SANDPOINT — Following a public comment, the commissioners unanimously approved the consent agenda for their meeting on July 12.

The consent agenda included an invoice of over $5,000 for EMS as well as a plat application for a minor land division in the Jewel Lake area. The MLD application is not available on the county website.

The commissioners also approved Fiscal Year 2022’s claims and demands batches No. 20, totalling $1,357,091.35 as well as the claims and demands batches No. 20 for EMS, totalling $33,073.71.

Before introducing the claims and batches, Bonner County Clerk Michael Rosedale said county budget hearing meetings will take place over the next few weeks on Mondays at 9 a.m. The public is invited to attend.

Bob Howard of Emergency Management introduced a contract with Selkirk Landworks LLC for the treatment of hazardous fuels. Howard said the contract will be financed by a grant from the Idaho Department of Lands with no matching funds required by the county. The motion passed.

Howard also introduced a lease agreement between Bonner County and Enterprise Fleets for a work truck with a two-year lease at just under $860 a month. The vehicle will replace the current county vehicle which had a one-year lease.

EMS Chief Jeff Lindsey introduced an agreement between Providence Health Training and Bonner County EMS for paramedic students to gain clinical experience. The agreement was approved and will last for two years.

Airport manager Dave Schuck introduced two lease extensions for McGiver Aviation to finish improvements on Sandpoint Airport. The leases for lot 32 and lot 33 were for four years. However, due to pandemic delays, supply chain issues, and permitting issues from the city, extensions are needed, Schuck said. The extensions are for two additional years.

County resident Kendra Martin questioned the extension, saying a 24-month extension “seems long. Schuck said the extension is not out of the ordinary, noting that most construction work has been delayed as a result of the pandemic.

Commissioner Jeff Connolly also expressed concerns over efficiency. He ultimately supported the lease extensions after Schuck explained that a new agreement with a different entity would have to be for at least four years – further delaying the project. Both motions passed.

Cindy Binkerd of Human Resources introduced a request to recruit for three vacated positions for the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office: a marine captain, a marine deputy, and a probation officer.

Binkerd also introduced a motion to renew PacificSource to administer the 2023 employee medical plan, at an estimated amount of $175,287. Both motions passed.

And finally, county legal advisor Bill Wilson presented new retainer agreements for Davillier Law Group. The previous retainer agreements was for $250 an hour for work on general matters and aviation matters. Davillier asked for an increase to $300.

Wilson said these are standard rates and also noted that should the county prefer to contract with another law firm, they are free to do so. The new retainer agreements were approved.