***Monday, January 5, 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.
Maintenance Supervisor Squire Fields entered the meeting at 8:58 p.m. and stated that the boiler upgrades were complete. The meter shows that they are losing 221 gallons per day, and they finally found the leak which was located in a smaller chamber in the crawl space. The main chamber was dry, but a smaller one beyond had water. They attempted to repair the leak, but they were not able to reach it. Atlas will send their smallest repair people up in the spring to attempt it again, but wanted Commissioners to know they may have to get access a different way.
Greg Lamberty and Fay Almond entered the meeting at 9:03 a.m.
Mr. Fields stated that the dehumidifiers are helping. The roof chamber was dry and the humidity was currently at 50% on the Clerk’s side. They are now taking Christmas décor down.
Ms. Poston stated that a large trial starts next week, so the snow needs to be cleared early each day and asked Mr. Fields to check with the courts on the cleaning procedures for that week. Ms. Poston also asked about signs for parking. Commissioners agreed to put up signs to designate Courthouse parking only for the trial.
Mr. Fields then updated Commissioners on the replacement of the outlets in the extension office that should be complete this week and discussed sensors for the server room in the courthouse. Commissioners asked him to get numbers for the sensors for them to consider.
The meeting with Mr. Fields ended at 9:12 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Treasurer Jenny Economu entered the meeting at 9:20 a.m. and stated that she needed to certify the solid waste and translator fees to the Sub Roll and Occupancy Roll and provided a document listing the properties to be included.
Commissioner Bertling moved to certify Solid Waste and Translator Fees on 116 properties to the Sub Roll and Occupancy Roll. The totals were $35,014.54 for Solid Waste and $1,844.00 for Translator. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Moton passed unanimously.
Ms. Economu confirmed cancellation of an employee’s credit card.
The meeting with Ms. Economu ended at 9:25 a.m. and she left the meeting.
Mr. Lamberty left the meeting at 9:32 a.m.
Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting 9:37 a.m.
Ms. Almond left the meeting at 9:38 a.m.
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 10:35 a.m. and Mr. Wilson left the meeting. No action was taken.
At 10:36 a.m. Probation Officers Alisa Walker, April Isaac and Nate Strege entered the meeting. Bonners Ferry Herald Noah Harris also entered the meeting.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Certificate of Residency for Becky Allred. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Walker stated that she wanted to discuss the grant submission of $24,000 for Opioid funds.
Ms. Poston stated that the county as a whole signed on to a class action lawsuit and the county receives funds from the settlement. We have received some of the money and if you fit the qualifications, you would be applying for funds from the settlement. It was not a grant.
Chairman Robertson stated that our original conversation about the dog was that it would be completely funded from grants or outside money. Ms. Walker stated that funds from Opioid would be part of the outside funding. Chairman Robertson replied that money was not outside funds. It was awarded to the County and Commissioners have designed those funds are to be used for the SRO over the next 10 years. Anything we take out of that will take away from the program.
Chairman Robertson asked how much money have you raised. Ms. Walker replied about $3,000. Chairman Robertson asked how they plan to pay for the recurring costs for the dog. Mr. Strege stated that there are funds available through outside sources that they will be applying for. Those options are not open at this time. Ms. Walker stated that the ongoing expenses will be minimal, getting initial funds to get it established was the problem.
Ms. Isaac stated that the Opioid Settlement Fund was for abatement and the dog would fit that description. She felt the SRO was outside of that. Chairman Robertson replied that the reality was Commissioners already decided to allocate the funds for that purpose. Ms. Isaac asked if the fund was wholly allocated. Ms. Poston replied that they have dedicated $25,000 each year with additional funding coming from other outside sources. If money is taken away, it will shorten the timeframe.
Ms. Walker stated that they thought they could apply for the funds directly, but now realize the county applies as a whole and we are asking for some of those funds. It would be a one-time allocation and it was a worthy avenue. She added that they are trying to close the gap this year and this won’t be our only resource. Chairman Robertson replied that there was no debate on the need. It was whether we want to use the funds for that or the SRO.
Commissioner Pinkerton stated that he thought the Sheriff should be involved in the conversation since it would take funds from that position. Chairman Robertson stated that if we chose to spend the money now, we just have to find money elsewhere to cover the gap in the future. Commissioner Bertling thought it was a worthy cause for the purpose of those funds.
Ms. Poston requested that if you are inclined to do this, you should allocate a certain amount.
Ms. Walker stated that they were requesting a one-time payment so they can get the dog and send it and the handler to school for certification. Ms. Isaac added that they will apply for grants when they open.
Commissioner Pinkerton stated that in the past, you mentioned that the dog could not be used by other officers. Ms. Walker replied that she checked into that and the dog will be a juvenile/misdemeanor dog so it can be used for detection only. If the dog detects something they will call in sheriff/city police and they will take over after that. Ms. Isaac added that when they run dogs through the school buildings now, they are getting them from Sandpoint.
Commissioner Pinkerton replied that the dog would be certified for detection only. Ms. Walker replied yes, it would be certified by the state. Commissioner Pinkerton stated that he liked dogs, but was always surprised at the ongoing expense.
Mr. Strege stated that the primary purpose of the dog will be for Opioid abatement. Ms. Walker stated that with it not being a dual service dog, the costs will be lower. The biggest cost was acquiring the dog and sending both it and the handler to school.
Chairman Robertson asked if the money they had raised so far can carry forward. Ms. Walker replied yes it can.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked if any commitments have been made to the school district. Ms. Poston replied that nothing has been put in writing. You also don’t know if the school can continue to come up with grant funds in the future to help fund the position.
Commissioner Bertling moved to use $24,000 in Opioid Settlement Funds for the purchase of a dog and the certification of both dog and handler. Commissioner Pinkerton second and stated that he wanted to be clear, this was a one-time payment and they were to source outside funds for ongoing expenses. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Walker stated that they were audited by the state last year and she recently received the report for that which she would forward over for their review. She stated that the next audit will be in two years. She also added that they are looking at formulating a multi-agency collaboration team with the idea that they could collaborate on cases that are ongoing. Ms. Walker said the ISP was participating as well as Bonner and Lincoln County. She will host the first meeting and see where it goes from there.
The meeting with Probation ended at 11:00 a.m. and Ms. Walker, Ms. Isaac and Mr. Strege left the meeting. Mr. Harris also left the meeting.
Boundary Economic Development Director David Sims entered the meeting at 11:01 a.m. and stated that there has been no additional news on the remodel of the Porthill Border Station. The traffic at the border crossings continues to be down. The numbers for November show decreases of 11% at Eastport and 32% at Porthill. The Moyie Post Office was slowly moving forward and they are starting to remove soil from the site. Mr. Sims stated that he will continue with coaching for entities in Boundary County through the Small Business Association, but will no longer continue with anyone outside the county.
Mr. Sims added that he has assisted with the Operations & Maintenance Manual for the Moyie sewer project and it was submitted to DEQ. They have now come back with requested changes that he will incorporate. The changes mostly consisted of combining multiple separate publications into one large document. He also helped them with their Quality Assurance Plan and he will now focus on the Spill Control Plan. The Moyie council was working on their sewer rates which have to be approved by DEQ. Lastly, Mr. Sims stated he was getting the Visitor Center ready for the new year.
The meeting with Mr. Sims ended at 11:10 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Commissioner meeting minutes from the week of 12/29. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the extension of taxes due on parcel #MH61N02E04391BA in the amount of $246.20 including late fee & interest. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. Will have paid by March 11, 2026.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the extension of taxes due on parcel #MH61N02E04391AA in the amount of $222.42 including late fee & interest. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. Will have paid by March 15, 2026.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign New Private Road Name Request Form for Chapman Ln. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign and approve Property Tax Cancellation Form for the following: parcels: RP63N01E100010A in the amount of $3.65, RP63N01E104813A in the amount of $1.50, RP63N02E290010A in the amount of $8.50, RP60N02W344801A in the amount of $.23, RP60N02W344811A in the amount of $.87, RP60N02W344813A in the amount of $.61, RP60N02W345843A in the amount of $.14, RP62N02W110000A in the amount of $7.80, RP63N01E290011A in the amount of $7.69, RP63N01E292001A in the amount of $.18, RP63N01E292100A in the amount of $.19, RP63N01E320015A in the amount of $.48, RP63N01E320450A in the amount of $.50, RP63N01E322400A in the amount of $4.96, RP63N02E250010A in the amount of $8.70, RP63N02E352410A in the amount of $6.74, RP60N01E210001A in the amount of $16.31, RP60N01E270000A in the amount of $14.80, RP61N02W030000A in the amount of $7.29, RP61N02W130000A in the amount of $7.66, RP61N02W230010A in the amount of $2.85, RP62N01E092410A in the amount of $2.58, RP62N01W027210A in the amount of $3.68, RP62N03E082410A in the amount of $1.87, RP63N03W110000A in the amount of $10.81, RP64N03W330000A in the amount of $6.78, RP65N01E290000A in the amount of $14.26, RP65N01E330010A in the amount of $16.24, RP65N02W107210A in the amount of $3.97, RP65N02W117961A in the amount of $1.87, RP65N02W143011A in the amount of $6.82, RP65N02W151810A in the amount of $2.17, RP65N02W232410A in the amount of $1.71, RP62N02E035400A in the amount of $2.19, RP62N02E090010A in the amount of $2.26, RP62N02E103010A in the amount of $.73, RP62N02W090000A in the amount of $7.80, RP63N02E190000A in the amount of $17.33, RP65N01E230000A in the amount of $16.72, RP60N01E230000A in the amount of $17.37, RP62N02W130000A in the amount of $7.80, RP62N02W150000A in the amount of $7.80, RP63N01E281500A in the amount of $.55, RP63N01E282415A in the amount of $.42, RP63N01E282850A in the amount of $1.86, RP63N01E283750A in the amount of $2.75, RP63N01E284200A in the amount of $1.18, RP63N01E284810A in the amount of $5.72, RP63N01E332550A in the amount of $.45, RP63N01E334810A in the amount of $4.72, RP63N01E339001A in the amount of $1.32, RP65N01E270000A in the amount of $16.91, RP60N01E250000A in the amount of $16.23, RP61N03E035411A in the amount of $2.48, RP61N03E047210A in the amount of $3.82, RP61N03E102410A in the amount of $.79, RP61N03E102710A in the amount of $.49, RP61N03E104510A in the amount of $1.50, RP62N02W170000A in the amount of $7.80 due to them being postmarked on time. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
IT Director Matt Hodges entered the meeting at 11:18 a.m.
At 11:30 a.m. Chairman Robertson asked Mr. Hodges to share the information he had received. Mr. Hodges stated that Ms. Poston put out a request for information from other counties regarding websites and two responded with information. One of them currently uses Revized which was the company Mr. Hodges was the most comfortable with for ADA compliance. Mr. Hodges expressed that the issue with them was that they will not maintain our current site during the transition which can take about 6 months. Commissioners had concerns about not having support.
Mr. Hodges stated that Well Dressed Walrus would provide support during the transition, but he had concerns about the ADA compliance. Commissioners asked Mr. Hodges to reach out to Well Dressed Walrus to get more information and if they can meet the requirements in the statute and include verbiage in a contract. They also asked him to reach out to the current contractor to see if he will agree to continue maintenance during the transition and what that cost would be.
Chairman Robertson stated that there were concerns that the email system was not sufficient for our current needs. Mr. Hodges stated that there was another option that he has wanted to do for quite some time, but it was considerably more costly for the county.
Chairman Robertson asked if they can do a blend of both. Mr. Hodges replied no, it was all or nothing. He then explained the benefits of the new system including web based, backup and some additional features and plugins that would be helpful. He added that it would be a significant change and he would also need to bring someone in to help with the transition which was an additional cost to consider. Mr. Hodges stated that our current system was a basic service. You would get more functionality with the new system that would be nice, but there was a considerable cost involved.
Commissioners asked Mr. Hodges to get numbers for them to consider and they would continue this conversation next week.
The meeting with Mr. Hodges ended at 11:44 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 11:45 a.m.
The meeting 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 1:29 p.m. Last week they plowed all areas and salt/salt brine in areas 1, 2, 4 and 5. They filled in a sink hole on Parker Canyon, filled holes on Ruby Creek and unclogged a culvert in District 2. They have also installed the sandbox into the truck that had been hauling brush so they are ready for the next storm.
Mr. Barton then shared dash cam footage of an accident that happened over the weekend with a snowplow and Ms. Poston asked that they forward that video to her for ICRIMP. Mr. Barton said there are a couple small cracks on the plow frame, but everyone was okay. Mr. Ryals stated that the camera was worth it’s weight in gold and they have ordered four more for the landfill vehicles.
There was discussion on one employee for the landfill that was slightly over the 120-hour maximum for vacation hours. Commissioners asked for something in writing for them to consider.
Mr. Ryals shared a Customer Agreement with Commissioners for Oil Worx. He stated that they will come and pickup the used oil at the landfill every six months at no cost to the county. The can also pickup coolant at $1.75 per gallon. He also stated that he has met with the engineering firms that assist with monitoring and they recommended a weather station. Mr. Ryals will check with DEQ to see if they can use the station at the airport instead of purchasing their own. Commissioners asked to be included on a future meeting with the engineers.
Chairman Robertson ask about the MOU with Fish and Game for large animal carcass and suggested it didn’t make sense to charge private individuals who are hauling their own when they could call Fish and Game and have it hauled for free. Mr. Ryals stated he would look into the fee schedule and prepare a Resolution to remove it.
Mr. Ryals then shared information on the compaction dumpsters, their cost if they need to buy new and what can be repaired from their current stock. He also stated that some do not have lids which is needed to keep out snow, so they will be searching for a supplier. He also shared information on signage for the air burner.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Oilworx agreement for used oil collection and recycling services. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Barton stated that they are getting a quote together for a loader and looking at including a grapple. Mr. Ryals stated that DEQ did not have an issue using the spoils from Moyie at the landfill. They will be shifting the schedule of one employee at the landfill for coverage which will help them with day-to-day accountability.
The rural site monitors would like something in writing as to when a load was too large and must be taken to the main landfill. Commissioners replied there were too many variables to consider and suggested a pickup load was fine, but a dump trailer would be too much.
They also discussed a possible location for an additional rural site towards Moyie.
Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting at 2:15 p.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to go into executive session 74-206(b) to consider the evaluation, dismissal, or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff, member or individual agent, or public-school student. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Robertson “aye”, Commissioner Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”.
Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals left the meeting at 2:19 p.m.
The executive session ended at 2:34 p.m. No action was taken.
The meeting with Ms. Barton ended at 2:38 p.m. and he left the meeting.
Airport Board Member Jay Wages entered the meeting at 2:40 p.m.
Airport Manager Dave Parker entered the meeting at 2:43 p.m. Mr. Parker went over grants and the status of each. He said the land acquisition was complete and checks were coming in. The obstruction removal was getting started, but the specialty wire won’t be available until late 2026. The AGIS was about 35% complete and the runway design was coming in under the proposed budget so they may be able to extend the runway with the additional money. They are now waiting on FAA approval.
Mr. Parker then reviewed the list of income from the land leases which was over $66,000. He recently inspected the hangars to verify that they are used for aircraft and noted that we currently have 94 airplanes compared to 81 in 2023.
There are some hangars that are scheduled for removal, #12 was owned by the county and there are no planes in it. #5 was abandoned when the owner passed away. #7 and #3 are in bad shape and need to come down and they are working through the process to get that completed.
Sheriff Travis Stolley and Emergency Services Cory Thatcher entered the meeting at 3:00 p.m.
Mr. Parker stated that someone was interested in buying the flight school and take over as the Airport Manager. The current agreement was assignable if Commissioners agree. Mr. Parker thought it was a good fit and he would be around to help train. The new person would like to take over in a couple months.
Chairman Robertson asked if he had been to a board meeting. Mr. Parker stated no. Chairman Robertson stated that might be a good place to start so that the airport board can give their input.
Mr. Parker then discussed options for an easement for the group who are trying to get access to property. There are issues with the area they want because it was in the object free area and a bridge would also be needed because of the slope. Mr. Parker replied that the FAA will not approve access from the east side. Commissioner Bertling suggested another route to avoid airport access and suggested easements could be traded.
Bonners Ferry Herald Reporter Noah Harris entered the meeting at 3:15 p.m.
The meeting with the airport ended at 3:17 p.m. and Mr. Parker and Mr. Wages left the meeting.
At 3:30 p.m. Mr. Thatcher provided an updated on the wind/rain event. He said that Northern Lights has over $100,000 in damage to their system in Boundary County. The wind and rain are being treated as separate events, and the state was gathering data to apply for FEMA reimbursement. Mr. Thatcher stated he was advised to not close the proclamation until they had final numbers.
Sheriff Stolley stated he will pass along figures from dispatch so that can be included.
The meeting with Emergency Services ended at 3:22 p.m. and everyone left the meeting.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 3:55 p.m.
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
There were no items on the agenda, therefore the Commissioners did not meet.
s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk