***Monday, January 19, 2026
COURTHOUSE CLOSED FOR HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
Tuesday, January 20, 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.
At 9:00 a.m. Commissioners held an elected official/department head meeting. Those present were: Chief Deputy Caleb Watts, Assessor Olivia Drake, Veterans Officer Wayne Olin, Personnel Director Pam Barton, U of I Educator Amy Robertson, Road & Bridge Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals, Treasurer Jenny Economu, IT Director Matt Hodges, and Sheriff Travis Stolley.
Commissioners went around the room for office updates from the various departments in attendance.
The meeting with elected officials/department heads ended at 9:24 a.m. and everyone left the meeting except Treasurer Economu.
Treasurer Economu provided her quarterly report and stated that interest rates were going down. There are significant items that will be maturing soon and she was not sure if she would be able to get anything better. The main checking was paying at 2.83% and she was trying to get that interest before moving funds to the state pool.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked clarifying questions on the various funds and Ms. Economu described the various funds and which were for reserve. He also suggested that they review the Landfill Closure fund since that appears to be changing. Chairman Robertson stated we still need to be working to set money aside for closure, even if that was moved out into the future. Ms. Poston agreed, but you may want to change the amount you are contributing each year.
Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:33 a.m.
The meeting with Ms. Economu ended at 9:34 a.m. and she left the meeting.
Commissioner Bertling moved to go into executive session 74-206(d) to consider records that are exempt from disclosure as provided in chapter 1, title 74, Idaho Code. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Robertson “aye”, Commissioner Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”. The executive session ended at 10:18 a.m., no action was taken.
Mr. Wilson left the meeting at 10:19 a.m.
Ty Iverson, Sheriff Stolley and EDC Director David Sims entered the meeting at 10:19 a.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to recess as Boundary County Board of Commissioners and reconvene as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chief Lindsey sent an email that he was unable to attend.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the minutes from the December 15, 2025 meeting. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Due to Chief Lindsey’s absence, there was no further business to discuss.
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 Certificates of Residency for Victoria Hansberry and Melody Knaggs Vanhorn. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Erin Carpenter. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Commissioner meeting minutes from the week of January 12. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve extension of taxes due on parcel # MH60N01W01194AA in the amount of $320.15 including late fees and interest. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. Will have paid by February 27, 2026.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve extension of taxes due on parcel # MHB006000W004UA in the amount of $268.13 including late fees and interest. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. Will have paid by February 26, 2026.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve extension of taxes due on parcel # MHB0120015003AA in the amount of $192.95 including late fees and interest. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. Will have paid by February 26, 2026.
Commissioners reviewed contracts for the jail. Sheriff Stolley stated that they are coming in this weekend to clean and get a baseline. He added that they will not have to shut the facility down and they are hopeful this will get it under control.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Work Contract #3534 with Insight Restoration. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Robertson asked if they were coming back quarterly. Sheriff Stolley replied no, this was for one time only. Chairman Robertson suggested that he coordinate with the Courthouse and get on the same schedule with that vendor.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the work estimate for AGE Heating & Cooling. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners then discussed the request for a credit card for an employee with the Sheriff’s Office. Chairman Robertson asked if this employee was the one that did the transfers. Sheriff Stolley replied yes and that was what the card would be used for.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve credit card for Sheriff Office employee. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Sheriff Stolley left the meeting at 10:32 a.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Construction Agreement with Northern Lights Inc. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Sims stated that the Idaho Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program had a tight timeline. He stated that the application deadline was February 1 and the projects would have to be completed by September 1, 2026. The grants were for $50,000 total cost and no cost sharing allowed. They can submit two applications for different projects and they would also need to comply with National Historic Preservation Act.
Commissioners and Mr. Sims discussed various ideas for projects and decided to pursue replacing older heaters at the Restorium, replacing single paned aluminum windows at the Extension Office and older/original windows at the Courthouse. Commissioners asked Mr. Sims to meet with Maintenance Supervisor Squire Fields to gather needed information.
Commissioner Bertling moved to proceed with the application for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block grant. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with Mr. Sims ended at 10:44 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Mr. Iverson then discussed the property he leases/farms by the landfill. He asked about the landfill and if there have been any discussions on expanding or digging test holes. He stated it was always on the horizon, but never a timeframe. It was time to renew the lease, but he was curious about the future prospects. Chairman Robertson replied that the longevity of the landfill looks more positive at this time. They will need dirt at some point, but the timeframe on that was unknown. Commissioner Bertling explained the tarp system to help extend the life of the landfill.
Chairman Robertson asked if he was looking for assurance for replanting. Mr. Iverson responded that he would not be replanting this year, but he could do that in 3 years.
Mr. Iverson then asked about the request to use the field during an emergency for fire crews to camp and the request to include language in the lease for that purpose. He stated that the first cutting was where the value was, the timing of the second cutting would have the camping impact. Chairman Robertson stated that they would not be camping on the entire field, it would be a smaller area of maybe 5 acres. Mr. Iverson stated that would be easy to figure out and it wouldn’t be long term so any damage would be minimal if any.
It was decided to proceed with a 3-year lease with cash rent of $2,500 per year, paid up front with verbiage added for actual loss due to damage in the unlikely event of a fire camp.
The meeting with Mr. Iverson ended at 11:04 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Bonners Ferry Herald Reporter Noah Harris and IT Director Matt Hodges entered at 11:06 a.m.
Commissioners once again reviewed the quotes provided for a new website, hosting and ongoing maintenance. One quote was significantly higher than the others and Mr. Hodges explained that was to build two websites, one for the Sheriff and another for the County. He stated that even if you cut that figure in half, they would still be higher than the other two. Commissioners disregarded that quote.
Commissioner Pinkerton reconfirmed that the remaining two quotes included both the development and ongoing maintenance. Mr. Hodges responded yes. Commissioners also confirmed that they both met the ADA requirements. Again Mr. Hodges responded yes.
Commissioners discussed that Revized was slightly less expensive to build the new website, but they were more expensive going forward for maintenance. Well Dressed Walrus was more expensive to build the website and less expensive for maintenance. Commissioner Bertling replied that the difference would be made up over time with Well Dressed Walrus.
Chairman Robertson asked if he saw a significant advantage either way. Mr. Hodges replied that both were competent companies.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve Well Dressed Walrus to develop and maintain the county website. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Hodges stated that he won’t have numbers for the email upgrade for about two weeks. The meeting with Mr. Hodges ended at 11:15 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Resolution 2026-15 Supporting the America 250 In Idaho Commemoration and the United States Semiquincentennial. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-15
A RESOLUTION OF Boundary County
A Resolution Supporting the America 250 In Idaho Commemoration and the United States Semiquincentennial.
WHEREAS, the year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence; and
WHEREAS, Governor Brad Little proclaimed the establishment of the America250 in Idaho Commemoration in July 2024 to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of this momentous occasion, and honor and recognize the contributions of Idaho’s residents to the nation’s past, present, and future; and
WHEREAS, ittting and desirable that we commemorate the birth of the nation with the support of partners and stakeholders across the Gem State, America250 in Idaho will advance the ideals of the American Revolution - equality, liberty, and justice – through meaningful community engagement and recognize, appreciate, and commemorate America’s legacy; and
WHEREAS, Boundary County founded in 1915 has contributed proudly and significantly to the history of our nation and our state for more than One Hundred and Eleven years; and
WHEREAS, the Boundary County Commissioners encourage its citizens to create and participate in programs that will commemorate the history of our city, our state, and our nation; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Boundary County hereby endorses the America250 in Idaho Commemoration and its vision to celebrate American history and the invaluable contributions of Idahoans to our region, nation, and world.
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that:
1. The County commemorates the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the United States as an independent nation.
2. The County authorizes the appointment of an individual or committee to oversee local projects and efforts to support this commemoration that will promote the maximum involvement of our residents, neighborhoods, businesses, schools, civic organizations, and institutions in the commemorations.
3. The County will officially recognize the 250th Anniversary of America with a celebration on July 4, 2026 and
4. That a copy of this resolution be sent to the America250 in Idaho Advisory Council.
BOUNDARY COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
s/_________________________
Ben Robertson, Chairman
s/_________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
s/_________________________
Lester Pinkerton, Commissioner
ADOPTED this 20th day of January, 2026.
ATTEST:
s/__
GLENDA POSTON
Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded Instrument #302057
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Resolution 2026-16 Authorizing Destruction of Juvenile/Adult Misdemeanor Probation Records. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026 -16
BOUNDARY COUNTY COMMUNITY JUSTICE
DESTRUCTION OF JUVENILE/ADULT MISDEMEANOR PROBATION RECORDS
WHEREAS, Idaho Code 31-871 provides for the classification of county records as “permanent”, “semi-permanent”, or “temporary”, and;
WHEREAS, Boundary County Community Justice has stored files going back several decades; and
WHEREAS, the Chief of Probation has reviewed stored files/documents and identified whether they are “permanent”, “semi-permanent”, or “temporary” as described in subsections (1)(a), (b), or (c) of Idaho Code 31-871; and,
WHEREAS, the Chief of Probation has reviewed Idaho Code 31-871 (2)(a), (b), (c), and the Idaho Association of Counties County Record Retention Schedule for Juvenile/Adult Misdemeanor Probation, and proposed for destruction certain records that have exceeded their minimum retention; and,
WHEREAS, Boundary County Community Justice has prepared a list of Juvenile and Adult Misdemeanor Probation records for the years 2009 to 2016 to which it proposes to have destroyed at this time, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and Exhibit “B” as provided by Idaho Code 31-871 (2)(g).
WHEREAS, advice and approval for the destruction of the prepared list of records has been obtained from the County Attorney.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Boundary County, hereby authorizes the immediate destruction of the files listed in Exhibit “A” and in Exhibit “B” and that such destruction occur under the direction and supervision of the Chief of Probation.
ADOPTED as a Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Boundary County upon a majority vote on
the 20th day of January, 2026.
BOARD OF BOUNDARY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
By: s/________________________________________
Ben Robertson, Chairman
ATTEST: Glenda Poston
By: s/________________________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner By s/_______________________
Deputy Clerk
By: s/________________________________________
Lester Pinkerton, Commissioner
Recorded Instrument #302058
Clerk’s Note: Exhibits can be viewed at the Clerk’s Office
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve/sign RFF 4 for FAA AIP 029 Grant. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve/sign RFF #2 for FAA IIJA 026 Grant. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve/sign RFR #2 for FAA AIP 025 Grant. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Poston left the meeting at 11:21 a.m.
Mr. Harris left the meeting at 11:24 a.m. and the meeting recessed for lunch.
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 1:32 p.m.
Mr. Barton stated that last week they plowed/sanded all areas and put down salt/salt brine in areas where needed. The county roads look good, gravel roads have ice on them so they are moving around to address those areas. They have also continued to do a considerable amount of emergency sign work and brush removal in multiple areas throughout the county.
Commissioners passed on compliments on District 5 road. Mr. Barton stated they were surprised, but the conditions were right for grading it.
Mr. Ryals shared paperwork which included quotes to replace the John Deere Grader with either another John Deere or a CAT. Mr. Barton stated that the John Deere was a good machine, but for training purposes it was nice to have all of the machines the same. Mr. Ryals added that the cost was about the same in monthly payments, with the John Deere slightly higher. Mr. Barton stated that once we know what direction you would like to go, we can then get final paperwork.
Commissioners discussed the number of hours and Mr. Ryals stated that service and warranty were better from CAT.
Commissioner Bertling moved to proceed and sign paperwork for a CAT 150 grader. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Ryals then shared numbers on a CAT 966 loader for consideration at the landfill. Commissioner Bertling asked if the smaller size would be an issue. Mr. Barton stated that they would not be using it like it was before, so the smaller size would be sufficient. Commissioners agreed to proceed.
Commissioners then discussed the pile in Moyie that needs to be moved. The mill was willing to haul it to the rock pit only. Mr. Barton said they could haul it, but there was no benefit to Road & Bridge and there would be a significant cost involved. They would also have to remove the sandboxes, which would mean they wouldn’t be prepared if a storm came. It was decided to find a spot for it at the rock pit and Road & Bridge could haul it at a later date to use as cover for the landfill.
Mr. Ryals stated that they have hauled five compactor bins up north and are close to getting enough repaired to get them in place around the paved area at the landfill. He stated that they plan to scrape the dirt/mud off to get it back down to rock and keep the equipment on a designated equipment route. They will also move the waste oil and tin to more convenient locations. The bulk fuel tank will be run empty and slip tanks are in place to use going forward for fuel. Mr. Ryals then shared quotes for electrical and a mini-split for the office extension.
Commissioner Bertling stated that he had seen the grinder they were considering for the wood pile and he asked what they would do with it once they were done with the pile. Mr. Barton stated that they could use it for grinding on site for Road & Bridge. Commissioner Pinkerton suggested that it could possibly be used for biomass with the USFS on smaller sales. Chairman Robertson said there was no cheaper solution for fill at the landfill.
Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting at 2:11 p.m.
Mr. Ryals shared information regarding PPE for landfill employees and suggested it be handled similar to Road & Bridge where they are provided a stipend and can then purchase on their own. Ms. Poston replied that employees will be taxed on that going forward.
Commissioners then discussed the intake policy regarding boats, motorhomes, trailers and items that have titles. Commissioners had concerns regarding the processing of the paperwork and asked Mr. Ryals to contact other facilities to see if they take them and if so how they handle it.
Lastly, Mr. Barton discussed a 6x6 flatbed that South Boundary Fire has for sale. They could use it at the rock pit and also potential fire needs at the landfill. Commissioners asked him to have a conversation with them on cost.
The meeting with Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals ended at 2:22 p.m. and they left the meeting.
Ms. Barton stated that the sick leave bank had approved 120 hours as requested. Chairman Robertson asked if that matched the amount that had been used. Ms. Barton replied yes, it would be close.
Ms. Barton then described a new position titled Detention Corporal, that the Sheriff would like to create in place of one that was being eliminated. The position will be graded by the committee.
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 2:50 p.m. No action was taken.
Ms. Barton left the meeting at 2:51 p.m.
Bonners Ferry District Forest Ranger Heather Fuller entered the meeting at 2:52 p.m. and discussed various timber projects. She stated that Moyie Meadow was on track for signatures in February and the first sale would be in the fourth quarter of 2027. They are estimating one million board feet and she thinks that was being generous.
Ms. Fuller stated that they have identified three areas for blowdown or salvage. Those are Snow down, Robin Hood and Camp Robin. She added that there were limitations on the sales. Chairman Robertson asked how to change that. Ms. Fuller stated it would require a change within the handbook and that would need to be done by the Chief. Commissioner Pinkerton stated that it would be nice if different items could be handled at other levels.
Ms. Fuller stated that the fuels projects are moving forward, Xmas Hills was waiting for a green light. She will work to get the BMU into compliance. The National Forest Foundation FY27 was slated to get funding of $300,000 for Katkee. She added that they are working on spring burn plans, and are also looking for bio mass disposal.
She updated Commissioners on the status of the GNA agreement, adding that it was currently on her desk. The USFS was likely to get their seasonal authority back but she does not currently have a supervisor for them. Commissioner Pinkerton asked if the USFS was looking for recreational opportunities. Ms. Fuller replied yes, but she struggles with overwhelming them with a manageable workload. She personally would like to have a youth crew again, but would also need a supervisor.
The meeting with Ms. Fuller ended at 3:28 p.m. and she left the meeting.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m.
Thursday, January 22, 2026
At 6:00 p.m. Commissioners met in special session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims for the purpose of holding a joint meeting with the P&Z Commission. Those present were: P&Z Staff Tess Vogel and Clare Marley, P&Z Commission members Caleb Davis, Scott Fuller, Adam Isaac and Wade Purdom, Road & Bridge Adam Ryals and Shelby Hoover, Assessor Olivia Drake and members of the public were Adrienne Norris, Grant Dorman, Cole Dorman, John Poland, and Anthony Spoto.
P&Z Chair Caleb Davis opened the meeting and roll call was taken. Mr. Davis thanked everyone for coming and stated that the overall goal of the meeting was to take a convoluted system and implement changes to make it simpler for both the user and staff. He stated that they would be reviewing the areas the P&Z Commission/staff have identified and the ranking that had been assigned so that the BOCC could provide their input.
Ms. Marley and Ms. Vogel gave a power point presentation taking turns explaining the nine areas that had been identified and the reasoning behind it as well as the ranking that had been assigned. The 2026 Priorities and their rankings were as follows:
• Enforcement Procedures 1
• Subdivision Procedures (steamline; exemptions, short plat) 2
• Permit Expiration Dates (allow transfer, 2-year expiration) 2
• Land Use Procedures (bylaws, appeals, appointments, references) 3
• Subdivision Design (flag lots, lot width, crazy quilt design) 4
• Private Road Standards (new subdivisions, tie to subdivision update) 2
• Comp Plan Mapping (forecast future, update, not match zoning map) 5
• Commercial Uses (review uses, consider what is permitted outright) 5
• Tables of Uses (Section 15, correct conflicts, address conflicting uses) 4
They stated that some items would be simple verbiage changes others would take a considerable amount of work. Commissioners asked clarifying questions and provided some input.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked about enforcement. Mr. Davis stated that they had a considerable amount of work into it, so it should be a fairly significant impact and an easy item to fix. Commissioner Pinkerton suggested that we may need to proceed with defining items on the list before moving ahead with enforcement. He stated that we should clarify before holding everyone to a standard.
Chairman Robertson clarified that all of the topics listed should be ongoing conversations. The BOCC can then address any questions the Commission may have. He suggested a meeting before each topic was presented to them for consideration so they could flush out any changes beforehand. Once that topic is finalized we could then move on to the next topic.
The Commission stated that they appreciated the input and ongoing participation from the BOCC. Mr. Davis stated that this has been extremely valuable and he appreciated the continued dialog. He again confirmed that the BOCC would like a document presented before each meeting. Commissioners responded yes. Commissioner Pinkerton stated let’s focus on one topic at a time.
Ms. Marley then provided updates on pending files, recent appointments and upcoming hearings.
The meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m. and everyone left the meeting.
s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk