***Monday, April 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.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Commissioner meeting minutes for the week of March 30th. Commissioner Bertling second. Commissioner Bertling and Commissioner Pinkerton voted in favor. Chairman Robertson abstained because he was absent from the meeting. Motion passed.
Greg Lamberty entered the meeting at 9:06 a.m.
Fay Almond entered the meeting at 9:08 a.m.
Ms. Poston updated Commissioners on the IAC meeting from the previous week. Indigent language was removed from Statute. SRS funding was expected in May, and there were fire and ambulance changes to Urban Renewal Districts. Changes were also made to the liquor funds, but the magistrate portion remained the same.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve change order #4 for Justice Building. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign letter to legal regarding audit. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Airport Aid Grant Agreement with ITD for Project #AIP025. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Resolution 2026-24 for state aid for Project #AIP025. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
County Resolution
Exact from the minutes of a regular meeting
of the County Commission of Boundary County, Idaho
Held on April 13, 2026.
Commissioner Chairman Ben Robertson, introduced the following Resolution, was read in full, considered, and adopted:
Resolution number 2026-24 of Boundary County, Idaho accepting the Grant Offer of the State of Idaho through the Idaho Transportation Department, Division of Aeronautics, in the maximum amount of $41,881.58 to be used under the Idaho Airport Aid Program, FS Program number: F26865S, Project number: AIP025 in the development of the Bonners Ferry-Boundary County Airport; and
Be it resolved by the Chairman and County Commission of Boundary County, Idaho (herein referred to as the County as follows:
Sec. 1. That the County shall accept the Grant Offer of the State of Idaho in the amount of $41,881.58, for the purpose of obtaining State Aid under FS Program Number: F26865S, Project Number: AIP025 in the development of the Bonners Ferry-Boundary County Airport; and
Sec. 2. That the Chairman of the Boundary County County Commission is hereby authorized and directed to sign the statement of Acceptance of said Grant Offer (entitled Acceptance) on behalf of the County, the County Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to attest the signature of the Chairman and to impress the official seal of the County on the aforesaid statement of Acceptance; and
Sec. 3. A true copy of the Grant Agreement referred to herein be attached hereto and made a part thereof.
Passed by the County Commission and approved by the Chairman this 13th day of April, 2026.
s/_________________________________________
Ben Robertson, Chairman
ATTEST:
Glenda Poston, County Clerk
Recorded Instrument 302776
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Airport Aid Grant Agreement with ITD for Project #AIP027. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Resolution 2026-25 for state aid for Project #AIP027. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
County Resolution
Exact from the minutes of a regular meeting
of the County Commission of Boundary County, Idaho
Held on April 13, 2026.
Commissioner Pinkerton, introduced the following Resolution, was read in full, considered, and adopted:
Resolution number 2026-25 of Boundary County, Idaho accepting the Grant Offer of the State of Idaho through the Idaho Transportation Department, Division of Aeronautics, in the maximum amount of $14,750.00 to be used under the Idaho Airport Aid Program, FS Program number: F26865S, Project number: AIP027 in the development of the Bonners Ferry-Boundary County Airport; and
Be it resolved by the Chairman and County Commission of Boundary County, Idaho (herein referred to as the
County as follows:
Sec. 1. That the County shall accept the Grant Offer of the State of Idaho in the amount of $14,750.00, for the
purpose of obtaining State Aid under FS Program Number: F26865S, Project Number: AIP027 in the development of the Bonners Ferry-Boundary County Airport; and
Sec. 2. That the Chairman of the Boundary County County Commission is hereby authorized and directed to sign the statement of Acceptance of said Grant Offer (entitled Acceptance) on behalf of the County, the County Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to attest the signature of the Chairman and to impress the official seal of the County on the aforesaid statement of Acceptance; and
Sec. 3. A true copy of the Grant Agreement referred to herein be attached hereto and made a part thereof.
Passed by the County Commission and approved by the Chairman this 13th day of April, 2026.
s/_________________________________________
Ben Robertson, Chairman
ATTEST:
Glenda Poston, County Clerk
Recorded Instrument #302777
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Airport Aid Grant Agreement with ITD for Project #AIP029. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Resolution 2026-26 for state aid for Project #AIP029. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
County Resolution
Exact from the minutes of a regular meeting
of the County Commission of Boundary County, Idaho
Held on April 13, 2026.
Commissioner Pinkerton, introduced the following Resolution, was read in full, considered, and adopted:
Resolution number 2026-26 of Boundary County, Idaho accepting the Grant Offer of the State of Idaho through the Idaho Transportation Department, Division of Aeronautics, in the maximum amount of $11,465.03 to be used under the Idaho Airport Aid Program, FS Program number: F26865S, Project number: AIP029 in the development of the Bonners Ferry-Boundary County Airport; and
Be it resolved by the Chairman and County Commission of Boundary County, Idaho (herein referred to as the
County as follows:
Sec. 1. That the County shall accept the Grant Offer of the State of Idaho in the amount of $11,465.03, for the
purpose of obtaining State Aid under FS Program Number: F26865S, Project Number: AIP029 in the
development of the Bonners Ferry-Boundary County Airport; and
Sec. 2. That the Chairman of the Boundary County County Commission is hereby authorized and directed to
sign the statement of Acceptance of said Grant Offer (entitled Acceptance) on behalf of the County, the County
Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to attest the signature of the Chairman and to impress the official seal
of the County on the aforesaid statement of Acceptance; and
Sec. 3. A true copy of the Grant Agreement referred to herein be attached hereto and made a part thereof.
Passed by the County Commission and approved by the Chairman this 13th day of April, 2026.
s/_________________________________________
Ben Robertson, Chairman
ATTEST:
Glenda Poston, County Clerk
Recorded Instrument #302778
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Task Order 26-01 for Boundary County Airport (65S). Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to reappoint George Hays as Director from Boundary County to the District #1 Animal Damage Control Board. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:35 a.m. and stated that they had a pretty good week last week. He continues to work on the draft ordinance organization. It was more work than he initially thought it would be due to incorrect code numbers.
He also said they are working on one large public records request that was from out of state, so they do have more time to process.
The meeting with Mr. Wilson ended at 9:48 a.m. and he left the meeting. Mr. Lamberty and Ms. Almond also left the meeting.
Ms. Sims updated everyone on an issue with the Commissioners’ email which crashed the previous week. The computer was also not synching with the server for backups so it appears some emails may have been lost.
The 10:00 a.m. appointment for the Board of Equalization was cancelled because no applications were received.
Commissioners reviewed claims for payment. Fund totals are as follows:
Current Expense $ 99,617.01
Road & Bridge 45,277.38
Airport 10,201.41
District Court 11,586.12
Justice Fund 168,932.63
911 Funds 6,373.12
Parks and Recreation 3,637.49
Revaluation 865.74
Solid Waste 72,183.09
Tort 367.48
Veterans Memorial 70.78
Weeds 118.73
County EMS 5,005.94
Restorium 49,969.59
Snowmobile 178.61
Waterways 1,256.35
Road & Bridge Tribal Fuel Fund 74.54
Grant, Airport 79,603.41
Grants, Fire Mitigation 66,911.30
LATCT Fund 350,983.85
TOTAL $973,214.57
Trusts
Auditors Trust, Misc. 4,425.10
Boundary Co. Drug Court Trusts 362.59
Driver’s License Trust 12,396.00
Indigent Reimbursements 770.00
Motor Vehicle Trust Acct 163,488.10
Sheriff’s Trust Fund 567.65
Odyssey Court Trust Account 27,792.40
Odyssey Bond Trust Account 685.50
Odyssey Restitution Trust Account 23,471.90
TOTAL $233,959.24
GRAND TOTAL $1,207,173.81
Citizens are invited to inspect detailed records on file in the Courthouse (individual claims & Commissioners’ allowance & warrant register record 2025-2026).
Adrienne Norris and son entered the meeting at 10:02 a.m.
Tera King with IFG called into the meeting at 10:13 a.m. and stated that there were discussions previously about the County trading a .83 acre parcel that they own in the middle of the Kootenai River Lumber Company/Old Mill property with a parcel that has been used for parking during the fair. She also noted that there was a boundary line adjustment done so the parking area was currently .46 acres. She asked what was needed to proceed.
Commissioner Bertling stated that we will need to have it appraised and it will need to be a swap of equal value. He suggested using the same appraiser the county used in the past. Ms. King asked how long the process takes. Commissioner Bertling was unsure on their schedule and said finding comparables can take the most time.
Commissioner Bertling asked if Ms. King had spoken to the City of Bonners Ferry regarding a parcel swap. Ms. King replied yes, they were considering another trade near Search and Rescue.
Chairman Robertson stated that we will contact the appraiser and have him reach out to you.
The call with Ms. King ended at 10:22 a.m.
Commissioners explained the parcel swap in more detail to Ms. Norris.
Janet Preston entered the meeting at 11:01 a.m. She stated that growing up here, what you did on your property was your business. However, new people think they are homesteading, when in fact, they just live in the country. She has neighbors that let both their hogs and chickens free range. The Sheriff was able to assist with the hogs, because they are listed in the Herd District. However, chickens are not listed in the Statute. She was hoping the Commissioners could pass an Ordinance to help. She said the neighbors have about 30 chickens that come onto her property and her dogs chase them into a tree and bark at them. She felt her dogs were doing what they were supposed to do, but it was annoying, and she felt it wasn’t her responsibility to build a fence to keep the chickens out.
Commissioner Bertling asked how often that happens. Ms. Preston replied every day and she shared pictures with Commissioners. She also stated that she needs to spray anthills on her property and the spray will kill or make the chickens sick.
Chairman Robertson replied that they will need to consult with legal. Commissioner Bertling replied that Ordinances also require public hearings for comment. Ms. Preston felt she was not the only one that was having issues. People think they can just let their animals go wherever they want. Commissioners discussed areas of open range/herd districts. They agreed to talk to legal, but also acknowledge it could quickly become over-reaching.
Ms. Preston stated she wanted to do something legally and get something on the books.
The meeting with Ms. Preston ended at 11:13 a.m. and she left the meeting. Ms. Norris and son also left the meeting.
Restorium Supervisor Janay Smith entered the meeting at 11:35 a.m. She informed Commissioners that one employee has resigned because she will be moving out of the area. She now has full-time positions open in the kitchen, administration, and care giver. Indeed was limiting their listings and she has reached out to them to check on rates to increase the limits.
She currently has 31 residents with several assessments recently completed or scheduled for this week. Ms. Smith then shared the past due accounts and the status of each. She also was evaluating meal planning looking for options to reduce costs.
The meeting with Ms. Smith ended at 11:57 a.m. and she left the meeting.
The meeting recessed for lunch at 12:01 p.m.
The meeting reconvened for the afternoon session at 2:15 p.m. with Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.
Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting at 2:15 p.m. and shared timesheets and recent applications received for open positions.
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 2:44 p.m. No action was taken.
Ms. Barton and Ms. Poston left the meeting at 2:45 p.m.
John Becker and Bonners Ferry Herald Reporter Noah Harris entered the meeting at 2:45 p.m.
Mr. Becker stated that fundraising was slow at this time, most of the money comes in during May and June. He has ordered $15-16,000 in fireworks which was half again as much as he has done in the past. Because of the 250th Anniversary, he has included some different/larger shells. He stated that there has been really good community involvement this year.
Mr. Becker then added that he was here because there was some discussion about potentially bringing them under the county sponsorship to save tax payer dollars for the cost of the insurance. He requested to meet with Commissioners to discuss that further. Chairman Robertson stated that we are currently subcontracting with you and paying the insurance for the event. If we make it a county event, it would be under our insurance already. There was a process to add him/staff as county volunteers.
Mr. Becker stated that was how it used to be, but during COVID that changed because the county’s insurance wouldn’t allow the event due to the potential spread.
Chairman Robertson asked how many volunteers they have. Mr. Becker responded approximately 12. Chairman Robertson asked how many people attend the event. Mr. Becker replied that was difficult for them to track. He estimated 3,000 on a normal year and expected maybe 5,000 this year.
Chairman Robertson replied that we have some questions to get through, and will probably want an independent contractor agreement and his explosives license information. He also said they would need a list of volunteers and their drivers license. If this doesn’t work, we can proceed as we have been.
The meeting with Mr. Becker ended at 3:09 p.m. and he left the meeting.
Mr. Harris left the meeting at 3:10 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 10:30 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims. Commissioner Tim Bertling was absent.
Treasurer Jenny Economu entered the meeting at 10:31 a.m. and stated that the last person came in and paid their taxes on Friday. She was officially reporting that we do not have any parcels for tax deed.
Chairman Robertson then asked her about what was needed for card payments for the concession stand for Parks. Ms. Economu stated that Venmo was not possible, they would need something bank supported. She went into detail about the different departments and the systems used.
The meeting with Ms. Economu ended at 10:40 a.m. and she left the meeting.
Commissioner Tim Bertling entered the meeting at 10:55 a.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and reconvene as the Board of Equalization. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the Property Tax Exemption application for parcel #RPB02100000120A, RPB02100000100A, and RPB02100000090A for Boundary County Fuller Center for Housing, Inc. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to adjourn as the Board of Equalization and reconvene as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Kurt Pindel, CDA District Manager of BLM entered at 11:25 a.m.
At 11:33 a.m., Mr. Pindel stated that he will be retiring at the end of the month and hopes that the Bureau will be able to continue the relationship going forward. He said that they will not fill his position and an acting state director will step into the roll. They had 9,800 employees that managed 245 million acres. That was reduced earlier to 6,400 employees. It will now be reduced further to 4,100. They are not allowed to rehire many of the positions and was unsure what the structure will look like going forward. He asked for patience as they work through the process.
He then added that the fire season outlook was similar to 2015, which was one of our top 5 years for fire. 85% of fires are human caused and they will be coordinating with restrictions (campfires). For timberwork, they have two active in the area. Katkee they hope to get finished, but Lynx modeling was slowing it down. The second was thinning in the Purcel Trench which should be completed.
Commissioners then discussed status of land acquisitions to access BLM land. Mr. Pindel reviewed previous conversations that were unsuccessful. He will have staff take a look other areas to see if they can proceed.
Chairman Robertson asked about corner crossing. Mr. Pindel replied that it was in the hands of the Supreme Court.
The meeting with Mr. Pindel ended at 12:13 p.m. and he left the meeting.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 12:20 p.m.
s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk