***Monday, April 14, 2025 at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.
Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Economic Development Director David Sims entered the meeting at 8:57 a.m. to give an update on EDC projects. Mr. Sims stated that he just returned from a Main Street conference where he learned a great deal about their programs, and will be able to use some of the information for our downtown area. The Moyie sewer project is going well. Mr. Sims also discussed the reduction in traffic across the border and the decrease in Canadians visiting area businesses. The exchange rate is also complicating the issue.
Fay Almond entered the meeting at 9:10 a.m.
Mr. Sims stated he recently gave a presentation to the Selkirk Association of Realtors where they had many questions on zoning changes. Urban Renewal recently completed their audit and the annual report has been presented to the City of Bonners Ferry. The public hearing will be on April 21. He stated that the Urban Renewal is considering a sewer lift station at the Fodge Mill property to allow for development.
The meeting with Mr. Sims ended at 9:20 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:29 a.m. to update the Commissioners on various matters. Mr. Wilson stated that things have been moving along as expected. He also stated that as they work through the budget planning he asked them to consider investment in IT to assist with public records requests.
Commissioner Pinkerton stated that he would like to discuss some items but they are best for an executive session. Mr. Wilson replied that we can schedule one for next week.
The meeting with Mr. Wilson ended at 9:45 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Aleksandra Lowley, Villegas Rodriguez, and Caiden Sutherland. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Commissioner meeting minutes for the week of April 7. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Maison Estates Subdivision SPS#24-0046 Plat Map. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the Office of the Treasurer’s Certificates of Compliance for Potlatch No. 1 Financial Credit Union, Mountain West Bank, and Umpqua Bank. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners reviewed claims for payment. Fund totals are as follows:
Current Expense $ 111,474.38
Road & Bridge 116,205.38
Airport 5,503.91
District Court 11,189.30
Justice Fund 75,153.48
911 Funds 4,702.49
Parks and Recreation 4,226.05
Revaluation 1,349.98
Solid Waste 32,978.51
Tort 72,609.04
Veterans Memorial 2,764.98
Weeds 817.83
Restorium 30,049.15
Snowmobile 869.13
Waterways 4,277.20
Road & Bridge Tribal Fuel Fund 65.55
Grants, Airport 3,850.00
Grant, Selkirk Coop Weed Mgmt 1,200.00
Juvenile Probation – Lottery 23.83
Grant, Boat Safety 2,110.32
Grants, Fire Mitigation 31,243.52
LATCF Fund 12,233.74
TOTAL $524,897.77
Trusts
Auditor’s Trust 8,413.75
Boundary Co. Drug Court Trusts 388.46
Sales Tax Collected 376.82
Driver’s License Trust 12,692.50
Motor Vehicle Trust Acct 277,884.51
Sherriff’s Trust Fund 632.10
Odyssey Court Trust Account 32,585.53
Odyssey Bond Trust Account 1,016.25
TOTAL $333,989.92
GRAND TOTAL $858,887.69
Citizens are invited to inspect detailed records on file in the Courthouse (individual claims & Commissioners’ allowance & warrant register record 2024-2025).
Outside auditor Scott Hoover, with Hoover CPA entered the meeting at 9:45 a.m.
Ms. Almond left the meeting at 9:55 a.m.
At 10:03 a.m., Mr. Hoover handed out copies of the report and reviewed the county’s fiscal year 2024 audit with Commissioners and Clerk Poston. Treasurer Jenny Economu and Chief Deputy Clerk Pam Barton also joined the meeting.
Those present reviewed chapter information of the audit. Mr. Hoover stated there are no reportable deficiencies in internal controls, there was compliance with all major federal programs and congratulated Ms. Poston and her team. She has a good segregation of the duties involved. It is a clean audit with no adjusting journal entries needed.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked how often the audit is performed. Mr. Hoover answered yearly. Ms. Poston added that it will be uploaded to Transparent Idaho.
Commissioner Robertson asked if there was anything that they should be focusing on. Mr. Hoover replied the Landfill Closure Fund because the schedule has been reduced significantly by DEQ.
The meeting with Mr. Hoover ended at 10:28 a.m. and he left the meeting. Ms. Barton also left the meeting.
At 10:32 a.m. Commissioners held a tax deed hearing. Those present were Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims and Treasurer Jenny Economu. The hearing was recorded.
Ms. Economu informed Commissioners that all properties were paid by the deadline, therefore the tax deed hearing was cancelled. The hearing ended at 10:35 a.m. and Treasurer Economu left the meeting.
Commissioners attended to administrative duties until their next appointment.
John Austin with Austin Consulting joined the meeting at 10:50 a.m. to discuss options for a lease agreement as a possibility to help fund the remodel for the new courthouse. Mr. Austin stated that it is really hard and expensive to get a bond passed and governmental entities have used this process to build or expand when needed. The certificates of participation are a series of one-year bonds over the course of a lease, to then own the building at the end.
Chairman Robertson asked about interest rates. Mr. Austin stated that he checked prior to the meeting at is was currently at 5.12% which is usually fixed for the length of the lease. The costs for this process are considerably less than a bond sale and election.
Commissioners asked about the process and next steps. Mr. Austin stated that once you know the construction costs you would work backwards with the revenue stream.
Ms. Poston asked about Urban Renewal areas and suggested that they meet with a member of their board to discuss.
Chairman Robertson asked about Mr. Austin’s fee. He stated that he is paid on an hourly basis and the fee generally runs between $3-5,000.
The meeting with Mr. Austin ended at 11:38 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Restorium Supervisor Janay Smith entered the meeting at 11:40 a.m. to give the Restorium report. Ms. Smith stated that the census is currently 25 with one person scheduled to move in tomorrow and another should move in about a week later. She will be attending the Health Fair in Libby on May 3rd and another at Boundary Community Hospital later in the month. Ms. Smith also stated that the Restorium completed their Medicare Survey recently and were awarded a gold certificate.
The meeting with Ms. Smith ended at 11:50 a.m. and she left the meeting.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at noon.
Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session 1:30 p.m.
Road & Bridge Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals entered the meeting at 1:30 p.m. to give the Road & Bridge report. Mr. Ryals stated that they had finished pit maintenance, were working on spot grading/rolling on various roads, bridge work on Kellogg bridge and cold patching on Camp Nine Rd. Some roads still remain closed for laden loads. They attended the annual MSHA refresher.
Mr. Ryals also discussed the status of the two Riverside projects and stated that the MOA for Riverside 1B was still being reviewed by legal. He also stated that they will pick up the track grinder today and begin moving around the county to address areas of need including the Copeland bridge, Roosevelt, District 2, Kootenai Trail and the bridge at Moyie.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked if the dump truck was ready for the landfill. Mr. Ryals stated he will check to see.
Mr. Ryals gave Commissioners the new job description for the mechanic position for their review. He stated it was rewritten to provide more clarity. Commissioners reviewed the document.
Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting at 2:00 p.m.
The meeting with Mr. Ryals ended at 2:05 and he left the meeting.
Ms. Barton stated that the Classification Committee met last Wednesday and reviewed 3 positions for grading. The first position was a Kitchen Helper/Server. The position was previously a Kitchen Cook/Server therefore it should be regraded. The position was a grade 3 previously, it also regrades as a 3 with a part-time salary of $14.87. Commissioners agreed with the grade.
The next position was a new position as a Solid Waste Landfill Spotter. Ms. Barton stated it is similar to the Site Monitor position with less responsibility. They would work at the main landfill and make sure the items are going into the right locations. The position graded as a 2 with a salary of $13.90. Commissioners tabled this item for more consideration.
The last position was also a new position as a Staff Sergeant for the Sheriff’s office. This position graded as a 16 with a salary of $26.00. Ms. Barton stated that the problem is that this position would be overseeing the detective position which is a 17. Commissioners tabled this so they could get more information and asked for an organizational chart of the department.
The meeting with Ms. Barton ended at 2:35 p.m. and she left the meeting.
SSgt. Mike Valenzuela entered the meeting at 2:37 p.m.
SSgt. Valenzuela stated that they had received an OHV grant from Idaho Parks and Recreation in the amount of $4,100. The funding will be used to teach classes to encourage safety when riding off highway vehicles.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Agreement with Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation for the OHV funding. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with SSgt Valenzuela ended at 3:40 p.m. and he left the meeting.
At 3:00 p.m. Commissioner Bertling moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and convene as Board of Equalization. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners reviewed the Property Tax Exemption applications received.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve Property Tax Exemptions as follows: Idaho Code 63-602B for parcel # RPB7880002005BA, Idaho Code 63-602C for parcel #’s RP62N02E086451A, RPB07000010140A, RPB0120006003AA, RPB0120015009AA, RP62N03E212430A and RP61N01E140150A, Idaho Code 63-602E for parcel # RP62N01E170011A, Idaho Code 63-602F for parcel #’s RP00460GL1006BA, RP00460GL1008AA, RP62N01E350050A and RPB0240049022AA and Idaho Code 63-602GG for parcel #’s RPB00000337220A, RPB00000228582A, RPB0240026006AA and RPB0240042012DA. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to deny Property Tax Exemption for Idaho Code 63-602B on parcel # RP61N01E116430A. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to adjourn as the Board of Equalization and reconvene as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners noted that they missed one of the applications that had been submitted.
Commissioner Bertling moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and reconvene as the Board of Equalization. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve to approve Property Tax Exemption for Idaho Code 63-602B for parcel # RPB0780002010AA. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to adjourn as the Board of Equalization and reconvene as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Airport Manager Dave Parker entered the meeting at 3:25 p.m.
Airport Board chair Jay Wages entered the meeting at 3:27 p.m.
Airport Board member Don Jordan entered the meeting at 3:32 p.m.
Mr. Parker reviewed various projects and grant opportunities that are currently available. It is possible to purchase property at the end of the runway, relocate overhead power and other wires underground, repave and shift the runway and complete a new instrument approach. These items are all needed for safety therefore our applications would have a high priority. The county would pay 2.5 cents for every dollar, the state would also pay 2.5 cents and the rest of the money would come from federal funding for airport improvements.
Commissioners agreed that the funding will never get better on the projects listed and to proceed draft grant applications.
Mr. Parked discussed the A2 hangar with Commissioners. It has one year remaining on the lease with the current owner and they are considering a 15-year lease for the new owner.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign a new lease for Hangar A2. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with Mr. Parker, Mr. Wages and Mr. Jordan ended at 4:13 p.m. and they left the meeting.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 1:30 p.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.
Cory Trapp and Seamus Mease with LTA entered the meeting at 1:32 p.m. and shared the preliminary drawings for the new courthouse. Mr. Trapp stated that they would like to go over to the site afterwards for some measurements at the back of the building where the sally port will be. That area is tight and we may have to move the steps inside the building. Other changes involve some adjusting in the smaller courtroom to accommodate the swivel chairs in the jury box and the lobby is slightly larger. The two areas in gray are the alternative areas that could be priced separately should it be done in phases. Mr. Trapp also stated that the windows along the offices are up high at 8 feet to allow for light, but also provide safety.
Ms. Poston asked what size the storage was upstairs. Mr. Trapp responded 10 feet x 35 feet to accommodate filing cabinets.
Ms. Poston also asked about the number of seating in the courtrooms. Mr. Trapp answered that the larger courtroom was 80 and the smaller was 60.
Mr. Trapp stated that the drawings will be done in July so that they can then go out to bid. The tariffs may have potential impacts on the cost. We are currently seeing increases in lighting and metals depending on the country of origin.
The meeting with Mr. Trapp and Mr. Mease ended at 1:50 p.m. and they left the meeting.
Commissioners reviewed the audit letter for FY24 and the report presented the previous day.
Commissioner Bertling moved to accept the FY24 audit report and authorize the chair to sign the letter provided. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners attended to administrative duties until the meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 6:00 p.m., Commissioners met in a special session for a Town Hall. Those present were: Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims, Road & Bridge Superintendent Brad Barton, Road & Bridge Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals, Solid Waste Superintendent Richard Jenkins, Sheriff Travis Stolley, Assessor Olivia Drake, Steve Jamsa, Rob Tompkins, Shauna Cruttender, Reporter Ned Newton, John Polland, Ivan Wedel, Orrin Everhart, Jo Len Everhart, Jon VanGesen, Clarice McKenney, Elena Quinn, Gerald Higgs, Fay Almond, Kelli Martin, Casey West, Debbie Foster, Shawn Frederickson, Adrienne Norris, Edna Eby, Leonard Eby, Wally Cossairt, Scooter Drake, Steve Wilkinson, Angie Wilkinson, Caleb Davis, Tim Love, John O’Connor, Nancy Wycoff, Hilary Kraly, Mike Hittle, and Christian Pinkerton.
Chairman Robertson explained the procedures for the meeting.
Chairman Robertson began with the recent press release suspending/modifying the recycling program. He stated that the program used to generate an income source for the County, but unfortunately that is no longer the case. The program is now costing the County over $125,000 each year. The City of Bonners Ferry will be sending a letter out to city residents regarding the services. Metal such as tin and aluminum will still be taken. We will also be exploring other options for metal recycling.
A question was asked if the metals need to be separated. Solid Waste Superintendent Richard Jenkins confirmed that yes, they would be separated.
Former Commissioner Orrin Everhart stated that the cost of $125,000 to recycle is a significant change from when this program was started. Chairman Robertson agreed. Mr. Everhart stated that the recycling program was also extending the life of the landfill because there were no other alternatives at that time other than to ship it to western Washington. He asked if Commissioners have looked into the cost of those items. Chairman Robertson replied that DEQ placed a 20-ton daily limit on our landfill and we are currently receiving 24 tons each day. DEQ is requiring that the landfill to closed in 10 years. The money we were spending on recycling will be placed into the closure fund to help us prepare for the future.
Adrienne Norris asked for clarification on aluminum and tin. Commissioners gave her examples of what those products were.
Another attendee asked if landfill was self-funded or taxed. Commissioners explained that you are assessed a fee on your tax notice and it is completely self-funded.
Clarice McKenney was concerned that the recycling costs were so high, because we were not sorting. Chairman Robertson explained that only 5.9 % of what was shipped in was not recyclable. So we were doing a good job on our end. Commissioner Bertling added that there are some misconceptions to what is recyclable. Only 1 and 2 plastics are recyclable, 3 and 4 are no longer recyclable. Only clean cardboard is recyclable.
Another question was how many paying jobs would be lost. Commissioners responded none.
Gerald Higgs asked about Frederickson’s Garbage investing into armed trucks. When would that be implement and how. Chairman Robertson stated that we don’t have any involvement with that. Please talk to Shawn afterwards.
John O’Connor asked about the decreasing participation and if that was on the part of citizens. Chairman Robertson stated that if the participation was higher, the cost to the county would increase as well.
Ms. McKenney asked will this extend the life of the landfill at all. Chairman Robertson answered no, Idaho DEQ wants it to close in 10 years. We have an engineering study that will give us real numbers to help reflect some of the unknowns.
Ivan Wedel asked if the waste was measured by weight or volume. Chairman Robertson answered it was by weight. DEQ is a state agency closely tied to the EPA. We are a unique landfill because we are unlined. We are trying to extend the life of the landfill as much as possible.
Mr. Wedel then asked about glass recycling. Commissioner Bertling stated that Idaho DEQ does not want to address glass recycling at this time. Other states do, but Idaho does not.
Ms. Norris asked if the County finished drilling the test holes. Chairman Robertson answered no and explained that DEQ was requiring test holes and DEQ would be paying for that cost.
Another resident again asked if they were paying a tax for the landfill. Commissioners answered no, there isn’t a tax. You are assessed a fee.
Shauna Cruttender stated that she was part of the Community Thrift Center and asked if there was anyway to keep waste from going to the landfill. Commissioners stated that they had not seen any programs. Ms. Cruttender stated that they are collaborating with Sandpoint Humane Society to bail clothing so that it doesn’t go into the landfill. She said they then send it to a textile recycling company and get money for it. They are currently looking for a bailer and a place to house it.
There were no further questions regarding the suspension of the recycling program.
Commissioner Pinkerton addressed Road & Bridge by describing the number of county roads, miles involved and number of bridges. He stated that the SRS money received by the county goes to Road & Bridge and due to the federal cuts we have lost that money ($600.000) for this budget cycle. We receive some grant funding but it requires match funds that can range considerably. Commissioner Pinkerton added that we have had some concerns due to load limits. He explained that heavy loads destroy roads during spring breakup and we are trying to protect the infrastructure as best we can. There are permits available that are free to allow for some legal loads. The Riverside Road project 1B should be moving forward this year. There are also 5 vacancies in the Road & Bridge department.
Mr. Higgs asked with the Riverside project will there be access to Myrtle Creek Falls. Commissioners answered there will be access off and on depending on the work being done.
Ms. Norris stated that she felt the 5 openings are a reflection of the rate of pay. Commissioners agreed with her that the pay rate is a problem. Chairman Robertson stated that they have implemented increases in recent years, but are limited due to the 3%. There is some offset because we pay 100% of the insurance for employees where most employers do not. We have also given longevity increases where possible to keep the experienced employees. However, the reality is that the funding is not there to do it across the board. Chairman Robertson added that previous commissioners kept wages down and the benefit of that was that it also kept taxes down. However, we are now paying the price for that.
Commissioner Pinkerton then reviewed the R&B starting wages and the costs of the benefits package.
Reporter Ned Newton asked how confident are you going in to the construction season that the two Riverside projects will happen together. Commissioners responded that they are not happening together. 1B is moving forward, but 1A is not going this year. They also added that this will be a large project that goes out for bids to a large contractor.
Ms. Norris suggested they could take the wage issue to a vote. Commissioners stated that they would have to look into that. Commissioner Pinkerton stated that we are going to do the best we can, but we also need to keep in mind we have a moving target. Chairman Robertson also stated that the 3% does not go solely to wages. There are a lot of moving parts to balance the budget.
Another suggestion was to perhaps look at giving up a position or two then split the money to give a raise and still be within the target needed. Chairman Robertson stated that everyone is already strained and the county as a whole is not getting smaller in population.
There were no further questions regarding Road & Bridge.
Chairman Robertson then directed everyone’s attention to the drawing for the new courthouse. The main driver of this is that we are running out of space as well as ADA access to the courtrooms. This location will hold the offices of the prosecutor, two courtrooms and the Clerk’s office. We tried other drawings, but ultimately decided this was the best plan for the future. The bones of the building are good so we will be staying with the same footprint. We are hoping to go out for bid in July and are unsure how the numbers will be affected by tariffs. Chairman Robertson also stated that we are not abandoning the old courthouse, it will still house some offices as we expand due to the growth in the county.
A question was asked if the project is based on estimates. Chairman Robertson stated we don’t have any good estimates, no one will give a solid estimate at this time. We have LACTF funds that were given to the county several years ago that we hope will fund this project. The shaded areas on the drawing might happen at a later date if we need to do this in phases.
Ms. Norris asked how many courtrooms it would have. Chairman Robertson answered two. The smaller courtroom is considerably larger than we currently have and also includes a jury box and deliberation space. The drawings also include holding cells for prisoners and sally port to bring the prisoners into the holding area instead of marching them through the building like we currently do.
Ms. Norris then asked about the leasing option that was on the agenda for discussion this week. Chairman Robertson stated that there is a system in place for municipalities to sell property to a bank and lease it back. You own the building at the end. It is just an idea that we are exploring at this time.
Ms. McKenney asked if there is a connection between the tariffs and the unknown estimates. Chairman Robertson answered yes, no one knows what the costs will be.
There were no further questions regarding the new courthouse.
Commissioner Bertling then addressed the Old Highway/North Hill trails. He stated that ITD had signed a Quitclaim Deed of that property over to the County and we plan to put a trail system in the bowl for walking and biking. There will be an MOU with 9B Trails for them to create approximately 1.5-2 miles of trails at no cost to the county. In the future we hope to get the jersey barriers moved to allow a safe space and connectivity to sidewalks within the city limits. Commissioner Bertling then stated we have also acquired land at Riverside Park with plans to create water access for kayaks/canoes.
Ms. McKenney asked if there would be a place to pull off to take pictures. Commissioner Bertling stated that he did not think that was possible. She asked if it would be accessible by motor. Commissioner Bertling said no it would be foot or bike traffic only.
There were no further questions regarding the trail system. Chairman Robertson opened the platform to other questions except for P&Z issues.
Mr. Higgs asked if they could push IAC for more severe increases for infractions on the road. There are other states that have had success with this approach. Commissioners agreed that there are issues with aggressive driving and accidents. However, IAC only takes five resolutions to try to pass amongst the body for law change. It is a competitive process. Each affiliate can push their own, but as a whole there are only five.
A question was asked if they had considered parsing out Road & Bridge to its own highway district. Chairman Robertson stated yes and no. We have looked at it, but it requires a new taxing district. Almost no local taxes go to Road & Bridge currently. If we went through that process, we would then be required to share the funding with the Cities of Moyie and Bonners Ferry which puts us behind overall.
Ms. McKenney asked if the County owned the old mill site. Commissioners responded no.
Mr. Everhart asked about the PILT funding. Commissioners explained that PILT was payment in leu of taxes for our national forests. Ms. Poston stated that doesn’t come until June, we are so far still expecting that to come this year. It would be a bigger hit if it does not.
There were no further questions, therefore the meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m.
s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk