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minutes meeting date 2026-07-13 · fetched 2026-09-09 · 16670 characters · read by OCR, check numbers against the source · official file · plain text
APPROVED COMMISSIONER MEETING OF July 13, 2026 The Caribou County Commissioners met in regular session on July 13, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Those in attendance were: Mark Mathews, Commissioner Chair George Hulse Bryce Somsen, Commissioner Laura Lind, Friends of the City Park Marty McCullough, Commissioner Launa Burns, Friends of the City Park Jill Stoor, Clerk Mark Stenburg, PacifiCorp Doug Wood, Prosecutor Steven Liechty, PacifiCorp Kevin McLain, Road & Bridge Charity Staggs, SICOG Eric Hobson, Public Safety Steven McArthur, SICOG Rowdy Larkins, Maint. & Building Andrew Simonson Dwight Lloyd, Weed Control Robert Buck Helen Barker, Parks & Recreation/P&Z Brandon Hall, The Idaho Enterprise Aaron Cook, Assessor The meeting opened with Bryce Somsen leading the pledge of allegiance and prayer. Kevin McLain, Road & Bridge: e Kevin state that Jake Poulsen with Keller & Associates is on phone to address questions about the bridge on Kelly Toponce Road. Jake stated that a hydraulic study is needed to stay within the law. Irrigation was turned off on July 9" and the reservoir level is low. Discussion was held on options for a bridge replacement and what options are available. The board decided to move forward and sign the task order from Keller to move forward with the project. Commissioner Somsen motion to approve Task Order #8 for Kelly Toponce Rd. Bridge Survey & Hydraulics Services with Keller Associates, Inc. Commissioner McCullough seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. e The Eight-Mile Bridge project is starting now and will continue through May. Kevin spoke with Bear Lake County and they are willing to extend the distance that they plow snow to keep the roads open. e Kevin spoke with a Crow Creek property owner that would like to be a year-round resident and proposed plowing the read himself. The Forest Service and Lincoln County in Wyoming did not approve the idea. If we were to approve they would have to have some kind of condition use permit with some kind of condition set if there is road damage. Concerns included questions about groomed snowmobile trails, parking areas, logistics of crossing forest and state lands, and maintenance problems. e Keven presented several quotes for the purchase of a new grapple bucket. Western States CAT bid was at $3487 with the other bid at $5300. This would be a solid bucket with grapple arms and the Weed Control department would also be able to use the unit. He stated they had lower price units however they were not solid bucket that could move the needed material. Commissioner Minutes 7-13-2026 Page 1 Commissioner Somsen motioned to approve up to $3500 for purchase of grapple bucket for the skid steer from Western States. Commissioner McCullough seconded the motion. All voted to approve. e Because of a call received by Kevin, a discussion was held about the Dike Reservoir Easement Road. It has been brought to several offices. The easements were on the original plat, however are not county roads and we do not maintain those roads. e Last few years they have mowed along county roads and are struggled with keeping the mower running. Options for a different mower were discussed. He stated that the blue tractor is not functioning well and he would like to look at purchasing a new utility tractor with the skid steer attachments. Kevin will get bids for a tractor and mower for the board’s approval. e The crew is still chip sealing and will be moving to Smoky Canyon next week. They will finish up in Bancroft area Tuesday and move equipment on Wednesday. e Kevin worked with HK and has a committed to let us have the milling on Soda project; we may need to help with stockpile. They also inquired on road base, and Kevin feels good about that going to the gravel pit in Soda and possibly some to Georgetown. Kevin met with the BLM in the Stauffer pit; where we need more weed spraying possible with a drone. And they will look at more grass seed at first snowfall. The BLM agreed. Crews will move the crusher back in and continue in the current mining area. Eric Hobson, Public Safety: e Fire season has been looking good far with 20 fires, all small. The largest was 5-10 acres and was stopped at irrigated ground. There are concerns with crops changing and irrigation turning off. Watching Utah, Colorado, and Arizona, conditions are not promising. State and county burn ban are still in effect and Eric feels were are as prepared as possible with our mutual aid agreements in place assistance is also available and prepared. We have had record heat and wind days over the weekend as well. e He has received requests for ambulance standbys with the upcoming fair and rodeo season. e SICOG is coming to talk about fire mitigation plans and get a proposal approved. Rowdy Larkins, Courthouse Maintenance/Building Dept: e The elevator is still out of service; Rowdy stated that Schindler over the last few weeks nothing happening that they promised. He has looked into two options for elevator service contracts. TK Elevated is a Dover distributor and have a technician based out of Pocatello and have sent a proposal. Metro has a technician out of Logan, UT and will send someone this week and provide a proposal. Doug had reviewed the contract previously in the week and they would need to provide a termination letter with a 120-day notice or a 30-day notice if we have reason to believe they are in default of contract. The board agreed to terminate the contract with Schindler and move forward with a new contract. eel Commissioner Minutes 7-13-2026 Page 2 Commissioner Somsen made a motion to begin the terminate process to discontinue with the maintenance agreement with Schindler, and approve contract with TK Elevator. Commissioner McCullough seconded the motion and the board voted unanimously to approve the change. The Event center weeds were removed and sprayed by Dwight. Rowdy asked question on parking lot and stated that the fair board wants a grassy area left. This would mean the smaller parking with the option to exit down along art building would work best. He will look at getting the sprinkler lines redistributed before laying sod and hopefully before the fair. Discussion then turned to the number of handicap spaces in the new parking log. Blind quotes for event center from Budget Blinds for13 windows came in at half price of Easy to Please. The board asked him to contact EZ and see if there is room to negotiate Rowdy presented a contract with Prime Time Auctions so that he can place vehicles on consignment. Commissioner McCullough made a motion to enter into a consignment agreement with Prime Time Auction to sell county surplus. Commissioner Somsen second the motion — all voted aye. The MOA for Building Code Enforcement / Inspection/ Services Agreement with Bancroft was presented for a signature. Dwight Lloyd, Weed Control: Dwight presented a bid for two exterior man doors for the weed shop. Commissioner Somsen motioned to approve the purchase of two doors for a total of $4977. Commissioner McCullough seconded the motion. Motion passed. Dwight discussed where the cost of postage should come from in his budget. Jill told him that he could bring the letters to courthouse and postage will come out of General Fund Sundries line item. He stated that they have completed around 70% of the work for the year. Dwight is still waiting for one quote on the portable water tank. He would like to propose that he have a tank available at his home for spraying in the Grays Lake area. Dillon Liechty / Kent Loosle, Caribou Medical Center: Kent and Dillon did not attend. Helen Barker, Planning & Zoning / Parks & Recreation: Kevin & Helen brought up roads at Barley Meadows Subdivision. The discussion turned to issues of private roads and standards to become a county road. The road in Phase 2 of Barley Meadows has been approved; Phase 3 has not. A remedy going forward on new developments with potential to become a county road was discussed. Commissioner Minutes 7-13-2026 Page 3 Commissioner Somsen motioned to approve the addition of Phase 3 of the Barley Meadows Subdivision as a private road. Marty Seconded the motion and all voted aye. Commissioner Somsen made a motion to enter into public hearing to hear comment on Ordinance 2026-06, An ordinance amending Chapter 13.65 (Short-term Rental) of the Caribou County Code to comply with Idaho House Bill 583. Commissioner McCullough seconded the motion all voted yes and the public hearing began. Helen shared that this ordinance is an amendment to comply with Idaho House Bill 583 that took effect on July 1st Some changes were: elimination of administrative permit fee, applications are only allowed to ensure safety requirements such as fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, owner occupied requirement are no longer needed, and construction can take place now without requiring notice to adjacent property owners. It does require that egress windows comply with 2018 standards and emergency contact information be posted along with noise limit requirements. The commissioner expressed frustration that the ordinance takes away any county control and enforcement has become impossible. Doug stated that is does give renters some recourse with personal law suits. Helen received no previous public comment and no public comment was heard today. Comm Mathews suggest coming out of the public hearing. Commissioner Somsen motion to adopt Ordinance 2026-06 An ordinance amending Chapter 13.65 (Short- term Rental) of the Caribou County Code to comply with Idaho House Bill 583. Commissioner McCullough seconded the motion. The motion passed. e Concerns about geothermal companies operating in the Bancroft-Chesterfield area were also discussed: noting that under the Geothermal Resource Act, the county has limited control over geothermal activities. They are regulated by the state through the Idaho Department of Water Resources. Laura Lind, Friends of the City Park: e A+ Construction donated asphalt with requirement to make pickleball courts at the Soda Springs City Park. The Friends of the City Park are working to raise $27,000 for striping, nets and fencing. They had an opening on July 1st where 14 teams competed in a tournament. The pickleball courts will be where tennis courts used to be on north end with 4 courts. The board approved a $5,000 donation to the park project, with additional funding being sought through grants. Commissioner Somsen motioned to offer a $5,000 donation to the Friends of the City Park for work on the new pickleball courts in the park from P.I.L.T. miscellaneous donation. Commissioner McCullough seconded the motion. All voted aye. Commissioner Minutes 7-13-2026 Page 4 Doug Wood, Prosecutor: e Doug addressed concerns with the elevator not functioning yet. We had a jury trial scheduled for today and had it not settled, the elevator not working could create a significant issue. Jill Stoor, Clerk: e — Jill presented the Computer Arts / Harris Computer Agreement for the upcoming 2027 Fiscal Year reflecting a ten percent increase. Commissioner Somsen motion to approve the contract with Computer Arts / Harris for the upcoming 2027 Fiscal Year. Commissioner McCullough seconded the motion. Motion passed and the contract was signed. e The lease on the postage machine in the Clerk's Office has reached the end of the five-year lease program. Jill presented the new lease with Quadient, LLC for signatures from the board. Commissioner Somsen motion to approve lease with Quadient, LLC for new five-year lease at a cost of $203.27 per month. Commissioner McCullough seconded the motion. Motion passed and the lease was signed. e The Tenex Software Agreement was presented for board approval. This is a maintenance and support agreement for the EPoll books used now for the elections. The cost is at $2,500 per year and Jill had this entered in the Elections Budget when they were presented in June. Commissioner Somsen motion to approve the agreement with Tenex Software for maintenance and support of election equipment at a cost of $2,500 per year. Commissioner McCullough seconded the motion. Motion passed. e Jill shared the Notice of Public Hearing for the vacation of First South Street near Mullen Investments I, LLC from the City of Soda Springs The meeting will be July 15 at 5:15 p.m. e The Pass Through Funds Recipient Agreement from the Idaho Department of Juvenile Correction for the JCA & Cigarette/Tobacco Tax Funding was presented for a total of $30,800 over the state 2027 fiscal year. Commissioner McCullough motioned to approve the Pass Through Funds Recipient Agreement of the JCA & Cigarette/Tobacco Tax Funding. Commissioner Somsen seconded the motion and the motion passed. e The Pass Through Funds Recipient Agreement from the Idaho Department of Juvenile Correction for the Community Based Alternative Services (CBAS) and Substance Use Disorder Services (SUDS) was presented for the state 2027 fiscal year with amounts based needed services. Commissioner McCullough motioned to approve the Pass Through Funds Recipient Agreement for the CBAS and SUDS Progams. Commissioner Somsen seconded the motion and the motion passed. Commissioner Minutes 7-13-2026 Page 5 e Porter's Pub has sold and transferred their state liquor license to Third Times A Charm, LLC. Jill asked for a motion to approve the transfer of Caribou County Liquor License #11. Commissioner Somsen made a motion to approve the transfer of license # 11 to Third Times A Charm, LLC. Commissioner McCullough seconded the motion and the motion passed. Helen Barker, Parks & Recreation: The meeting discussed proposed signage for boat launches and docks at Oregon Trail Marina and Second Ridge, with concerns raised about safety regulations and jurisdictional control over waterways. Participants debated the implementation of no-wake rules and boat restrictions, particularly regarding areas A and B of the reservoir. The discussion also covered water levels in local reservoirs. The discussion led to legal questions regarding the private reservoir and emphasized the importance of using it while maintaining safety and community access. The group discussed the need for an MOU with the sheriff's office and county to restore funding for patrols and ensure a safe environment. They also addressed erosion issues, wake restrictions, and the potential for community involvement in reservoir management, while noting ongoing questions about water ownership. The conversation ended with plans to further discuss an MOU for remediation efforts. The group also addressed ongoing challenges with public meetings and legal consultations regarding jurisdictional issues, deciding to schedule a limited public input meeting on July 27th at 2 PM to discuss these matters. Charity Stagg, SICOG: SICOG handled the bidding process for the fire mitigation project in Bailey Creek. They had three contractors present at the walk through. Two of those combined to submit a bid. The winning bid is from Retroscape, LLC out of Arimo, ID They project includes brush and tree removal on approximately 30 properties; they will be required to submit additional documentation before August 6, 2026 at 5 p.m. Commissioner Somsen motion to accept the bid of Retroscape, LLC as administered by SICOG. Commissioner Mathews seconded the motion. All aye and the letter awarding the project was assigned. Jill Stoor, Clerk: e Commissioner Somsen made a motion to convene an executive session pursuant to I.C. 74-206 (b) at 12:15 p.m. Commissioner McCullough seconded the motion. Commissioner Somsen voted aye; Commissioner McCullough voted aye; Commissioner Mathews voted aye. The motion passed and the executive session began. e Commissioner Mathews suggested ending the executive session at 1:14 p.m. No decisions were made. Commissioner Minutes 7-13-2026 Page 6 Other: e Commissioner Somsen made a motion to approve the agenda as presented for 7/13/2026. Commissioner McCullough seconded the motion. Motion passed. e Commissioner Somsen made a motion to approve the minutes of 6/22/2026 as amended, the claims approval report in the amount of $805,580.98 for 7/10/2026 and the payroll claims in the amount of $653,847.50 for 7/3/2026. Commissioner McCullough seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. e The meeting adjourned at 1:14 p.m. The Caribou County Board of Commissioners will meet again on July 27, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. for a regular session. Signed: Mark Mathews, Commissioner Chair Attested: Jill Stoor, Clerk Al ih (in Seer Commissioner Minutes 7-13-2026 Page 7
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