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minutes meeting date 2026-03-09 · fetched 2026-09-09 · 16137 characters · read by OCR, check numbers against the source · official file · plain text
Monday, March 9, 2026
Page 1 of 7
JEROME COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Monday, March 9, 2026
PRESENT: Ben Crouch, Chairman
Charles Howell, Vice Chairman
Art Watkins, Commissioner
Ryan Treanor, Deputy Clerk
Meeting convened at 9:08 am.
Commissioner Reports
Commissioner Watkins – Commissioner Watkins stated that he attended the legislative session
virtually. He then attended the IAC meeting virtually.
Commissioner Howell – Commissioner Howell stated that he did an interview on the radio.
Commissioner Crouch – Commissioner Crouch stated that he attended the rotary meeting at the
senior center. Then he attended the IAC legislative meeting virtually. He worked on a support
letter for northside canal. He attended the taxpayer legislative meeting as well as the legislative
meeting virtually. He also attended the airport advisory board meeting.
Zoning Map Amendment from A-2 to REC-1
Ryan Christensen and David Thibault were present.
Commissioner Howell stated that he will be recusing himself from this meeting as he had a
meeting regarding this previously and did not know that it would come before the Board.
David is looking to present on behalf of the company Danso LLC who is the owner of the
property just south of the travelers oasis. The purpose is for land development in the future.
There is a potential of an RV park and a golf course that they may add in the future. The rezone
is to allow for those opportunities. Commissioner Watkins asked if there is a time frame they are
looking for. He stated that they are looking to begin plans immediately to help with building the
rv park. He had reached out to the staff regarding what the best zoning would be for an rv park
and other items. The property is currently zoned as residential and is looking to update to rec 1.
Ryan stated that the section of this update would fit regarding the surrounding areas for
commercial use. He stated that most owners aren’t required to reach out to agencies about a
rezone. It was suggested to the owners that they reach out to fish and game regarding the rezone,
and fish and game suggested a 100 foot setback from the edge of the canyon.
Commissioner Crouch stated that there is a lot of work done to show the rezone should be done
according to the rules. Commissioner Watkins stated that he agreed with Commissioner Crouch
and that it fits with the rules regarding a rezone to recreation.
Local Congressional Office Employees Discussion
Monday, March 9, 2026
Page 2 of 7
Mike Matthews, Samantha Marshall, Jessica Hammond, Cy Lootens, and Brenda Weekes were
present.
Mike stated that they are doing their yearly outreach. He stated that they try to reach out to every
county each year. He stated that there is an email for each office and that they have ways to reach
out regarding issues. Another thing that is offered through their offices is American flags. The
other thing that their offices provide is a regular newsletter. The naval academy nominations can
also be done through their offices. He stated that they can help with tours in Washington DC.
Another service that they help with is contacting federal agencies regarding certain issues that
may be going on in the area.
Commissioner Crouch asked about the renaming of the post office. Samantha stated that there is
a process for the renaming and there is still a wait in the process for the renaming. She stated she
will follow up with the process and where in the process it is. Commissioner Howell wanted to
see about the exchanging of property for the snake river canyon parks and what could be done
with that process. Samantha stated that there are options available for that and that they can try to
help with that when this process starts.
Changes to Planning and Zoning Commission’s By Laws
Ryan Christensen was present.
Ryan stated that he has some proposed changes to the planning and zoning commission’s by
laws. The changes are regarding the size of the commission from 12 down to 9. This is
something the commission is hoping to be able to achieve and that a commission with the size of
12 is not realistic. The other change is regarding the times for the meeting. The adjustment states
that the meetings would be allowed to last for a total of 4 hours. There was a discussion
regarding residency to be able to then join the board. The commission felt that the 5-year
requirement was a good amount of time to become accustomed to the area before joining the
commission. He stated that the by laws can’t be approved today, but that there has to be a
presentation a month before any approval to changes.
Meeting recessed at 11:23 am.
Meeting reconvened at 1:18 pm.
Commissioner Howell was absent due to personal matters.
Airport By Laws and Land Lease Agreement Signing
Brenda Oster and Daryl Oster were present.
Commissioner Crouch stated that the Board is meeting to consider signing the land lease
agreement for the airport hangar that Daryl and Brenda Oster purchased. Daryl stated that he had
a question regarding the payment of utilities per the agreement, but the water is not included. He
was wondering how much it is and where the payment would need to be paid to. He also stated
that Marty from the airport told him the cost of water is included in the rent of the hangar so if
Monday, March 9, 2026
Page 3 of 7
there is no specific amount that would be ok. He stated that he appreciates the work that the
Commissioners have done to improve the airport and protect it for its purpose.
Commissioner Crouch moved to sign the lease for the Osters. Seconded by
Commissioner Crouch. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
South Central Public Health Board Member Appointment
Linda Montgomery was present via a phone call.
The Board wanted to discuss the appointment of Linda Montgomery to the South Central Public
Health board. Her current term is coming to an end and the Board wanted to discuss the potential
of reappointing her. Linda stated that the terms are five years. The Board asked how long she has
been serving on the health board. She stated that she has been on the board for over 30 years. She
stated that she thinks that she has only missed one meeting during that time. Commissioner
Crouch stated that they are discussing the potential of either reappointing her or to have one of
the commissioners be appointed to the board. Linda stated that she wants to continue on the
public health board, and that up until recently the entire board was composed of community
volunteers. Commissioner Watkins stated that he wants to see Linda step down just due to some
health issues that she is having. Commissioner Crouch stated that he agreed and wanted to state
how much the Board has appreciated all of her help with this time.
Commissioner Crouch moved to reappoint Linda Montgomery to the South
Central Public Health board to another term ending in 2031, in order to finish out
her term on the national board and will resign in June 2027. Seconded by
Commissioner Watkins. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Active Shooter Procedure Discussion and Approval
Eric Jackson, Cy Lootens, and Tevian Kober were present.
Eric stated that since he started doing security at this building that he has looked at procedures
and training that has been done with staff. He noticed that there was no training that has been
done for active shooter or bomb threats. There has also not been a fire alarm drill done recently
either. He put together a poster to discuss the procedures for all of these events. That way every
office can have something available to reference.
Use of County Vehicles
Eric Jackson, Tevian Kober, and Cy Lootens were present.
The Board wanted to discuss some vehicles that were given back to the county for general use
from a county department. The Board thought that maybe the van that was donated could be used
in case of emergencies and it could be used as a courtesy car if need be. The pickup can be used
for county use.
Monday, March 9, 2026
Page 4 of 7
Capital Funds for Jerome County Fairgrounds, Temporary Fairgrounds Employee
Amanda Worthington and Cy Lootens were present.
Amanda stated that she had brought the quote for the sprinkler repair that was done at the
fairgrounds. She stated that there were some unforeseen expenses with the repair that was done.
After it was completed, the total came out to $13,181.17. The total increase for the project was
$3,524.57.
Commissioner Crouch moved to approve $3,524.57 for the digging up of drain
line and replacing it. Seconded by Commissioner Watkins. The motion passed
with a unanimous vote.
She wanted to discuss the hiring of a temporary employee. Usually she is able to do the hiring of
an employee without approval. The person she is considering is a family member and wanted to
be transparent with it. This person does not live with her or need the financial gain of the
position. There was approval for this hiring from legal counsels and HR since it is for a
temporary position.
Commissioner Crouch moved to allow the temporary hiring based on those
stipulations. Seconded by Commissioner Watkins. The motion passed with a
unanimous vote.
Discussion: The stipulations are regarding an end date at the end of June 2026,
drug testing in case of an accident while working, and an overseeing and
accounting of projects between Amanda and the Board.
Airport Gates and Credit Cards
Marty Luhr and Cy Lootens were present.
Marty stated that he had a discussion at the airport board regarding the fenceline. There is a part
of the fenceline that is connected with two chains. He is looking to get a new fence placed there
and along another section of the airport. He received a quote for the project. He also has a quote
to replace the electric motor on the fuel tank. He stated that the current one is from the 70’s.
With the age of the motor he is wanting to see the motor replaced so it is more up to date.
Commissioner Watkins moved to accept the bid for the chain link fence for the
airport, to increase security, in the amount of $1,444.00. Seconded by
Commissioner Crouch. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Marty wanted to discuss tie down fees and the use of credit cards at the airport. If the plane is
tied down, then they would need to pay for that. Cy stated that there could be a QR code placed
for these fees like there may be at the overlook park. He has also ordered shirts and pamphlets
for airport day.
Monday, March 9, 2026
Page 5 of 7
Declaration of Independence Pledge
Mark Swenson, Tracy Perkins, and Cy Lootens were present.
Mark stated that the chief deputy in Ada County sent them an idea that their county is looking to
do this year. The idea is a pledge to read the declaration of independence between now and the
4th of July. The idea is also for the 250th anniversary of the declaration of independence. Part of
the idea would be to consider having something posted in the paper showing the individuals who
took part in the pledge.
ETS Judicial Complex Tower Decision
Matthew McGregor and Cy Lootens were present.
Matthew stated that he received information from ETS regarding the towers that ETS is looking
to add in the judicial complex’s parking lot. The purpose of the letter is to help in regards to the
special use permit for the tower with the City of Jerome. The point-to-point system is not a long
term solution with the way that it was installed. The sleds need to be hard mounted instead of the
way that the sleds are currently mounted. IT has had to turn off the point-to-point system several
times due to wind issues. The towers are behind the building in the secure parking section, and
would allow for work on the tower without interrupting traffic in the parking lot.
Commissioner Crouch moved to sign the paperwork for the communications
tower at the county judicial building, so that ETS broadband can apply for a
special use permit. Seconded by Commissioner Watkins. The motion passed with
a unanimous vote.
Discussion: The Board stipulated that the signing is just for ETS to apply for a
special use permit with the city.
Next Steps for Memorandum of Understanding with Fair Board
Jerry Holton was present.
The Board stated that they wanted to discuss the memorandum of understanding with the fair
board. The MOU that was received is a new version with updated information. The Board
wanted to place the topic on another weeks agenda to allow for more time to review the updated
version that was just received.
Sign and Approve Claims
Commissioner Watkins moved to approve the claims as presented by staff.
Seconded by Commissioner Crouch. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
To see an image of the report please see page 7 of the minutes.
Next Steps for Planning and Zoning Commission Workshop Regarding Energy Ordinance
Monday, March 9, 2026
Page 6 of 7
Jerry Holton was present.
The Board wanted to discuss the next steps for another workshop for the energy ordinance. The
Board is considering a date of 3/23 for the meeting. Gary Armstrong is part of the planning and
zoning department of Madison County. The Board stated Gary will be available to attend the
meeting and discuss what he has done in his county regarding an energy ordinance. Once the
discussion with the planning and zoning commission finishes along with the input of Gary, then
the Board would open the meeting up for public comment. The Board wanted to reiterate that the
input they receive regarding solutions is highly valued. The Board stated that there needs to be
something put in for the conditions of these permits and that it needs to be strict. This needs to be
done across the board with all types of projects no matter if it is wind, solar, etc. The Board feels
like they need more information regarding some of the projects and what the danger of each one
is. There was also a feeling about how to protect the natural resources around the county. The
plan for the meeting is to hold it at 6 pm on March 23rd to continue the discussion on the
ordinance. The Board also reminded everyone to send in either written or printed comments in
advance of the next workshop later this month.
Meeting adjourned at 5:23 pm.
________________________
______________________________
Ryan Treanor, Deputy Clerk
A. Ben Crouch, Chairman
______________________________
Charles M. Howell, Commissioner
______________________________
Art Watkins, Commissioner
BUDGET TOTALS
DEPARTMENT
CLERK
ASSESSOR
REASURER
UMAN RESOURCES
OMMISSIONERS
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PAYROLL ACCT PAY
$
GRAND TOTAL
95.00
16.53
$ 1,095.32 1,095.32
$ 320.76 320.76
$ 419.56 419.56
95.00
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11
CORONER -
BUILDING & GROUNDS MAINT. $ 3,304.00 3,304.00
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13
4
5
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LECTIONS
HARITY
ENERAL
£F/ 69
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT -
EXTENSION AGENT $ 3,174.53 3,174.53
41,147.15 41,147.15
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34,494.58
390.54
34,494 58
390.54
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VETERANS
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SHERIFF-DETENTION
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64,457.97 4,457.97
298.93 | $ 5,298.9
383.68 9,383.68
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| 16
| 18
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8|PUBLIC DEFENDERS
9|JUVENILE PROBATION
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$ 1,802.45 1,802.45
$ 2,238.00 2,238.00
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$ 8,421.22 8,421.22
$ 40,175.89 40,175.89
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ub Total (Justice Fund) $ - $ 67,320.17 67,320.17
AIRPORT
ETERANS MEMORIAL
DISTRICT COURT
FAIR
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$30,000.00
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CAPITAL FAIR
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$ 22,496.13
6/64/69
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SOLID WASTE
bo
WEED
ELECTION CONSOLIDATION -
REVALUATION $ 798.51 798.51
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$ 187,077.50 187,077.50
AMBULANCE
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AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN
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RAND TOTAL
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$ $313,318.85 |$ 283,318.85
$ 465,096.99 465,096.99
44/44
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