***Monday, August 25, 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.
P&Z Administrator Ben Jones entered the meeting at 8:58 a.m. to give the P&Z report. Mr. Jones stated that the last couple of weeks he has received 6 new permits which puts the total at 165, which is 12 more than all of last year.
Commissioners then discussed the process and how long it takes for a permit to be approved and where the bottlenecks were occurring.
Greg Lamberty entered the meeting at 9:02 a.m.
Mr. Jones stated that the overall process can take 6-8 weeks and two areas were identified that slow the process. One being Road & Bridge because they have to visit the site and the second being the final review.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked Mr. Jones if he could take on some of the tasks in the final review to help move that process along. Mr. Jones stated yes, if there was a directive from the Commissioners.
Chairman Robertson asked how often do they find issues during that review. Mr. Jones responded a decent amount of the time. Chairman Robertson replied, let’s explore that and see what you can take on.
The meeting with Mr. Jones ended at 9:13 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Treasurer Jenny Economu entered the meeting at 9:32 a.m.
Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:33 a.m.
Treasurer Economu stated that we have 8 Drainage Districts that are not in compliance and she was requesting guidance from Mr. Wilson on how to proceed. Treasurer Economu stated that she didn’t feel she had the authority to put their requests on the tax bill given the situtation.
Mr. Wilson asked about the amounts requested for each. He then added that he would review the statutes again to see if it was in the County’s duty. We can only do what the code allows us to do.
Mr. Wilson also discussed the airport grants on the agenda and the hospital bylaws. He was happy to see that the Commissioners would be meeting with the hospital. The fact that the BOCC approves their bylaws implies that they have the opportunity for changes.
The meeting with Mr. Wilson ended at 9:50 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Chairman Robertson asked Ms. Economu about the paperwork the Drainage Districts submitted. Ms. Economu shared what she had. She then added that they have not been in compliance for several years and we need to get that corrected.
State Public Defender Donald Terry entered the meeting at 9:54 a.m.
Treasurer Economu stated that they have a lot of work ahead of them to get them compliant.
The meeting with Ms. Economu ended at 9:58 a.m. and she left the meeting.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Certificates of Residency for Ralph Ramsey and Nora Young. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Commissioner meeting minutes from August 11. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Medical Services Contract with Bonners Ferry Family Medicine for FY26. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Resolution 2025-39 to increase Justice Fund due to unanticipated revenue. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2025-39
INCREASING THE JUSTICE FUND SHERIFF BUDGET
DUE TO RECEIPT OF UNANTICIPATED REVENUE
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget for fiscal year 2024-2025, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received reimbursement in the amount of $27,454.64 from the State of Idaho, Office of Drug Policy, from the Countywide auction and from an overpayment from Valence for reimbursement for the following needs, and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget is in need of additional revenue for fiscal year 2024-2025, and
WHEREAS, the addition of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to increase the Boundary County Justice Fund as follows:
Revenue Account Number Expense Account Number In the Amount of
0008-00-0391-0018 0008-02-0407-0000 6,097.30 OT Hours
0008-00-0391-0018 0008-02-0410-0000 852.29 PERSI
0008-00-0391-0018 0008-02-0411-0000 466.44 Soc Sec
0008-00-0391-0018 0008-02-0416-0000 243.89 Work Comp
0008-00-0391-0021 0008-02-0440-0000 63.52 Reimbursement
0008-00-0391-0000 0008-02-0439-0000 12,486.67 Auction items
0008-00-0391-0000 0008-02-0440-0000 3000.00 Auction items
0008-00-0391-0000 0008-02-0440-0001 1143.21 Auction items
0008-00-0391-0000 0008-02-0440-0002 268.04 Auction items
0008-00-0391-0000 0008-02-0440-0003 38.24 Auction items
0008-00-0391-0000 0008-02-0475-0000 342.05 Auction items
0008-00-0391-0000 0008-02-0494-0000 1559.92 Auction items
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the increase to the Boundary County Justice Fund Revenue Account Numbers and the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget Expense Account Numbers as outlined above is hereby authorized and ordered, and
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk is instructed to deliver certified copies of this resolution to the Boundary County Treasurer and the Boundary County Auditor.
DATED this 25th day of August, 2025.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/_________________________
Ben Robertson, Chairman
s/______________________________
Lester Pinkerton, Commissioner
s/______________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/ ______
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded Instrument #300783
Mr. Lamberty left the meeting at 10:00 a.m.
Commissioners had questions regarding the two agreements with the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and requested that Sheriff Stolley come in to discuss.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the plat map for Poulton Pines. Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair to second. Chairman Robertson and Commissioner Bertling voted in favor. Commissioner Pinkerton recused himself, stating that he was too close to the individuals involved.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the decision letter for #25-0066 Rips Leisure, LLC. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the decision letter for #25-0097 Dawson Lake Estates. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the decision letter for #25-0112 Driedger Real Estate Holdings, LLC. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign decision letter for #25-0120 Stolley Homes, LLC. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign FY26 EDPRO Grant Agreement. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Terry stated that the state was preparing to have a permanent office for a public defender for Boundary County similar to what was in place for other counties in the state. The concern was that if he left his position, Boundary County would not have anyone to fill that roll and you would be left with a contract agreement with Bonner County.
Chairman Robertson asked if the current office space was not sufficient. Mr. Terry answered that they are looking toward the future. It was a difficult position to fill and they are adding additional positions in other counties to help fill in the gaps.
Chairman Robertson stated that the County was looking to move the courts and when that happens it would open up some office space. Ms. Poston suggested that they look at moving some offices around to make the best use of the space within the current building. She also added that we have never assessed office space for the public defender, we have just provided.
Chairman Robertson said I would assume there was a standard for square footage. If they have a known space we can have a win with better representation.
The meeting with Mr. Terry ended at 10:14 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Sheriff Travis Stolley entered the meeting at 10:17 a.m.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked about the two agreements with the Kootenai Tribe and Sheriff Stolley explained what they were. He stated that the fee assessed for detention was accurate and it was cleaner for the investigative side for us to hand it off to the Tribal Police when warranted because they are supervised by the FBI.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Adult Detention Agreement with Kootenai Tribe of Idaho for FY26. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Contract for Law Enforcement Services with Kootenai Tribe of Idaho for FY26. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with Sheriff Stolley ended at 10:25 a.m. and he left the meeting.
At 10:30 a.m. Airport Manager Dave Parker and Airport Board Members Don Jordan, Pat Gardiner, Rick Durden, and Ardurra Project Manager Trey Dail entered the meeting.
Mr. Parker explained the various grants and agreements on the agenda for Commissioners. He stated that the land purchase will be signed now, but not take place until the next fiscal year.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Ardurra Task Order for 25-03 Land acquisition. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Ardurra Task Order 25-01 Obstruction removal and Power line move underground. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Ardurra Task Order 25-04 Runway Shift and Rehabilitation Design. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the grant offer for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Project No. 3-16-004-027-2025. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the grant offer for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Project No. 65S-NMG-3-16-0004-025-2025. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign grant offer for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Project No. 65S-NMG-3-16-004-026-2025. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting for the airport ended at 11:00 a.m. and everyone left the meeting.
Commissioner Bertling left the meeting at 11:05 a.m.
Commissioners discussed the KVRI letter of support and decided not to proceed.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 11:57 a.m.
Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session at 1:30 p.m. with Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Bertling (by phone), Commissioner Pinkerton, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.
The 1:30 p.m. appointment with Road & Bridge was cancelled.
Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting at 2:00 p.m.
Chairman Robertson 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: Chairman Robertson “aye”, Commissioner Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”.
Sheriff Stolley entered the meeting at 2:17 p.m.
Sheriff Stolley left the meeting at 2:37 p.m.
Ms. Barton left the meeting at 2:45 p.m.
The executive session ended at 3:10 p.m. No action was taken.
Commissioners attended to administrative duties until the meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m.
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims. Commissioner Tim Bertling was absent.
At 1:30 p.m. Commissioners held a public hearing to consider increasing the Planning & Zoning Fees to help offset the cost of the Planning & Zoning Department. Present were: Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims, P&Z Administrator Ben Jones, Joseph Bushnell, Trevor Schneider, and Linda Fioravanti. The hearing was recorded.
Chairman Robertson reviewed the public hearing procedures and referenced the handout showing the fee schedule. Commissioners sited no conflicts of interest. Chairman Robertson then opened the hearing to public testimony and asked for anyone to speak in favor. No one spoke.
Chairman Robertson then asked for public testimony from anyone that was neutral or uncommitted. Joseph Bushnell stated that it was not clear why the price increase and asked if there was a reason. Chairman Robertson stated that they would answer questions at the end of testimony.
Chairman Robertson then asked for public testimony from anyone that was opposed. Trevor Schneider stated that he had an issue that it was to help offset the cost. If someone chooses to not follow the rules, there is nothing the County can do. The fee was attached to those that choose to follow the rules. He also felt the fee being paid to the contractor was too high and they needed to bring more of the P&Z in house. Mr. Schneider also stated that they were receiving a lot more money than they were getting years ago and wanted to see where it was going.
Linda Fioravanti stated that a few years back the fees were minimal and now there was about a 20% increase overall with some being higher. You don’t deserve more fees when the services have plummeted. She felt the services were too slow and it cost people money because their permits were delayed. She didn’t feel they deserved a raise.
Mr. Bushnell spoke again stating that he was not against the fees going to the contractor, but he was opposed to the additional fees going toward salaries.
Chairman Robertson then closed the hearing to further public testimony. He then stated that the goal of the County was to have P&Z in-house and we need to add an additional employee to reduce the contractor. The hurdle with that was training. He added that the fee charged was to the people who are using the service. The County was also limited to 3% increase on taxes, which does not keep up with inflation.
Chairman Robertson said you are correct there wasn’t a penalty to those who choose to not follow the rules and we are having conversations on how to handle that.
Chairman Robertson asked Mr. Jones about the fees that took the largest increases. Mr. Jones explained that those types of permits are more complicated and take more time.
Commissioner Pinkerton stated that he recognized that we needed to improve and we have had conversations on how to do that. He added that we also need to figure out how to hold people accountable. We have a good system in place, and he don’t like people taking advantage of it.
Chairman Robertson stated that he was satisfied with the majority of the increases. He also stated that this was fee based instead of a tax.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the P&Z fee schedule as presented to take effect on October 1, 2025. Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
The hearing ended at 1:51 p.m.
At 2:00 p.m. Commissioners held a public hearing to consider increasing the Restorium Fees to help fund the cost of operating the Restorium. Present were: Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims, and Restorium Supervisor Janay Smith. The hearing was recorded.
Chairman Robertson reviewed the public hearing procedures and referenced the handout showing the fee schedule. Commissioners sited no conflicts of interest. Chairman Robertson waived the public comment portion of the hearing because no one from the public was in attendance.
One letter was received from the public and Commissioner Pinkerton read the letter in to the record.
Commissioners discussed the Restorium rates are lower compared to other facilities. Chairman Robertson stated that a local option tax was not an option due to state law. He also stated that the County does not have any land to sell and if/when grants are available, we do pursue them. He then called for a motion.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the Restorium fee schedule as presented to take effect on October 1, 2025. Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
The hearing ended at 2:10 p.m.
Ms. Smith left the meeting at 2:12 p.m.
Hospital Board Chair Paul Hazdovac entered the meeting at 2:26 p.m.
Hospital CEO April Bennett entered the meeting at 2:31 p.m.
Chairman Robertson discussed the area of concern for “ad hoc” meetings for Committees stating that while it might be legal it may not be best practice. You only need 24 hours to notice special meetings.
Ms. Bennett replied that there wasn’t a quorum and they are not making a decision so she didn’t feel it was necessary.
Chairman Robertson stated that you have board members deliberating toward a decision or recommendation and reference the County’s Waterways Committee that was used as an example. They are an extension of and they make recommendations to the board. Those meetings are noticed and open to the public. It was Commissioners recommendation that the verbiage be removed from the hospital’s bylaws, the meetings be posted, and open to the public.
The meeting with Mr. Hazdovac and Ms. Bennett ended at 2:43 p.m. and they left the meeting.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 3:10 p.m.
s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk