***Monday, September 1, 2025, Commissioners did not meet in regular session due the Labor Day Holiday.

***Tuesday, September 2, 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.

At 9:00 a.m., Commissioners held a public hearing to consider the Boundary County Ambulance Service District proposed fiscal year 2025-2026 budget. Present were: Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims. The hearing was recorded.

Chairman Robertson opened the hearing and waived the hearing procedures and public comment portion because no one from the public was in attendance. Chairman Robertson reviewed the budget information as follows: Boundary County has the ability to levy $537,738, which is a 3% allowable increase, plus 90% of new construction. This levy does not include forgone of $5,386. The remaining forgone for the county will be $5,968. The budget was published in the Bonners Ferry Herald on August 21, 2025 and August 28, 2025. This is a 5.88% increase in property tax budget from the previous year.

Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the Boundary County Ambulance Service District budget for FY25-26. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to adopt Resolution 2025-2A for the fiscal year 2025-2026 Boundary County Ambulance Service District budget. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

RESOLUTION 2025-2A
A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026
BOUNDARY COUNTY AMBULANCE SERVICE DISTRICT BUDGET

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did adopt Resolution 2012-16 on March 26, 2012 creating a county-wide ambulance service district, pursuant to Idaho Code §31-3908, to be known as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District to be recognized as a legal taxing district and giving the Board the authority to levy a special tax for the operation of the District, pursuant to Idaho Code §31-3908(4), and

WHEREAS, on the 2nd day of September, 2025, at the Boundary County Courthouse in Commissioners’ Chambers in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, the Board of County Commissioners held the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget hearing for the Boundary County Ambulance Service District, and

WHEREAS, the budget hearing was held in accordance with Idaho Code 31-1604 and Idaho Code 31-1605, and

WHEREAS, the proposed budget was duly printed in the Bonners Ferry Herald on August 21, 2025 and August 28, 2025, and

WHEREAS, there was no citizen input on the budget as proposed, and

WHEREAS, having considered the budget needs and available revenue,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Boundary County Commissioners hereby unanimously adopt the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget as attached for the Boundary County Ambulance Service District.

DATED AND DONE this 2nd day of September, 2025.

COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS s/____________________________
Ben Robertson, Chairman
s/_____________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
s/_____________________________
Lester Pinkerton, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/_________________________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded Instrument #300902

Commissioner Bertling moved to adopt Resolution 2025-3A Reserving Forgone Amount. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

RESOLUTION 2025-3A

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BOUNDARY, IDAHO, RESERVING THE FORGONE AMOUNT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 FOR POTENTIAL USE IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS AS DESCRIBED IN IDAHO CODE §63-802, et al. FOR THE BOUNDARY COUNTY AMBULANCE SERVICE DISTRICT.

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did adopt Resolution 2012-16 on March 26, 2012 creating a county-wide ambulance service district, pursuant to Idaho Code §31-3908, to be known as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District to be recognized as a legal taxing district and giving the Board the authority to levy a special tax for the operation of the District, pursuant to Idaho Code §31-3908(4), and

WHEREAS, Idaho Code §31-811 empowers the board of county commissioners of each county to levy property taxes; and,

WHEREAS, Idaho Code §31-1605 requires the board of county commissioners of each county in the State of Idaho to pass an annual budget; and,

WHEREAS, Idaho Code §63-802 sets limitations on county budget requests on the amount of property tax revenues that can be used to fund programs and services; and,

WHEREAS, Idaho Code §63-802(1)(a) allows each county to increase property tax budget amounts by a maximum of 3%, plus an amount calculated based on the value of both new construction and annexation added during the previous calendar year, plus an amount for forgone taxes; and,

WHEREAS, Idaho Code §63-802(1)(f) requires that the County adopt an annual resolution to reserve additional forgone amount in order to utilize that amount in subsequent years; and,

WHEREAS, Boundary County intends to reserve $5,968.00 of its allowable forgone amount for the Boundary County Ambulance Service District for the purpose of operations of the District. The amount of $5,386.00 will be recovered in existing forgone as so noted on Line 29 of the L-2 Worksheet.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BOUNDARY, IDAHO, that $5,968.00 of the allowable forgone amount for the Boundary County Ambulance Service District is reserved and included in the District’s total forgone balance for potential use in subsequent years.

PASSED by the BOUNDARY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS on the 2nd day of September, 2025.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/________________________________
Ben Robertson, Chairman
s/________________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
s/________________________________
Lester Pinkerton, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/_____________________________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded Instrument #300903

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign L2 forms and associated documents. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

The hearing ended at 9:04 a.m.

Assessor Olivia Drake entered the meeting at 9:25 a.m.

At 9:30 a.m., Commissioners held a public hearing to consider the Boundary County proposed fiscal year 2025-2026 budget. Present were: Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims and Assessor Olivia Drake. The hearing was recorded.

Chairman Robertson opened the hearing and waived the hearing procedures and public comment portion because no one from the public was in attendance. Chairman Robertson reviewed the budget information as follows: Boundary County has the ability to levy $6,841,984, which is the 3% allowable increase, plus 90% of new construction. This levy does include forgone of $268,345. The remaining forgone for the county will be $233,198. The budget was published in the Bonners Ferry Herald on August 14, 2025 and August 21, 2025. This is a 9.02% increase in property tax budget from the previous year.

Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the Boundary County budget for FY25-26. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to adopt Resolution 2025-40 for the fiscal year 2025-2026 Boundary County budget. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

RESOLUTION 2025-40
A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT
THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 COUNTY BUDGET

WHEREAS, on the 2nd day of September, 2025, at the Boundary County Courthouse in Commissioners’ Chambers in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, the Board of County Commissioners held the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget hearing for Boundary County, and

WHEREAS, the budget hearing was held in accordance with Idaho Code 31-1604 and Idaho Code 31-1605, and

WHEREAS, the proposed budget was duly printed in the Bonners Ferry Herald on August 14, 2025, and August 21, 2025,

WHEREAS, there was no citizen input on the budget as proposed, and

WHEREAS, having considered the budget needs and available revenue,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Boundary County Commissioners hereby unanimously adopt the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget as attached for Boundary County.

DATED AND DONE this 2nd day of September, 2025.

COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/_______________________________
Ben Robertson, Chairman
s/_______________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
s/________________________________
Lester Pinkerton, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/____________________________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded Instrument #300904

Commissioner Bertling moved to adopt Resolution 2025-41 Reserving Forgone Amount. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT
THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 COUNTY BUDGET
2025-41

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BOUNDARY, IDAHO, RESERVING THE FORGONE AMOUNT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 FOR POTENTIAL USE IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS AS DESCRIBED IN IDAHO CODE §63-802, et al.

WHEREAS, Idaho Code §31-811 empowers the board of county commissioners of each county to levy property taxes; and,

WHEREAS, Idaho Code §31-1605 requires the board of county commissioners of each county in the State of Idaho to pass an annual budget; and,

WHEREAS, Idaho Code §63-802 sets limitations on county budget requests on the amount of property tax revenues that can be used to fund programs and services; and,

WHEREAS, Idaho Code §63-802(1)(a) allows each county to increase property tax budget amounts by a maximum of 3%, plus an amount calculated based on the value of both new construction and annexation added during the previous calendar year, plus an amount for forgone taxes; and,

WHEREAS, Idaho Code §63-802(1)(f) requires that the County adopt an annual resolution to reserve additional forgone amount in order to utilize that amount in subsequent years; and,

WHEREAS, Boundary County has met the notice and hearing requirements in Idaho Code §63-802(1)(f) to reserve the current year’s increase in the forgone amount; and,

WHEREAS, Boundary County intends to use $268,345 of its current allowable forgone amount. The current forgone amount of $233,198 is also reserved for future use.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BOUNDARY, IDAHO, that $268,345 of the current allowable forgone amount is included in the County’s budget and that the forgone balance for potential use in subsequent years is $233,198.

PASSED by the BOUNDARY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS on the 2nd day of September, 2025.

COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/_______________________________
Ben Robertson, Chairman
s/________________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
s/________________________________
Lester Pinkerton, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/____________________________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded Instrument #300905

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign L2 forms and any associated documents. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

The hearing ended at 9:34 a.m.

Assessor Drake left the meeting at 9:38 a.m.

Solid Waste Superintendent Richard Jenkins entered the meeting at 9:54 a.m.

At 10:00 a.m. Mr. Jenkins gave his report for the month of August stating that the total tonnage was 958, with a daily average of 30.89 tons. This was a 12% decrease month over month and a 49% increase year over year. The total vehicle count was 13,210, which was a total decrease of 4% over the previous month. The rural sites also saw decreases of 4-15%.

Mr. Jenkins stated that the final payment for the metal pile baling was received with a total of $61,997.00. Red Rock has begun the repairs on the office and the 980 has been repaired and was back in operation. The Junction office was broken into and the fencing around the main landfill has been put on hold awaiting assessment from DEQ. The gas well monitoring for well #2 showed exceedance of 9.0.

The ground water drilling has been completed with hole #4 at 373 feet when they hit bedrock and no water. The last hole was in the center of the waste at 360 feet when they hit bedrock and no water. They are now doing the analysis but it looks like the County will not be required to do ground water monitoring.

The solid waste fee for Sturgeon Station has been under audit and review. They will be charged the governmental rate which was the same as their other properties.

The meeting with Mr. Jenkins ended at 9:22 a.m. and he left the meeting.

Alyssa Walker entered the meeting at 9:27 a.m. and stated that the IGAA Conference will be held next week. Ms. Walker stated that they continue to work through the process to acquire a dog and are seeking out funding through grants. Sheriff, prosecutor and city all provide support in the effort. The City of Bonners Ferry may have a vehicle available to them so she will be reaching out to the Chief to discuss.

The meeting with Ms. Walker ended at 10:43 a.m. and she left the meeting.

Philip Sweet entered the meeting at 9:47 a.m.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Certificates of Residency for Madeline Hart and Garrett Phillips. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Commissioner meeting minutes from the weeks of August 18th and 25th. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the New Private Road Name Request Form for Ethan Martin Drive.
Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to the sign the Agreement with J7 for Construction Contract. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling move to adopt and sign Resolution 2025-42 Establishing Boundary County Restorium Room and Board Fees. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

RESOLUTION 2025-42

Establishing Boundary County Restorium Room and Board Fees

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did hold a public hearing on August 25, 2025, to receive public comment on a proposal to increase Restorium room and board fees for new residents, and

WHEREAS, no public comment was given, and the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, find it in the public interest to increase the room and board fees to help fund the cost of operating the Restorium, and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Restorium room and board fees are set as follows effective October 1, 2025:

From To

Single Occupancy Room with private restroom $5372.00 $5801.76
Single Occupancy Room with shared restroom $4919.00 $5312.52
Double Occupancy (half room) $3693.00 $3988.44
Double Occupancy Room $7178.00 $7752.33
Memory Care (half room) $4118.00 $4529.18
Memory Care/shared room $5740.00 $6314.00

**Current Restorium residents will be subject to a 6% increase over the room and board fees collected the previous year. When a current resident vacates their room, the rate for that room will increase to the rate of a new incoming resident.

DATED this 2nd day of September, 2025.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
s/___________________________
BEN ROBERTSON , Chairman
s/___________________________
TIM BERTLING, Commissioner
s/___________________________
LESTER PINKERTON, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/_________________________________
GLENDA POSTON
Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded Instrument #300906

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign and adopt Resolution 2025-43 Establishing Planning & Zoning Fees. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Boundary County, Idaho Resolution 2025-43

A RESOLUTION OF BOUNDARY COUNTY, IDAHO,
AMENDING AND UPDATING THE OFFICIAL FEE SCHEDULE
RELATED TO LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS AND ASSOCIATED ADMINISTRATIVE FEES AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECITVE DATE.

WHEREAS, Boundary County is required to exercise land use planning powers as granted at Idaho Code §67-6503 by developing ordinances establishing zones and regulating land uses, and;
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §67-6519 provides authority for the County to charge a reasonable fee for land use applications; and

WHEREAS, the County has authority pursuant to Idaho Code §63-1311 to collect fees for services provided by the County that would otherwise be funded by property tax revenue, and that such fees are reasonably related to, but do not exceed, the actual costs of services; and

WHEREAS, Section 3.9 of Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance 9B18LOV2, adopted by the Board of County Commissioners April 8, 2019, allowed the adoption of fees associated with land use application processes; and

WHEREAS, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the Board of County Commissioners conducted a duly noticed public hearing in accord with Idaho Code §63-1311A; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the members of the Board of Commissioners of the County of Boundary, Idaho, that the following schedule of fees is hereby adopted to cover the costs of administering the provisions of the Boundary County Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance, rescinding any resolutions in conflict, and establishing the fee schedule as effective upon passage of this resolution:

Done this 2nd day of September, 2025

BOUNDARY COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
s/_________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
s/__________________________________
TIM BERTLING, Commissioner
s/__________________________________
LESTER PINKERTON, Commissioner

ATTEST:
s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
Recorded Instrument #300907

(Resolution 2025-43 continues on next page)

OFFICIAL FEE SCHEDULE, BOUNDARY COUNTY, IDAHO
LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
ADOPTED BY RESOLUTION 2025-43

APPLICATION TYPE FEE AMOUNT
Certificate of Compliance $60.00, plus actual cost of professional services if the initial fee is exceeded.
Request to Examine or Copy Records. First 100 pages are free of charge. Per Idaho Code
Residential Placement Permit $480.00
Commercial/Industrial Placement Permit $600.00
Conditional Use Permit (Land Intensive)
Conditional Use Permit (High Occupancy)
Conditional Use Permit (All Others) $1,200.00
$900.00
$600.00
Special Event Permit $240.00
Temporary Use Permit (Land Intensive)
Temporary Use Permit (High Occupancy)
Temporary Use Permit (All Others) $1,200.00
$900.00
$600.00
Variance $480.00
Parcel Split, Simple $600.00
Parcel Split, Primitive $600.00
Parcel Line Adjustment $600.00
Lot Line Adjustment, Subdivision $600.00
Subdivision, Short Plat $600.00, plus $30.00 per lot
Subdivision, Long Plat $1200.00, plus $60.00 per lot
Quasi-judicial Zone Map Amendment $600.00
*Comprehensive Plan Amendment $600.00
*Ordinance Amendment $600.00
Appeal $600.00
Floodplain development permit $120.00, plus actual cost of engineering and other professional services once initial fee is exceeded.
Utility Permits $300.00
Vacation of Plats/Rights-of-Way $480.00, plus cost of professional services if the initial fee is exceeded
Permit Time Extension Request $120.00

* Fee not to be imposed if amendment application is initiated by the Planning and Zoning Commission or the Board of County Commissioners.

In addition to the above fees, applicants shall also reimburse Boundary County for first class mailings and legal advertisements required for public notification.
Recorded Instrument #300907

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign letter to KTOI. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign RFF#12 for 3-16-0004-023-2023 Airport Drainage/Erosion Control.
Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to table Boundary Community Hospital Bylaws for the Board of Trustees. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

At 11:00 a.m. Mr. Sweet stated that he was there to discuss a couple projects that were never finished by the county. He stated that his fence on Sweetwater was supposed to be replaced by the developer before the road was turned over to the County. That was not done and his cows keep getting out which causes issues now that more people live on the road. A second location was in the Meadow Creek area where they gave land to the County so they could straighten out the county road. The fence was removed, and a temporary fence was put in place.

Chairman Robertson stated that if we were to agree, we cannot spare man power. We may be able to provide materials.

Mr. Sweet asked for assistance with where the fence can go. Commissioner Bertling stated that he could take a look at it to help measure it off. Commissioner Bertling also said we would need a supply list.

Chairman Robertson asked Mr. Sweet to get a full supply list and bring it in for Commissioners to look at.

Mr. Sweet then asked Commissioners to consider adding something to the Planning & Zoning ordinances that has teeth in it for light pollution. He stated that there was someone near him that has lights on poles in a parking area that are so bright that he can read a book outside at night. Mr. Sweet suggested a limited number of lumens and/or verbiage that lights cannot be pointed at homes.

The meeting with Mr. Sweet ended at 11:26 a.m. and he left the meeting.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the IDHW Medicaid Provider Agreement. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Restorium Supervisor Janay Smith was unable to attend her meeting at 11:30 a.m. Commissioners attended to administrative duties until they recessed for lunch at 12:01 p.m.

The meeting reconvened for the afternoon session at the County Annex at 1:30 p.m. with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Berling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.

Road & Bridge Superintendent Brad Barton and Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals entered the meeting at 1:31 p.m. Mr. Barton stated that they have chipsealed Moyie River Road, Kerr Lake Rd, Krause Rd and Copeland Rd. They have also hauled rock to stockpile for additional chipseal work.

Commissioner Pinkerton asked where are we at with the City of Moyie on the exchange for rock / water. The rock they are taking has far more value than the water.

Commissioner Bertling suggested that we develop an agreement to use their dump truck when needed. Mr. Barton said that would be useful when we are hauling sand.

Chairman Robertson asked when they would follow up and sweep the areas that have been chipsealed. Mr. Barton stated that they wanted to first finish chipsealing before brooming it off again. It will also last longer if they let it sit to melt in beforehand. They will also broom in the same order it went down.

Commissioner Bertling asked how much money do you have left from the grant project. Mr. Ryals answered there are still some invoices that are outstanding, but it was currently at 1.3 million.

Commissioners then discussed possible projects that money could be used for and what ITD had given the okay on so far. Projects discussed were pins for jersey barriers, turn around area for Deep Creek height detection sign, and 3 Mile Rd.

Clerk Glenda Poston and Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting at 1: 48 p.m.

Mr. Ryals stated that ITD has given their blessing in a couple areas and we need to get them to confirm a few more before proceeding. They will work with ITD on how to move forward.

Sheriff Travis Stolley entered the meeting at 1:51 p.m.

Commissioners asked about their staffing. Mr. Barton stated that a new operator started last week and a mechanic will start this week. They also have leads on a couple more mechanics and are waiting to hear back on one individual for the operator position.

The meeting with Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals ended at 1:55 p.m. and they left the meeting.

Sheriff Stolley stated that he had letters from three dispatchers expressing concerns about burn out, wages and the two open positions which add to their load. Sheriff Stolley stated that we need to show them that they are appreciated.

Detective/SRO Caleb Watts entered the meeting at 2:03 p.m.

Sheriff Stolley asked for assistance with the wage and fatigue concerns. He stated that he believes the wages are a hinderance to getting applicants and compared the position to the other four counties in north Idaho. He stated that Shoshone was at the bottom at $19/hr and Kootenai was at the top at $30/hr.

Commissioners reminded him that he had to look at the whole severance package and not just wages. The other counties may be deducting for benefits which makes the take-home pay less, even when the wage was more.

Sheriff Stolley asked about the wage increase for Road & Bridge. Commissioners explained how that was possible by eliminating positions. They also asked if it would help to have those people in place or was it better to raise the wage and be shorthanded.

Commissioner Bertling asked if it was possible to be more integrated with Bonner County so we had a backup. Sheriff Stolley described the hurdles involved with that.

Ms. Poston recommended looking at the dispatch agreement and pulling prior minutes. If the amount paid for dispatch was raised it could help.

Chairman Robertson stated that he would attend a meeting with Sheriff Stolley that evening.

The meeting with Sheriff Stolley ended at 2:48 p.m. and he left the meeting. Caleb Watts also left the meeting.

Maintenance Supervisor Squire Fields and Assistant Mike Kralik entered the meeting at 2:48 p.m. Mr. Fields stated that the auction was ready to move forward with no departments having anything to contribute except Road & Bridge. He estimated the final sale would be in October.

Mr. Fields said the Veterans Hall Post Commander did a walk through of Veterans Memorial Hall and identified items that she would like to have removed or disposed of. Chairman Robertson asked if she was aware that the County owned the building. Mr. Fields replied yes. Commissioners stated that the building, furniture and anything with an inventory tag belonged to the County and she could not remove them. They suggested that she also needed to talk to the Fair Board before removing anything.

Mr. Fields stated that Bonners Ferry Electric was coming to take a look at the lines today. It will be a weekend project because the power will need to be turned off. Once the power was raised the internet providers can move their lines.

Ms. Poston asked Mr. Fields to let them know when the work would take place, because there are employees that work on the weekend.

The meeting with Mr. Fields and Mr. Kralik ended at 2:59 p.m. and they left the meeting. Ms. Poston and Ms. Barton also left the meeting.

At 3:00 Commissioners held a meeting with USFS, IDL and IFM staff. Those present were: John Ailport and Garrett Kleiner with IFM, Ara Andrea and Jon Songster with IDL and Heather Fuller, Matt Staudacher and Jeff Lau with USFS.

Mr. Songster stated that he wanted to have a general discussion about the MOA which was a 10-year agreement with the state and county to work together. The broad agreement will provide a flexible mechanism to identify projects, timing, budget, setting framework and procedures. Boundary County was one if four agreements in the state.

Commissioner Bertling asked for examples of projects that the County could consider. Ms. Fuller stated that road work would be one. Commissioner Bertling stated that we would need to know what roads, how many miles and what the objectives are for the work to determine if this was something for Road & Bridge or if it would have to be contracted out.

Chairman Robertson asked if it was actual cost or if some markup was included. There has to be some benefit in it. Mr. Songster stated that the agreement does not go into that amount of detail. The budget can be set up in different ways. All of it was negotiable.

Chairman Robertson asked about the length of time for reimbursement. Mr. Songster stated it was typically a couple weeks, but can take longer. He suggested that the county invoice more often to keep costs down if they are upfront costs.

Ms. Fuller also suggested snowplowing for reforestation, small sale pre-road, road grading, brush clearing and engineering design. Chairman Robertson asked what was involved with pre-roading.

Mr. Koberstein stated that it included things like culvert replacement, realignment for drainage, and road surface. If you can do some of the work up front, it eliminates some cost for the contractor and allows the sale to happen.

Mr. Lau then referred to a document he had sent out as a potential project for consideration. The Katkee-Xmas Hills project could potentially implement approximately 215 acres of hazardous fuels reduction within the wildland-urban interface on both private and Forest Service lands. Implementation could be performed through the County’s FireSafe Program using the Hwy-95 Joint Chief’s funding that the Forest Service recently received.

The state plans to sub-grant to Boundary County to implement about 150 acres of fuel treatments through the FireSafe Program. In addition, the FS will provide funding to IDL through the existing GNA agreement for the project. Using the MOA, IDL and the County could treat more than 65 acres directly adjacent to the FireSafe work proposed on the Xmas Hills property, creating a cross-boundary project.

Mr. Lau added that there are some benefits to working on both private and federal when property line surveys are not in place. Ms. Andrea stated that it was good optics for fuels in both private and federal lands.

Commissioner Bertling stated that we need to have projects on the ground ready to go for next year. Mr. Lau agreed and added that this project would have that benefit.

There was discussion on whether the project could be handled within the MOA or if a separate agreement would need to be in place. Mr. Songster stated that they would need to do some work to define the scope of work, budget and timeframe, but it was definitely doable within the MOA. However, if there were revenues above and beyond there could be a need to have a separate agreement so that a small deck could be sold and put back into the county.

Mr. Koberstein added that the deck sale could fund the project on the ground. But the Katkee project has a high cost and will not generate a revenue. Ms. Andrea added that if it was a push, it was an ideal situation in both convenience and timing.

The discussion was then focused around the County having their own GNA agreement to fund a forester position who can then prop up a small sale program to make it sustainable.

Mr. Songster stated that they can earmark some money to stay in Boundary County for future projects. Both Chairman Robertson and Commissioner Pinkerton stated that Boundary County needed their own GNA agreement and Chief Schultz indicated that as well so it could fund the forester position for the county.

Mr. Staudacher stated that if a deck was sold it could be earmarked for Boundary County for future projects. Chairman Robertson stated that I am assuming the state would take some funds off the top. Mr. Songster replied that it would be a small amount.

It was then agreed that projects should be identified for the next year and develop a scope of work so they are ready to move forward. Mr. Lau suggested putting together a small working group to get input from and bring those ideas back to the core group. Potential date was established for a possible field trip.

Chairman Robertson suggested including the Road & Bridge Superintendent and get his input on what they can do for road work.

Ms. Fuller asked if they wanted to include KVRI. Chairman Robertson stated yes, but we first need to figure a few things out beforehand.

The meeting ended at 4:10 p.m. and everyone left the meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 4:22 p.m.

s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman

ATTEST:

s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk