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Abbreviated Minutes: Complete Set of Minutes Are on File in The Clerk’s Office
Madison County
Commissioner Meeting Minutes
April 27, 2026
Attendees:
Todd Smith, Commissioner Chairman
Brent Mendenhall, Commissioner
Dustin Parkinson, Commissioner
Troy Evans, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
Kim Muir, County Clerk
Karen Daniels, Deputy Clerk
Lori Hicks, Sr. Accountant
ACTION ITEMS
This meeting was streamed electronically.
Pledge of Allegiance: By all
Invocation: Commissioner Mendenhall
Calendar Discussion:
Next Commission Meetings, Monday, May 11 and Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Public Logic and Accuracy Test, May 5, 2026, 8:30 a.m. in the Clerk’s Office
Waste District Open House and Ribbon Cutting, May 12, 2026, 11:00 a.m.
Hospital Retreat, May 15, 2026, 8:00 a.m-3:00 p.m.
Madison Memorial Intermountain Healthcare, new helicopter will arrive at noon on May 5th
Discussion Items:
Nomination for the Idaho Wool Growers Association:
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the nomination
of Scott Rigby to the Idaho Wool Growers Association upon his acceptance. Commissioner
Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
Behavioral Health: Commissioner Mendenhall received a proposal from a mental health
counselor. Do we want something available for our employees for PTSD or other mental health
matters? Commissioners would like to pursue the matter through Grand Peaks and other outside
agencies. They are considering letting the county employee committee weigh in on this more.
Truck hauler littering issues to C&D site: Commissioner Parkinson received a call from Scott
Rigby reporting trash blowing out of trucks hauling debris to the C&D site. Many of the trucks are
tarped but not latched down properly. Commissioner Parkinson will work with Road & Bridge and
Sonnie about getting a sign installed at the C&D site, and potentially along the roadway, to control
the littering. Trucks will be inspected and ticketed as needed.
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Contracts/Documents:
After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve
Resolution #532, Drought Declaration. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was
unanimous. The motion passed.
Robert Kohler discussed with the Commissioners the need to better inform the public about
registering controlled burns online. The registration process is free of charge and intended for
information gathering only and not punitive if citizens fail to register. It was suggested that Sheriff
Ball and Robert collaborate to develop messaging and use social media platforms to effectively
communicate the importance of registration with a unified voice.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve closing
documents for the School District property in the amount of $601,930.00 and
authorize the Chairman to sign when prepared. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was
unanimous. The motion passed.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the Designation
of Polling locations for the May 19, 2026, Primary Elections. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded
and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the
Tenant Estoppel Certificate for driver’s license and registration showing that the building is being
sold, but that the county will continue to lease facility. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and
voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the State/Local
Agreement for construction of the West Side Frontage Road in the amount of $348,887.00 with
ITD. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
Routine Matters:
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the claims
presented by the Clerk in the amount of $1,707,766.09. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and
voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the
Commission meeting minutes for April 13, 2026. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting
was unanimous. The motion passed.
Personnel Actions:
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the Personnel
Actions (excluding Amanda Roderick’s, as her item had been approved earlier). Commissioner
Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the Certificate
of Residency application vetted in the Clerk’s office for Kaleb Harris. Commissioner Parkinson
seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
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Sheriff Ron Ball, Department Update:
The Commissioners asked Sheriff Ball to explain how his department supports ICE (Immigration
and Customs Enforcement).
•
Sheriff Ball stated that his department has always maintained a close working relationship
with ICE and will continue to support them.
•
He discussed the 287(g) program of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows
collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Specifically, it is used to
delegate state and local law enforcement officers to perform specified immigration officer
functions under ICE’s direction and oversight.
•
He noted that only 8 of Idaho’s 44 counties currently participate in the program.
Sheriff Ball does not believe Madison County needs to join the program at this time because the
additional training requirements would strain his department and he feels the department is already
effectively performing the functions required by the program.
Public Comment: No one present to comment.
Award Presentation: Aspen Boice, Idaho Association of Counties Scholarship:
Aspen Boice was recognized as the 2026 recipient of the Bob Mackenzie Memorial Scholarship.
She was present for the presentation along with her parents, Shawn and Kandee Boice, who are
both county employees.
Planning & Zoning:
Public Hearing: Right of Way Vacate Salem Townsite, Brian and Becky Eckman, David
Harris, Christopher Smith, William Dalling, Melvin Eckman:
Commissioner Smith made a motion to open a public hearing at 9:23 a.m. The hearing was
properly noticed. No written comments were received. No conflicts were declared from the
Commissioners. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Commissioner Smith-yes, Commissioner
Mendenhall-yes, Commissioner Parkinson-yes.
The applicants are requesting that the County vacate the road easement that was platted in the
Salem Townsite, but never constructed as a road. The applicants propose a boundary line
adjustment, where each adjacent landowner would take possession of a portion of the road
easement that is currently between the lots, with the proposed property line following the
existing fence line. The easement does not provide access to any other properties.
Opposed: None.
Neutral: None.
In Favor: Brian and Becky Eckman were present and are in favor.
After receiving no further public comment, the public comment portion was closed.
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After review and discussion, and in consideration of the application to vacate a platted yet not
constructed road in the Salem area, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the
application and vacate the county road easement and boundary line adjustment. Commissioner
Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to amend the motion to include the applicant names:
Brian and Becky Eckman, David Harris, Christopher Smith, William Dalling and the Melvin
Eckman Estate. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion
passed. The public hearing was then closed.
Findings of Fact: Zone Change AG/TAG to TAG Bron Leatham:
The subject property is approximately 39.21 acres and currently has split zoning, with about 24
acres in the AG zone and about 15 acres in TAG zone. The application seeks to apply the TAG
zone to the entire parcel. The parcel is adjacent to the River’s Edge Subdivision that also has TAG
zoning.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve Findings of
Fact for Zone Change AG/TAG to TAG for Bron Leatham. Commissioner Parkinson seconded
and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
Review and sign: Ordinance #523:
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve
Ordinance #523, Zone Change AG/TAG to TAG for Bron Leatham. Commissioner Parkinson
seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
Findings of Fact: Zone Change AG to RR 1.5 -Berkley & Carol Hatch:
The application is to change the zoning from Agriculture to Rural Residential 1.5 on two lots that
combine for 15.64 acres owned by Berkeley & Carol Hatch. All surrounding property is zoned
Transitional Agriculture 2.0. With AG zoning, the parcel may not be further divided. With Rural
Residential 1.5, it could be divided into as many as 10 lots.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve Findings of
Fact for Zone Change AG to RR 1.5 for Berkley and Carol Hatch. Commissioner Parkinson
seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
The Commissioners discussed with Gary the possibility of bringing to the Planning and Zoning
Board the pros and cons of blanket approval for all RR 1.5 zonings, versus the current process of
reviewing and approving each application individually.
Review and sign: Ordinance #524:
After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve Ordinance #524,
Zone Change AG to RR 1.5 for Berkley and Carol Hatch. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded
and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
Findings of Fact: Zone Change TAG to RR1.5 Troy Hastings:
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The application is to change the zoning from Transitional Agriculture to Rural Residential 1.5 on
approximately 30.07 acres owned by Teton Horizon Holdings. With current TAG zoning, the
property could be divided into 15 lots. With the zone change, it could be divided into 20 lots. Land
to the north, west, and south is zoned TAG. Land to the east is zoned Rural Residential 1.5. The
parcel is adjacent to the newly platted Withers Estates Subdivision to the East, and Saddle Creek
Subdivision to the south.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve Findings of
Fact for Zone Change TAG to RR1.5 for Troy Hastings. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and
voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
Review and sign: Ordinance #525:
After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve Ordinance #525,
Zone Change TAG to RR1.5 for Troy Hastings. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting
was unanimous. The motion passed.
Jared Arnold, Flood50 update and discussion of Fly-Fishing Olympics:
Jared provided updates to the Commissioners on the Flood50 commemoration planning.
Commissioner Mendenhall noted that he will be meeting with the Golf Board next week and plans
to ask about the use of two golf carts to assist with transportation during the June 5th ribbon cutting
ceremony.
The Fly-Fishing World Championships will take place September 13–18, 2026, in Idaho Falls,
including events on the Snake River and nearby lakes. Jared informed the Commissioners that he
has been asked to issue a parking permit for a tour bus, which will need to park intermittently on
both public and county roads during the event.
Beth Vanderwalker, Ambassador for America250:
Commissioner Mendenhall introduced Beth as Ambassador for the America250 celebration. She
has already met with representatives from Sugar City and the Rexburg Chamber to discuss both
proposed events and existing community events where Madison County could participate. One
proposed event is “Pet in the Park Day,” where contest entry fees could benefit the Humane
Society. Beth asked the Commissioners about the available budget to support these efforts and
highlighted the need to form multiple committees to help organize and manage events. The
importance of beginning communication with the State was emphasized, so that Madison County
events can be included in statewide promotions and advertising.
Ambulance:
Public Hearing: Rate increase and adjustment to CPI index:
Commissioner Smith made a motion to open the meeting for a public hearing at 10:43 a.m.
The hearing was properly noticed. No written comments were received. No conflicts were declared
from the Commissioners. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Commissioner Smith-yes,
Commissioner Mendenhall-yes, Commissioner Parkinson-yes.
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Chief Miskin reported that ambulance rates have not been adjusted in seven years. Due to rising
costs for ambulances and provider services, a proposal was made to allow annual rate adjustments
tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This approach would enable regular, incremental
adjustments, eliminate the need for a public hearing each year and require the Commissioners be
notified of any increases.
Opposed: None.
Neutral: None.
In Favor: None.
After receiving no further public comment, the public comment portion was closed.
Since the Commissioners serve as the Board of Directors for the Ambulance, they asked Troyce
for more frequent updates from his department moving forward.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve Ordinance
#527, which sets the new Ambulance service fees and billing policy. It will take effect
immediately. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
Shawn Boice, Rexburg Free Clinic exemption, site improvement exemption:
There was discussion regarding a tax credit request for the Rexburg Free Clinic, noting that
because the clinic is a separate entity from the building owner, it does not meet State Statute
requirements for eligibility. Shawn reminded the Commissioners the decision is left to their
discretion.
The Commissioners agreed to approve the tax credit, citing the clinic’s significant benefit to the
community and the fact that grants and donations are used for medical supplies, not for paying
volunteers.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve a tax credit for
the Rexburg Free Clinic in an amount to be determined for the 2025 tax year. Commissioner
Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve a site
improvement exemption for Mitch Loveland. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was
unanimous. The motion passed.
Jason Wilburn, AI in County Government & Neumo Documents:
There was discussion about AI usage within the County. Jason proposed creating a dedicated
position responsible for being trained in AI and then training County employees on effective and
appropriate use in the workplace.
Since this position would require an investment, the Commissioners requested additional detail,
asking Jason to provide a structured education and training plan, clear goals and responsibilities
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for the position and to define a 3-month and 6-month vision outlining expected progress and
outcomes.
Jason presented Neumo, a cloud-based software product that will provide slick, quick searches for
recordings.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to entertain the product
from Neumo. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
Troy Thurgood, Health Care expense solution:
Troy requested permission from the Commissioners to work with Ann Marie on an analysis to
determine which employees might qualify for a supplemental program alongside the current
insurance plan.
The Commissioners expressed concerns about the amount of employee data required for such an
analysis, which included not only wages, but how much each employee was placing into retirement
accounts. These seemed too broad. As a result, they asked Lori to further investigate the financial
benefits of the program before moving forward.
Brian McKellar, HRA discussion:
Brian proposed an alternative HRA solution for Medicare-eligible employees, who cannot use the
County’s traditional HRA. The proposal includes a self-administered, medical-only HRA refund
program that would allow for reimbursement of qualifying medical expenses, including those
under the tier two benefit structure.
The goal is to provide equitable benefits for employees on Medicare. Brian will have Troy review
the proposal before bringing it back to the Commissioners for further consideration.
Lori Hicks, Review of revenue spreadsheets:
Lori presented a review of revenue spreadsheets, demonstrating how filters are used to organize
and analyze data across different tables. She emphasized that as more data is collected over time,
it will become easier to identify trends, helping the Commissioners make more informed decisions
for the County.
Cameron/Moroni, Boat Bay bid approval for Sheriff’s Office:
After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve contributing up
to $60,000 for construction of a boat bay for Search and Rescue. Commissioner Mendenhall
seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
The bids for the construction of the boat bay were opened.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to award the lowest bid for
the construction of the boat bay to Harold L Harris Construction in the amount of $309,274.
Commissioner seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
Kort Ware/Tyler Saurey, Update on the bike path / sidewalk in Hibbard:
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The bike path project is being revised from its original design. The City of Rexburg plans to add
a concrete sidewalk to help keep pedestrians off higher-speed roadways and improve safety.
Tyler noted that his department does not plan to maintain the sidewalk during winter, as they do
not have the necessary equipment to do so.
Executive Session: Commissioner Smith made a motion to go into Executive Session at 1:09 p.m.
Idaho Code § 74-206(1)(b) employee matters. A roll call was taken as follows: Commissioner
Smith-yes, Commissioner Mendenhall-yes, Commissioner Parkinson-yes. The motion passed.
Commissioner Smith returned to open session at 2:12 p.m.
The Commissioners met with the City of Rexburg Mayor, Economic Development and Public
Works regarding fairgrounds projects.
Commissioner Smith adjourned the meeting at 3:10 p.m.
Approved:
Todd Smith, Commissioner
Brent Mendenhall, Commissioner
Dustin Parkinson, Commissioner
Attest:
Kim Muir, County Clerk
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