***Monday, September 22, 2025 at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.
Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.
P&Z Administrator Ben Jones entered the meeting at 8:58 a.m. and stated that it has been a crazy couple of weeks with calls concerning questions on zoning and extensive public records requests. The number of applications has begun to reduce.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked about the shared spreadsheet they had discussed previously. Mr. Jones stated that he hasn’t started it yet, but planned to in the next couple weeks.
The meeting with Mr. Jones ended at 9:08 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Fay Almond entered the meeting at 9:14 a.m.
Greg Lamberty entered the meeting at 9:19 a.m.
Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:24 a.m. and stated it had been a relatively quiet week. They have a couple pending matters on public records and are still waiting on a personnel issue. He was also working with the Solid Waste Department on how to handle items that are being dumped at the remote sites that are against County Ordinance.
Commissioner Robertson stated that they have considered placing cameras at remote sites in the past. Mr. Wilson added that storage of data for evidentiary value does have a short life for fixed locations.
Lastly, Mr. Wilson stated that he had spoken with the attorney in Coeur d’Alene and she had the complaint ready and was just needing some data to finalize it.
The meeting with Mr. Wilson ended at 9:54 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Commissioner meeting minutes from the weeks of 9/8 and 9/15. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Sheriff Stolley requested that the Valence agreement be delayed while he reviews other options.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign IDL grant documents for 25JC-Boundary. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign bid invitation for cleaning services. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Ordinance 2025-5 for P&Z File #25-0044 City of Bonners Ferry Area of Impact. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
BOUNDARY COUNTY, IDAHO ORDINANCE NO. 2025-5
BOUNDARY COUNTY PLANNING & ZONING FILE # 25-0044
CITY OF BONNERS FERRY AREA OF IMPACT
AN ORDINANCE OF BOUNDARY COUNTY, IDAHO, ESTABLISHING AN AREA OF IMPACT FOR THE CITY OF BONNERS FERRY, IDAHO, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF IDAHO CODE §67-6526, BY SETTING FORTH THE BOUNDARIES OF THE AREA OF IMPACT; CONFIRMING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION CODES, AND LAND USE PLANNING REGULATIONS ADOPTED BY BOUNDARY COUNTY ARE APPLICABLE WITHIN THE AREA OF IMPACT; REPEALING ALL AREA OF CITY IMPACT ORDINANCES ADOPTED BY BOUNDARY COUNTY FOR THE CITY OF BONNERS FERRY; AND PROVIDING SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the Constitution of the State of Idaho, Article XII, Section 2, and Title 31, Chapter 7 provides authority for the Boundary County Board of Commissioners to adopt ordinances necessary to provide for the safety, health, and prosperity of its inhabitants, and for the protection of property; and
WHEREAS, the Idaho State Legislature in 2024 enacted legislation amending Section §67-6526 to eliminate the Areas of City Impact (ACIs) and provide new requirements to establish Areas of Impact (AOIs) for Idaho’s cities by December 31, 2025, and;
WHEREAS, the Bonners Ferry City Council provided to Boundary County Commissioners its recommendation for the boundaries and ordinance provisions for its AOI, in accord with IC §67-6526; and
WHEREAS, Boundary County has reviewed Bonners Ferry’s request to establish its Area of Impact and finds that the proposed boundaries and the provisions for the county’s authority within the AOI are in accord with the standards of IC §67-6526; and
WHEREAS, Boundary County recognizes, per Idaho Code §67-6526, that the Area of Impact is a tool to plan for growth and development and the county should provide the city with notice and the ability to provide input on land use developments within the established Area of Impact;
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §67-6526 (1)(a) confirms that cities do not govern or control decisions on land use applications submitted to counties within the Areas of Impact and that Boundary County’s land use and floodplain regulations and adopted comprehensive plan shall apply within the established Area of Impact; and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Board of Commissioners held a duly noticed public hearing in accord with the notice and hearing procedures of Idaho Code §67-6509 on September 9, 2025, at which time interested persons had the right to be heard regarding the proposed ordinance.
NOW THEREFORE, Be it ordained by the Board of County Commissioners of Boundary County, Idaho that the City of Bonners Ferry Area of Impact ordinance is hereby adopted, as follows:
ADOPTION:
Section 1: Purpose:
The purpose of this ordinance is to establish an Area of Impact (AOI) for the City of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, pursuant to Idaho Code §67-6526. An Area of Impact is an area where growth and development are expected to occur. Lands within the Area of Impact remain within the jurisdiction of Boundary County. The city will be afforded the opportunity to comment on land use applications within the AOI.
Section 2: Criteria:
Idaho Code §67-6526 (4) sets forth the criteria for establishing an AOI, which includes subsection (a): i) Anticipated commercial and residential growth; ii) Geographic factors; iii) Transportation infrastructure and systems, including connectivity; iv) Areas where municipal or public sewer and water are expected to be provided within five (5) years; v) other public service district boundaries and subsection (b): the areas that are very likely to be annexed to the city within the next five (5) years and area that does not extend more than two (2) miles from the existing city limits.
Section 3: Adoption of Area of Impact Map for Bonners Ferry:
The Area of Impact map for the City of Bonners Ferry, Idaho shall be as depicted on Exhibit A of this ordinance and is hereby incorporated by reference.
Section 4: Jurisdiction:
Boundary County’s adopted comprehensive plan, land use regulations, flood damage prevention codes, road standards, and any other county laws, policies, or regulations related to land use development shall apply within the adopted Area of Impact. Boundary County has the authority to administer all land use permits, applications, and enforcement within the established Area of Impact.
Section 5: Coordination with City:
Boundary County shall notify the City of Bonners Ferry of any proposed county land use applications within the AOI that require public hearings, including subdivisions, variances, conditional use permits, road vacations, text amendments, mapping amendments, comprehensive plan updates, or zone changes. The county shall provide the notice and invitation to comment on the land use proposal not later than fifteen (15) days prior to the public hearing. The city shall have the right to suggest terms and conditions pertinent to the application being considered, relative to the effects of the development on the Area of Impact. Boundary County may consider the city recommendations in making its land use decisions, but is not bound by the city comments.
Section 6: Modifications:
The county and city shall review the established AOI at least every five (5) years to determine whether any modifications are warranted. Modifications may be initiated by the city or county sooner than five (5) years if changes in growth patterns, service needs, or other issues warrant a re-examination of the AOI boundaries. The procedures for consideration of a modification to the AOI boundaries shall be as set forth in Idaho Code §67-6526.
Section 7: Repealer Clause:
Upon the effective date of this ordinance, all previous ordinances establishing the City of Bonners Ferry Area of City Impact previously adopted by Boundary County are hereby repealed, including Ordinances and Instrument Numbers: 95-2 (#0175736); 97-2 (#186865); and 2006-3 (#226681).
Section 8: Severability
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this title is held to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this title and they shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 9: Effective Date
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon the passage and publication of the ordinance or ordinance summary in one (1) issue of the official newspaper for Boundary County, in accordance with the Idaho State Code.
This ordinance duly enacted as an ordinance of Boundary County, Idaho on this 22nd day of September, 2025, upon the following roll call vote:
ROLL CALL:
Commission Chair Robertson “aye” s/_________________________________
Commissioner Bertling “aye” s/_________________________________
Commissioner Pinkerton ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬“aye” s/________________________________
APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE SUMMARY
Publication of the ordinance by summary in the official newspaper is hereby approved by the Boundary County Commissioners on this 22nd day of September, 2025, upon the following roll call vote:
ROLL CALL:
Commission Chair Robertson “aye” s/_________________________________
Commissioner Bertling “aye” s/_________________________________
Commissioner Pinkerton ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬“aye” s/_________________________________
ATTEST:
s/________________________ ___9/22/25_____________
Glenda Poston Date
Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded Instrument #301048
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Findings & Decisions letter for File #25-0044. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign contract amendment #1 for RCIF-26-I-01. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign transfer of asset tag #11900. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Solid Waste Superintendent Richard Jenkins entered the meeting at 9:25 a.m. Mr. Jenkins stated that they have started work on the office which has stopped 90% of the water from coming in. They are now ready to install gutters at a cost of $1,135.00 which should also help.
Mr. Jenkins provided the contract with Alta Science & Engineering and stated that DEQ will pay the County to do the land clearing. Chairman Robertson asked if legal had reviewed the contract. Mr. Jenkins stated yes and read the email from Mr. Wilson approving the agreement. The fence work will start on October 6th.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Professional Services Subcontract Agreement with Alta Science & Engineering. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Jenkins then provided information on lease options for CAT 972 Wheel Loaders with a variety of service warranty hours. Chairman Robertson asked if the failsafe warranty was still included if they were to buy it outright. Mr. Jenkins responded yes.
Commissioner Bertling wanted to know what was included in the warranty. Mr. Jenkins responded everything until you hit the number of hours included in the warranty.
Ms. Poston stated that if they were considering using funds from the Landfill Closure Fund, she suggested that they check with Treasurer Economu to see what funds were available as well as the auditors for their input.
Commissioner Bertling asked if they had any used loaders or dozers. Mr. Jenkins responded no.
Commissioners asked Mr. Jenkins to get figures with 8-10,000 hours for comparison. They also asked him to talk to Treasurer Economu on the availability of funds. Mr. Jenkins will also coordinate with Ms. Poston to discuss with the auditors.
Commissioners asked if the brakes were fixed on the compactor. Mr. Jenkins stated they were not fixed yet, but the mechanic would be coming soon.
The meeting with Mr. Jenkins ended at 10:55 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Laci Lowther, Executive Director for Boundary County Victim Services, entered the meeting at 11:28 a.m. and introduced two new Victim Services employees that started in June. Chairman Robertson provided the support letter for Ms. Lowther to review and stated that they expanded the letter from previous years and asked if she had any questions.
Ms. Lowther asked if it still included the panic button. Chairman Robertson stated yes, they felt that was important for everyone in the building to have.
Ms. Lowther then provided statistics stating January-June they served 343 individuals with 6900 services and nearly 500 phone calls. She thanked the Commissioners for the phone and office space provided.
Commissioner Bertling asked if they were all from Boundary County. Ms. Lowther stated that the majority are. Some have a second home here or are traveling through. She added that their federal funding had been reduced by $27,000 so she was searching for additional funding to fill in the gap.
Chairman Robertson asked what federal agency do the funds come from. Ms. Lowther responded Department of Justice. She added that Victim Services provides funding for hotels, emergency shelter, and resources for appointments. She added that there are four full-time employees including herself.
Chairman Robertson asked if other counties have something similar. Ms. Lower responded yes, but they are either community or system based. Boundary County Victim Services serves both.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the letter of support for Boundary County Victim Services. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with Ms. Lowther ended at 11:43 a.m. and she left the meeting.
Commissioners adjourned for lunch at noon.
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.
Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals entered the meeting at 1:27 p.m. and stated that they completed sign work on White Mountain and Kootenai Trail, watering on Eileen and grading on Clifty View Rd. Spot grading has taken place on a number of roads throughout the county to address the worst areas. Because of their funding agreement, they will not grade the entire road until after the start of the next fiscal year which is October 1. Mr. Ryals stated that they have also removed some overhanging tree limbs along several roads.
Next week they plan to do more pit maintenance and crushing, dura patch, brooming, and hauling sand. The new mechanic will start on October 6 and a BATT meeting was scheduled for September 24th. The last operator position has been filled.
Reporter for the Bonners Ferry Herald, Noah Harris, entered the meeting at 1:50 p.m.
The meeting with Mr. Ryals ended at 1:53 p.m. and he left the meeting.
Commissioners visited with Mr. Harris about his background and where he was from.
Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting at 1:55 p.m.
Sheriff Travis Stolley entered the meeting at 2:00 p.m.
Ms. Barton provided documents for Commissioners to sign for job postings and Commissioners reviewed a recent application received.
Mr. Harris left the meeting at 2:10 p.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to go into executive session 74-206(a) to consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, wherein the respective qualities of individuals are to be evaluated in order to fill a particular vacancy or need. This paragraph does not apply to filling a vacancy in an elective office or deliberations about staffing needs in general and 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. The executive session ended at 3:00 p.m. No action was taken.
Sheriff Stolley and Ms. Barton left the meeting at 3:03 p.m.
At 3:10 p.m. Chairman Robertson and Commissioner Bertling visited the jail for the quarterly inspection. Commissioners returned at 3:43 p.m.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 4:06 p.m.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims. Chairman Robertson was absent.
At 9:00 a.m. Commissioners held an elected officials/department head meeting. Those in attendance were: Personnel Director Pam Barton, Veterans Service Officer Ron Self, Emergency Services Andrew O’Neel, Clerk Glenda Poston, Noxious Weeds Superintendent Dave Wenk, Alicia Ray with SIF, IT Director Matt Hodges, Solid Waste Superintendent Richard Jenkins, University of Idaho Extension Educator Amy Robertson, Planning & Zoning Administrator Ben Jones, Road & Bridge Superintendent Brad Barton, Road & Bridge Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals, Assessor Olivia Drake, Treasurer Jenny Economu, Restorium Supervisor Janay Smith, Sheriff Travis Stolley, Acting Chief Deputy Caleb Watts, Maintenance Supervisor Squire Field, and Probation Officer Alisa Walker.
Commissioners went around the room for office updates from the various departments in attendance.
Alicia Ray with the State Insurance Fund gave a presentation regarding workman’s compensation requirements and recent changes for workplace injuries.
The meeting ended at 9:50 a.m. and everyone left the meeting.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 10:05 a.m.
s/________________________________
TIM BERTLING, Acting Chairman
s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk