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Commissioners approve Canfield Butte HVAC and battery replacements and a GMRS repeater MOU
Summary
Kootenai County approved an HVAC replacement and a battery plant replacement for the Canfield Butte communications site, and authorized a memorandum allowing a GMRS repeater at that site; staff described sourcing and recycling challenges for the batteries and funding plans for the overage.
Kootenai County commissioners approved two capital projects and a memorandum of understanding for the Canfield Butte communications site during the April 8, 2025, meeting.
The board unanimously approved a DIVCO Inc. proposal to replace the site HVAC unit for $19,201 and a Day Wireless Systems proposal to replace the site's battery plant for $67,071.67. Commissioners also approved an MOU allowing a General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) repeater to be placed at Canfield Butte; the placing party agreed to cover any U.S. Forest Service charges for equipment on the leased site.
Why it matters: Canfield Butte is a county communications location that supports emergency radio systems. Aging HVAC and battery equipment increase the risk of equipment failures that could affect communications for emergency responders.
What staff said
Colin McCroy, representing the sheriff’s office 911 operations, told the board the existing HVAC is likely original to the building and parts are difficult to source; a blower motor failure last year required about two weeks to repair. McCroy said the DIVCO HVAC proposal of $19,201 is $5,799 under the budgeted amount and is covered by the E91 restricted fund.
On the battery plant, McCroy said several batteries are original to the system (installed in February 2010), some were replaced in 2017, and the specific battery technology is difficult to source — there is only one importer for the type used. He said recycling costs are higher because the batteries must be sent to a single facility that will accept them. The replacement proposal price is $67,071.67, which exceeds the $50,000 budgeted amount by roughly $17,000; McCroy said the overage would be covered with project savings from the HVAC work, an anticipated capital project not moving forward (CCGW replacement), and available fund balance.
The board also approved an MOU with a group seeking to place a GMRS repeater at Canfield Butte. McCroy said the agreement sets standards for installation and requires the group to cover any charges the U.S. Forest Service bills the county for equipment located on the leased property.
Board action and next steps
Motions to approve each proposal and the MOU passed by unanimous voice vote. Staff indicated the HVAC work is FY‑25 budgeted, and the battery plant will be funded by a combination of the HVAC savings, an unfunded capital project that is not moving forward, and available fund balance. The county will proceed to execute the contracts and manage procurement and disposal/recycling of the replaced batteries as specified.
Ending
The board recorded no public comment on the items and moved on after voting to approve the contracts and MOU.
