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minutes meeting date 2025-08-18 · fetched 2026-09-13 · 12186 characters · official file · plain text
Cassia County Board of Commissioners
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Monday, August t8,2025
Cossid County Courthouse . Commission Chambers
7459 Overldnd Ave . Room 206 . Builey lD 83378
9:00 AM The Cassia County Board of Commissioners met today at the place and time as posted by agenda
pursuant to ldaho Code 5 74-204 for Open Meetings Law.
ACTION AGENDA ITEMS
1) 9:02 AM Call to order
2) Pledge of Allegiance and prayer
3) 9:05 AM Roll call
Roll Call.
Present: Leonard M. Beck - Chair, Kent R. Searle - Member, Bob Kunau - Member, Ricki Tkachyk - Deputy Clerk
(Not voting)
4) 9:05 AM Calendar, meetings, committee reports, and correspondence were reviewed.
9:06 AM Assistant to the Board McMurray joined the meeting
5) 9:10 AM Approve payables for 8/18/2025
9:10 AM Motion and Action: Approve payables in the amount of $156,687.50 as presented onBl1,8l2025,
Moved by Bob Kunau - Member, Seconded by Kent R. Searle - Member. Motion passed unanimously.
6) 11:25 AM Approve minutes from 6/9/2025
1L:25 AM Motion and Action: Approve minutes from 6/9/2025 as presented, Moved by Kent R. Searle -
Member, Seconded by Bob Kunau - Member. Motion passed unanimously.
7) 9:12 AM Approval of Clerk's Office recommendations regarding junior colleBe Certificates of Residency
9:12 AM Motion and Action: Approve 34 Certificates of Residency and one denial for a total of 35 applicants as
presented, Moved by Bob Kunau - Member, Seconded by Kent R, Searle - Member. Motion passed unanimously.
8) 9:13 AM Personnel Matters - Change of Status Requests
a) Sheriff's Office - Nolan McLerran - Certified Patrol Deputy - City - Certification
9:14 AM Motion and Action: Approve Change of Status Request as presented, Moved by Kent R. Searle -
Member, Seconded by Bob Kunau - Member. Motion passed unanimously.
l lPaBe
7
9) Executive Session - held as a timed item #1.8 on the agenda.
10) 9:44 AM Discuss Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposed competitive geothermal lease sale for lands
managed by Burley Field Office - McMurray
CASSIA COUNTY COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
Monday, August 18, 2025
a) The BLM sought input on 18 proposed geothermal leases in Blaine, Camas and Cassia counties, including
a parcel in the Jim Sage Mountains near Almo.
b) lmpacts are mainly short-term during exploration and long-term if developed. Environmental comments
arc due by 8/29/2025.
c) The county would receive a small portion of the proceeds of any leases entered into within the county.
11) 9:56 AM Review and approve additional funding for The Tint Shop lnvoice
a) The Board reviewed an additional 5200.00 on a previously approved invoice for the Tint Shop on a
vehicle. The original motion on 10/1512024 covered S3,071.70. Additional information was requested.
b) 10:55 AM Revisited the matter. The overage reflects existing tint removal on the vehicle. The work had
already been completed.
10:56 AM Motion and Action: Approve the additional 5200.00 for the cost of tint removal in the Sheriff's Office
as presented, Moved by Kent R. Searle - Member, Seconded by Bob Kunau Member. Motion passed
una nimously.
12) L0:58 AM Approve Southern ldaho Solid Waste Final BudBet for FY2026
10:58 AM Motion and Action: Approve the final budget proposal from Southern ldaho Solid Waste of
S1,043,556.08 as presented, Moved by Kent R. Searle - Member, Seconded by Bob Kunau - Member. Motion
passed una n imously.
13) 11:32 AM Cottonwood Acres Appeal Discussion
a) Prosecutor Larsen requested this item be placed on the next week's agenda so that he could have
additional time to review the matter.
SCHEDULED ACTION AGENDA ITEMS
14) 9:15 AM Reports from Veterans Service Office
a) VSO Driscoll presented the July report and noted that at the County Fair they successfully engaged with
a significant number of new veterans.
b) He stated that access to discharge records and Veterans Affairs (VA) claims processing times had
improved.
c) The Board discussed the recognition of veterans at the rodeo and plans for the 250th anniversary of the
Declaration of lndependence in 2026. ldeas included encouraging veterans' attendance and reserving
specialseating.
d) Driscoll also announced a Quilt of Valor ceremony on Wednesday, 8/2O/2O25, at 12:00 PM, where six
quilts would be awarded, including one to former sheriff lim Higgins.
15) 9:26 AM Public Assembly Permit application presentation - R.W. McEuen
a) Mr. McEuen presented plans for a 7 /3/2026-7 /5/2026 patriotic celebration in Albion with up to 16,000
attendees. He has coordinated with Sheriff Thompson, Kane Security, and local medical providers, and
submitted letters of support from the Albion City Council and the landowner.
b) The Board asked about sanitation, law enforcement needs, camping on site, coordination with the
Albion City parade, and the Minidoka 250 Year Celebration Committee. He outlined safety, sanitation,
traffic control, and economic benefits, including a portion of ticket proceeds earmarked for the benefit
of Albion.
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REGULAR SESSION
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2lPage
c) McEuen requested a letter of acknowledgement from the Board to show investors. The Board took the
request under advisement.
16) 9:41 AM Consider any reductions in published budget - Auditor's Office
a) Elected Clerk Larsen reviewed the published FY2026 budget, noting revenues and reserves would amply
cover projected expenses, including the new building project.
b) He advised that no reductions were necessary ahead of the upcoming hearing.
17) 9:59 AM Discuss and approve purchase of replacement printer for Planning and Zoning - Ean Pigford
10:03 AM Motion and Action: Approve the purchase of a copier for the Planning and Zoning in the amount
S1,984.00 as presented, Moved by Kent R. Searle - Member, Seconded by Bob Kunau - Member. Motion passed
unanimously.
18) 10:09 AM Executive Session
1.0:09 AM Motion and Action: Enter Executive Session pursuant to ldaho Code 574-206 lll (b) to consider
personnel issues and ldaho Code I74-206 (1) (i) to communicate with risk manager/insurer regarding
pend ing/imm inently-likely claims, Moved by Kent R. Searle - Member, Seconded by Bob Kunau - Member. Vote:
Motion carried by unanimous roll callvote (summary: Yes = 3). Yes: Kent R. Searle - Member, Bob Kunau -
Member, Leonard M. Beck - Chair.
10:55 AM Upon exit of Executive Session, the Board took the matter under advisement
19) 11:34 AM Juvenile Detention discussion - Twin Falls Commissioner Reinke & K. Sandau, & N. Nakamura
a) The Board met with Twin Falls County Commissioner Reinke to discuss juvenile detention services. He
proposed using the Twin Falls detention center as a regional facility.
b) The proposal included quarterly joint powers meetings, complete transparency on facility operations
and budgeting, and active involvement from Cassia County's designated liaison and probation
ad ministrators.
c) 11:39 AM Probation, Misdemeanor Probation and Detention Administrator Sandau emphasized the
decline in detention numbers statewide and the importance of collaboration to manage costs. He
highlighted the role of diversion boards and early intervention strategies in reducing the need for
detention. Twin Falls officials invited Cassia to consider future participation to help sustain regional
operations.
d\ 7L:42 AM Juvenile Detention Administrator Nakamura described the facility's modern features,
including two secure visit rooms that can be used for arraignments. He stated that the center could use
mats and double-bunk rooms for overflow.
e) 11:43 AM Cassia County Prosecutor Larsen stressed that detention should be reserved for dangerous
youth. He urged Twin Falls to meet with iudge Pittard, who handles juvenile cases in both counties, to
address concerns about travel burdens. He welcomed Zoom capabilities and emphasized the need for
strong communication.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS ACTION AGENDA ITEMS
20) 10:59 AM Proposed County building discussion
a) Determination of architectural, engineering, construction management, and other related
matters in advancing the building process
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REGUTAR SESSION
Monday, August 18, 2025
3lPage
(i) Jason Jones of Jones Construction reported that the architect and design team had nearly
completed the bid documents, and the project was being advertised in the local newspaper
as required by ldaho Code.
(ii) Bid opening was set for 91412025, and a special meeting was proposed for 9/t1,l2O25lo
review and award bids.
(iii) erstad Architects proposed to upgrade the generator from a 50 kVA to a 100 kVA unit for
broader backup coverage. The Board discussed propane as a cleaner alternative but chose
diesel for reliability. The generator specifications were updated for bidding, with the fuel
type still flexible.
21.) 1.1.:12 AM Deliberation and decision on Eagle Eye Conditional Use Permit (CUP)/Concentrated Animal
Feeding Operation (CAFO) application
a) The Board reviewed the Eagle Eye CAFO application and addressed concerns related to road capacity
and water concerns. The highway district approved the road's condition, and Southwest lrrigation
confirmed adherence to water regulations.
b) Chair Beck raised questions about feed sourcing for the dairy, noting potential crop shifts and the
difficulty of organic certification. The Commissioners confirmed that organic and conventional crops
require similar amounts of water.
tt:22 AM Motion and Action: Approve Resolution No.2025-04, accepting the recommendation from Planning &
Zoning on the application 2025-02 the Conditional Use and CAFO permits for the Eagle Eye Dairy, Moved by
Kent R. Searle - Member, Seconded by Bob Kunau - Member. Motion passed unanimously.
22) 9:25 AM Employee appreciation event related matters
The employee appreciation picnic was scheduled for 9/1,212025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
23) 1.2:06 PM Adjourn
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12:06 PM Motion and Action: Adjourn, Moved by Kent R. Searle - Member, Seconded by Bob Kunau - Member.
Motion passed unanimously.
APPROVED:
fu'Ail''
Leonard M. Beck, Chair
DEPUTY CLERK OF THE BOARD:
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cAsstA COUNW COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
Monday, August 18, 2025
5lPage
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CASSIA COIJNTY
PAGE I OF 1
BOTH UNPAID CLAIMS & DEMANDS GENERALGOVERNMENT FUNDS
* UNAPPROVED DEMANDS APPEAR IN ACTUALS AND ALSO AS AN INVOICE .
Fund
GENERAL FUND (CURRENT EXPENSE)
ROAD & BRIDGE
DISTRICT COURT
JUSTICE FUND
CASSIA COUNTY FAIR
WATERWAYS
SNOWIVOBILE
PREVENTIVE HEALTH FUND
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS FUND
0001
0002
0006
0008
001 8
0025
0028
0032
0048
4,674,940.00
712,675.00
370,335.00
14,689,453.00
292,280.00
84,000.00
32,475.00
275,000.00
3,894,840.00
87O/O OF FISCAL YEAR ELAPSED
Budget
Actual
Demand/Clai
Amt
ms
_ Budget
1o Budget
Remaining Remaining
3,831,934.61
416,879.97
308,900.46
12,022,537.93
235,102.00
4,398.38
24,653.88
228,747.20
3,O11,443.49
12,218.55
117.25
1,000.00
42,208.74
26,154.55
1,300.00
25.60
22,874.72
50,788.09
843,005.39
295,795.03
61,434.54
2,666,915.07
57,178.00
79,601.62
7,821.12
46,252.80
883,396.51
18o/o
42o/o
17%
18%
20%
95o/o
24o/o
17%
23%
STATE OF IDAHO
CASSIA COUNTY
WE, THE CASSIA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, BEING DULY SWORN DO HEREBY CERTIFY AND DECLARE THAT
WE HAVE REVIEWED THE DEMANDS ENUMERATED AND REFERRED TO IN THE FOREGOING REGISTER, AND THAT THE SAME ARE
TOTHE BESTOF OUR KNOWLEDGEACCURATEANDARE JUSTCLAIMSAGAINSTTHE COUNTY, ANDTHATTHEREARE FUNDS
AVAILABLE FOR PAYMENT THEREOF IN
Total Amount Paid
156,687.50
ISSIONER
/1
-1 fr'
JUdb
APPROVED FOR DISTRIBUTION AS
IONER
COMMISSION
EfE
* WARNING: This fund is over budget
E o"prrtrqc* tl thrf ofthrBo.rd
S.UML.ARY CLAIMS APPROYAL .R{PORT
INCLUDING BUDGET BALANCES
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