SANDPOINT, IDAHO – At the December 19, 2023, Bonner County Board of Commissioners (BoCC) business meeting, Chairman Luke Omodt provided a list of standing rules for future meetings. The list of ten items included procedures and limitations describing how motions and debate will be handled.
On January 2, 2024, at the new year’s first business meeting of the BoCC, Omodt moved to amend the agenda to remove the items for the clerk, and to postpone the items listed for Commissioner Asia Williams because they did not include a written memorandum as specified in the BoCC standing rules.
After Commissioner Steven Bradshaw seconded the motion, Williams explained that her two items were topics requested by members of the public, and she moved to amend to segregate the clerk’s items and her items for appropriate discussion. No second was given.
Omodt read from Idaho code and explained the standing rules, specifically the BoCC agenda submission procedure. He also emphasized that the public will not be allowed to comment on agenda items. The motion to amend the agenda passed 2-1, with Williams voting against.
Omodt further stated, “This new year is going to start with a new level of respect, transparency, and order which this board is going to follow.” He continued, “This board is going to follow the standing rules … anytime there can be an attempt to amend those rules. The public is going to have their opportunity to speak at the end of the meeting, but we are going to have orderly, efficient, and civil government.”
Williams moved to place public comment to the beginning of the agenda. No second was offered.
Solid Waste Director Bob Howard presented a memorandum requesting approval of an easement, construction agreement, and work order for new electrical service at the Colburn facility. The scope of the work is being funded by the USDA loan and the cost of $14,606 will be paid to Northern Lights, Inc. The item was approved.
The board approved a resolution presented by Jason Topp, the Director of Road and Bridge, for a federal aid grant application requesting $2.77 million for repairs to Merritt Bridge over the Pend Oreille River. The grant does not require matching funds, which means the board does not have to allocate county dollars to receive the grant funds.
Assessor Dennis Englehardt proposed a renewal of the existing agreement between the county and Selkirk MLS regarding sold data information which is used by the assessor’s office and board of equalization. The assessor’s office cannot disclose this information except to a person appealing an assessment. The agreement was approved.
Chairman Omodt proceeded to discuss his agenda item and moved to require legal counsel to attend all BoCC business meetings and executive sessions in accordance with Idaho Code 31-2607. Much debate was had amongst the board members including a comment by Bradshaw, “because of the dynamics around this board of commissioners and the prosecutor’s office over the last 12 months, has been such a sh*t show, excuse my expression, but that’s what it’s been. I do not envy Bill [Wilson] in his position.” Bradshaw would later state, “I have a hell of a problem with the prosecutor’s office.”
Deputy Prosecutor Bill Wilson spoke about several conditions such as attending by Zoom and not to have a blanket requirement to attend all executive sessions. He also mentioned that the cited code already specifies the wording, “he must attend their meetings when required.”
Williams asked for a legal opinion to amend the current motion. She moved to amend to provide accommodations for the prosecutor’s office. No second was given. Williams asked for continued deliberation as the chair called for the vote. The original motion passed 2-1 with Williams opposed.
Each commissioner had the opportunity to give a report of important matters happening in the county.
Williams reported that the commissioner chats will restart next week featuring the Army Corp of Engineers. She will be paying attention to legislation regarding the infrastructure of broadband and how this may impact Bonner County. There has been a legal opinion that we can archive public records requests online since the information has been reviewed.
Omodt has been receiving comments on road conditions due to the warmer winter. He referred to a report from KHQ News which highlighted the increase of the median household income in the county. Quoting from Forbes Advisor, “Idaho has the lowest per capita government debt in the nation.” He will start traveling to Boise during the legislative session.
Bradshaw had no report.
Public comment included many Bonner County residents who made statements questioning the behavior of board members and the limitations of free speech. The chair decided the use of the word “manipulate” was enough to garner a warning to one citizen and when asked about his response, Omodt called a five minute recess.
Agendas, agenda packets, and minutes of the BoCC business meetings can be found on the county website, and full video recordings of the meetings can be reviewed on its YouTube channel.
