Madison County | minutes | meeting 2026-02-09 | Regular Meeting source: https://www.madisoncountyid.gov/Document center/Meeting Minutes/2026/February 9, 2026ab.pdf?t=202603121327480 1 | P a g e Abbreviated Minutes: Complete Set of Minutes Are on File in The Clerk’s Office Madison County Commissioner Meeting Minutes February 9, 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 Parkinson Calendar Discussion: Next Commission Meeting: February 23, 2026 Todd will be meeting with the 5C Board tomorrow February 10, 2026, regarding whether or not to keep it going or shut it down. Schedule of Commissioners and reports on various meetings: Discussion Items: Purchasing policy, thoughts on purchase orders: This matter was discussed. It was suggested that we contact the City of Rexburg and get a copy of their policy regarding purchase orders. Contracts/Documents: After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the Casperson Mini Bull Contract for the rodeo. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Liquor by the drink, Resolution 513: The Commissioners’ intent of this resolution regarding liquor by the drink is to reaffirm what was approved through a local election back on June 19, 1947. Supporting documentation will be included with the resolution, namely, the newspaper article showing it passed. The results were 599 against and 249 for, to not authorize liquor by the drink. The City of Rexburg made a similar resolution. It is the Commissioners’ view that Rexburg, Sugar and Madison County cannot sell liquor by the drink due to that election in 1947. This was confirmed with conversations with State of Idaho officials who oversee this. Until someone proves 2 | P a g e to us differently, the 1947 election will stand. If a change needs to occur, it is the Commissioners’ view that it would take an election and vote by the people. After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve Resolution #513 Declaring the 1947 local election regarding Liquor by the Drink, valid. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the Commuting Authorization Forms. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the D7 Lease for the Butte County Office. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the D7 Yost Contract for printers. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the Magellan Healthcare Amendment for D7. Commissioner Parkinson 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 $1,397,870.47. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the Commission meeting minutes for January 20, 21, 23, and February 2, and P & Z meeting minutes, of January 23, 2026. Commissioner Smith seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Personnel Actions: Employee Name Position Salary/Wage Change Weeds: Krew Grover Roadside Sprayer Seasonal to P/T D-7 Treatment: Ethan Booker Counselor $46,532.18/Year Resignation Sheriff’s Office: Gracie Ferguson Driver’s License Deputy $36.23/hr. Retirement Nathanaiel Croninger Detention $27.46/hr. New Hire Riley Thurber Detention $27.46/hr. Rehire Skyler Klingler Patrol $27.46/hr. Transfer from Detention Law Clerks: Angelie Roberts Staff Attorney $78,028.13 New Hire 3 | P a g e Juvenile Probation: Charlotte Stotts Tracker $16.91/hr. Temp Employment After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the Personnel Actions. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the Certificate of Residency applications vetted in the Clerk’s office for Taylor Cluff, Tristan Rydalch, Danner Harrison, Emily Stoker, Desirae Einerson, Cloe Parkin, Gavin-Shon Wrye and Jocelyn Guddat. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Tyler Saurey, Road and Bridge, approval of new grader purchase: After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the financial proposal and sales agreement for a new grader purchase. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Public Comment: No one present to comment. Planning and Zoning, Findings of Fact for Preliminary Plat-Old School Subdivision-DL Beck: The application is for a 16-lot commercial subdivision of 20.5 acres of land, on the north side of 5200 S, at about 2786 W, in the Thornton Business Area. The property was recently rezoned and now has commercial zoning. At 16 lots, the development is considered “Medium Scale Development (between 9-29 lots)” in Madison County Code. All lots are at least 1 acre. The subdivision is proposed to include access off of 5200 S on the south end and then connect to adjacent Texas Siding Business Park to the west via the already established Grizzly Lane. Each lot will have a private well and septic. The property is the location of the old Lyman school. The property still has the well from the school, that may be used for fire flow and fire suppression within the subdivision, pending testing. After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the application from DL Beck, LLC for the Preliminary Plat for the Old School Subdivision as proposed in application materials received November 12, 2025. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Commission, Presentation of 30 Years of Service award for Robert Weekes: The Commissioners presented a plaque and thanked Robert for his 30 years of service. Sheriff’s Office, Holiday Pay for the Sheriff’s Office, Bailiff position: Holiday pay was discussed and will continue to be discussed on a future agenda. After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve an additional bailiff position. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. 4 | P a g e Brian McKellar, First Quarter update: Spencer from APTA presented the first quarter report, and both he and Brian confirmed that the numbers were better than expected, indicating a stronger-than-projected start for the County’s insurance program. Amanda/Evan, New Bylaw approval for Fairgrounds, Review Ordinance for fee change and set public hearing: Evan proposed increasing fees for various fairground uses, including arena rental, heater usage, stall rental and percentage earned from events. To move forward with these changes, a public hearing will be scheduled. After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve new bylaws for the Fair Board to strike a specific day of the week to hold Board Meetings and to read “meet each month.” Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. The current firework contract for the rodeo is $7,000. Amanda asked the Commissioners if they could contribute additional funds to add to that in recognition of the America250 celebration. The Commissioners asked Amanda to reach out to see what an additional $3,000 more would look like. After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve a contribution to the rodeo firework show in an amount not to exceed $3,000 more dollars (i.e., $10,000 total) in recognition of the America250 celebration. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Rachel Telford, Horrocks Engineering, Madison County Transportation Plan Update: There was discussion regarding the old Highway 33, during which Rachel and Kelly proposed reclassifying it from a Principal Arterial to a Minor Arterial. This reclassification would allow for more local access and better support for future county growth and development. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is supportive of the proposed change. After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the recommendation from Horrocks Engineering to change old Highway 33 from principal arterial to minor arterial. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Public Hearing, Adopt fees for concealed weapons permits and establish fees and procedures for Public Requests providing for prepayment of fees, severability and an effective date. Commissioner Smith made a motion to open the public hearing at 11:44 a.m. Adopting fees for concealed weapons permits and establishing fees and procedures for Public Requests providing for prepayment of fees, severability and an effective date: The hearing was properly noticed. No written comments were received. No conflicts were 5 | P a g e declared by the Commissioners. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Commissioner Smith-yes, Commissioner Mendenhall-yes, Commissioner Parkinson-yes. Due to recent increases by the State of Idaho in fees for fingerprinting and public records requests, Madison County is proposing to update its own fee schedule to match the new state rates. This adjustment will ensure the County remains aligned with statewide standards and can recover applicable costs. Opposed: None. Neutral: None. In Favor: None. After receiving no further public comment, the public comment portion was closed. After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the adoption of fees for concealed weapons permits and establishing fees and procedures for Public Requests providing for prepayment of fees, severability and an effective date. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Review and sign: Ordinance #522, Adopting fees for concealed weapons permits and establishing fees and procedures for Public Requests providing for prepayment of fees, severability and an effective date. After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve Ordinance #522. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Review and sign: Underage Drinking Grant: After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the Underage Drinking Grant. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Jason Wilburn, Vehicle Discussion: The IT Department is looking to acquire a vehicle, and there was discussion about the potential cost savings of purchasing the Suburban that is currently part of the County fleet and nearing the end of its lease. Jason agreed to this arrangement. Morgan Thompson/Jared Arnold, Security Updates: Access control and camera security for the Archer pit, Road and Bridge building and gate and the Public Works building were discussed. After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve security upgrades through Teton Smart Security. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. 6 | P a g e Jared Arnold, Veteran’s parking at Courthouse & 50th Anniversary of the flood update: A parking spot designated for veterans in the courthouse parking lot was discussed. It was decided that the handicap parking spots cannot be converted for this purpose, and that a new spot will be created for the veterans. Jed Platt, Cultural Arts Director and Chairman over the Flood50 committee was present. Rexburg has become the steward for any flood stories, both those involved in the destruction as well as those who helped preserve our community. A lot of traffic is expected in the 1st week of June with activities and organized service projects throughout the week. Lunch Break Troyce Miskin, Sale of Ambulance to Central Fire District: Troyce presented a request to surplus an ambulance that was purchased a few years ago to the Central Fire District. They would like to do an intergovernmental sale of the older ambulance. To be paid for in October of 2026. This will be an accounts receivable for us until the first of October. After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the intergovernmental sale to Central Fire District. Commissioner seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Congressional update, Kathryn Hitch, Senator Crapo’s Office, Kyle Wilson, Senator Risch’s Office and Sidney Decker, Congressman Simpson’s Office: They would like to hear from the Commissioners and the needs of the county. One new legislative piece they are excited about is the SRS funding that was just approved. The Medicaid parameters were also discussed. Commissioners told them about the planned Flood50 commemoration coming on June 4th and 5th. An invitation will be extended to their bosses. America250 celebrations were discussed and all are excited about events being planned. Community funding opportunities were discussed typically for municipality issues. JD Mann, video evidence presentation for the courtrooms: JD gave a presentation of options to upgrade the courtroom for better viewing by the jury, defense attorneys, prosecution and judges. The current system is not adequate. After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve moving ahead with the proposal for the District and Magistrate courtrooms up to $50,000 with $35,000 coming from the District Court budget and $15,000 from the Commissioner project funds. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Executive Session: Commissioner Smith made a motion to go into Executive Session at 3:11 p.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 3:48 p.m. 7 | P a g e After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to sign approvals for Case No. N2026002. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Commission meeting was recessed at this point until 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m., Dinner meeting with the Rexburg City Council to discuss joint ventures, pending issues and planning for future projects: Commissioner Smith welcomed the Mayor of Rexburg and the City Council and thanked them for coming. Upcoming projects were discussed, including airport construction and the status of the new airport. Updates were also provided regarding the Fairgrounds project. Concerns were raised about the volume of current development and whether the Health Department is approving all projects. Todd explained that the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) has approved the developments; however, alternative irrigation methods are required. Impact areas and the importance of proper planning were also discussed. The City and County must reach agreement on codes governing impact areas. Gary Armstrong (County Planning and Zoning) and Alan Parkinson (City of Rexburg) were acknowledged for working collaboratively and maintaining a strong working relationship as growth continues throughout the City and County. The Liquor-by-the-Drink Ordinance, signed earlier today by the Commissioners, was discussed further. The County will defer to the 1947 vote, in which voters prohibited liquor by the drink. Any change to this policy would require another public vote. Regarding the Fairgrounds project, final drawings are expected soon. Todd displayed a preliminary drawing. Wastewater infrastructure remains a concern, as the project would require tying into the City’s water system. Cost projections have come in significantly higher than anticipated, while the appraisal of the current fairground property was lower than expected. The current bid estimate is approximately $30 million. The County intends to pursue grant funding, potentially positioning the facility as an evacuation area to strengthen funding opportunities. Realistically, development on the Fairgrounds property is anticipated within the next three to four years. The current plan for the existing property is to subdivide and sell lots separately. Additional discussion included Thornton water issues and the potential use of gravel pits to create a recreation area similar to Rigby Lake. Mayor Merrill expressed interest in annexing property around the Frontage Road in anticipation of future development in that area. Sugar City has requested that its GIS layers be integrated into the County’s current mapping system. This matter will be discussed further at a later date. Traffic congestion at 12th West and West Main (Highway 33) was identified as a significant concern. The City hopes to secure State funding to address the issue. Colin indicated that County 8 | P a g e assistance may be necessary to move the project forward. However, the 7th South overpass was identified as a higher priority. The planned Home Depot development near Walmart is expected to further increase traffic in the area, underscoring the need for proactive planning. 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