***Monday, September 8, 2025 at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims. Commissioner Tim Bertling attended a NACO meeting in Washington DC.
Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Planning & Zoning Administrator Ben Jones entered the meeting at 8:58 a.m. and stated it has been a busy couple weeks with 12 permit applications submitted. Unfortunately, many of them are incomplete so there will be additional communication to get the missing information before they can proceed.
Commissioners then discussed the bottlenecks and how to address. Commissioner Pinkerton asked if a checklist was provided to applicants so they have a good understanding of what to provide. Mr. Jones stated that there was a checklist on the application, but some are only half to three-quarters complete when turned in. Commissioner Pinkerton asked if he could sit down with the applicant at the time of submission so they know the application cannot proceed until the missing items are submitted. Mr. Jones confirmed that he could do that.
Commissioner Pinkerton stated that timeliness was the biggest complaint that they receive and we need to find ways to address that.
Fay Almond entered the meeting at 9:06 a.m.
Commissioner Pinkerton suggested a spreadsheet that could be shared. Mr. Jones stated that one was already in use. Commissioner Pinkerton suggested that was perhaps that was something that could be shared with Commissioners so they could see the date items are completed and review the progress.
Chairman Robertson asked what Mr. Jones can do about assisting with the final review. Mr. Jones stated that he sent an email and that he would need to have the final review process explained.
Commissioners discussed the spreadsheet idea and Chairman Robertson thought they could take a handful of the applications to monitor the progress. Commissioner Pinkerton stated that we have to move faster. Chairman Robertson stated that the worst decision, was no decision at all.
Greg Lamberty entered the meeting at 9:15 a.m.
The meeting with Mr. Jones ended at 9:15 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the Certificates of Residency for Daniel Holman, John Holman, Jackson Holman and Wyatt Phebus. Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners reviewed claims for payment. Fund totals are as follows:
Current Expense $ 56,423.02
Road & Bridge 984,070.10
Airport 7,491.77
District Court 7,331.83
Justice Fund 76,255.97
911 Funds 5,326.07
Parks and Recreation 11,192.45
Revaluation 333.68
Solid Waste 24,936.66
Veterans Memorial 51.43
Weeds 354.39
Restorium 22,589.89
Waterways 178.17
Road & Bridge Tribal Fuel Fund 71.46
Grant, Selkirk Coop Weed Mgmt 897.03
Grant, Boat Safety 1,061.64
LATCF Fund 118,641.39
TOTAL $1,317,206.95
Trusts
Auditor’s Trust 2,637.00
Boundary Co. Drug Court Trusts 15.82
Driver’s License Trust 10,844.00
Interlock Device Fund 31.39
Indigent Reimbursements 970.00
Motor Vehicle Trust Acct 190,564.51
Sherriff’s Trust Fund 303.30
Odyssey Court Trust Account 31,237.85
Odyssey Bond Trust Account 1,468.00
Odyssey Restitution Trust Account 1,415.38
TOTAL $239,487.25
GRAND TOTAL $1,556,694.20
Citizens are invited to inspect detailed records on file in the Courthouse (individual claims & Commissioners’ allowance & warrant register record 2024-2025).
Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair and moved to sign and approve lease transfer of Hangar L from Hangar Lima, LLC to K80, LLC. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Addendum to Airport Manager Agreement for 2025-2027. Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Boundary Community Hospital Bylaws for the Board of Trustees. Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair and moved to sign RCIF RFF #2 for Highway 95 Road Access Project RCIF-26-I-01. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair and moved to sign Amendment #1 for Professional Services Contract with Panhandle Area Council for RCIF 26-I-01. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign documents for IDL Grant # 25IRAP-Boundary and choose option A. Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:32 a.m. and stated that he has worked on some things with Clerk Poston, solid waste fees and personnel issues. He will have a short MOU between the Prosecutor and Ambulance District ready for signatures soon.
Chairman Robertson 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 Pinkerton “aye”. The executive session ended at 10:19 a.m. No action was taken.
Economic Development Director David Sims entered the meeting at 10:20 a.m. to provide the EDC report. Mr. Sims stated that Department of Commerce had suggested a letter be sent to the state regarding the bids coming in higher than the engineer’s estimate and grant award. Border crossing numbers are still 30-33% below 2024 numbers. The federal government was in the process of rebuilding the Porthill station at a cost of $40-60 million and Mr. Sims stated he was going to try to attend a walk-through at the facility next week. The GEM grant awards have not been released.
The meeting with Mr. Sims ended at 10:50 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Commissioners attended to administrative duties until their meeting recessed for lunch at 11:55 a.m.
The meeting reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.
Road & Bridge Superintendent Brad Barton and Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals entered the meeting at 1:25 p.m. to provide their report. Mr. Barton stated that they completed 22 miles of chipseal and would begin brooming, dura patching and sign work.
Mr. Ryals stated that a new mechanic started today and they have interviews scheduled for the remaining position. He also mentioned a delay with the drug testing for the operator position.
Mr. Ryals also stated that they will be meeting tomorrow to see where they are at with outstanding invoices and the grant funding. ITD has approved some projects and they are awaiting approval on others for the remaining funds.
The meeting with Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals ended at 1:50 p.m. and they left the meeting.
The 2:00 p.m. Human Resources report was cancelled.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m.
Tuesday, September 9, 2025 1:30 p.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims. Commissioner Tim Bertling attended a NACO meeting in Washington DC.
Solid Waste Superintendent Richard Jenkins entered the meeting at 1:25 p.m. Mr. Jenkins provided a document with information about loaders that were available. Chairman Robertson stated that they would feel more comfortable waiting until all three Commissioners were available to discuss. Commissioner Pinkerton stated that Commissioner Bertling was more familiar with this topic and was also aware of the condition of the current equipment.
Ms. Poston asked if this was budgeted for. Mr. Jenkins responded that it was budgeted in both the current and upcoming budgets.
The meeting with Mr. Jenkins was rescheduled for September 22nd.
The meeting with Mr. Jenkins ended at 1:45 p.m. and he left the meeting.
At 2:00 p.m. Commissioners held a public hearing to review FILE #25-0044 for the Area of Impact proposals from the City of Bonners Ferry and the City of Moyie. Those in attendance were: Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims, Planning & Zoning Administrator Ben Jones, P&Z staff Clare Marley, Terry Capruso, Donna Capruso, Jeanine Betsher, David Miller, Karla Capoferri, Connie Miller, Jeffrey Capoferri, City of Moyie Councilman Les Love, Bruce Merrifield, Carol Lucero, Rosimeire Dasilva, Colleen Carr, Michael Hayashi, City of Bonners Ferry Administrator Mike Klaus, Kirsten Lange, Adrienne Norris, Valerie Strugar, Rick Polland, Olga Ilie, Wynne Rozner, Susanne Rozner, Jim Hill, Jeff Strugar, City of Moyie Councilman Jacob Francom, Russ Maas, Cindy Maas, Beate Clark, Casey West, Nadine Sulier, and Greg Garrisen. The hearing was recorded.
Chairman Robertson opened the public hearing and stated that Commissioners are conducting this hearing to review the Area of Impact proposals that were submitted to either accept, reject or modify the cities’ requested AOI boundaries and to consider ordinances opting the AOIs.
Ms. Marley explained that the State of Idaho rebuilt the law and stated that the new language provided in the statute says it was up to the County to adopt the areas of impact and they have until December 31st to do so. The areas included should be where growth and development are expected to occur and have a likelihood of extension of city services in the next 5 years. Being within the AOI does not affect property taxes or mean that property was being annexed into the city, but it did allow for that. The BOCC has 90 days to act and they make the final decision.
Ms. Marley provided the staff report for the City of Bonners Ferry and stated that the city Administrator did the mapping for their submission to avoid conflict of interest. They chose to reduce their Area of City Impact and have requested five parcels to be included in the new AOI. They also have received verbal interest in annexation from the property owners. No written comments were received.
Ms. Marley then provided the staff report for the City of Moyie Springs and stated that the city submitted their request to match the existing Area of City Impact, noting that it was still sufficient. Ms. Marley stated that 182 notices were sent to property owners and that 3 written comments were received expressing concerns over annexation.
Chairman Robertson asked the applicants to present and Mr. Klaus for the City of Bonners Ferry stated that he had worked with Council to put together the map provided. They decided to include only as far as the City could reasonably reach and only to those that have expressed interest in annexation.
Chairman Robertson asked about water, sewer and electric for the parcels. Mr. Klaus responded that they either already have it or it was close by. Chairman Robertson asked if the larger parcels are subdivided would the City of Bonners Ferry still be able to provide services. Mr. Klaus responded yes and stated that one of the parcel owners has expressed interest on a possible development.
Chairman Robertson opened the hearing up to public comment and limited participants to 3 minutes. He called for anyone who wished to speak in favor of the application. No one spoke.
Chairman Robertson then called for anyone who wished to speak as neutral. Ms. Norris asked for clarification on colored areas on the map and if other properties owned by the same owner were also included.
Rick Polland asked about property at the end of Division Street. Chairman Robertson stated that we are discussing the City of Bonners Ferry currently and the City of Moyie will follow.
Chairman Robertson called for anyone to speak in opposition. No one spoke.
Chairman Robertson asked if Mr. Klaus had anything to add in his rebuttal. Mr. Klaus stated that the areas marked in red have already been annexed as well as the Poston property just south of the red area. Only one parcel referenced by Ms. Norris was included.
Chairman Robertson asked if there was concern about the highway being a shoestring down the middle. Ms. Marley responded that they considered that and asked the City’s attorney for an opinion. She stated that they considered the highway in the earlier annexation, so it was contiguous and no shoestring.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked if that would put more pressure on them to be included in the Area of Impact. Mr. Klaus didn’t think so, the process would not be any more difficult and the Idaho legislature took the power out of the City’s hands and gave it to the County.
Ms. Marley then explained the process of voluntary and involuntary annexation. She stated that annexation would be an entirely different step from this process.
Mr. Klaus added that they truly wanted to focus 5 years into the future and no more.
Chairman Robertson then asked for the City of Moyie Springs to present and Councilman Love stated that when this was brought to their attention, the Council decided to stay with the same City Area of Impact rather than change it. They felt it was the quickest. The current Council does not know how the current City Area of Impact was developed because it was done before any of them were elected.
Chairman Robertson referenced the number of parcels included in their map and said that Idaho Code references areas where it was expected to serve water and sewer in the next five years. Councilman Love responded they would not be able to provide sewer. Chairman Robertson stated that limits us on what can be included then.
There was discussion concerning the City’s capacity for both water and sewer. Chairman Robertson then asked if they were to think about a 5-year plan, there would be no expansion outside of the city limits during that time. Councilman Love responded that was correct.
Chairman Robertson then asked Ms. Marley if they could waive the public comment portion based on their findings. Ms. Marley suggested that they continue so that they could gather the public’s concerns.
Chairman Robertson called for those who wish to speak in favor of the application. No one spoke. He then called for those that wish to speak as neutral.
Ms. Norris stated that the problem was that there wasn’t enough water capacity in the 3-mile area for fire suppression. Chairman Robertson asked her to keep her comments on the City of Moyie. Ms. Norris stated she felt fire suppression should be considered.
Chairman Robertson called for those who wish to speak in opposition.
Mr. Capruso stated that he had provided written testimony and also read a definition for area of influence and Idaho Code §67-6526. Ms. Marley was given permission to comment and she stated that the area of code he was referring to was in a later stage if there wasn’t agreement or overlap. We are in the initial or earlier stages at this time.
Ms. Lange stated that it sounded like Moyie did not have a good plan in place at this time. She had a problem giving a blanket approval when they didn’t have enough services, but they were looking for property.
Mr. Strugar stated that he lived at the end of Division where there are 5, 7, or 10 acre lots. He had concerns about restrictions. He bought property in the county and did not want to be annexed into the city.
Mr. West stated that he was there on behalf of North Bench Fire and that he had concerns about the residential lots funding being absorbed by Moyie Fire. Chairman Robertson stated that if the Area of Impact was adopted, it was not changing the city limits. It was only an Area of Impact. Those homes would still be outside of the Moyie city limits and reside in the county. To be included in the city they would have to go through annexation, which he felt was unlikely.
Mr. Hill stated that he had concerns if the area was annexed into the city, North Bench Fire would seriously be impacted on their ability to fund services throughout the entire North Bench area.
Chairman Robertson closed the public comment and asked for a rebuttal from the City of Moyie.
Councilman Love asked if the city has to have an Area of Impact. Ms. Marley responded that you would not meet the law, and that was a question state wide.
Chairman Robertson suggested that they could have a map that includes the city boundaries with no changes.
Commissioner Pinkerton added that if people ask to be included, the city has the ability to do that.
Chairman Robertson called for a motion for the City of Bonners Ferry.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the Area of Impact proposal for the City of Bonners Ferry, finding that the proposal was in accord with the authority granted to the County by the State of Idaho under IC§67-6526, and based upon the findings as written in the staff report and the draft reasoned statement as written or as amended and read into the record. I further move to direct staff to prepare written findings, a decision letter, ordinance and ordinance summary for the Board of Commissioners future consideration. Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Marley stated that she will provide an ordinance for their consideration at their next business meeting.
Chairman Robertson stated that they had discussed the issues regarding the Area of Impact for the City of Moyie Springs and the city services they can provide. He then asked Ms. Marley for guidance. Ms. Marley provided options for consideration in their motion to remand, deny or approve.
Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair and moved to remand the decision of Area of Impact for the City of Moyie back to Moyie Springs City Council with considerations for 5-year growth plan of sewer and water, and realistic expectations for annexation. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
The hearing ended at 2:48 p.m.
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