***Monday, October 27, 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.
Chief Deputy Caleb Watts entered the meeting at 8:55 a.m.
P&Z Administrator Ben Jones entered the meeting at 8:59 a.m.
Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Jones stated that for the last couple weeks he has been working on files for upcoming public hearings for both the P&Z Commission and Commissioners. Last Thursday they had a digital work flow meeting and stated that it appears it will be something that will take quite a while to put together. He stated the Assessor can explain more on that. Because of the timeframe, Mr. Jones inputted data from applications into a table to share with Commissioners.
Greg Lamberty entered the meeting at 9:02 a.m.
Mr. Jones then stated that he has recently sent letters regarding violations. There will be additional letters that will follow soon. He also stated that he has spent time replying to a variety of questions regarding permits and the process. He will be out doing a few site postings today.
Clerk Poston asked about public records requests. Mr. Jones stated that the one large request has sent in a payment and he will need to review that with the attorney.
Commissioner Pinkerton stated that he liked the start on the spreadsheet, but asked to have it expanded to include more information going forward.
The meeting with Mr. Jones ended at 9:14 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:32 a.m. and stated that it has been a quiet week. He had a couple homework items that he researched and followed up on. He stated that he has been working with the Sheriff’s office on the redaction of videos. There may be a software purchase to assist with that in the future.
Commissioners discussed the equipment purchase for the Solid Waste Department and the items needed to satisfy the auditor. Commissioner Pinkerton expressed his frustration with why DEQ started the closure process for the landfill, before they had all of the information. At this time, it appears that closure may not be required. Mr. Wilson stated that the county did not have any choice in the process and that the continued operation was good news for the county.
Clerk Poston described the landfill closure fund and the process that was used previously for an equipment purchase. She added that if everyone can agree, the funds would come from that. Chairman Robertson added that DEQ will provide a letter stating that they approved. Ms. Poston replied that we still need to have a conversation with the auditor, to make sure they agree.
Commissioner Pinkerton updated Mr. Wilson on the hospital financials and Mr. Wilson stated that he would reach out to P&Z regarding the public records request.
The meeting with Mr. Wilson ended at 9:58 a.m. and he left the meeting.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Commissioner meeting minutes from week of October 20th. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign RFF#7 for IDL Grant #22HFR1-Boundary. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Resolution 2026-4 for Destruction of Juvenile/Adult Misdemeanor Probation Records. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026 - 4
BOUNDARY COUNTY COMMUNITY JUSTICE
DESTRUCTION OF JUVENILE/ADULT MISDEMEANOR PROBATION RECORDS
WHEREAS, Idaho Code 31-871 provides for the classification of county records as “permanent”, “semi-permanent”, or “temporary”, and;
WHEREAS, Boundary County Community Justice has stored files going back several decades; and
WHEREAS, the Chief of Probation has reviewed stored files/documents and identified whether they are “permanent”, “semi-permanent”, or “temporary” as described in subsections (1)(a), (b), or (c) of Idaho Code 31-871; and,
WHEREAS, the Chief of Probation has reviewed Idaho Code 31-871 (2)(a), (b), (c), and the Idaho Association of Counties County Record Retention Schedule for Juvenile/Adult Misdemeanor Probation, and proposed for destruction certain records that have exceeded their minimum retention; and,
WHEREAS, Boundary County Community Justice has prepared a list of Juvenile/Adult Misdemeanor Probation records for the years 1999 to 2013 which it proposes to have destroyed at this time, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and Exhibit “B” as provided by Idaho Code 31-871 (2)(g).
WHEREAS, advice and approval for the destruction of the prepared list of records has been obtained from the County Attorney.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Boundary County, hereby authorizes the immediate destruction of the files listed in Exhibit “A” and that such destruction occur under the direction and supervision of the Chief of Probation.
ADOPTED as a Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Boundary County upon a majority vote on
the 27th day of October, 2025.
BOARD OF BOUNDARY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
By: s/________________________________________
Ben Robertson, Chairman ATTEST: Glenda Poston
By: s/________________________________________
Tim Bertling, Commissioner By s/_______________________
By: s/________________________________________ Deputy Clerk
Lester Pinkerton, Commissioner
Recorded Instrument #301396
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign License Agreement with Selkirk Multiple Listing Service. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign RFR #1 for FAA AIP 3-16-0004-028-2025 Grant. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Recodification Agreement with American Legal Publishing LLC. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chief Deputy Watts discussed the uniform purchase and stated that they would save 25-30% using a credit card and would need the limit raised on the card for the purchase.
Commissioner Bertling moved to raise the limit on the Sheriff’s credit card for a one-time purchase of uniforms. The amount would then be lowered back down the next month. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Chief Deputy Watts also stated that the software that came with the old body camera system, does not have redaction. The new cameras do have that capability. The potential software purchase will be for any necessary redaction on the older video.
The meeting with Chief Deputy Watts ended at 9:59 a.m. and he left the meeting. Mr. Lamberty also left the meeting.
At 10:00 a.m. Jacob Francom with North Idaho Classical Academy and Mike Bradley and Roy Aeschlemann with StanCraft entered the meeting.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign Application/Appendix B for reimbursement for Lengthy Juror Trial Compensation. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to proceed with Discover Card Class Action Claim. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Francom stated that they requested the appointment to update Commissioners on their progress, introduce them to the builders and discuss the use of Recreation Rd. He then added that the building has been torn down and they have an aggressive timeline to rebuild so that they can be ready to go by August 2026.
Mr. Aeschlimann stated that Wink Inc will put in a new access roadway first so we can mobilize and begin demolition on the foundation which they will also need to access from Recreation Rd. He added that they will repair any damage they make to the road.
Commissioners asked if they had closed on the property yet. Mr. Francom stated that they are scheduled to close on November 18th.
Commissioners stated that they were okay with the use of the road, but asked that they also check with the Fair Board and adjust the schedule as needed for any events that were already booked. Clerk Poston stated the road was closed a little bit when the building came down, but there were no issues.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked how thick the concrete was. Mr. Bradley replied that it was 7-9 inches thick and they would be removing some stem walls.
Mr. Francom stated that they will be using local contractors where possible and would be meeting with the City of Bonners Ferry in preparation for pre-construction. He also noted the water station was used by many and was hoping the city would leave it at the current location.
The meeting with Mr. Francom, Mr. Bradley, and Mr. Aeschlemann ended at 10:12 a.m. and they left the meeting.
Treasurer Jenny Economu entered the meeting at 10:30 a.m. and provided Commissioners with her quarterly report. She stated that they are still sitting pretty good at this time. One CD expired and she rolled that into a bond at 4.2% which expires in April 2031, but was callable April 2026. She also stated that some of the smaller interest rates are expiring, so they will hopefully get those increased. Treasurer Economu then stated that the State Pool was doing really well at 7% and the September report will be provided to them when the auditor has completed his review.
Commissioners discussed the amount and best time to move money for the landfill closure to buy the equipment. Treasurer Economu stated that she could move $600,000 from diversified to closure for the purchase when they were ready to proceed.
Treasurer Economu then confirmed lifting the limit on the Sheriff’s credit card to $20,000. Commissioners agreed and stated it was for one month only.
The meeting with Treasurer Economu ended at 10:38 a.m. and she left the meeting.
Clerk Poston left the meeting at 10:40 a.m.
Commissioners attended to administrative duties until they recessed for lunch at 11:55 a.m.
Commissioners reconvened for the afternoon session with Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.
Road & Bridge Superintendent Brad Barton and Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals entered the meeting at 1:26 p.m. Mr. Barton shared a video with Commissioners regarding recent projects and Commissioners asked them to share that video with the public to show road projects that have recently been completed.
Mr. Barton stated that they continue with sign work and prepping for winter with rock crushing and screening sand, as well as check, repair and clean culverts. They are also working to finish up the grading/rolling on roads throughout the county, removed trees from ROW and picked up traffic counters and removed graffiti on Deep Creek Bridge.
Mr. Ryals presented the IWORQ Agreement to Commissioners and stated this will replace the platform they have used previously. The previous company has raised their fees considerably and does not include features that IWORQ has that will help with efficiency.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign 3-year IWORQ agreement. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling moved to sign MOU with Curley Creek Fire Volunteer Fire Department. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Bertling asked about the mechanics. Mr. Barton stated that they hit the ground running and are moving through the list they were given.
Commissioner Bertling then discussed the GNA projects with the USFS and potential timelines.
The meeting with Mr. Barton and Mr. Ryals ended at 1:54 p.m. and they left the meeting.
Personnel Director Pam Barton and Restorium Supervisor Janay Smith entered the meeting at 1:57 p.m.
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 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 Bertling “aye”, Commissioner Pinkerton “aye”.
Ms. Smith left the meeting at 2:29 p.m.
The executive session ended at 2:42 p.m. and no action was taken. Ms. Barton left the meeting.
At 2:44 p.m. Eric Sjoquist, Chad Ramsay, Adam Ivey, Ken Homick and Gus Jackson all with Idaho Department of Lands entered the meeting. Assessor Olivia Drake & Scooter Drake also entered the meeting.
Mr. Sjoquist stated that they had requested the meeting to review IDL programs and he provided Commissioners with several documents for each of the programs. He added that Boundary County was in the Pend Oreille Lake (POL) Area and they typically meet once per year, but can do it more frequently if Commissioners would prefer.
Mr. Sjoquist first referred to the Fire Management report and stated that everything they do ties back to the mission of the endowment. He then reviewed the various programs that fit into the mission including fire suppression, fire hazard management and fire prevention. He stated that the area they cover included the Kootenai County line north to Canada and from the Montana line to the Selkirk Crest. He also reviewed their numbers for both permanent and seasonal staff.
Mr. Sjoquist reviewed the MOU with Water Resources and stated that they had 3000 encroachment permits for the entire area. There are also several Forest Legacy Projects underway with Manu Life and Stimson Lumber.
Mr. Ramsey then reviewed the management of endowment land and stated the primary purpose was to make money for the endowments through timber sales, grazing or mining permits and recreation leases. He stated that 86% of the state land was accessible for recreation with walking and about half for motorized.
Adrienne Norris entered the meeting at 2:55 p.m.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked how many acres in Boundary County are logged. Mr. Ramsey was not sure of the number for Boundary County.
Commissioner Bertling asked if the ground across the region was treated the same. Mr. Ramsey replied that there are extra requirements on the 201 Endowment because of Blue Heron. He then added that the Blue Heron were no longer nesting in that area.
Commissioner Bertling asked about the distributions with endowment land. It seems a lot of money was coming off of the forest and we are not compensated as we should be. Mr. Sjoquist and Mr. Ramsey replied that the distributions are by population.
Mr. Ivey discussed the GNA agreement and stated that most of the work in Boundary County was road work for the USFS. He stated that the west side had a $400,000 package and another $75,000 was planned for next year. They are doing their best to fill the gaps so that the front-end road work was done so they can get in quicker and be ready to go. Mr. Ivey added that they are trying to get more agreements in place with other counties. They also assist with road closure to help the USFS maintain the balance. Lastly Mr. Ivey added that they have lots of projects in Bonner County and are hoping to do one in Boundary County on June 1.
Commissioner Pinkerton stated that they are trying to get a GNA for Boundary County.
Mr. Homik stated that he was the Private Forestry Supervisor where he administers the Forest Practice Act and associated rules in an effort to get voluntary compliance. This year they are at 149 active notifications which was about half of what it typically is. The other part of his job was to work with landowners on how best to manage their properties by identifying insect and disease and how best to proceed.
Mr. Jackson stated that he was the Assistant Fire Warden and he was based in Kootenai County. They have three engines in Boundary County and cover 350,000 acres with four permanent staff and 12-13 seasonal. They also assist with contractors burning slash and burn permits. Mr. Jackson stated that they also have programs to help agencies upgrade their equipment and both Paradise Valley and South Boundary have benefited from that. In return, those departments then help with fires. He stated that they also have a program to show people how to protect their home from wildfires.
Commissioner Pinkerton asked if they lose fire personnel to the USFS. Mr. Jackson stated they lose about 1 per year.
Commissioner Bertling asked how they deal with fire on private land that was deemed negligent. Does the landowner receive a bill. Mr. Jackson replied that it was first investigated and then they send recommendations accordingly.
Chairman Robertson stated that the County’s permit needed to be renewed for their groomer. Mr. Sjoquist stated that an email was sent regarding they partner with Bonner County for grooming.
Chairman Robertson said they were not interested in partnering with Bonner County. We have tried it and it didn’t work for us. Mr. Sjoquist stated that we would need to schedule a meeting to discuss it.
Commissioner Bertling stated that it will need to be completed soon, before there was snow on the ground. Mr. Ramsey stated that it was a pretty quick process to issue the permit. A meeting was scheduled for November 18th.
The meeting ended at 3:37 p.m. with IDL and everyone left the meeting.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
No meetings were scheduled, therefore Commissioners did not meet.
s/________________________________
BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/_______________________________
GLENDA POSTON, Clerk
By: Stephanie Sims, Deputy Clerk