Kootenai County commissioners approve multiple contracts, MOUs and a proclamation in Aug. 26 meeting

The Kootenai County Board of Commissioners approved a series of routine contracts, memorandums of understanding and administrative actions during its Aug. 26 business meeting.

The board acknowledged receipt of a request for qualifications (RFQ) for a construction manager/general contractor (CMGC) HVAC services project for the Administration Building and referred the RFQ documentation to Buildings and Grounds and legal for recommendation. Staff listed three submittals: Geno Construction of Idaho Inc., Walker Construction, and a submission marked from a Boise address for Core/Core-related firm; the board’s action was to refer the proposals for review.

The board rejected informal bids for a modular building relocation at the fairgrounds after staff reported submitted bids exceeded the county’s cost estimate.

The board approved an annual facility-use agreement with Lakeland School District to allow juvenile-diversion classes at district facilities; Doug Hall presented the agreement and said there is no cost to the county.

The board approved five three-year memorandums of understanding related to the county radio network (SWIWIN) for agencies that use the county’s 9-1-1 radio system — Kootenai County Emergency Medical Services System; Kootenai County Fire and Rescue; court security (Kootenai County bailiffs); Spirit Lake Fire Protection District; and the Spirit Lake Police Department. Lieutenant Jeff Howard explained the MOUs are required every three years for agencies that use the radio network.

The board approved a RapidSOS annex for nonemergency call automation and a related statement of work. Lieutenant Jeff Howard said RapidSOS is offering a six-month trial for nonemergent call handling to replace the current, limited free service. Howard said the county negotiated implementation down to $2,500 charged to the enhanced fund budget and that the vendor requires a three-year contract term to provide the six-month free trial; the contract includes an appropriations clause.

At the airport, the board approved a lease termination (AAL-430) for Victor Walters’ hangar sale and a ground lease (AAL-2025-1500) for purchase by Tall Ship Hangars LLC. Kim Stevenson said the lot is 13,050 square feet and will generate annual revenue of $4,280.40.

The board also proclaimed September as Kootenai County Preparedness Month, to be led by the Office of Emergency Management and promoted via county social media, website materials and handouts; Sarah Long said the campaign will encourage residents to register for the county’s Alert Kootenai notification system.

Finally, the board approved Resolution 2025-65 to release funds covering additional interest and penalties collected on property tax for the period Oct. 20, 2022, through Dec. 2023; Chief Deputy Treasurer Jill Smith explained the payment is connected to a recent Supreme Court case and asked for approval of the release for that period.

Motions on the items carried during the meeting; staff were directed to return with contracts or negotiated terms where applicable.