The commissioners inability to work well together remains a sore point of contention with the public.
SANDPOINT – At the Bonner County weekly business meeting on January 23, 2024, a recess was called within thirty-five minutes without ever adopting the agenda and Chairman Luke Omodt threatened to remove a member in the audience.
The meeting started out with the adoption of the newest standing rule by a 2-1 vote, Commissioner Asia Williams opposing. Standing rule number twelve was originally proposed at the previous meeting, but withdrawn due to the lack of notice. All future meetings will now adhere to rule twelve which states, “All members of the public wanting to give public comment in the regular business meeting must sign up prior to the meeting being called to order. Members of the public wishing to give public comment via zoom must submit a completed form prior to the call to order.”
Commissioner Steven Bradshaw moved to amend the agenda to strike all of Williams’ items, describing them as “absolutely inappropriate” for the business meeting.
“They have absolutely nothing to do with the Bonner County business meeting. They are more like activities and current affairs. That is not what this business meeting is for,” stated Bradshaw.
Williams’ items included discussions regarding the fair investigation report, open meeting rules, ordinances, legal opinion review, projects, commissioner chats, and community issues. Williams said that these were topics of interest from citizens and she was following the new rules to share the county business she has been involved in.
“No single member of the board of county commissioners has individual authority,” stated Omodt. This statement prompted laughter from the audience which received a warning from the chair that a second outburst would result in being asked to leave the meeting.
When Bradshaw began a statement, the audience interrupted by emphasizing part of his words.
Bradshaw appeared frustrated and retorted, “You will silence while I’m speaking or you will leave this room.”
After an additional five minutes of discussion, Bonner County resident Rick Kramer stood up and addressed the audience, “Ask Luke to define ‘business’.”
Omodt immediately called on the sergeant-at-arms, asked Mr. Kramer to leave, and finally declared a recess.
Twenty minutes later, the board returned to open session, adopted the agenda and proceeded with business items.
One resident offered a public comment asking the chair to define “business” and provide a clear scope as to what “business” means as a future agenda item. Williams asked Omodt if he would be placing the requested subject on the agenda. Omodt did not answer, called Williams out of order, and then called a recess until the scheduled executive session.
Bonner County Board of Commissioner weekly business meetings are held every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. in the county building. The meetings are live streamed on its YouTube channel and offer participation via Zoom.
