Commissioners approve $3.9M asphalt project and Bonner Park West closure request

The Bonner County Board of Commissioners convened on April 8, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including fiscal claims, road projects, and community events.

The meeting commenced with a motion to approve the payment of claims batch number 26 for fiscal year 2025, totaling $224,024.01. The motion received unanimous support from the board, with no public comments or further discussion.

Next, Matt Mulder, the engineer for the Road and Bridge Department, presented the results of the recent bidding for the Bonner County Asphalt Projects 2025. The project aims to resurface several roads, including Bay Road, Edgemere Cutoff, and Garfield Bay Road. Five bids were received, with the lowest bid from Poe Asphalt Paving Incorporated at $3,666,957.25. The board approved the base bid and an optional addition to extend the asphalt project further down East River Road, bringing the total project cost to $3,912,304.30. The board noted that the lower-than-expected bid prices were attributed to decreased oil prices and a lack of large asphalt projects in the area, which increased competition among contractors.

Following the road project discussions, the Parks and Waterways Director, Mazeler, requested approval for the closure of Bonner Park West's parking lot and boat launch for the annual Timber Days event on July 26, 2025. The board approved the request, emphasizing the importance of facilitating the event while ensuring public safety.

The meeting also addressed the closure and deobligation of the Gold Hill Grama project, which was completed under budget. The board approved the necessary paperwork to finalize the project with the Forest Service, clarifying that the remaining funds could not be repurposed.

In the District 1 Commissioner update, discussions focused on developing a process for community groups to request and fund quiet zones at railroad crossings. This initiative aims to enhance safety without imposing additional costs on taxpayers.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the board's commitment to infrastructure improvements, community events, and fiscal responsibility, with several projects moving forward to enhance the quality of life in Bonner County.