The commissioners’ business meeting goes smoothly after initial concerns

SANDPOINT — Despite concerns over the consent agenda, Bonner County commissioners unanimously approved it at Tuesday’s business meeting.

The concerns stem from a small subdivision of land on Woodview Road proposed by Norderer Woods East. Two residents expressed concerns about infrastructure issues and road standards. Another resident asked for easier enforcement and access to emergency vehicles.

“Norder Properties, LLC [should] Consider meeting with community resources, representatives to determine if there is some way forward to preserve it for future generations while meeting the financial goals the residents may have.

Next, Bonner County Clerk Mike Rosedale introduced claims and collections 22. The county’s claims and collections totaled more than $1 million. EMS claims and collections totaled over $23,000. The motion passed.

Secretary Comptroller Nancy Pointham made a request to adopt the federal procurement policy as a non-federal entity that receives federal funding. The policy guides the management of all funds generated by the federal government. The motion passed.

Pointham asked the commissioners to approve the transfer of unused US bailout funds. More than $800,000 has been allocated to EMS. They put the money in an ARPA trust account until they need it to cover maintenance and overtime costs for fiscal year 2022.

Rosedale introduced a request for five more electronic ballot books unrelated to voting. According to Rosedale, it’s a system the county already uses to identify voters. The total cost is $5,295, which is already within the writer’s current budget. The motion passed.

Bonner County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Cindy Wright made a motion to transfer $87,000 from the Jail “A” budget to the Jail “B” budget. Budget “A” covers salaries and budget “B” covers operating expenses. According to Wright, the sheriff’s office faces additional costs for medical supplies, medical bills, food and fuel for the jail. The motion passed.

Next, Bonner County Emergency Management Bob Howard introduced a memorandum of understanding between Bonner County and the Idaho Department of Lands. A $240,000 grant was approved for the “Southern Seagull Phase II” project on the use of hazardous fuel treatment.

Howard introduced a contract with Backwoods Forestry Mulching LLC to handle hazardous waste. The contract is being paid for by a $240,000 grant from IDL. The motion passed.

Howard introduced an agreement between the Blanchard Community Center and Bonner County to work together to protect and provide shelter to displaced citizens and administrative staff affected by natural and man-made disasters. The motion passed.

Director of Roads and Bridges Jason Topp received $37,070 in supplies from Peak Sand and Gravel, Inc. to repair the Lower Mosquito Creek Road that washed out this spring. He asked for permission to buy. The motion passed.

Airport Department Manager David Schuck requested that Sand Point Airport use no more than $10,000 to remove debris left on the property it purchased. The cost of the disposal will be paid in full in the 2021 fiscal year. The motion passed.

Human Resources Cindy Binkerd requested approval of the Missouri Policy Addendum to the Bonner County Personnel Policy Manual. One of the county’s technology employees works remotely from Missouri, which prompted the update. The motion passed.

Finally, Commissioner Jeff Connolly made a request to participate in the Legacy Forestry Program. The project is led by the Idaho Department of Land and includes more than 2,500 acres in Bonner County, with most of the acreage in Kootenay County. The motion passed.