***Monday, February 23, 2026 at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims. Commissioner Bertling was absent.
Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.
At 9:00 a.m. Commissioners held proceedings for Alcohol Beverage License for Everest Food Mart LLC DBA Exxon and Bonners Ferry Holt Corp DBA Bonners Ferry Pizza Factory. Those present were: Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims. The proceeding was recorded.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the 2026 Alcohol Beverage license for Everest Food Mart LLC DBA Exxon. Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the 2026 Alcohol Beverage license for Bonners Ferry Holt Corp DBA Bonners Ferry Pizza Factory. Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
The proceeding ended at 9:03 a.m.
Greg Lamberty entered the meeting at 9:04 a.m.
Sheriff Travis Stolley entered the meeting at 9:05 a.m.
Fay Almond entered the meeting at 9:10 a.m.
Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:13 a.m.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Commissioner meeting minutes from the weeks of February 9th and February 16th. Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Wilson left the meeting at 9:15 a.m.
Chairman Robertson asked Sheriff Stolley about the lease agreements. Sheriff Stolley stated that what you signed before was the quote and the vehicles have now been delivered. This includes the final numbers which are about $1,000 over the quote due to some small changes. That overage would come from other capital within the Sheriff budget.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign three lease agreements with Bancorp for Unit #25644 for 2025 F150 VIN – 0026, Unit #110441 for 2025 F150 VIN – 9324, and Unit #110442 for 2025 F150 VIN – 0981 for Sheriff’s Department. Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Sheriff Stolley stated that they will own the vehicles at the end of the term.
Sheriff Stolley left the meeting at 9:20 a.m.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Professional Services Agreement with Northwest Vernacular, Inc. Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign RFF #5 for AIP 3-16-0004-029-2025. Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Wilson reentered the meeting at 9:31 a.m.
Mr. Wilson stated that he has reviewed the packet of historical documents from the last hospital levy and will be reaching out the Alan Dornfest. If there was historical precedence for this to move forward the state would be the one to confirm that. Mr. Wilson stated that he also had reached out to the hospital’s attorney to share their concerns.
Mr. Wilson stated that the GNA agreement was also something that he was working on and hoped to have it reviewed before he leaves on vacation on Thursday. Commissioner Pinkerton stated that they have a meeting tomorrow with the USFS, so he would appreciate it sooner if possible. Mr. Wilson stated it will be important to make sure any third party has adequate insurance and make sure there was a clause to exit the agreement.
Mr. Wilson then added that the retention schedule he recommended was that each elected have their own schedule. He recommended using the IAC document as a template and request each elected official’s cooperation to follow it.
The meeting with Mr. Wilson ended at 9:48 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Ms. Almond and Mr. Lamberty left the meeting at 9:50 a.m.
Jacob Francom entered the meeting at 9:58 a.m.
At 10:00 a.m., Commissioners held proceedings for the Board of Equalization to review Property Tax Exemption applications received. Those present were Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims and Jacob Francom. The proceeding was recorded.
Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair and 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 stated that according to legal, North Idaho Classical Academy, did not qualify for an exemption at this time because it was under construction. When it was complete and open as a public school, it would then qualify. Chairman Robertson offered to share the almost identical case from the Supreme Court with Mr. Francom, but he declined. Mr. Francom stated that we want to do what was right and anticipated the school would be complete by August 1 and open later that same month. He was also surprised the sister school didn’t catch that. They were the one who told him to apply now. Chairman Robertson stated that there was an appeal process if he wished to appeal the decision. Mr. Francom declined and stated he would reach out after completion.
Mr. Francom left the meeting at 10:04 a.m.
Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair and moved to deny the Property Tax Exemption application for parcel #RPB00000274850A for North Idaho Classical Academy. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair and moved to approve the Property Tax Exemption application for parcel #RP65N01W142550A AND RP65N01W118390A for Trow Creek Water Association, Inc. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair and moved to approve the Property Tax Exemption application for parcel #RPB0780002005BA AND RPB0780002010AA for St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair and moved to approve the Property Tax Exemption application for parcel #RPB028000000FAA for Bonners Ferry Baptist Church. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair and moved to approve the Property Tax Exemption application for parcel #RPB0820001006EA for Providence Bible Presbyterian Church. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair and moved to approve the Property Tax Exemption application for parcel #RP65N01W095560A Porthill Community Cemetery Association. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair and moved to approve the Property Tax Exemption application for parcel #RP62N02E086451A for Kootenai Valley Rifle & Pistol Club. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair and moved to approve the Property Tax Exemption application for parcel #RP61N01E040390A for Springs of Living Water Free Methodist Church. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair and moved to approve the Property Tax Exemption application for parcel #RPB0160002001EA for Episcopal Diocese of Spokane, Inc. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair and moved to approve the Property Tax Exemption application for parcel #RP64N011E17494A for Mount Hall Calvery Chapel. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair and moved to adjourn as the Board of Equalization and reconvene as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Proceeding ended at 10:14 a.m.
Commissioners attended to administrative duties until they recessed for lunch at 11:45 a.m.
The meeting reconvened for the afternoon session at 1:30 p.m. with Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.
Road & Bridge Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals entered the meeting at 1:31 p.m. and provided their report. He stated that they have been dealing with snow and ice in all areas and the hauling of the spoils in Moyie began but was put on hold due to mud. They also removed trees from the ROW on several roads and one of two CPR classes was completed. Looking forward there was a second CPR class planned as well as a BATT meeting. They will continue to monitor roads for load limits and plow/sand/salt as needed.
Both demonstration loaders were at the landfill so that employees could use both to see which one they preferred. The smaller sized loader seems to be working well and uses considerably less fuel. Mr. Ryals stated he did the gas monitoring last week and this time he rented a second monitor to run both of them side by side. Both monitors were within 5% of each other on all wells except the two that have been over the limit. In that case they had significantly different readings. Both were recalibrated multiple times with the same results. Mr. Ryals stated that he reached out to engineers to see if they can explain why that was happening.
Mr. Ryals shared a document on the air burner and stated that DEQ has requested some changes that he has not yet implemented. Commissioner Pinkerton asked how the changes to the layout at the landfill was working. Mr. Ryals responded good, people were now using the bypass lane. Mr. Ryals also shared the PPE letter for landfill employees and Commissioners asked for additional changes.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the Boundary County Solid Waste $500 reimbursement for safety equipment pending the final understanding how the payment will be withdrawn. Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners also want the Road & Bridge employees to follow the same process as Solid Waste.
Mr. Ryals then discussed the piggyback proposal for chipseal oils and stated that the last couple of years we have piggybacked with Bonner County. The cost was lower than the previous year.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the Piggyback Proposal for 2026 CMS-2P/ HFR-150 Chipseal Oils. Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Ryals then informed Commissioners that they delayed the pickup of the grinder due to the snow and pass conditions. They will reschedule later this week when roads are better. He also added that the CAT 150 grader had been delivered.
Ms. Poston stated that the SRS funds are coming, but have not been received as of yet. Chairman Robertson said to save what you can because the cuts are expected to get worse.
Personnel Director Pam Barton entered at 2:02 p.m.
Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair and moved to go into executive session 74-206(b) to consider the evaluation, dismissal, or disciplining or, 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 followed: Chairman Robertson “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”.
Mr. Ryals left the meeting at 2:55 p.m.
The executive session ended at 3:06 p.m. No action was taken.
Commissioners attended to administrative duties until they adjourned the meeting at 4:50 p.m.
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling (by phone), Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.
USFS Forester Ed Koberstein entered the meeting at 9:49 a.m.
Bonners Ferry District Forest Ranger Heather Fuller and USFS Fuels Specialist Jennifer Anderson entered the meeting at 9:55 a.m.
Ms. Fuller stated that we wanted to have a meeting to nail down projects for the GNA agreement. She stated that we have some easier projects such as the parking lot but she wanted to brainstorm ideas beyond that. She stated that there was no commitment on funds for fuels at this time because they are waiting on budgets. She then mentioned a public request of a 5-acre piece near Mt. Hall that a new landowner would like to proceed with because it was overstocked. Mr. Koberstein stated that it would be a great opportunity for a small sale to generate money. It could be left in a park like condition and we may have to mitigate the landing pile because of a powerline that runs through it.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked about flexibility with areas that have blowdown from the wind storms. Ms. Fuller replied it depends if the area was covered by NEPA or not. Mr. Koberstein stated that he had concerns of deterioration which factors at 9 months after the storm. He felt if the agreement took longer than July we would lose value on that material. Ms. Fuller stated that until the agreement was signed, we have to use other mechanisms. Once the agreement was in place, that process would be much simpler so that we could tackle areas with opportunities.
Mr. Koberstein shared a map showing projects back to the 1960’s and they discussed the hurdles involved. Ms. Fuller stated that we can’t lose sight of the big picture which includes vegetation management, recreation and roads. She suggested that some of the funding could be used to help with surveys for anything along private property to establish corners and some midpoints for liability. She suggested that there were two sales coming off of Moyie Meadows and suggested prioritizing the first one so it was a directed effort. Mr. Koberstein added that we could break it up to whatever the expenditure allowed.
Chairman Robertson asked if any of the areas already had survey’s establishing the borders. Mr. Koberstein stated that they would probably be focusing on corners and some of the developed areas may have surveys on record that could be used. It was something that will happen on every project, so we want you to be aware.
Ms. Anderson stated that the fuels work will need to be concurrent with the sales because you don’t want to leave the slash through the summer. She then asked if the county plans to continue working with IFM. Commissioner Pinkerton stated that we plan to go in both directions with our own forester and continue working with IFM.
Ms. Fuller stated that what she was hearing was the small 5-acre project, land line surveys and the parking lot. Joint Chiefs money can be used to cover as many surveys as possible. She added that the county can charge 15% for their own forester to keep the lights on and retained receipts can go back in for future projects. She added that this was all helpful and will be included in the scope of work for the agreement.
Ms. Fuller then added that they have a current ask in to IDL for pre roadwork that has not been funded. She said that predesign and engineer support was another huge hurdle for them. Commissioners agreed they might be able to help with that. Ms. Fuller confirmed again that they had the small sale at Mt. Hall, landline surveys, parking lot, and Moyie Meadow and other timber harvests with the intention to look at funding for other treatments. Mr. Koberstein added that we need to continue to take smaller steps to put toward the bigger goal.
The meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.
s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk