***Monday, February 9, 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.
Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Hospital Board Chair Paul Hazdovac entered the meeting at 8:50 a.m.
Hospital CEO April Bennett entered the meeting at 8:57 a.m.
Chairman Robertson stated that we need to choose someone to fill the vacancy on the Hospital Board and shared the letter from the Board of Trustees that included the list of candidates.
Commissioner Bertling moved to appoint Teresa Rae to fill the vacancy on the Hospital Board for a term expiring January 2028. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Fay Almond entered the meeting at 9:05 a.m.
Commissioner Pinkerton said that because of the way hospitals are funded, you are going to have to continue to have difficult conversations and engage with legislatures. Ms. Bennett agreed and replied that hospitals are struggling and she referenced Bonner General has had to shut down their surgical for several weeks due to financial struggles.
Chairman Robertson replied that we don’t see this getting any better and it will likely get worse. Mr. Hazdovac stated that they do not have any representation from a rural area on the state committee. He felt the committee didn’t have a full understanding of what they are dealing with and have placed the heaviest burden on the hospitals that can least afford it.
Ms. Bennett said that we are in discussions for a M&O levy to help with the shortfall and we look to the county for guidance. Mr. Hazdovac added that we have done this before, but it was for the purchase of tangible items. It did not involve the operations and we are not sure how to put that to the public.
Ms. Poston stated that she sent them the information they are required to provide as well as the deadline. The hospital’s attorney should be helping them put that information together. She added that the deadline was firm. Ms. Bennett replied that she thought board members would be able to help because they have been through a levy process, but noted that the hospital was a revenue generator, so the cuts were not the same. The reality was that we have lots of people seeking care and what the public doesn’t understand was that we don’t receive 100% payment of the bill. The hospital has to factor in charity care and uncompensated care which was about 33-34% of their gross income. She felt false information was already being generated.
Chairman Robertson asked if they were pursuing uncompensated care. Mr. Hazdovac replied yes, they work with a company that pursues insurance claims that have been denied and were part of the contract. Ms. Bennett stated that we are in a tough spot, we want to provide a certain level of care. Chairman Robertson agreed, it was tough to ask for property taxes to be raised to make up that difference.
Mr. Hazdovac stated that one of their key areas of loss was the ER. Many members of the community use that as their primary care provider. We are required to treat them, but it would be better financially if they could direct them to the clinic. Unfortunately, the law says we can’t do that. Chairman Robertson asked if they could educate the public to help alleviate that. Mr. Hazdovac replied yes, but there are hurdles such as when they need care in the middle of the night when the clinic was closed.
Chairman Robertson stated that this all ties back to the budget process. We receive documents where the budget looks fine, but then we have conversations where you need to make cuts. He asked where the difference was. Ms. Bennett stated that the revenue that you see was what we charge, but that does not reflect the denials and non-payments. There are a lot of factors that play into it. We hope it is a balanced budget, but the reality can be very different based on what comes in the door.
Commissioner Pinkerton stated that contractual adjustments are a huge issue. Mr. Hazdovac replied yes, in the last 12 months it has been 30-33% and the number was creeping up. Last month it was over 40%.
Chairman Robertson asked if there was any way to plan for what they were going to be paid. Mr. Hazdovac replied that nobody seems to be able to come up with an answer for that and it was a problem across the industry. Over 70% of the hospital’s services are paid by the government.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked if there have been any discussions on a business model for critical care hospitals. Mr. Hazdovac replied that we have done that in the past and that was why we don’t deliver babies or have dialysis. Some services don’t make money, but they feed other services that do.
Chairman Robertson stated the ER was the biggest looser. Ms. Bennett replied that uncompensated care was the biggest looser. Chairman Robertson asked what was the next service with the highest loss. Ms. Bennett was unsure, if you cut a service to save money, you also lose money from that service so it ends up being a wash. She stated that it was really hard to make cuts. Chairman Robertson agreed that it was difficult, but the public would demand that information, so you will need to be able to answer that.
Chairman Robertson then stated that you had a big influx of money during covid, did you increase your staff during that time. Ms. Bennett replied that the only thing that was increased was the transitional care programs because they made money.
Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:35 a.m.
Chairman Robertson stated that it sounds like you have a lot of work to do. Ms. Bennett stated that they will need information. Ms. Poston stated that she felt there was no way they had enough time to make it on the ballot for the May election. You need a lot of information for the public and a separate set of items for the county. Until you can supply that information, we are just spinning our wheels.
Ms. Bennett stated that what we want are facts instead of rumors. Chairman Robertson replied you are not going to stop the rumors, but you will need to be able to provide the facts to the public and be ready to answer the questions they are going to ask.
The meeting with Ms. Bennett and Mr. Hazdovac ended at 9:37 a.m. and they left the meeting.
Mr. Wilson stated that he attended meetings in Boise last week, and worked on personnel matters. He added that complaints should be filed this week for the Riverside project. Commissioners asked Mr. Wilson to review agreements provided by the USFS.
Chairman Robertson stated that we will need to have deeper discussions on the hospital and their authority. Mr. Wilson stated that they are a unique taxing unit, so they should be treated just like any other. They still need to come up with the language for the ballot and the county’s job was to review that language to make sure it contains the verbiage required by law. Ms. Poston replied we have provided them with information, but have no idea what it was they were wanting. Mr. Wilson again replied that it was up to them to provide that to us. The county cannot and should not do that for them.
Adrienne Norris entered the meeting at 9:50 a.m.
Dottie Gray entered at 9:51 a.m.
Mr. Wilson stated that the first Monday in March he will be on vacation and will not be available. The meeting with Mr. Wilson ended at 9:52 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Ms. Almond left the meeting at 9:53 a.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Kileah Crum and Katie Vader. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Commissioner meeting minutes from the week of February 2nd. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Resolution 2026-18 appointing Seth Kinkade to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Boundary County, Idaho Resolution 2026- 18
A RESOLUTION OF BOUNDARY COUNTY, IDAHO BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
APPOINTMENT OF SETH KINKADE
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 exists on the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission with the resignation of David Hollabaugh; 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 January 22, 2026, regular meeting, the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended to the Board of County Commissioners the appointment of Seth Kinkade to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
WHEREAS, Seth Kinkade meets the eligibility requirements of Idaho Code and Boundary County land use codes to serve; and
WHEREAS, Seth Kinkade will be appointed to complete the remaining term left by the resignation of David Hollabaugh, in accord with the provisions of Boundary County Land Use Ordinance Section 3.6.3.2.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the members of the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Boundary, Idaho, that Seth Kinkade be appointed to the remaining term of the vacant position, beginning with the approval of this resolution and ending January 1, 2027.
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 9th day of February, 2026.
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/____________________________ ___2/9/2026_________
Glenda Poston Date
Boundary County Clerk/Auditor/Recorder
Recorded Instrument #302241
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Resolution 2026-19 appointing Anthony Spoto to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Boundary County, Idaho Resolution 2026-19
A RESOLUTION OF BOUNDARY COUNTY, IDAHO BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
APPOINTMENT OF ANTHONY SPOTO
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 exists on the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission with the resignation of Commission Member Ron Self; 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 January 22, 2026, regular meeting, the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended to the Board of County Commissioners the appointment of Anthony Spoto to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
WHEREAS, Anthony Spoto meets the eligibility requirements of Idaho Code and Boundary County land use codes to serve; and
WHEREAS, Anthony Spoto will be appointed to complete the remaining term left by the resignation of Ron Self, in accord with the provisions of Boundary County Land Use Ordinance Section 3.6.3.2. for the appointment to fill vacancies on the Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the members of the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Boundary, Idaho, that Anthony Spoto be appointed to the remaining term of the vacant position, beginning with the approval of this resolution and ending January 1, 2027.
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 9th day of February, 2026.
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/____________________________ __2/9/2026_______
Glenda Poston Date
Boundary County Clerk/Auditor/Recorder
Recorded Instrument #302242
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Resolution 2026-20 authorizing Disposition of Records from the Treasurer’s Office. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2026-20
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSITION OF RECORDS
OF BOUNDARY COUNTY TREASURER’S OFFICE
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Treasurer’s Office is currently storing old records of Boundary County; and
WHEREAS, due to lack of storage space, the Boundary County Treasurer’s Office has requested permission to dispose of old records; and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has advised the Board of Boundary County Commissioners regarding the classification of such records pursuant to Idaho Code 31-871; and
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that the following records be classified and disposed of as follows:
The following records have been deemed permanent by the Boundary County Commissioners on the advice of the County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and permanent records must be kept for a minimum of ten years. The following records are to be disposed of in the county landfill:
Permanent:
Abstract Tax Drive 2015
Circuit Breaker Tax Drive 2015
Redeemed Warrant Reports 1/2015-7/2015
Bank Statements 9/2014-10/2015
Tax Receipts
CD Panhandle State Bank
Acknowledgement Statements
Certificate of Appointments – job descriptions
ACH/Circuit Breaker & Personal Property
2013 Tax Checklist 12/22/14-12/18/2015
Closed 11/23/15
12/18/86-11/17/2006
4/9/1990-3/31/2014
12/16/2013 – 6/18/2014
2013
The following records have been deemed semi-permanent by the Boundary County Commissioners on the advice of the County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and semi-permanent records must be kept for a minimum of five years. The following records are to be disposed of in the county landfill:
Semi-Permanent:
Point & Pay (PNP)
JV’s 12/23/2019-12/29/2020
10/1/2019-9/30/2020
AC’s 12/18/2019-9/30/2020
AC Deposits 10/1/2019-9/30/2020
Commissioners Extensions 2020
TA Reports 11/13/2019-10/28/2020
Monthly/Daily Cash Journal 11/02/2019-11/23/2020
Daily Deposit Listing 6/3/2019-12/31/2020
Commissioners Extensions
Return Bills
Assessors Changes 2020
2019-2020
10/1/07-12/28/2020
Regularly passed and approved on this February 9, 2026.
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
s/_____________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
s/_____________________________
TIM BERTLING, Commissioner
s/_____________________________
LESTER PINKERTON, Commissioner
Reviewed by and on advice of Prosecuting Attorney this 4th day of January 2026
s/______________________________
ANDRAKAY PLUID
Prosecuting Attorney
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________________
GLENDA POSTON
Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded Instrument #302243
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Resolution 2026-21 Increasing the Justice Fund Sheriff Budget Due to Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2026-21
INCREASING THE JUSTICE FUND SHERIFF BUDGET
DUE TO RECEIPT OF UNANTICIPATED REVENUE
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget for fiscal year 2025-2026, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received reimbursement in the amount of $1,690.00 from Woody Gun and Pawn for guns that were found and/or recovered, and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget is in need of additional revenue for fiscal year 2025-2026, and
WHEREAS, the addition of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to increase the Boundary County Justice Fund as follows:
Revenue Account Number Expense Account Number
0008-00-0391-0000 0008-02-0556-0000 $1,690.00
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the increase to the Boundary County Justice Fund Revenue Account Numbers and the Boundary County Justice Fund Sheriff Budget Expense Account Numbers as outlined above is hereby authorized and ordered, and
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk is instructed to deliver certified copies of this resolution to the Boundary County Treasurer and the Boundary County Auditor.
DATED this 9th day of February, 2026
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/_________________________
Ben Robertson, Chairman
s/______________________________
Lester L. Pinkerton, Commissioner
s/______________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/ ______
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded Instrument #302244
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Resolution 2026-22 Increasing the District Court – Probation Budget Due to Receipt of Unanticipated Revenue. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2026-22
INCREASING THE DISTRICT COURT – PROBATION BUDGET
DUE TO RECEIPT OF UNANTICIPATED REVENUE
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for the Boundary County District Crt – Probation Budget for fiscal year 2025-2026, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received reimbursement in the amount of $1,472.25 from April Isaac and Alisa Walker for reimbursement for travel expenses that never occurred, and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County District Court – Probation Budget is in need of additional revenue for fiscal year 2025-2026, and
WHEREAS, the addition of this revenue does not affect the tax levy for Boundary County, and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to increase the Boundary County District Court Fund as follows:
Revenue Account Number Expense Account Number
0006-00-0391-0000 0006-01-0439-0006 $1,472.25
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that the increase to the Boundary County District Court - Probation Fund Revenue Account Numbers and the Boundary County District Court Fund Budget Expense Account Numbers as outlined above is hereby authorized and ordered, and
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk is instructed to deliver certified copies of this resolution to the Boundary County Treasurer and the Boundary County Auditor.
DATED this 9th day of February, 2026
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/_________________________
Ben Robertson, Chairman
s/______________________________
Lester L. Pinkerton, Commissioner
s/______________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/ ______
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded Instrument #302245
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the Assignment of Ground Lease for Hangar C-2 for Kevin Becker, Active Airport Solutions LLC. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
At 10:00 a.m. Ms. Gray wished the Commissioners good morning and thanked them for their ongoing support of the museum. She hoped the museum was doing what was asked of them in support of the community and the board welcomed any feedback.
Ms. Gray stated that she had the privilege and honor in helping direct the activities for the America 250 celebration. At this time, they are planning to have public-school children visit on March 2, 3 and 4 where they will discover that Idaho was not yet a state and take part in the Great Unexplored. They plan to have an activity where they will build a unit of land, survey it and draw it on a grid that will then be on display throughout the celebration. She stated that she has not yet been able to download the documents from the state, but will need funds to enlarge the document and print it. She understood there was a grant to help with those costs.
Ms. Poston stated that she has applied for the grant and the grant awards will be announced on February 28. We are in a holding pattern at this time.
Ms. Gray shared a document that included some of what will be given to the school children. She stated that the second page included information about the activity on July 8th where all across the nation at the same time on the same day the Declaration of Independence will be read in public. She hoped that all three Commissioners could participate on the courthouse steps. She would also like to include the high school band, drama and English classes and has scheduled a meeting with the Superintendent to discuss. She also said the library was planning summer reading programs.
Chairman Robertson stated that we should include John Becker in these conversations, he plans the 4th of July celebration. The fair was another opportunity for involvement. Ms. Poston suggested coordinating with Chalk the Block or the art department and suggested the sidewalk in front of the Courthouse could be used for chalk drawings. Commissioner Bertling suggested the Honor Guard with the VFW should also be included. Ms. Gray appreciated their suggestions and stated that she would reach out to all of them.
The meeting with Ms. Gray ended at 10:14 a.m. and she left the meeting.
Probation Officer Alisa Walker entered the meeting at 10:29 a.m. and informed the Commissioners that Gator had passed his first test last week on synthetic drugs. She also stated that the instructors are very impressed with the dog. Commissioner Pinkerton asked where the dog came from. Ms. Walker replied that he was a Second Chance dog and they start training with real drugs this week.
Ms. Walker stated the purpose of her meeting was to seek permission to attend the All-Rise conference. She stated that most of the offices in District 1 were attending because of the changes in certification for drug court and she will be able to share costs with others. Chairman Robertson asked how much it was and Ms. Walker shared her estimates and stated that it would come out of the Drug Court budget instead of Probation, that was why she was seeking permission to attend.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve Ms. Walker’s attendance at the All-Rise National Conference. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with Ms. Walker ended at 10:40 a.m. and she left the meeting.
Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative Facilitator Theresa Wheat entered the meeting at 10:57 a.m. and provided the agenda for the KVRI meeting. She stated that they will have presentations from Kenny Randall with Idaho Department of Fish and Game on disease impacts on the Panhandle and Kennon McClintock regarding a Forestry Legacy application where he was seeking a letter of support from KVRI. She stated they will also have updates from the sub-committees and LEAP.
The meeting with Ms. Wheat ended at 11:05 a.m. and she left the meeting.
Commissioners reviewed claims for payment. Fund totals are as follows:
Current Expense $ 111,722.58
Road & Bridge 61,867.76
Airport 10,315.16
District Court 9,856.11
Justice Fund 80,982.19
911 Funds 3,922.87
Historical Society & Museum 36,000.00
Junior College Tuition 1000.00
Parks and Recreation 3,117.70
Revaluation 738.98
Solid Waste 16,112.65
Tort 146,679.66
Veterans Memorial 93.85
Weeds 118.73
Restorium 25,792.41
Waterways 625.88
Road & Bridge Tribal Fuel Fund 80.80
Grant, Airport 190,153.33
Juvenile Probation - Lottery 334.99
Opioid Settlement Fund 280.68
LATCT Fund 252,763.65
TOTAL $952,559.98
Trusts
Auditor’s Trust – Misc 30.71
Boundary Co. Drug Court Trusts 838.75
Sales Tax Collected 1129.47
Driver’s License Trust 9,664.00
Interlock Device Fund 120.00
Indigent Reimbursements 1,619.11
Motor Vehicle Trust Acct 159,534.19
Sheriff’s Trust Fund 615.25
Odyssey Court Trust Account 30,059.65
Odyssey Bond Trust Account 676.00
Odyssey Restitution Trust Account 651.75
TOTAL $204,938.88
GRAND TOTAL $1,157,498.86
Citizens are invited to inspect detailed records on file in the Courthouse (individual claims & Commissioners’ allowance & warrant register record 2025-2026).
Restorium Supervisor Janay Smith and employee Tabitha Fields entered the meeting at 11:32 a.m. Ms. Smith provided her report to Commissioners and stated the census was currently at 33, with one passing away, two recently discharged and another resident fell and has been removed because he needed a higher level of care. An assessment was scheduled for a potential resident later this week. Ms. Smith also reviewed accounts that were overdue and gave the status of each. She said that Ms. Fields was with her today because she needed 95 hours of financial before she takes her test.
Chairman Robertson asked if there were any other assessments scheduled. Ms. Smith was only aware of one, but she was out last week so there may be others she was not aware of. Chairman Robertson asked if there was ever a call for swing beds. Ms. Smith stated it would depend on the level of care that they need. We could expand to that, but have not.
The meeting with Ms. Smith and Ms. Fields ended 11:48 a.m. and they left the meeting.
Ms. Norris left the meeting at 11:50 a.m.
The meeting recessed for lunch at 11:55 a.m.
The meeting reconvened for the afternoon session at 1:30 p.m. with Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims. Chairman Robertson was absent due to illness.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to appoint Commissioner Bertling as Acting Chairman. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Road and Bridge Superintendent Brad Barton and Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals entered the meeting at 1:25 p.m. and stated that they continued with closing roads for spring breakup, as well as sign work and cold patching on multiple roads throughout the county. Next week they plan to continue with additional cold patching, brushing, hauling rock and monitoring roads for load limits. Mr. Barton stated that they received a call about a boat launch that needed cleaned out. Commissioners replied the boat launch was not their priority at this time.
Ms. Poston stated that they received the paperwork for the grinder and it was included as an asset acquisition for Solid Waste. She also spoke to the auditors and they indicated that Solid Waste would need to decide what to charge Road & Bridge when they use the grinder. Mr. Ryals replied that they will get the haul scheduled for the grinder.
They then shared quotes on a smaller loader they were considering for Solid Waste and had both CAT and John Deere comparisons. Mr. Barton added that they are willing to bring them up so they can demo on site. Commissioners agreed that was a good idea and asked for an oversized bucket for the demo.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the IT quote for Solid Waste. Commissioner Bertling stepped down as acting chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Ryals stated that they have moved items around at the Landfill, the bypass was now in place with tin and metal bins in a new, more convenient location. There was some confusion from residents, but nothing unexpected. Frederickson’s also has a secondary spot if it was too muddy for them to get to the top. They also moved a lot of mud and DEQ has continued to approve all of the changes. Commissioner Bertling stated we need to get pictures taken for the air burner once the signs were in place.
Mr. Ryals stated that there was a private road in the Camp 9 area that wanted to move their access. He went out and liked the new location better than where it was currently. Commissioners agreed to the move. He also stated that someone was talking about doing an LID. Commissioners asked them to investigate that further to see what was involved.
Mr. Ryals then asked if Commissioners have had time to review the Frost Law that they had written and shared the stack of permits that had been issued. Commissioners responded that they have not reviewed it yet.
The meeting with Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals ended at 1:57 p.m. and they left the meeting.
Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting at 2:29 p.m. and she shared employee status documents with Commissioners. She also had job descriptions for them to review for P&Z and said the classification committee would be meeting soon to classify the positions.
Commissioner Bertling stepped down as chair and 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: Commissioner Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”. The executive session ended at 3:20 p.m. and no action was taken.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims. Chairman Robertson was absent due to illness.
Noah Harris entered the meeting at 9:00 a.m.
Bonners Ferry District Ranger Heather Fuller entered the meeting at 9:06 a.m. and asked the Commissioners if they have had a chance to review the agreements. Commissioners had questions on the Stewardship and Ms. Fuller replied that the downside of the stewardship agreement was the accounting side. You are not able to retain the receipts. Commissioner Pinkerton also did not like that it involved Albuquerque.
Commissioner Bertling stated that he was leaning toward the GNA agreement. Ms. Fuller stated that permanent roads are not allowed in the GNA. However, the Explore Act with recreation does include roads. Ms. Fuller then stated that the next step would be to get into the meat and potatoes of the agreement and we should schedule a working meeting to sit down and decide what we are doing. Commissioners then discussed the slash from sales and asked if there was a way the county could take care of that and keep the receipts. Ms. Fuller replied yes, we can discuss that.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked about money to fund the forester position. Ms. Fuller said that was potentially possible, but it means less money goes on the ground. She added that the District Ranger was the direct supervisor, the Forest Supervisor would sign the document and NEPA would be project dependent.
Commissioner Pinkerton stated that the Yahk area was historically included in our region and it funds the mill. He asked if it could be included in the GNA agreement. Ms. Fuller was not sure. She stated that NEPA has been prepared but that area was frequently under litigation so they are not able to move forward.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked if we can change it from a 10-year agreement to twenty. Ms. Fuller replied that we can ask. She also added that she just got the final cruise on the blow-down for Snow Down and it came in at 350,000 board feet. She will get together with Mr. Koberstein and schedule a working discussion.
Ms. Fuller said Jennifer Anderson has been working with John Ailport on Christmas Hills and the Joint Chiefs project. Commissioner Bertling confirmed that they don’t want to change anything. Ms. Fuller stated that they need to move forward with that project this year.
The meeting with Ms. Fuller ended at 9:55 a.m. and she left the meeting.
The meeting recessed at 10:00 a.m. and everyone left the meeting.
The meeting reconvened for the afternoon session at 2:00 p.m. with Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims. Chairman Robertson was absent due to illness.
At 2:00 p.m. Commissioners held a public hearing for File #25-0044 for the City of Moyie Springs requesting no Area of Impact and repealing all county ordinances that established the Moyie Springs Area of City Impact. Those in attendance were: Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims, P&Z Staff Tess Vogel, Moyie Springs City Councilman Les Love, Road & Bridge Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals, and BEDC Director David Sims. The hearing was recorded.
Commissioner Bertling opened the hearing and called for disclosures and conflicts. There were none.
Ms. Vogel explained the quasi-judicial hearing process and provided the staff report. She stated that the hearing was scheduled at the request of the City of Moyie. The previous area of impact was dissolved on December 31, 2025 and this hearing was to adopt an Ordinance establishing no Area of Impact. No public comments were received. There were no questions from the Commissioners.
Commissioner Bertling called for the applicant to present. Mr. Love confirmed that they have no plans to expand their sewer so the AOI was not needed. There were no questions for the applicant.
Commissioner Bertling waived the public comment portion of the hearing because no public was in attendance and closed the hearing and called for deliberation and a motion.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve and sign Ordinance #2026-1 that confirms no Area of Impact was being created for the City of Moyie Springs and repealing all previous ordinances establishing the City of Moyie Springs Area of City Impact, finding that the proposal is in accord with the authority granted to the County by the State of Idaho under IC §67-6526 and IC §31-714, and based upon the findings as written in the staff report and the draft reasoned statement as written and read into the record I further move to approve Ordinance Summary for publication as presented. Commissioner Bertling stepped down as chair to second and called for a roll call vote: Commissioner Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”. Motion passed unanimously.
BOUNDARY COUNTY, IDAHO ORDINANCE NO. 2026-1
BOUNDARY COUNTY PLANNING & ZONING FILE # 25-0044
CITY OF MOYIE SPRINGS AREA OF IMPACT
AN ORDINANCE OF BOUNDARY COUNTY, IDAHO, REPEALING ORDINANCES THAT CREATED AN AREA OF CITY IMPACT AGREEMENT AND MAP FOR THE CITY OF MOYIE SPRINGS AND CONFIRMING THAT NO AREA OF IMPACT, AS DEFINED BY IDAHO CODE, IS TO BE ESTABLISHED FOR THE CITY OF MOYIE SPRINGS; AND PROVIDING SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the Board of Boundary County Commissioners, pursuant to Idaho Code §67-6526, is authorized to establish an area of impact for cities within the county; and
WHEREAS, the Idaho State Legislature in 2024 enacted legislation amending Section §67-6526 to eliminate the Areas of City Impact (ACIs) and provide new requirements to establish Areas of Impact (AOIs) for Idaho’s cities by December 31, 2025, and;
WHEREAS, the Moyie Springs City Council provided to the Boundary County Commissioners its recommendation for Area of Impact boundaries following its July 9, 2025, council meeting; and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Board of Commissioners held a duly noticed public hearing in accord with the notice and hearing procedures of Idaho Code §67-6509 on September 9, 2025, to consider the proposed AOI, at which time interested persons had the right to be heard regarding the proposed Moyie Springs Area of Impact; and
WHEREAS, following the public hearing, the Boundary County Board of Commissioners issued a written decision to Moyie Springs dated September 15, 2025, informing the city that it is remanding the city’s Area of Impact proposal, finding that the proposal was not in accord with the authority granted to the County by the State of Idaho under the standards of Idaho Code §67-6526 because of the lack of a 5-year growth plan for sewer and water services and an unrealistic expectation of annexation; and
WHEREAS, Moyie Springs advised the Boundary County Board of Commissioners in writing on November 5, 2025, that the city intends to repeal its Area of City Impact ordinances and stated the Area of Impact no longer serves the best interests of its residents and planning objectives.
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Board of Commissioners conducted a duly noticed public hearing in accord with the notice and hearing procedures of Idaho Code §67-6509 on February 10, 2026, to consider an ordinance confirming that no AOI is to be established for the City of Moyie Springs and repealing all previously adopted Area of City Impact county ordinances regarding Moyie Springs. At said hearing interested persons had the right to be heard regarding the proposal.
NOW THEREFORE, Be it ordained by the Board of County Commissioners of Boundary County, Idaho that the following ordinance is hereby adopted, as follows:
ADOPTION:
Section 1: Purpose:
The purpose of this ordinance is to confirm that no Area of Impact (AOI) is being established for the City of Moyie Springs because the City cannot meet the criteria for an AOI as required by Idaho Code §67-6526.
Section 2: Boundaries of the Area of Impact:
No Area of Impact boundary or map is being established for the City of Moyie Springs.
Section 3: Repealer Clause:
Upon the effective date of this ordinance, all previous ordinances establishing the City of Moyie Springs Area of City Impact previously adopted by Boundary County are hereby repealed, including Ordinance 95-1 recorded at Instrument #0175737, records of Boundary County.
Section 4: Severability
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this title is held to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this title and they shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 5: Effective Date
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon the passage and publication of the ordinance or ordinance summary in one (1) issue of the official newspaper for Boundary County, in accordance with Idaho Code.
This ordinance duly enacted as an ordinance of Boundary County, Idaho on this 10th day of February, 2026, upon the following roll call vote:
ROLL CALL:
Commission Chair Robertson “aye” s/
Commissioner Bertling “aye” s/
Commissioner Pinkerton ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬“aye” s/
APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE SUMMARY
Publication of the ordinance by summary in the official newspaper is hereby approved by the Boundary County Commissioners on this 10th day of February, 2026, upon the following roll call vote:
ROLL CALL:
Commission Chair Robertson “aye” s/
Commissioner Bertling “aye” s/
Commissioner Pinkerton “aye” s/
ATTEST:
s/________________________ 2/10/2026
Glenda Poston Date
Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded Instrument # 302240
The public hearing ended at 2:07 p.m.
At 2:30 p.m. Commissioners held a public hearing for file #26-0035, Rural subdivision via short plat, The Carey Family Legacy Revocable Trust. Those in attendance were: Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims, P&Z Staff Tess Vogel, Road & Bridge Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals, and Coral Koberstein with JRS Surveying. The hearing was recorded.
Commissioner Bertling opened the hearing and called for disclosures and conflicts. There were none.
Ms. Vogel explained the quasi-judicial hearing process and provided the staff report. She stated that they were seeking preliminary plat approval of Guardian Estates, a rural subdivision via short plat to divide a 24.08-acre parcel into a 10-acre and a 14.08 acre lot in the Agriculture/Forestry zone where the minimum lot size was 10-acres. Ms. Vogel reviewed the staff comments and noted that no comments were received from the public.
The applicant was not present and there were no members of the public present so Commissioner Bertling waived public comment portion and closed the hearing and called for deliberation. Commissioners worked through their reasoned statement.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the preliminary plat for Guardian Estates, a proposed rural subdivision, File #26-0035, and direct staff to prepare written findings, a reasoned decision, and terms and conditions of approval, finding that the preliminary plat is in accord with the applicable zoning and subdivision standards of the Boundary County Land Use Ordinance, based upon the findings and conditions as written and based upon the reasoned statements as read into the record during deliberation. This action does not result in a taking of private property. Commissioner Bertling stepped down as acting chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Th public hearing ended at 2:44 p.m.
At 2:45 p.m. Ms. Vogel provided a P&Z staff report stating that the total permits for 2025 was 189, and they are currently at 53 for 2026 compared to 47 for the same timeframe last year. She believed that 3 more had been dropped off this week. The P&Z Commission will be hearing four applications, 2 are multi-structure, one RV park and one long plat.
The meeting adjourned at 2:47 p.m. and everyone left the meeting.
s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
s/________________________________
TIM BERTLING, Acting Chairman
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk