***Monday, December 15, 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.
At 9:00 a.m., Commissioners held proceedings to consider renewing Boundary County Alcoholic Beverage Licenses for year 2026. Present were: Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims. The proceedings were recorded.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the County Alcohol Beverage License Applications for year 2026 for the 29 establishments presented in “Exhibit A” pending receipt of all required documentation and applicable fees. “Exhibit A” will be attached to the official Commissioner meeting minutes. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting to consider beverage licenses ended at 9:02 a.m. and Commissioners signed the documents presented for each business.
Greg Lamberty entered the meeting at 9:05 a.m.
Fay Almond entered the meeting at 9:10 a.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Makenna Baisden and Hanna Franck. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Commissioner meeting minutes from the week of 12/8. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve Property Tax Cancellations due to Homeowners Exemptions on six parcels including parcel #’s: RP61N01E088401A in the amount of $446.80, RP60N01W015000A in the amount of $204.46, RPB0440008000AA in the amount of $669.36, RP61N01W349449A in the amount of $204.46, MH61N01W349449A in the amount of $47.90, and RP62N02E148203A in the amount of $442.96. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:30 a.m. and stated that they continue to receive a considerable number of public records requests that have a wide interest. There’s good intention behind the law, but there was something wrong when 3 or 4 people use a huge proportion of county resources for their purpose. Tax dollars are being spent addressing PRR instead of doing business.
Ms. Poston suggested that we ask legislatures to consider reimbursing for the time because it was an unfunded mandate.
Mr. Wilson replied that the Sheriff’s office has added an additional employee solely for the purpose of addressing PRR. That was a tremendous cost to the County and it continues to grow.
EDC Director David Sims entered the meeting at 9:55 a.m.
Commissioners shared information from the courts regarding changes effective January 1. Mr. Wilson stated that we need to keep that information in mind for future PRR.
Boundary County Ambulance Chief Jeff Lindsey entered the meeting at 10:00 a.m.
Chairman Robertson asked Mr. Wilson to consider the new rules and what needs to be done regarding the contractors for the Courthouse and the plans involved.
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.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the minutes from the meeting on November 17, 2025. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chief Lindsey stated that they have had 104 calls for service with chute times of 1 minute 44 seconds. Several employees are working to add Optional Module Skills to their licensing. They are hoping to have that completed early in the new year. They are short one employee who was out on an extended leave to deal with an ill family member.
The conversation then switched to the URD. Chairman Robertson asked Mr. Sims if they removed the Ambulance from the URD, how much would that be. Mr. Sims stated that he has not yet received those numbers so he was unsure. He also described that the URD does have some contractual indebtedness in both districts that the URD board would need to consider if they were asked.
Chief Lindsey stated that it was allowed in Dover and Sandpoint. He was not sure if it was allowed anywhere else. Chairman Robertson then clarified that if they sent a request to the URD it could either be approved or denied. Mr. Sims replied yes they will have to look at what amounts they have committed to and added that the deadline was May 1.
Ms. Poston stated that we tried last year, but missed the deadline. Mr. Sims added that there would be additional properties included on the subroll, but again stated that he was not sure of what the figures were.
Commissioner Bertling moved to proceed on the matter to withdraw the Ambulance District from the URD. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Sims stated that their next regular meeting would be in February, but they could have a special meeting at any time.
The meeting with Mr. Sims and Chief Linsey ended at 10:14 a.m. and they left the meeting.
Mr. Lamberty and Ms. Almond left the meeting at 10:15 a.m.
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.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the Property Tax Cancellation of $3,365.18 in tax and $860.32 in specials on RPB0780001005BA due to tax exempt status. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the Property Tax Cancellation of $924.46 in tax and $213.92 in specials on RP64N01E070310A due to tax exempt status. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to reappoint Tess Rae to the Parks & Rec Board for a 3-year term expiring December 2028. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to reappoint Ken Goggia and Bert Wood to the Fair Board for 4-year terms expiring February 2029. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign letter to Congressman Fulcher. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Rob Tompkins, Chair of Parks & Recreation Board entered the meeting at 10:23 a.m.
At 10:30 a.m. Mr. Tompkins shared the MOU he had received from North Idaho Classical Academy regarding use of the of the parks by the school during the day. He stated they have no plans for sports teams, and wanted use for recess. He added that they offered to pay for maintenance and there was also some verbiage on the use of Recreation Road.
Chairman Robertson stated that this was the first they had heard of the MOU. He added that the road was maintained by the Fair Board. As far as he was concerned there shouldn’t be anything in this MOU about the road.
Ms. Poston stated that ICRIMP also needs to review the MOU.
Chairman Robertson stated that the road continues to be an issue. It was not a county-maintained road, and asked who was going to maintain it in the winter. Commissioner Bertling asked if it was a temporary MOU during construction. Mr. Tompkins replied no it was permanent for use of deliveries and buses.
Chairman Robertson stated that as far as Parks use, he was fine with it, as long as they are willing to schedule the fields just like everyone else. The road however, should not be included in this and added that legal needed to review.
The meeting with Mr. Tompkins ended at 9:38 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Jimmy Ball entered the meeting at 10:53 a.m.
Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered at 10:56 a.m.
P&Z Administrator Ben Jones entered at 10:57 a.m.
Mr. Ball stated his concern was with P&Z and the violation letter he received. He stated that in 2008-09 he was given a placement permit that the department later pulled back because they had made a mistake. There was mediation to resolve the issue, charges were dropped and the permit was once again issued. Now here we are having the same conversation 15+ years later. Mr. Ball wanted to know how that happened and who was out to get him. His stress level was high and was frustrated that he will have to pay his lawyer to provide mediation documents that the county should already have.
Mr. Wilson reviewed the documents from Mr. Ball. Mr. Wilson stated that it appears we are pursuing an item that we didn’t have access to the records. Mr. Jones stated that the physical records were not included, and now that he has them it should be resolved.
Mr. Ball stated that because of this correspondence his confidence in the county has been reduced. It has cost me time and stress because of improper management of documents. Which then causes me to monetize the issue. Mr. Ball asked Commissioners to explain how this could happen.
Commissioner Pinkerton stated that someone reported what they thought was an issue. It was then his job to pass that information on to P&Z to investigate. Mr. Wilson stated that was a pretty normal process for them to be given information. That information does not have to be given to them during a meeting. That information may not be valid but it was Mr. Jones’ job to then investigate it. It sounds to me like the investigation will now be closed and when that happens you can then request the records as to why this happened.
Mr. Ball felt it was Commissioner driven and asked that they pick-up the phone and call him instead. Commissioner Pinkerton stated that I don’t know you and have no intentions against you. I received an inquiry and I followed up on it. That was it.
Mr. Ball stated that he has been informed by Mr. Jones that there was another investigation into his property in Moravia and he wanted to know who in the community has a vendetta against him. He represents affordable housing and some people are against that. Mr. Wilson stated that we get these calls all the time and it was their job to forward them on to planning. If they didn’t do that, they would be accused of not following their own rules. Mr. Jones followed up and found that it was legal and now it will not be pursued further. It has nothing to do with your name or you as an individual, this was the same process for anyone in the county. Mr. Wilson then repeated how to receive the records on the complaint.
The meeting with Mr. Ball ended at 11:37 a.m. and everyone left the meeting.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at noon.
The Commissioners 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 1:23 p.m.
At 1:30 p.m. Mr. Barton stated that they plowed, sanded, salt/salt brine in area 4 and 5. They have done sign work and put up 52 delineators along Katka. They are trying different options to speed up the process since they have a grant for over 5,000 more delineators coming soon. They installed rocks at the boat launch and continued with brushing and cleanup after the storm. So far there was just one small slide in the Libby Creek area.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked them to cleanout the ditches and culverts in the Turner Hill area. He also stated that about 50 yards up Fleming Creek the water was running across the road.
Mr. Barton stated that they have finished up with brush along Kootenai Trail and will focus on Parker Canyon to finish up what they didn’t get to last year
Commissioner Bertling informed them of a dead pine on Roosevelt that needs to be taken care of before it comes down on the road. Commissioner Pinkerton also mentioned tree branches that need to be removed that hit combines. Mr. Barton stated that was already on the list to be taken care of.
Mr. Ryals and Mr. Barton then shared arial images of the landfill and gave a list of priorities and their estimated cost to the Commissioners for review. Commissioner Bertling asked them to break it out into priorities. Commissioner Pinkerton added safety should be considered first.
Commissioners reviewed the images and Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals shared their ideas on traffic patterns and changes they foresee to make the processes run smoother. They also discussed relocating various items to different locations and placement of the Air Curtain.
Commissioner Pinkerton suggested that tin be moved closer or relocate the drop-off for that product.
Chairman Robertson asked for a small bin by the office for disabled, so that staff can easily help them.
Commissioner Bertling would like to pursue an update to the permit for the Air Curtain so they can burn dirty wood and also consider burning construction waste.
Mr. Ryals suggested that the loading dock that was no longer used be removed so that the household waste bins could be placed around the pavement edge. That would keep 80% of the traffic out of the mud and also keep the public at a safe distance from the machinery. He also suggested a slightly different traffic pattern and the use of a nematic counter. This would free up the office for other matters. Commissioners agreed with him.
Mr. Barton told them that one truck was in the shop and the mechanics have gone through it. There were many issues, and parts should arrive today so that repairs can be made. He added that they will keep moving forward and get a list of priorities for them.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked them to meet with staff and make connections.
Mr. Barton stated that Frederickson’s would like a secondary dumping location for muddy days. Mr. Barton also would like to install a security system similar to what they use at Road & Bridge.
Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting at 2:00 p.m.
Commissioner Bertling stated that he would be out to test the Air Curtain.
Chairman Robertson asked about the loader. Mr. Barton stated to hold tight for now until they have a better handle on hours needed. Mr. Barton also suggested changes to the tipping floor, compactor, and cover. Commissioners stated they have been trying to get that done for quite some time and asked him to implement those changes immediately.
The meeting with Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals ended at 2:06 p.m. and they left the meeting.
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”, Commission Pinkerton “aye”. The executive session ended at 2:27 p.m. No action was taken.
Ms. Barton left the meeting at 2:28 p.m.
Bonners Ferry District Forest Ranger Heather Fuller entered the meeting at 2:31 p.m. and stated that as of today they have no flooding or road issues reported to date. She was short on people, because some of them were focused on road issues and aquatics in Bonner County. She stated that the hydrologist also recently returned from fire assignment.
Ms. Fuller stated that because of the OSV being on pause, snowmobiling will be the same as last year. The reason behind that was because the Caribou injunction has not been lifted. The furlough also caused issues with their printed maps for travel planning. Commissioners suggested that they change to QR codes instead of printed maps. Ms. Fuller agreed that was a good idea. She thought the timing of it was in question, so it may stay as it was through the end of the year.
Ms. Fuller stated the GNA agreement was waiting on funding. She was kicking around ideas on how to get seed money for the agreement with pots of funding that will be used going forward. Chairman Robertson stated that it might be good to figure out how much work was there for a forester. It might help with how much was needed on the front end.
Ms. Fuller stated that an email recently came out about wood innovations and possible projects for grant funding. She thought it would be good to discuss with KVRI to get ideas.
Chairman Robertson asked if it was possible to haul wood down after a logging project to let people have access to it. Commissioner Bertling felt that would need oversight so that people don’t take the wood to then sell.
The meeting with Ms. Fuller ended at 3:10 p.m. and she left the meeting.
Commissioners attended to administrative duties until the meeting adjourned at 3:52 p.m.
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.
At 9:00 a.m. Commissioners held an Elected Official/Department Head meeting. Those in attendance were: IT Director Matt Hodges, Veterans Service Officer Wayne Olin, Assessor Olivia Drake, Coroner Chad Workman, P&Z Administrator Ben Jones, Prosecutor Andrakay Pluid, U of I Educator Amy Robertson, Maintenance Supervisor Squire Fields, Sheriff Travis Stolley, Personnel Director Pam Barton, Treasurer Jenny Economu, Road & Bridge Supervisor Brad Barton, Assistant Supervisor Adam Ryals and Probation Officer Alisa Walker.
Commissioners went around the room for office updates from the various departments in attendance.
Ms. Pluid provided information on First Amendment Auditors and referred everyone to a video she had recently shared and suggested signage to designate private/public areas. She added to do your job and let them record.
The meeting ended at 9:28 a.m. and everyone left the meeting except Assessor Drake and Mr. Hodges.
Mr. Hodges reminded Commissioners that the company maintaining the website will end their service soon and shared information from two companies. He stated the original quote ($12,500) was received in June and it included the ADA requirements. The quote ($13,500) from Well Dressed Walrus was fairly new and he was not sure if it included ADA. The advantage was that they are located in Spokane.
The website will take about 6 months to build and we will be without support for the current website in January. He added that Well Dressed Walrus will provide support during the rebuild. He was not sure if the company that provided the original quote would do that. The benefit to the original quote was that they are not only lower, but the payments happen in phases and you end up with a rebuilt website every four years.
Ms. Poston liked that it was a phased approach instead of the upfront costs. Commissioners also compared maintenance costs between the two companies.
Chairman Robertson asked Mr. Hodges to confirm if ADA requirements were included and support during the rebuild. He suggested they meet again next week to discuss further.
The meeting ended at 9:49 a.m. and Mr. Hodges and Ms. Drake left the meeting.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 10:15 a.m.
***Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., Commissioners met in emergency session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims, Emergency Management Cory Thatcher.
Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Bertling moved to adopt Resolution 2026-8. A resolution ratifying the Local Disaster/Emergency Declaration relating to road damage and power outage caused by heavy precipitation and wind. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2026-8 reads as follows:
RESOLUTION 2026-8
RATIFYING LOCAL DISASTER/EMERGENCY DECLARATION
WHEREAS, Boundary County has experienced heavy precipitation and high winds beginning 17 December 2025, and
WHEREAS, due to this excessive precipitation and high winds, Boundary County incurred excessive damage to its infrastructure, including road damage, power outages, and damage to power infrastructure,
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved, that the Board of County Commissioners of Boundary County, State of Idaho, declares an emergency and request State and Federal assistance, and the aforementioned declaration is ratified by this resolution.
DATED at Bonners Ferry, State of Idaho, this 18th day of December, 2025.
BOUNDARY COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
s/______________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
s/______________________________
TIM BERTLING, Commissioner
s/______________________________
LESTER PINKERTON, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/___________________________________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded Instrument #301813
The meeting adjourned at 10:10 a.m.
s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk