***Monday, March 16, 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.
Assessor Olivia Drake and Appraiser Mackenzie Stueve entered the meeting at 8:57 a.m. At 9:00 a.m. Ms. Drake confirmed that the county was awarded the grants for new windows and HVAC for the Assessor’s building. Chairman Robertson replied that they are working through some of the federal requirements and will keep her posted on the timeline. As for the roof, she stated that an appraiser came the previous week and they should have an estimate soon on what the costs will be for repairs. She felt it was time to consider a new roof.
Fay Almond entered the meeting at 9:04 a.m.
Greg Lamberty entered the meeting at 9:05 a.m.
Ms. Drake stated that the caulking between the concrete panels was also cracking and causing issues. Commissioners confirmed they were aware. Ms. Drake asked about the new website and what they can do in the meantime. Commissioners confirmed that she needs to keep her page on the existing site current so that the data can be transferred. Ms. Drake asked to be included in website communications.
Ms. Drake stated that the GIS updates were completed and had been reviewed by departments. One error was noted by Road & Bridge that their center line data was not accurate. They were updating ITD, but did not notify her office so it will take time to get that corrected. She asked if the file can be sent out with the error. Commissioners agreed to proceed with a disclaimer. They asked that the contract employee continue working on the corrections, but reminded her to also stay with the amount budgeted.
Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:29 a.m.
Ms. Drake then informed Commissioners of a tax increase from IDL that would be coming. She stated it will be a significant increase for property owners.
The meeting with Ms. Drake and Ms. Stueve ended at 9:40 a.m. and they left the meeting.
Mr. Wilson replied that it was quiet last week with typical business. The majority of the public records requests are being submitted by one individual with 35 outstanding requests in one department.
Mr. Lamberty left the meeting at 9:42 a.m.
Mr. Wilson stated that he had put an email through to the attorney for the Riverside project and hoped to have a resolution soon.
Commissioner Bertling moved to go into executive session 74-206(f) to communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. The mere presence of legal counsel at an executive session does not satisfy this requirement. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Robertson “aye”, Commissioner Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”. The executive session ended at 10:14 a.m. and Mr. Wilson left the meeting. No action was taken.
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.
At 10:15 a.m. Chief Jeff Lindsey, Adrienne Norris, Sheriff Travis Stolley and Bonners Ferry Herald Reporter Noah Harris entered the meeting.
Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the minutes from February 17, 2026. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chief Lindsey stated that there were 121 calls for service during the month of February, with a 49% increase over February 2025. There was no indication of what caused the increase. The chute times for the month averaged 1 minute 39 seconds. Chief Lindsey stated that the Kootenai Tribe had received federal funding and they have reached out to the ambulance to see what they might need. He hopes to have more information about what that might entail next month.
Commissioners then discussed removing the Ambulance Service District from the URD. Ms. Poston stated it would be an additional $5,325 per year. Commissioners first need to send a letter to the URD and if approved a resolution will need to be adopted before May 1.
Commissioner Bertling moved to send a letter to the URD to withdraw. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with Chief Lindsey ended at 10:22 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.
At 10:30 a.m. Commissioners held a virtual meeting with Rich Tyler and staff with Core Construction regarding cost estimates and potential funding options for a new jail. Mr. Tyler stated that using the plans that were drawn for Sheriff Kramer several years ago, the total cost would be $27.5 million. The staff then reviewed various public private funding models to consider outside of the typical levy/bond. With terms of 35 or 40-years they estimated the payment to be approximately $2.1 million per year.
Chairman Robertson stated that payment amount was not possible and asked for a more efficient way to approach this. Mr. Tyler replied that the original design was specific to the location by the Annex. If they can step outside of that they could consider a vertical design with less square footage.
Both Chairman Robertson and Sheriff Stolley expressed interest in seeing numbers with less square footage and a different design. Commissioner Pinkerton confirmed it would be necessary to change the scope in an effort to make it affordable.
The virtual meeting ended at 11:08 a.m. and everyone left the meeting.
Eric Olson entered the meeting at 11:10 a.m. and described the 1938 Order that was put into place due to the Corra Linn Dam in British Columbia. Drainage districts were formed to pump the extra water into ditches to reduce damage to farmland. The payments to mitigate the expense of the drainage districts were set into the agreement in 1938. Those payments remained the same until early 2000 when they were raised to $30,000. Mr. Olson stated that amount does not come close to covering the actual costs involved to run 14 active districts. Last year they tracked the costs for District 1 and those totaled nearly $10,000.
Mr. Olson added that the Kootenay Lake Board expanded recently and one farmer from Boundary County was appointed to the board. There are more hurdles with water levels related to fish that will be challenging. The IJC Treaty Study Board was planning to change the payment structure to be more reflective of what the costs actually were and an independent third party would be involved in that process. Mr. Olson stated that they would like to have Commissioners support in that process.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign a letter of support for Kootenay Valley Reclamation. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting with Mr. Olson ended at 11:22 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Jennifer Fuller. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Commissioner meeting minutes from the week of March 9th. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign agreement with Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation regarding the Boat Safety Program. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to appoint Jimmy Dorhofer to the Snowmobile Board to fill a vacancy with a term expiring February 2027. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to appoint Mat Kramer to the Snowmobile Board to fill a vacancy with a term expiring February 2029. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to appoint Jeff Hood to the Hospital Board to fill a vacancy with a term expiring January 2027. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Findings & Decision letter for File #26-0035, The Carey Family Legacy Revocable Trust Short Plat, Rural Subdivision, Guardian Estates. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign letter regarding Northern Air Inc transfer to Northern Air Aviation LLC. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign RFF#2 for 25JC-Boundary. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 11:58 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.
Jason Jones with Pape Machinery entered the meeting at 1:25 p.m.
Road & Bridge Superintendent Brad Barton and Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals entered the meeting at 1:29 p.m. Mr. Barton stated that last week they continued with pit maintenance, salt/salt brine in all areas as needed and picked up traffic counters from Wheatland, Klockman, Portside, and Yukon Roads. They also did some grading in hot spots, and cleanup after the windstorm with brushing and hauling. Looking ahead to the current week, they will continue with pit maintenance, cold patching, and monitoring roads for breakup. They have a preconstruction meeting for Riverside and an Envirotech Class in Post Falls that 5 operators will be going to.
As for Solid Waste they have hired a site monitor, continued building the haul road on the north side and the grinder has been tested and was working well. The air curtain tests have been completed and it was ready for operation. They are also working on the fill plan. Commissioner Bertling stated he would be up on Thursday to run the burner. Mr. Ryals replied that he will let DEQ know.
Commissioners also said that a neighboring property had some trash blow over during the storm and asked for that to be cleaned up. They said that was handled by inmates in the past and suggested they contact the Sheriff’s office to arrange.
Commissioners then discussed the loader quotes and Commissioner Bertling asked how that size worked for them. Mr. Barton replied pretty good, it did what we needed it to do. Mr. Ryals said it can dig as fast as the 980 and it moves faster. Chairman Robertson asked which they like better. Mr. Barton replied that most were leaning toward the CAT. Commissioners then compared the interest rates with CAT being 4.99% and John Deere at 7%. Mr. Jones asked what the buyback values were and it was noted that John Deere was higher at $146,000 compared to CAT at $120,000. Mr. Ryals said that Road & Bridge already owns all of the accessories for the CAT. Mr. Jones replied there was a fusion coupler that could be added on to the John Deere so the CAT accessories could be used.
Commissioner Bertling moved to proceed with the lease for the CAT 938 wheel loader. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Jones left the meeting at 1:45 p.m.
Mr. Ryals then provided quotes for the electrical work on the addition. Chairman Robertson asked what fund it would come from. Mr. Barton replied Capital Office.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the quote for $4,800 for electrical on the addition. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
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”. The executive session ended at 2:05 p.m. No action was taken.
Mr. Barton expressed that it was the 3-month mark of their management of the Solid Waste Department and wanted to know how Commissioners felt. Commissioners stated that they like all of the improvements and it was good to see things finally moving forward. Mr. Ryals replied that there are always hiccups with change, but for the most part the crew was doing well.
Commissioner Bertling again replied he would be up on Thursday to run the burner and would also like to deploy the tarp system. He would like to also have the grinder running so that can be used for cover.
The meeting with Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals ended at 2:18 p.m. and they left the meeting.
The Human Resources Report scheduled for 2:15 p.m. was cancelled.
Bonners Ferry District Ranger Heather Fuller entered the meeting at 2:40 p.m.
KVRI Facilitator Theresa Wheat entered the meeting at 2:44 p.m.
Ms. Wheat provided the agenda for the KVRI meeting and stated that they will have presentations on Shared Stewardship by Jeff Lau with IDL and a presentation by KTOI on Climate Vulnerability Project. David Varner will also present on Libby Dam’s spring water predictions.
The meeting with Ms. Wheat ended at 2:47 p.m. and she left the meeting.
Ms. Fuller updated Commissioners on the status of the GNA agreement and said that we can do pre-award costs and move ahead on the parking lot soon. She would also like to get fuels and road money into it and will have those budgets on the 23rd. Ms. Fuller also stated that they would move ahead with a 20-year agreement, but noted that it will depend on the type of funding that goes into it. Commissioners understood and replied that would be the case regardless of the term.
Ms. Fuller said they have the potential of $560,000 of funds for pre-roading for the Westside retaining wall. Commissioner Bertling said it was important that a forester would need to have a pretty detailed accounting and paperwork background. Ms. Fuller said we can also ask for pre-award costs to for a forester, which will give you 90-days. She also added that everything will have a NEPA requirement which can be challenging.
Lastly, she mentioned that the Roads Manager did not yet have the Schedule A agreement back. Commissioner replied that they would reach out to Road & Bridge about that.
The meeting with Ms. Fuller ended at 3:05 p.m. and she left the meeting.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 3:52 p.m.
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
There were no items on the agenda therefore, the Commissioners did not meet.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.; Commissioners held a special session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.
Commissioners held a meeting with Tribal Council for the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho to discuss the Tribal Fuel Tax Fund, Sturgeon Loop/Great Northern and other road projects of common interest. Those in attendance were: Boundary County Civil Attorney Bill Wilson, Road & Bridge Superintendent Brad Barton, Tribal Chairwoman Jennifer Porter, Tribal Vice Chairman Gary Aitken, Jr., Tribal Council Members Clara Dunnington, Angela Cooper, and Desire Aitken, Attorney General for the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho William Barquin on zoom, Tribal Attorney Keegan Bordeaux, and Tribal Staff Theresa Wheat. Members of the public were Kenny Baker, Adrienne Norris and minor child Norris.
At 10:05 a.m. Attorney General Barquin opened the meeting and stated that they were considering this the annual meeting between the Tribe and County to review the fuel tax agreement and its designated purpose. He stated that the agreement with Kootenai Tribe was unique in that 50% of the tax revenue goes to Boundary County to provide for operation and maintenance of the infrastructure. The funding was to be used as additional, not in place of and the Tribe designates top priorities for 15% of the funds with the remainder toward county items.
Mr. Barton reviewed planned projects for this year stating there are several bridge replacements planned. Parker Creek bridge is currently out for bid. Wilderness and Mrytle Creek bridges have planned meetings in April. Two other road projects did not get awarded, those were Parker Canyon and Katka. They will apply again next year and move forward when funded. They are still waiting to hear on awards for a third project. They will continue work on infrastructure with ditch work, chip sealing 20 miles of road this year and where they can get grants, they will change focus. Ms. Cooper asked if all of these projects were planned for 2026. Mr. Barton replied yes, it all depends on funding. We will change focus as needed.
Commissioner Bertling asked if any of the fuel tax was designated for a project. Mr. Barton replied no, if you have thoughts on what you want to put that money toward let him know. Commissioner Bertling suggested one possible area would be intersection improvement plans. Those are small projects that could improve safety.
Chairman Robertson asked how much money was spent on road oil last year. Mr. Barton replied $400,000. Chairman Robertson suggested that the money could be used to purchase the road oil for chip sealing. Ms. Cooper asked if that cost would be up this year. Chairman Robertson replied that it was currently down and we have already signed a piggy back to lock in the price. He felt that would also keep the accounting simple with just one transaction. Attorney General Barquin stated that was in their 5-year plan as well, but it depends on funding. Perhaps we can also coordinate the projects between the two.
Attorney General Barquin stated that we can use what Ms. Poston provided that says the money was used for operations and maintenance for their report for this year. He also suggested they set money aside for projects that they don’t think they can get money for. It could also be used for match on projects that fit both priorities. Attorney General Barquin said we talked previously about snowplowing and were going to use this year to gather data. But since there wasn’t any snow, we will need to push that out another year.
Chairman Robertson said you mentioned letting the total accumulate to a large project. The Naples bridge is a huge project that will need to be done within our lifetime. It was also a project that no one knows how it will be funded. Chairman Robertson added that it was tough for Mr. Barton to come up with a 5-year plan when funding was so uncertain. We don’t know what will happen with SRS and federal funding was being cut. At this time, we are planning year to year.
As for Identification of tribal priorities, Vice Chair Aitken stated that he felt we should see what coincided with their transportation plan and needs and try to match as best we can. Otherwise, saving it for a larger project or joining in on regular maintenance.
Lastly, Attorney General Barquin stated that Sturgeon Loop will be put out for bid soon and completed this year. Ms. Wheat stated that they are looking for 3.5 million in funding to redo the roads at the reservation. They are also looking for a grant for Twin Rivers Road. They are wanting to get engineering/design done before moving forward with the project and are wanting to widen and improve safety. Attorney General Barquin added that the throughfare at the Inn is also on their list, but not a priority.
The conversation then changed to projects with ITD and how the two entities can work together to prioritize projects for the county. Mr. Barton stated that Schoolhouse Rd was in the planning phase right now with a turning lane and illuminators to help brighten the area to make it safer. Both Chairman Robertson and Attorney General Barquin confirmed that was a high priority for both entities and that they should compare notes to help move things along more quickly. Chairwoman Porter noted that they were happy that plans were being made, but disappointed it was so far out into the future.
It was decided to schedule another meeting in six months.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:46 a.m.
s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk