***Monday, April 20, 2026 at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims. Clerk Glenda Poston was attending a meeting in Pocatello, so she was absent.
Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Cooper Higgins. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Commissioner meeting minutes from the weeks of April 6th and April 13th. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to cancel late penalty and interest on parcel # RP61N01W349460A and MH610N1W349460A due to being postmarked on time. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Utilities Form for Justice Building. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Resolution 2026-27 Increasing the Justice Fund Sheriff Budget Due to Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2026-27
INCREASING THE JUSTICE FUND SHERIFF BUDGET
DUE TO RECEIPT OF UNANTICIPATED REVENUE
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for the Boundary County Justice Fund, Sheriff Budget for fiscal year 2025-2026, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received reimbursement in the amount of $17,272.93 from Kootenai Health Operations for the purchase of AEDs and supplies, and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget is in need of additional revenue for fiscal year 2025-2026, and
WHEREAS, the addition of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to increase the Boundary County Justice Fund as follows:
Revenue Account Number Expense Account Number
0008-00-0391-0000 0008-02-0899-0000 $16,031.00
0008-00-0391-0000 0008-02-0440-0002 $ 1,241.93
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the increase to the Boundary County Justice Fund Revenue Account Numbers and the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget Expense Account Numbers as outlined above is hereby authorized and ordered, and
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk is instructed to deliver certified copies of this resolution to the Boundary County Treasurer and the Boundary County Auditor.
DATED this 20th day of April, 2026
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/______________________________
Ben Robertson, Chairman
s/______________________________
Lester L. Pinkerton, Commissioner
s/______________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/ ______
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded Instrument #302886
Fay Almond entered the meeting at 9:05 a.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Resolution 2026-28 increasing the Justice Fund Sheriff Budget Due to Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2026-28
INCREASING THE JUSTICE FUND SHERIFF BUDGET
DUE TO RECEIPT OF UNANTICIPATED REVENUE
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for the Boundary County Justice Fund, Sheriff Budget for fiscal year 2025-2026, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received reimbursement in the amount of $100,065.00 todate, for Jail Housing Fees, which is over the anticipated revenue for the budget year 2025-2026, and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget is in need of additional revenue for jail repairs for fiscal year 2025-2026, and
WHEREAS, the addition of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to increase the Boundary County Justice Fund as follows:
Revenue Account Number Expense Account Number
0008-00-0391-0000 0008-02-0494-0000 $50,000.00
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the increase to the Boundary County Justice Fund Revenue Account Numbers and the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget Expense Account Numbers as outlined above is hereby authorized and ordered, and
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk is instructed to deliver certified copies of this resolution to the Boundary County Treasurer and the Boundary County Auditor.
DATED this 20th day of April, 2026
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/_________________________
Ben Robertson, Chairman
s/______________________________
Lester L. Pinkerton, Commissioner
s/______________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/ ______
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded Instrument #302887
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign RFR #3 for FAA AIP 028 Grant. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign RFR #3 for FAA AIP 025. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Greg Lamberty entered the meeting at 9:08 a.m.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign RFR #3 for FAA IIJA 026. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign RFR #1 for ITD Airport Aid Grant AIP025. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign RFR #7 for FAA AIP 029. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign RFR #1 for ITD Airport Aid Grant AIP 029. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign replat of Lot 1 and 2 for Koverage Contractors. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
At 10:36 a.m., Commissioners held proceedings for an Alcohol Beverage License for K&M Farm Corp dba Misty Mountain Pizza. Those present were: Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims, Fay Almond, and Greg Lamberty. The proceeding was recorded.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Retail Alcoholic Beverage License for K & M Farm Corp dba Misty Mountain Pizza. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
The proceeding ended at 10:27 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.
Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair and moved to approve the Property Tax Exemption application for parcel #’s RP62N01E018100A, RP62N01E018240A, and RP62N01E230621A for Bee Line Water. Commissioner Bertling second. Chairman Robertson and Commissioner Bertling voted in favor. Commissioner Pinkerton abstained because Bee Line serves his residence.
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.
Ms. Almond and Mr. Lamberty left the meeting at 9:31 a.m.
Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:33 a.m. and stated it had been a quiet week. He will reach out to the attorney that has been out of the country regarding the recent complaint. He felt it would be dismissed. He advised Commissioners to add an action item to an agenda to designate a records custodian so they are in compliance with statute. Chairman Robertson asked if it could be designated to a position. Mr. Wilson replied yes.
Mr. Wilson then added that the draft codification was ready to proceed. In the future, Commissioners could go through them to eliminate or tweak as needed. The new format was good and he believes they are ready to finalize.
Chairman Robertson stated that there are some legal items needed for the new website. Mr. Wilson stated that he dove into it but it was more involved and required website experience. That was a specialty that he did not feel he had enough information to move forward. Chairman Robertson suggested that he reach out to other counties.
Commissioner Pinkerton updated Mr. Wilson on questions regarding the hospital. Mr. Wilson replied we are currently in a holding pattern until they are ready to articulate what they are looking for.
Chief Jeff Lindsey called into the meeting at 10:01 a.m.
The meeting with Mr. Wilson ended at 10:02 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Commissioner Bertling moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and reconvene as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chief Lindsey stated that during the month of March they had 106 calls with chute times of 1 minute 36 seconds. They are working on getting the Medical Director outfitted with a vehicle so that he can also respond to calls.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked if there had been any further conversations with the Kootenai Tribe about funding. Chief Lindsey replied no.
The meeting with Chief Lindsey ended at 10:05 a.m. and the call ended.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the meeting minutes from March 16, 2026. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board and reconvene as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Airport Board Manager Dave Parker and Airport Board Member Robert Blanford entered the meeting at 10:26 a.m. and Mr. Parker shared a document showing current/proposed hangar rates for Boundary County as well as rates for counties in the surrounding area.
At 10:30 a.m., Mr. Parker stated that to be fair Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint have more to offer so that was why their rate was so high. Those airports also don’t have any more space to expand which also supports the higher rate. He noted that they do separate commercial and charge a different rate.
Airport Board Member Rick Durden entered the meeting at 10:33 a.m.
Mr. Parker said that Sandpoint raised their rates. Libby/Eureka are currently at $.09 (sq foot)/building footprint and Priest River had been below us but, they just took a large increase to $.30. They also don’t have much room for expansion. Mr. Parker proposed to the Airport Board an increase from $.16 to $.18 and an application fee increase from $3,000 to $5,000. The Airport Board was in agreement.
Commissioner Bertling asked what the extra money would be used for. Mr. Parker replied that the application fee was kept separate for costs incurred when Hangars were added such as trunk lines for power and gas. Commissioner Bertling felt the square footage rate should be increased more to compensate for future expenses. Commissioner Pinkerton agreed and replied that the extra could be used toward the grant match for the airport projects.
Chairman Robertson asked what amount Commissioner Bertling was suggesting. He replied $0.20. Chairman Robertson felt that was reasonable, we would be more than the smaller airports, but less than Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene. He also like that it was a fee to the people who use the airport instead of everyone. Commissioners agreed to proceed with scheduling a public hearing for the fee increase.
Mr. Parker then updated Commissioners on the status of the grant projects. He said that the AGIS groundwork was done, the runway shift was 90% done and the overhead powerline was progressing. About 20 people came to the pre-bid meeting for the runway and three were online. He was hopeful that the bids would be competitive. The renters are moving out of the house this weekend and he was thinking they should rent it to someone else through May 2027.
Mr. Parker then discussed the resolution that was sent over regarding the fire hall. He said there are several items in the resolution that are incorrect. Commissioner Pinkerton asked if there have been discussions in the past regarding their need to move. Mr. Parker replied yes, this isn’t new. They purchased property north of Three-Mile for that purpose. Commissioner Bertling asked if they would need to move the building. Mr. Parker replied yes, that would be best.
Chairman Robertson stated that having a fire department at the airport was a good idea, but that was not how the feds feel. Mr. Parker agreed and stated that aviation was the priority. We also looked at selling the property to the fire department, but the FAA would not approve it. That property needs to be reserved for fixed based operators only.
Mr. Durden stated that we have kept the lease short and the FAA has been okay with that. Mr. Parker agreed, the fire department can stay for now and there was also the potential to renew the lease for another 5-year term. However, they need to be looking to the future and begin making plans to move to the property they purchased.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Airport Aid Grant Agreement with ITD for Project #AIP026. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Resolution 2026-29 for State of Idaho Grant AIP026. Commissioner Pinkerton 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 20, 2026.
Commissioner Ben Robertson, introduced the following Resolution, was read in full, considered, and adopted:
Resolution number 2026-29 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 $10,631.58 to be used under the Idaho Airport Aid Program, FS Program number: F26I65S, Project number: AIP026 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 $10,631.58, for the purpose of obtaining State Aid under FS Program Number: F26I65S, Project Number: AIP026 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 20th day of April, 2026.
s/_________________________________________
Ben Robertson, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/________________________________________
Glenda Poston, County Clerk
Recorded Instrument #302888
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Airport Aid Grant Agreement with ITD for Project #AIP028. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Resolution 2026-30 for State of Idaho Grant AIP028. 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 20, 2026.
Commissioner Pinkerton, introduced the following Resolution, was read in full, considered, and adopted:
Resolution number 2026-30 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 $3,948.58 to be used under the Idaho Airport Aid Program, FS Program number: F26I65S, Project number: AIP028 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 $3,948.58, for the purpose of obtaining State Aid under FS Program Number: F26I65S, Project Number: AIP028 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 20th day of April, 2026.
s/_________________________________________
Ben Robertson, Chairman
ATTEST:
Glenda Poston, County Clerk
s/________________________________________
Recorded Instrument #302889
The meeting for the airport ended at 11:02 a.m. and everyone left the meeting.
At 11:03 a.m. EDC Director David Sims and Bonners Ferry Herald Reporter Noah Harris entered the meeting and Maintenance Supervisor Squire Fields called into the meeting.
Mr. Sims stated that his question was if they were interested in pursuing the tree grant with IDL. The deadline of May 8th was approaching. He added that his research concluded that there was a Community Forest section that would allow for hazard tree removal, but you need to have a tree management plan.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked what credentials need to go into that. Mr. Sims replied that he has asked for examples from IDL, but has not received them yet. Commissioners then discussed what trees would need to be removed due to poor health. Commissioners also confirmed that stumps would be removed.
Mr. Fields stated that the person he usually works with said that at least one tree would need to come down in the next month or two. Mr. Sims asked if they were licensed/certified as an ISA Arborist because that was required for the grant. Mr. Fields was unsure and would reach out.
Mr. Fields said that the grant also requires that you replace the trees that were removed. Commissioner then discussed types of shade trees to replace them with. Mr. Sims stated he would get samples of what was needed and search for arborists that had the required license/certification.
The meeting ended at 11:16 a.m. and everyone left the meeting.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 11:55 a.m.
The meeting reconvened for the afternoon session at 1:30 p.m. with Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton, and Deputy Clerk Stephane Sims.
Road & Bridge Superintendent Brad Barton and Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals entered the meeting at 1:27 p.m. Mr. Barton stated that they have done a lot of grading and are almost caught up. Brooming was finished and they also did some brushing on Parker Canyon. The dura patcher was up and running. They continued with pit maintenance and the crusher was running well so they are stock piling.
This week they plan to continue with pit maintenance, sign work and setting traffic counters. A BATT meeting was scheduled for later in the week as well as a meeting with Kootenai Tribe. They will also continue with spring maintenance and dura patching where needed. The bridge over Myrtle Creek was projected for 2028. Commissioners asked if they have time, there has been a request to grade the road in Riverside Park.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked if there have been any updates on Riverside B. Mr. Ryals replied that Communication was better than it was in the past. They share the notifications from Western Federal Lands and have heard of people driving the refuge route the wrong way and speeding. He said the detour route was only six minutes longer.
Commissioner Bertling said that he checked on the road sloughing at Snow Creek and said it was more than Road & Bridge could handle. He suggested using the GNA and contract it out. He also asked if the shop could look at a pickup from the Restorium that had an electrical problem. Mr. Barton replied yes.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Independent Contractor Agreement(s) for Ergon Asphalt and Emulsions regarding HFE-150 and CMS-2P chipseal oil. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Ryals stated that they had a meeting with Great West last week regarding the gas issue on the north wells. They are considering an extraction unit to address the higher levels. He also added that the metal pile had grown considerably and they would like to go out for bids for baling.
Mr. Barton said they are considering additional paving at the landfill and where that should happen. They have also had issues with hostile public at some of the rural sites. Commissioners asked them to take license plates and turn it over to the Sheriff. Commissioners also asked them to look into cameras.
Mr. Barton was pretty confident that they could begin recycling cardboard again and would like to start with a small test run with sorting/baling to see how it goes.
Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting at 2:14 p.m.
The meeting with Mr. Ryals and Mr. Barton ended at 2:15 p.m.
Ms. Barton informed Commissioners that Indeed had reduced their job posting limits and was now charging the county $41 per day per position. She said we post the jobs on the county website and with the Job Service, but Indeed was the best response. Chairman Robertson asked what other counties do. Ms. Barton replied she will check. She has reached out to Indeed requesting a lower fee and checked with other online listings, but has not found a good solution. Commissioners also suggested using the social media account for that department.
Commissioner Bertling moved to 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 2:36 p.m. No action was taken.
The meeting with Ms. Barton ended at 2:37 p.m. and she left the meeting.
Bonners Ferry District Ranger Heather Fuller and USFS Roads Manger Kyle Lee entered the meeting at 2:44 p.m. Ms. Fuller asked if they had any questions on the Schedule A agreement. Mr. Lee replied that he will get the approval letter so it was good to go. In the next round he wanted to sit down with Commissioners so they can discuss including additional areas.
KVRI Facilitator Theresa Wheat called in at 2:46 p.m. and reviewed the meeting agenda stating that they would have a presentation by Katheryn Kolberg regarding land development. She also added that they will have updates on the Watercraft Inspection Station.
The call ended with Ms. Wheat 2:48 p.m.
Mr. Lee continued that they were not able to add any additional mileage to the current schedule A, so he would like to address that the next time around. One of the areas was Deer Creek, it currently covers to mile .13 and he would like to include emergency fixes to mile 19.
Ms. Fuller said they would like to move very quickly on Snow Creek because there are two homes behind it as well as two timber sales going out soon. She said they will have an MOA to them soon for signatures. Commissioner Bertling asked what happens if there was an overrun or a change order. Mr. Lee replied that it would be the USFS asking for more money to be put into the pot to fund it.
Commissioners asked that the MOA’s be sent over so that legal could review. Ms. Fuller did not believe federal requirements applied, but will double check to confirm. Commissioner Pinkerton asked when the project could move forward. Ms. Fuller replied that the Snow Creek project was a priority and the Scope of Work for Katkee would look similar.
Commissioner Bertling asked when they can start on the parking lot. Ms. Fuller replied it was held up with the GNA and she advised waiting until that was completed. The delay was because she was trying to get additional funding included.
Mr. Lee then described other road projects the USFS was working on which included grading, brushing and a washout on Deer Creek. Commissioner Bertling asked if anything was happening on Italian and Saddle. Mr. Lee replied that they are applying for IDPR grants to get material down so it can be graded.
Ms. Fuller wanted to let Commissioners know that Fish and Wildlife are wanting to go formal with wolverine. She said that area was not holding snow and isn’t a good habitat. She may ask the County for a letter of support if it persists.
Lastly, she added that the rec staff took a big hit last year. The Supervisor’s Office was able to get bodies on the ground with an NGO and they did a phenomenal job last year. This year will be similar.
The meeting with Ms. Fuller and Mr. Lee ended at 3:34 p.m. and they left the meeting.
There being no further business the meeting ended at 4:02 p.m.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Pinkerton, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims. Commissioner Bertling was attending a tree planting at Mt. Hall and Clerk Glenda Poston was attending a meeting in Pocatello, so they were absent.
Commissioners held a department head/elected officials meeting at 9:00 a.m. Those in attendance were: Prosecutor Andrakay Pluid, Emergency Management Cory Thatcher, Sheriff Travis Stolley, Road & Bridge Superintendent Brad Barton, Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals, Restorium Supervisor Janay Smith, Personnel Director Pam Barton, U of I Educator Amy Robertson, P&Z Technician Jennifer Maynard.
Commissioners went around the room for office updates from the various departments in attendance.
The meeting ended at 9:35 a.m. and everyone left the meeting. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk