***Monday, January 13, 2025 Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Tim Bertling, Commissioner Wally Cossairt, Commissioner Ben Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.
Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.
At 9:00 a.m. the new and re-elected officials were sworn into office and a small reception took place at the courthouse. Commissioner Cossairt’s term ended and he left the meeting.
Greg Lamberty entered the meeting at 9:05 a.m.
Caleb Davis entered the meeting at 9:30 a.m. and Commissioners convened to attend to business with Commissioner Pinkerton joining the meeting. Commissioners discussed the position of chairman for the board and how they would like to see it rotate between them.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to appoint Commissioner Robertson as chair for the next two years. Chairman Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Robertson agreed to step down as chairman for the day, so that they could proceed with the scheduled business. Commissioners will move their seating locations at a later time.
Civil Attorney Bill Wilson emailed the Commissioners that he has injured his knee and will be unable to attend the meeting.
Commissioner Robertson moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Heather Kunsky. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Robertson moved to sign the Commissioner meeting minutes from January 6. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign and approve Property Tax Cancellation Forms for parcel #RP62N01E086460A in the amount of $1.02, RP62N01E180010A in the amount of $3.15, RP62N01E173010A in the amount of $9.51, LR021995000003A in the amount of $3.28, and PP021995000003A in the amount of $16.42 due to them being post marked on time. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Robertson moved to approve the extension of taxes due on parcel #MH60N01W233156A in the mount of $230.86 plus late fee & interest due to being injured on the job. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. Will have paid by February 28, 2025.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the extension of taxes due on parcel # MH61N02E04391AA in the amount of $217.00 plus late fee and interest due to waiting on tax refund. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously. Will have paid by March 15, 2025.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the extension of taxes due on parcel #MH61N02E04391BA in the amount of $222.70 plus late fee and interest due to being behind. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously. Will have paid by April 1, 2025.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the extension of taxes due on parcel #MH60N01W01194AA in the amount of $317.74 plus late fee and interest due to medical bills. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously. Will have paid by February 27, 2025.
Commissioners reviewed claims for payment. Fund totals are as follows:
Current Expense $ 104838.25
Road & Bridge 46,025.77
Airport 5,872.33
District Court 6,293.25
Fair, County 60,630.00
Justice Fund 54,059.43
911 Funds 4,728.50
Health District 28,019.00
Historical Society & Museum 36,000.00
Hospital Operation 185,000.00
Junior College Tuition 450.00
Parks and Recreation 2,846.37
Revaluation 77.72
Solid Waste 58,044.57
Veterans Memorial 336.91
Weeds 518.70
Restorium 37,932.58
Snowmobile 969.87
Waterways 345.89
Road & Bridge Tribal Fuel Fund 72.30
Grants, Fire Mitigation 16,308.20
TOTAL $649,369.64
Trusts
Auditor’s Trust 81.58
Boundary Co. Drug Court Trusts 100.00
Driver’s License Trust 9,970.00
Interlock Device Fund 100.00
Motor Vehicle Trust Acct 132,162.89
Sherriff’s Trust Fund 1,142.95
Odyssey Court Trust Account 22,354.60
Odyssey Bond Trust Account 4,100.00
Odyssey Restitution Trust Account 4105.15
Sales Tax Collected 1959.49
TOTAL $371,021.69
GRAND TOTAL $810,397.60
Citizens are invited to inspect detailed records on file in the Courthouse (individual claims & Commissioners’ allowance & warrant register record 2024-2025).
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign and adopt Resolution 2025-12 Establishing Polling Sites in Boundary County. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2024-12
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING POLLING SITES IN BOUNDARY COUNTY
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, has established seven polling sites within the County, and
WHEREAS, those sites are the Bonners Ferry/Kootenai Precinct, Copeland Precinct, Moyie Springs Precinct, Naples Precinct, North Bonners Ferry Precinct, Valley View Precinct, and the Countywide Absentee Voting Precinct
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded, and unanimously carried,
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho hereby reaffirms the polling sites for elections to be held in Boundary County in calendar year 2024 as follows:
PRECINCT LOCATION
Bonners Ferry/Kootenai Precinct Exhibit Hall, Boundary County Fairgrounds
Copeland Precinct Mt. Hall School
Moyie Springs Precinct Moyie Springs City Hall
Naples Precinct South Boundary Fire Hall
North Bonners Ferry Precinct Exhibit Hall, Boundary County Fairgrounds
Valley View Precinct Exhibit Hall, Boundary County Fairgrounds
Countywide Absentee Voting Precinct Boundary County Courthouse
DATED this 13th day of January, 2024
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
s/__________________________
Tim Bertling, Chairman
s/___________________________
Lester Pinkerton, Commissioner
s/___________________________
Ben Robertson, Commissioner
ATTEST:s/__________________________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recording Instrument #298951
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign and adopt Resolution 2025-13 Disposition of Records from the Commissioner’s Office. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2025-13
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSITION OF RECORDS
OF BOUNDARY COUNTY COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Commissioner’s Office is currently storing old records, and
WHEREAS, due to lack of storage space, the Boundary County Commissioner’s Office has requested permission to dispose of these old records as information that is not necessary to keep, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Boundary County Commissioners have been advised on the classification of such records pursuant to Idaho Code 31-871; and
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that the following records be classified and disposed of as follows:
The following records have been deemed at most temporary by the Boundary County Commissioners and temporary records must be kept for a minimum of two (2) years. The following Commissioners’ records are to be shredded and disposed of:
• Alcoholic Beverage Licenses dated year 2021 and 2022.
The following records have been deemed at most semi-permanent by the Boundary County Commissioners and semi-permanent records must be kept for a minimum of five (5) years. The following Commissioners’ records are to be disposed of in the county landfill:
• Variety of audio recordings on CD, DVD and cassette tape 2019 and prior
• Sign in sheets from public hearings 2019 and prior
Regularly passed and approved on this 13th day of January, 2025.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
s/________________________
Tim Bertling, Chairman
s/________________________
Lester Pinkerton, Commissioner
s/________________________
Ben Robertson, Commissioner
Reviewed by and on advice of the County’s Prosecuting Attorney this 13th day of January, 2025.
s/_________________________
ANDRAKAY PLUID
County Prosecutor
ATTEST:
s/______________________________
GLENDA POSTON
Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recording Instrument # 298952
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Idaho Office of Emergency Management 2024 Agreement EMS-2024-EP-05001 in the amount of $13,139.15. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Idaho Office of Emergency Management 2024 Agreement EMW-2024-SS-05016 in the amount of $30,842.82. Commissioner Robertson second. Motion passed unanimously.
Matt Hodges, with IT, entered the meeting at 9:53 a.m. to update the Commissioners on the computer systems. Mr. Hodges stated that the majority of the computers were purchased in 2020 with a grant and it has been up to department heads to budget replacements. Mr. Hodges also explained the Windows update that is coming which complicates upgrades.
Commissioner Robertson wanted to have a savings account for the computers to help with replacements. He stated that at the very least, we need to have backup computers for the Windows 11 transfer.
Commissioner Bertling stated that hopefully department heads have enough money in their budget to add a backup machine before the process starts and we should discuss this at the next department head meeting.
Mr. Hodges updated the Commissioners on the status of various projects he has been working on. The meeting with Mr. Hodges ended at 10:15 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Greg Lamberty left the meeting at 10:15 a.m.
Bonners Ferry District Forest Ranger Heather Fuller was not able to attend the meeting.
Theresa Wheat called in at 10:31 a.m. and went through the agenda items for the KVRI meeting. KVRI is celebrating their 24th Anniversary, member photos will be taken. They will also be discussing the Ambush Rock project, Twin River Resorts electrical grid grant and the National Forest Foundation grant.
The call with Theresa Wheat ended at 10:35 a.m. and Commissioners attended to administrative duties.
David Sims and Nelson Mast entered the meeting at 10:50 a.m.
Mr. Sims stated that Idaho Department of Commerce has a Rural Community Investment Fund Grant and described the purpose of the grant is to help with infrastructure for small businesses throughout the state. The Department of Commerce suggested the grant for the new highway access for Panhandle Doors. Mr. Sims also explained that the only entities that can apply for the grant are a City or County.
Commissioners discussed the process of the grant, who would administer it and asked how much the project would cost. Mr. Mast stated that the engineering portion is currently at $21,000. The final costs are unknown at this time, but a similar project in Ponderay cost $200,000 to complete. Mr. Sims stated that grant awards can be up to $500,000 and the amount Mr. Mast has paid for the engineering can be used as match for the project. A third party can administer the grant and admin costs can be deducted.
Commissioner Robertson stated that there would then be no costs to the County. Mr. Sims replied, that is correct.
Commissioner Robertson moved to proceed with an application for the Rural Community Investment Fund Grant for the highway project for Panhandle Doors. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with Mr. Mast and Mr. Sims ended at 11:25 a.m. and they left the meeting.
Commissioners reviewed the list of board positions to be filled and divided them as follows:
Commissioner Pinkerton – SPOT, Hospital
Commissioner Bertling – KVRI (alternate), KVRI subcommittees, Panhandle Health
Commissioner Robertson – BATT, KVRI, EDC, International Joint Commission and PAC
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 11:50 a.m.
Commissioners reconvened at 1:25 p.m. with Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton, Commissioner Robertson, Clerk Glenda Poston and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.
Road and Bridge Co-Superintendents Brad Barton and Adam Ryals entered the meeting at 1:28 p.m. to give their report. Mr. Barton stated that they have been salting, sanding and brushing throughout the county. Cold patching has also increased due to the weather. There are also several slides that they are watching and may need to stabilize at a future date.
Mr. Ryals stated that they had budgeted to replace some 2wd pickups and will be checking to see where they are at budget wise. Mr. Ryals also informed the Commissioners about an employee injury.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked if they had dash cams on the vehicles. Mr. Ryals stated that they did not but were considering adding that as well as GPS locators. It was suggested that they discuss partnering with the Sheriff’s office on the purchase of those items.
The meeting with Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals ended at 1:50 p.m. and they left the meeting.
Leonard Schulte entered the meeting at 1:50 p.m.
Treasurer Jenny Economu entered the meeting at 1:51 p.m.
Commissioner Robertson moved to approve the extension of taxes due on parcel #MH00160000009UA in the mount of $273.90. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. Will have paid by January 31, 2025.
Mr. Schulte stated that he was there to make them aware of the findings within the audit with regards to the landfill and the impact of the Compliance Agreement. Mr. Schulte discussed in detail the financial reporting for the county for closure and post closure with the results showing the projection of funds are not accumulating as fast as the liability. One issue is the 2017 engineering study that is being used and the projected amounts in that study might be outdated.
Commissioner Robertson stated that the CASS, which is happening this year, includes an engineering study that may give them more accurate figures. Ms. Poston stated that the current budget allocated $50,000 per year and they could hypothetically increase that amount.
Mr. Schulte agreed and felt the new study would give a better estimate on what the costs would be 10 years from now. That information might provide data to produce a different result.
The meeting with Mr. Schulte ended at 2:25 p.m. and he left the meeting.
Ms. Economu provided the Commissioners with her quarterly report on the County’s accounts. She stated that interest rates are still declining, CD’s and bonds are holding steady. She has moved money as shown in the report to take advantage of rates that are higher. There are quite a few items that are maturing quickly and she will look at longer terms if the interest rates are holding.
Ms. Economu also gave Commissioners information on a variety of drop boxes. She would like to see one installed in front of the Courthouse to assist with tax payments especially for anyone who is not able to go up the stairs to the Treasurer’s office. She will look at her budget to see if she has funds, but would like to see a box installed before June payments are due.
The meeting with Ms. Economu ended and she left the meeting at 2:43 p.m.
Commissioners attended to administrative duties until 4:45 p.m. when the meeting ended.
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.
Airport Manager Dave Parker and Jay Wages with the Airport Board joined the meeting at 1:30 p.m.
Mr. Parker updated the Commissioners on the grant to expand the runway to the south and the power line that needs to be moved or placed underground. Northern Lights and Ziply are included in those conversations, but a private property owner has delayed the project. Mr. Parker felt things were again moving forward but they have a deadline approaching. Commissioner Bertling asked Mr. Parker to schedule a meeting to keep things moving.
Mr. Parker stated that two new hangars have gone up in the last few weeks with interest in a third. Payments for land leases are coming in. One hangar lease will not be continued after December 31, 2025 due to the condition of the hangar. A letter has been sent to the lessee and Mr. Parker asked if the Commissioners could also send a similar letter. Commissioners agreed and will have a letter prepared.
Mr. Parker added that due to the expansion of hangars, a taxiway has been added. He is hoping to find funding to pave it because gravel is an issue when propellers suck up the gravel. Commissioners asked the size of the taxiway and Mr. Parker responded approximately 35’ x 200’. Commissioners suggested he contact Road & Bridge to discuss interest in the project.
The meeting with Mr. Parker and Mr. Wages ended at 1:50 p.m. and they left the meeting.
Glenda Poston left the meeting at 1:55 p.m.
At 2:04 p.m. Commissioners held a public hearing for FILE 25-0018, PRIMITIVE SUBDIVISION VIA SHORT PLAT, NAUMANN REVOCABLE INTER VIVOS TRUST. Those in attendance were Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims, Tess Vogel and Clare Marley with Planning & Zoning, P&Z Administrator Ben Jones, John Hernandez, Mike Kent, Mike Glazier, Dirk Stone, George Bevan, Jim Fritsche, Sheldon Ashdown, David Erickson, Jenny Erickson, Coral Koberstein with JRS, Barry Simmons, Walt Neu, Kelly Obekson, and Jim Olbekson. The hearing was recorded.
Chairman Robertson briefly reviewed the public hearing procedures. Commissioners cited no conflict of interest. Ben Jones gave the staff report. Mr. Jones stated that the applicant is requesting preliminary plat approval of Garland Estates to divide a 33.6-acre parcel into a 10-acre lot and a 23.6-acre lot. The parcel is located off Ranger Road in the Ag/Forestry zone, which requires a 10-acre density minimum. The property will use private wells and septic systems and is identified as Assessor’s Parcel RP61N01E222500A in Section 22 Township 61 North, Range 1 East, B.M. Chairman Robertson called for any questions from the Commission to staff. There were none.
The applicant was not present, but Coral Koberstein with JRS Surveying was present to answer questions. Ms. Koberstein had nothing to add. Chairman Robertson called for any questions from the Commission for the applicant. There were none.
Chairman Robertson called for those who wish to testify in favor of the application. No one spoke. Chairman Robertson called for those who wish to testify as uncommitted or neutral. No one spoke. Chairman Robertson then called for those who wish to testify in opposition of the application.
Kelly Obekson stated that she was deeply opposed to access off Ranger Rd. It is a private road that is not wide enough to handle the traffic. Ms. Obekson would like the access to be off of Kootenai Trail instead.
Barry Simmons stated that the proposed road borders part of his property and 15 feet is not wide enough, it needs to be 30.
Walt Neu is concerned about young drivers on the road. More traffic means more pot holes and more things to fix. Fifteen feet is not wide enough.
David Erickson stated his concern about the egress on Ranger Rd to access the property. He also has concerns about the excess traffic on the private road.
Mike Glazier stated he was with Paradise Valley Fire and that they would have a difficult time getting a fire truck in or turned around. He suggested another access would be better.
Jim Fritsche stated an alternate access route is a much better choice.
John Hernandez stated that he reiterates what everyone else has said.
Chairman Robertson asked if the Commissioners had any questions for the public. There were none.
Chairman Robertson called for a rebuttal from the applicant. Ms. Koberstein stated that they were only adding one residence to the road and the septic would be determined by Panhandle Health.
Commissioner Pinkerton clarified that there were two lots and asked if Naumann owned both of them now as well as the strip of land referenced in the map that could be used for future access. Ms. Koberstein answered yes and confirmed the other lot could be given a different access.
There were no further questions. Chairman Robertson closed the hearing to testimony and called for deliberation.
Commissioners agreed that it didn’t matter if the applicant stated it was for one home because that could change in the future. They also agreed with the public testimony that the private road was an issue. Commissioners confirmed with P&Z staff that the Board of County Commissioners have no authority over the private road. Ms. Marley confirmed that was correct. Commissioners continued to work through the decision-making worksheet. Chairman Robertson called for a motion.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the preliminary plat of Garland Estates, a proposed primitive subdivision, File #25-0018, and directed staff to prepare written findings, a decision, and terms and conditions of approval, finding that the preliminary plat is in accord with the applicable zoning and subdivision standards of the Boundary County Land Use Ordinance, based upon the findings and conclusions as written and based upon the reasons as discussed. This action does not result in a taking of private property. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
The public hearing ended at 2:42 p.m.
At 2:47 p.m. Commissioners held a public hearing for FILE 25-0017, RURAL SUBDIVISION VIA SHORT PLAT, JAMIE & PAM BARTON. Those in attendance were Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims, Tess Vogel and Clare Marley with Planning & Zoning, P&Z Administrator Ben Jones, Bradley Barton, Pam Barton, Grant Dorman, and Mike Klaus.
Chairman Robertson briefly reviewed the public hearing procedures. Commissioners cited no conflict of interest. Tess Vogel gave the staff report. Ms. Vogel stated that the applicant is requesting preliminary plat approval of Barton Subdivision to divide two parcels totaling 28.59 acres, into five residential lots ranging between 5 and 7.897 acres. The parcels are located off Kootenai Trail Road in the Rural Residential zone, which requires a 5-acre density minimum. The properties will use private wells and septic systems and are identified as Assessor’s Parcels RP61N01E212412A and RP61N01E212400A in Section 21, Township 61 North, Range 1 East, B.M. Chairman Robertson called for any questions from the Commission to staff.
Chairman Robertson asked the TC Energy gas pipeline easement and how that would be handled. Ms. Vogel responded that information is included in condition 8.
There were no further questions from the Commissioners.
Chairman Robertson called for the applicant to present. Grant Dorman, Surveyor for the project, clarified the access point and provided additional information about the pipeline.
Ms. Barton stated that this was being done so that they could give each of their children 5 acres so that they can live behind them if they wish. She was not aware of the pipeline that ran through the property.
Commissioners asked if information could be added so that future owners of the property would be aware of the pipeline easement. Ms. Vogel replied that language can be included on the plat map so it is visible. Ms. Marley stated that #8 could also be adjusted to include that wording as well.
Commissioners had no further questions for the applicant. No one from the public spoke in favor, neutral or against the application.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked if the road accessing the property is all on Barton property. Ms. Barton answered yes. There were no further clarifying questions. Chairman Robertson closed the public hearing and called for deliberation.
Commissioner Pinkerton stated he did not see any issues, the project was well defined. Commissioner Bertling stated it meets all the requirements. Commissioners continued to work through the decision-making worksheet. Chairman Robertson called for a motion.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the preliminary plat for Barton Subdivision, a proposed rural subdivision, file #25-0017, and directed staff to prepare written findings, a reasoned decision, and terms and conditions of approval, finding that the preliminary plat is in accord with the applicable zoning and subdivision standards of the Boundary County Land Use Ordinance, based upon the finds as written and the conditions as amended (amendments to conditions as presented at hearing for #’s and 9 and read into the record by staff), and based upon the reasons as discussed. This action does not result in a taking of private property. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
The public hearing ended at 3:10 p.m.
Ms. Vogel and Ms. Marley provided Commissioners with their annual report which included approved and pending numbers for the year, accomplishments, and a potential list of projects for consideration. The Commissioners reviewed the list and identified their priorities.
Mike Klaus, City Administrator reviewed the area of impact around the City of Bonners Ferry and stated that new boundaries need to be set by December 31, 2025. Commissioners asked that both the City of Bonners Ferry and City of Moyie present their proposals in the next couple months so that hearings can be scheduled.
The meeting with P&Z staff and Mr. Klaus ended and they left the meeting at 3:45 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting ended at 3:55 p.m.
s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk