Monday, February 16, 2026
COURTHOUSE CLOSED FOR PRESIDENT’S DAY
***Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.
At 9:00 a.m. Commissioners held an Elected Officials/Department head meeting. Those in attendance were: Veterans Service Officer Wayne Olin, Personnel Director Pam Barton, Prosecutor Andrakay Pluid, Assessor’s Office Melissa Kramer, Emergency Management Cory Thatcher, Restorium Supervisor Janay Smith, Treasurer Jenny Economu, and Probation Officer Alisa Walker.
Commissioners went around the room for office updates from the various departments in attendance.
The meeting with elected officials/department heads ended at 9:15 a.m. and everyone left the meeting except Ms. Pluid.
The 9:20 appointment with the University of Idaho Extension Office was cancelled due to illness.
Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:29 a.m. and Mr. Wilson stated that last week he worked on ordinary records requests and some personnel matters. He added that he did not hear anything back on the Riverside project, so he will reach out again.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked Mr. Wilson to look at the GNA agreement in regards to fire suppression. He stated that the USFS handles that now and wanted to make sure that would not change if the county entered into an agreement.
Chairman Robertson asked about Ms. Pluid’s suggestion for a retention policy-- if it was already governed by statute why do we need another document. Mr. Wilson stated that the statutes are broad and don’t include everything. Some departments get more requests, so a separate retention schedule can be helpful. Chairman Robertson asked if there was something in place in another county that could be used as a guide. Mr. Wilson replied yes and will try to get something to start the process.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked if there had been any updates from the Hospital’s attorney. Mr. Wilson stated no and said he would reach out to him again. Commissioner Pinkerton said they are seeking a M&O levy. Mr. Wilson stated that the county would review ballot language, but we do not put that information together for them. Ms. Pluid suggested reaching out to the Attorney General’s office for clarification where the code was contradictory.
Chief Jeff Lindsey called into the meeting at 10:00 a.m.
The meeting with Ms. Pluid and Mr. Wilson ended at 10:02 a.m. and they 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 provided updates for the month of January stating that they had 109 calls with chute times of one minute twenty-six seconds. He stated that calls are increasing and that they have had to take patients into Kootenai Medical or Spokane hospitals because Bonner General has had their surgical department closed for several months. He thought it was back open today which will help.
Commissioners asked him to explain chute time and Chief Lindsey stated that it was the time from when 911 dispatch alerted them and having a truck on the road. The goal was less than 2 minutes.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked if they are having funding issues similar to hospitals. Chief Lindsey stated that they are partially funded by a tax and the other portion was by billing for services. They are limited to the amount the policy will pay, just like the hospital.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the minutes from January 20, 2026. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with Chief Linsey ended at 10:16 a.m. and he left the meeting.
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 Bertling moved to sign Contract for Professional Services for 25IRAP – Boundary Hazard Fuel Reduction. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the MOU with Tyler Technologies for VS-IDA-006. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners discussed the letter received from the Fair Board regarding the list of applicants.
Commissioner Bertling moved to appoint Anne Tompkins to the Fair Board to fill the vacancy with a term expiring January 2029. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to appoint Kevin Knauth to the Parks & Recreation Board to fill the vacancy with a term expiring December 2028. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign RCIF pay request #5-Final. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign RCIF Closeout Documents. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Poston left the meeting at 10:17 a.m.
Airport Board member Jay Wages entered the meeting at 10:23 a.m.
Airport Manager Dave Parker entered the meeting at 10:27 a.m. Mr. Parker provided Commissioners with a map of the various projects, grant funding and county match. He then gave an update of the various projects and stages of completion. He added that the taxiway extension was something that was brand new. The FAA didn’t think there would be enough funding so this was something we didn’t think we could do. However, they called last week and offered $2 million to build a taxiway that would be parallel to our runway. Because we don’t currently have one, the FAA sees that as a safety issue. The total cost to the county would be $50,000; $5,000 in this FY and $45,000 in the next.
Chairman Robertson asked how much was in his budget this year for the projects. Mr. Parker answered $250,000. The federal grants have more loopholes which make the costs higher. Chairman Robertson said this year isn’t the issue, but next year we would have to allocate another $100,000.
Commissioner Bertling asked if Road & Bridge could do some of the work to help reduce the cost. Mr. Parker stated that federal makes that difficult, but he could ask. Commissioner Bertling suggested that could be used as either cash match or reduce the cost.
Chairman Robertson stated that he was inclined to move forward like we are going to spend and see where it goes. Mr. Parker said that if you do, you are committed. If you don’t follow through, you have to pay back the amount that was spent. At that point, it would be cheaper to move forward. Mr. Parker said he would see what he could do to get the cost reduced.
Commissioner Bertling moved to proceed with the runway extension. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Parker informed Commissioners on the progress for removal of the older hangars that are in poor condition and stated an agreement would be coming for their signatures.
The meeting with Mr. Parker and Mr. Wages ended at 10:59 a.m. and they left the meeting.
The meeting recessed for lunch at 11:15 a.m.
The meeting reconvened for the afternoon session at 1:30 p.m. with Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.
Road & Bridge Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals entered the meeting at 1:30 p.m. and stated that last week sign work/locates were completed on Baldy Mtn, Heights Loop, Eileen Rd, Herman Lake, Cow Creek, Maas Loop and Kings Row. Cold patching and hauling of rock to Flemming Creek, Holmes, Foxglove, Deer Park Shilo Loop, Park Canyon Cow Creek, Crossport, Fitzpatrick Katka, Mtn Meadows, Sandy Ridge and Twenty Mile to address issues. They are currently out plowing, sanding and salting due to the storm. They met with another engineering firm to discuss the Naples corridor and Naples bridge. That firm will reach out to LHTAC for discussions on funding.
They had their first meeting regarding the Riverside project last week with a preconstruction meeting scheduled for February 26th in the barn at the refuge where they will walk everyone through the project. Another meeting will be scheduled in March.
For Solid Waste a loader was delivered today and another will arrive tomorrow for them to demo side by side for comparison. They continue to work with the engineers and DEQ on the changes with positive comments. The employees completed the CPR class this morning and he updated the operations plan at the landfill. The biggest change was restricting what equipment could be used where, which should help prevent some of the damage and repairs needed. He added that the spoils are being hauled from Moyie to the rock pit today.
Mr. Ryals provided a document for PPE for Solid Waste employees that work in areas where PPE was needed. Commissioners asked him to update the form with some changes. New employee will be reimbursed up to $500 for PPE. If they quit within 8 months of hire date, employee was required to pay back one half of the amount. Current employees will need to submit within first two months of FY, new employees within two months of hire date. This year only two-month from date policy is put into effect.
Commissioners asked if he has heard anything about the water test modeling that was done. Mr. Ryals had not, but it was on his list to inquire. He has also designed a mockup for clean water and dirty which DEQ liked.
Commissioner Bertling noted changes that needed to be made to the ACI agreement for working the pile. Mr. Ryals stated that the ACI was still in progress, he needs to build a pad and have space around it to work.
Mr. Ryals asked if the phone for P&Z/addressing can be turned back on, it was causing an issue when residents cannot reach the addressing office. Commissioners replied yes and suggested that addressing can then direct them to P&Z.
The meeting with Mr. Ryals ended at 2:08 p.m. and he left the meeting.
Ms. Poston entered the meeting at 2:09 p.m.
Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting at 2:14 p.m.
Ms. Poston shared information on wage and grade changes for employees within her department. She suggested a stipend for this year and a wage and grade change for the next FY. Chairman Robertson asked if it was within her budget. Ms. Poston replied yes.
Commissioners discussed ways to increase wages and discussed merit raises or steps within the grade. Commissioners agreed to the stipend until October 1, but wanted to re-evaluate for the next FY.
Commissioner Bertling moved to go into executive session 74-206(a) to consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, wherein the respective qualities of individuals are to be evaluated in order to fill a particular vacancy or need. This paragraph does not apply to filling a vacancy in an elective office or deliberations about staffing needs in general and 74-206(b) to consider the evaluation, dismissal, or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public-school student. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Robertson “aye”, Commissioner Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”. The executive session ended at 2:43 p.m., no action was taken.
Ms. Barton stated that the Classification Committee met on February 11 and evaluated the classification of two positions. The first one was for Detention Corporal which came in at 857.5 and a grade 15. The Detention Seargent was also a grade 15, so Sheriff Stolley recommended lowering the grade to 14. Commissioners agreed.
The second position was for Planning Tech which came in at 672.5 points and a grade 10. Commissioners discussed why the position graded so low. There was concern it was a solo roll, with high stress from the public. There was also some question as to the qualifications of the applicant.
Ms. Poston suggested advertising it with a range and adjust depending on the experience of the applicant. Commissioners agreed to advertise at a grade 10-14 DOE.
Commissioners also asked Ms. Barton to post the Weeds Superintendent position.
The meeting adjourned at 3:08 p.m.
s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk