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COMMISSIONER MEETING OF March 09, 2026 The Caribou County Commissioners met in regular session on March 09, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Those in attendance were: Mark Mathews, Commissioner Chair Ally Schwulst, GIS Bryce Somsen, Commissioner Aaron Cook, Assessor Tisha Young, Chief Deputy Clerk Chris Banks, Soil Conservation District Doug Wood, Prosecutor Jeff Godfrey Sharlene Simons, Deputy Clerk Jon Godfrey Kevin McLain, Road & Bridge Michael Blakey Shannon Olsen, Road & Bridge Galen Wilson, Caribou Historical Preservation Eric Hobson, Public Safety Coleen Benson, Chesterfield Foundation Kya Simmons, Public Safety Alexis Matrone, ISHS/SHPO Rowdy Larkins, Maint. & Building Rick Phillips, Idaho Historical Society Russ Roper, Sheriff's Office Tom Calton, GIS Contracting Justin Steele, Courthouse Security Adam Hansen Helen Barker, Parks & Recreation Dave Parkhouse Brandon Hall, The Idaho Enterprise The meeting opened with Bryce Somsen leading the pledge of allegiance and prayer. Kevin McLain, Road & Bridge: Kevin had Shannon Olsen come in and talk about the 2017 truck 36 that had a check engine light on. They started pulling codes on it and found that it is not very fail safe. They started tearing into it by starting with the AGR valve and mentioned that from there it rippled from bad to worse to almost catastrophic. After looking into this, it could cost an engine/turbo. This could cost about $22,000 for everything without the turbo. There could be some additional costs, depending on the damage all of this has done. Shannon shared a couple of options and they will pull the motor themselves and ship it off. Kevin found a couple of quotes for the cattle guards for Jeff Godfrey. PTI in Preston is $11,000 each. Richardson Fabrication will build them for $7,000. It was suggested to check with the Farm and Ranch Stores in Montana, Western Ranch Supply, and with the state to see where they get theirs from. Another option would be for the county to build them if they have time. They are finishing up the Ant Canyon project this week. They will leave the cinders as is for the time being. On the 16t. they will start the silica sand haul. They need MSHA task training certifications on the trucks. They will only be doing this for a week and should be close to the amount needed by then, and if needed they could return at a later date to finish. Commissioner Minutes 03-09-2026 Page 1 Goodfellows came to talk to the guys and train them on the crusher. They found a couple of things that they will need to come and repair themselves. A counter weight under cone brace needs to be fixed. There were 12 people out there so now they have plenty of people to understand the crusher. He mentioned the people doing the power lines on Substation Road have been driving that road all winter long. He asked if there is reimbursement to repair the road. He does not think there was permission to them to use the road. That road was graveled last fall. Kevin will talk to them to see if they have money to repair these roads. Bingham County wants us to permanently close the road on Government Dam Road by Browns next year. Bingham County has a Declaration with all the road closures and if anyone has trouble on those roads, they have to pay for services themselves. If we don’t do that, they will come to the county lines and put up barricades to protect their roads. Kevin thought that this is something our county should look into. Kevin was talking to Dwight about Lane’s Creek Road and a few other back roads, and with temperatures getting in the 60's, they talked about pulling some wings and start blading. He told Dwight he is going to transfer his blade in the summer over to Crow Creek for Hal. Dwight mentioned putting a snowplow on one of the 550 trucks to plow with. Eric Hobson, Fire/Ambulance: Eric shared that a couple of weeks ago, Representative Simpson's office put out their request for Community Project Funding. This is congressional money that they grant communities. He sent in big ticket items and one of those was on Black Mountain, they do not have a 700 radio up there and the state has been wanting to put one up there as well. They received support letter and he wrote up a Resolution that will be added to the All Hazards Plan. The application is under the Sheriff's Office and it is requesting $525,000 to install a 70OMHz P25 trunking repeater system to the Black Mountain Site. Commissioner Somsen made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-03 to adopt Black Mountain Communication Mitigation. Commissioner Mathews seconded the motion. Motion passed. He then shared the Idaho Office of Emergency Management, 2023 Grant Adjustment Notice for Caribou County Grant application. He mentioned that every time they have tried to close; the government shuts down so they have not been able to get paid for that project yet. This is just extending the dates, nothing else has changed. He needed a signature on this. He then presented 2 letters of support and requested signatures for them. These letters state that the Board endorse the Caribou County EMS in their quest to purchase a Stryker Gurney Power Load Kit costing $69,996.44 (the grant would pay up to $40,000) and to purchase a Chevy Braun North Star ambulance in the amount of $281,052.00 (the grant would pay up to $240,000). Eric is writing a grant for these purchases. Kya wanted to talk about website and will try to come back later today. There is not an AED in the Event Center. He found a refurbished one for $800. A new one is $1500 - 2500. He will get it ordered and get it down there. Kya was able to meet with Katie with the Revise County website and she asked about the logo and motto and if the county wanted to change them. Kya shared a logo that she came up with and Commissioner Somsen asked if the logo could be put inside of the shape of Caribou County. She will look into this. She will email the Board for final approval. It was decided that a formal motion on the logo was not necessary. Dn nn nn a eee ee ee ee eee eee eee OOOO Commissioner Minutes 03-09-2026 Page 2 Rowdy Larkins, Courthouse Maintenance/Building Dept: Rowdy talked about the size of the generator. If it is on the skid it is 10 X 5.5 but when you add the enclosure for it, it jumps up to 18.5 X 7.5 feet which would not fit in the current spot. Commissioner Somsen mentioned it could have the enclosure changed. This has not left the factory yet, so Rowdy is hoping that if he needs to he can cancel it. Another option would be to move it to a different location. Rowdy will find out if the enclosure can be changed. Rowdy talked to Ishmel and the tank size can only be 36 or 72. He will call Cummins to see what other options can be done. He did get the rider floor cleaner and it does need dumped and filled about half way through and the battery held up to do the whole floor. Currently to drain the cleaner, he is draining in the fire station drain. There was discussion on the cleaning fees for the Event Center. He would like to meet with both Dally and the cleaners. After an event, Dally will be doing the cleaning. The locks are on the doors at the Event Center and now the software needs to be configured. Jeff has started building the stairs but they are not installed. Russ Roper, Sheriff Chief Deputy: e Chief Roper reported the tragic incident that happened at Alexander. He asked for permission to use the Boards letterhead and proposed to give a lifesaving award to Sargent Kolby Call. He would like to present Sheri as well with a letter of commendation. He then gave some details on the incident. He would like to present these this afternoon. Dwight Lloyd, Weed Dept.: Dwight did not attend today. Chris Banks, Caribou Soil Conservation: Chris Banks came and shared what they have been doing at the Caribou Soil Conservation District in 2025. He mentioned that a lot of what they do is driven by the Clean Water Act specifically section 319. The Federal government allocates money to every state in the union and Idaho receives about $1,800,000.00 annually. That money is administered by DEQ and they offer grant programs. Projects they have done are: Stock Water System -. This was for Carl Hatch on 18 Mile Creek. Cross Fencing — This was done along the edge of the Chesterfield Reservoir for John Bank and David Banks - Splitting the pastures. Livestock Access Control — 5 acres included also for the Banks Ranch. Lago Lateral Irrigation Project -There was a large wash out of their canal system with 14 scares from the past. This was done in 3 phases, Phase 1 was diversion structure and converted the first 2600 ft of ditch to pipe. Phase 2 was the next 200 ft of pipe. Phase 3 will be the remaining 760 ft section on this project. Upcoming projects are: nn ———______________________________ | Commissioner Minutes 03-09-2026 Page 3 On the Portneuf River, by Whiskey Mikes there are 6-7 farmers including Wistisen’s that they will be working with. The bridge will need to be replaced and a couple of stock water systems will be put in and stream protection as well. Lakey Farms, through the Aging Infrastructure Grant, will have a main line replacement and a diversion structure. No work has started on the ground yet. DEQ Funding update from 2014-2024 — for the Bear River Basin, 35 projects have been done and $5,600,000 has been brought in just by grant money with half going to each Bear Lake and Caribou Counties. Federal Funds awards — 22 projects and $3,400,000 from Bear Lake to Thatcher. Most of these projects are being done by local contractors. He shared appreciation for the support from Caribou County. Jeff Godfrey: Jeff shared a formal proposal to add Russian thistle and Kochia to the Caribou County Noxious Weed List. He shared the description of these weeds, the local impacts in Caribou County, the proposed action, and benefits to Caribou County. Commissioner Mathews asked if Doug has reviewed the code that Jeff has added to his proposal. He then questioned if this will need to be a resolution or an ordinance and then publish it and have a public hearing. The Board will pursue this further. Jeff then inquired about the cattle guards. Commissioner Mathews shared that Kevin sent out for quotes. It will take 2 12ft sections. Commissioner Mathews said that he could reach out to the state and a few other places for better prices. 8X24 is needed but they only build them in 12ft lengths. Jeff said he would spray around the campground but he will need to pick up chemical from Dwight. Jeff shared that he has tried to get in contact with Dwight and not able to connect with him. Commissioner Mathews suggested to contact his office help later in the spring. Commissioner Somsen talked to Senator Harris about putting in the cattle guards. He was interested in Jeff's story. Justin Steel, Security: Justin wanted to talk to the Board about Security and the feasibility of putting in a Sally Port for transporting prisoners to and from the Courthouse. He mentioned the limitations of building, existing entrances and parking. He spoke about changing the existing handicapped/special needs parking into multiple use with transport vehicles authorized to park in those spots. This would allow prisoners to be off/on loaded next to the elevator door, they currently are walking them down from the street or the adjacent handicapped slots. Leave the first handicap parking for the transport vehicle. He discussed the signage on the city street for 2 hour parking. He has had several complaints from individuals coming to court hearings that last more than 2 hours about where to park. Many times, they are choosing to park in the courthouse parking lot and this has created a parking issue at times for employees. Can this be changed and could they request the city to change this? This will be addressed with the city. Doug’s concern was not wanting to plug up the business's parking with the courthouse business. Deen a Commissioner Minutes 03-09-2026 Page 4 Michael Blakey: Michael is from Pocatello Idaho. He started a transportation service and runs transportation from Lava to Pocatello and heard there may be a need to expand to Soda Springs. He has been talking to some miners at Kiewit as he has been helping there as well. He asked if there was a need to expand here. He just purchased Yellowstone Transportation service in Pocatello. He has black car and VIP vehicles. He went to City Hall and got his business license and is trying to figure out his next couple of steps. Commissioner Mathews mentioned that Pocatello Transit shuttles for the Senior Center. Michael said they also have busses. He shared his contact information. Helen Barker, Parks and Recreation: Helen talked about the Parks and Recreation Department. She wanted to figure out what her support will be in regards to fixing up the current parks. Concerning the Oregon Trail Park, the plan was to fix the pump house, fix the abandoned toilets and have them used again. Commissioner Mathews suggested getting a quote, she shared the stairs have pulled away from the bathroom and she needs to check on the vents. With the pump, there is existing pipe for irrigation and if there is a chance to get that going again. Commissioner Mathew wondered about putting an automatic underground watering system. She will check and see what is wrong with the pipe and what needs to be fixed. She plans to have tables and fire rings out and old ones removed before Memorial Day weekend. Rowdy will help get the tables out. She is looking for lawn care people. The current budget is for garbage and toilets and other than that there is $20,000. Commissioner Somsen suggested to see what can be done with that money. The pump house could be fixed best when the reservoir is low. It was suggested to currently fix the existing facilities. In regards to the Sucker Trap, removing broken down tables and eventually adding new tables, fixing up the fencing, and doing something with the swing set. Her concern is having a budget for all of this. Freedom Park — There is a sign that is down, replace that, do some painting and in time it would be nice to fix the ball courts and structure. Caribou Historical Preservation: Rick Phillips lives in Pocatello and is here from the Idaho Historical Society. He spoke and mentioned that Governor Little appointed him to the Board of Trustees. One project is to work with local governments either cities or counties to make it easier to preserve the histories of their communities. He then turned the time over to Alexis. Alexis Matrone works for the State Historic Preservation Office SHPO which is a department under the historical society. This is Federally mandated and Is Federally funded. With this funding comes and obligation that they need to Sub grant out 10% of the federal income that they get to certified cities, counties etc. Over the past few months she has been working with Galen, Coleen, and Bill. She shared a check list including: 1. One copy of Signed request for Certification/Letter of assurance signed by the chief local elected official. 2. One copy of local ordinance establishing the local historic preservation commission (HPC). 3. One copy of HPC Members List and resumes of each commission member. 4. TWO copies of certification agreement each signed by the chief local elected official. ee Commissioner Minutes 03-09-2026 Page 5 5. Supplemental information. One copy each of all local ordinances, preservation plans, resolutions, and summary of survey program (out lining past, present and proposed survey efforts) already in place that deal with historic preservation issues. She shared that she has a copy of the Ordinance that the county has passed for this. The National register puts zero restrictions or protections on the property. She said that all certified local governments are listed on their website. Commissioner Somsen mentioned Don Wind had contacted him who would be able to get grants for our local marina. He wanted to make sure that if there was a sign put up it wouldn't be in the way. The state is working on putting up all the new updated signs in the state. Commissioner Somsen asked what annual reporting means and Alexis explained this that she reports everything to the Parks Service. She sends a packet, and that is filled out to by the commission and sent back to her. Trainings are offered but are not mandatory. In 2027 it will be in Idaho Falls, and in 2026 is in Coeur d'Alene. Doug Wood, Prosecutor: Doug is staying busy with court proceedings, IAC and IPAA Board duties as well. No requests today. Commissioner Mathews shared with Doug the code that Jeff added to his proposal and if that code works for the proposal. Doug will look into this. As a Soda Springs Lion Club member, he is asking for a donation for the Distinguished Young Women program. He shared that last year the County donated $1000 and asked for something similar if not better this year. Commissioner Somsen made a motion to donate $1000 to the Distinguished Young Women program. Commissioner Mathews seconded the motion. Motion passed. Tom Calton: Tom came with Polder Mapping to propose to provide GIS services to Caribou County with Ally leaving the County. This will be done as a contractor and being done remotely. He mentioned that he will not take over the Assessor parcel mapping. They would help him as needed. Items he pointed out were: The cost saving to the county could be significant. He talked about the onboarding where this will need to be done in a short amount of time. Proposed a ticketing system. Will help with ESRI by negotiating prices and etc. Cannot do installation of sign posts and ordering of them, but could be negotiated. This would not replace the entire GIS budget. Plotter and mapper would need to be budgeted for. Commissioner Somsen asked about the 911, and how much time is left and he shared it would be continual, never ending. Aaron asked if they are doing something similar with Owyhee County. Tom mentioned that it is the same for the Next Generation part for the aggregation and clean up, other than that it is answering questions. Tom is contracted for the Next Generation for all of east Idaho. Owyhee County is struggling with their GIS and they are helping with that. The Commissioner Minutes 03-09-2026 Page 6 Next Gen is a big ask and several counties are struggling with this. He did not know all the particulars with Owyhee County. Eric asked what is the fall back plan. Issues like signs being put out and such. His concern is that with contracting, it would create more jobs for the other departments. Commissioner Mathews felt like this should be done due to the transition period. Commissioner Somsen asked about the 911 and how much time would be needed for our county. Tom thought that he would dedicate several hours a week. Aaron asked if this would be a final decision and it was commented that this would be to start with and then look into other options. Aaron mentioned that this is like the IT situation where we have him on site once a week and sometimes this works and other times it does not. Tom mentioned that most everything will be done remotely. It wouldn't be like it is being worked on once a week. Eric mentioned that a few people have logins currently and Tom shared that it would stay the same. Commissioner Somsen made a motion to accept the proposal to provide GIS Services to Caribou County from Polder Mapping pending the contract. Commissioner Mathews seconded the motion. Motion passed. Commissioner Somsen made a motion to accept the GIS services contract for Caribou County from Polder Mapping for the term of 12 months with renewal options upon mutual agreement, either party may terminate within 30 days. Commissioner Mathews seconded the motion. Motion passed. Adam Hansen: Adam was here representing Daniel Balls who as a teen he battled cancer, went through remission and within the last year his cancer has come back. Lance Gentry together with Adam are organizing a golf tournament to help with medical bills. Currently there are 16 teams from all over the area. He is asking for sponsorship or donations. Each hole has a sole sponsorship or can be co-hole sponsored. He handed out a flyer with all the information. The Board suggested that Caribou County hats could be donated as well as a sponsorship to a hole. Commissioner Somsen made a motion to donate $300 to sponsor a hole for Dan’s Swing Against Cancer Classic on Saturday, May 16, 2026 as well as donating a box of Caribou County ball caps. Commissioner Mathews seconded the motion. Motion passed. Dave Parkhouse Dave bought property a few years back at the dyke on the reservoir later purchasing another lot. These parcels were combined for tax purposes. Brock Myles and his wife Jen want to purchase the later lot and put a cabin on it. Dave is now being told that he can't sell this property by splitting it up. He can sell the property according to Aaron, the problem he is being told is the zoning code and the property being 3 tenths of an acre. The lot is 140 ft by 78ft and is in Caribou Blue Landing Subdivision. This would need septic and power and water. a) Commissioner Minutes 03-09-2026 Page 7 e Commissioner Somsen made a motion to allow the separation of parcel number 005405001030 into its two original lots which were 2 & 3 in Caribou Blue Landing Subdivision. Commissioner Mathews seconded the motion. Motion passed. Tisha Young, Chief Deputy Clerk: e Tisha shared an ICRMP letter, Important update to Premium Discounts Related to Risk Initiatives. This is a change on law enforcement liability. Tisha will put a copy in the Sheriff's mail box. e Concerning the contractor's application for payment of Blackfoot River Road. She shared the Notice of Acceptability of Work, the Certificate of Substantial Completion, and the Contractor's Application for payment. A motion is needed to ratify the payment of this. e Commissioner Somsen made a motion to ratify the $100,383.46 payment to HK Contractors for the Blackfoot River Road Rehab. Commissioner Mathews seconded the motion. Motion passed. e She presented (6) Certificates of residencies for approval. e Commissioner Somsen made a motion to approve the Certificates of Residency that were presented for the 6 students. Commissioner Mathews seconded the motion. Motion passed. e Calendar e March 18% B.O.E. - Franklin County. e March 25 — Four County Meeting @ Event Center in Grace. e April 8!" - Spring C.O.| - Bannock County Fairgrounds in Downey. Other: e Commissioner Somsen made a motion to accept the agenda as presented for 03-09-2026. Commissioner Mathews seconded the motion. Motion passed. e Commissioner Somsen made a motion to approve the minutes of 02/23/2026 as presented, the claims approval report in the amount of $349,982.37 for 03/05/2026 and the payroll claims in the amount of $400,507.99 for 03/04/2026. Commissioner Mathews seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. e The meeting adjourned at 2:30 PM. The Caribou County Board of Commissioners will meet again on March 23, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. for regular meeting. Signed: Mark Mathews, Commissioner Chair Attested: Jill Stoor, Clerk Commissioner Minutes 03-09-2026 Page 8
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