***Monday, May 11, 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.
Jan Bayer, Superintendent BCSD 101 entered the meeting at 8:58 a.m. and stated that they would be accepting/opening bids at their meeting tonight for the demolition of Valley View. Juno Construction will be making the recommendations and she was hoping there could be options for the disposal. Commissioner Bertling suggested stock piling the blocks to run through the crusher and use for road base. Ms. Bayer replied that they would communicate who the bid was awarded to. The construction for Valley View will begin when the school year was complete.
She then added that the CT shop was nearly complete and they did a mini logging project at Mt Hall because the trees were diseased. The students then replanted. Naples has applied for a grant that was in coordination with the state and that project was slowly moving forward. Ms. Bayer then asked about the bus stop at Three Mile and if it would be okay to place signs. Commissioners did not see a problem.
Greg Lamberty entered the meeting at 9:13 a.m.
Ms. Bayer then provided updates for golf, track and tennis explaining that they were able to co-op (tennis) with IHSA and Sandpoint to provide the sport. They are planning to run the levy and there has been no discussion on increasing the amount. They had hoped to eliminate it, but that will not be possible because of the other reductions in state/federal funding.
Commissioners then discussed the GNA they are working on and stated that school districts are the looser in that. Commissioner Pinkerton stated there has been no discussion on funding for schools.
The meeting with Ms. Bayer ended at 10:21 a.m. and she left the meeting.
Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered at 10:35 a.m. and provided a recap of the last week. He said there will be a wilderness bridge project coming before them soon for approval. He wasn’t happy with the original agreement, but it has now been amended and will be headed their way soon. He has also reviewed some items regarding commodity contracts for asphalt and oil where we typically piggyback with Bonner County. He also asked for an executive session to be schedule for next week.
Lastly, Commissioners stated that they assumed the fire district stuff was still moving ahead. Mr. Wilson advised Commissioners to stay out of the fray and wait for it to be presented to you as a group. That was the path that the legislature created for you to be involved. The fire district needs to be represented by council to get them through the process correctly.
The meeting with Mr. Wilson ended at 9:45 a.m. and he left the meeting. Mr. Lamberty also left the meeting.
Weeds Superintendent Kyle Watts entered the meeting at 9:45 a.m.
Mr. Watts stated that he had paperwork for the Selkirk Cooperative that was due on Monday, so it would need to be signed. Chairman Robertson asked Ms. Sims to schedule and notice a special meeting.
EDC Director David Sims entered the meeting at 9:55 a.m.
Mr. Watts left the meeting at 10:02 a.m.
At 10:06 a.m. Commissioners held a bid opening for the Energy Efficiency Projects. Those present were: Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims and EDC Director David Sims. The proceeding was recorded.
Commissioners opened the bids received and read them allowed as follows: One bid was received for windows from Bonners Ferry Glass for $26,450.00 base bid, with an additional cost for Alternate #1 of $400.00 for windows and $1,340.00 for doors.
One bid was also received for HVAC from AGE Heating & Cooling for Good $40,340.88, Better $46,044.88, and Best $52,244.68. With an Alternate #1 of Good $40,340.88, Better $46,044.88, and Best $52,244.68.
Mr. Sims stated the amount was within the grant award for windows. The HVAC however was higher than the grant award. He said he will check the quotes to make sure everything was included and reach out to the state.
The proceeding ended at 10:25 a.m. and Mr. Sims left the meeting.
Commissioners reviewed claims for payment. Fund totals are as follows:
Current Expense $ 110,366.10
Road & Bridge 83,052.52
Airport 6,300.45
District Court 10,118.44
Justice Fund 66,980.58
911 Funds 6,310.89
Health District 25,147.00
Junior College Tuition 31,700.00
Parks and Recreation 3,615.24
Revaluation 1,162.60
Solid Waste 29,840.26
Veterans Memorial 294.03
Weeds 695.69
Restorium 20,229.26
Snowmobile 246.24
Waterways 256.23
Road & Bridge Tribal Fuel Fund 73.73
Grant, Airport 49,241.11
Grants, Boat Safety 113.98
LATCT Fund 481,325.00
TOTAL $927,069.35
Trusts
Boundary Co. Drug Court Trusts 809.55
Sales Tax Collected 1008.85
Driver’s License Trust 10,807.50
Indigent Reimbursements 2,291.00
Motor Vehicle Trust Acct 195,174.01
Sheriff’s Trust Fund 964.30
Odyssey Court Trust Account 38,488.30
Odyssey Bond Trust Account 124,205.28
Odyssey Restitution Trust Account 4,998.47
TOTAL $378,747.26
GRAND TOTAL $1,305,816.61
Citizens are invited to inspect detailed records on file in the Courthouse (individual claims & Commissioners’ allowance & warrant register record 2025-2026).
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Commissioner meeting minutes for the week of April 27th and May 4th. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners discussed what was included in the change order.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Change Order #02 for the Justice Center for a reduction of $4,692.45. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Findings & Decision for road name change for Charlie Lane to Cloudcroft Circle. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Resolution 2026-32 to Rescind Resolution 2026-28 due to duplication. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2026-32
Reversal/Rescinding of Resolution 2026-28
INCREASING THE JUSTICE FUND SHERIFF BUDGET
DUE TO RECEIPT OF UNANTICIPATED REVENUE
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did establish an operating budget for the Boundary County Justice Fund, Sheriff Budget for fiscal year 2025-2026, and
WHEREAS, Boundary County has received reimbursement in the amount of $100,065.00 to date, for Jail Housing Fees, which is over the anticipated revenue for the budget year 2025-2026, and
WHEREAS, resolution 2026-23 adopted on 3-30-26 provided the $50,000.00 to the Expense Account as requested. Resolution 2026-28 was the second resolution for the same purpose and amount, therefore 2026-28 is not appropriate and should be rescinded, and
NOW THEREFORE, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried,
IT IS RESOLVED, that Resolution 2026-28 be rescinded.
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk is instructed to deliver certified copies of this resolution to the Boundary County Treasurer and the Boundary County Auditor.
DATED this 11th day of May, 2026
COUNTY OF BOUNDARY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
s/_________________________
Ben Robertson, Chairman
s/______________________________
Lester L. Pinkerton, Commissioner
s/______________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner
ATTEST:
s/ ______
Glenda Poston, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Recorded Instrument #303106
Ms. Poston explained the agreement with Cooperative Educational Services stating that it was approved by IAC for governmental pricing for paper, vehicles, furniture etc. She said she would like to have the agreement completed so that she can view the pricing.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to sign Participating Entity Agreement with Cooperative Educational Services. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign plat map for Timberline Commercial Park. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Construction Agreement with E.L. Automation. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Probation Officer Alisa Walker entered the meeting at 10:50 a.m.
Bonners Ferry Herald Reporter Noah Harris entered the meeting at 11:00 a.m.
Ms. Walker stated that she just returned from a long trip for training and brought back monitors and tasers that were donated from the state.
Restorium Supervisor Janay Smith entered the meeting at 11:05 a.m.
Ms. Smith said that when ISP cycles through equipment, it was available to others at no cost.
The treatment conference that Ms. Walker attended provided useful information and one judge was also in attendance. She added that her numbers are good with two graduations scheduled this month.
Ms. Walker then stated that Idaho Falls has agreed to $3,500 for one of their surplus vehicles. They have had the oil changed, pulled the lights and radio system and removed the decals. All of the K9 equipment was still intact. They have asked for disposal equipment paperwork. Chairman Robertson asked how the vehicle would be transported here. Ms. Walker replied that she was still looking into that, she has credit from a cancelled flight that she might use to fly down and drive it back. Chairman Robertson asked her to also look at transport costs. Ms. Walker said she would like to see/drive the vehicle before purchasing.
Commissioner Bertling moved to purchase the surplus vehicle from Idaho Falls if everything checks out on the vehicle. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Poston asked if the vehicle was being paid from Opioids Funds. Commissioners confirmed yes.
Ms. Walker said the juvenile report was coming up soon. There was a K9 conference next month and she was working on an MOU with the School District.
The meeting with Ms. Walker ended at 11:20 a.m. and she and Mr. Harris left the meeting.
Ms. Smith stated that they are currently at 32 residents with a couple more scheduled to move in over the next couple weeks. She then reviewed the overdue accounts and the status of each. She stated that they are overstocked in the kitchen and are working to rearrange so they are able to see items better and use them before their expiration.
They still have open positions for kitchen, admin assistant and PSA positions. The cook position has been filled and should start later in the week.
The meeting with Ms. Smith ended at 11:52 a.m. and she left the meeting.
The meeting 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.
Road & Bridge Superintendent Brad Barton and Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals entered the meeting at 1:28 p.m. Mr. Barton replied that they continued to crush ¾ A and are performing some preventative maintenance on the crusher. It should be back up and running soon. Sign work and delineators were installed on Deep Creek, Chisholm and Harvest Roads. Dust Abatement was applied to Lions Den, Deer Creek, Bonner Lake and Pit 2. They also watered a half dozen roads.
Chairman Robertson said he had a request for a stop sign at the Cow Creek and Parker Canyon intersection. Mr. Barton replied that area was part of a grant application for road improvements. Commissioners suggested an additional stop sign at the intersection might help until funding was received. Mr. Barton also added that they looked at the mailboxes on Grouse Hill and thought they should be able to work around it.
Mr. Ryals said that Alta was out last week to look at the plans where the fence needs to go at the landfill. Mr. Ryals thought they were going to have to move waste, but they discussed moving the road instead. Commissioner Pinkerton asked if they could just combine the two parcels instead. Moving the property line was easier than moving a road. Commissioner Bertling wanted to consider moving the road, he felt it would be the best in the long term. Chairman Robertson asked them to check to see if one parcel would satisfy DEQ’s requirement. If so, they could submit paperwork to P&Z and consider a road change in the future. Mr. Ryals replied that they have $100,000 left of ARPA funds to complete the project. They will still need to adjust the slope and DEQ will allow them to use ditch material as cover. He added that nothing has been decided on the gas monitoring.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked about cardboard. Mr. Barton replied that they have moved one of the balers but have not heard back from the company they were going to sell it to. Commissioner Bertling asked them to set aside time for training on the ACI, he would be up later in the week.
The meeting with Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals ended at 1:58 p.m.
Sheriff Travis Stolley, Chief Deputy Caleb Watts and Prosecutor Andrakay Pluid entered the meeting at 2:10 p.m.
Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting at 2:15 p.m. Ms. Barton stated that the Classification Committee met on May 7th to review the Detention Deputy/Bailiff position. The position had previously graded at a 13 and it also regraded at a 13. She stated that some duties were removed from the position, and others were added. The overall result was that the position was not more difficult. She also added that the position above it was graded at a 14 so there wasn’t any wiggle room. If you increase the grade, you would also have to increase the grades for the multiple positions over it.
Ms. Poston asked about the position at the front by the magnetometer. There has been talk of rotating people through and she felt strongly that the front person needed to be consistent. Ms. Pluid agreed. Sheriff Stolley replied that they can adjust the schedule for longer rotations if needed.
Chairman Robertson asked when the job description would change. Ms. Poston suggested at the beginning of the next fiscal year.
Commissioner Pinkerton wanted to leave the grade at 13. He would also like to see the grading system work its way, rather than adjusting it all the time. Sheriff Stolley wanted to pull his department out of the grading system completely. He felt it didn’t work compared to other departments. He has a separate template he would like to implement.
Chairman Robertson was okay with adjusting the grade, we have done it before for other positions. There has to be the budget to do that however. Sheriff Stolley asked what the steps were to get them out of the grading system. Ms. Poston replied it wasn’t the grading system that was broken, it was the wage that goes with it.
Ms. Barton replied that there are some positions that tip the scale due to education such as a college degree. Sheriff Stolley replied that was what he had built into his grading system and what he wanted for his department so that every certificate that they received, their pay would go up.
Ms. Pluid advocated for the safety of the Courthouse. Ms. Poston agreed, those positions need stability, not a constant rotation. Sheriff Stolley stated that he didn’t need to take this on, we could just do what we have been doing and backfill when needed.
Commissioner Pinkerton again stated that we cause problems with the grading system when it says one thing and we keep doing something else. Commissioner Bertling suggested tabling it so they could possibly build it into the budget to see what we can afford.
Sheriff Stolley suggested adding stipends for extra duties for his department. He asked what he needed to do to get the wage up. Ms. Poston stated that the issue with stipends has been their constant rotation. If it was applied it needs to be fixed. She also said that if you do it for one department, you do it for all. There was constant training in every department so it has to be fair and equal treatment for everyone. Chairman Robertson compared it to the railroad. You get paid for the job that you do, it doesn’t matter if you have extra education/certificates. I don’t think we can make a decision today.
Sheriff Stolley and Chief Deputy Watts left the meeting at 3:00 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”. The executive session ended at 3:30 p.m. No action was taken.
Ms. Barton and Ms. Pluid left the meeting. At 3:31 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:43 p.m.
Tuesday, May 12, 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.
EDC Director David Sims entered the meeting at 8:55 a.m. At 9:00 a.m. Mr. Sims stated that the quote for the windows looks good. They put everything on the form provided. He also stated that he had spoke to the state regarding only receiving one quote and they said it was fine as long as you can provide documentation that it was solicited by others. Mr. Sims suggested that if you want to proceed, they could use the standard ICRIMP contract.
Commissioner Bertling moved to accept the quote from BF Glass with bid alternate #1 for tint on the windows only. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Sims then discussed the HVAC. He stated there are issues with this quote stating that they did not use the form provided and also did not list their electrical or plumbing contractors. No license numbers were included. By the terms required, they are nonresponsive. He added that he has reached out to the state on guidance on how to proceed with an RFP to move forward.
Commissioner Pinkerton moved to reject the bids received from AGE Heating and Cooling for HVAC. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting ended at 9:10 a.m. and Mr. Sims left the meeting.
Weeds Superintendent Kyle Watts entered at 9:38 a.m.
VFW Commander Casey Gannon entered the meeting at 9:41 a.m.
Ben Apo and VFW Sargent of Arms Sam Sandel entered the meeting at 9:50 a.m.
Mr. Apo stated that they are wanting to replace the windows, upgrade the lighting and address the moisture in the basement of Memorial Hall. Commissioner Pinkerton asked if anything has changed recently to cause the moisture issue. Mr. Apo replied it needs to be vented. Chairman Robertson thought it was vented but cats were getting into the building so we might want to look at that.
Chairman Robertson mentioned that they have been looking at new cabinets to help with rentability. Commissioner Bertling said he will be meeting Cabinets Northwest this morning and invited them to attend. He also showed them samples of cabinet doors they were considering. They also discussed Formica countertops and keeping all three sinks. Commissioner Bertling will also look at the basement.
Mr. Apo asked about a camera for the display case. Chairman Robertson said the Fair Board would be the one to handle that. He asked them to check with the Fair Board office to see if an additional camera can be added to their current system. Mr. Apo also asked if they could schedule quarterly meetings like they have had with Commissioners in the past. Commissioners agreed and the next meeting was scheduled.
The meeting ended at 10:12 a.m. and they left the meeting.
Mr. Watts stated that he reviewed the Selkirk Cooperative Disbursement Agreement, but was not sure if there were any changes to it from the previous year.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Selkirk Cooperative Management Area Disbursement Agreement. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting ended at 10:20 a.m. and Mr. Watts left the meeting. There being no further business the meeting adjourned.
s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk