Busy agenda faces BOCC
CAROLINE LOBSINGER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 months, 2 weeks AGO
I grew up in the Tri-Cities, Wash., and have always loved to write. I attended the University of Washington, where I earned a double major in journalism and political science, with an area of emphasis in history. I am the fifth out of six kids — don't believe any of the stories that my siblings tell. To be able to tell others stories and take photos for a living is a dream come true — and I considered myself blessed to be a community journalist. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking and spending time outdoors, genealogy, reading, and watching the UW Huskies and the Seattle Seahawks. I am a servant to my cat, Frankie, who yes, will eat anything and everything in sight … even wedding cookies. | October 6, 2024 1:00 AM
SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners are being asked for approval to begin construction of a runway apron and taxi lane at the Priest River Airport.
A contract for the work was approved by the board Sept. 17 and a request to proceed with construction with J7 Contracting will go before the Bonner County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, Oct. 8. According to county documents, the first phase of construction would begin Oct. 21 and last for about 50 days, with a second part of that first phase beginning in April 2025 and lasting for about five days.
The second phase of the project, estimated to last a day, would take place in June 2025 and would wrap up the project.
A second item on the agenda by the Airport Department is a seal coating at the Sandpoint Airport. An informal bid process garnered a bid from Selkirk Sealcoat not to exceed $20,000. Airport Manager Dave Shuck is seeking permission from BOCC to proceed.
The Bonner County Sheriff's Office is seeking approval to purchase winter tires for patrol vehicles for just over $21,260. The office has money in its vehicle and repair fund for the purchase.
Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler also requested approval of an agreement for electric service at the Oldtown Range for a cost of $250. There are sufficient funds in its budget for the expenditure.
Also on the agenda was a request by Bonner County EMS to tint windows of its crew quarters for better privacy at the new EMS station for $3,843; an Auditor's Office request to approve batch claims totaling $112,568.09, $9.902.43, $81,566.74, and $207.59; and a request by the Coroner's Office to carry forward funds to complete a construction project.
The Bonner County Assessor is seeking approval of a two-year agreement for eight 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazers at an annual cost of $64,794.24.
Bonner County Road & Bridge is seeking authorization to open its budget to carry forward $134,623 for a striping project on half of the county's roads with a 45-mph speed limit. The project, while starting in the 2024 Fiscal Year, needs to be completed in the 2025 Fiscal Year.
Items regarding the county's health plans are also on the agenda, as is an item regarding third-party administrative services, a proposal by Bonner County Human Resources to update its compensation policy, and a proposal to have Human Resources report directly to the Bonner County Prosecutor.
Commissioners' updates also are on with agenda with BOCC Chair Asia Williams scheduled to update on upcoming guests, discuss issues and concerns, potential litigation and pending workshops.
Tuesday’s meeting is set to end with two executive sessions: One regarding human resource items and the other regarding a planning item. Executive sessions are closed to the public to give officials a chance to discuss confidential information; however, all decisions must be made in open session.
Board of Bonner County Commission meetings are held at the Bonner County Administration Building, 1500 U.S. 2; and also are livestreamed via YouTube. To access the streams, visit the Bonner County YouTube page at bit.ly/3NElj9X.
ARTICLES BY CAROLINE LOBSINGER
Banquet to benefit SHS Grad Night
Friday's Grad Night fundraiser is going to celebrate "Red, White and Bulldogs" as the Sandpoint High School Grad Night committee is bringing about a return of the annual banquet and auction. The event, set for Friday, Aug. 25, will kick off at 5:30 p.m. at the Heartwood Center, 615 Oak St. The fundraiser will feature an evening of fine dining and drinks, dessert raffles, door prizes, live music and a silent and live auction.
Small group makes big impact at annual cleanup
About a half dozen volunteers braved the cold, drizzly weather Saturday morning as part of an effort to clean the community's shoreline.
Live Give 7B raises $192,000 for local nonprofits
Organizers were hoping for $70,000. After all Bonner County's license plate designation is 7B, the fledgling Live Give 7B fundraising campaign features 70 nonprofits and organizers Dig Chrismer, Kate Begalke and Katie Cox figured the amount was achievable given the community's generous spirit. They ended up raising $192,000. By Monday, the trio expend the total to top $200,000.