***Monday, December 1, 2025 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.
Maintenance Supervisor Squire Fields entered the meeting at 8:53 a.m. At 9:00 a.m. Mr. Fields stated that a handrailing at the jail had been replaced. The dehumidifier was installed upstairs in the Courthouse and the humidity was down 30%. The Christmas lights were up and the tree would be delivered later today. The plows are on and deicer has been stocked up. Mr. Fields also added that the bathroom at the Waterways building had been winterized and a porta-potty was been delivered for the winter months.
Commissioners asked Mr. Fields to get approval from the Waterways Board in the future for anything concerning their budget items.
Mr. Fields stated that Atlas Boiler has been pushed back, the gas line at the jail had been replaced and a trench has been dug at the fairgrounds for the water leak.
The meeting with Mr. Fields ended at 9:07 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Commissioners cancelled the Beverage License appointment for Husky Gas & Grocery because necessary documents were missing.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Anthony Giallanza. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Commissioner meeting minutes from the week of November 24th. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:35 a.m.
Commissioners reviewed the open positions for the Hospital Board. Commissioner Pinkerton asked if the positions should be advertised or if we should proceed with reappointment. Chairman Robertson stated that we usually reappoint, if someone was interested in continuing.
Mr. Wilson added that a board member with experience in the roll was invaluable.
Commissioner Bertling moved to reappoint Paul Hasdovak, John Solt and Darron Branson to the Hospital Board for 3-year terms expiring January 2029. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Wilson stated that it was a relatively quiet week and he was working on the Riverside project and a personnel matter from last week.
Commissioner Pinkerton reviewed the meeting with the Hospital Board last week and discussions on a possible taxing district for the hospital. Mr. Wilson stated that he will brush up on the process for a future discussion.
Bonners Ferry Herald reporter Noah Harris entered the meeting at 9:55 a.m.
Commissioners discussed the equipment purchase for the landfill. Mr. Wilson stated that it was cleaner and simpler to use an outside lending company for the purchase. The auditor has also stated that he preferred that option.
The meeting with Mr. Wilson ended at 10:02 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve extending vacation hours to four employees in the Clerk’s office that are over the 120-hour maximum. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
IT Director Matt Hodges entered the meeting at 10:03 a.m.
Mr. Hodges stated that the camera system was down completely. Parts were ordered for the remote connection, but that did not solve the problem. After further investigation, he found that the server was fried and a new one was ordered. A third-party contractor will connect the cameras into the new system and that has been scheduled for the week of December 20th.
Mr. Hodges then discussed options for a temporary system in the meantime. Commissioner Bertling stated that we have trials coming up and video was a frequent request for public records.
Chairman Robertson was concerned about a delay in shipping which would postpone the new system. He asked about a handful of temporary cameras to use in the interim and have on hand as a backup or to use as additional in the future. Mr. Hodges stated that a four-camera package would cost about $700 and would record to an MVR unit.
Commissioners agreed to proceed with that option and asked him to coordinate with the Bailiff on camera placement. Commissioners asked if he was on budget. Mr. Hodges replied that the server was a budgeted item for this FY but it was a few hundred over what he had estimated. Commissioners also noted that the cost of the additional cameras would need to be included as well.
Mr. Hodges also provided information concerning an upgraded printer for the Commissioners Office to replace an older one. He stated that the printer cost was about $300. Commissioners told him to proceed with the cameras at this time and also asked him to make the installation a priority.
The meeting with Mr. Hodges ended at 10:14 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Resolution 2026-6 to reappoint Caleb Davis to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Boundary County, Idaho Resolution 2026- 6
A RESOLUTION OF BOUNDARY COUNTY, IDAHO BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
REAPPOINTMENT OF CALEB DAVIS
TO THE BOUNDARY COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §67-6504(a) and Boundary County Land Use Ordinance 9B18LOV2 Section 3.6.3 provide the authority for the appointment and reappointment of members to the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission; and
WHEREAS, a vacancy will exist on the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission with the expiration of the term for Caleb Davis on January 1, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §67-6504(a) provides the authority for the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners to appoint members to the Planning and Zoning Commission, subject to confirmation by majority vote of the Boundary County Board of Commissioners; and
WHEREAS, following its November 20, 2025, regular meeting, the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended to the Board of County Commissioners the reappointment of Caleb Davis to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
WHEREAS, Caleb Davis meets the eligibility requirements of Idaho Code and Boundary County land use codes to serve; and
WHEREAS, Caleb Davis will be appointed to a fourth full term on the Planning and Zoning Commission with this appointment. Idaho Code §67-6504(a) (3) requires that no person shall serve more than two (2) full consecutive terms without specific concurrence by two-thirds (2/3) of the governing board adopted by motion and recorded in the minutes; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners confirms the Chairman’s reappointment of Caleb Davis to serve an additional four-year term on the Planning and Zoning Commission and concurs with the reappointment to serve more than two (2) full consecutive terms.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the members of the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Boundary, Idaho, that Caleb Davis be reappointed to a four-year term on the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission beginning January 1, 2026, and ending January 1, 2030.
This resolution shall be in full force from the date of its adoption.
Upon a motion to adopt the text of the foregoing Resolution made by Commissioner Bertling and seconded by Commissioner Pinkerton, the foregoing was duly enacted as a Resolution of the Board of County Commissioners of Boundary County, Idaho, on the 1st day of December, 2025.
BOUNDARY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ VOTE TO APPOINT:
Ben Robertson, Chairman “aye”
Tim Bertling, Commissioner “aye”
Lester Pinkerton, Commissioner “aye”
BOUNDARY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
s/
Ben Robertson, Chairman
s/
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
s/_
Lester Pinkerton, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/____________________________ 12-1-2025
Glenda Poston Date
Boundary County Clerk/Auditor/Recorder
Recorded Instrument #301678
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Resolution 2026-7 to reappoint Rob Woywod to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Boundary County, Idaho Resolution 2026- 7
A RESOLUTION OF BOUNDARY COUNTY, IDAHO BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
REAPPOINTMENT OF ROB WOYWOD
TO THE BOUNDARY COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §67-6504(a) and Boundary County Land Use Ordinance 9B18LOV2 Section 3.6.3 provide the authority for the appointment and reappointment of members to the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission; and
WHEREAS, a vacancy will exist on the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission with the expiration of the term for Rob Woywod on January 1, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Idaho Code §67-6504(a) provides the authority for the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners to appoint members to the Planning and Zoning Commission, subject to confirmation by majority vote of the Boundary County Board of Commissioners; and
WHEREAS, following its November 20, 2025, regular meeting, the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended to the Board of County Commissioners the reappointment of Rob Woywod to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
WHEREAS, Rob Woywod meets the eligibility requirements of Idaho Code and Boundary County land use codes to serve; and
WHEREAS, Rob Woywod will be appointed to a third term on the Planning and Zoning Commission with this appointment. Idaho Code §67-6504(a) (3) requires that no person shall serve more than two (2) full consecutive terms without specific concurrence by two-thirds (2/3) of the governing board adopted by motion and recorded in the minutes; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners confirms the Chairman’s reappointment of Rob Woywod to serve an additional four-year term on the Planning and Zoning Commission and concurs with the reappointment to serve more than two (2) full consecutive terms.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the members of the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Boundary, Idaho, that Rob Woywod be reappointed to a four-year term on the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission beginning January 1, 2026, and ending January 1, 2030.
This resolution shall be in full force from the date of its adoption.
Upon a motion to adopt the text of the foregoing Resolution made by Commissioner Bertling and seconded by Commissioner Pinkerton, the foregoing was duly enacted as a Resolution of the Board of County Commissioners of Boundary County, Idaho, on the 1st day of December, 2025.
BOUNDARY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ VOTE TO APPOINT:
Ben Robertson, Chairman “aye”
Tim Bertling, Commissioner “aye”
Lester Pinkerton, Commissioner “aye”
BOUNDARY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
s/
Ben Robertson, Chairman
s/
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
s/_
Lester Pinkerton, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/____________________________ 12-1-2025
Glenda Poston Date
Boundary County Clerk/Auditor/Recorder
Recorded Instrument #301679
Probation Officer Alisa Walker entered the meeting at 10:30 a.m.
Mr. Harris left the meeting at 10:31. a.m.
Ms. Walker stated that she has completed the annual report for the state regarding juveniles. She will send it over for signatures soon. The Probation Department will be volunteering their time at some upcoming craft fairs to help raise money for a k9. She stated that they are also getting their certifications for the year as well as medical training. Ms. Walker has also been updating a policy manual and hopes to have it to Commissioners in the spring.
The meeting with Ms. Walker ended at 10:40 a.m. and she left the meeting.
EDC Director David Sims entered the meeting at 10:52 a.m.
At 11:00 a.m. Mr. Sims stated that there has been some shifting of duties within PAC and the county will be working with a new grant administrator going forward. Border traffic was still reduced with Porthill down 30% and Eastport down 18% over the same timeframe last year. The Moyie Post Office was slowly moving forward and he believes the council may sign documents soon. Mr. Sims recently attended an NIC Workforce Training meeting in Sandpoint and they are willing to expand programs as needed for training. The Idaho Launch program funding was curtailed, but they now have a new funding source so it can continue. However, it will be at a lower amount than previous.
Mr. Sims added that he was receiving more clients from Boundary County for business training and he continues to teach both finance and digital marketing classes through the Small Business Development Center. He stated that the Moyie Sewer project was done and he has put together their O&M. It was a pretty lengthy document, but includes everything required by DEQ. Lastly, Mr. Sims relayed information about a program available to receive a grade for bio feed stock. Funding was available, if the County was interested in moving forward.
The meeting with Mr. Sims ended at 11:25 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Melissa Kramer with the Assessor’s office entered the meeting at 11:35 a.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and convene as the Board of Equalization. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners reviewed the document from Assessor Drake regarding the 2025 Property Assessment Sub-Roll and Occupancy Roll. Ms. Kramer stated that the reductions are because they were estimating the square footage from aerial images from non-permitted homes or building plan changes. They have now been allowed to visit the properties for measurements.
Commissioner Bertling moved to adjust the 2025 Property Assessment Sub-Roll for the following nine properties as follows:
Adjust Parcel Value following owner contact and review of percent complete checklist, moved house from 100% complete to 84% complete.
SR61N01E184352A Orig Total Value New Total Value Net After HOE
(Subroll only) (Subroll only) (Subroll only)
$637,790 $547,940 $507,190
Adjust Parcel Value following owner contact, square footage change according to building plans submitted and review of percent complete checklist, moved house from 100% complete to 74% complete.
SRM0500000006AA Orig Total Value New Total Value
(Subroll only) (Subroll only)
$614,390 $401,680
Adjust Parcel Value following owner contact, square footage change after being allowed access for measurements.
SR61N01E013600A Orig Total Value New Total Value Net After HOE
(Subroll only) (Subroll only) (Subroll only)
$655,210 $384,240 $363,155
Adjust Parcel Value following owner contact and review of percent complete checklist, moved house from 100% complete to 87% complete.
SR61N01W260300A Orig Total Value New Total Value
(Subroll only) (Subroll only)
$274,080 $222,310
Add Homeowner's Exemptions to the following (applications submitted after assessment notice mailing on Nov. 10th and before appeal deadline November 24th 2025):
Parcel HOE Exemption Applied
MO0090000008B0A $5474
SR62N01E108561A $125,000
SR63N01E218561A $125,000
SR64N01E200012A $125,000
OCB00200060020A $67,561
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.
The meeting with Ms. Kramer ended at 11:37 a.m. and she left the meeting.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve Property Tax Cancellation due to Homeowners Exemption on five parcels including: RP61N01E082300A in the amount of $500.08, RP61N01W262950A in the amount of $284.14, RP62N02E069301A in the amount of $442.96, RPB1040001006FA in the amount of $744.78, and RPB00200060020A in the amount of $146.78. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners adjourned for lunch at 12:03 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 1:25 p.m. Mr. Barton stated that before the storm they prepared salt brine and sand. They also completed sign locates and picked up the traffic counters on Katka Mr. Barton added that a considerable amount of brushing and hauling of brush from multiple roads throughout the county was done as well as a tree removed from the ROW on Split Rock Rd. They also hauled/spread gravel to Grouse Hill Rd to try to get a crown to help with drainage. Next week they plan to do emergency sign repairs, traffic counts, winter maintenance, and brushing.
Chairman Robertson asked if any plowing was done after it snowed. Mr. Barton stated that they mostly had the sand trucks out sanding intersections. There was very little snow and the ground wasn’t frozen yet. They also stated that if they plow gravel roads before the ground was frozen, it will cause damage to the road.
Mr. Ryals presented a document for Commissioners to review regarding frost law. He stated that it was similar to what was used by other counties and would eliminate the permit process during spring break-up. Mr. Barton asked Commissioners to review it and they can fine tune it later if Commissioners would like to proceed.
The meeting with Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals ended at 1:52 p.m. and they left the meeting.
Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting at 1:59 p.m. Ms. Barton presented Commissioners with a request from the Restorium to rollover vacation for one employee. Commissioners approved the request.
Ms. Barton then reviewed the questions from the sick leave bank from the previous week. Commissioners decided to change their decision on the yearly buy-in from the previous week. The following was approved: 16 hours for the first year, 8 hours for year 2, 3 and 4, and 4 hours for 5+ years. Membership must be consecutive. If an employee floats in and out of membership, they start over at 16 hours for buy-in.
For employees that were awarded hours and use them intermittently, Commissioners agreed that the employee could keep vacation hours on the books. However, a doctors note would be required every time the employee was on leave. The doctors note would be given to the elected for that department as well as personnel.
The meeting with Ms. Barton ended at 2:29 p.m. and she left the meeting.
Elaine Atkins entered the meeting at 2:30 p.m. and stated she was on the board for the Paradise Valley Cemetery and Church and the taxes have gone from $12 per year to $900. She stated that they did get the letter in January that they had to reapply for the exemption. She completed the application and included the bylaws from 1927, but unfortunately was unable to find the articles of incorporation so it was denied.
Chairman Robertson stated that the County was able to locate documents from the 1990’s for the Church but the corporation was dissolved. Ms. Atkins explained that during that time, the church was separated from the cemetery and sold. Since that time, they have reacquired the church and it was now part of the Cemetery Association again. She then asked what her next steps should be.
Chairman Robertson asked if they were going to work on re-establishing the corporation. Ms. Atkins replied yes, she has an attorney that was helping them and he was redoing the articles of incorporation for them. Commissioners agreed that would satisfy the requirements.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve Property Tax Cancellation on parcel #RP61N01E116430A. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Commissioner Berting and Pinkerton voted “aye” Chairman Robertson abstained.
The meeting with Ms. Atkins ended at 2:39 p.m. and she left the meeting.
Ms. Barton reentered the meeting at 2:47 p.m. and provided a document for signatures regarding the sick leave bank.
Solid Waste Supervisor Richard Jenkins entered the meeting at 2:50 p.m.
Ms. Barton left the meeting at 2:52 p.m.
Mr. Jenkins stated that the total tonnage for the month of November was 944 tons, with a daily average of 31.47 tons which was a 5% decrease over the previous year. The total vehicle count was 10,105 which was a 1% decrease overall and a 7% decrease at the main landfill. Mr. Jenkins stated that he still has one equipment operator position open and a light tower has been rented for the tipping floor for the winter months.
They have also received 10 portable liter fences, which DEQ provided. His staff will put them together when they have time. The compactor repairs have been completed and will be transported back to the landfill on Wednesday. Mr. Jenkins added that the gas well monitoring had exceedance of 7.5 and discussions have started on phase 2 of the remediation plan. He was not sure what that would entail.
Mr. Jenkins stated that he has continued to work with a Legislative Action Committee and attended a recent meeting to work on code for the Legislative Committee. Chairman Robertson asked him what the changes were. Mr. Jenkins stated that there were several codes they were re-writing and hoped to have them out next year. Chairman Robertson asked who would be sponsoring it. Mr. Jenkins replied that they didn’t have anyone yet. Chairman Robertson asked if this was a new committee and Mr. Jenkins replied yes.
Mr. Jenkins also attended a meeting regarding the Statewide Materials Management Plan (SMMP) where they discussed regional waste management and he learned that Kootenai County was looking at reducing their recycling program.
Mr. Jenkins stated that as for the Air Curtain Incinerator he was working to get a water line setup for suppression. Commissioner Bertling stated that DEQ said we can run it without. Mr. Jenkins said that was true, but he was concerned about embers or when ash was removed. He stated we need to make sure that the ash was soaked before it goes into the waste stream. Commissioner Bertling said at this time of year, you can have multiple piles and let the weather take care of it. Mr. Jenkins also stated that material would need to be brought in and leveled out so that they didn’t destroy the pad.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked what size of waterline and distance. Mr. Jenkins stated a 3-inch line was stubbed at the hydrant. Commissioner Bertling asked if he had quotes for a water line. Mr. Jenkins replied no.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked if the burner was moving around or staying in one location. Mr. Jenkins replied that it would stay in one spot. Commissioner Pinkerton asked if a mobile water tank was possible. Mr. Jenkins stated that we don’t have one and the water truck was used to keep dust down.
Commissioner Pinkerton expressed his frustration with the length of time it was taking to get the burner operational. Mr. Jenkins stated that the holdup was the compliance agreement schedule. Commissioner Bertling stated the registration of it was the holdup not the agreement. Mr. Jenkins stated that he completed the registration last month and that registering it was a new regulation.
Chairman Robertson stated that the burner can be run now through spring without water suppression. Get it running on a trial without all this other stuff. Mr. Jenkins stated I think we are all in agreement on a level pad. Commissioner Bertling said you have D5 for leveling. Mr. Jenkins replied that he didn’t have material for a path. Commissioner Bertling asked what kind of material he wanted. Mr. Jenkins replied that he was not sure yet.
Commissioner Pinkerton stated that even if you bring something in, it was going to be a mess anyway. Sand would be best for drainage. Commissioner Bertling added that you need a slope so the water will drain away. This should have been done quite some time ago and he expressed his disappointment. Mr. Jenkins replied that he was under the impression that we were working with DEQ on that.
Mr. Jenkins asked if Commissioners wanted to do something different with material. Commissioner Bertling replied that you need to put the wood material on dirt and stabilize the machine. Chairman Robertson stated that you are going to end up with a muddy mess no matter what. Stabilize a level spot for it and start from there. Commissioner Pinkerton stated that he wanted to see it started up and going. The other decisions can be made at a later time when we know the layout and process.
Chairman Robertson stated that we want a trial run through winter so we can know how it was going to work. Commissioner Pinkerton stated we might want to move it to a different location. Mr. Jenkins replied this was the best location and it was designed for that spot.
Mr. Jenkins asked about a barrier. Commissioners agreed that a temporary barrier should be put up to keep the public at a safe distance.
Commissioners then discussed the solid waste fees since Mr. Jenkins started the audit and they reviewed the figures. Mr. Jenkins again explained his algorithm and process. Commissioners felt the numbers were better than what was presented earlier and agreed to use the comparable business until a full audit could be completed.
Commissioners reviewed information on the CAT 972 Wheel Loader and discussed the skid plate to prevent the banding from getting wrapped around the axel. Commissioner Bertling asked how often he would use it now that the compactor was repaired. Mr. Jenkins stated that it would be used to spread material. Mr. Jenkins asked if he should proceed with a sales agreement. Commissioners requested additional information.
Commissioner Bertling asked Mr. Jenkins to put material down for trucks so that they don’t get stuck. Mr. Jenkins replied that it was just one driver that gets stuck and any material they put down was then lost. Chairman Robertson replied that any mud that gets on the road, you need to blade off. Mr. Jenkins replied that was just additional cost and the tipping floor moves periodically. Commissioner Bertling replied that you need to put fabric down and build a proper road to resolve this problem.
The meeting with Mr. Jenkins ended at 3:46 p.m. and he left the meeting.
Deputy Clerk Rebekah Jensen entered the meeting at 3:56 p.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to go into executive session 31-874 to consider proceedings and records of medical indigents. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Robertson “aye”, Commissioner Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”. The executive session ended at 4:07 p.m. No action was taken.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 4:57 p.m.
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
No meetings were scheduled therefore Commissioners did not meet.
Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., Commissioners met in special session with Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims for the purpose of a construction meeting with the architect and contractors for the Justice Building. Also in attendance were IT Director Matt Hodges, Cory Trapp with Longwell Trapp, and Denny Wedel, Randy Wedel and Gwen Barber all with B.F. Builders.
Ms. Barber shared a preliminary construction schedule with everyone. Demo permit was not required and building permit was expected to arrive after the first of the year. Asbestos contractor will be in next week, percentages were so low that most of the rules/reporting do not apply. At this time there are no long lead times or critical work. Denny Wedel will be the Superintendent and Randy Wedel was designated as the Project Manager. Ms. Barber will handle the submittals. Project meetings will be scheduled once a month initially and every two weeks after that. Meeting location will be the Courthouse for easy site visits if needed.
The meeting adjourned at 3:18 p.m.
s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk