Commissioners’ – Week of September 28, 2026

Meeting Minutes

***Monday, September 28, 2026 at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims. Commissioner Pinkerton was absent.

 Sheriff Travis Stolley entered the meeting at 8:45 a.m.

 Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.

Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair and moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Sydnee Blevins. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chairman Robertson said that he remembered several of the discussions from the meeting minutes on the agenda for approval. Ms. Sims stated that they were complete except for the fund totals, which she pulled from the report prepared by the Clerk’s office.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Commissioner meeting minutes from the week of November 13, 2023. Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Sheriff Stolley said he wanted to discuss the two agreements with KTOI on their agenda today. He said he requested a $5/day increase from the Tribe to match what the state reimburses for inmates. The second agreement was because the Sheriff backs up Tribal police for state crimes. Call volume was low.

Sheriff Stolley left the meeting at 9:09 a.m.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign UHC C&S ID Contract for the Restorium. Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

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

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Hangar-Ground Lease Agreement for Hangar E4 with Paul J and Denise K Sandelin. Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Medical Services Contract with Bonners Ferry Family Medicine for FY26-27. Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Emergency Manager Cory Thatcher entered the meeting at 9:24 a.m. and updated Commissioners on a couple accidents over the weekend. He then left the meeting at 9:29 a.m.

Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:29 a.m. He said he attended the IAC conference in Boise last week and found it to be very helpful. There were several meetings that were relevant to what we are currently dealing with. He has some recommended changes to the personnel policy and will run it by ICRMP first to get their approval. Ms. Poston agreed and said the policy was from 2019 and it was time for it to be updated.

Chairman Robertson asked Mr. Wilson to call into the meeting at 2:15 p.m. and Mr. Wilson asked for a couple executive sessions to be scheduled for next week.

The meeting with Mr. Wilson ended at 9:40 a.m. and he left the meeting.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Contract for Law Enforcement Services with KTOI for FY26-27. Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Adult Detention Agreement with KTOI for FY26-27. Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.

Parks & Rec Board Chair Rob Tompkins and Board Member Tess Rae entered the meeting at 9:50 a.m.

Parks & Rec Board member Sarah Skinner entered the meeting at 9:54 a.m.

Victor Rae entered the meeting at 9:56 a.m.

Parks & Rec Staff Kylie White entered the meeting at 10:00 a.m.

Commissioner Bertling stated that he felt adding a smaller field and parking would help take a step toward achieving a long-term goal for Riverside Park. Especially the area where the small ball field could be located. He also liked the idea of a ballfield fence that was removable so the fields could be used for other purposes. He felt partnering would help get some free prep work done to make progress.

Chairman Robertson said it had been over a year since they talked and he asked what Parks & Rec had planned for that corner. Mr. Tompkins said they do not have a plan currently, they have been gathering community input for a potential plan. We have also been trying to figure out what to do with the road so it does not divide the property in half.

Ms. Rae said the infrastructure was not in place and that should be done first. She then asked what the goal of today’s meeting was and if they had engineered plans. Chairman Robertson said it was set up for a discussion and a potential action item, but that didn’t mean they were required to make any motions. With the offer that was presented, he felt there was a win for everyone. We would gain a small field and a parking lot. Additionally, the road can also be moved so it wasn’t in the middle. Commissioner Bertling added that they don’t need an engineer to build a parking lot or road. Road & Bridge would be involved, there would be cloth, slope and ditch for drainage. Ms. Rae asked if they were worried about storm water in the river. Commissioner Bertling replied that since they wouldn’t be touching the dike, that would not be an issue.

Mr. Rae said he would like to speak candidly as friends. He felt the order of things had been reversed. Instead of going to Parks for their recommendation, he felt Commissioners had already decided and were informing the Committee. What that does, was slap the volunteers that have thousands of volunteer hours. They were a community that worked together to get things done and sometimes that leads to situations of additional donations. When that was reversed you risk ruffling feathers and upsetting people. He was asking that they be cognizant of that. He felt everyone in the room supported youth sports, but also felt that there are all kinds of things happening behind the scenes that they weren’t aware of. Everything should work through the proper channels.

Chairman Robertson said that everyone here has donated their time to various projects. He personally has attended quite a few Parks & Rec meetings and he was aware that Matt Pluid has presented to Parks & Rec multiple times representing Little League. Chairman Robertson felt there was a difference of opinion. Little League was not a direct program for Parks & Rec, but there was still a benefit because you are providing a facility for a youth sport.

Several Parks & Rec board members then asked if we had a shortage of fields. Commissioner Bertling said the additional field at Riverside Park will balance it out so that multiple age classes can play in one location at the same time. Additionally, you would get the fields upgraded, new backstops, parking, and the road moved out of the middle. The green space was left alone and there was still plenty of space left for other items you have planned.

Ms. Rae said her concern was not with Little League or youth sports. Her concern was about the relationship between the volunteer boards and Commissioners. She then read a statement she had written. She felt blindsided and stated that they should be following a process. Otherwise, what was the point in having them.

Chairman Robertson said let’s get to the root of the problem. Mr. Tompkins felt that communication was the issue and he felt like they were wasting time. You might lose some volunteers over this. Chairman Robertson replied that communication on our part probably wasn’t done properly. However, that goes both ways. Parks & Rec has kept the Commissioners out of the process. We have never seen a presentation. Mr. Tompkins replied that we don’t have one. Chairman Robertson replied you have presented one to the public that we were not included in.

Mr. Tompkins felt that 95% of the county would be okay with a baseball field. However, we need to have access to the river. Commissioner Bertling said the field would not block that and we are also interested in river access but there was a separate process for that. Mr. Tompkins said what you are talking about today was different than what was presented to us. He then asked if Little League was trying to get more fields. Commissioners replied not at this time.

Ms. Rae felt that the City of Bonners Ferry had six fields and asked why they were not putting in more. We need to fix the fence and we need new bleachers. These outside groups build these things and then they dump it on us for maintenance. We still don’t have ADA or river access. You bypassed the plan that we have done. She then asked where the Commissioners master plan was. Chairman Robertson replied that the county doesn’t have a master plan for parks. Ms. Rae stated the Parks & Rec board does. She also stated that Little League uses the fields for two months a year and then they leave.

Mr. Rae said they were not in opposition of a field for baseball. It was the process they were opposed to. Chairman Robertson stated that communication from us can be better going forward. He then reiterated that the reason Little League came to us was because there was no interest from you regarding fields at Riverside Park. Mr. Tompkins confirmed there was no interest in their initial proposal.

Commissioner Bertling replied that Mr. Pluid did get ahead of himself, but we don’t want to take away anything because of that. Mr. Tompkins said that we give them everything they want, so maybe they felt it wouldn’t be a problem.

Ms. Rae stated that Little League has damaged their program and they dump all of the maintenance on us. Chairman Robertson replied there will always be special interest groups that will drive projects. You have an opportunity to do something that was positive for youth sports. There was a long-term plan that involves very little tax-payer money.

Mr. Rae again stated that the correct process was not followed. Ms. Rae said there was a lot of history that was problematic and she felt the city had property where the fields should go. She then asked if the money could be used towards the ballfields that they have now to get them looking their best. Chairman Robertson said there was money to work on the fences and backstops. Ms. Rae asked where the money came from. Commissioners said that Little League received a grant and they would also be contributing money of their own. Ms. Rae said the board still needs to do our job and provide an opinion. She asked if that was possible. Commissioners agreed that it was possible.

Mr. Rae suggested that the money be moved or designated for other projects. Chairman Robertson replied he was not sure what was included in their grant application or if that would even be possible. Ms. Rae felt it was problematic and Commissioners needed to investigate what was submitted on behalf of the county. Chairman Robertson said you need to understand that we can still move forward without your opinion. Mr. Tompkins said what we were originally shown included three ballfields. If we had something presented to us, for one field, we could provide an opinion.

Chairman Robertson said I think that we can agree that we can all do a better job of communicating. He added that the playground was a great idea so that kids who are not playing a sport can play on that equipment. Ms. Rae asked if they were aware that they received playground equipment from the school district. Commissioners stated that they were not aware of that donation. Chairman Robertson said here was yet another example of a lack of communication with the county. We were not aware nor did we approve the donation. Ms. Poston added that equipment was also not added to the county’s insurance policy. Ms. Rae felt it was the school’s responsibility to handle that.

Ms. Rae said she felt the park needed to be set up for multiple generations and they needed the infrastructure to make it all work. Chairman Robertson said it was set up for the adult side. We have a proposal for a small ball field and there was plenty of room for a pump track behind it. There was plenty of room for pickleball courts and a playground. If we move the road out of the middle and add parking, it would be an improvement.

Commissioner Bertling said that we need to have Mr. Pluid dial this in and present their proposal. Ms. Rae felt the Commissioners created bias and felt they needed to recuse themselves from the decision. Commissioner Bertling replied that he didn’t have a bias, he didn’t have kids that would use any of it. Chairman Robertson said that he also didn’t have a kid that would use playground equipment or the pump track. He said he also won’t use the water access. All of those however, were good ideas.

Ms. Rae wanted to have more input and buy-in from the community. Chairman Robertson said he would still like to see this ballfield done. It was the right move. Commissioner Bertling said he initially had apprehension about it when it was three fields. We need to get this dialed in and a scope of work from them. Mr. Tompkins felt the removable outfield fences were a joke. We don’t want to take on the responsibility for that. He thought they could make it work with one field, but not with what they originally presented.

Ms. Rae expressed her frustration with this being added to the Commissioners agenda with an action item. She felt that was a transparency issue. Commissioner Bertling said he messaged Mr. Tompkins as the chair of Parks and Rec so that he could let the board members know.

Ms. Rae felt that Parks & Rec was one of the hardest working boards that the county has. Commissioners agreed that they work hard. Commissioner Bertling added that they have other advisory boards that do as well. Ms. Rae said that they don’t get paid for this and felt there should be another process. She suggested that Commissioners might want to consider that they might all quit. Ms. Skinner said that we didn’t know that it was just one ballfield, we still thought it was three. This all could have been avoided entirely if we had known.

Commissioner Pinkerton entered the meeting at 10:46 a.m. and Commissioners updated him on the discussion.

Ms. Rae asked if the county was planning to have long-term agreements in place with Little League for maintenance. Mr. Tompkins replied that he was not sure that was possible. He did feel they needed to discuss the movable fences, those were problematic.

Commissioner Bertling said by doing this we will gain moving the road, extra parking, and free dozer work. Road & Bridge will assist and provide rock. Ms. Rae said there will be long-term consequences, she has a design and felt it needed to be done right. Chairman Robertson replied we were not involved in that plan. We have members of the community willing to donate their time, money, and equipment. You also don’t want to alienate them.

Mr. Tompkins confirmed that they could get a scope of work, so they could have something to consider when they provide an opinion. Commissioners confirmed that was correct.

The meeting ended at 10:55 a.m. and everyone left the meeting.

The meeting recessed for lunch at 11:58 a.m.

Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session at 1:30 p.m. with Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.

Road & Bridge Superintendent Brad Barton and Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals entered the meeting at 1:28 p.m.

Mr. Barton described what they worked on last week stating they continued crushing ¾” chip/A, county road name signs were placed in eight different locations, swept Moon Shadow and hauled more chip to Camp Nine where it will be stored for future projects. They also hauled some chip to the landfill in preparation for winter and did some scrub coating to fill in some bad spots along Westside Rd. This week they will continue to crush rock, more sign work, dura patching, place/pickup traffic counters and assist northern lights for work in the ROW.

Mr. Ryals shared data from the traffic counters that had been picked up recently showing traffic and speed on various roads/intersections. Mr. Barton asked about the status of the parking lot for the USFS and Commissioner Bertling replied that he would check into it and let them know. Mr. Barton informed Commissioners that the City of Moyie had requested eight loads of sand for the winter.

Commissioners then discussed the Myrtle Creek Bridge MOA amendment and Mr. Ryals said that the only change was the dollar amount was updated to $10,100,000.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Amendment #1 for the Mrytle Creek Bridge MOA. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Ryals then shared a document for Sunrise Road and said it was basically done other than a few signs.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign LTPG annual review for Sunrise Rd. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Ryals stated that he had several fee schedules for the landfill ready for their review.

The meeting with Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals ended at 1:54 p.m. and they left the meeting.

Adrienne Norris entered the meeting at 1:58 p.m. and asked about LTC grant documents and when the Myrtle Creek bridge would be replaced. Commissioners replied it would be several years from now. She asked what action was taken with Riverside Park and Commissioners confirmed that discussions continue and no action was taken. They agreed it will be a multi-use park. She then asked about the status of the restrooms and Commissioners said the project continues to move forward.

Ms. Norris then asked about the jail inspection they had completed the previous week. Commissioners confirmed it was overcapacity in one area during the last quarter. Inmates reported that they were treated well and food was adequate.

Ms. Norris left the meeting at 2:13 p.m.

Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting at 2:14 p.m.

Commissioner Bertling 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 Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”. The executive session ended at 2:34 p.m. No action was taken.

Ms. Barton then updated Commissioners on some items for the Sheriff and Probation departments.

The meeting with Ms. Barton ended at 2:42 p.m.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:36 p.m.

 Tuesday, September 29, 2026

No meetings were scheduled; therefore, the Commissioners did not meet.

s/________________________________

BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman

ATTEST:

s/_______________________________

GLENDA POSTON, Clerk

By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk