***Monday, June 8, 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.
Chief Deputy Caleb Watts entered the meeting at 8:54 a.m.
Chief Deputy Clerk/Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting at 9:00 a.m.
Chief Deputy Watts stated there has been a lot of turnover at the state level so it has taken longer to get the Boat Check agreement which helps pay for overtime hours. The station was catching boats from all directions. Last year they redirected people back to the station instead of citing.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked if they have an agreement in place with the USFS yet. Chief Deputy Watts stated that they recently received it.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign MOA between Idaho State Department of Agriculture and Boundary County Sheriff regarding the boat check station. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chief Deputy Watts wanted to know the process for employees regarding holiday hours. Ms. Barton read the section from the Personnel Handbook which stated that they need to use them within 30 days or loose them. The employee needs to let their supervisor know what their desire was so that information can be communicated with the Clerk’s office and paid out accordingly. The Clerk’s office does not know if an employee wants paid for the holiday or would prefer taking it on a different date. Therefore, they wait for direction from the department. Chief Deputy Watts stated that they have been requesting payment, but it has not been paid. Ms. Barton asked where they are requesting it, because she has not received them.
Chairman Robertson asked if we were overcomplicating it. Should we just pay the holiday on the holiday and be done with it. Ms. Poston replied that you have to consider 160 employees and all of the different scenarios. If you pay them out, they don’t have that time to use in the future for a vacation that they had planned. We get pushback either way. We always wait for the department to take the lead on how the employee wants it handled. If you wish to change it for everyone, it would need to be done with a Resolution and included in the handbook so that everyone understands that they can’t take it in the future. Each department would also need to make sure they had it in their budget.
Greg Lamberty entered the meeting 9:14 a.m.
Chief Deputy Watts asked if a simple form could be created that was separate from the timesheet for this purpose. Chairman Robertson asked Ms. Barton to prepare a form and directed Chief Deputy Watts to have the employees complete the form as to their wishes. No change was made to the policy.
The meeting with Chief Deputy Watts ended at 9:18 a.m. and he and Ms. Barton left the meeting.
Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:34 a.m. and said the big item on the schedule this week was the public hearing for the airport regarding the bid protest. He also stated that he gathered information for the hospital as requested.
Ms. Poston stated that they have received the petition from North Bench Fire, unfortunately, the legal description and the map do not match each other. She added that North Bench stated that they do not need to match at this stage in order for it to move forward. Ms. Poston asked Mr. Wilson to provide comment regarding the issue.
Mr. Wilson replied that they have the right to submit whatever they wish, but if their documents don’t have the right meets and bounds, it will be denied by the state Tax Commission and has a high potential to fail. He will put something together for Ms. Poston.
The meeting with Mr. Wilson ended at 9:45 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Mr. Lamberty left the meeting at 9:50 a.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Sophia Jackson and Toby Law. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Commissioner meeting minutes for the weeks of May 18th and May 25th. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign New Private Road Name Request Form for Teresa Way. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Assignment of Ground Lease for Phil and Jennifer Beachy. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Robertson stated that we need to have a conversation with the Fair Board regarding scheduled rentals and the coordination of cabinet removal/installation for Veterans Memorial Hall. Commissioner Bertling stated that he already confirmed that July 13th worked for installation. Ms. Poston asked that an email be sent for them to block out the week of July 6th for removal.
Commissioner Bertling moved to accept/sign Cabinets Northwest quote. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign RFR #8 (final) for FAA AIP Grant 029. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign RFR #2 for ITD Airport Aid Grant AIP029 F26865S. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Robertson asked if the cash match was the same for EDC. Ms. Poston confirmed that it was.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign letter of support for EDC. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners reviewed claims for payment. Fund totals are as follows:
Current Expense $ 73,240.22
Road & Bridge 152,493.73
Airport 2,882.39
District Court 10,012.12
Justice Fund 83,370.29
911 Funds 6,460.39
Hospital, Operation 77,000.00
Junior College Tuition 10,400.00
Parks and Recreation 22,711.49
Revaluation 850.10
Solid Waste 36,745.06
Tort 293.35
Veterans Memorial 37.65
Weeds 652.54
Restorium 34,196.32
Waterways 217.37
Road & Bridge Tribal Fuel Fund 69.74
Grant, Boat Safety 568.69
LATCT Fund 395,268.55
TOTAL $907,470.00
Trusts
Auditors Trust – Misc 262.36
Boundary Co. Drug Court Trusts 116.11
Driver’s License Trust 10,075.00
Indigent Reimbursements 750.00
Motor Vehicle Trust Acct 174,375.25
Sheriff’s Trust Fund 915.15
Odyssey Court Trust Account 36,847.03
Odyssey Restitution Trust Account 2,886.32
TOTAL $226,227.22
GRAND TOTAL $1,133,697.22
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 entered the meeting at 11:30 a.m. and stated that the census was currently at 30. There were a couple assessments on Friday, but she was not sure of the outcome. They have hired someone for the office position that was going well. The new Food Services manager was also doing a great job. There have been no complaints about the food and the residents are enjoying the lighter dinners.
Ms. Smith then reviewed the past due accounts and the status of each. She added that they have been successful with Medicaid, but it sometimes takes a while and you may have to start the process over repeatedly. The food costs were down last month because of overstock. She estimates the cost should be $11.00 per person.
Ms. Smith shared costs of $400 to install a heater in the beauty shop and $2,700 to change the water on the Memory Care side so it doesn’t circulate through the heating system. Ms. Poston replied that you have budget for those items. It was suggested that she look into the stove repair costs before proceeding.
Commissioner Bertling asked if the pickup was taken to Road & Bridge for repairs. Ms. Smith replied yes. She said that there was also rust on the van that will be sanded down and sealant put on it.
The meeting with Ms. Smith ended at 12:03 p.m. and she left the meeting.
The meeting recessed for lunch at 12:05 p.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.
Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals entered the meeting at 1:30 p.m. They picked up some traffic counters and reset others due to the storm. They continued with grading, rolling and dust abatement. The cleanup from the storm was mostly done. Commissioner Bertling reminded him to keep track of hours for cleanup/grading of Snow Creek for the USFS.
Mr. Ryals said they are still waiting on paperwork for the graders and they continue to work on Solid Waste issues. He then reviewed commercial rates for solid waste and businesses in similar categories. He still needs to verify information on some. Mr. Ryals will get a list compiled with metrics to begin making changes.
The meeting with Mr. Ryals ended at 2:12 p.m. and he left the meeting.
Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting at 2:15 p.m.
Commissioner Bertling moved to go into executive session 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 3:05 p.m. No action was taken.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m.
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.
At 2:00 p.m. Commissioners held a public hearing for File #26-0098, Lot Line Adjustment via short plat, The Ray & Signe Holmes Rev Inter Vivos Trust and Luke & Lacey Henslee. Those in attendance were: Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims, P&Z Staff Tess Vogel, P&Z Tech Jenn Maynard, Coral Koberstein with JRS Surveying and Greg Lamberty. The hearing was recorded.
Chairman Robertson read the project description stating that the applicants were requesting preliminary plat approval for a lot line adjustment of Lot 1 of Queen Mountain Subdivision and Lot 25 of Twin Bridges River Front Subdivision to address encroachments of improvements and to correct a gap in descriptions between the two lots. The adjustment would result in a 2.32-acre Lot 1 and a 0.95-acre Lot 25 in the respective subdivisions. The lots are zoned Agriculture/Forestry and Suburban zones and are located off Moyie River Road. They are identified as Assessor’s Parcels RP007900000010A and RP01020001024AA in Section 26, Township 64 North, Range 2 East. Commissioners cited no disclosures or conflicts of interest.
Ms. Vogel reviewed the hearing procedures and provided the staff report. Ms. Vogel stated that one of the lots recently sold and the new owners chose not to proceed. The amended application now only included Luke & Lacey Henslee. Ms. Vogel stated that one subdivision was recorded in 1974 and the other was in 1996 and it was found that there was a gap unaccounted for between the two. The file was revised to take care of that issue.
The files were routed to staff for comment including addressing, DEQ, TC Energy, Ambulance, Road & Bridge, Assessor, and Panhandle Health and no concerns were noted. They also received no comments from the public. Ms. Vogel shared a new draft of the preliminary plat with the other project removed. Commissioners had no questions for staff and Ms. Koberstein had no additional comments.
Chairman Robertson opened the hearing to public comment for those that would be in favor of, neutral and opposition and no one spoke. Ms. Koberstein declined to comment in the rebuttal and Chairman Robertson closed the public comment portion of the hearing. Commissioners worked through their reason statement and Chairman Robertson called for a motion.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the revised preliminary plat for the Amended Plat of Lot 25, Twin Bridges River Front Subdivision, a proposed lot line adjustment, File #26-0098, and direct staff to prepare written findings, a reasoned decision, and terms and conditions of approval, finding that the preliminary plat was in accord with the applicable zoning and subdivision standards of the Boundary County Land Use Ordinance, based upon the findings and conditions as amended and read into the record by staff to amend findings #1, #4 (now #3), and #12 (now #10), remove findings #2 and #5 and condition #5d, and add condition #7, 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 Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
The public hearing ended at 2:16 p.m.
Ms. Vogel then provided a draft for Standards & Procedures showing text to be added/removed/changed to align with Idaho Code. She stated that the P&Z Commission would like you to review and provide direction. Commissioners reviewed the document and agreed to proceed with the changes. Ms. Vogel stated that the next step was to hold a public hearing.
The meeting with P&Z ended at 2:21 p.m. and Ms. Vogel and Ms. Maynard left the meeting.
At 2:30 p.m. Commissioners held a public hearing for appeal of bid protest decision regarding Boundary County Airport Runway Rehabilitation & Extension FAA AIP Project # 3-16-0004-029-2025. Those present were: Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims, Rick Wetmore with Dunn & Black, Airport Managers Dave Parker and Matt Nichols, Wayne and Norma Jessop with J7, Jason Gaul with Selland Construction, Alton Dail with Ardurra, Shem Johnson with S&L Underground, Jeff Hood, Greg Lamberty, Darron Branson, Melinda Smithson, Eldon Koon, Dave Koon, Tami Corgi, Jenn Capodagli and Civil Attorney Bill Wilson. The hearing was recorded.
Chairman Robertson opened the hearing and read the public notice. Commissioners cited no disclosures or conflicts of interest. Mr. Wilson reviewed the process for the hearing and that only the entities involved in the bidding process could participate. Commissioners will deliberate to make a decision that can be 1. Deny the appeal, 2. Side with the appellant and award the bid to Selland, or 3. Rebid the entire project. Commissioners had no questions on the process.
Chairman Robertson called for anyone to speak in favor of the appellant. Mr. Wetmore of Dunn & Black, spoke on behalf of Selland Construction. He reviewed the instructions for bidders. The appellant noted that J7 did not include three items in their bid packet. Those missing documents were then deemed a minor bid formality and waived. Mr. Wetmore stated that gave them an unfair advantage because if they decided to not move forward, they could fail to supply the missing items and would then be deemed nonresponsive.
Mr. Wetmore felt the missing items were not waivable, and it was therefore a textbook definition of an unfair advantage because J7 could walk away from the bid. They felt a court would agree and the BOCC should reject J7 and award the bid to Selland.
Chairman Robertson called for anyone to speak as neutral or in opposition. No one spoke. Commissioners had no clarifying questions and the appellant had no closing statement.
Mr. Wilson stated that there was some ambiguity and Mr. Wetmore was suggesting that J7 intentionally engaged in bad faith. It would be up to the court to decide where that line was. He said the safest course of action would be to rebid the entire thing and not award to either party.
Chairman Robertson said that the issue he had was that everyone has seen the bids. Mr. Wilson replied that gives everyone the same advantage.
Commissioner Pinkerton said that minor formalities can be overlooked and that was standard in all public works contracts. He felt it was a slippery slope determining whether the issue was minor or not. Chairman Robertson stated that he did not believe that J7 acted in bad faith. Commissioner Bertling agreed. Chairman Robertson stated that I don’t believe this gave a competitive advantage to J7. Unfortunately, we had a lawyer get into it which will cause the taxpayers more money.
Commissioner Bertling moved to grant the appeal and readvertise to accept bids on the project. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
The hearing ended at 3:01 p.m.
Commissioners held a meeting for Boundary Community Hospital. Those present were: Jeff Hood, Greg Lamberty, Darron Branson, Melinda Smithson, Eldon Koon, Dave Koon, Tami Corgi, and Jenn Capodagli.
Mr. Hood read through a statement describing what steps the Planning Committee decided to put in place at their meeting on June 3rd. Those were: reviewed the roles and responsibilities, funding needed, finance/revenue cycle, alliances with other entities, reduce operating costs, and identified major initiatives. The Finance Committee will be meeting biweekly until further notice.
The BOCC had asked at the last meeting what the immediate need was of the hospital. Mr. Hood stated that to answer that question it would be 2.68 million in capital to cover payroll for one month, 30 days cash on hand, implement an AI based billing/coding system, move forward with the boiler, sewer, fence around helipad, and power supply for the PET scan. This would then allow them to focus on the issues for the downward trend of cash on hand, focus on IT infrastructure update, and electronic healthcare records update. They can also prepare for grant readiness.
Mr. Hood said that the hospital put in a request for $77,000 from the county in advance of their July budgeted distribution. They also discussed creating a dashboard so that they can view forward projections instead of just looking backwards. They are also looking at two different options for billing and collections. They are negotiating contractual adjustments and clearly flagging receivables so that delinquency does not stop collections.
A significant concern was that the CFO retires in four weeks and they have been unable to find a qualified replacement. The have shifted one person to do some control work and Ms. Bennett will also do some work, but that will be temporary while the search continues. Mr. Hood suggested that they advertise for a remote position.
The discussion then switched to receivables. Ms. Smithson stated that it was getting more and more difficult to collect insurance payments. They are working through the denials. They are a pilot with an AI program to help with that and have sent three letters for appeals. They are manually tracking the denials and she estimated they have 20 outstanding. They are also actively communicating with other regional hospitals to mirror systems to move forward.
Mr. Hood stated that they are reducing expenditures where they can and have implemented a $60,000 cap. Anything above that requires board approval and three estimates. They are also reviewing all contracts in an effort to reduce costs.
BOT Chair, Paul Hazdovak entered the meeting at 3:39 p.m.
Mr. Branson discussed the EMTALA Act as a way to recover some of the money. He also stated that he can get some of the insurance companies here to talk to the board to help explain why they are doing what they are doing. Mr. Branson also offered to help with denials.
Mr. Hazdovak didn’t think EMTALA would help and stated that COVID money masked their problem. Now that money was gone and they are needing the public’s assistance. We are dealing with governmental agencies that are no longer paying and they are passing that cost onto the small communities. Ms. Smithson stated that she wanted to be clear that COVID money was earmarked for specific things.
The BOCC and BOT decided to produce some joint statements concerning the issues and push primary care visits to the clinics instead of the ER. Individuals who are using the ER out of convenience are causing significant issues for the hospital. Mr. Hood will begin working on a series of joint statements.
The next meeting will be scheduled after the hospital meets again.
The meeting ended at 4:15 p.m. and everyone left the meeting.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 4:26 p.m.
s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk