Caribou County | minutes | meeting 2026-02-09 | Minutes source: https://www.cariboucounty.us/Commissioners/2026 Minutes/CCM 02-09-2026.pdf?t=202605131527010 COMMISSIONER MEETING OF February 09, 2026 The Caribou County Commissioners met in regular session on February 09, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Those in attendance were: Bryce Somsen, Commissioner Helen Barker, P&Z Marty McCullough, Commissioner Dally Smith, Event Center Jill Stoor, Clerk Aaron Cook, Assessor Doug Wood, Prosecutor Ally Schwulst, GIS Sharlene Simons, Deputy Clerk Justin Hatch, CC Extension Kevin McLain, Road & Bridge Wade Olorenshaw, Gem Valley Survey Eric Hobson, Public Safety Dow Barker, Barker Ag Kya Simmons, Public Safety Mayor Paul Gritton, City of Soda Springs, Rowdy Larkins, Maint. & Building Dan Squires, City of Soda Springs Angie Mendenhall, Treasurer Brandon Hall, The Idaho Enterprise The meeting opened with Bryce Somsen leading the pledge of allegiance and prayer. Kevin McLain, Road & Bridge: Kevin's crew has been working last week and will be finishing up this week on the parking lot at Ant Canyon. He mentioned that over by the roadway they did find a little bit better material. Back to the South it gets more clay and bigger rocks so when they are done they may go to Ivins for cinders to build up a base for people to park. They are putting a culvert in on Fish Hatchery Road today. One had developed a hole on the inside corner so they are replacing that. He said that they have been doing preventative maintenance on trucks. He thought they have replaced about 47 brake pads, and about 20 drums on trucks and trailers. He shared that they have been working on a lot of signs so invoices on that will be coming in as well. He mentioned they have been blading roads and reported that the roads are wetter than people expect. All the culverts have been put in on Nipper Road and he stated that there were 7 total. Kevin talked with Jill over the year-end financial report. He shared that they have quite a bit of excess money that has been accumulated over the last few years from the State funds. It sounds like this money will not be available anymore. He mentioned that future project may include doing more oiling this year, more of the hot mix, to try to improve the roads. Commissioner Somsen mentioned that the Governor wants to get rid of excess funds. Kevin talked about maybe even replacing the service truck with a crane. He will puta list together of projects and things to use this money on. As far as road improvements, he thought about re-graveling and starting the preparation of the China Cap Road. This needs to be graveled the first year and let it pack in. Other projects that was thought of for future are: Blackfoot River - overlay 4 miles, Blackfoot River - double chip seal, China Cap Road - oil, Mountain Commissioner Minutes 02-09-2026 Page 1 Road, - oil, Nipper Rd — culverts & oil, Smoky Canyon — overlay & chip seal, overlay — various county roads, road grader purchase, loader purchase, and 2 truck purchases. Kevin was contacted by Mayor Pristupa in Grace, and mentioned that Kenny Rasmussen came in last year about that subdivision road and put some money towards getting that oiled. Kevin thought they would do from the City to Rasmussen subdivision, and then do that subdivision as well. They bought a few more chips than what they anticipated needing, due to the road project that will be going on in Soda over the course of the summer, and stock piled that at the Soda gravel pit to make accessing the chips easier and faster during the construction on the road. Kevin mentioned that they were crushing last week at Ten Mile Pass. Good Fellows will be coming to see if more work needs to be done on the crusher. He requested people to come physically look at it. Previously Kelton Hatch came in about snow plowing up his road; Kevin said they did have some unfavorable spots on that road so they went out and put gravel in some low spots. Commissioner Somsen questioned about parts being bought only at Napa again. Kevin has talked to the crew and has some purchases that he will be made with other businesses. Kevin said that the Forest Service was wondering if the county would be able to go crush up Timber Creek this year and he told the Forest Service it would not be feasible this year. The lease on the Stauffer pit is up for renewal in April and ITAFOS wanted to go on the lease with the county. Eric Hobson, Fire/Ambulance: Eric shared an agreement with SEICOG (South East Idaho Council of Government). He is working into phase 2 of Bailey Creek for fire mitigation so they are putting in for another Western Fire Managers grant for that. He thought they were up to 60 different projects there and 70 treatable acres. Contracts are being done now. They are adding the Cedar View Subdivision. They will try to put in a Hazardous Fuel Mitigation Project grant and this one would not require a match. Doug looked over the agreement and thought it is a good deal. Kya is working on a grant from that State EMS that comes around every year. They are putting in for another ambulance and gurney. He mentioned that this grant is online. If awarded the grant would pay $238,000 towards the ambulance which the last quote Eric received for a new ambulance was $288,000. The last gurney quote was for about $58,000 and the grant would pay up to $40,000. If awarded the grant, the County would be paying up to $70,000. He has been watching Snotel and the Bear River is at 76%, Portneuf is at 51%, Blackfoot 76%, and Willow is 59%. The State is pretty low. He shared that Snotel is saying that December was high in precipitation. He brought in a Star Link Mini to show and share. He has been testing them out while he is driving around. When these are on low speed mode they can make a phone call, send a text, log into the account, and make changes to the account. Rowdy Larkins, Courthouse Maintenance/Building Dept: Rowdy shared an estimate from Rocky Mountain Fencing for the fencing around the HVAC system at the Event Center. eee er ree eer Commissioner Minutes 02-09-2026 Page 2 Commissioner McCullough made a motion to accept the bid from Rocky Mountain Fencing for the fencing around the HVAC system at the Event Center in Grace paid from P.I.L.T. for a total amount of $4,540.00. Commissioner Somsen seconded the motion. Motion passed. He then shared a quote from Scott’s Lock and Key to add the same type of lock system we have at the court house. Dally shared which locks she thought are the priority at this time. It was talked about starting out with what is necessary at this time and adding the rest later. Rowdy will re-work the quote for the next meeting. He shared a bid for a riding floor scrubber for the Event Center. It was suggested to get another bid to compare prices. An estimate for the stairs and railing was presented from J Harris Welding/Jeff Harris. The total is $21,205.62 and this is for the stairs going up to the back portion of the mezzanine in the Fire portion of the Event Center. Commissioner McCullough made a motion to accept the bid of $21,205.62 for stairs and railing at the Event Center by Jeff Harris Welding coming out of P.I.L.T. Commissioner Somsen seconded the motion. Motion passed. He presented a quote from EZ to Plez for blinds for the Event Center. These could be done in stages if needed. Commissioner Somsen asked if the Extension office has a budget and Justin thought they might be able to do some out of capital outlay. It was suggested that Rowdy get a second bid before a decision is made. Change order #29 for the cleaning closet addition at the Event Center. It was suggested to see what can be done in- house before approving this. Eric shared concern about the closet taking up more space than expected. Rowdy and Eric will get together and see the best way to do this. Another suggestion was to put the cleaning closet in the server room. Dally spoke about County employees wanting to rent and she asked about them paying or not. County or Government function will pay no rent or deposit. Employees for personal rent was decided to leave as it is for now. She also spoke about the 4-H using the classroom and the big area. Big Events have precedence of the large area. Jill will share her document that she started concerning precedence of the building rooms with Dally and then Dally will add to that and be back to present it to the Board. Dally said the cleaning has been good, but the timing of the cleaning sometimes is during the time the center has been scheduled. Rowdy will check with them to see what can be arranged. Commissioner Somsen talked about the parking at the Event Center. Eric mentioned that he has signs to put up to keep people from parking in front of the Emergency side. Commissioner Somsen suggested to make some of the grass area parking to add more parking spots. Jill mentioned that the Event Center needs to have a TV or projectors. Rowdy talked about the heater in the Courthouse is now fixed and running. A compressor unit and a board went out. This is something that will need to be updated in the future. The Coroner asked about using the Annex building. There was discussion about moving the coolers or not. Commissioner McCullough will ask Maggie Mann if they need any more room there. Jill shared that Lisa and Ann would like to do some 4-H classes there. She told them for now it should be fine. Jill shared information about the Commissioner Minutes 02-09-2026 Page 3 safe that is there and that it is offsite storage that needs to be housed somewhere besides the court house. Before any decision is made, they need to talk to Maggie first. Dwight Lloyd, Weed Dept.: Dwight cancelled due to his plowing duties. Helen Barker, Parks and Rec. Helen spoke about the Barker Ag/Dwain and Donna Ellingson request to vacate the roads and alleyways in blocks 1- 8, 12 and 13 of Alexander Townsite. The Board of P&Z recommended to approve the vacation request. She mentioned that after this is finalized there will need to be a deed swap with the county. Commissioner McCullough made a motion to enter into a Public Hearing for Ellingson/Barker Ag Road Vacation Request, Ordinance 2026-02 at 10:32 am. Commissioner Somsen seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the hearing convened. Dow spoke and shared on a map the road that will be vacated and the road shared between both land owners. Once the road is vacated then there will be a deed swap with Barkers and the County. Dow shared that he will deed the Patinos the ground surrounding their home. Commissioner McCullough suggested closing the Public Hearing at 10:39 a.m. Commissioner Somsen seconded the motion. Motion passed. Commissioner McCullough made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2026-02 AN ORDINANCE OF CARIBOU COUNTY, IDAHO, PROVIDES FOR THE VACATION OF ROADS AND ALLEYWAYS IN BLOCK 1, BLOCK 2, BLOCK 3, BLOCK 4, BLOCK 5, BLOCK 6, BLOCK 7, BLOCK 8, BLOCKS 12, AND BLOCK 13 IN THE ALEXANDER TOWNSHIP; DIRECTING THE ELLINGSON FAMILY TRUST AND BARKER AG OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF CARIBOU COUNTY TO CAUSE THE ORDINANCE TO BE RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF THE CARIBIOU COUNTY RECORDER, TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OR THE COUNTY, AND THE OFFICAL VACATION OF ALL ROADS AND ALLEYWAYS OF BLOCK 1, BLOCK 2, BLOCK 3, BLOCK 4, BLOCK 5, BLOCK 6, BLOCK 7, BLOCK 8, BLOCKS 12, AND BLOCK 13 OF ALEXANDER TOWNSITE; WAIVING THE RULE THAT THIS ORDINANCE BE READ ON THREE (3) SEPARATE OCCASIONS; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE. Commissioner Somsen seconded the motion. Motion passed Commissioner Minutes 02-09-2026 Page 4 Justin Hatch, CC Extension: Justin shared that the University of Idaho has funds to help pay for summer help at the Extension Office. This would be for seasonal work. Justin wanted clarification on how to handle these funds as the U of | would be sending that money directly to the County. Jill shared that they will need to work with Tisha on this. Hourly wage needs to be known for the summer help. Justin will get more information from other counties on how they handle these funds. Commissioner McCullough made a motion to accept the funds for hiring a 4-H Summer Assistant in the amount of $9000 from the University of Idaho. Commissioner Somsen seconded the motion. Motion passed. PULIC HEARING: Jill Stoor, Clerk: Jill presented Ordinance 2026-01 AN ORDINANCE FOR THE COUNTY OF CARIBOU, STATE OF IDAHO PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION; PROVIDING PURPOSE, DEFINITIONS, POWERS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILIES FOR THE SAID COMMISSION; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT FROM AND ATER ITS PASSAGE, APPROVAL, AND PUBLICATION ACCORDING TO LAW. The wording was presented earlier; she shared the ordinance with Galen and has heard no response back from him. Commission McCullough made a motion to enter into a Public Hearing for Ordinance No. 2026-01 at 10:51 a.m. Commissioner Somsen seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously and the hearing convened. Kevin McLain asked Jill for more clarification and she shared that this ordinance just establishes the commission. The Historical Society asked for this so that they could potentially receive some grant funding. There was no other public comment. Commissioner McCullough suggested closing the Public Hearing for Ordinance No. 2026-01 at 11:53 a.m. Commissioner Somsen seconded the motion. Motion passed. Commissioner McCullough made a motion to establish Ordinance of 2026-01 AN ORDINANCE FOR THE COUNTY OF CARIBOU, STATE OF IDAHO PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION; PROVIDING PURPOSE, DEFINITIONS, POWERS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILIES FOR THE SAID COMMISSION; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT FROM AND ATER ITS PASSAGE, APPROVAL, AND PUBLICATION ACCORDING TO LAW. Commissioner Somsen seconded the motion. Motion passed. Angie Mendenhall, Treasurer: Angie shared that there is a home at 1217 Nijinsky Place and the owner has passed away. There were some concerns as there was water coming from the property and the HOA was concerned about fees needing to be paid. She shared that taxes are paid current. Angie said she could take over as the public administrator stating that she would have to be appointed and she wasn’t sure she wanted to do that. There is an Ex-Wife and 2 children, but they Commissioner Minutes 02-09-2026 Page 5 want nothing to do with the property. She suspects that there could have been a reverse mortgage. This is merely information only. Chief Roper has done some research on this as well. e The cleaning deposits for the Event Center was discussed and said she wants to be very transparent about this. Angie shared how Dally can request a Journal Voucher and then Angie will write a check to reimburse the deposit. This will make things easier than running this through Kim. They have got Dally set up to do credit cards, which may potentially make it so the deposits can be returned through the credit card. Aaron Cook, Assessor: e Aaron shared a printer contract through Dex Imaging with an annual payment of $1392 yearly for 5 years. This will be to lease a Sharp MXC 428F and a Sharp B427W. e Commissioner McCullough made a motion to accept from Dex Imaging the contract for 1 Sharp MXC 428F and 1 Sharp B427W for a total of $1392 yearly for 5 years. Commissioner Somsen seconded the motion. Motion passed. Ally Schwulst, GIS: e Ally shared a website project that Eric asked her to make which is a Dashboard showing basic safety information. The purpose of the dashboard is to make situational awareness. This website has a stream monitoring, 511 cameras, fire information, earthquakes and National Weather & News. Ally shared a quick presentation on how the website works. She will share a link to those that Eric approves to have which will be mostly county offices and possibly City offices. This is currently formatted for a laptop or desktop only. Doug Wood, Prosecutor: e Doug reported that IPAA meetings were last week. He talked about the legislative things that are going on and the funding issues with the State. e He said he has received a lot of positive feed back from his IAC presentation. e They have filed several new felonies already this year. Jill Stoor, Clerk: e Jill mentioned that Galen came in during this meeting and he will get on the agenda for the next meeting to get things rolling. e Gary at Dex Imaging talked to Jill about getting a new copier since the current lease is expiring. She shared a quote ona Sharp printer and an HP Printer. Jill shared that the HP 877 DN Color System has an offer with unlimited amount of color copies for $259.00 for 63 months and proposed the Board to approve this agreement. e¢ Commissioner McCullough made a motion to enter into agreement with Dex Imaging for an HP 877DN for $259 a month for 63 months. Commissioner Somsen seconded the motion. Motion passed. e Update on a current Tort Claim. She wanted the board to be aware that it has been dismissed. Commissioner Minutes 02-09-2026 Page 6 We have a voter that is truly in Caribou County but has been voting in Franklin County. This has been researched and approved through several sources. Franklin County has drawn up a letter and asked for Doug's approval and they will send it out to the voter. Jill presented some Certificates of Residency for approval. Commissioner McCullough made a motion to approve the Certificates of Residency for those students presented on 02-09-2026. Commissioner Somsen seconded the motion. Motion passed. Friday, Shalayne came in with a quote for the Senior Center Truck that needs to have some work done on it from Straight Forward Auto Service in the amount of $1,161.00. Commissioner McCullough made a motion to approve the 2005 Chevrolet Colorado to Straight Forward Auto Service for repairs in the amount of $1,161.00 for the Senior Citizens. Commissioner Somsen seconded the motion. Motion passed. Proposal for someone to be over the maintenance of the County web site. Jill shared new legislation the requires it to be ADA compliant. Ally mentioned that she doesn’t have time to do this. Eric will talk to Kya to see if she would be willing to do this. Jill needs to get the members of the Tri-County Snowmobile Board. Commissioner Somsen will get this information to Jill. David Miles is the chair for Caribou County. She mentioned that she needs to maintain a list of all the boards in the county on file. Jill presented Resolution 2026-01: The Caribou County Auditor is hereby ordered to open the fiscal year 2024/2025 Caribou County budget to transfer TWO MILLION SEVENTY EIGHT THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED NINTY THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS AND FORTY TWO CENTS ($ 2,078,893.42) from ARPA funds to the PILT Fund, ONE MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED SIXTY THREE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED EIGHTY FIVE AND FIFTY NINE CENTS ($1,763,585.59) from the PILT Fund Balance to the PILT FY 2025 Budget, and FIVE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED EIGHTY NINE DOLLARS AND NINTY FIVE CENTS ($5,489.95) from the Ambulance Fund Balance to the Ambulance FY2025 budget. The budgeted expenses were more than anticipated when the budget was set. There are sufficient funds to cover the budget in the funds. Jill shared that this adjustment will make PILT a zero balance for 2025. The Emergency Services went over but the county was aware this was going to happen. This budget adjustment did not create any increase in property tax. Commissioner McCullough made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-01 to open the 2025 fiscal budget for unanticipated revenue. Commissioner Somsen seconded the motion. Motion passed. Jill has a draft for resolution 2026-02 for travel mileage rate to 72.5 cents. This will be presented at the next meeting. Scheduling: Republican Meeting today at noon March 4" 4-County meeting, Jill will be out of the country at the time. Jill will change this meeting date by working with the other clerks. March 18 BOE Training meeting scheduled tentatively in Franklin County. April 8° IAC Spring County Officials Institute in Bannock County in Downey at the Fairgrounds. Commissioner Minutes 02-09-2026 Page 7 Jill will call Tiffany Labrouche and arrange to add her to agenda for the next meeting. She shared that the W-2's, the 1099's, and the letter stating the overtime made by some employees are finished and distributed to the county employees. Paul Gritton, Soda Springs Mayor; Paul spoke about the donation contract for the silica sand. Tonya Gilbert needs an email requesting permission to donate it to the City. She also needed to know the approximate amount and approximate date when it will be hauled. Kevin asked if MSHAW has a problem with the county accessing this and to Mayor Gritton’s knowledge, this isn't a problem. Commissioner McCullough made a motion to enter into the Material Donation Contract into effect February 9th, 2026 between Caribou County, Idaho, and Ruveon LLC. Commissioner Somsen seconded the motion. Motion passed. Mayor then proposed an MOU for the City and County to enter into a Building Code Enforcement / Inspection / Services Agreement. Doug mentioned adding a termination provision on both sides. Rowdy asked Mayor Gritton about fees. Mayor thought that their new fees would match the Counties fees. Commissioner McCullough made a motion to enter into a MOU building code enforcement, inspection, services agreement between the City of Soda Springs and Caribou County with the added modification of the termination of service. Commissioner Somsen seconded the motion. Mayor will make the corrections and email it back to Jill. Other: Commissioner McCullough made a motion to accept the agenda as presented for 02-09-2026. Commissioner Somsen seconded the motion. Motion passed. Commissioner McCullough made a motion to approve the minutes of 01/12/2026 as presented, the claims approval report in the amount of $3,250,117.05 for 02/05/2026 and the payroll claims in the amount of $718,813.53 for 02/04/2026. Commissioner Somsen seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 12:27 PM. The Caribou County Board of Commissioners will meet again on February 23, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. for regular meeting. Signed: Mark Mathews, Commissioner Chair Attested: Jill Stoor, Clerk Commissioner Minutes 02-09-2026 Page 8