Commissioners’ – Week of July 13, 2026

Meeting Minutes

***Monday, July 13, 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.

Assessor Olivia Drake entered the meeting at 8:55 a.m.

Commissioner Bertling moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and reconvene as the BOE. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

At 9:00 a.m. Commissioners were presented a document which contained the adjustments for the 2026 property assessment roll. Those present were Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims and Assessor Olivia Drake. The proceeding was recorded.

Ms. Drake stated that under authority granted in Title 63, Chapter 5 of Idaho Code, she requested the following adjustments to the 2026 Property Assessment Roll:

• Parcel #RP01160001042AA had a cabin that was destroyed by fire and she requested a total value of $58,220 with no HE applied.
• Parcel #MH00030000025AA had a manufactured home that was destroyed by fire in 2025 but not reported until June 2026. Ms. Drake requested a decrease in value of $14,670.
• Parcel #MH61N03E154790A and RP61N03E154790A had a duplicate assessment so she requested a decrease in value of $75,490.

There were also 8 different parcels to add the Homeowners Exemption to. The applications were submitted after the appeal deadline of June 22^nd and before close of BOE on July 13, 2026.

Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the recommended value changes as read. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to add the Homeowner Exemptions to the eight properties listed and to also include anything received by 5:00 p.m. today. The parcels listed were: RP60N01E072740A, RP62N02E073000A, RP62N03E308417A, RPM05300000080A, RP62N02E118865A, RP64N01E287510A, RP62N01E117430A, RP00825000019AA. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to adjourn as the BOE and reconvene as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Ms. Drake stated that she was still waiting on additional quotes for the postage machine/contract. She thought she would have that information by next week.

Greg Lamberty entered the meeting at 9:11 a.m.

The meeting with Ms. Drake ended at 9:12 a.m. and she left the meeting.

Marie Garrett entered the meeting at 9:24 a.m.

Ms. Garrett stated that exempt records have been used to harass her family. She has indexed viral content in death threats and in-person danger where her children and family are targeted. It was immediate and ongoing and was asking the Commissioners to take action to prevent further harm. She wants her children and home address removed from records and asked for appropriate redactions.

Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:31 a.m.

Ms. Garrett asked that the statement be entered into the record.

Mr. Wilson stated that it was a relatively quiet week. He has been working on a grader agreement, but they don’t have all of the lease documents to move forward with it yet. Commissioners informed him of the changes at the hospital.

Ms. Poston asked for clarification on the processing of records requests. We need departments to respond with records and asked Mr. Wilson to help facilitate that. He stated that he could reach out.

The meeting with Mr. Wilson ended at 9:38 a.m. and he left the meeting.

Ms. Garrett asked what are the safeguards that the county was complying with the Statutes for PRR. Chairman Robertson stated that you need to understand that Commissioners are removed from that process.  Ms. Garrett said that there was a line drawn when people are using it as a weapon to stalk and harass families. Chairman Robertson replied that no one here was intentionally doing that. He then stated that they needed to move onto the items on their agenda.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Commissioner meeting minutes from the week of June 22. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the joint letter with the Hospital BOT’s. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the property tax cancellation including late fee and interest for parcel #RP61N01E040571A due to the date of the Bill Pay check of 6/18/26 but not received until 6/29/26. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Ms. Garrett left the meeting at 9:45 a.m.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Bid Protest Decision for the Airport Runway project. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Lamberty left the meeting at 9:50 a.m.

Probation Officer Alisa Walker entered the meeting at 9:58 a.m. and stated that they will be doing some home visits with the drug dog this week. She also discussed probation requirements and standards. She hoped that those on probation can be successful so that they don’t repeat past behaviors. Housing was a big part of success.

She added that misdemeanor cases are increasing. They received the new car from southern Idaho and they have been happy with it. It came with everything expected including a full cage for the dog. The City of Bonners Ferry also donated a radio. Ms. Walker added that the All Rise conference was in Nashville next week and many offices from District 1 would be in attendance. They will be participating with a booth at the fair with k9 demos and activities for the kids.

Chairman Robertson said they received her request for additional space, but won’t know what’s available until after the Justice Center was complete and offices are moved.

The meeting with Ms. Walker ended at 10:21 a.m. and she left the meeting.

Commissioners reviewed claims for payment. Fund totals are as follows:

Current Expense                                             $    118,779.58

Road & Bridge                                                        264,479.78

Airport                                                                         16,151.45

District Court                                                               7,840.53

Fair, County                                                               60,630.00

Justice Fund                                                               94,386.92

911 Funds                                                                     5,371.70

Historical Society & Museum                              36,000.00

Hospital, Operation                                              108,000.00

Parks and Recreation                                               8,869.49

Revaluation                                                                     419.71

Solid Waste                                                                41,211.68

Veterans Memorial                                                       810.82

Weeds                                                                         14,624.01

County EMS                                                                     359.97

Restorium                                                                  24,129.31

Waterways                                                                       179.54

Road & Bridge Tribal Fuel Fund                                  69.01

Grant, Airport                                                           61,122.84

Grant, Selkirk Coop Weed Mgmt                         1,374.80

Opioid Settlement Fund                                          3,500.00

LATCT Fund                                                             528,916.73

             TOTAL                                                   $1,397,227.37

Trusts

Auditors Trust – Misc                                               6,528.60

Beverage License                                                           155.00

Boundary Co. Drug Court Trusts                          1,539.78

Driver’s License Trust                                            10,099.50

Indigent Reimbursements                                          897.16

Motor Vehicle Trust Acct                                   203,255.35

Sheriff’s Trust Fund                                                      727.15

Sheriff’s Special Projects                                       17,626.32

Odyssey Court Trust Account                             32,615.98

Odyssey Bond Trust Account                                 3,142.50

Odyssey Restitution Trust Account                     5,157.47

                                TOTAL                                     $281,744.81

                                GRAND TOTAL                $1,678,972.68

Citizens are invited to inspect detailed records on file in the Courthouse (individual claims & Commissioners’ allowance & warrant register record 2025-2026).

At 10:40 a.m. Commissioners reviewed the Title I, II and III options for SRS and decided to stay with the same as the previous year. Commissioner Bertling will reach out to IAC to discuss further and submit.

Restorium Supervisor Janay Smith entered the meeting at 11:34 a.m. and said that this was the first time the new admin had prepared the report and her new computer was also recently installed so they are still working through some bugs. The new employee was doing very well. Ms. Smith reviewed the overdue accounts and the status of each. She felt they were making progress. The assessment was currently at 30.

She said the Medicaid average was down because a resident that was at a higher rate had been discharged. They are also reviewing some accounting software and were hoping to get one that included pharmacy.

Commissioner Pinkerton left the meeting at 11:53 a.m. for an appointment.

Ms. Smith said they are looking at reimbursement for Medicaid transportation and are also considering changing the reimbursement so that payments come directly to avoid the payee issues they have been experiencing. She would like to look into fingerprinting to see if they can find something closer. Commissioners asked her to check with the Sheriff.

The meeting with Ms. Smith ended at 12:03 p.m. and she left the meeting.

The meeting recessed for lunch at 12:04 p.m.

The meeting reconvened for the afternoon session at 1:30 p.m. with Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims. Commissioner Pinkerton was absent.

Road & Bridge Superintendent Brad Barton and Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals entered the meeting at 1:28 p.m. Mr. Barton stated that they have continued with dust abatement and finished up the mowing for now. They will need to mow again later in the season. They hauled 60 loads of spoils off of Moon Shadow and Aspen that will be used for cover at the landfill. They also completed a small amount of dura patching and plan to remove the tree at the fairgrounds this week.

Mr. Ryals said that they did a considerable amount of grinding last week at the landfill and started pulling material back along the west side for the fence installation. They hope to have that trued up this week. Sutton was scheduled to arrive tomorrow to begin baling of the metal pile.

The meeting with Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals ended at 1:42 p.m. and they left the meeting.

IT Director Matt Hodges entered the meeting at 2:13 p.m.

Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting at 2:14 p.m. and said that the Classification Committee met on July 7^th regarding the Payroll Deputy Clerk position. Both the old and new job descriptions graded at 13 and she would like to start at grade 12 so that there was room for DOE. Ms. Poston confirmed that it would be nice to start at the lessor and have room to move up. Commissioners agreed.

Ms. Barton then asked if they were ready to revisit the classification of the Detention Deputy position. It also graded the same with the job description change and asked if they were still okay with that. Commissioners stated that they were torn, because they don’t yet know what the job will entail with the Justice Center. Ms. Barton also asked about security and what building(s) they would be monitoring. Mr. Hodges said that he would like to lock that in soon so that he can get items ordered by the end of the month.

Commissioners agreed to keep the Detention Deputy at grade 13 for now and if the position morphed into something else, they would revisit.

Mr. Hodges left the meeting at 2:28 p.m.

Ms. Barton provided documents for signatures.

The meeting with Ms. Barton ended at 2:34 p.m. and she left the meeting.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:52 p.m.

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

At 2:00 p.m. Commissioners held a public hearing for FILE #26-0101, RURAL SUBDIVISION VIA SHORT PLAT, THE GARY DOYLE & DORINE DOYLE FAMILY TRUST. Those in attendance were: Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, P&Z Staff Tess Vogel, P&Z Tech Jenn Maynard, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims, Julie Newcomb, Seamus Newcomb, Gerry Mucha, Kathy Mucha, E.F. Newcomb, Ryan Farrens, Dick Staples with JRS, and Coral Koberstein with JRS. The hearing was recorded.

Chairman Robertson read the project description stating that the applicant was requesting preliminary plat approval for D.P. & E. Estates, a rural subdivision via short plat, to divide 70.301 acres into seven (7) lots ranging from 10 acres to 10.078 acres in the Agriculture/Forestry zone. The Agriculture/Foresty zone district requires lot size minimums of 10 acres. The parcel was located off Gail Lane and Tiger Lily and was identified as Assessor’s Parcel RP62N02E117211A in Section 11, Township 62 North, Range 2 East. Commissioners cited no disclosures or conflicts of interest.

Ms. Vogel reviewed the hearing procedures and staff report. She said that the applicant would like to split 70 acres into 7 lots that are approximately 10 acres each and showed a map of the plot configuration and proposed road (Tiger Lily). The application had been routed to agencies with addressing replying that an application had been received, but the naming committee had not yet responded. Road & Bridge stated that access permit 26-0072 was on file and the Assessor replied that they would update the parcel map with new parcel numbers when finalized/recorded. Panhandle Health provided their standard letter regarding septic/wells. Curley Creek Fire provided a letter which contained concerns over the road and accessibility.  Edward and Julie Newcomb also provided a letter with concerns over the road. Commissioners had no questions for staff.

Chairman Robertson asked the applicant if they had any comments to add. Mr. Staples stated that he had no further comments. Chairman Robertson asked if Commissioners had questions for the applicant. He then asked if the road was 40 ft. Mr. Staples replied that the easement was 40 ft. Chairman Robertson asked if the road can be widened. Mr. Staples replied yes, it probably can. Chairman Robertson then asked how wide the cul-de-sac was. Mr. Staples replied 50 ft radius. Commissioner Pinkerton asked if the cul-de-sac was on flat ground. Mr. Staples replied that he was not sure. Commissioners had no further questions.

Chairman Robertson then opened the hearing to public comment and asked if anyone wished to speak in favor of the application. No one spoke. Chairman Robertson then asked for anyone that wished to speak as neutral. Mr. Newcomb stated that he would like to speak as both neutral and against. He added that the property owner had the right to develop the property, but he had concerns about that going forward.

Chairman Robertson then asked Mr. Newcomb to continue with his comments against the application. Mr. Newcomb said that there were multiple issues with the road that would serve the properties. He stated that the maintenance of Gail Ln was funded by the Newcomb’s for all properties along the road. It works now, but he wanted them to understand that the grading was wrong, there was a steep section that washes out with heavy rain and it was not wide enough for cars to pass, nor are there any places to pull off. In the winter there was no place to push the snow so it becomes even more narrow and very slick with ice. If you add an additional three cars per household the traffic would increase considerably and the current road cannot handle that. Mr. Newcomb said the road would need considerable work to handle the additional traffic. Lastly, he had concerns about all the additional wells and water rights for his farm.

Mr. Farrens provided exhibit(s) A, B, and C. He stated that Gail Ln cuts through the middle of his property and he has installed a gate to keep people out. There have been many close calls and was concerned about more traffic. The dust was bad in the summer and winter it was dangerous. Sometimes, the Newcomb’s employee can’t get up the hill and parks his vehicle on Mr. Farrens property and walks up to the farm. He was currently fine with that, but would not be if others also had to do the same.

Seamous Newcomb stated that there was a hairpin turn at the bottom where there have been many near head-on accidents. It was a skating rink in the winter. The road needs to be widened for safety.

Ms. Mucha said that she lives off of Cove Ln and had concerns about these new lots potentially using Cove Ln in the future.

Commissioner Bertling asked what was the total easement on Gail Lane. Mr. Staples replied that it had a 30 ft easement and 40 ft going into the property. Commissioner Bertling reconfirmed that the cul-de-sac was 50 ft each lane and 100 ft across. Commissioners had no further questions.

Chairman Robertson asked the applicant to present their rebuttal. Mr. Staples had no further comment. Chairman Robertson called for deliberation. Commissioner Pinkerton agreed with the Newcomb’s letter. He stated that we don’t have P&Z requirements on how to build private roads. There wasn’t a standard to hold everyone to. Commissioner Bertling replied but we can include stipulations. Chairman Robertson replied we have added stipulations to roads before. However, we have to clearly define what that was in our reasons. Ms. Vogel agreed it would need to be defined and cannot be capricious.

Commissioner Bertling referred to stipulations they have applied in the past. The question on maintenance was a civil issue. We can request that they create one, but the county cannot enforce it. Chairman Robertson asked if they were thinking of making modifications to the road to make it safe for vehicles to pass. Commissioner Pinkerton replied that he felt it should be as wide as the easement allowed. Commissioner Bertling agreed and said once it was on their own property they could do what they wanted. Chairman Robertson felt that it should be the same throughout. If you require it on one section it needs to continue. He also added that none of this will make it perfect. We are trying to find a happy medium. Commissioner Pinkerton said that seven lots was significant. He also thought they needed to consider emergency services.

Ms. Vogel asked them to clarify their request. Commissioner Bertling said 20 ft minimum for all of Gail Lane and (proposed) Tiger Lily all the way to the cul-de-sac. It was also requested to include ditches where applicable.

Chairman Robertson asked if they were making the project unaffordable by requiring these upgrades. Commissioners Bertling and Pinkerton both replied no, this was at the beginning of the project and they could work that out in the sale of the properties. Commissioner Bertling added that by enhancing the road, it would assist in the sale.

Ms. Vogel asked if they were requiring this prior to final plat or within a certain timeframe after the final plat. Commissioners agreed to the requirement prior to final plat.

Commissioners continued to work through their decision-making work sheet. Chairman Robertson called for a motion.

Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the preliminary plat for D.P. & E. Estates, a proposed rural subdivision, File #26-0101, and direct staff to prepare written findings, a reasoned decision, and terms and conditions of approval, finding that the preliminary plat is in accord with the applicable zoning and subdivision standards of the Boundary County Land Use Ordinance, based up on the findings as written and conditions as amended and read into the record by staff and add a new condition #8, and based upon the reasoned statements as read into the record during deliberation. This action does not result in the taking of private property.  Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

The hearing ended at 2:50 p.m.

Ms. Vogel provided a brief P&Z update stating that they have a P&Z Commission hearing scheduled in August regarding permit transferability. A separate hearing will then be scheduled for Commissioners to make a decision on the proposed amendment. P&Z will then move onto the zone use chart.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:13 p.m.

Thursday, July 16, 2026

8:01 a.m. An Emergency Meeting was called by Chairman Robertson. Those present were Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston and Emergency Manager Cory Thatcher.

Mr. Thatcher provided IDL with a formal declaration at 8:30 a.m. pertaining to the Turner Hill Fire.

The fire, named Turner Hill, was estimated to be at 400 acres.  There have been resources requested but as of this time and date nothing has been received on site.  There are approximately 40 structures threatened and approximately 110-120 people evacuated.  There was the possibility of a storm front moving in this afternoon, which was of concern.

Mr. Thatcher reported that it was not a full crown fire but a partial. North Bench Fire has been assisting along with other fire districts in the area. City resources are not available. North Bench Fire does need to be called out by the Sheriff.

IDL was concerned with the fire’s path and structures. But they are only able to be involved with the ground/trees and not structures. Two strike teams have been ordered, but it was unclear when they will arrive. Mr. Thatcher was aware of one team that was coming with a mixture of equipment to support structures. Part of the fire did affect Tribal ground.

The incident command area will be setup at the Middle School, Mr. Thatcher and Jan Bayer have been in contact with each other.

At 9:02 a.m. Commissioner Bertling declared an emergency for the fire(s). Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Note- Red Cross was called last evening for supplies, the trailer arrived around 2:00 a.m. and this morning there was a representative from Red Cross at the fairgrounds.  As of 6:00 a.m. (7/16/2026) most of the evacuated people had left the fairgrounds, but there were still animals within the barns.

The meeting recessed at 9:24 a.m.

Commissioners reconvened at 11:30 a.m. with Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.

Commissioner Bertling moved to request an emergency declaration from the state. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Moton passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to close the Copeland and Porthill boat launches due to safety issues with fire suppression. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Resolution 2026-36 Disaster Declaration. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

RESOLUTION 2026-36
DISASTER DECLARATION

WHEREAS, based on representations and assurances made, there is an imminent threat to public safety and property in Boundary County as the result of undetermined cause wildfire, Turner Fire, and

WHEREAS, Idaho Code §46-1011 authorizes Boundary County, State of Idaho, to declare a local disaster emergency to authorize the furnishing of aid and assistance, to activate the response and recovery aspects of any applicable local or intergovernmental disaster emergency plan;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AND IT IS HEREBY DECLARED THAT:

Section 1: The Boundary County Board of Commissioners, State of Idaho, declares that a disaster emergency exists within Boundary County, State of Idaho, due to the undetermined-caused wildfire, creating an imminent threat to public safety, structures, and timber.

Section 2: Such disaster may require State of Idaho and Federal emergency assistance to supplement local efforts to protect, mitigate, avert, and lessen the threat of impact of the disaster.

Section 3: This declaration shall take effect and be in force as of the date and time of the Disaster Declaration, July 16, 2026 at 9:02 a.m., and shall continue until rescinded, amended, or modified by the Boundary County Board of Commissioners, whichever occurs first.

Section 4: The Boundary County Board of Commissioners, State of Idaho hereby authorized the Clerk to attest and execute this declaration.

PASSED this 16 day of July, 2026.

BOUNDARY COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

s/_____________________________
Ben Robertson, Chairman

s/_____________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner

s/_____________________________
Lester Pinkerton, Commissioner

ATTEST:

s/________________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk

Recorded Instrument #303725

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 1:08 p.m.

s/________________________________

BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman

ATTEST:

s/_______________________________

GLENDA POSTON, Clerk

By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk