Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes – Week of July 14

Commissioners said the Pledge of Allegiance.

Fay Almond entered the meeting at 9:00 a.m.

Hospital CEO April Bennett and Hospital Board Chair Paul Hazdovac entered the meeting at 9:01 a.m.

Ms. Bennett provided the Commissioners with a copy of a letter listing three names to consider for the Hospital Board. They were Wendy Hawks, Allison Hensley, and Jan Baird. She stated that the names were in order of preference.

Chairman Robertson asked if Wendy Hawks had been on the board previously. Ms. Bennett replied yes, she had to step down due to life circumstances but was ready to serve again.

Chairman Robertson asked if they interviewed the individuals. Ms. Bennett responded that there wasn’t a formal interview but they have had conversations.

Commissioners discussed the three names and noted that Jan Bayer’s name was misspelled in the hospital’s letter.

Commissioner Bertling moved to appoint Wendy Hawks to the Hospital Board.

Commissioner Pinkerton stated that his preference would be Jan Bayer. Commissioner Bertling stated that his concern was that she would not have enough time. Commissioner Pinkerton understood his concern, but noted that she allowed her name to be included on the list.

Commissioners decided to wait to appoint anyone until they had conversations with the individuals presented.

The motion did not have a second, so it did not proceed.

Ms. Bennett then continued the conversation with Commissioners about separating the hospital from the county. She stated that there would be many disadvantages to the hospital organizationally. She gave examples of the cap on payouts and not being liable for contracted workers. In addition, there would be a considerable legal cost involved for them to restructure, and the IRS would need to approve it which is a 1 or 2-year process. She also had concerns it would affect employee’s retirement.

Greg Lamberty entered the meeting at 9:12 a.m.

Chairman Robertson stated that he felt it made the most sense to have a taxing district for the hospital. Ms. Bennett stated that she was against that because she didn’t want to make health care political.

Mr. Hazdovac stated that we are a hospital district and you are not increasing our amount as much as what was needed. Chairman Robertson stated that was not correct. You have a levy and we are limited by statute on how much we can increase. If we give more in one area, we have to take it from another.

Ms. Bennett stated that our options are we either continue as a county hospital or we would be forced to close. Chairman Robertson stated that the reality was that the financial requests submitted from the hospital are not possible. We want to see a successful hospital, but the county cannot fund it. So that was why a taxing district should be considered.

Ms. Bennett stated that we need to stay as we are at this time. Chairman Robertson stated that it would be a year out from putting it to a vote.

Mr. Hazdovac asked if the Commissioners thought the residents would vote for it. Chairman Robertson said he was not sure, but it was an option to consider.

Mr. Hazdovac stated that you shouldn’t look only at the financials. Chairman Robertson said we are looking at the request the hospital is asking for from the county. Your requests are increasing considerably and we cannot give you those amounts.

Ms. Bennett stated that there seems to be some confusion as to the Commissioners involvement with the hospital so we reached out to legal and a letter was submitted regarding that. Chairman Robertson stated yes, we read it. Your attorney is wrong in some respects. You are not a separate taxing district. Commissioner Pinkerton is a board member and he asked for information and he was denied.

Ms. Bennett stated that it wasn’t denied, she was out of the office for work. Chairman Robertson said there has been some resistance from the hospital. If you are asking for several hundred thousand dollars, there needs to be transparency.

Ms. Bennett stated that it will be provided as soon as it was ready. He asked for it on a Saturday and I can’t do that. Chairman Robertson stated that both sides needed to drop their defensiveness. He then reiterated that they want to see the hospital succeed, but there seems to be some resistance from the hospital.

Ms. Bennett stated that the Commissioners are focusing on things that they shouldn’t be focused on. Commissioner Pinkerton stated all I am looking for is information as fast as I can get it. It would have been fine, if someone had said it won’t be ready for a couple weeks. I should never have received a public records request response. He then asked if other board members would have been treated that way.

Ms. Bennett stated that perhaps there was a miscommunication. Mr. Hazdovac added that his issue was privacy of the employees. He then added that the hospital’s attorney has set him straight in the fact that the information must be shared.

Commissioner Pinkerton stated that he wants to make sure the hospital was successful. The animosity however, needs to be set aside. Ms. Bennett stated that she felt she has been very transparent. She then added that the hospital staff works for her.

Commissioner Pinkerton agreed but stated that I am one of your supervisors. Ms. Bennett then questioned whether he had been appointed to the hospital board because they were unable to find it in the Commissioners’ minutes.

Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims confirmed that it was in the minutes.

Commissioner Bertling stated that we don’t want to be in a position like Benewah Community Hospital. Ms. Bennett stated that won’t happen because we are a county hospital in name only.

Mr. Hazdovac asked with all of this discourse, where are we at going forward. Commissioner Pinkerton stated that I am looking for information.

Chairman Robertson stated that everyone is looking for this hospital to be successful. But we need to be open to sharing that information and long-term we need to come up with a better plan.

Civil Attorney Bill Wilson entered the meeting at 9:32 a.m.

The meeting with Ms. Bennett and Mr. Hazdovac ended at 9:33 a.m. and they left the meeting.

Mr. Wilson stated that they have been working on some large public records requests and he was happy to report that they have been more successful utilizing a prepayment format for such requests. There is a considerable amount of time involved when we have to watch hours of video for redaction purposes. He would like to do some training in the near future so that every department was on the same page. He stated that the final letters have been sent for Riverside and the Great Northern letters will be sent soon.

Commissioner Pinkerton asked about the hospital and if Mr. Wilson had reviewed the letter that was recently received. Mr. Wilson stated that the letter was verbatim to a letter that was written about 15-16 years ago. It is a hospital with its own levy rate and they have to come back to this board for their funding. Commissioners appoint the board, but there is no history on replacements. The staff answers to them and there was ambiguity in the code and case law that sides both ways.

The meeting with Mr. Wilson ended at 9:46 a.m. and he left the meeting.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Certificates of Residency for Kristian Hinderlie. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the Commissioner meeting minutes from the week of July 7. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

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

At 9:48 a.m., Commissioners held proceedings to consider an application to transfer a Boundary County Alcoholic Beverage License for year 2025. Present were: Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims, Fay Almond, and Greg Lamberty. The proceedings were recorded.

Commissioner Bertling moved to approve the transfer of the County Alcohol Beverage License Application for year 2025 from Hidden Hands Haven LLC to Firehouse Vine & Hops / Hidden Haven Sweets & Treats pending receipt of all required documentation and applicable fees. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

The meeting to consider beverage licenses ended at 9:50 a.m. and Commissioners signed the documents presented.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the follow up letter regarding USFS ESA. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to sign the support letter regarding USFS funding. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Ms. Almond and Mr. Lamberty left the left the meeting at 9:53 a.m.

Commissioners reviewed claims for payment. Fund totals are as follows:

Current Expense $ 132,505.32
Road & Bridge 470,032.14
Airport 19,609.85
District Court 6,865.59
Fair, County 60,630.00
Justice Fund 56,553.28
911 Funds 5,600.54
Historical Society & Museum 36,000.00
Hospital, Operation 185,000.00
Junior College Tuition 500.00
Parks and Recreation 8,990.50
Revaluation 155.44
Solid Waste 29,538.14
Tort 67,772.00
Veterans Memorial 513.28
Weeds 3,971.84
Restorium 30,593.75
Waterways 180.05
Road & Bridge Tribal Fuel Fund 124.94
Grant, Selkirk Coop Weed Mgmt 667.03
Juvenile Probation – Lottery 115.00

TOTAL $1,193,548.02

Trusts
LATCF Fund 19,615.75
Auditor’s Trust 46.74
Boundary Co. Drug Court Trusts 1,524.44
Sales Tax Collected 744.70
Driver’s License Trust 14,246.50
Sherriff’s Trust Fund 790.75
Drug Forfeiture Trust Fund 9,920.00
Sheriff’s Special Projects 2,690.27
Odyssey Court Trust Account 26,322.25
Odyssey Bond Trust Account 1,700.00
Odyssey Restitution Trust Account 2,718.20

TOTAL $80,319.60

GRAND TOTAL $1,196,238.29

Citizens are invited to inspect detailed records on file in the Courthouse (individual claims & Commissioners’ allowance & warrant register record 2024-2025).

Solid Waste Superintendent Richard Jenkins entered the meeting at 9:54 a.m.

Mr. Jenkins stated that the June numbers were 967 tons with a daily average of 32.23 tons month over month, and a total vehicle count of 8,276. The numbers for July have increased considerably with new people that have moved to the area. Mr. Jenkins stated that he has hired a rural site monitor and an equipment operator so that all positions have now been filled.

Mr. Jenkins added that the gas well monitoring levels for the month of June showed exceedance of 9.5 for well #2. Sutton Salvage started bailing on June 17 and has bailed 386 tons to date for a value of $50,214. Mr. Jenkins said that Yellow Jacket Drilling has been there to drill wells for ground water monitoring. He stated that they have been struggling with clay and will bring another piece of equipment to help with that. Lastly, he said that they are ready to move forward with the next phase of the office addition.

Tyrell Zierke entered the meeting at 10:07 a.m.

Commissioner Robertson asked about the timeline on the tarp system. Mr. Jenkins stated that he hoped within a month after training was completed. He also referenced the approval letters for the tarp system that had been received from Idaho DEQ and Panhandle Health.

Mr. Jenkins stated he would like to change his work schedule so that he can be can have more time to implement projects and do more administrative work.

Chairman Robertson asked if there was someone in a supervisor roll every day. Mr. Jenkins said no but he could change the schedule if needed.

Chairman Robertson stated that it has been a problem in the past when we don’t have a supervisor on site every day. Mr. Jenkins stated that the employees call him if there was an issue. Two of the operators are very competent and can handle 90-95% of what comes up.

Commissioners agreed that they were fine with the changes in his schedule, as long as the needs were being met.

Commissioner Bertling stated that when the tarp system was installed, he would like to come and see it in operation. Mr. Jenkins said he would let them know when it was ready.

The meeting with Mr. Jenkins ended at 10:12 a.m. and he left the meeting.

Commissioners attended to administrative duties until their 10:30 a.m. appointment.

Ms. Zierke stated that she was not sure what the Commissioners roll was, but was requesting assistance regarding a situation on Sierra Lane in the Mountain Meadows area. Everyone who lives on this road is supposed to contribute financially to the maintenance. She stated that they live at the end of the road and have been the only one to do any maintenance. She also provided Commissioners with a document stating that it was a public road.

Ms. Zierke stated that whenever they try to do any maintenance, the neighbors do what they can to stop them. She recently received an inheritance and wanted to use it to fix the road because their vehicles are getting damaged due to its current condition. They have equipment arriving today and were requesting assistance so that the job could get done without interference.

Chairman Robertson clarified that Sierra Lane was a private road. Everyone who lives on the road uses it, and that may be what they are referencing in your document. However, it was not a county road. He then questioned what was meant by the neighbors stop you. Ms. Zierke responded they park vehicles in the way and the police get involved. The last time there was a physical altercation and a window was broken. She stated that she was tired of being bullied by the neighbors. We are not trying to make the road 60 feet wide like the document says, but trees do need to come down so that the work can be done.

Chairman Robertson reiterated that the Commissioners do not have jurisdiction over a private road because it is private property. That would be a law enforcement issue.

Ms. Zierke stated that the Commissioners were over the Sherriff’s Department. Chairman Robertson stated that was not correct. The Sheriff’s Department has its own elected official and the private road was a civil issue.

Ms. Zierke stated that doing road work was not a civil matter. Commissioner Pinkerton stated that your document says it is a public road. But that does not make it a road that the county was responsible for.

Chairman Robertson stated that we don’t have any jurisdiction over this. However, we can contact the Sheriff and see if he has time to stop by.

Chairman Robertson then called Sheriff Stolley.

Sheriff Stolley entered the meeting at 10:47 a.m. and Ms. Zierke reviewed the situation with him.

Sheriff Stolley explained that they will respond to assist in keeping the peace. But we don’t take part in any of the civil issues.

Sheriff Stolley left the meeting at 10:58 a.m.

Ms. Zierke then asked what was the roll of the BOCC was in regards to property. Chairman Robertson explained that they assist with how property can be split, or access permit requirements. Your road is a private road, therefore we do not have any jurisdiction.

Treasurer Jenny Economu entered the meeting at 11:00 a.m.

Commissioner Bertling stated that many of the private roads in the county designate a 60 foot right of way, but they were never brought up to the specs for the county to take them over. Sierra Lane is a private road.

The meeting with Ms. Zierke ended at 11:02 a.m. and she left the meeting.

Ms. Economu handed out her quarterly Treasuer’s Report and stated that interest rates have remained decent. The State Pool Fund went up so she moved 2.5 million from the June collections into that fund. She stated that she was also able to get another cd at 4.2% with Multi Bank Securities since the report was completed.

Ms. Economu stated that there have been some issues with postmarks and post-dated checks across the state. She said the State’s policy is that you do not accept post-dated checks and we received several that we returned along with letters explaining why. The statute mandates that anything over $1,000 is deposited the same day it was received. The state advises them that they are not to hold checks or accept post-dated checks.

The meeting with Ms. Economu ended at 11:14 a.m. and she left the meeting.

David Crockett did not attend his 11:30 a.m. appointment with Commissioners so they attended to administrative duties until they recessed for lunch at 11:58 a.m.

The meeting reconvened for the afternoon session at 1:30 p.m. with Chairman Ben Robertson, Commissioner Tim Bertling, Commissioner Lester Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, and Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims.

Road & Bridge Assistant Superintendent Adam Ryals entered the meeting at 1:29 p.m. to give the Road & Bridge report stating that they have been making chip in preparation for future projects, they picked up traffic counters on Camp Nine and Heideman Rd and passed the data onto the Sheriff’s office. They finished dust abatement last week and are now touching up a few areas. This week they plan to do some sweeping and prep work for chipsealing. They will also have another meeting with the contractors to check on the status of the Sunrise Rd project.

Mr. Ryals stated that they found some rollers for consideration and he shared the information with Commissioners as well as some comparables. Ms. Poston asked if this was included in their budget. Mr. Ryals confirmed that it was.

Commissioners agreed to proceed with the purchase of the 2018 Dynapac compactor for $39,000.

Chairman Robertson asked about the change orders for the Sunrise project. Mr. Ryals discussed what had been completed so far for approaches and described a change order for a culvert that they are currently working on.

The meeting with Mr. Ryals ended at 1:58 p.m. and he left the meeting.

Personnel Director Pam Barton entered the meeting at 2:00 p.m. Ms. Barton stated that the Restorium was losing their RN in the next couple weeks. She might be able to rehire her as a part-time nurse for a short time while we look for a replacement. The Restorium Supervisor was checking with the state to see what the LPN could cover during the RN’s absence.

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”. The executive session ended at 2:42 p.m. No action was taken.

At 2:43 p.m. Ms. Barton left the meeting and Assessor Olivia Drake and Adrienne Norris entered the meeting.

Commissioner Bertling moved to recess as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners and reconvene as the Board of Equalization. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

At 2:43 a.m. Ms. Drake presented a document for Commissioners to review for Board of Equalization adjustments to the 2025 assessment roll. Present were: Chairman Robertson, Commissioner Bertling, Commissioner Pinkerton, Clerk Glenda Poston, Deputy Clerk Stephanie Sims, Assessor Olivia Drake, and Adrienne Norris. The proceeding was recorded.

Ms. Drake stated that under authority granted in Title 63, Chapter 5 of the Idaho Code, the homeowners exemption adjustment should be made to the 2024 Property Assessment Roll.

Commissioner Bertling moved to add the Homeowners Exemption as submitted on parcel #RP63N02E351218A. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Bertling moved to adjourn as the Board of Equalization and reconvene as the Boundary County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Ms. Drake informed Commissioners that the Supreme Court ruled that we can no longer prorate homeowners exemptions. They now have to be given the full amount even if they were turned in on the last day of the year. This ruling was made against the Tax Commissioners guidance and it will have a significant negative effect on budgets.

Ms. Drake asked if they would be going over department budgets like they have done in the past. Commissioners responded yes, but they have not seen the FY25-26 budget yet. When it was received they would be happy to meet with her.

The meeting with Ms. Drake ended at 2:53 p.m. and she left the meeting.

Commissioner Bertling moved to approve 2024 Property Tax Cancellation for parcel #M3B0000034573AT in the amount of $24.76 in tax and $.50 late fee and interest because the mobile home was moved out of Boundary County in May 2024 and the estimated tax collected was incorrect. Commissioner Pinkerton second. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve extension of taxes due on parcel #MH61N01E15547AA in the amount of $116.85. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously. Will have paid by August 4.

Commissioner Pinkerton moved to approve extension of taxes due on parcel #MHB00000228425A in the amount of $139.34. Commissioner Bertling second. Motion passed unanimously. Will have paid by September 10.

Robert Raines & Ben Apo entered the meeting at 3:00 p.m.

Mr. Apo stated that they would like to replace the VFW sign that has been in place for many years with an LED sign. It would incorporate the VFW and American Legion and they hope it will give them more presence. They asked the county to help fund the project and stated the sign would be placed on Misty Mountain’s property. Misty Mountain will also run power to the sign and the VFW would then assist them with the additional costs for power.

Chairman Robertson asked if they had looked into a permit from ITD. Mr. Apo stated that the company was the same one that did the signage for the Casino and Sturgeon Station and they felt it would not be a problem. Chairman Robertson said those businesses are very different and it might be good to check into that before you get to far.

Mr. Apo and Mr. Raines also stated that it would be open to the city, county and maybe others to put information on the sign for the community.

Chairman Robertson asked what is a number you are looking for. Mr. Raines stated that the VFW is paying $4,000 and money would also come from the American Legion. Perhaps the county could contribute $9,000.

Ms. Poston stated that there was $48,000 in the budget and they had $5,000 ear marked for maintenance, $15,000 for capital, and you were planning on remodeling the kitchen.

Commissioner Bertling moved to allocate $9,000 for an LED sign for the VFW and American Legion. Commissioner Pinkerton second and added that rules needed to be established about what can be put on the sign. Motion passed unanimously.

Ms. Poston stated that she would need documentation from ITD showing the permit was approved for installation.

The meeting with Mr. Raines and Mr. Apo ended at 3:20 p.m. and they left the meeting.

Emergency Management Andrew O’Neel entered the meeting at 3:31 to update the Commissioners on the Clover fire. He stated that the fire was 75% contained and has burned 29.8 acres. By 8:00 p.m. they expect it will be 100% contained.

Minor Norris child entered the meeting at 3:24 p.m.

Commissioner Robertson asked if there was any word from the fire investigator. Mr. O’Neel responded no word yet.

Mr. O’Neel stated that he had talked to Mr. Iverson about the use of the county property he leases by the landfill. Mr. O’Neel would like to use that location as a fire camp during emergencies and he stated that Mr. Iverson was in agreement. Since that contract is now up, they could add verbiage to outline the steps needed should the county want to implement that option.

Chairman Robertson stated it would be a 3-day process to remove the alfalfa so depending on the timing it might not be the best choice. Commissioners suggested other locations to consider and asked Mr. O’Neel to put together a draft and send it to legal for review.

The meeting with Mr. O’Neel ended at 3:53 p.m. and he left the meeting.

Adrienne Norris and minor child Norris left the meeting at 3:57 p.m.

Commissioners attended to administrative duties until they adjourned at 4:32 p.m.

Tuesday, July 15, 2025
There were no items on the agenda, therefore the Commissioners did not meet.

s/BEN ROBERTSON, Chairman

ATTEST:

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