***Monday, March 2, 2026 at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling (by phone), 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 8:55 a.m.
At 9:00 a.m. Mr. Fields stated that they have replaced the grip tape on all of the steps in the Courthouse. The roof was leaking again in the Assessors building and the only puncture in the roof was for the AC unit. He had concerns that the roof may need to be replaced soon. Ms. Poston asked about his budget and Mr. Fields stated that money was set aside every year for the replacement. He also said there was a small leak in the basement of the courthouse that has existed for a few years. It happens each spring when there was rain/snow melting. There were no obvious locations where it leaks in, so he suggested that they dig down and put a sealant on the outside of the building. Ms. Poston stated that they need to make sure that everything was up on shelves so it would not get wet.
Personnel Director Pam Barton and Carson West entered the meeting at 9:04 a.m.
Mr. Fields asked about installing firepits at Deep Creek to help designate where burning can take place and assist with the mess from pallet burning. Commissioners had concerns because they didn’t want to encourage burning/camping. They asked Mr. Fields to contact the Sheriff about the issue with people burning pallets.
Fay Almond entered the meeting at 9:08 a.m.
Mr. Fields asked about the wall at probation and Commissioners stated they have not had time to look at it yet. They also indicated there was no rush. Mr. Fields then stated that they may have found another option to repair the leak in the heating system at the Courthouse. They will bypass the radiator in the women’s bathroom and cap it. That radiator was always off anyway, so we will try it and see if that resolves the problem.
Adrienne Norris entered the meeting at 9:10 a.m.
Ms. Poston informed Mr. Fields of the July 8th planning for American 250 and wanted to make sure that was on his schedule. Mr. Fields replied that they will sandblast to remove paint from the steps and seal them, paint railings etc. in preparation. Ms. Poston also asked to see what furniture/filing cabinets they had in storage before she places an order for the Justice Center.
The meeting with Mr. Fields ended at 9:14 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Commissioners introduced themselves to Carson West who was job shadowing Chairman Robertson. Mr. West stated he was particularly interested in public policy.
Ms. Barton left the meeting at 9:15 a.m.
Greg Lamberty entered the meeting at 9:18 a.m.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Commissioner meeting minutes from the week of February 23. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Land Use Lease Agreement with EarthScope Consortium. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners then discussed the quote for a railing at Deep Creek. Ms. Poston asked if it was part of a grant. Chairman Robertson replied no, this was part of the next phase. The engineering was at no cost due to errors that were made on the previous project.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the estimate of $8,200.00 from BF Builders for a railing at Deep Creek. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign change order #1 and #2 totaling $14,808.00 for the Justice Center. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Prosecutor Andrakay Pluid entered the meeting at 9:29 a.m.
Boundary Community Hospital CEO April Bennett, Hospital Board of Trustees Chairman Paul Hazdovac, Chief Medical Officer Mark Pruitt, and Chief Nursing Officer Bryce Cordle entered the meeting at 9:31 a.m. Ms. Bennett asked if they had received what she had sent over the weekend. Chairman Robertson responded yes but legal has not seen it yet. He also noted that there were errors in some of the numbers.
Chairman Robertson asked if they had quotes to support the numbers they were requesting. He had concerns about the cost of the Health Record Software and IT upgrade and stated he found press releases online where it cost other hospitals $500,000 to integrate and wanted to know why their quote was so much higher. Ms. Bennett stated that there was an upfront cost, monthly fee, integration, as well as a period of time where they would be down and could not bill during that timeframe. Chairman Robertson asked how long was the period of time where they couldn’t bill. Ms. Bennett replied that they estimated it to be 6-8 weeks.
Chairman Robertson then asked if they had quotes for the septic line and boiler. Ms. Bennett replied yes.
Chairman Robertson then stated that the question everyone will ask— what will happen if it fails. Ms. Bennett replied that we will have to consider that at that time. Our margin is very thin and we cannot afford to fund any of the items listed. Some of it we have to do and the rest we will have to look at how to run a hospital without it. She stated that the hospital was in jeopardy. Mr. Hazdovac added that without the upgrades, we can’t move forward. If we can’t bill, we are out of business. Ms. Bennett added that their patients are hugely weighted on governmental pay, so we have to have the required software. Mr. Cordle said that there was no other way. The only reason they have the software they have now was because Kootenai Health fronted the money for them.
Chairman Robertson said it was always best to anticipate the worst-case scenario. If this does not pass, what will you cut. The voters will need the answer to that question so they can make a decision. Ms. Bennett said we would have to look at that. A rural emergency hospital was one option with no outpatient services – or an ER only. But we still need the system just for that so we can bill.
Chairman Robertson stated that we are not going to make a decision on this today, legal still needs to review your verbiage to make sure it meets state statute. We would also like to schedule a venue for a larger meeting so that the public can have an opportunity to ask questions. The hurdle for you was that you will need to show the losses to the public on what you bill verses what you get paid. Commissioner Pinkerton added that the timeframe was incredibly short, this should have been started months ago.
Chairman Robertson stated that another question that will be asked is if you will be back in 2 years for another levy. Mr. Hazdovac replied that he would not be surprised at that. Chairman Robertson said the public needs to know that and you need to be able to explain all of that to them.
Mr. Pruitt stated that if we switched to a critical rural emergency hospital, he believed they would be able to survive. However, the public would need to know what services would go away with that choice and he asked if that was what they really wanted. Chairman Robertson stated that the public needs to know that you are asking for tax dollars to be used to pay the bills of people who don’t pay their bill. Mr. Cordle agreed that was part of the reason the hospital was in the position they were in.
Ms. Bennett stated that even when someone has insurance, we receive a reduced amount. We rarely function in the black and almost always have excess amounts that we have to write-off. Mr. Hazdovac stated that Boundary County was 80% governmental pay, so the ratio was different than private pay. Mr. Cordle added that if we switch over, we would get additional funding from the government, but we would lose the money on the services that are cut. Commissioner Pinkerton stated that will be an educational process for you to explain to the public so that they can understand the issue and choose what kind of hospital they want.
Chairman Robertson stated that we will check into availability at the Fairgrounds or High School to schedule a meeting early next week. We will schedule an action item, but also want a structured Q&A so that the public can participate. Ms. Bennett asked what they needed to change. Chairman Robertson replied that we will need to get input from others before we can say.
Ms. Poston stated that if this moves forward you will need to register with the state for the Sunshine Law. Ms. Bennett asked if the Fry Healthcare Foundation can handle the promotion. Ms. Pluid referred them to the hospital’s attorney for clarification and stated that they can distribute factual information but not pro campaign material. They would need to form a separate committee to handle that. Ms. Pluid asked that the meeting be held early in the week so that they can have time to review in case there are changes made after the meeting.
The meeting with the hospital ended at 9:58 a.m. and Ms. Benett, Mr. Hazdovac, Mr. Cordle and Mr. Pruitt left the meeting.
Ms. Pluid stated that either she or Civil Attorney Bill Wilson would attend the meeting next week. Ms. Pluid left the meeting at 10:02 a.m.
Ms. Almond and Mr. Lamberty left the meeting at 10:19 a.m.
Chief Deputy Caleb Watts and Probation Officer Alisa Walker entered the meeting at 10:29 a.m.
Chief Deputy Watts stated that the Sheriff’s office has a vehicle they were planning to surplus, but since Probation was in need of one, they thought they would transfer it over to them. Ms. Walker replied that she does have some concern because it needs work and they have an estimate of $1,800.00. Chairman Robertson stated that we can always surplus it later if needed.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the asset transfer of the 2010 Chevy Tahoe from Sheriff to Probation. Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair to second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Poston asked if the asset transfer paperwork had been completed, and Chief Deputy Watts confirmed that it had. Ms. Poston asked Ms. Walker to also finish the asset acquisition for the dog. Ms. Walker replied that it would be finished today.
Ms. Norris and Chief Deputy Watts left the meeting at 10:34 a.m.
Ms. Walker stated that she was checking for either a K9 Kit or a second car to be donated that was already equipped for the dog. It won’t hurt us to have two vehicles, because we will need one specifically equipped for the dog. Commissioner Pinkerton agreed that will be important.
Ms. Walker stated that they are working on a detailed format for reporting on the opioid funds. Her office will also be closed next week because one was on vacation and the rest will be attending training in Boise.
Commissioners stated that they would be by to look at the door she was wanting closed in.
Ms. Norris re-entered the meeting at 10:43 a.m.
The meeting with Ms. Walker ended at 10:45 a.m. and she left the meeting.
Samantha Elwess entered meeting at 10:50 a.m.
Boundary Economic Development Director David Sims entered the meeting at 10:57 a.m. and stated that the spoils have been moved for the Moyie Post Office and draft plans are being looked at. The rate hearing for the sewer project was set at $60 if the loan was forgiven by DEQ and $80 if it was not. Mr. Sims and the Bonner County EDC are working on details for the meeting with Department of Commerce on April 9th where Paul Kimmel will be a speaker. Also in attendance will be representatives with the Small Business Administration and Blue Cross Foundation.
Mr. Sims stated that Idaho Rural Partnership has scheduled another meeting where they will focus on water and waste water. Commissioner Pinkerton stated that Bee Line Water was struggling with DEQ requirements getting water from the well that was dug several years ago to the tank. Mr. Sims suggested that they reach out to Mike Klaus. He has experience with water systems.
Mr. Sims added that the Energy Block grant applications are being reviewed and the projects selected should be announced this week. As for historical properties mitigation, it appears they seem to focus on preservation so he felt that might not be the best fit. He attended a Selkirk Association of Realtors meeting where he expressed the importance of addressing highway access when property along the highway was sold. He also attended a Coalition meeting where the topic was AI. Chairman Robertson asked what the takeaway was. Mr. Sims replied that there were some positive, but there was also negative. Many use AI to develop business plans which was obvious to banks and looked at negatively.
Mr. Sims then discussed Idaho Preferred and noted that the logo was more important to consumers than certified organic labels. Chairman Robertson asked if he could arrange for elected officials to visit innovative businesses in the county. Mr. Sims replied that he will look into that.
The meeting with Mr. Sims ended at 11:18 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Mr. West and Ms. Elwess left the meeting at 11:19 a.m.
Ms. Norris left the meeting at 11: 20 a.m.
Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:02 p.m.
The meeting reconvened for the afternoon session at 1:30 p.m. with Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephane Sims. Commissioner Bertling was absent.
Road & Bridge Superintendent Brad Barton and Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals entered the meeting at 1:22 p.m.
At 1:30 p.m. Mr. Barton stated that they were in all areas last week where they sand/salt/plow as needed. The spoils have been hauled from Moyie, with maybe a load or two remaining. They should finish up the brushing on Roosevelt today and they have some cold patching at the landfill, Aspen and Homestead Loop. Kaniksu St was done except for a couple trees by the power lines, which the City of Bonners Ferry will take care of.
They received word that they can do a test on the air burner and will start that up this week to see how long it takes to get the fire going and how much time it takes to cool down. There were more snags with hauling the grinder, but that should be delivered later this week.
Mr. Ryals stated they are waiting on documents for the loaders they were demoing. Most employees were leaning toward the CAT. Chairman Robertson asked if everyone was happy with the capability. Mr. Barton replied yes, but let’s see what the numbers come in at.
There was one position open at Road & Bridge and one Solid Waste employee was retiring so that position will also be open. Commissioners then reviewed the grader documents.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign CAT Finance Documents for Lease agreement on 2025 CAT 150-15AWD Motor Grader. Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair to second. Motion passed unanimously. Chairman Robertson stated that he will sign the documents once they were reviewed by legal. Mr. Wilson will return from vacation later in the week.
Mr. Barton asked how they felt about hiring a couple additional floaters as site monitors to help fill in when needed. Commissioners agreed if they could find someone. Mr. Ryals stated that they had Fish and Game talk to a resident near the landfill that was putting meat through the fence.
The meeting with Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals ended at 1:57 p.m. and they left the meeting.
Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting at 2:15 p.m.
Ms. Barton shared a document for signature regarding the open position for site monitor and updated Commissioners on an issue with the computer software for payroll. Employees are paid correctly, but the software was not tallying one section on the stub correctly. A ticket has been submitted, but not repaired as of yet.
Ms. Barton asked if they were ready to proceed with scheduling interviews for Weeds or P&Z. Commissioners asked to wait until the position closed.
Chairman Robertson 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 Pinkerton “aye”. The executive session ended at 3:15 p.m. No action was taken.
The appointment at 3:00 p.m. with Kennon McClintock was cancelled.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:52 p.m.
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
No meetings were scheduled; therefore, the Commissioners did not meet.
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BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
ATTEST:
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GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk