Director Toph, Bonner County Road and Bridge director, told commissioners on Jan. 12 that crews have had multiple winter incidents in recent weeks, including two trucks that tipped over on separate days and one employee who experienced two rollovers. "Safety first," Toph said, stressing that missing tire chains and speed on icy curves were primary contributing factors.

Toph said District 1 is understaffed — three employees were out and another on a short medical leave — which increases pressure on remaining crews to cover 24-hour routes. That pressure, he said, encourages operators to move faster than conditions safely permit. "They're trying to make up 24 hours worth of routes," Toph said, "but they need to slow down. We will get to those routes when we get to them. There's no reason to get somebody hurt."

The director explained the county maintains a chain budget and keeps heavy-duty, truck-specific chains on hand, but operators must deploy them when conditions require. He described why some trucks are more top-heavy when carrying sanders and how that raises rollover risk in sharp turns. An attendee asked about air-operated chain systems used on school buses; Toph said the county does not use those devices and that those systems are effective only while moving.

Toph also reviewed district-level operations: District 2 planned brushing work around Bayview and the Leonard Paul store; District 3 has been clearing many downed trees after storms and continues to face repeated emissions (DEF) problems that take trucks out of service. He reminded the board that the county maintains about 700 miles of road and cannot operate at the 24/7 staffing levels of state agencies.

On materials and winter treatments, Toph said the county has a salt line item (third year approved) but uses salt selectively — mixed with sand and applied at locations with repeated crashes or severe conditions rather than across all county roads.

Toph urged commissioners and staff to keep emphasizing proper chaining and speed control, noting that preventable operator errors contributed to at least two of the recent rollovers. The meeting moved on to other agenda items; no formal action was taken on winter operations during this session.