SANDPOINT — In Tuesday's business meeting, a Bonner County resident gave an overview of House Bill 180 and its potential impacts on the community.  

Anne Chamberlain with Wire Idaho — an advocacy group that raises awareness about health implications of wireless broadband networks — gave a five-minute presentation that outlined House Bill 180 and its impact on the community. The bill was signed into state law April 4 and mandates cities, counties and highway districts to approve or deny telecommunication or broadband infrastructure within a specified timeframe.  

“If a city or county fails to approve, approve with modification or deny the application within a reasonable period of time as defined in subsection 7(b) of this section, the application shall be approved,” indicated HB 180 section 2(2).  

According to the bill, a reasonable period is listed as 60 days for infrastructure permits.  

Chamberlain presented the recently passed bill, sharing that it would go into effect July 1. According to Chamberlain, the bill would affect Bonner County because it created a smaller time frame to review applications. It also doesn’t “limit the authority of a municipality over decisions regarding the placement, construction and modification of a wireless telecommunication facility,” according to Chamberlain.  

Chamberlain expressed in her presentation that Bonner County Code doesn’t have any restrictions on where wireless telecommunication facilities are placed, posing the threat of broadband infrastructure being established in or near residential zones and neighborhoods.  

“Bonner County is at the mercy of the wireless industry's interpretation of its (Bonner County’s) telecommunications code,” said Chamberlain.  

The discussion resulted in county commissioners agreeing to schedule a workshop to review county ordinances related to cell towers.  

After Chamberlain’s presentation, county commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding between Bonner County Justice Services and LilyBrooke Family Justice Center. The MOU ensures mutual support and compliance with federal mandates of the Prison Rape Elimination Act, allowing incarcerated victims who’ve experienced sexual abuse the opportunity to access victim advocates for emotional support. 

Additionally, the board approved a camp host contract for Garfield Bay Campground, paying the host $500 a week starting May 23 through Sept. 19. The host will be required to maintain the cleanliness of the campground, encourage individuals to abide by park rules and act in an orderly fashion.  

Bonner County airports also received an approval to repair runway pavement at Sandpoint Airport. The project is expected to cost $13,000 and will require the runway to be closed for two days. The project is expected to take place in mid-September.