***Monday, July 21, 2025 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.

Adrienne Norris and Jennifer McLeish entered the meeting at 8:58 a.m.

Greg Lamberty entered the meeting at 9:04 a.m.

Addressing Debra Dreger entered the meeting at 9:08 a.m.

Ms. Dreger stated it was becoming more of an issue to have applicants name private roads. They don’t want to change their address so there seems to be some animosity and pushback. It was more difficult in areas that are established. She suggested that the committee choose the road name, have the Commissioners approve and leave the residents out of the process.

Commissioner Bertling suggested that the individuals be included and ask for their input. If they don’t/won’t, then the committee can assign the name to move forward.

Ms. Dreger stated that she also had an individual who wanted an address for bare land which was provided. That individual then built a home without a placement permit. The next issue was that they now wanted a physical address but they do not have an approach permit, nor was there a driveway at this time. The individual also refused to provide information about where the driveway would connect with the county road which was needed to assign the address. Ms. Dreger stated that she advised legal.

The meeting with Ms. Dreger ended at 9:14 a.m. and she left the meeting.

Ms. McLeish stated that she wanted to discuss the fact that she can’t get an address for package delivery. The USPS has directed her that she will need to get an address from the county so that she can receive mail. Ms. McLeish would rather put up a mailbox and not go through the County’s addressing requirements. She stated that she felt it was a violation of her rights. Chairman Robertson stated that we don’t dictate to the federal government on their requirements.

Ms. McLeish stated that you do dictate to the P&Z regulations. Chairman Robertson said this topic was not on the agenda for discussion.

Commissioner Pinkerton stated that this should be scheduled at a time when staff can be here to discuss.

Fay Almond entered the meeting at 9:22 a.m.

Ms. Norris asked if they could speak to the civil attorney Bill Wilson when he came in. Chairman Robertson said you can speak to him outside of this meeting. If you would like to discuss this topic with us, you will need to schedule a time so that it can be placed on the agenda. Chairman Robertson stated that they were happy to have the conversation but, it must be legally noticed to the public.

Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:30 a.m. to update Commissioners on legal issues he has been working on. Mr. Wilson stated that it has been business as usual for the last week. Correspondence has been sent regarding the two projects recently discussed in executive session and there has been no response to date.

Chairman Robertson introduced Mr. Wilson to Ms. McLeish and stated that she may be placing an item on the agenda in the future for discussion that he should be involved in.

Chairman Robertson gave Mr. Wilson a copy of a letter and asked him to review it to see if it had any merit. Mr. Wilson stated that he would and get back to him soon.

Commissioner Pinkerton stated that they are working on updates from the hospital. Mr. Wilson confirmed that the statute was clear and Commissioner Pinkerton was entitled to the documents requested.

The meeting with Mr. Wilson ended at 9:35 a.m. and he left the meeting. Ms. Mcleish also left the meeting.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Certificates of Residency for Hanna Franck. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Commissioner meeting minutes for the week of July 14. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Ms. Norris left the meeting at 9:39 a.m.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Independent Contractor Agreement with Red Rock Contractors. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the letter of appointment for Dyan Eason to the Board of Guardians for a term expiring January 2029. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the letter of appointment for Tamina Boonisar to the Board of Guardians for a term expiring January 2027. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the letter of appointment for Karen Pedey to the Board of Guardians for a term expiring January 2026. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the letter of appointment for Corey Richards to the Board of Guardians for a term expiring January 2026. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the letter of appointment for Gini Woodward to the Board of Guardians for a term expiring January 2029. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners discussed the letter that was prepared to the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho. Chairman Robertson stated that it was possible Chairwoman Porter was not aware of the communications that have happened. We have been working together and have included Tribal staff. The letter includes a timeline of those conversations.

Commissioner Bertling felt the letter should also go to Idaho Transportation Department to show the participation from both parties. Chairman Robertson and Commissioner Pinkerton agreed and felt the timing was right.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign the letter to the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Lamberty and Ms. Almond left the meeting at 9:54 a.m.

Chief Jeff Lindsey entered the meeting at 9:59 a.m.

Commissioner Bertling moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and reconvene as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the minutes from June 16. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chief Lindsey stated that they had 116 calls during the month of June with an average shoot time of 1 minute 27 seconds. He also stated that there have been no staffing issues and they are fully staffed at this time. Chief Lindsey added that during the summer months they participate in fire deployments. They sent staff to the fires on Canfield Mountain and Clover, and currently have a crew at the Cherry Fire.

Chairman Robertson asked about the rotation. Chief Lindsey stated that they have 6 or 7 people that are certified and trained so they then try to rotate some of them for about a week depending on who they can put in to cover those shifts. They charge a rate of $189/staffed and this allows them to generate additional funds.

The meeting with Chief Lindsey ended at 10:16 a.m. and he left the meeting.

Commissioner Bertling moved to adjourn as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board and reconvene as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Ms. Poston left the meeting at 10:25 a.m.

Bonners Ferry District Forest Ranger Heather Fuller entered the meeting at 10:31 a.m.

KVRI Facilitator Theresa Wheat entered the meeting at 10:32 a.m.

Ms. Wheat handed out the KVRI meeting agenda and reviewed the meeting topics with Commissioners. She said the August meeting would be cancelled because of the fair. The next meeting would be September 15th.

Chairman Robertson stated that he was unable to attend the July meeting, so Commissioner Bertling would step in as co-chair.

Ms. Wheat also stated that they will set up for the fair on the morning of August 5th.

Chairman Robertson asked if the USFS would have a booth at the fair. Ms. Fuller stated that we can look into that. Ms. Wheat said that they could put items in the KVRI booth this year since it was probably too late for their own booth.

Ms. Wheat left the meeting at 10:39 a.m.

Ms. Fuller stated that they are still working to move Katkee forward. The comments close on July 24th and they don’t have a lot at this time. Everything is looking good and there are some funding options that she hopes they can utilize for this project.

Ms. Fuller stated that Moyie Meadows was a good field trip and she hopes to try to utilize that in the future when it works. We are on track to have a decision on that this fall.

Boulder was also moving forward with emergency authorities which will take care of the NEPA aspect. She stated that they have had conversations with Fish & Wildlife and with the emergency consultation they will work all three phases of that project.

Ms. Poston re-entered the meeting at 10:52 a.m.

Ms. Fuller stated that they have had conversations with partners for the Katkee project so that should help things start sooner.

Chairman Robertson stated that he would like to continue the conversations about the decommission verses storage of roads. That is a point of contention for many.

Commissioner Bertling asked if the bears were delisted would the decommission of roads still happen. Ms. Fuller answered they would first re-evaluate so nothing would change at first. Long-term it could make a difference.

Restorium Supervisor Janay Smith entered the meeting at 11:03 a.m.

Chairman Robertson asked where the support for projects comes from. Ms. Fuller responded that it comes from the public. Subcommittees can also bring support at that level.

Ms. Fuller mentioned that a couple landowners have reached out about a bridge in the Dove area. She stated that they will be going out to look at the bridge. Chairman Robertson stated that was a private road that the USFS must have a bridge on. It was not a county road.

Commissioners mentioned that they have not heard of any huckleberry controversy this year. Ms. Fuller stated that there have been some issues. Law enforcement is coordinating better than they have in the past.

The meeting with Ms. Fuller ended at 11:12 a.m. and she left the meeting.

Ms. Smith handed out her reports and reviewed the overdue list with Commissioners to let them know the status of each of the past-due accounts. She stated that they currently have 34 residents with one more scheduled to be admitted tomorrow, another in early August and a third person mid August.

Commissioners asked if she knew why there has been an uptick in residents. Ms. Smith felt it was in part due to the outreach with the health fairs and word-of-mouth. Many people don’t know it exists.

Ms. Smith then stated that the staffing of the nursing position was an issue. She has had no applicants for the part-time position. The state has changed the rules effective July 1 so that the LPN can handle more, but the RN has the option of what she wants to delegate. Ms. Smith felt that they only needed one full-time nurse.

Ms. Smith stated that a part-time employee has gone on leave and has asked that her position be held for 6 months. HR stated that was too long and suggested a shorter timeframe of 2-3 months. Commissioners asked how much strain that would put on the other staff. Ms. Smith felt the 2-3 months would not be an issue. Commissioner agreed to the request.

Ms. Smith stated that the ombudsmen had asked why the County had not applied to be an organizational payee from the Social Security Administration. She stated that the County would receive the resident’s payments and then it would be handed out to them. Ms. Poston was not sure and stated that we would need to check with legal and the auditor to see if that would be possible. Ms. Smith thought that might be a way to keep the accounts from getting so far behind.

Lastly, Ms. Smith stated that the Restorium’s 50th anniversary was in September and they were planning a carnival to celebrate with popcorn, cotton candy, games and activities.

Commissioners asked what kind of rate increase needs to be made so that the Restorium was breaking even. Ms. Smith stated she would need to look at that and get back them.

The meeting with Ms. Smith ended at 11:48 a.m. and she left the meeting.

David Crockett entered the meeting at 11:49 a.m. and he rescheduled the meeting that he missed the previous week for a future agenda.

Commissioners recessed for lunch at noon.

Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.

Road & Bridge Superintendent Brad Barton and Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals entered the meeting at 1:25 p.m.

Mr. Barton stated that last week they did some mowing along multiple county roads, removed trees from the ROW on Meadow Creek Rd, paving, rolling and culvert replacement on Moyie River Rd and the Copeland bridge was inspected. This week they are crushing and hauling to get ready for chipseal and some paving was scheduled if weather permits. Mr. Barton stated that the paver was working really well and they are not wasting product like they used to.

Mr. Ryals stated that they looked at the roller last week and it looks really good. They are looking at costs to ship it over, but also are considering picking it up themselves.

Commissioner Bertling asked if they have had any new applicants. Mr. Barton responded that they have had two this week that they are following up on.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the purchase order of a 2018 Dynapac compactor. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners asked about the over-weight ticket that one of the drivers received. Mr. Ryals stated that the driver did not check the box and didn’t realize some product was still inside of it before more was loaded in.

Commissioners discussed who should pay the ticket. Mr. Ryals and Mr. Barton stated that the county has paid the ticket in the past. Commissioner Bertling was fine with paying it. Commissioner Pinkerton felt it was the driver’s responsibility. Chairman Robertson asked how the conversation went with the driver. Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals stated that he was very apologetic and was also now checking the box frequently. Chairman Robertson stated that he felt the county could pay the ticket, but this would be the last time. He asked Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals to have a conversation with the employees.

Mr. Barton stated that he has had a request for dust abatement for the main parking lot at the fairgrounds so that they can stripe it for parking during the fair. Commissioner Bertling asked the condition of the parking lot. Mr. Barton was told it was fine, but had not looked at it. Commissioners asked him to look at it and estimate cost before making a decision.

Commissioner Pinkerton stated that he had a call regarding the permit for the Maggi property. Mr. Barton stated that Cameron Fitch had called Road & Bridge and told them he would be by to pickup the permit and install the culvert for the driveway on Split Rock.

Mr. Ryals then discussed larger approaches on the Sunrise Rd project and various options to pave those larger areas. Commissioners like the suggestion from HMH to pave it as a trapezoid to protect the road edge. Commissioners then suggested that the property owner could then continue the paving at their own expense if they wished.

The meeting with Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals ended at 2:04 p.m. and they left the meeting.

Ms. Poston left the meeting at 2:15 p.m.

Commissioners attended to administrative duties until their 2:30 p.m. appointment.

At 2:30 p.m. USFS Forest Supervisor Tim Gilloon, Bonners Ferry District Forest Ranger Heather Fuller, Forester Ed Koberstein, Road Engineer Joe Heisel and Timber Staff Jered Bowman entered the meeting.

Commissioner Pinkerton suggested that they take a field trip to see the Katkee fuels project. Mr. Gilloon stated that he like to put visuals with a proposal. He understood that it was an important project at both the district and forest level. He said he continues to advocate for it, but it does have challenges in the cost per board foot. We look at what is the best value we can get and what are the critical treatment areas. If there are two projects competing against each other, anything with a helicopter will not win.

Commissioner Pinkerton asked what can we do to make the proposal more competitive and what was the impediment. Mr. Gilloon responded that it was on the spreadsheet and where it pencils out compared to other projects.

Chairman Robertson asked if it was possible to do other projects to make money first in order to get money for Katkee. Ms. Fuller stated that was the initial plan, but then her office received word that the face was the priority so it flipped. Ms. Fuller stated that we were under the impression that we had funding for the project when it pivoted.

Chairman Robertson asked who greenlights the portion that needs the helicopter. Mr. Gilloon stated that he though that would be at the regional level and then move higher.

Chairman Robertson asked Mr. Gilloon how much weight he had with the regional office. Mr. Gilloon stated he had some and he also said that he was successful in moving some other projects off the list which will help Katkee advance. He added that he will talk to Hilary Rigby and the Regional Forester to see how we can move it forward. After that, Mr. Gilloon stated that he was removed from the process.

Commissioner Pinkerton stated that they sent a letter of support to the Regional Forester last week to help secure funding for the project. Mr. Gilloon asked for a copy of the letter.

Chairman Robertson asked if a stewardship was implemented, could they keep the funds to reinvest in future projects. Mr. Koberstein and Mr. Bowman both responded yes, that was their understanding. Mr. Gilloon stated that he will ask staff to run the numbers exercise to see if that pencils out.

Chairman Robertson asked if it would delay the timeline if they did the back half first. Mr. Koberstein stated that it would help pay for the roads up front and help pay the deficit of the helicopter later. Mr. Gilloon stated that the bottom line was yes, it would delay the project for another year if they switched them.

Commissioner Bertling asked about the road work and what would need to be done. Mr. Heisel responded that some paving would need to be done to bring it up to log haul standards. Those are funds we would be competing for as well.

Bertling asked if there was a way that the county could help with GNA. Mr. Gilloon responded yes either GNA, MOA or Schedule A. Ms. Fuller responded yes, we just need to look at the most efficient mechanism.

Commissioner Bertling stated that our Road & Bridge Department has a paver, crusher, grader and other equipment. Mr. Heisel stated that if we were adding road capacity that would be valuable.

Chairman Robertson asked if the road maintenance deposits have been collected to help cover some of that cost. Mr. Heisel stated yes, but it won’t be enough.

Mr. Gilloon stated that he would like everyone to come to the district office to look at the big map and see what areas have been treated and what we need to look forward to. He stated that we should be planning in 20-year terms. He stated that he was also willing to look at areas that would be eligible for small scale if that makes financial sense.

Commissioner Bertling asked if they look at replacing stands that are not healthy. Mr. Gilloon stated that would depend on the cost and regulations. Ms. Fuller added that we could also look into the young stand improvement that was signed last year.

Mr. Gilloon said he wanted to put a plug in for wood innovation grants. Only a few were received for Idaho and it would be something to look at to revitalize the area. If those grants are available next year, he suggested that they consider it.

Chairman Robertson asked what types of projects do they fund. Mr. Gilloon responded with plant upgrades and co-generation plants for private industry, non-profit and maybe counties as well. Ms. Fuller responded that it would be a good way to get the material off of the landscape.

Chairman Robertson asked if there are funds available in the grant for infrastructure for roads to move the product. Mr. Koberstein replied that was a different grant that would offer that. Mr. Bowman added that we need to have good planning so that private partners can enter into an agreement that supports it. Ms. Fuller thought Bonners Ferry was a good place to pilot some of those ideas.

Chairman Robertson asked if the word was getting out that the grant was available. Mr. Gilloon stated not since he has been involved. Mr. Bowman thought that it had, but it takes money for the buy in.

Mr. Gilloon said he thought it needed to be talked about at meetings like this and KVRI so that it was on public record. Chairman Robertson said we have heard those conversations for years, but no one was connecting the dots.

At 3:07 p.m. everyone in attendance took a field trip to Katka overlook. Commissioner Pinkerton described the landscape and that it was too steep for roads. He then pointed out Black Mountain which was where cell towers and county infrastructure was located. He also pointed out the ridge that the 1910 fire came over from Montana.

Commissioner Bertling pointed out the private land, some of which was large acreage, to smaller parcels and subdivisions.

Mr. Gilloon stated that we are close to signing documents and what I am hearing was that this should happen sooner rather than later. Commissioner Pinkerton stated that 2028 was too far out.

Mr. Gilloon stated that the nursery owner can be given permission with NEPA. There was also a full portfolio of options to consider. We just have to figure out how to get it treated so I can give you the green light.

Commissioner Pinkerton asked where the landings would be for the Katkee project. Mr. Koberstein stated that he worked that out with landowners about a year ago.

Mr. Bowman asked if the agreements were in place. Mr. Koberstein answered no, they are handshake agreements. The landowners don’t want to be an impediment. One was in the office last week enquiring about why this was taking so long.

Mr. Gilloon stated that there was $250,000 in funding for Joint Chiefs projects for the county. Commissioner Bertling stated that we have utilized those funding mechanisms, but it isn’t enough.

Commissioner Pinkerton pointed out the draws in the terrain and described the rural water systems that receive water from those locations. He said there was barely enough water for the homes on the system and they don’t have hydrants to fight fires. Forest fires will damage those systems.

Chairman Robertson stated that the prevailing wind will push the fire down into the valley where the homes are. There were lightening strikes on Katkee last summer and we were lucky they did not take off.

Commissioners then pointed out the areas along the west side from recent fires including Myrtle Creek Fire, Parker Creek Fire and Kootenai River Complex Fire.

Mr. Gilloon stated let’s see what we can do to get this going. We can do CE’s for smaller sales. We can then look at the ability to go for a large scale. If not, we can revisit previous sales or look for mid-scale in the 2029 - 2030 timeframe. He then added that we need to sit down with a robust planning schedule. It will not happen anytime soon.

Ms. Fuller said we can look at older projects to revisit. Mr. Gilloon stated that was what he was talking about.

Chairman Robertson asked if they can widen the Boulder project. Mr. Gilloon stated that they are under some restraints and that will need to be evaluated. Mr. Koberstein said that was pretty specific and was drawn on the map. There might be some small sales, but there won’t be much.

Mr. Heisel asked if there was any talk of treating for commercial thinning. Mr. Koberstein replied yes, we have been working on that with condition-based management. We would like to propose treatment to thin areas. Mr. Gilloon said it was easier now than in the past which should speed up timeframes. Ms. Fuller said that some of that was done on the west side.

Chairman Robertson stated that we need help to make this happen. Mr. Gilloon replied that you have a funding request in so we need to look at other funding and pencil it out. Commissioner Pinkerton said it won’t pencil out. We just need to get it out of there.

Ms. Fuller stated that Commissioners previously had questions on roads and said that Mr. Heisel was the expert on that subject. Chairman Robertson asked him about decommissioning roads. Mr. Heisel said the only roads he was familiar with decommissioning are roads that you can’t walk because they are so overgrown. Decommissioning those helps with the BMU. Overall, he stated that he was against it because that road will be needed again in the future. There has to be strong reasons to do that.

The discussion then turned to huckleberries. Mr. Gilloon stated that there needs to be state and local buy-in to enforce. We would need to focus on the large commercial pickers and recognize that there was a cottage industry.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:28 p.m.

Tuesday, July 22, 2025 Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.

Commissioners held a department head/elected officials meeting. Those present were: Noxious Weed Superintendent Dave Wenk, Prosecutor Andrakay Pluid, Sheriff Travis Stolley, University of Idaho Extension Educator Amy Robertson, Veterans Service Officer Ron Self, Emergency Management Andrew O’Neel, Assessor Olivia Drake, Road & Bridge Admin. Shelby Hooper, P&Z Administrator Ben Jones, Probation Alisa Walker, Solid Waste Superintendent Richard Jenkins, and Restorium Supervisor Janay Smith.

Commissioners went around the room for office updates from the various departments in attendance. The meeting ended at 9:28 a.m. and everyone left the meeting.

Commissioners attended to administrative duties until they adjourned at 10:45 a.m.

s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman

ATTEST:

s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk