***Monday, April 21, 2025 at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.
Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.
IDJC District Liaison Jay Storm entered the meeting at 8:55 a.m.
Probation Officer Alyssa Walker entered the meeting at 9:03 a.m.
Mr. Storm handed out the Boundary County 2024 Annual Juvenile Justice report and stated it has been a busy year for District 1 and 2. Mr. Storm stated that Boundary County had 20 youth arrests, 19 detention admissions and 31 youth petitions. There were 64 charges filed in the county with 18 felony, 43 misdemeanor and 3 status offences. Kids are doing more serious offenses. The probation intakes were 26 and diversion was 22. The success rate was 81, which means that they completed their term successfully. The demographics are 77% white, with 56% being 14-16 years of age and 50% split between male and female. The female offenders have increased considerably in comparison to previous years. We currently have offenders as young as 10 years of age.
Greg Lamberty entered the meeting at 9:17 a.m.
Ms. Walker stated probation does a home visit within 30 days of the offense. This helps them get an idea of the home environment and what needs the juvenile may have. Commissioner Bertling stated that perhaps Panhandle Health District can help with services.
Commissioner Robertson asked if there are any areas across the state that are doing better. Mr. Storm answered no, it is getting worse across the state. Commissioner Robertson wondered if it was actually increasing or if it was on pace with the population growth. Mr. Storm was not sure if that had been looked at.
Fay Almond entered the meeting at 9:26 a.m.
Commissioner Robertson asked if there was any correlation between kids that are not involved in extra curricular activities. Ms. Walker stated yes, getting kids motivated is the key and keeping them active in healthy activities. Sometimes they are having to think outside the box.
Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:32 a.m.
The meeting with Ms. Walker and Mr. Storm ended at 9:35 a.m. and they left the meeting.
Mr. Wilson stated that they had one minor employment issue that was handled quickly. He also addressed public records requests and some job descriptions. Most of his time was spent regarding the issue for executive session.
At 9:39 a.m. Ms. Almond and Mr. Lamberty left the meeting.
Commissioner Bertling moved to go into executive session 74-206(d) to consider records that are exempt from disclosure as provided in chapter 1, title 74, Idaho code. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Robertson “aye”, Commissioner Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”. The executive session ended at 10:20 a.m. No action taken.
Chief Jeff Lindsey entered the meeting at 10:20 a.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to recess the Board of Boundary County Commissioners and convene as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the minutes from March 17, 2025. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chief Lindsey stated that they had 99 calls last month which is on average and their shoot time was 1 minute 42 seconds. They have hired two EMT’s and just finished an Emergency Medical Responders course using grant funds.
The meeting with Chief Lindsey ended at 10:25 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Commissioner Bertling moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance District Governing Board and reconvene as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Commissioner meeting minutes from the week of April 14. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign New Private Road Name Request Form for Orion Circle. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to appoint Ron Klein to the Waterways Board to fill the term expiring January 2026. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign letter of appointment to the Waterways Board. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative Facilitator Theresa Wheat and USFS Forester Ed Koberstein entered the meeting at 10:30 a.m. Ms. Wheat distributed the agenda for the KVRI meeting and reviewed it with Commissioners. Commissioner Bertling asked if the Kootenai Tribe has ever been included on the Kootenai Advisory Board in Libby. Ms. Wheat replied that she was not sure and suggested they speak to Gary Aiken.
The meeting with Ms. Wheat ended and she left the meeting.
Commissioners reviewed information that Mr. Koberstein had provided for them earlier. Mr. Koberstein stated that Boundary County has more issues than other areas because of endangered species. There could be some emergency processes to simplify things.
Commissioner Robertson asked if it would make a difference if the Collaborative gave approval first to help it move along. Mr. Koberstein felt that it would help show the stakeholders are already involved and provided their support, should it go to litigation. He also stated that there is an effort in Colorado to help generate small sales using the Good Neighbor Authority that Commissioners might want to explore.
EDC Director David Sims entered the meeting at 10:55 a.m.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked about the status of several current projects and stated that we need to close some sales so that others can open. Mr. Koberstein replied that the Katka project is one of the top tier projects and they currently have 135 days to respond.
The meeting with Mr. Koberstein ended at 11:07 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Mr. Sims gave a brief history of urban renewal, it’s funding and outlined the two districts. He stated that it started in 2011 to assist with infrastructure to encourage new businesses to come to the area such as Super 1 Foods, AutoZone and Shopko. All projects are public, no funds can be used for private. When the district is set, the tax for school, library, city and county remains flat and any increase in value goes to the urban renewal to fund projects. They currently have obligations to Super 1 and the AutoZone area.
Snowmobile Board Chair Dave Wenk entered the meeting at 11:20 a.m.
Mr. Sims stated that costs the county is incurring within the district could be reimbursed such as increased court and jail costs due to the growth. Other improvements such as the sidewalk in front of the courthouse or fairground improvements might be included.
Chairman Robertson asked how far back in time can they consider. Mr. Sims was not sure and stated he would check into that.
The meeting with Mr. Sims ended at 11:28 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Mr. Wenk shared an invoice from Bonner County for grooming and stated that he is not aware of any grooming done by them in Boundary County so he recommended investigating further before payment.
Mr. Wenk stated that now that the season is over, he would like to move forward with the purchase of the snowmobile and trailer using grant funds. He would prefer an enclosed trailer to keep everything together and out of the weather.
Chairman Robertson asked how many miles did they groom last winter. Mr. Wenk answered about 500 miles.
The meeting with Mr. Wenk ended at 11:44 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 11:55 a.m.
Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session at 1:30 p.m. and attended to administrative duties until their 2:00 p.m. appointment.
Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting at 2:00 p.m.
Ms. Barton discussed with Commissioners the various positions that were recently graded and what information Commissioners are needing for a determination. She also mentioned that an RN position will be regraded and that may come in off the scale. Ms. Barton also reviewed open work comp and unemployment claims.
The meeting with Ms. Barton ended at 2:35 p.m. and she left the meeting.
At 2:38 p.m. Commissioner Bertling moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and convene as the 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 63-602C for parcel #’s RP61N01W018260A, RPB1060001002AA, RPB1060002004A, RPB1060001004BA, RP62N01E111202A, and RP63N01E236614A. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to deny Property Tax Exemptions for Idaho Code 63-602B for parcel # RPB0820001006EA and Idaho Code 63-602C for parcel #’s RPB0080004012DA and RP64N01E070310A. 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 and Ms. Drake discussed how to proceed on the remaining properties that did not submit applications prior to the deadline. It was agreed that Ms. Drake’s office will proceed with assessments and Commissioners will consider any late applications received.
Ms. Drake confirmed any entities that proved they fell under Idaho Code 63-602F do not have to apply every year.
Ms. Drake left the meeting at 3:15 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.
Commissioners held a department head/elected officials meeting. Those present were: Planning & Zoning Administrator Ben Jones, Veterans Service Officer Ron Self, Probation April Isaac, University of Idaho Extension Educator Amy Robertson, Personnel Director Pam Barton, Assessor Olivia Drake, IT Director Matt Hodges, Prosecutor Andrakay Pluid, Sheriff Travis Stolley, Solid Waste Superintendent Richard Jenkins, Emergency Management Andrew O’Neel, and Restorium Supervisor Janay Smith.
Commissioners went around the room for office updates from the various departments in attendance. Commissioners then updated everyone on the suspension of the recycling program, trails for the north hill area and preliminary drawings for the new courthouse/justice building.
The meeting ended at 9:33 a.m. and department heads/elected officals left the meeting.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 9:45 a.m.
s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk