Commissioners’ – Week of June 22, 2026

Meeting Date: June 22, 2026 9:00 am

Minutes

Meeting Minutes

***Monday, June 22, 2026 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.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Aiden Tindall, Melody Knaggs Vanhorn, and Kya Alderman. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the Commissioner meeting minutes from the week of June 15th. Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign New Private Road Name Request Form for Love St. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign USFS/Idaho Dept of Lands Report of Inspection for FSR 402 Snow Creek MP 1.7. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign reappointment of Corey Richards to the Board of Guardians. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign USFS Grant Agreement Award for 23-LE-11015600-011. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Change Order #3 for Justice Building. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Greg Lamberty entered the meeting at 9:16 a.m.

Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:35 a.m. Mr. Wilson discussed the records regarding zoning and that the BOCC was the custodian of zoning records. He recommended that due to constant changes, whenever a record needed to be produced it should include a disclaimer that it may not be current.

Mr. Lamberty left the meeting at 9:38 a.m.

Commissioner Bertling moved to go into executive session 74-203(f) to communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. The mere presence of legal counsel at an executive session does not satisfy this requirement. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Robertson “aye”, Commissioner Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”. The executive session ended at 10:15 a.m.

Commissioner Bertling moved to proceed as directed. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

The meeting with Mr. Wilson ended at 10:16 a.m. and he left the meeting.

Emergency Manager Cory Thatcher entered the meeting at 10:17 a.m.

Mr. Thatcher said that the grant agreement was later than normal because of the government shutdowns. He stated that the grant amount was for $12,991.58 with the same amount as cash match and a total of $25,983.16.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Emergency Management Grant Agreement EMPG25EM1100. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Thatcher stated that they just opened the state level of the grants and he would look into it and have more information soon. He was still working with FEMA on the Emergency Declaration. It was a very slow process. He was optimistic that the county might get some money back into the Road & Bridge budget for the hours spent on cleanup.

The meeting with Mr. Thatcher ended at 10:44 a.m. and he left the meeting.

EDC Director David Sims entered the meeting at 10:50 a.m.

At 11:00 a.m. Commissioners held an RFP opening for the Energy Efficiency grant. Those present were: Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims, and EDC Director David Sims. The proceeding was recorded.

Chairman Robertson opened the proceeding and stated we received two proposals. They are as follows:

  • ACI Northwest Inc. $31,691.00 (ground level) and $29,982.00 for (above ceiling)
  • Bill’s Heating Air Appliance Repair LLC dba Bill’s Heating & A/C $20,994.00

The proceeding ended at 11:05 a.m.

Mr. Sims reviewed the documents with Commissioners and stated that he would prepare sheets so that they could score the proposals. A time was scheduled later in the day.

Donna Griffin with SPOT entered the meeting at 11:25 a.m.

Mr. Sims left the meeting at 11:34 a.m.

Ms. Griffin stated that she had sent in her budget request of $6,500 in May which was a $1,350 increase over the previous year. She then reviewed who was on the Boundary Committee to advise the board, SPOT’s Mission Statement and the number of riders. She added that Boundary does have a generous donor that provides funding and they have requested that the service be for seniors and disabled. They have also requested that the service be provided at no cost to users.

Chairman Robertson asked about the ride numbers. Ms. Griffin responded that the rides to and from are counted separately. Chairman Robertson also asked if they counted the number of people or the ride. Ms. Griffin replied that they count the number of people. Chairman Robertson clarified that the 4H Tour and Fair they would count each person instead of the single ride. Ms. Griffin replied yes, we receive funding for senior riders so we count riders. Commissioner Bertling asked how much more capacity they have. Ms. Griffin replied that they will fill the bus and add more if necessary.

Chairman Robertson asked what the cost was to add the Monday ride. Ms. Griffin replied $16,000 annually. Chairman Robertson asked how many riders are considered for success. Ms. Griffin replied as low as 2 or 3. Chairman Robertson questioned that number, because the costs per person would be too high. Ms. Griffin replied that she didn’t have the details with her and would send more information.

The meeting with Ms. Griffin ended at 11:59 a.m. and she left the meeting.

The meeting recessed for lunch at 12:02 p.m.

The meeting 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.

Road & Bridge Superintendent Brad Barton and Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals entered the meeting at 1:26 p.m. Mr. Barton stated that they have continued crushing ¾ A and B, grading, watering, and dust abatement. The cleanup from the windstorm has been completed as well as mowing and dura patching.  Ditch work was also done in District 5.

Commissioner Bertling moved to go out for bid for FY26-27 County fuel. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Ryals stated that they found a used pickup in Coeur d’Alene that has 119,000 miles and includes most of the equipment they need such as 5th wheel hitch, plow hookups, tool box, bed liner, fire extinguisher etc. The wiring was also in place for lights and other equipment that they already own. Chairman Robertson asked if it was in their budget. Mr. Ryals replied yes, we planned to purchase one this year.  Commissioners agreed to proceed.

Mr. Ryals said he was sill working on the rate fee study for solid waste. He provided a draft document from Great West Engineering regarding how rates are defined for landfills and where Boundary County falls comparably.

Chairman Robertson stated that a resident had asked for an open/closed sign to be placed out closer to the highway for holidays.

The meeting with Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals ended at 1:45 p.m. and they left the meeting.

The appointment for Human Resources was cancelled.

Maintenance Supervisor Squire Fields entered the meeting at 2:00 p.m. and updated Commissioners on the water and electrical issues at the Courthouse and Assessor’s building.

EDC Director David Sims entered the meeting at 2:14 p.m.

Commissioners asked Mr. Fields to move up the start time to ideally have the water off for 2 hours max during the repairs.

Mr. Fields left the meeting at 2:22 p.m.

Commissioners reviewed the bids received for HVAC and completed the scoring sheets.

Mr. Sims left the meeting at 2:34 p.m.

IT Director Matt Hodges entered the meeting at 2:35 p.m. He stated that the website was getting close to launching and permissions for the backend need to be decided. Mr. Hodges reviewed the options and Commissioners chose to provide access so that each department can manage their own page.

Adrienne Norris entered the meeting at 2:53 p.m.

Mr. Hodges then shared a quote regarding a security system for the Justice Building. It was much higher than expected so he will continue to search for other options.

Mr. Hodges left the meeting at 2:54 p.m.

Ms. Norris visited with Commissioners about PHD, Boundary Community Hospital and roads.

Ms. Norris left the meeting at 3:21 p.m.

At 3:30 p.m. Commissioner Pinkerton and Chairman Robertson went to the jail to perform the quarterly jail inspection.

Commissioner Pinkerton and Chairman Robertson returned at 4:20 p.m.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:36 p.m.

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 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.

At 9:00 a.m. the Commissioners held an elected official/department head meeting. Those present were: Weeds Superintendent Kyle Watts, Clerk Glenda Poston, Chief Deputy Caleb Watts, IT Director Matt Hodges, U of I Educator Amy Robertson, Road & Bridge Superintendent Brad Barton and Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals, Assessor Olivia Drake, P&Z Tech Jenn Maynard, Veterans Officer Wayne Olin, Probation Officer Alisa Walker, and Prosecutor Andrakay Pluid.

Commissioners went around the room for office updates from the various departments in attendance.

The meeting ended at 9:50 a.m. and everyone left the meeting.

EDC Director David Sims entered the meeting at 9:50 a.m.

Commissioner Bertling moved to award the Energy Efficiency grant for HVAC to Bill’s Heating Air Appliance Repair, LLC dba Bill’s Heating & A/C with option A. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Sims left the meeting at 9:55 a.m.

IFM Hazardous Fuels Manager John Ailport and IFM Area Manager Garrett Kleiner entered the meeting at 9:57 a.m. USFS Forester Ed Koberstein also entered the meeting.

Commissioner Pinkerton stated that we are getting closer to having an agreement and wanted to know what IFM would be able to assist with to get this started. Commissioner Bertling added are you able to help with property boundaries, forester etc. Mr. Koberstein stated that we will need to have professional land surveyors designate all property boundaries. Mr. Ailport said they do not have licensed surveyors on staff. We can refresh something that was already established but if the lines need to be established, we cannot do that. Mr. Koberstein said that most boundaries have been updated in the last decade, but they will need to be re-established.

Chairman Robertson asked who the USFS uses and if they could share their contact. Mr. Koberstein replied IDIQ and said he would forward information. He then added that the next step was to layout the project with specs, fuels treatment etc. The USFS will be monitoring and NEPA has been done in most of these areas. He asked that they bring forward any questions as they work through the process and it will be important to have an open dialogue.

The discussion then focused on Mountain Meadows with the USFS contracting with the county and Mr. Koberstein suggested that the survey be completed 3 months before the project begins. He also said that it was all on county road, so road work would not need to be done. Commissioner Bertling stated that the costs will need to be built in to the project. Mr. Koberstein added that there also needs to be money for fuels and that the USFS will retain burning unless the county would rather do something different such as grinding. If the USFS was treating slash, the county would pay the USFS to burn it.

Chairman Robertson asked how IFM would be able to assist. Both Mr. Ailport and Mr. Kleiner stated that they work with contractors and would be willing to assist with both timber sales and fuels. They also have biologists and accounting to provide support. Mr. Koberstein suggested starting with the small patch near Mt. Hall to work out the bugs. He then suggested that IFM manage the fuels and timber sales and the county would be the contracting officer running point for road maintenance and land lines. He also said that IFM would set up the timber sales, but the county would solicit contractors. Chairman Robertson noted that we will need to work through the contract with considerable account to separate the different line items to track.

The meeting with USFS and IFM ended at 11:00 a.m. and everyone left the meeting.

The appointment with Boundary Community Hospital BOT was rescheduled for June 30th.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 11:51 a.m.

s/________________________________

BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman

ATTEST:

s/_______________________________

GLENDA POSTON, Clerk

By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk

All times are tentative unless identified as a specific appointment or public hearing & the Board will address items on the agenda as they are completed, which may either shorten or lengthen the times for which items are addressed on the agenda. Claims Review & Approval, Indigent Matters and Junior College Tuition Forms will be discussed & approved and Resolutions will be adopted as time allows. Commissioners’ meetings are held in their chambers, Room 28, in the Boundary County Courthouse, unless otherwise stated. For Commissioners’ meetings that are held at the County Annex Conference Room, that address is 6566 Main Street, Bonners Ferry, Idaho.  

 

Monday, June 22, 2026

9:00 a.m.: Motion to sign Certificates of Residency for Aiden Tindall, Melody Knaggs Vanhorn, and Kya Alderman. Motion to sign Commissioner meeting minutes for the week of June 15th. Cancel/extend various taxes. Motion to sign New Private Road Name Request Form for Love St. Motion to sign USFS/IDaho Dept of Lands Report of Inspection for FSR 402 Snow Creek MP 1.7. Motion to sign reappointment of Corey Richards to the Board of Guardians. Motion to sign USFS Grant or Agreement Award for 23-LE-11015600-011. Motion to sign Change Order #3 for Justice Building. ACTION ITEMS.

9:30 a.m.: County Civil Attorney Bill Wilson – Update on various matters. Executive Session 74-203(f) To communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. The mere presence of legal counsel at an executive session does not satisfy this requirement. ACTION ITEM.

10:30 a.m.: Cory Thatcher, Emergency Management – Discussion/Motion to sign documents regarding Emergency Management grant. ACTION ITEM.

11:00 a.m.: Opening of RFP’s for Energy Efficiency grant.

11:30 a.m.: Donna Griffin SPOT – Discussion regarding budget request.

1:30 p.m.: Road and Bridge Department report. Solid Waste Department Report. Discussion/Motion to go out to bid for FY26-27 County fuel. Discussion/Motion to sign Sales agreement for AT 150M Grader. Discussion/Motion on new used pickup for Road & Bridge. Discussion/Motion on Engineer rate fee study for Solid Waste. ACTION ITEMS.

2:15 p.m.: Human Resources Report. Discussion/Motion regarding classification of position(s).  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. 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. ACTION ITEM.

2:45 p.m.: Matt Hodges – Discussion regarding new website.

3:00 p.m.: Quarterly Jail Inspection.

 

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 (Today’s meetings located at the County Annex)

9:00 a.m.: Elected Officials/department head meeting.

9:30 a.m.: Award proposal for Energy Efficiency Grant. ACTION ITEM.

10:00 a.m.: Bonners Ferry District Ranger Heather Fuller and John Ailport IFM – Discussion regarding working agreements with forest projects.

3:00 p.m.: Boundary Community Hospital – Continued discussion regarding updates on hospital financials.

 

 

 

 

DISCUSSION MAY INCLUDE ANY OTHER TOPICS THAT HAVE BEEN COVERED IN THE PAST. Anyone requiring special accommodation due to disability should contact Boundary County Commissioners’ office at (208) 267-7723 at least two working days prior to the meetings.