Steve Boorman, who has served as City Administrator for Bonners Ferry, submitted a letter of resignation to the mayor and City council last week.  His resignation was officially accepted by the council at this week's City council meeting held this past Tuesday, June 16.

Mr. Boorman's resignation will be effective July 4, 2015. 

Mr. Boorman has served as City Administrator for approximately 14 years.  He indicated he will be taking a position in the city of Cheney, Washington, where he has been hired as Director of the Light Department there.

 "It has been an honor and privilege to serve the City of Bonners Ferry for the past 14 years," said Mr. Boorman in his letter.  He noted his satisfaction in working with past mayors and council members and with "great employees, working together to complete many great capital projects, and providing efficient and reliable services to our community."

He added in his letter that he would "miss being right in the mountains, high lakes, and the abundance of accessible public property, but more so the great people in Boundary County.  Because," he said, "undoubtedly the best part of Boundary County is the people, also the worst part of Boundary County is the people, and interestingly a lot of them are the same people."

His letter further said, "Bonners Ferry has been a great place to raise kids and Boundary County School District has provided a first class foundation for our children."

Several days ago NewsBF left a message with the mayor and city administrator of Cheney, Washington seeking their comment on hiring Mr. Boorman.  There was no response from those officials.

In the Council's June 16 meeting, discussion was held on appointing an interim City Administrator, until a new regular Adminstrator can be hired.

New City councilman appointed

The City Council also appointed Adam Arthur to fill the remaining term of office of Council member Tom Mayo, who has served since 2009, and whose resignation is effective June 30.  Mr. Arthur is a lieutenant with the Bonners Ferry Fire Department, and is employed at Accurate Collision in Bonners Ferry.

Seeking new lieutenant for police department

In other action in the Council's June 16 meeting, an Executive session was held to discuss potentially hiring a new police lieutenant.  This position has been vacant since Vic Watson was promoted to Bonners Ferry Chief of Police.

New ordinance on dogs within City limits

At other recent meetings of the Council, discussion has been held on a proposed City ordinance concerning dogs within City limits.  During these meetings, opportunities for public comment on the issue of dogs within City limits have been provided.

 At the June 2 City Council meeting, an ordinance was adopted and will be the law within the Bonners Ferry City limits:  All dogs that are on public property, are that are on private property without that property owner's consent, must be secured on a leash, the only exceptions being police dogs engaged in police work, or service animals performing medically necessary purposes.

Also in the new dog ordinance, anyone escorting a dog on public property or on private property owned by someone else must remove any "fecal matter deposited by his/her dog," which must be done before the person leaves the immediate area where the fecal matter was deposited.

Violations of the new dog ordinance are enforced with penalites and fines.