This report is adapted from the minutes recorded by Deputy Clerk Shanci Dorius.  A thank you to Clerk Dorius for her generous and invaluable assistance in making this information available.

1/24

Reconnaissance / Survey of Downtown Malad – Jean Thomas

Jean Thomas presented commissioners with a proposal for a grant that requests a $6,500 match, but which will accept “in-kind” services in lieu of cash. This grant is similar to the one obtained for the American Legion Building. Kirk Huffaker Preservation Strategies, a professional historic preservation firm, is willing to assist the county with this grant process as he did previously with the American Legion grant. Mrs. Thomas is gathering the required attachments to submit with the current grant application. This survey is up-front work to qualify the county for future projects.  Huffaker was instrumental in the American Legion building being placed on the Register of Historical Buildings.

Coroner – Autopsy Travel Reimbursement Rate

County Coroner Brad Horsley requested clarification from the commissioners on how he will be reimbursed when required to travel. He understood that he had been approved for a flat fee, rather than a per diem. Clerk Lon Colton reviewed the minutes from past meetings and did not find anything confirming such an arrangement. County employees submit actual claims for per diem reimbursement, and it was suggested Mr. Horsley do the same.

Coroner - Deputy

During the budget session for FY2025, County Coroner Brad Horsley requested a deputy to assist with the work load and requested $750 in the budget for this position.  Commissioner Lewis later realized that the selected person for the position, Eric Crowther, was married to Commissioner Lewis’s niece and that Idaho Code is clear that a second-degree relative cannot be hired while Mr. Lewis is a commissioner. Attorney Lyle Fuller clarified that Mr. Crowther, who is employed by the funeral home, could be appointed Deputy Coroner as long as he received zero compensation from the county and his wages came from a non-county source. 

Robyn Gamble Property in St. John

Robyn Gamble and her husband Ronnie (who was unable to attend the meeting) requested the opportunity to address the board of commissioners regarding issues with their property, as they feel their concerns have not been adequately addressed. Also present to answer questions was Planning and Zoning Administrator Rhonda Neal. The Gamble’s purchase of the land was contingent upon the Planning and Zoning Commission approving their intended plans for the land. The commissioners reviewed the information provided, asked questions, and requested additional time to further research the matter. The Gamble’s were invited to return at a future commissioner meeting, with a tentative date set for February 24, 2025.

Malad Mountain Communications Building

In a previous discussion regarding the lease of the Malad Mountain Communications Building to the Radio Amateur Club of Oneida Neighbors (RACOON) club, there were a few items that needed to be updated in the lease prior to signing which included a spelling error and clarification of paragraph seven that discusses the county giving notice for non-emergency visits to the building.  The RACOONS would like to be present to ensure their equipment is undisturbed. The updated document was presented for approval and signatures from each party.

Weed – BLM Reimbursement Follow-up

Attorney Lyle Fuller drafted a letter to send to the BLM regarding the reimbursement request sent earlier this month. The due date for payment is before the next commissioner meeting, so Mr. Fuller will add a line requesting an extended due date.  At issue was the potential use of BLM chemicals on non-federal land.

Ben Naylor Rezone Hearing Cancellation

Ben Naylor was recently approved for a conditional use permit by the Planning and Zoning Commission.  Mr. Naylor sent an email to the clerk’s office the morning of January 15, 2025 stating, “I, Benjamin Naylor, am withdrawing my application for the appeal hearing of my rezone request that is currently scheduled for February 10, 2025 before the board of commissioners because I have now been approved for CUP [Conditional Use Permit].” His statement was read and acknowledged by the board of commissioners.

Veterans Service Officer (VSO) Ratification

Commissioner Jeppsen consulted with the commander of the American Legion to ask for a recommendation to replace the outgoing Veteran Service Officer for Oneida County. David (Dave) Colton was suggested as a candidate, along with two others who expressed interest in the position. After consideration, the commissioners decided to offer Mr. Colton the same wage as the previous officer and agreed that he could work in any available space at the courthouse, as he does not have sufficient room at home for the necessary equipment.

Veterans Service Officer (VSO) – Thank You Card for Outgoing Officer

The commissioners expressed their desire to sign and send a thank-you card for former Veterans Service Officer Bob Stokes to show appreciation for him and his diligent service. 

Excess County Property

The clerk’s office has identified excess county property that needs to be disposed of. This includes items from the current courtroom remodel such as the courtroom benches, jury chairs, and tables used by the prosecution and defense. Additionally, approval was sought to sell old filing cabinets from the courthouse, as well as two old 4-wheelers from the weed department. Commissioners have entrusted the clerk’s office with determining the appropriate pricing and listing descriptions for each item, utilizing the most effective platform for each. Bryan Lyons from Exit 13 Antiques and Collectables will be invited to evaluate and suggest pricing for the courtroom items.

Courts – Quote for Deed Book Storage Racks

The courtroom requires a cabinet to properly store the court record books. A 16-opening rack has been identified that will fit in the available space within the court vault. The cost of the rack is $2,092.85, and the court facilities funds currently allocated for the courtroom remodel could be used to cover the expense.

2/10

Commissioner Brian Jeppsen was excused. 

Scout Meeting Location – Tony McClain

Troop #1776 Committee Chairman, Tony McClain, spoke with commissioners about needing a permanent meeting space for the local scouting organization, which is chartered by Hess Pumice and self-funded. He explained that each scout is covered by insurance through the scout program. 

Mr. McClain requested permission to hold meetings in a large room in the Annex Building and to display the scout oath and other scouting-related posters on the walls in that room. Currently, the troop includes twenty youth, who would meet Thursday afternoons, and around 10 Cub Scouts in the pack, who would meet on Monday’s. 

Commissioner Lewis disclosed that both he and Commissioner Jeppsen are members of the scout committee.  Attorney Lyle Fuller advised that recusal from the vote on this matter is not mandatory where there is zero financial gain involved. He also mentioned that if the commissioners chose to recuse themselves, one commissioner could make the motion and second himself.  The somewhat unusual situation played out, as Commissioner Jeppsen was not present, and Chairman Lewis abstained.  Having seconded himself, Commissioner Eliason approved his motion to allow the scouts to use the annex building on a weekly basis.

Idahome Subdivision Irrevocable Bond – Brad Hess

Brad Hess came before the commissioners to verify that all is in order between Oneida County and the Idahome Subdivision.  Mr. Hess has met the requirements set, which include providing an irrevocable letter of credit, getting the state to approve an approach from Highway 38, installing storm drains, and putting up fencing (except for one section owned by Kirk Willie, who wrote a letter of acceptance to keep barbed wire versus the net wire on the section that abuts his property). 

Mr. Hess reported that all work is complete, but he plans to have an engineer re-survey the drain to verify whether its size is adequate. The discussion then turned to the requirement for an irrevocable letter of credit (bond) to remain in place for one year. Mr. Hess initially provided a bond for $25,000, but it was determined that the amount needed was $31,250. Both parties discussed and agreed to this revised amount.

After the motion, County Inspector Tory Richardson noted that a few tasks remain before the project is fully approved: the twelve-inch culvert must be replaced to meet county standards, and a berm must be removed before the county would consider taking over the road.

Abandoned Road Near Illum Spring – Bart & Julie Kendall

Bart and Julie Kendall, owners of property near Illum Springs on 6100 West, attended the meeting to discuss the potential abandonment or conversion of a road to “agricultural access.” The road in question is not maintained, although it is listed as a county road by the Assessor’s office. It connects 2500 West and loops back to 5600 West. Prior to the CRP farm program, the road was frequently used, but now only Austin Tubbs and Lance Leavitt still use it. Mr. Leavitt, who was present at the meeting, agreed to use an access point further down if someone helped him expand the access to accommodate his farm equipment.

If the road were abandoned, it would be closed to everyone. As an alternative, the Kendalls inquired about establishing a permanent easement, but were informed that both options would require a public hearing. This hearing would allow the public to review the information and offer feedback. The commissioners’ role in the hearing would be to determine whether the requested action is in the county’s best interest. Attorney Lyle Fuller advised the Kendalls to take some time to decide whether to proceed with a petition for a public hearing.

Ambulance – EMS Organization

Kade Price of Oneida County Ambulance discussed how Idaho’s Open Meeting Law applies to the volunteer ambulance board. Due to the small size of the staff, they are unable to formally operate a board as required by Idaho Code. As a result, the idea of forming a committee, rather than a board, was considered. Mr. Price confirmed that the ambulance organization has its own budget, which is funded through ambulance billing rather than taxpayer dollars. He also clarified that the ambulance service was not created by ordinance and does not have the authority to set policies or make formal recommendations to the county. 

It was also mentioned that the Board of Commissioners is currently fulfilling the role of an ambulance board and there may not be a need to make any structural changes. However, public records laws would still apply to them, regardless of the informal setup.

Weeds – BLM Reimbursement Follow-Up

Attorney Lyle Fuller sent a letter to Ms. Kayla Blades at the BLM, and her office acknowledged receipt of the letter, promising a reply once the issue had been investigated.

129k Annual Overweight Permits – Hess Pumice

Hess Pumice submitted their annual 129k overweight permit applications as well as payment. This year they plan to run six trucks on the route.  A motion to accept the permits was approved.

129k Freight Route

Commissioner Lewis reported on the 129k Freight Plan, which is designed in urban and rural areas to support business in Idaho. In 2009, legislation changed and 129k routes needed to be submitted to the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) for approval.  This action was signed off on the county side, but missed submission to ITD. 

Molly Besaris with 4CASI has been appointed to the ITD Advisory Committee in District 5 and has received a grant ($10,000 each from county and city). Keller & Associates will evaluate the needs of the road by May 2025. Freight route grants could be available in 2026-2027.

Commissioner Lewis will speak with road engineer Steven Freiberger regarding the temporary detour of the 129k route during the Bannock Street Road Project.  The proposed detour would move traffic to Highway 38 from Bannock Street via Samaria Lane and North Depot Road.

Depot Road Expense 

The board of commissioners previously approved funds to straighten the “s” curve on Depot Road. To date, the expenses for this project have come in under the estimated and approved amount. Once the project is complete, the Road & Bridge department will submit for reimbursement through county PILT funds (per a motion from the 5/28/2024 commissioner meeting). 

Rural Idaho Economic Development Professional (EDPRO) Grant Amendment

An additional $5,000 was approved for the program and requires a signature and invoice to be signed by commissioners.

Project Silver (REDI)

Teresa McKnight, CEO of Rural Idaho Economic Development (REDI), often receives inquiries from companies interested in relocating to Idaho through Project Silver. Companies fill out a form outlining their specific requirements, which allows counties to assess how well they can meet those needs and extend an invitation for the business to consider relocating to their area.

Bulk Fuel Tank Refill

The county’s bulk fuel tank is approaching the refill threshold set by the commissioners. Three companies submitted bids in the previous round, and they were invited to provide updated bids for approximately 7,000 gallons of 88-octane, ethanol-free fuel. Although Hall Oil’s bid was the lowest, it did not specify the type of fuel.

Bear River Valley Coop: $3.195

Hall Oil: $2.569

Valley Wide: $2.966

Commissioner Eliason motioned that if the bid from Hall Oil is not for 88-octane ethanol-free, then the county would accept the next lowest bid from Valley Wide in the amount of $2.966 per gallon. Seconded by Commissioner Lewis.