Madison County | minutes | meeting 2026-02-23 | Regular Meeting source: https://www.madisoncountyid.gov/Document center/Meeting Minutes/2026/February 23, 2026ab.pdf?t=202603121330020 Abbreviated Minutes: Complete Set of Minutes Are on File in The Clerk’s Office 1 | P a g e Madison County Commissioner Meeting Minutes February 23, 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 ACTION ITEMS This meeting was streamed electronically. Pledge of Allegiance: By all Invocation: Commissioner Mendenhall Calendar Discussion: Next Commission Meeting, March 9 and 23, 2026 Schedule of Commissioners: Commissioner Smith had a meeting with 5C, Juvenile Detention last week to button everything up after ceasing operations on March 1st. Employees will continue to be paid out through April and will stay on the insurance until May. Options for the building will be reviewed. Discussion Items: Chair discussion: After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to purchase new chairs for the Commission Room in the amount of $3,849.50. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. Extension/4-H Building: The County is exploring the possibility of acquiring another building for the Extension Office. If pursued, this move would free up space in the Administration Building. Contracts/Documents: Action Items Review and Sign: Extension/4H Lease Agreement, this will be on a future agenda. After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the MOU with 3B Juvenile Detention effective March 1, 2026. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Abbreviated Minutes: Complete Set of Minutes Are on File in The Clerk’s Office 2 | P a g e After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the Agreement with Events-Inc. for Fair Arena Cross and FMX Event. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Routine Matters: After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the claims presented by the Clerk in the amount of $608,404.23. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the HRA/VEBA claim presented by the Clerk in the amount of $179,846.40. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the Commission meeting minutes for February 9, 2026. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Personnel Actions: Employee Name Position Salary/Wage Change Solid Waste: Steve Perry Resignation Prosecuting Attorney’s Office: Myra Moser Legal Assistant $25.11/hr. Merit Increase Sheriff’s Office: Becky West Driver’s License Deputy $26.50/hr. Transfer from MV Ian Stone Detention $28.21/hr. Merit Increase Ryan Froude Detention $28.21/hr. Merit Increase After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve Personnel Actions. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. No Certificates of Residency to present. Public Comment: No one present to comment. Diana Thompson, Fence between Autumn Arbor/Madison County Admin Parking lot Diana raised concerns that the current chain link fence prevents residents from being able to exit through the back of their homes in the event of a fire, creating a potential safety issue. The Autumn Arbor HOA has proposed installing a vinyl fence with a gate for each unit as well as removing the existing chain link fence on the County side, at the HOA’s own expense. The proposed change would not only improve resident safety but would also provide safer and easier access for utility companies to read meters. Jared Arnold will contact the owner of the property next to Madison County with Diana for permission to remove the entire chain link fence vs. the county section only. Abbreviated Minutes: Complete Set of Minutes Are on File in The Clerk’s Office 3 | P a g e After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve removal of the chain link fence on the Madison County property side. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Alan Parkinson, Review and sign Plat for Monarch Development, Moody Road After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the Plat for Monarch Development, Moody Road. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Sam Butikofer, Annual Coroner Report 2025 The Annual Coroner Report was presented by Sam and reviewed with the Commissioners. The report was discussed, highlighting relevant statistics and operational updates from the Coroner’s Office. Angie Kilpatrick, Discuss Hibbard School Zone Layne Kilpatrick, accompanied by Angie, expressed concerns regarding the safety of school children, particularly related to motorists becoming desensitized to flashing school zone lights due to extended construction and the lights operating beyond the standard 30 minutes before and after school start times. In response, Commissioner Parkinson encouraged them to attend the upcoming open house at the school on Tuesday to raise their concerns and inquire whether adjustments can be made to the timing of the flashing lights. Assessor, BV Summerfield LLC Tax Credit, AG Exemptions, Site Improvement Exemptions, Non-Profit Exemptions After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve a tax credit for BV Summerfield LLC in the amount of $255.78. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the site improvement exemption application for Jeff and Ryan Lerwill for Stillwater Old Farms Phase 1. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the site improvement exemption application for Teton River Townhomes. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to table the Ag Exemption application for Jared and Carly Reynolds for Cedar Point Acres pending additional information. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve a 75% non-profit tax exemption for Development Workshop Inc. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Abbreviated Minutes: Complete Set of Minutes Are on File in The Clerk’s Office 4 | P a g e After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the site improvements exemption application for Silverado Sugar LLC. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the Non-Profit Exemption application for East Central Idaho Planning & Development. Commissioner Smith seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Commissioner Mendenhall recused himself since he is on the board. After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the Non-Profit Exemption application for Twin Pines Apartments/EICAP. Commissioner Smith seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Commissioner Mendenhall recused himself since he sits on the board. After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the Non-Profit Exemption application for Upper Valley Community Health. Commissioner Smith seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Commissioner Parkinson recused himself since he sits on the board. After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the Non-Profit Exemption application for Upper Valley Friendship Club. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the Non-Profit Exemption application for Shumway Academy. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the Non-Profit Exemption applications for Lighthouse Bible Baptist Church, Calvary Chapel of Rexburg, Grace Baptist Church, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Christ. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Keith Davidson, Sewer line extension, Moody Road Keith discussed the planned sewer line extension which will require excavation and disruption of Moran View Road during construction. After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve City of Rexburg’s work to install a sewer line in the county section with understanding they will replace roads to city specifications. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Commissioner Smith made a motion to approve amending the agenda to add the Soil Water Conservation District Performance Report at 11:30 a.m. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Abbreviated Minutes: Complete Set of Minutes Are on File in The Clerk’s Office 5 | P a g e Lance/Jared, Extension, Report on 2025 accomplishments, updates and request funding for FY2027 This item will be on a future agenda. Soil Water Conservation District, 2025 Performance Report Robbie Taylor discussed the SWCD’s recent projects and educational programs. Executive Session: Commissioner Smith made a motion to go into Executive Session at 11:48 a.m. Idaho Code § 74-206(1) (b) employee matters, (d) exempt records, Ann Marie Sorensen, Indigent Clerk. 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 12:58 p.m. The meeting was recessed until 5:30 p.m. Dinner meeting with the Sugar City Council and Mayor, Work meeting The Madison County Commissioners welcomed Mayor Adams and members of the Sugar City Council and expressed appreciation for their attendance and continued collaboration. Detention Facility Discussion The closure of the 5-County Juvenile Detention facility was discussed. Commissioners explained that the expense of maintaining the facility for the small number of juveniles currently in custody is not fiscally responsible. County Project Updates Commissioners provided updates on several ongoing and planned county projects: • Moody Road Bridge – The bridge is now open; however, paving has not yet been completed. • 3000 South/University Boulevard Extension & Bridge – Currently in the planning stages, with a study underway. • Fairgrounds Property Purchase – The property has been acquired and is now in the design phase. Todd presented preliminary drawings. • New Solid Waste Site – The project was explained and discussed, including progress and future plans. • Commissioners mentioned the coroner has expressed gratitude once again for the donation of property located in the Sugar City Business Park. Impact Areas & GIS Legislative changes affecting Sugar City impact areas were discussed. If no action has been taken within six or seven years, impact areas may revert back. GIS concerns were raised, noting a significant gap within Sugar City. City officials requested that zoning layers be incorporated into the County’s GIS system. The County is currently working on pricing options to include Sugar City in the system. The mayor indicated the city is also exploring alternative options to manage its own GIS system if necessary. Abbreviated Minutes: Complete Set of Minutes Are on File in The Clerk’s Office 6 | P a g e Public Health Discussion Brent raised concerns regarding Public Health administration, noting discussions about potentially eliminating the local Public Health structure and consolidating services in Boise. Sugar City Updates Mayor Adams reported that although Sugar City has historically been a small community, it is experiencing growth and must adapt accordingly. The city is becoming more involved in discussions with Madison County and the City of Rexburg to ensure coordinated planning and development. The following updates were provided: • Cemetery – The cemetery is well-maintained and performing well. A new sprinkler system is being installed, and the cemetery board is functioning effectively. • Tennis Courts – The courts are operational and now include security systems with facial recognition technology. Lighting has been installed and is functioning properly. • Mosquito Abatement – Sugar City requested that fogging occur weekly within the city limits. • Recreation Initiatives – Plans are underway for a cross-country course through local parks and the development of an ice-skating rink. However, due to limited snowfall this year, the rink initiative has not progressed as anticipated. County–City Roles & Responsibilities Glenn Dayley asked for clarification regarding County versus City responsibilities. Commissioners explained: • The County is responsible for areas outside city limits. • County responsibilities include the courts, Sheriff’s Office, Coroner, Clerk’s Office, Solid Waste, and Road & Bridge operations. • The County does not favor Rexburg or Sugar City; decisions are made based on what is proper, legal, and regulatory. • While cities may initiate projects, the County retains certain statutory authorities and will aid where appropriate and lawful. Additional Topics • Sugar City recently installed its first solar-powered light, noting it was significantly more cost-effective than connecting to traditional power. • Nuclear power was briefly discussed as a broader energy topic. Commissioner Smith adjourned the meeting at 7:04 p.m. Approved: Todd Smith, Commissioner Brent Mendenhall, Commissioner Dustin Parkinson, Commissioner Attest: Kim Muir, County Clerk Abbreviated Minutes: Complete Set of Minutes Are on File in The Clerk’s Office 7 | P a g e