***Monday, October 20, 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.

Treasurer Economu entered the meeting at 8:58 a.m. and stated that she was ready to certify special assessments to the tax roll. She reviewed and provided Commissioners with documentation for each of the parcels.

Commissioner Bertling moved to certify delinquent yield and deferred tax to the 2025 Real Property Roll for collection: RP61N01E158752A totaling $65.18, RP63N01E203010A totaling $177.22, RP63N01E203310A totaling $215.54, RP63N01E203610A totaling $215.28, RP61N01W021951A totaling $578.78 and RP005950000050A totaling $119.54. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair and moved to certify delinquent Mobile Home Property taxes to the 2025 Real Property Roll for collection: MH60N01W34899AA to RP60N01W348990A totaling $250.42. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to cancel property tax, specials, penalty and interest for tax year 2024 to certify to the 2025 real property roll for collection for parcel MH60N01W34899AA in the amounts of: tax $10.02, specials $213.92, penalty $4.48 and current interest. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to cancel deferred tax for tax year 2024 to certify to the 2025 real property roll for collection for parcels: RP63N01E203010A in the amount of $177.22, RP63N01E203310A in the amount of $215.54, RP63N01E203610A in the amount of $215.28, RP61N01W021951A in the amount of $578.78, and RP005950000050A in the amount of $119.54. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to certify delinquent Three Mile Water District accounts to the 2025 Real Property Roll for collection on parcels: RP008300000210A for $573.64, RP003350000130A for $554.80, RP008300000150A for $609.86, RP003200000M60A for $554.80, RP62N01E021955A for $1,063.00, RP62N01E020501A for $554.80, RP62N02E175150A for $578.14, RP62N02E177803A for $754.72, RP0470100008F0A for $306.08, RP003250000020A for $.60, RP62N01E153011A for $554.80 RP62N02E174665A for $662.88, RP62N02E089100A for $308.12 and RP008250000150A for $393.90. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to certify delinquent Cabinet Mountain Water District accounts to the 2025 Real Property roll for collection on parcels: RP60N01W230013A for $61.24, RP60N01W261152A for $1,902.12, RP003150000120A for $752.10, RP60N01E052543A for $11.22, RP61N01E155477A for $1,004.26, and RP60N01W243011A for $951.04. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chairman Robertson stepped down as chair and moved to certify fees for Solid Waste, Translator District, Idaho Department of Lands, Avista for South Boundary Fire Protection District and Paradise Valley Fire District, and Drainage Districts 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, and 13 to the 2025 Real Property Roll for collection, as presented by the Treasurer. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Fay Almond entered the meeting at 9:15 a.m.

The meeting with Treasurer Economu ended at 9:18 a.m. and she left the meeting.

Commissioners reviewed the airport grant documents presented.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign closeout certification for ITD Grant F24865S Slope Stabilization Project. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign General Services Agreement and Task Order No. 001 for Airport’s powerline relocation project. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign RFF#1 for FAA AIP 3-16-0004-027-2025. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:33 a.m. and stated that he handled some court proceedings for the Prosecutor and also worked with the Sheriff on some issues. Ms. Poston shared a claim form she had received from Discover regarding fees. Mr. Wilson stated that he would get back to her once he reviewed it.

Commissioner Bertling asked about the status of Riverside. Mr. Wilson stated that the complaint was ready to go and he would follow up with the attorney so that it could move forward.

Commissioner Robertson asked about the requirements needed for the Fair Board to purchase equipment. Mr. Wilson stated that he would review the statute requirements and let them know.

The meeting with Mr. Wilson ended at 9:42 a.m. and he left the meeting.

Ms. Almond left the meeting at 9:45 a.m.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Certificates of Residency for Emma Vines. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Commissioner meeting minutes from week of October 13th. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign New Private Road Name Request Form for Freedom Lane. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Maria’s Cleaning Service Contracts. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Bancorp Bank Lease Agreement for 2022 Chevy Tahoe PPV Unit #93117. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chief Jeff Lindsey entered the meeting at 10:00 a.m.

Commissioner Bertling moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and convene as the Boundary County Ambulance Service District Governing Board. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the meeting minutes from September 15th. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Chief Lindsey stated that they had 118 calls for service during the month of September with chute times averaging 1 minute 33 seconds. Average response time was 10:03. Chief Lindsey stated that going forward he will provide the break out numbers to include in the report as required by the contract.

Chairman Robertson asked if the equipment was holding up. Chief Lindsey responded yes. They had a pickup break down recently, but other than that all was good.

Commissioner Bertling asked if they were fully staffed. Chief Lindsey responded yes.

Chairman Robertson asked how often the board meets and where. Chief Lindsey responded that they meet bimonthly on the fourth Monday of the month at the County Annex. The next meeting was scheduled for 11:00 a.m., November 24th. He also added that Dr. Willis was officially retiring and there would be an appreciation for him at the next meeting. Dr. Dixon would officially be the medical director after that.

The meeting with Chief Lindsey ended at 10:08 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.

Assessor Olivia Drake entered the meeting at 10:15 a.m.

Kootenai Valley Resource Facilitator Theresa Wheat entered the meeting at 10:18 a.m. and shared the agenda for the KVRI meeting. Ms. Wheat stated that the meeting would be co-chaired by Chairman Robertson and they would have a presentation by Morgan Pfander, (IDFG) regarding Bear Fair Recap and Bear Hibernation. They would also share a video from the Guardians of the Forest Documentary. Ms. Wheat felt that the KVRI meeting would be have light attendance, due to the government shutdown.

The meeting with Ms. Wheat ended at 10:26 a.m. and she left the meeting.

At 10:30 a.m. Commissioners discussed funding options for a county forester. Commissioner Pinkerton stated that they were hoping to figure out funding and have a position in place by spring. However, he felt if we push it off to spring, we would lose ground.

Commissioner Bertling stated that Jeff Lau was putting a document together, but the government shutdown was now delaying that.

Commissioner Pinkerton felt that they should consider direct sales and asked how could we proceed otherwise. Commissioner Bertling stated that the authority needs to change so that those decisions can be made locally instead of having to be approved by the Coeur d’Alene office.

Chairman Robertson stated he liked the idea of having a county forester, but how do we pay for that without the GNA ahead of time. Commissioner Bertling felt that the fuels project on Katkee would help. Chairman Robertson asked if that project was still a year out. Commissioner Bertling didn’t think so.

Commissioner Pinkerton asked if there was a potential to use other funding streams like WUI. Commissioner Bertling stated no, those funds can only be used for WUI projects.

Commissioner Bertling would like to see what Mr. Lau puts together. Chairman Robertson stated that he was concerned about a part-time County and part-time USFS. Who would cover the benefits and what happens during a government shutdown. The county would still need to move forward. Chairman Robertson suggested a partnership with the state might be a better option.

Commissioner Bertling was not sure what would happen in a shutdown, and added that if they partner with the USFS there was a tie in for the USFS projects. You wouldn’t have that with a state partnership.

Ms. Poston asked if this would replace PILT. Commissioner Bertling replied no.

Ms. Poston asked if it would fund the Kootenai. Commissioner Bertling replied no, it would only fund this district.

Commissioner Pinkerton stated that he was concerned with the timeline. We have a small window to work with. Chairman Robertson suggested finding someone to do a job with a deferred payment.

Assessor Drake asked if the USFS could do independent forestry work. She stated that a county forester could include the forestry management program on timber exemptions. Other counties have a forester that assists with follow up to make sure the parcels are managed for forestry. Commissioners agreed that was an excellent idea to include in the position.

The meeting ended and Assessor Drake left the meeting at 10:50 a.m.

Solid Waste Superintendent Richard Jenkins entered the meeting at 10:57 a.m. and stated per the board’s request he had gotten numbers that included additional warranty hours for their review. He also added that the cpa advised not to use funds from the Closure Fund. Commissioners stated that they would like to have the cpa come in to discuss further.

Commissioners reviewed the numbers present and stated that the 10,000 hour mark was their preferred option. Chairman Robertson asked Mr. Jenkins to see if they would hold a machine for them. Mr. Jenkins stated that he would like to have CAT include armor on the front axel to protect it from damage and that is not included in the current numbers.

Steven Ward entered the meeting at 11:18 a.m.

Mr. Jenkins shared images from the landfill and stated that the fence installation was coming along. He also visited with a reporter and an article will be published in the Herald soon.

The meeting with Mr. Jenkins ended at 11:20 a.m. and he left the meeting.

Mr. Ward wanted to discuss signs and an ordinance. Commissioners asked him to make an appointment to be placed on the agenda.

Mr. Ward left the meeting at 11:22 a.m.

At 11:22 a.m. North Bench Volunteer Fire Department Board members Edna Runyan, Aaron Rutherford, Casey West and Fire Chief Ken Baker entered the meeting. Curley Creek Fire Board Chair Dan Myers and Fire Chief Frank Wright also entered the meeting.

Assessor Drake entered the meeting at 11:27 a.m.

Ms. Runyan stated that they were needing assistance receiving their annual list and had been told they would not be getting them this year.

Mr. Rutherford stated that they are struggling as a district with about half of the members not paying their dues. We need to capture a lot of new building and changes that have happened within the area that they serve.

Chairman Robertson stated that I believe you are under the assumption that this board has control over that information.

Mr. Wright stated that we were getting the lists annually and then were told the county would not be providing them anymore. Instead, we could have access to the GIS and would then have to work to create the list ourselves. Mr. Wright stated that Curley Creek Fire was able to accomplish it after about 12 hours of work.

Assessor Drake stated that the biggest misconception was that there was a list, or that her office can push a button to create it. Ms. Drake stated that she has been working on her own time to produce the mailing lists each year for the volunteer departments and each one takes about four hours to create. However, legal counsel has advised her to stop creating the lists.

Mr. West stated that he had read the statute and did not agree with the decision. He then asked if the information was deleted. Assessor Drake responded that the information still exists in the same format. The only difference was that the department would need to go through the steps to create the list instead of relying on the County to do it for them.

Ms. Runyan asked why it was illegal to make a list, but not illegal to share the entire GIS data. Ms. Drake explained that the GIS data was public record.

Mr. Wright asked if an MOA could be used between the fire departments and the county. Assessor Drake stated no, she cannot go against legal council’s advice.

Mr. West stated that he didn’t understand why the information could be provided for a taxing district but not for a volunteer service. If someone calls, they are dispatched to the correct department so that information exists somewhere. Assessor Drake explained that the sheriff’s office contracts with a third party that adds another layer to the GIS for dispatch services. Dispatch however, does not produce mailing lists. She added that she was providing all of the same information, the only difference was that the fire department needed to go through the steps to create their list instead of the county. She also added that she provided step by step instructions to assist them.

Mr. Wright stated that he was not good with the software, but could possibly help North Bench.

Ms. Runyan stated that they were hoping that because they provided emergency services it would be different. Assessor Drake stated that she always felt that way, but was backed into a corner and as a result, was told to stop.

Ms. Runyan asked if there was something in the system to extract by RP number. Assessor Drake stated that the parcels are not numbered that way.

Commissioner Pinkerton asked how Ms. Drake has done it in the past. Assessor Drake responded by following a five-step process. We didn’t take any data away, the department needs to extract the information by following the steps.

The meeting ended at 12:02 p.m. and everyone left the meeting.

Commissioners adjourned for lunch at 12:05 p.m.

Chaniey Rhoades with LHTAC entered the meeting at 1:25 p.m.

At 1:30 p.m. Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.

Road & Bridge Superintendent Brad Barton, Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals and Road & Bridge staff Kristopher Lummus and Jason Jones entered the meeting at 1:31 p.m. Mr. Barton stated that they have crushed rock and screened sand in preparation for future projects. They finished paving on Kootenai Trail and removed a tree from the ROW on Katka Rd. The crews have also been grading and rolling multiple roads throughout the county.

Mr. Rhoades presented Road Scholar and Road Master awards to Mr. Ryals, Mr. Lummus and Mr. Jones.

The meeting with Road & Bridge ended at 1:51 p.m. and everyone left the meeting.

Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting at 2:00 p.m. and informed the Commissioners on open positions and updated them on the interviews scheduled for later in the day.

Ms. Barton left the meeting at 2:05 p.m.

Commissioners recessed the meeting at 2:07 p.m.

Commissioners reconvened at 3:20 p.m. and Commissioner Bertling 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. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Commissioners voted as follows: Chairman Robertson “aye”, Commissioner Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”. The executive session ended at 4:50 p.m. No action was taken.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 9:00 a.m., Commissioners met in regular session with Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Pinkerton and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims. Commissioner Bertling and Clerk Poston attended a grant workshop in Coeur d’Alene.

At 9:00 a.m. Commissioners held an elected officials/department head meeting. Those in attendance were: Noxious Weed Superintendent Dave Wenk, IT Director Matt Hodges, Planning and Zoning Administrator Ben Jones, Maintenance Supervisor Squire Fields, Chief Deputy Caleb Watts, Personnel Director Pam Barton, Treasurer Jenny Economu, University of Idaho Extension Educator Amy Robertson, Coroner Chad Workman, Solid Waste Superintendent Richard Jenkins, and Restorium Supervisor Janay Smith.

Commissioners went around the room for office updates from the various departments in attendance.

The meeting ended at 9:25 a.m. and everyone left the meeting.

Bonners Ferry Herald Reporter Noah Harris entered the meeting at 9:30 a.m.

Kevin Aardahl, Dean Kinney and Ben Jarvis with Idaho DEQ entered the meeting at 9:34 a.m.

Chairman Robertson stated he would like to start with the drilling that was done at the landfill and discuss the results. Mr. Jarvis replied that it was very encouraging that no ground water was found. They are currently in the process of reviewing the samples for pollutants and those results should be available in December or January. Mr. Jarvis wanted to hold off on drawing any conclusions, but stated it was a very positive outcome for the County.

Mr. Aardahl added that there was another landfill in eastern Idaho that has gone through a similar process and they would be using that as a model.

Chairman Robertson asked what the potential was for the CAS to be extended. Mr. Jarvis stated that if there was no migration, then there was no potential for pollutants, so that could be an option on the table. He then added that if there are no pollutants, that could potentially extend the landfill’s life to 20 years or until capacity. The pollute models may have some effect on that, so we will need to wait and see the results from those tests.

Chairman Robertson replied that the likelihood of extending the landfill’s life or eliminating the CAS was positive news. Mr. Jarvis agreed and stated that the news was good for keeping the landfill open longer.

Chairman Robertson asked if there was still potential to open another unlined landfill. Mr. Jarvis replied that an unlined landfill could be considered or there was a variety of potential options for lining such as clay. Mr. Kinney replied it would not be small community exempt, because you are over the 20-ton limit.

Chairman Robertson asked if there was any possibility of eliminating the weighing requirement. Mr. Jarvis replied that the weighing of the waste was required by statute. There were other ways to meet the requirement, but weighing at the scale was the easiest option.

Commissioner Pinkerton asked about the AirBurner and when we could begin using it. Mr. Jarvis stated that he was not sure on that.

Mr. Jenkins stated that we have the permit that was approved. The task order they were still waiting on. Mr. Jarvis stated that requires having a dedicated staff member to put wood into the burner.

Chairman Robertson stated that was the hangup, because that is an unrealistic expectation to have an employee solely for that purpose. Mr. Jarvis replied if you have a staff member working that system, they can put only clean wood into the pile for burning. A dedicated employee means that you are meeting the intent to properly segregate treated from green wood waste. We can’t rely on the customer to do that and the exemption only exists for green wood waste. Anything else would be a violation.

Commissioner Pinkerton stated that we can put that responsibility on Mr. Jenkins, instead of having one employee dedicated to that. Mr. Jarvis replied that he would have to see if Mr. Jenkins felt he would be able to handle that with the resources he has or if he needed more.

Chairman Robertson suggested at least a trial run with the staff he has and then review it in a year. Mr. Jarvis replied that when it was developed, it was with the resources you have and staff would designate. We can’t rely on the customers to be as accurate as landfill staff.

Mr. Jenkins stated that there was a charging rate so that the temperature maintains and the debris burns properly. Most facilities have a spotter working that area to explain where to put items. That way the operator was not having to direct and they could focus on the system. Commissioner Pinkerton replied that rolls back to your responsibility. Perhaps one or two days a week they deal exclusively with the wood pile.

Mr. Jenkins stated that the issue was that we are open 7 days per week and he can’t stop wood waste from coming in on certain days. Commissioner Pinkerton stated yes you can if we educate the community. Chairman Robertson stated we don’t need to spend the funds on another employee when we need to spend that money on other priorities like equipment.

Chairman Robertson then explained that they are in dire need of a dozer, and prior to the CAS they would borrow from the Landfill Closure Fund to purchase equipment and return the money over time with interest. We would prefer to purchase using our own money, but now that we have the CAS, the auditor has advised against that. Chairman Robertson asked if DEQ could provide a letter for the auditor.

Mr. Jarvis clarified that he would need to speak to his boss and see if he has handled that previously. There are a number of changes currently in progress that could significantly change or eliminate the CAS. Chairman Robertson asked if he could expedite that question, we need to proceed rather quickly.

Mr. Jenkins asked if there was financial assurance included in the closure plan. Mr. Jarvis stated yes that was a part of it. Chairman Robertson stated that we have done this prior to the CAS and it would be paid back with interest.

Mr. Jenkins stated that if we get released from the CAS and extend the closing deadline we will need to look at the availability of cover material. Chairman Robertson stated the cover material will come from the property next door. He then asked if DEQ was okay with that. Mr. Jarvis responded yes.

The last topic of discussion was the fencing. Mr. Jarvis stated that he understood that they were proceeding with three sides of the fence and that there were issues with the road and utilities on the west side. He stated that they were open to all options and that they had until September 2026 for completion.

Mr. Harris left the meeting at 10:08 a.m.

Chairman Robertson stated that they have to figure out the best plan of action for the west side before installing the fence,. We are trying to potentially avoid having to move it in the future.

The meeting ended at 10:12 and everyone left the meeting.

s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman

ATTEST:

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