***Monday, November 3, 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.

Maintenance Supervisor Squire Fields entered the meeting at 8:58 a.m. and stated that the Treasurer’s drop box has been installed and will remain in place year-round to accept payments. All items were sold at the surplus auction and the recent mold report shows no change.

Greg Lamberty entered the meeting at 9:02 a.m.

Mr. Fields continued that the sprinkler systems have been winterized. Everything was set-up and ready for the election tomorrow and maintenance will be done on the boiler system today.

Clerk Poston asked Mr. Fields to make sure the outdoor lights are turned on at the fairgrounds for the election.

Mr. Fields stated that they had moved their maintenance shed so it was not blocking line of site and a railing at the jail recently fell off and they will borrow a welder from Solid Waste for repairs. Narcan has been updated at all locations and Solid Waste was requesting training on how to use it. Mr. Fields suggested that a demonstration be provided at the next Department Head/Elected Officials meeting.

Fay Almond entered the meeting at 9:05 a.m.

Mr. Fields stated that the Sheriff offered use of an ATV for snow removal, but they would need to buy the blade and other equipment. The use of the ATV would allow them to work more quickly.

Chairman Robertson asked what was in their budget. Mr. Fields replied that it was not planned for.

Commissioners stated to give them a few days to consider other options.

Commissioner Bertling moved to go into executive session 74-206(d) to consider records that are exempt from disclosure as provided in chapter 1, title 74, Idaho Code. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Robertson “aye”, Commissioner Berting “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”. Executive session ended at 9:26 a.m. and Mr. Fields left the meeting. No action was taken.

Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:30 a.m. and stated he recently provided a draft resolution for review regarding the Riverside project which will be ready for signatures soon. He will be in Boise next week presenting an oral argument for Bonner County before the Supreme Court. He asked that an executive session for personnel and exempt records be scheduled when he returns.

The meeting with Mr. Wilson ended at 10:42 a.m. and he left the meeting.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign New Private Road Name Request Form for Mighty Showgun Drive. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners reviewed the documents for the airport projects. Clerk Poston stated that the funds are coming in quickly even with the government shutdown.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign RFR#001 for FAA AIP 029 Grant. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign RFR#001 for FAA AIP 025. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign RFR#001 for FAA AP 026 Grant. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign lease agreements with BanCorp for four police vehicles. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners reviewed the Contractor’s Application for payment and Change Order for RCIF 26-I-01 Project #D24050 and decided to wait on this item until questions could be answered about the overrun.

Solid Waste Superintendent Richard Jenkins entered the meeting at 9:52 a.m.

Mr. Lamberty and Ms. Almond left the meeting at 10:02 a.m.

Mr. Jenkins stated the stats for October were 1,061 total tons with a daily average of 34 tons which was a 3% decrease over last month and a 22% increase over the previous year. The total vehicle count was 11,890 for all locations. Almost 19 tons of tires were sent out during the month. The compactor was still out for repairs, but should be returning later this month. The dozer they were borrowing was working out well.

Mr. Jenkins stated the gutters have been installed on the main landfill office and they are hopeful that will prevent water from coming in so they can proceed with the remodel. The north well again had exceedance of 7.0 which was the same as the previous month. The fence has been installed and the gates should be installed in a few weeks.

Mr. Jenkins then explained an incident that had happened on Friday. Commissioners asked him to come back at 2:00 to discuss it in executive session.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Air Curtain Incinerator Registration Form. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Bertling and Commissioner Pinkerton both directed Mr. Jenkins to starting burning and get the incinerator into use.

Mr. Jenkins referred to the letter he recently provided regarding fees and Commissioners stated that they would review it and get back to him next week. The purchase of a CAT 972 wheel loader was discussed regarding early payoff. Lastly, Mr. Jenkins stated that he wished to promote an employee so that he would have two foreman positions. This would allow coverage 7-days per week with some overlap. He stated that he had the funds available and it would not increase his number of employees. Commissioner Pinkerton stated that there has been no discussion on expansion. Chairman Robertson stated that he wanted to see a plan for the overlapping coverage and justification for Commissioners to review.

The meeting with Mr. Jenkins ended at 10:30 a.m. and he left the meeting.

Chief Probation Officer Alisa Walker entered the meeting at 10:30 a.m. Ms. Walker stated that the trunk or treat was a huge success estimating over 400 people in attendance. She also shared the coins they had designed to raise funds for a k9 and said they had sold 10 so far. Ms. Walker then went into detail about other fundraisers they are working on to put towards the purchase.

The meeting with Ms. Walker ended at 10:45 a.m. and she left the meeting.

Economic Development Director David Sims entered the meeting at 10:46 a.m. At 11:00 Mr. Sims stated that the highway access for Panhandle Door had been completed and they were now working on the interior. Border crossing numbers for the month of September had been released and Easport was down 25% and Porthill was down 34%. Commissioner Pinkerton asked why the numbers were down at the border and asked if it was related to the tariffs. Mr. Sims replied that tariffs are a contributing factor as well as Canadians supporting their own country instead of the US.

Mr. Sims continued that North Idaho Classical Academy was scheduled to close November 18th. The Urban Renewal District was working on multiple projects. The Moyie Sewer Project was operating, but DEQ has not yet given their final approval. Lastly Mr. Sims stated that several economists recently presented at an Inland Northwest Partners fall meeting where their forecast was a softening of the economy.

The meeting with Mr. Sims ended at 11:26 a.m. and he left the meeting.

Commissioners attended to administrative duties until they recessed for lunch at 11:55 a.m.

Commissioners 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 1:25 p.m. and provided their report. Mr. Barton stated that they have continued with grading/rolling and tree removal from the ROW throughout the county. They have crushed ¾ rock and screened sand and setup traffic counters on Crescent, Fore Runner, Wheatland and Goat Mtn Roads.

This week they plan to finish up hauling rock, making salt brine, installing wings and sandboxes in preparation for winter.

Commissioner Pinkerton asked if it was possible to swing through the parking lots at the hospital to spread salt. Mr. Barton responded that they could if Commissioners wanted them to. However, he noted it would be hard to navigate with their large trucks, it was a large area to cover and they use salt pretty sparingly. It was primarily used for intersections. Committing to it full time would be difficult. Commissioners declined to proceed with the request.

Mr. Ryals stated that he and Brad will be in Boise attending a conference next week. They have picked up the truck purchased from Pend Oreille County and are working to get it set up. They are also getting the yard ready for winter.

Mr. Barton stated that he will share the conference information with Commissioners, should they wish to attend in the future.

The meeting with Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals ended at 1:40 p.m. and they left the meeting.

Personnel Director Pam Barton and Solid Waste Superintendent Richard Jenkins entered the meeting at 1:59 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 “aye”.

Mr. Jenkins left the meeting at 2:17 p.m.

The executive session ended at 3:06 p.m. Commissioner Bertling moved to proceed as directed. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Ms. Barton left the meeting at 3:07 p.m.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m.

Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 11:30 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.

Commissioner Bertling moved to cancel property taxes due on 23 properties for a total of $8,819.94 due to Homeowners Exemption. Parcels include: RP009200000180A in the amount of $500.08, RP011600010560A in the amount of $78.14, RP61N01E022700A in the amount of $500.08, RP61N01E184359A in the amount of $422.98, RP61N01E280205A in the amount of $227.52, RP62N01E097834A in the amount of $442.96, RP62N01E148840A in the amount of $442.96, RP62N02E166600A in the amount of $442.96, RP62N02E166600A in the amount of $442.96, RP62N03E201946A in the amount of $440.62, RP63N01E171600A in the amount of $302.02, RP63N01E366350A in the amount of $442.96, RPB00000279230A in the amount of $744.78, MHB004000006AAA in the amount of $349.76, RPB0440001011AA in the amount of $744.78, RPB06700000080A in the amount of $744.78, RPB1040001014AA in the amount of $744.78, RP61N01E217212A in the amount of $16.30, RP61N03E041362A in the amount of $53.28, RP62N02E175855A in the amount of $141.00, RP65N01W170011A in the amount of $130.24, RPB10200000010A in the amount of $354.72, RPM0520000007CA in the amount of $109.28. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

At 11:31 a.m. Commissioners held a bid opening for the Justice Building. Those present were: Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims, Dave Wenk, Wally Cossairt, Terianne Brubaker with Walker Construction, Malachi Tesarik with Veritas FSC, Cory Trapp with LTA Architects, EDC Director David Sims, Prosecutor Andrakay Pluid, Denton Wedel with B.F. Builders, Dani Meeks with Dardan, Randal Wedel with B.F. Builders, Chase Anderson with Ginno, Steve Olinger with Stancraft, Cody Frazier with Leone & Keeble, Parker Stewart with TW Clark, and Will Hedrick with Boundary Electric. The bid opening was recorded.

A total of eight bids were received which included Public Works licenses, Bid Bonds and addendums 1-5. The base bid amounts were as follows: B.F. Builders $3,612,840.00, Dardan Enterprises $4,243,000.00, Ginno Construction $4,090,350.00, Leone & Keeble $3,977,000.00, Stancraft Construction Group $4,100,000.00, TW Clark Construction $4,268,000.00, Veritas Construction $4,237,880.00, and Walker Construction $4,363,000.00.

Mr. Trapp stated that we have an apparent low bid and he would review the bids received to make sure everything was included and no errors made. Commissioners can then make the final bid award at a later date.

The bid opening ended at 11:53 a.m. and everyone left the meeting.

Commissioners recessed for lunch at 12:02 p.m.

At 2:00 p.m. Commissioners held a public hearing for FILE 25-0152, Commercial subdivision via long plat subdivision, Jeff & Loretta Mellinger. Those in attendance were: Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims, P&Z Staff Tessa Vogel, Jeff Mellinger, Scott Mellinger, and Coral Koberstein. The hearing was recorded.

Chairman Robertson read the project description stating the applicant was requesting preliminary plat approval of Tonka Industrial Park, a commercial subdivision via long plat subdivision to divide a 9.375-acre parcel into seven, 1-acre lots and one, 2-acre lot in the Commercial/Light Industrial zone. The Commercial/Light Industrial zone has no lot size minimum other than to be sized sufficiently for the use and level of services necessary. The parcel was located off Tonka Way, a 60-foot-wide private road from Highway 2 and identified as Assessor’s Parcel RP62N01E133013A in Section 13, Township 62 North, Range 1 East. The Boundary County Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of the file to the Boundary County Board of Commissioners following their September 25th public hearing. Commissioners cited no disclosures or conflict of interest.

Tess Vogel reviewed the hearing procedures and provided the staff report. Ms. Vogel reviewed the requirements for industrial zones, shared map images and said the file was routed to various agencies in August, September and October. Addressing had no concerns, the airport commented that they are within the airport overlay so there will be height restrictions and a 7460-1 study will be required for buildings to be approved by the FAA. They will also need to have a fair disclosure form filled out and on file. Road & Bridge stated it was under ITD jurisdiction and ITD stated that it would need a change in use permit application. Idaho DEQ stated the wells and septic must meet state standards and PHD stated that permits would need to be applied for. There are currently only two on file. Ms. Vogel stated that no public comments were received other than public testimony in favor at the Commission hearing.

Commissioners had no questions for staff.

Chairman Robertson called for the applicant to present. Mr. Mellinger stated that he had nothing to add. The proposal was pretty clear. They don’t yet know what the uses for the property will be and the road was built and inspected by the county so that it would meet their specs should they wish to turn it over to them in the future.

Commissioner Bertling asked how long the road was. Mr. Mellinger replied that it was ¼ mile.

Chairman Robertson then opened the hearing to public comment and called for anyone to speak in favor, neutral and opposition to the application. No one spoke. The Commissioners did not have any clarifying questions and the applicant made a suggestion to review the code and make changes so that anything over 15,000 square feet would no longer require a special use permit.

Chairman Robertson closed the hearing to public comment and called for deliberation. Commissioner Pinkerton and Bertling stated that they didn’t have a problem with it, this was what the area was designed for. Commissioners worked through their decision-making worksheet and reason statement.

Chairman Robertson called for a motion.

Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the preliminary plat for Tonka Industrial Park, a proposed commercial/industrial subdivision, File #25-0152, and direct staff to prepare written findings, a reasoned decision, and terms and conditions of approval, finding that the preliminary plat IS in accord with the applicable zoning and subdivision standards of the Boundary County Land Use Ordinance, based upon the findings and conditions as written and based upon the reasons as read into the record. This action does not result in a taking of private property. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

The hearing ended at 2:26 p.m.

At 2:30 p.m. Commissioners held a public hearing for FILE 25-0172, lot line adjustment via short plat subdivision, Silvertip Holdings. LLC. Those in attendance were: Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims, P&Z Staff Tessa Vogel, Coral Kobertstein with JRS, and Dick Staples with JRS. The hearing was recorded.

Chairman Robertson read the project description stating that the applicant was requesting preliminary plat approval of the Amended Plat of Jessop Subdivision to allow the reconfiguration of the existing 10-acre and 12.63-acre lots with no acreage changes. The property was located in the Agriculture/Forestry zone, which has a lot size minimum of 10 acres. The lots are located at 2712 and 2708 Highway 1 and identified as Assessor’s Parcels RP003750000010A and RP003750000020A in Section 7, Township 64 North, Range 1 East. Commissioners cited no disclosures or conflict of interest.

Ms. Vogel reviewed the hearing procedures and provided the staff report. Ms. Vogel stated the purpose of the application was for a lot line adjustment to reconfigure the boundaries of the Jessop Subdivision plat which was created in 2023 through file #22-0156 and was recorded under instrument #294051. The density minimum was not changing and it would be served by private wells, private septic systems, Northern Lights and Hall Mountain Fire.

Ms. Vogel stated that the application was routed to various agencies in June and July for comments. Addressing stated that the approach would require the address to be changed for lot 1 and the Assessor stated that the parcel map and parcel numbers would be updated when completed. Road & Bridge stated that it fell under ITD jurisdiction and ITD responded that it would need to have items in the permit updated and complied with. DEQ had no environmental impact comments. Ms. Vogel also stated that no public comments were received. She also noted that the fire department name needed to be corrected and wetlands would need to be included.

Chairman Robertson asked about a blue line on the map and if it was a creek or a road. Ms. Vogel responded that it was a road. Commissioners had no further questions.

Chairman Robertson called for the applicant to present. Mr. Staples stated that he would show the recorded easement on the plat map to suffice ITD’s requirement. Commissioners had no questions for the applicant.

Chairman Robertson then opened the hearing to public comment and called for anyone to speak in favor, neutral and opposition to the application. No one spoke. The Commissioners did not have any clarifying questions and the applicant declined to add anything further. Commissioners had no clarifying questions.

Chairman Robertson closed the hearing to public comment and called for deliberation. Commissioner Pinkerton stated that it was a clear application. Commissioner Bertling agreed. Chairman Robertson stated that it was an application that should be handled administratively. Commissioners then worked through their decision-making worksheet and reason statement.

Chairman Robertson called for a motion.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve the preliminary plat for the Amended Plat of Jessop Subdivision, a proposed lot line adjustment, File #25-0172, and direct staff to prepare written findings, a reasoned decision, and terms and conditions of approval, finding that the preliminary plat is in accord with the applicable zoning and subdivision standards of the Boundary County Land Use Ordinance, based upon the findings as amended to correct findings #8 as noted by Staff during the public hearing and conditions as written and based upon the reasons as read into the record. This action does not result in a taking of private property. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

The public hearing ended at 2:43 p.m.

At 3:00 p.m. Commissioners held a public hearing for FILE 25-0183, rural subdivision via short plat subdivision, Parley Holm. Those in attendance were: Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims, P&Z Staff Tessa Vogel, Coral Koberstein with JRS, Dick Staples with JRS, Road & Bridge Assistance Superintendent Adam Ryals, Wes Halliburton, Parley Holm, Martin Jessop, and Phil Ashcroft. The hearing was recorded.

Chairman Robertson read the project description stating that the applicant was requesting preliminary plat approval of Trident Estates, a rural subdivision to divide two parcels totaling 59.52 acres into four, 10-acre lots and a 19.51-acre lot in the Agriculture/Forestry zone. The Agriculture/Forestry zone has a minimum density requirement of 10 acres. The parcels are located at 1432 Holmes Road and identified as Assessor’s Parcels RP63N01E283600A and RP63N01E283017A in Section 28, Township 63 North, Range 1 East. Commissioners cited no disclosures or conflict of interest.

Ms. Vogel reviewed the hearing procedures and provided the staff report. Ms. Vogel stated the purpose of the application was to divide two larger parcels into 5 smaller lots via shortplat and shared map images. The sites will be served by private wells, septic systems, Northern Lights and North Bench Fire.

Ms. Vogel stated that the application was routed to various agencies in September and October for comments. Addressing stated that they were still receiving votes for the road name change and that all address will be changed once the road was named. Staff noted that the road has since been named Freedom Lane. Ms. Vogel added that the access permit with Road & Bridge did not show for lots 2 & 3 on the preliminary plat. The Assessor stated that the parcel map will be updated and new parcel numbers assigned when finalized. DEQ had no environmental impact comments at this time. Ms. Vogel added that no public comments were received.

Commissioners had no questions for staff. Chairman Robertson asked Mr. Ryals if he had anything to add. Mr. Ryals responded no.

Chairman Robertson called for the applicant to present. Mr. Staples had nothing to add at this time.

Commissioner Pinkerton asked if there was a reason for concern about the preliminary plat not showing access for lot 2 and 3. Ms. Vogel responded that it would need to be shown on the final plat before it could be signed and recorded.

Chairman Robertson then opened the hearing to public comment and called for anyone to speak in favor, neutral and opposition to the application. No one spoke. The Commissioners did not have any clarifying questions and the applicant declined to add anything further.

Chairman Robertson closed the hearing to public comment and called for deliberation. Commissioner Bertling stated he did not have a problem with the application and Commissioner Pinkerton stated it met the minimum density. Commissioners then worked through their decision-making worksheet and reason statement.

Chairman Robertson called for a motion.

Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the preliminary plat for Trident Estates, a proposed rural subdivision, File #25-0183, and direct staff to prepare written findings, a reasoned decision, and terms and conditions of approval, finding that the preliminary plat is in accord with the applicable zoning and subdivision standards of the Boundary County Land Use Ordinance, based upon the findings and conditions as written and based upon the reasons as read into the record. This action does not result in a taking of private property. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

The public hearing closed at 3:12 p.m.

Ms. Vogel then provided a P&Z update for Commissioners. She stated that in 2025 they processed a total of 185 permits compared to 154 permits in 2024. Ms. Vogel stated that she felt the weather was a factor with the increase in permits. To date there are 9 permits for fiscal year 2026.

Ms. Vogel added that the P&Z Commission would like to meet with Commissioners to discuss future text amendments and get direction on the priority of the Board of County Commissioners.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:18 p.m.

s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman

ATTEST:

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