***Monday, December 29, 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 for Sam’s Stop & Shop’s, 2026 Beverage License renewal. Those present were: Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims. The proceedings were recorded.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the County Alcohol Beverage License Application for year 2026 for Sam’s Stop & Shop #14 pending receipt of all required documentation and applicable fees. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting to consider the beverage license ended at 9:02 a.m. and Commissioners signed the documents presented.
Bert Wolff entered the meeting at 9:05 a.m. and stated that he and his attorney would like to meet with Commissioners. Chairman Robertson asked him to have his attorney contact the County’s attorney.
Mr. Wolff left the meeting at 9:10 a.m.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Commissioner meeting minutes from the week of 12/22. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to reappoint Ty Iverson and Jim Dalhbert to the Weed Advisory Board for three-year terms expiring January 2029. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to reappoint Ruth Ann Wilson and Sheila Benson to the Restorium Board for three-year terms expiring January 2029. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Contract for Professional Services with IFM for Fire Mitigation Project 24HFR-Boundary (Kat Camp). Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the Contract for Professional Services with IFM for Fire Mitigation Project 24WFM-Boundary (South Boundary Phase III). Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Contract for Professional Services with IFM for Fire Mitigation Project 25JC-Boundary (FY25 Joint Chiefs Boundary). Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the MOU with IDL for Grant #25IRAP-Boundary. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Professional Services Contract with Pam Brockus for IDL 25IRAP-Boundary. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign RFF #1 for 25JC-Boundary. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Hangar-Ground Lease Agreement with Shem Johnson for Hangar A1. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Hangar-Ground Lease Agreement with Charlie Brown for Hangar B3. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Resolution 2026-9 Regarding County Operations. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-9
A Resolution Regarding Courthouse Operations
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Boundary County, Idaho (Board) is empowered to manage the operations of Boundary County.
AND WHEREAS, Boundary County is a political subdivision of the State of Idaho, operating under the provision and the law of the State of Idaho, and as such is authorized and empowered to make decisions regarding its employees’ benefits; and
WHEREAS, President Donald Trump and Idaho Governor Brad Little issued executive orders granting additional state and federal holidays of December 24 and 26 and the Idaho Supreme Court ordered those days as non-judicial days, and
WHEREAS, a number of the services provided by the county were then unsupported services on those dates, and
WHEREAS, those county employees went above and beyond to provide services during that time, and
NOW, THEREFORE, upon a motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried, it is in the best interest of the county to grant Boundary County employees additional paid time off or holiday pay, and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, the Boundary County Board of Commissioners do hereby issue this order, closing the Boundary County Courthouse and various offices on December 31, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. and declaring that this shall be a County Holiday and all shifts will be granted 4 hours of holiday pay. This order is for one time and does NOT modify the Personnel Policy going forward.
DATED this 29th day of December, 2025.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/_____________________________
Ben Robertson, Chairman
s/_____________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
s/_____________________________
Lester Pinkerton, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Glenda Poston
Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
s/___________________________________
Recorded Instrument #301885
Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:32 a.m. Mr. Wilson stated that he had not yet researched the email from last week on the hospital, but will look into it. Chairman Robertson asked about federal and state holidays and if it was mandatory that they follow them. Mr. Wilson stated that you have the discretion. Mr. Wilson stated that they continue to work through a significant number of public records requests.
Ms. Poston asked about the claim regarding damage to the Naples bridge. Chairman Robertson stated that we need to talk to Road & Bridge about the costs involved to repair. Mr. Wilson stated that they need just one item for the Riverside project and he has asked Mr. Ryals to follow up on that.
At a 10:00 a.m. Commissioner Bertling moved to go into executive session 74-206(b) to consider the evaluation, dismissal, or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public-school student and 74-206(f) To communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. The mere presence of legal counsel at an executive session does not satisfy this requirement. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Robertson “aye”, Commissioner Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”. The executive session ended at 10:24 a.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to proceed as discussed. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with Mr. Wilson ended at 10:25 p.m. and he left the meeting.
Bonners Ferry Herald Reporter Noah Harris entered the meeting at 10:30 a.m.
Cory Thatcher with Emergency Services called in to the meeting at 10:35 a.m. He stated that Northern Lights was still working on estimates, their crews have been spread pretty thin doing repairs so gathering that information has been slower than expected. He last spoke to them on December 26th. He added that Road & Bridge has provided preliminary numbers but he is still waiting for final. He also spoke to the state and they advised him to keep the proclamation open until all figures are gathered.
The call with Mr. Thatcher ended at 10:40 a.m.
Sheriff Travis Stolley and Chief Deputy Caleb Watts entered the meeting at 11:00 a.m. and Sheriff Stolley stated that he wanted to discuss the maintenance and condition of the jail. It was an older building with several issues. One of which was a moisture issue in the upper level of the building. They have had an inspection and he provided two quotes to clean what was going on. He stated that the new roof fixed some of the issues, but moisture was getting trapped. They are looking at dehumidifiers to help address the problem. Sheriff Stolley added that there are also wiring issues, the kitchen stove was not working again and there were multiple plumbing issues. Sheriff Stolley stated it was just a matter of time before there was a complete failure.
He then said that a feasibility study was done to replace the jail and two locations were proposed. They designed a 60-person facility with offices and noted that dispatch would also be included. He stated that one of the proposed locations creates a logistics problem for court, so he felt the downtown location was best.
They typically house 24-25 inmates and this was the first month they have been below capacity in a while with 12 inmates. We are at a tipping point, the building is old and the infrastructure is failing. He then asked where are we at with funding a new jail and how do we proceed.
Chairman Robertson stated that he wanted to see what the legislature does this year. Sheriff Stolley stated he was also interested in what they would do. He then asked if it passes what happens next, what do we do in the meantime, and when would it take place. He wanted a plan in place now so we know what to do when funding was available. Sheriff Stolley then asked if there were things he could do on his own or if the Commissioners were in charge of that. Commissioners stated that the funding commitment would come from them and there was a statute that defined the bid process. Commissioners added that they need to know what they are going to build before they pursue funding.
Commissioner Pinkerton stated that the costs jump significantly once you get into it. He asked if there was a footprint out there than could be used. Chairman Robertson and Commissioner Bertling agreed and provided examples. Commissioner Pinkerton then asked if they could receive funding for housing state or federal inmates. Sheriff Stolley stated yes, and he would like to consider that. Chairman Robertson stated that a bigger facility comes with higher costs. He then asked if you still get funding if the cells are empty. Sheriff Stolley stated that the state portion would be housed, but federal might be different. There would be a loss because it would require more staff in place whether inmates are there or not. The food contracts are also variable because you have to have the contract whether or not you have inmates.
Commissioner Pinkerton stated he was interested in pursuing, but there were limitations. You will have to draw this back. Chairman Robertson stated the only option was to run a bond. Sheriff Stolley stated that they could also pursue grants, but that would be limited.
Commissioner Pinkerton said you have to talk to the legislatures. Sheriff Stolley agreed, and added that they tried last year but it didn’t move forward so we are trying again. He also added that he could put together a community action board, but they would need information to push out.
Chairman Robertson stated that it would be at least 2027 before it could be considered for an election. Ms. Poston added that you would need figures before an election. You have a lot of work to do.
Sheriff Stolley asked about the maintenance and operation side. He stated that he wanted to begin increasing his staffing so he was ready for a new facility and asked about using Opioid funds. Ms. Poston stated that those funds are not long term and would be eaten up really fast. They would then be gone. That was not a long-term solution.
Sheriff Stolley discussed the number of employees that he would need. Chairman Robertson stated that this was discussed a couple years ago when the study was done. We are looking at a minimum of a three-year process and possibly more. The only position to consider for next year was a float person for court/detention. Ms. Poston agreed and said that would be needed next year when they are in the new location.
Sheriff Stolley asked about the state funding the court position. Ms. Poston replied no, the state only provides the computer. The county pays for the staff. Chairman Robertson stated that you need to get in the legislature’s ear.
Maintenance Supervisor Squire Fields entered the meeting at 11:50 a.m.
Sheriff Stolley stated he would reach out to others to gather more information.
The meeting with Sheriff Stolley ended at 12:05 p.m. and he and Chief Deputy Watts left the meeting.
Mr. Fields gave a brief update on the boiler and where the suspected leak was. Commissioners advised him on how to proceed.
The meeting with Mr. Fields ended at 12:08 p.m. and he left the meeting.
Commissioners adjourned for lunch at 12:10 p.m.
Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session at 1:30 p.m. with Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims and Clerk Glenda Poston.
Road & Bridge Superintendent Brad Barton and Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals entered the meeting at 1:30 p.m. Mr. Barton stated that they are still waiting on estimates from HMH regarding the damage to the Naples bridge. They will contact them again and pass that information on to the Clerk’s office when received.
Mr. Barton stated that last week they did some plowing, sanding, and salting/brining due to weather. They have placed/picked up traffic counters on approximately 10 roads throughout the county and continue to haul brush and remove trees from the ROW due to storm damage. He added that the City of Moyie called about 3500 yards of material behind their building and asked if the county wanted it. The mill will pay to haul it off. Commissioner Bertling replied it was good rock and if the mill was willing to pay for the haul, he suggested they take it. Mr. Barton added that it was possibly something they could use at the landfill. Mr. Ryals said that he will check into any required regulations.
Mr. Barton presented letters for himself and Mr. Ryals regarding vacation hours to roll over.
Commissioner Bertling moved to roll over vacation hours for 2 employees that are over the 120-hour maximum. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Ryals asked if they have had a chance to review the frost law. Commissioners replied they have not.
Mr. Barton reviewed the priority list for the landfill. Chairman Robertson asked if they fill out daily DOT sheets. Mr. Ryals stated that Road & Bridge does, but the landfill has been doing them monthly. He will be switching that so they are done daily and training employees on the process.
Mr. Barton stated the last of the parts came in for the truck so that should be up and running in a day. They are still searching for a hood. They are going through the compactor bins and will do minor repairs. Others are in pretty bad shape. They should be close to having what they need to make it work. Mr. Ryals added that they have a quote out there to see how much they are and are also looking for used. They want to get them in place at all rural sites to reduce trucking time and in the household drop off area at the main landfill.
Commissioner Bertling asked about the new employee. Mr. Barton stated they are waiting on pre-employment.
Mr. Barton stated that they are still working to remove the ramp, shift stuff around and get signage ready. He also stated the cameras have arrived, but have not yet been installed. Commissioner Pinkerton asked about cameras on the equipment. Mr. Barton stated no, but we can add them if you wish. Commissioners agreed that needed to be done.
Mr. Barton asked about the grinder and if that was something Commissioners want to consider. Commissioner Bertling stated he had not had time to look at it yet. Chairman Robertson stated that he would like to find an outlet for it before they get too carried away. Mr. Ryals replied he would look into that.
Mr. Barton stated he has found an outlet for the waste oil. The company will pick it up for free and there might be a small amount paid to the county. He also stated that they are narrowing down the needs for a loader, but were not ready to move forward yet. Commissioners asked them to see if a grapple bucket was an option.
Mr. Barton stated they have brought in the pickup for repairs and are adding a slip tank. This will give them two slip tanks to use instead of the fuel tank on site and transition everyone to fuel cards. They are struggling with condensation in the fuel tank. They are also continuing to work on the gas wells and drainage issues.
Commissioner Bertling asked them to install a windsock for the air burner.
Personnel Director Pam Barton entered at 2:13 p.m.
The meeting with Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals ended at 2:15 p.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to go into executive session 74-206(b) to consider the evaluation, dismissal, or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public-school student. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Robertson “aye”, Commissioner Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”.
Ms. Barton left the meeting at 2:40 p.m.
The executive session ended at 2:48 p.m. No action was taken.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve Property Tax Cancellation on 16 parcels due to late charge assessed in error, payments were postmarked by the deadline. The parcel #’s were as follows: RP003700040021A in the amount of $52.43, RP64N01E040010A in the amount of $5.11, RP64N01E040290A in the amount of $12.93, RP62N01E142920A in the amount of $61.18, RP61N01E104501A in the amount of $42.28, RP612N01E145600A in the amount of $5.74, RP62N03E227501A in the amount of $10.12, RP61N01E082410A in the amount of $25.51, RP61N01E058410A in the amount of $8.82, RP61N01E055702A in the amount of $10.87, RP61N01E054960A in the amount of $8.05, RP65N02E262852A in the amount of $10.60, RP01160001036AA $10.60, RP62N01E131820A in the amount of $14.85, RP60N01W091813A in the amount of $21.62, RP60N01W103602A in the amount of $28.92. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chuck Roady and Gary Regehr entered the meeting at 2:55 p.m. and stated they were there to discuss a ROW easement on property adjacent to the airport. They would like to eliminate the easement and wanted to know if that was possible and the process. Commissioners discussed ideas and thought the best option was to make Sunrise Road a public road and grant access from there. Commissioner Bertling stated that we also need to get Dave Parker involved, so he can advise to any FAA rules/requirements.
Chairman Robertson suggested they talk to Mr. Parker first so he can advise on the FAA requirements and then we can schedule this on a future agenda with Mr. Parker to discuss further.
The meeting with Mr. Roady ended at 3:22 p.m. and he and Mr. Regehr left the meeting.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:10 p.m.
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
There were no items on the agenda, therefore the Commissioners did not meet.
s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk