***Monday, May 12, 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.
Senior Center board member Sue Larson and Senior Center Director Linda Lederhos entered the meeting at 8:55 a.m.
Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Adrienne Norris entered the meeting at 8:58 a.m.
Ms. Lederhos provided Commissioners with information about the Senior Center, stating that it is more than just a place to get food or play games – for many it is their family.
Fay Almond entered the meeting at 9:03 a.m.
The Senior Center provides a hot lunch service, meals on wheels, shelf stable food, games, arts/crafts as well as educational sessions and support. They ask for donations, but only about 60% of the people pay.
Greg Lamberty entered the meeting at 9:07 a.m.
Ms. Lederhos stated that some money is provided through grants and various programs as well as generous donations from the community. However, the center is running about $2000 short every month. In addition, they also manage three apartment buildings which take care of themselves.
Chairman Robertson asked if there was a model for a self-sustaining senior center. Ms. Lederhos stated that they are run a little different in larger cities with governmental entities contributing as well as some fundraising. She has not yet spoke to the city about contributing but wanted the county to consider including funds in their upcoming budget.
Commissioners discussed keeping it in mind but also stated that they are short on federal funding. Ms. Lederhos thanked the Commissioners for their time and invited them to come and have lunch at the center.
The meeting with Ms. Lederhos ended at 9:25 a.m. and she left the meeting. Ms. Larson also left the meeting.
Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting at 9:30 a.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Certificates of Residency for Olivia Love. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Commissioner meeting minutes for the week of May 5. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Resolution 2025-22 Authorizing the Sale of Surplus County Property. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-22
A Resolution Authorizing the Sale of Surplus County Property
Via an Online Public Auction
WHEREAS, Boundary County owns surplus personal property, which is not being used by the County and for which the County is presently obliged to provide storage space, and which the various department heads and the Board of Boundary County Commissioners have determined is not necessary for the County’s use; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Boundary County Commissioners are authorized under Idaho Code Section 31-808 to sell or offer for sale at public auction, after not less than ten days’ previous notice given by publication in a newspaper of the county, any property, real or personal, belonging to the County but not necessary for its use; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Boundary County Commissioners believes it is in the best interest of the County that the surplus property described in “Attachment A & B” be sold and therefore desire to sell the property so described via online auction services offered through 3 Mile Auction.
WHEREAS, the surplus personal property will be offered for sale through the online auction process offered by 3 Mile Auction after notice of the online public auction is published in the local newspaper not less than 10 days’ prior to the auction; and
NOW, THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried, it is
RESOLVED that, after publication of notice in the Bonners Ferry Herald in the manner and for the time required by Idaho Code, the surplus personal property of Boundary County described in “Attachment A” be offered for sale through the online auction services of 3 Mile Auction at the 3mileantiquemall.com website.
DATED this 12 day of May, 2025.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/_____________________________
Ben Robertson, Chairman
s/_____________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
s/_____________________________
Lester Pinkerton, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Glenda Poston
Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
s/___________________________________
Recorded Instrument #299932
Ms. Barton described the changes Sheriff Stolley is requesting for some of the positions within his department and stated that originally dispatchers were going to be included, but they do not qualify.
Commissioners discussed the Resolution to Amend County Personnel Policy Overtime Under the Fair Standard Labor Act. Commissioners requested some changes to the wording before proceeding, therefore, this item was tabled.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the letter of support for EDC. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the Independent Contractor Agreement with Panhandle Pest Control. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Idaho Parks & Recreation RFF#1 for Grant #MV-25-1-11-1. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners reviewed claims for payment. Fund totals are as follows:
Current Expense $ 58,295.56
Road & Bridge 98,510.04
Airport 6,896.98
District Court 5,906.37
Justice Fund 60,885.83
911 Funds 13,654.73
Parks and Recreation 4,258.11
Revaluation 638.24
Solid Waste 91,365.11
Tort 289.85
Veterans Memorial 77.20
Weeds 2,372.14
Restorium 30,191.38
Snowmobile 20,774.00
Waterways 230.63
Grant, Selkirk Coop Weed Mgmt 945.19
Juvenile Probation – Lottery 128.04
TOTAL $395,419.40
Trusts
Auditor’s Trust 13,459.49
Boundary Co. Drug Court Trusts 413.02
Driver’s License Trust 15,315.50
Motor Vehicle Trust Acct 204,981.91
Sherriff’s Trust Fund 547.95
Odyssey Court Trust Account 28,202.47
Odyssey Bond Trust Account 487.00
Odyssey Restitution Trust Account 5,936.93
TOTAL $269,344.27
GRAND TOTAL $664,763.67
Citizens are invited to inspect detailed records on file in the Courthouse (individual claims & Commissioners’ allowance & warrant register record 2024-2025).
Ms. Almond and Ms. Barton left the meeting at 9:52 a.m.
Solid Waste Superintendent Richard Jenkins entered the meeting at 9:53 a.m.
Mr. Lamberty left the meeting at 9:55 a.m.
Reporter Ned Newton entered the meeting at 9:55 a.m.
Mr. Jenkins gave an update on the loader repairs and provided a sheet to Commissioners showing the current inventory at Western States for a possible replacement. Mr. Jenkins asked Commissioners what additional information they needed and how to proceed.
Commissioners asked Mr. Jenkins to get the history of the 2015 and also asked him to check with John Deere and Komatsu to see what they may have available.
The meeting with Mr. Jenkins ended at 10:15 a.m. and he left the meeting. Ms. Poston and Mr. Newton also left the meeting.
Probation Officer Alisa Walker entered the meeting at 10:28 a.m. to give the probation report. Ms. Walker stated that the weekend went well. Because of the mud bog, contact cards were provided to law enforcement so that probation would be notified if any of the people they are monitoring were picked up. She was happy to report that law enforcement had no contact with any probationers in her department over the weekend. Ms. Walker also said that the state would be in this week to do their review. The reviews are done every three years.
Ms. Norris left the meeting at 10:40 a.m.
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. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Robertson “aye”, Commissioner Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”. The executive session ended at 11:00 a.m. No action was taken.
Attorney Tom Bushnell and Stu Willis entered the meeting at 11:03 a.m.
Mr. Bushnell stated that he was pleased to see the County going through the process to approve property tax exemptions. He then handed out a packet providing information on the Providence Bible Presbyterian Church and went through Idaho Code 63-602B. He stated that the church identifies as a Society which is not defined in the code therefore he felt there was no reason to deny.
Chairman Robertson stated that he would disagree. We are not interested in taxing churches, but we need to treat everyone fairly and by what you are describing anyone would qualify. Chairman Robertson stated they would discuss this with council and get back to them.
Mr. Bushnel and Dr. Willis left the meeting at 11:17 a.m.
Commissioners attended to administrative duties until they recessed for lunch at 11:57 a.m.
Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session at 1:30 p.m. with Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.
Road & Bridge Superintendent Brad Barton and Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals entered the meeting at 1:30 p.m. Adrienne Norris also entered the meeting at 1:30 p.m.
Mr. Barton stated that they began paving on Farm to Market, Copeland Rd., and Lions Den, but with the weather this week they have had to stop. They are now hauling rock, dust abatement, and placing traffic counters.
Commissioner Bertling asked where the counters were being placed. Mr. Barton responded on Old Hwy Loop.
Mr. Ryals stated that the Riverside and USFWS MOA was still being reviewed by legal, therefore, it was not ready for signatures.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Riverside Partner Concurrence letter. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Independent Contractor Agreement with GMCO. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Norris left the meeting at 1:43 p.m.
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. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Robertson “aye”, Commissioner Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”.
Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals left the executive session at 2:08 p.m.
Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the executive session at 2:11 p.m.
The executive session ended at 2:30 p.m. Ms. Barton left the meeting. No action was taken.
At 2:33 p.m. Jacob Francom with North Idaho Classical Academy, Glen Lanker Architect, Cole Coba Consultant, EDC Director David Sims, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Adrienne Norris entered the meeting.
Mr. Francom shared documents concerning their design, progress and current timeline, stating that a letter of intent has been signed and they are currently in the process of rezoning the property from industrial to commercial use. The environmental assessments are so far good and should be completed in June. After that they will continue to finalize the design and begin the bid process through August. Construction would begin in September 2025 with a targeted completion of July 2026. The school will then open August 2026.
Mr. Francom also stated that they plan to meet with the Fair Board and Parks & Recreation over the shared green space.
Mr. Lanker then reviewed the architectural plans, stating they plan to adapt and reuse the existing building with the blue portions of the plan in phase 1 and the yellow in phase 2.
LeAlan Pinkerton entered the meeting at 2:45 p.m.
Chuck Roady entered the meeting at 2:46 p.m.
Mr. Francom stated that they have been approached about renting space to other organizations outside of the school day.
Commissioner Pinkerton stated that the fire hydrant near the building site is frequently used. Mr. Francom stated that he believed the hydrant was located on County property.
Commissioners asked about the rail spur and noted it was recently used by the railroad. Mr. Lanker stated that they plan to remove it and to use that area for storm water.
Chairman Robertson asked if they have to follow the same public works process as the public school. Mr. Francom stated that charter schools are not required to fulfill the same public works requirements as public schools.
Chairman Robertson asked about the Boulder Creek option. Mr. Francom stated that it is currently a plan B. The current owners are still working through the water and septic issues with Idaho DEQ.
Reporter Ned Newton entered the meeting at 2:58 p.m.
The meeting with Mr. Francom, Mr. Lanker, and Mr. Coba ended at 3:00 p.m. and they left the meeting.
Forest Service Supervisor Tim Gilloon and Bonners Ferry District Forest Ranger Heather Fuller entered the meeting at 3:01 p.m. Marc Kilmer, North Idaho Regional Director for Senator Risch and Caleb Davis, North Idaho Regional Director for Representative Fulcher also entered the meeting.
Chairman Robertson stated that the Commissioners had requested this meeting because they feel it is imperative that the USFS harvest more timber moving forward and asked what can we do to help.
Mr. Gilloon stated that they are leaning into the Timber Executive Order as an agency. He stated that we are still #4 for timber production and they are working to fill the gaps after DOGE. They are currently identifying critical positions and waiting on the workforce. The last two fiscal years they have moved 90 million board feet and are currently looking at an opportunity to move 30 million more. Mr. Gilloon also suggested the County can partner with industry work through IDL or direct agreement. Mr. Gilloon also stated that the Explore Act may not offer much assistance because it did not address operation and maintenance.
Chairman Robertson said that with the Emergency Declaration from the President, is there any talk of using emergency wording to proceed. Mr. Gilloon answered that the Emergency Declaration does not cut out any of the NEPA process and it does not legally shortcut any of the analysis. Anything under 3,000 acres is a little easier. We are meeting with USFW to try to align on the environmental components.
Commissioner Pinkerton stated we understand that the USFS is moving a lot of wood. But I want to point out that it is not moving any in Boundary County and you have nothing on the schedule for the next 2 years.
Ms. Fuller stated that we have to think about how we treat an emergency for existing NEPA and what that means for other projects. The consultation and terms and conditions slow us down. We can’t move to other phases until we have closed up other areas.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked, what you are saying is that we can’t move forward with new until others are closed out. Ms. Fuller replied yes, that is correct. We have put phases in place to help assist with that and those are set with Fish and Wildlife.
Mr. Gilloon stated that because of the limitations, it will be 2027 or 2028 before we can see any significant change in this area.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked how can we do something now. You need to understand that we are at a critical point. Mr. Gilloon responded that we can do some smaller areas that are under the NEPA requirements. But unless we get a change under the current restrictions, we will have to close roads and that includes roads to recreational areas.
Ms. Fuller suggested the Moyie Meadows area. She said that area is on an existing open road and does not fall in a recovery zone. It is also under the NEPA requirements so it would not be a heavy lift. She suggested that we sit down at the next forestry advisory meeting to look for those types of opportunities.
Mr. Gilloon stated we will still need to continue to work to get jobs closed. If we are adding more projects that will require people on the ground to administer. We can try to get more projects on, but we need to be mindful that we don’t have the staff to handle it. Fuel breaks are easier because it involves Idaho Department of Lands instead of the USFS.
Commissioner Bertling asked if an administrative person would help the Forest Service. Mr. Gilloon would not commit to that. He stated that packaging sales together under one might help free up some people.
Pat Gardiner entered the meeting at 3:34 p.m.
Chairman Robertson stated that we have areas that fit the Emergency Declaration. Ms. Fuller responded that all of the land in Boundary County would fit. Now we are looking at the guidelines to see how we can move forward. Ms. Fuller also provided a map and stated that they are needing assistance with gate breaches. She stated that this is another area where litigation will stop projects from moving forward.
Commissioners stated that delisting of the Grizzly bear would help with all of this.
Ms. Fuller again stated the high priority for gate repair. Commissioner Bertling suggested using game cameras to catch the individuals who are damaging them. Mr. Gilloon stated they tried that and Senator Risch sent them a letter admonishing their use of game cameras.
Mr. Gilloon stated we are struggling because of the level of risk. We need communities to thrive, we need to treat the landscape and we also need to provide recreation. But we also have to play by the rules.
Chairman Robertson stated that he wanted to stress the funding that is not going to our schools and communities. 2027 is great but we need to push for the shades of gray. It appears you have been given the tools to work with to move forward. Mr. Gilloon stated not exactly.
Chairman Robertson said that he wanted to move forward at the County level. Ms. Fuller stated that emergency consultation is great, but we still have to do the same process. The only difference is that it is after the fact, and 95% of the County is in the Grizzly bear recovery zone.
Mr. Gilloon stated that he would like to have one on one or private conversations. Chairman Robertson stated that is not how it works for Commissioners.
Ms. Fuller suggested that we sit down with a map at the June subcommittee meeting and identify some areas. Chairman Robertson then suggested that Mr. Gilloon and Ms. Fuller meet again with Commissioners after that meeting.
Mr. Gilloon stated that we will need to focus on small projects and gates are an issue. Getting KVRI engaged will help move projects forward. Mr. Gilloon then stated that we are expecting a 2017 fire season and identifying critical areas that are at risk will be important.
The meeting with the USFS ended at 3:57 p.m. and everyone left the meeting.
Commissioners attended to administrative duties until the meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
Tuesday, May 13, 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.
Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting. at 1:35 p.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”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”. Executive session ended at 2:20 p.m. No action was taken.
Chairman Robertson left the meeting at 2:22 p.m.
Airport Manager Dave Parker and Airport Board members Jay Wages, Pat Gardiner, and Bob Blanford entered the meeting at 2:22 p.m.
Commissioner Pinkerton nominated Commissioner Bertling as acting chair. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Parker stated that they had received the appraisal for the property and home at the end of the runway which came in at $484,000. The FAA Grant the County received is for $617,000 which leaves plenty of room for other costs that would be incurred such as appraisal, review appraisal, boundary survey, ESA, IFE, and closing costs. The cost to the County should not exceed $13,875.
Commissioner Bertling stepped down as acting chair and moved to proceed with acquisition of A5 and A11 property purchase. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with Mr. Parker ended at 2:38 p.m. and he and the airport board members left the meeting.
Commissioner Bertling stepped down as acting chair and moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and reconvene as the Board of Equalization. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners reviewed the applications received.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the Property Tax Exemption Application for Idaho Code 63-602B for parcel #’s RP62N01E111645A, RP62N01E114700A and RP62N01E111217A. Commissioner Bertling stepped down as acting chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling stepped down as acting chair and moved to adjourn as the Board of Equalization and reconvene as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners.
Commissioners reviewed a Property Tax Cancellation request.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the Property Tax Cancellation on parcel #SR01020001024AA due to an error. Commissioner Bertling stepped down as acting chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners attended to administrative duties until they adjourned at 3:15 p.m.
s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
s/________________________________
TIM BERTLING, Acting Chairman
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk