***Monday, June 16, 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.
IT Director Matt Hodges entered the meeting at 8:55 a.m.
Mr. Hodges stated that he requested the meeting because of a recent email he received from the Sheriff’s office regarding system access. He stated that the policy we have was that permissions are given to do the job. Permissions are not given to the full system. Mr. Hodges stated that this was recently covered at the IAC conference where they had a demonstration on this very topic. The conclusion was that the policy we have in place was the standard and also what IAC recommends. Elected officials are targeted more often with scam which will damage the system as a whole. They are also not aware of what our license agreements are. Mr. Hodges stated that no department heads or elected officials have that level of clearance.
Ms. Poston asked if the Sheriff’s computer system was tied into the system at the Courthouse. Mr. Hodges replied yes, it is connected to specific offices.
Greg Lamberty entered the meeting at 9:05 a.m.
Ms. Poston stated that she had very strong reservations. Mr. Hodges agreed and stated that he could disconnect the Courthouse from the Sheriff.
Fay Almond entered the meeting at 9:06 a.m.
Commissioners were also not in favor of the request. Chairman Robertson stated that he recently had a discussion with legal about this topic. He stated that there was some overlap with the Prosecutor’s office and asked Mr. Hodges to visit with the Prosecutor regarding the request.
The meeting with Mr. Hodges ended 9:10 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Ms. Poston left the meeting at 9:12 a.m.
Civil Attorney Bill Wilson called into the meeting at 9:30 a.m.
At 9:32 a.m. Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting and Chairman Robertson stepped out of the meeting.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to appoint Commissioner Bertling as acting chairman. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling stepped down as chair and moved to go into executive session 74-206(b) to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school student. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as follows: Commissioner Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”.
The executive session ended at 9:46 a.m. Acting Chairman Bertling stepped down as chair and moved to proceed as directed. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
At 9:48 a.m. Ms. Barton left the meeting and Chairman Robertson re-entered the meeting.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Commissioner meeting minutes from the week of June 9th. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the New Private Road Name Request Form for Cattle Drive Rd., Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the New Private Road Name Request Form for Clearview Summit Dr., Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the New Private Road Name Request Form for Butterfly Lane., Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Independent Contractor Agreement with Sutton Salvage. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Resolution 2025-28 for Disposition of Records from the Clerk’s Office. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2025-28
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSITION OF JURY SELECTION AND SERVICE RECORDS
STORED BY THE BOUNDARY COUNTY CLERK OF COURT
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Clerk’s Office is currently storing records in connection with selection and service of jurors for the First Judicial District of Idaho in and for Boundary County, as required by Idaho Code Title 2 Section 2 – 214.
WHEREAS, the expiration of the required 4 year record retention under Idaho Code Title 2 Section 2-214 has passed for a great many of the records, the Boundary County Clerk’s Office requests permission to securely dispose of jury selection and service records older than 4 years, excluding any records for jury trials in which a sentence of life in prison or death was imposed.
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Civil Attorney has advised the Board of Boundary County Commissioners regarding the classification of such records pursuant to Idaho Title 2 Section 2 – 214.
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the following records are classified and shall be disposed of as follows:
The Boundary County Commissioners, on the advice of the County’s Civil Attorney deem the following records older than 4 years and according to Idaho Code Title 2 Section 2-214 are eligible for destruction and are to be shredded. Further, the Boundary County Clerk’s Office is given authority to destroy such records in the future as they become older than 4 years without filing for a new resolution.
• Jury selection and service records older than 4 years, excluding any such records for jury trials in which the Court imposed a sentence of life in prison or death.
Regularly passed and approved on this 16th day of June, 2025.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
s/________________________
Ben Robertson, Chairman
s/________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
s/___________________________
Lester Pinkerton, Commissioner
Reviewed by and on advice of the County’s Civil Attorney this 13th day of June, 2025.
s/_____________________________
Andrakay Pluid
Boundary County Prosecuting Attorney
ATTEST:
s/__________________________________________
GLENDA POSTON
Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded Instrument #300165
Ms. Poston re-entered the meeting at 9:57 a.m.
Adrienne Norris entered the meeting at 10:00 a.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and reconvene as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chief Lindsey sent an email that he would be unable to attend the meeting because he was on vacation.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve meeting minutes from May 19th and May 26th. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board and reconvene as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners attended to administrative duties until their 10:30 a.m. appointment.
KVRI Facilitator Theresa Wheat sent an email that she was unable to attend.
Bonners Ferry District Forest Ranger Heather Fuller entered the meeting at 10:31 a.m.
Ms. Fuller gave Commissioners a document that included the draft sale plan and reviewed the information. She stated that the 6.5 million board feet on Katkee was contingent on funding. The rest was easily achievable. The Katkee draft will go out at the end of the week for comments.
Ms. Fuller stated that they are using a newer CE which will give them 1,000 ft off the linear line, which allows for additional fuels treatment. She added that the water will be the most difficult aspect on Moyie Meadows. Their field trip was planned for July 8th.
Chairman Robertson asked if they have been cruised. Ms. Fuller responded yes. Commissioner Bertling asked how heavy the treatment would be. Ms. Fuller referred to the draft plan for the different areas.
Ms. Fuller stated that they are going through the process to close up projects early. She has buy-in from leadership, but still needs to confirm with industry. The process will allow them to move forward with Katkee sooner.
Commissioners then discussed the various road closures and what was involved to close or decommission a road. Commissioner Bertling asked about the cost involved to decommission. Ms. Fuller replied that cost was factored into the project.
Chairman Robertson stated that we need the roads for fire mitigation and requested that they consider leaving them so we can access fires. Ms. Fuller stated that she was required to decommission. Until something changes, that was the law she is required to follow.
Ms. Fuller also stated that they continue to have gates damaged and breached which causes further issues with projects. Commissioner Pinkerton asked about using jersey barriers instead of gates. Ms. Fuller responded that the USFS still needs to get through for administrative purposes.
Chairman Robertson asked Ms. Fuller to keep them posted on the roads scheduled for decommission.
Commissioner Bertling then asked what the process would be for small projects. Ms. Fuller stated that is where she would like to sit down with KVRI to help identify the needs for small jobs with NEPA. Commissioner Pinkerton suggested that we schedule a time for that.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked if the County can enter into agreements. Ms. Fuller answered yes, the USFS can enter into a Stewardship with the County.
Lastly, Ms. Fuller discussed the recent Executive Order on wildfire and the push for the two agencies to work together. She stated that it was reiterated that no changes can be made in the middle of fire season.
Commissioner Bertling said let’s start identifying these areas. Ms. Fuller said she would lean in hard with KVRI to see what they want to make happen.
The meeting with Ms. Fuller ended at 11:00 a.m. and she left the meeting. Ms. Norris also left the meeting.
Dennis Dinning entered the meeting at 11:00 a.m. and provided Commissioners with a packet containing his resume and suggestions on fundraising and grant writing. Mr. Dinning stated that grant writing was a way to raise money for private/public partnerships. He suggested seeking out grants for infrastructure for manufacturing and housing.
Commissioner Bertling stated that the water districts are limited, most are tapped out and they are separate entities from the County.
Ms. Norris re-entered the meeting at 11:13 a.m.
Chairman Robertson stated that we have been fairly aggressive with grants the last couple of years for Road & Bridge, the airport, and rural community investment projects. I am sure we are missing some smaller grants however. He also stated that it was import to note that we don’t qualify for some because the income was too high for the county as a whole.
Commissioner Bertling asked what kind of costs are we looking at. Mr. Dinning stated that it was not a full-time job. It would take about 20 hours per week and the wages start at about $25/hr.
Ms. Poston wanted to know if he would administer the grants. Mr. Dinning suggested that the individual be paid to map out a project plan, seek out potential grants, write the grants, and potentially manage it.
Chairman Robertson stated we have been kicking around the idea of a grant writer for the County. But we are not there yet.
Rachel and Cassidy Navarro entered the meeting at 11:31 a.m.
The meeting with Mr. Dinning ended at 11:32 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Ms. Navarro stated that she recently started a cleaning business and was interested in submitting a bid to the County for cleaning services. However, she was unsure what properties to include, how often or their square footage.
Ms. Poston asked if she had any employees. Ms. Navarro stated that she would hire help if needed. She also stated that she was licensed and insured.
Ms. Poston said that she would need to also have work comp insurance for her employees.
Chairman Robertson stated that we could look at the current schedule to provide some information and he recommended submitting insurance information along with her bid. He also asked if she had any other contracts at this time. Ms. Navarro responded no, she was just getting started.
The meeting with Ms. Navarro ended at 11:40 a.m. and she left the meeting.
Ms. Norris left the meeting at 11:41 a.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 11:55 a.m.
Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.
Road & Bridge Superintendent Brad Barton and Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals entered the meeting at 1:30 p.m. to give the Road & Bridge report. Mr. Barton stated that they have continued to crush rock and stockpile it in various locations for future projects. They finished the mulching along Deep Creek and have returned to Perkins Lake. He stated that they have also been applying dust abatement and Durapatching.
Chairman Robertson asked if they could haul fines to areas that don’t have enough to assist with dust abatement. Mr. Barton answered yes and added that they do haul fines when needed.
Commissioner Bertling asked if they have had a chance to put together numbers for paving in Moyie. Mr. Ryals stated that using today’s numbers it would be $32,410 per mile.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked if we need to have an MOU with Moyie for water/rock similar to what was in place for the City of Bonners Ferry. Mr. Ryals stated that Moyie and the County are both inconsistent with water/rock so they would have to look at that further.
Commissioner Bertling moved to go out to bid for the county’s fuel supply for FY25-26. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to go into executive session 74-206(a) to consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, wherein the respective qualities of individuals are to be evaluated in order to fill a particular vacancy or need. This paragraph does not apply to filling a vacancy in an elective office or deliberations about staffing needs in general and 74-206(c) to acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Robertson “aye”, Commissioner Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”. The executive session ended at 2:05 p.m. No action was taken.
The meeting with Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals ended at 2:15 p.m. and they left the meeting.
Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting at 2:17 p.m. and provided Commissioners with flow charts of the various positions within the Sheriff’s Department and Restorium. Commissioners reviewed and discussed the various positions.
Commissioners then directed Ms. Barton to increase the Road & Bridge mechanic and supervisor position with the next pay cycle instead of waiting until October 1.
Chairman Robertson left the meeting at 2:23 p.m.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to appoint Commissioner Bertling as acting chair. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling stepped down as chair and moved to go into executive session 74-206(b) to consider the evaluation, dismissal, or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public-school student. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as follows: Commissioner Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”. The executive session ended at 2:43 p.m. No action was taken.
Chairman Robertson re-entered the meeting at 2:44 p.m.
Commissioners reviewed the insurance cost that was received for the 4th of July event and the information from legal. Commissioners decided to push this topic to the following week to allow more time to discuss further with legal.
Commissioners attended to administrative duties.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:10 p.m.
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.
Commissioners held a department head/elected officials meeting. Those present were: Noxious Weed Superintendent Dave Wenk, University of Idaho Extension Educator Amy Robertson, Planning & Zoning Administrator Ben Jones, Personnel Director Pam Barton, Solid Waste Superintendent Richard Jenkins, Road & Bridge Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals, Probation Officer Alisa Walker, Sheriff Travis Stolley, Assessor Olivia Drake, Emergency Management Andrew O’Neel, Maintenance Supervisor Squire Fields, and Treasurer Jenny Economu.
Adrienne Norris entered the meeting at 8:55 a.m.
Commissioners went around the room for office updates from the various departments in attendance. The meeting ended at 9:27 a.m. and the elected officials/department heads left the meeting except for Sheriff Stolley and Mr. Hodges.
Sheriff Stolley stated that while going through the budget a few weeks ago he noticed a service fee that was previously paid. When he inquired about it, he discovered that it was for their backup server. He was unsure why the previous administration did not continue paying the bill, but to bring the account current, the cost would cost $40,000. He thought the best plan was to start over with a new server.
Ms. Poston asked if it was E911 related. Sheriff Stolley replied that yes, it does touch on it.
Mr. Hodges stated that it backs up to a server on site and then backs up to the cloud. It has been continuing to backup, but they cannot access it because the bill was not paid. He agreed with Sheriff Stolley that the best plan was to get a new device and move forward which would cost $6,700.
Chairman Robertson asked when do you want to move forward. Sheriff Stolley replied as soon as possible. We have the money in the budget, but it takes away from another project upgrading the dispatch computer system.
Ms. Poston reviewed some amounts that were still available in the Sheriff budget, but stated she did not bring the E911 figures with her. She also asked about grant funds available. Sheriff Stolley stated he was not aware of any.
Ms. Poston stated that there are grants available and suggested that he ask other counties. The grants for the sheriff were handled within the Sheriff’s office so she did not have information on it. She also stated that it should come out of E911 Funds if any are available.
Chairman Robertson stated that we need to figure something out and asked which project to move forward with first. It was decided to move forward with the server first and discuss the dispatch computer next week when they had more information.
Chairman Robertson thanked Sheriff Stolley for his work on the recent child predator case. Sheriff Stolley stated that the individuals arrested came from out of the area. They knew the person they were pursuing was underage and their parents were not home.
Chairman Robertson asked about a recent email exchange regarding access to the computer systems. Sheriff Stolley stated that he felt that passwords needed to be available should something happen, but he was not looking to access anything.
The meeting with Sheriff Stolley ended at 10:05 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the letter to USFS regarding emergency consultation to permit logging. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Robertson read the letter to those in attendance.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:27 a.m.
s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
s/________________________________
TIM BERTLING, Acting Chairman
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk