT people are at Lands. Alberto Gonzalez, Administrator, Information Technology Services, answered 16.
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The Governor asked if consolidation would help or exasperate LUMA. Gonzalez noted it is independent and will not involve LUMA.
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The AG consulted the director on if he thought consolidation was needed. The director noted if through the process it is determined some of the day to day help desk items would be better that is fine, but there is a desire to retain field development. IDL’s IT Chief Information Officer Mark McMinn noted they are working with Brian Smith to make sure we mirror functions. He added there are projects they need to finish, but can do the work from wherever they are located. Gonzalez said part of the process is to determine what is needed. He used ITD as an example of specialized folks that were not moved, but their data center was moved in with ITS data center. The goal is to provide better IT services and leave behind what is working.
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The Controller asked if a portion of the IT staff would consolidate for general areas but IDL would keep its specialized teams. Gonzalez confirmed.
Proposed Rule for IDAPA 20.05.01
Executive Session
State v. Tim Garayalde
Idaho Code § 74-206(1)(f) – to communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. The mere presence of legal counsel at an executive session does not satisfy this requirement.
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