Kootenai County commissioners approve architecture contract, radio purchases, grants and multiple agreements

Kootenai County Board of Commissioners on an administrative agenda on items 18–30 approved multiple contracts, grant awards and other routine actions, including a bid award for architectural design services for the coroner's autopsy lab, purchase of replacement radios for the sheriff's office, a master service agreement with the Idaho Regional Optical Network for 9‑1‑1 connectivity, and several grant agreements for emergency management.

The approvals stem from presentations by county staff and outside partners. Facilities Director Jeff Vohler recommended selecting H2A Architects for the three‑phase autopsy lab design, citing the firm’s original blueprints and prior medical project experience. Colin McCroy of the sheriff’s office presented the 9‑1‑1 connection work with the Idaho Regional Optical Network (IRON) and described the proposed IRON service as providing a secondary, redundant path for radio core connectivity. Chad Engle of the county transit department presented three FY25 letters of agreement from the cities of Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls and Hayden that provide cash match funds for transit capital and operations.

Why it matters: The purchases and agreements affect county emergency communications, public safety equipment readiness and transit operations. The IRON connection provides a second network path for the 9‑1‑1 center; the Motorola radio purchase replaces nonserviceable radios and supplies the jail with updated portables; and the grants add state funds for homeland security and emergency management functions.

Most important actions and supporting details

- Architectural design services (Bid/RFQ): The board approved a bid award to H2A Architects for the three‑phase autopsy lab design. Facilities Director Jeff Vohler said the review team recommended H2A based on access to original blueprints and slightly more medical project experience. The board voted to approve the award; one commissioner voted no while the others voted yes.

- 9‑1‑1 master service agreement with Idaho Regional Optical Network (IRON): Colin McCroy said…