***Monday, November 10, 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.
Greg Lamberty entered the meeting at 9:07 a.m.
P&Z Administrator Ben Jones entered the meeting at 9:08 a.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved that Commissioners of the county and the state aforesaid, acting as a Board of Canvassers of Election, do hereby state that the attached was a true and complete abstract of all votes cast within this county for the candidates and/or questions as they appeared at the election held on November 4, 2025, as shown by the records now on file in the County Clerk’s Office. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Jones stated that he believes the large public records request he has been working on was ready. He was waiting on a reply from the Civil Attorney before releasing. Commissioners confirmed to release the records based on the fee already received.
Mr. Jones stated he has been working on violations and was starting to hear back from some of the letters already sent. He added that a couple more applications and public records requests have come in recently. He will visit with Mr. Wilson concerning the public records requests.
Mr. Jones shared a list of applications and their current status. Commissioner Pinkerton asked Mr. Jones to make some changes to the spreadsheet so it would print on the same page, and include headings and dates for reference.
The meeting with Mr. Jones ended at 9:20 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Commissioners reviewed claims for payment. Fund totals are as follows:
Current Expense $ 59,782.38
Road & Bridge 107,462.41
Airport 6,781.59
District Court 11,990.10
Justice Fund 79,512.22
911 Funds 33,659.32
Parks and Recreation 2,093.91
Animal Damage Control 6,000.00
Revaluation 1,876.55
Solid Waste 15,422.51
Veterans Memorial 29.74
Weeds 547.63
Restorium 31,443.10
Waterways 3,666.35
Road & Bridge Tribal Fuel Fund 75.09
Grant, Airport 127,924.01
Grant, Selkirk Coop Weed Mgmt 5,736.82
Grant, Boat Safety 1,443.99
Grants, Fire Mitigation 46,690.50
LATCF Fund 17,497.11
TOTAL $559,635.33
Trusts
Boundary Co. Drug Court Trusts 100.40
Driver’s License Trust 12,645.50
Interlock Device Fund 64.80
Indigent Reimbursements 980.00
Motor Vehicle Trust Acct 162,048.62
Sherriff’s Trust Fund 512.70
Sheriff’s Special Projects 337.25
Odyssey Court Trust Account 28,996.30
Odyssey Bond Trust Account 1,800.00
Odyssey Restitution Trust Account 651.20
TOTAL $208,136.77
GRAND TOTAL $767,772.10
Citizens are invited to inspect detailed records on file in the Courthouse (individual claims & Commissioners’ allowance & warrant register record 2025-2026).
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Gage Kunsky. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Commissioner meeting minutes from the week of October 27. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign New Private Road Name Request Form for Rustle Drive. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Resolution 2026-5 regarding Right-of-Way Acquisition for Riverside Street Improvement/Enhancement. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2025-5
RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITION FOR RIVERSIDE STREET IMPROVEMENT/ENHANCEMENT
AS IT PERTAINS TO ID BOUNDARY 5806(1)
WHEREAS, Boundary County is engaged in the improvement and enhancement of Riverside Street, ID Boundary 5806(1);
WHEREAS, Idaho Code § 7-702 allows Boundary County to use the power of eminent domain to acquire easements for Street purposes;
WHEREAS, Boundary County has determined that the improvements and enhancements to Riverside Street outlined in ID Boundary 5806(1) serve the public interest;
WHEREAS, Boundary County Road and Bridge sought in good faith to purchase the lands sought to be taken;
WHEREAS, Boundary County was unable to make a reasonable bargain therefor with certain landowners; and
WHEREAS, Boundary County must acquire property rights from certain landowners with whom it was unable to reach an agreement on just compensation for the project to proceed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Boundary County Road and Bridge, Prosecuting Attorney Andrakay Pluid, Civil Attorney Bill Wilson and outside counsel Susan P. Weeks are authorized to proceed with all necessary litigation on behalf of Boundary County to finalize all takings of lands required for the Riverside Street improvement and enhancement project identified as ID Boundary 5806(1), and acquire the property rights identified in the right-of-way plan prepared in conjunction with this project, utilizing Idaho Code Title 7, Chapter 7, Eminent Domain.
DATED this 10th day of November, 2025.
BOUNDARY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
s/
Ben Robertson, Commissioner
s/
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
s/
Lester Pinkerton, Commissioner
Attest:
s/______________________________
Glenda Poston, Clerk
Recorded Instrument #301518
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Voluntary Maintenance Agreement with 9B Trails for Riverside Park & Mudslide Trail Systems. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Cory Trapp with Longwell Trapp Architects entered the meeting at 9:46 a.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign contract with Idaho Fence for fence repairs at the rock pit. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Revised RFF#4 for RCIF-26-I-01. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Resolution 2026-4A regarding Probation records to amend year and exhibit due to clerical errors. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026 – 4A
BOUNDARY COUNTY COMMUNITY JUSTICE
DESTRUCTION OF JUVENILE/ADULT MISDEMEANOR PROBATION RECORDS
Amending due to clerical error on years included and exhibit
WHEREAS, Idaho Code 31-871 provides for the classification of county records as “permanent”, “semi-permanent”, or “temporary”, and;
WHEREAS, Boundary County Community Justice has stored files going back several decades; and
WHEREAS, the Chief of Probation has reviewed stored files/documents and identified whether they are “permanent”, “semi-permanent”, or “temporary” as described in subsections (1)(a), (b), or (c) of Idaho Code 31-871; and,
WHEREAS, the Chief of Probation has reviewed Idaho Code 31-871 (2)(a), (b), (c), and the Idaho Association of Counties County Record Retention Schedule for Juvenile/Adult Misdemeanor Probation, and proposed for destruction certain records that have exceeded their minimum retention; and,
WHEREAS, Boundary County Community Justice has prepared a list of Juvenile/Adult Misdemeanor Probation records for the years 2011 to 2014 which it proposes to have destroyed at this time, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A” as provided by Idaho Code 31-871 (2)(g).
WHEREAS, advice and approval for the destruction of the prepared list of records has been obtained from the County Attorney.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Boundary County, hereby authorizes the immediate destruction of the files listed in Exhibit “A” and that such destruction occur under the direction and supervision of the Chief of Probation.
ADOPTED as a Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Boundary County upon a majority vote on
the 10th day of November, 2025.
BOARD OF BOUNDARY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
By: s/________________________________________
Ben Robertson, Chairman ATTEST: Glenda Poston
By: s/________________________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner By s/_______________________ Clerk
By: s/________________________________________
Lester Pinkerton, Commissioner
Recorded Instrument #301517
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign and complete GEM Plan Nomination Form for District 1 Board of Trustees. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Bonners Ferry Herald Reporter Noah Harris entered the meeting at 9:52 a.m.
Denton Wedel with B.F. Builders entered the meeting at 9:53 a.m.
Lisa Chesebro entered the meeting at 9:55 a.m.
Mr. Lamberty left the meeting at 9:58 a.m.
Mr. Trapp stated that he had several conversations with representatives from B.F. Builders to clarify items within their bid. He was confident with the bid they provided and was ready to move forward. He provided Commissioners with a contract for their review. Mr. Trapp added that permit applications had been submitted and site plan approval happened last Thursday. He will check on the status of those today.
Commissioner Bertling moved to accept the bid and alternates from B.F. Builders as presented. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ivan Wedel with B.F. Builders entered the meeting at 10:04 a.m.
Commissioners reviewed the worksheet for the building permits for the justice building.
Commissioner Bertling moved to pay the building permit fees in the amount of $17,497.11 for the justice building. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Trapp provided a budget for the project and stated that there was a question on the camera system, since that item will be done inhouse. He also provided estimates from HMH and Budinger & Associates for any special inspections that will need to be done. The cost was based on the number of trips required for the inspections. Mr. Trapp stated that Bellinger was the lower bid and he has worked with them previously.
Ms. Poston asked when they would start the project. Mr. Trapp stated that they needed to get the building permit first and he would talk to the city about the demo permit today. He estimated the building permit would take about 2 weeks, so he estimated December 1. Mr. D. Wedel added that it would be completed September 2026.
Mr. Trapp discussed the courtroom recording and Ms. Chesebro stated that she had it in the budget and would make it work for September.
Mr. D. Wedel stated that he had a few energy-efficient things for the County to consider if there was room in the budget. Chairman Robertson asked Mr. Wedel to provide numbers on those items.
Mr. Trapp stated that when contracts were signed, a copy would need to be provided to B.F. Builders. Commissioners asked that the contract and special inspections quote be placed on a future agenda.
Mr. D. Wedel stated that he has had conversations with the landfill regarding fees from the demolition. Commissioners stated that they will direct the fees be waived for the project.
Sheriff Travis Stolley entered the meeting at 10:10 a.m.
Mr. I. Wedel asked how quickly the pay requests will be processed. Chairman Robertson stated that they should happen pretty quickly and asked him to visit with Ms. Poston about the specifics.
The meeting with Mr. Trapp ended at 10:22 a.m. and he left the meeting. Ivan Wedel and Denton Wedel also left the meeting.
Commissioners answered questions from Herald reporter, Mr. Harris.
Ms. Chesebro left the meeting at 10:25 a.m.
At 10:30 a.m. Commissioners shared a quote from Racom regarding program upgrades. Sheriff Stolley stated that system was used by fire. The sheriff uses a different system so they are not talking over each other. Racom also cannot add any other channels to the system because it was maxed out.
Sheriff Stolley stated that they currently use Valance and he would like to find a solution to overcome their communication issues. He has reached out to Racom, Communications NW and Valance to see what was needed to do a total upgrade of the system. So far, he does not yet have a clear path. We just keep spending money on small upgrades just to keep the system functioning.
Commissioner Pinkerton stated that communication was a pain, but everyone has to work together to have a plan. Sheriff Stolley stated that Valance was what they are currently using, and it was good, but outdated. Because it was outdated, it was only a matter of time before it can no longer be fixed. He currently has a quote for $23,000, which was only a band-aid to keep it going.
Sheriff Stolley stated that a system that was a combination of cell and satellite was being considered. He was hesitant to go with satellite because there are issues with digital. The City of Bonners Ferry was adding themselves to the state’s system, which should work well for them within the city limits. Sheriff Stolley has plans to test that system around the county and see how well it works outside of the city.
Assessor Olivia Drake entered the meeting at 10:55 a.m.
Sheriff Stolley stated that he will continue to work with companies to provide a sight survey to move toward a resolution.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve and sign the quote from Racom. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Harris left the meeting at 11:02 a.m.
The meeting with Sheriff Stolley ended at 11:05 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Commissioners discussed items they would like the P&Z Commission and staff to work on to simplify the land use application process. Chairman Robertson stated that they will need to rewrite some of the Ordinances.
Assessor Drake asked if it would include subdivisions and stated that it has been difficult when they have to draw them out and it sometimes doesn’t match. Her office then has to reach out to surveyor’s and developers for corrections. Commissioners replied yes and stated that they would also hold a joint meeting with the P&Z Commission to discuss a direction to clarify and simplify the process and stated that she might consider attending that meeting to provide input.
Chairman Robertson stated that the efficiency of lot line adjustments would be one example. We should not have to have a public hearing for those; it should be done administratively. Another area would be the transferability of placement permits from one owner to the next.
Commissioner Bertling clarified that P&Z staff are looking for a motion from us and we will also have a joint meeting to try to dial down some of these areas. Chairman Robertson and Commissioner Pinkerton agreed.
Commissioner Bertling moved to direct Planning & Zoning to work on the following: subdivision ordinance to clarify definitions, the transferability of placement permits and simplify the process for lot line adjustments. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners then discussed dates for a joint meeting and decided to propose December 4th.
Assessor Drake left the meeting at 11:15 a.m.
Restorium Supervisor Janay Smith entered the meeting at 11:31 a.m. and provided her report to Commissioners. She stated that they have 37 residents and due to staffing issues, they will pause admissions at this time. She reviewed the list of delinquent payments and provided a status of each and added that she has stopped accepting Medicaid submissions for now.
Chairman Robertson asked about the figures for food in her report. Ms. Smith replied that one invoice did not arrive in time and was not included. That invoice will show on the report for the following month.
The meeting with Ms. Smith ended at 11:48 a.m. and she left the meeting.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:00 p.m.
Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session at 1:30 p.m. with Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.
Solid Waste Superintendent Richard Jenkins entered the meeting at 1:25 p.m. and provided a document with data from an audit he recently performed for a few businesses. Mr. Jenkins stated that the information was self-explanatory.
Chairman Robertson stated that he was baffled with how he came up with some of the numbers he provided them previously. Mr. Jenkins stated that it was based on the number of bins and how often garbage was picked up.
Chairman Robertson asked who the bins belong to and how full were the bins. Mr. Jenkins stated that the bins were owned by Frederickson’s and that there was no way to tell on how full they were. He also felt that the business in question had too large and/or too many bins which was making their cost higher.
Commissioner Bertling stated that was not up to us to determine that. That was something the business would decide. Mr. Jenkins stated that the number of bins and how often the garbage was picked up, was the formula used to determine the fee. The only other way was to weigh the bins. Mr. Jenkins again stated that he felt some businesses had too many bins.
Commissioner Pinkerton stated that you are not comparing apples to apples, you are comparing the number of bins and their size to businesses that are based on weight. Mr. Jenkins stated it was up to the customer to reduce their bin size if they wanted their fee reduced.
Chairman Robertson stated that it was up to the business to decide the number of bins they want and how often they are picked up. That was Frederickson’s business and the county should not be involved in that conversation.
Commissioner Bertling asked how did you come up with the numbers on your audit sheet. Mr. Jenkins replied that it was by compacted garbage based on weight. They have special bins that compact the garbage and a weight is provided.
Commissioner Bertling clarified, that not all businesses have that type of a bin. Mr. Jenkins replied that was correct, so they use the size and number of bins formula which he again replied was the standard in the industry.
Commissioner Pinkerton stated that has a wide margin for error. Commissioner Bertling stated that you need to have a conversation with Frederickson’s to see if they can provide you with a weight when the garbage was picked up so that your numbers are accurate.
Mr. Jenkins replied that he could do that. Chairman Robertson confirmed again that the businesses listed were based on actual weight and Mr. Jenkins confirmed that was correct.
Commissioner Pinkerton stated that we need to get real numbers, not estimates. Chairman Robertson stated that you will need to get a real number before we can proceed.
Mr. Jenkins asked if the county would be sending out a bill at this time. Chairman Robertson said no, not until we have a real number.
The meeting with Mr. Jenkins ended at 1:45 p.m. and he left the meeting.
Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting at 1:58 p.m. and provided Commissioners with some applications to review.
Restorium Supervisor Janay Smith entered the meeting at 2:01 p.m.
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 follows: Chairman Robertson “aye”, Commissioner Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”.
Ms. Smith left the meeting at 2:22 p.m.
Ms. Barton left the meeting at 2:58 p.m.
The executive session ended at 4:03 p.m. No action was taken.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 4:20 p.m.
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Commissioners did not meet due to the Veterans Day holiday.
s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk