***Monday, February 3, 2025 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.
Maintenance Supervisor Squire Fields and Assistant Mike Kralik entered the meeting at 9:00 a.m. to give the maintenance department report. Mr. Fields stated that the conference room for the Prosecutor’s office and window tinting for the lower level of the courthouse has been completed. The part for the boiler is still on order. The flooring has been installed in the court clerk’s office and the vault system will be moved this week. The remaining office will be moved on February 15th.
Greg Lamberty entered the meeting at 9:16 a.m.
Mr. Fields asked about getting access to the Annex building and using inmate labor for public service. Commissioners told him to reach out to the Sheriff Stolley.
The meeting with Mr. Fields and Mr. Kralik ended at 9:22 a.m. and they left the meeting.
Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:28 a.m. and updated the Commissioners on various projects he has been working on. He expressed the need to upgrade the storage and email systems, in particular for Planning & Zoning so that they can deal with public records requests.
At 9:30 a.m. Commissioner Bertling moved to go into executive session 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” and Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Lamberty left the meeting. The executive session ended at 9:40 a.m. and Mr. Wilson left the meeting. No action was taken.
Fay Almond and Greg Lamberty entered the meeting at 9:40 a.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Aliah Bard, Ryland Meador, James Pinkerton and Nadalie Cox. Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair to second. Chairman Robertson and Commissioner Bertling voted yes, Commissioner Pinkerton abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Commissioner meeting minutes from January 20 & 21. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the extension of taxes due on parcel #MH63N03E32380AA AND MH63N03E323800A in the amount of $223.20 and $349.51. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. Will have paid in full by January 31.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the extension of taxes due on parcel #MH61N03E040910A in the amount of $3.77. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. Will have paid by February 7.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the extension of taxes due on parcel #MHM0740002005BA in the amount of $248.69. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. Will have paid by February 7.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the extension of taxes due on parcel #MH62N03E22481AA in the amount of $334.81. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. Will have paid by February 5.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the extension of taxes due on parcel #MH61N02E182550A in the amount of $385.35. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. Will have paid by February 14.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the extension of taxes due on parcel #MH65N02E29556BA in the amount of $264.50. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. Will have paid by February 10.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Bonners Ferry SFY26 AIP Grant Agreement. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign and adopt Resolution 2025-14 Accepting SFY25 Grant. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
County Resolution
Exact from the minutes of a regular meeting
of the County Commission of Boundary County, Idaho
Held on February 3, 2025.
Commissioner Bertling, introduced the following Resolution, was read in full, considered, and adopted:
Resolution number 2025-14 of Boundary County, Idaho accepting the Grant Offer of the State of
Idaho through the Idaho Transportation Department, Division of Aeronautics, in the maximum amount of
$1,106.48 to be used under the Idaho Airport Aid Program, FS Program number: F25865S, Project number:
AIP017 in the development of the Bonners Ferry-Boundary County Airport; and
Be it resolved by the Chairman and County Commission of Boundary County, Idaho (herein referred to as the
County as follows:
Sec. 1. That the County shall accept the Grant Offer of the State of Idaho in the amount of $1,106.48, for the
purpose of obtaining State Aid under FS Program Number: F25865S, Project Number: AIP017 in the
development of the Bonners Ferry-Boundary County Airport; and
Sec. 2. That the Chairman of the Boundary County Commission is hereby authorized and directed to
sign the statement of Acceptance of said Grant Offer (entitled Acceptance) on behalf of the County, the County
Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to attest the signature of the Chairman and to impress the official seal
of the County on the aforesaid statement of Acceptance; and
Sec. 3. A true copy of the Grant Agreement referred to herein be attached hereto and made a part thereof.
Passed by the County Commission and approved by the Chairman this 3rd day of February, 2025.
s/_________________________________________
Ben Robertson, Chairman
ATTEST:
Glenda Poston, County Clerk
CERTIFICATE
I, Glenda Poston, County Clerk do hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of Resolution No. 2025-14 adopted at a regular meeting of the County Commission held on the 3rd day of
February, 2025, and that the same is now in full force and effect. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have
hereunto set my hand and impressed the official seal of the County, this 3rd day of February, 2025.
s/________________________________________
Glenda Poston, County Clerk
Recorded Instrument #299108
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign closeout report for Grant 021 CRSSA. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
At 9:53 a.m., Commissioners held proceedings to consider renewing Boundary County Alcoholic Beverage License for year 2025. Present were: Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims. The proceedings were recorded.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the County Alcohol Beverage License Applications for year 2025 for Liberty Lanes Bar & Grill, Dollar General and Bonners Ferry Conoco pending receipt of all required documentation and applicable fees. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. The proceeding ended at 9:55 a.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Airport Ground Lease Agreement from Heritage Foundation to Brandon Brown. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Solid Waste Superintendent Richard Jenkins entered the meeting at 9:57 a.m.
Commissioners discussed the Safeway project and their wish to move the project forward only when funding is available. Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Architect Agreement with Longwell + Trapp. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Almond and Mr. Lamberty left the meeting at 10:00 a.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign final grant adjustment notice for EMS-2021-PC-0003. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Jenkins stated that the landfill received a total of 834 tons for the month of January with a daily average of just under 27 tons per day and a total vehicle count for all sites of 9,203. Both equipment operator positions have been filled and he is now waiting on paperwork. Mr. Jenkins stated that the rear wheels on the compactor have been repaired and it is running well and yard lights will soon be repaired. Monthly gas monitoring levels were considerably below the required levels. Mr. Jenkins updated Commissioners on a recent conversation with DEQ regarding complaints.
Commissioner Bertling asked about the status of the AirBurner permit. Mr. Jenkins replied that it is still in process.
The meeting with Mr. Jenkins ended at 10:25 a.m. and he left the meeting.
At 10:27 a.m. Probation Officer Alisa Walker, Civil Attorney Bill Wilson, Prosecutor Andrakay Pluid and Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting.
Commissioner Bertling 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 followed: Chairman Robertson “aye”, Commissioner Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 11:18 a.m. with no action taken. Ms. Walker, Mr. Wilson, Ms. Pluid and Ms. Barton left the meeting.
David Sims entered the meeting at 11:20 a.m. to give the EDC report. A 90-day pause has been placed on the federal funds to assist with the cleanup of the Safeway building. There was a meeting with Moyie sewer project to help prevent accidents in the future and they are still on track to begin using the system this summer. Mr. Sims stated that North Idaho Classical Academy is continuing to move forward. Additional funding has become available for training and professional development for EDC.
The meeting with Mr. Sims ended at 11:30 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Restorium Supervisor Janay Smith entered the meeting at 11:35 a.m. to give the Restorium report. Ms. Smith stated that she is now having the overtime and holiday pay separated on her reports so she can have an accurate accounting of each. There are currently 30 residents with another possible resident moving in later in the week. A current resident will be moving to ACF soon. Ms. Smith stated that she needed assistance with the Board of Guardians regarding one resident and the contact information was forwarded to her.
Commissioner Bertling asked about morale at the Restorium. Ms. Smith responded that she thought it was better.
The meeting with Ms. Smith ended at 12:05 p.m. and Commissioners recessed for lunch.
Commissioners reconvened at 1:25 p.m. with Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.
Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge Manager Shannon Ellers and Road and Bridge Co-Superintendents Brad Barton and Adam Ryals entered the meeting at 1:25 p.m.
Ms. Ellers stated that the ROW was established in 2018 with the FLAP funding. Due to the habitat restoration project to reconnect the Kootenai River to the refuge, they will need to raise the road and widen the slope which increases the footprint of the county road through the refuge. Because of the increase, a new permit is required.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge Riverside Rd ROW permit. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Ellers left the meeting at 1:38 p.m.
Mr. Barton proceeded with the Road & Bridge report stating that they have been salting, sanding and working on signs that have been damaged. With the new snow, they will be plowing for the next few days. Commissioners asked if extra sand had been placed on Copeland Hill. Mr. Barton responded yes.
Commissioner Bertling 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 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”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 1:55 p.m. Commissioner Bertling moved to proceed as discussed. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals ended at 1:57 p.m. and they left the meeting.
At 2:00 p.m. Sheriff Stolley, Undersheriff Zimmerman and Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting.
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(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: Chairman Robertson “aye”, Commissioner Bertling “aye” and Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”. Motion passed unanimously.
Sherriff Stolley and Undersheriff Zimmerman left the meeting at 2:35 p.m.
The executive session ended at 2:40 p.m. and Pam Barton left the meeting. No action was taken.
IT Director Matt Hodges entered the meeting at 2:40 p.m. and presented Commissioners a report on costs of various internet and phone providers and potential backup systems. Commissioners discussed the current internet and phone system. The phone system is obsolete, but there are a considerable number of replacement phones on hand with only two phones needing to be replaced in recent years. Commissioners asked Mr. Hodges to research acquiring additional cards to potentially extend the life of the system. Commissioners also discussed switching from copper to fiber. Commissioners decided to stay with their current phone system, but switch to fiber and asked Mr. Hodges to get numbers from EL to consider as a backup internet.
Victim Services Director Becky James and employees Laci Lowther and Juliana De Resende entered the meeting at 2:55 p.m.
Laci gave a brief introduction of Victim Services and how they support individuals mostly within Boundary County and the organizations they partner with to support victims as they navigate the system. During 2024 they provided services to 689 individuals with 13,092 different services. They thanked the Commissioners for their support by providing office space within the courthouse. The agreement is used as in-kind match for grant applications.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the letter to provide space for Victim Services for FY2024-25. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting ended with Ms. James, Ms. Lowther and Ms. De Resende ended and they left the meeting at 3:15 p.m.
Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting at 3:30 p.m.
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”. Motion passed unanimously. The executive session ended at 3:40 p.m. with Commissioners approving the sick leave bank request.
The meeting with Ms. Barton ended at 3:40 p.m. and she left the meeting.
Commissioners attended to administrative duties.
There being no further business the meeting ended at 4:45 p.m.
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
There were no items on the agenda, therefore the Commissioners did not meet.
s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk