County takes board meetings online

SANDPOINT — Members of the public are being encouraged to participate in the Bonner County commission’s weekly business meetings via remote means during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

There are three methods the public can use to take part by streaming the meeting from the county’s YouTube channel or pointing your web browser to Zoom Video Communications, a cloud-based videoconferencing provider. People can also dial into the meeting via traditional teleconferencing and using their phone’s keypad to raise your hand to speak.

County commissioners made quick work of their agenda on Tuesday.

The board approved $838,352 in demands and claims, in addition to approving $5,051 in Bonner County EMS claims. Clerk Michael Rosedale also used his time to remind voters to request an absentee ballot through the county’s elections office or through the Idaho Secretary of State.

“Please request an absentee ballot,” Rosedale said. “Everything is absentee-only this time around.”

The board also approved a year-long maintenance contract for a fingerprinting computer and a printer used at the juvenile detention center.

“It’s a very sensitive piece of equipment that malfunctions on a regular basis,” said Justice Services Director Ron Stultz.

Prior to moving into an executive session, commissioners approved a grant request seeking $108,000 in state funding to continue operating the LillyBrooke Family Justice Center. The grant request covers the facility’s lease and funding for an investigator who assists the prosecutor’s office in investigating crimes against children and victims of violent crime.

“It’s been a huge asset for the prosecutor’s office and for lots of people who need help,” said Bonner County Deputy Prosecutor Bill Wilson said.

Detailed instructions on how to participate in commission meetings can be found at bonnercountyid.gov.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.