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Abbreviated Minutes: Complete Set of Minutes Are on File in The Clerk’s Office
Madison County
Commissioner Meeting Minutes
November 24, 2025
Attendees:
Todd Smith, Commissioner Chairman
Brent Mendenhall, Commissioner
Dustin Parkinson, Commissioner
Troy Evans, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
Karen Daniels, Deputy Clerk
ACTION ITEMS
This meeting was streamed electronically.
Clerk Kim Muir was excused.
Pledge of Allegiance: By all
Invocation: Commissioner Parkinson
Calendar Discussion:
Next Commission Meeting, December 8 and 22nd, 2025, Commissioner Mendenhall will be out
of town for the December 8th meeting.
County Christmas Party, December 4th at 6:30 p.m. at the Legacy Flight Museum
Discussion Items:
Golf Board recommendation of beer sales on golf course: The City of Rexburg recently held a
3-2 vote recommending approval for a private party to operate a snack cart on the golf course,
which would include the sale of snacks, beer, and wine. Currently, golfers are allowed to bring
their own beer and wine onto the course. The City has requested a joint meeting with the County
to discuss the matter collaboratively.
A conversation followed among the County Commissioners about the preferred approach to the
discussion and decision-making process. Commissioner Parkinson expressed that a more in-depth
discussion would be better held separately, allowing the County to deliberate without external
influence, and Commissioner Mendenhall recommended that the County should make its own
decision independently, and only engage in a joint meeting if that decision conflicts with the City’s
stance.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve having a
separate discussion from the City on December 22nd and then letting the city know our
decision. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
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Contracts/Documents:
Resolution #531, Adopt the Findings of the Rexburg Urban Renewal Agency and begin the
Eligibility Study. This was approved on the last agenda.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve Ordinance
#521, Adopting the City of Rexburg’s Findings of Fact on the Moody Road
Townhomes. Commissioner Smith seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
Commissioner Parkinson abstained from voting since he was not present at the last Commission
meeting during the Moody Road Townhome discussion.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the Idaho
Department of Juvenile Corrections Annual Financial Report. Commissioner Parkinson seconded
and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the Idaho
Department of Juvenile Corrections Passthrough Funds Agreement. Commissioner Parkinson
seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion designating Chairman Smith
to sign all closing documents on behalf of the Commission, for the purchase of a home located at
2977 N 2000 W, in Rexburg. Commissioner Mendenhall 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 $806,357.82. 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 November 10, 2025. Commissioner Smith seconded and voting
was unanimous. The motion passed.
Personnel Actions:
After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve Personnel
Actions. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve Certificates of
Residency as vetted in the Clerk’s office for Evan Rommerkirchen, Taylor Cluff and Odell
Richardson. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
Public Comment: None.
Planning and Zoning:
Findings of Fact:
Final Plat-Patriot Plaza-Forge Holdings, LLC, Matt Bitters
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The application is for a 26-lot commercial subdivision of 32 acres of land, on the east side of South
Yellowstone Highway at about 3300 South. The property is zoned Commercial. At 26 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 Yellowstone
Highway and 3200 S. Each lot will have a private well and septic. A community water system is
proposed that will supply water for fire suppression (fire sprinklers) needs in commercial
buildings.
After review and discussion and having found that the application meets the requirements for Final
Plat as outlined in Madison County Code 115-32, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to
approve the application from Forge Holdings, LLC for the Final Plaza Subdivision, as proposed
in application materials received October 9, 2025. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting
was unanimous. The motion passed.
Variance Sensitive Lands Setbacks – Jeremy & Nadia Jackson
The applicant is requesting relief from setback requirements to build a home and a shop on Lot 28
of the Hartcrest Subdivision in the Salem Area. The lot is located south of the North Fork of the
Teton River. Due to proximity to the river, the lot is located within the Sensitive Lands Overlay.
The Subdivision was platted before the overlay was incorporated into Madison County Code.
The sensitive land overlay has a required setback from the river of 200 feet. Due to the
configuration of the lot, as well as location of a major irrigation canal that is part of the
Consolidated Farmers Canal Company, along the eastern side of the lot. This canal has a
mandated 75-foot wide easement. Additionally, the flood plain follows a corridor along the
canal. If all setbacks are to be strictly enforced, the lot would be unbuildable. This represents an
undue hardship to the owner of the lot. They are therefore requesting that the setback from the
river be reduced from the mandated 200 feet to 150 feet, or 50 feet closer to the river. Drawings
showing the distances of the current buildings, as well as the proposed building location are
attached to the application materials.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the application
from Jeremy and Nadia Jackson for a variance of setback requirements from the required 200-foot
setback from the river to 150 feet, to accommodate construction of a home and shop, as submitted
in application materials received October 16, 2025. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting
was unanimous. The motion passed.
Permit:
Variance Sensitive Lands Setbacks – Jeremy & Nadia Jackson
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve a variance
permit for sensitive land use for Jeremy & Nadia Jackson. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and
voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
Public Hearing on Compression Brakes:
Commissioner Smith made a motion to open the meeting for a public hearing at 9:33 a.m.
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To consider Ordinance #519, Authorizing Madison County to regulate the use of compression
brakes: 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.
Commissioner Mendenhall disclosed that he has been in discussion with a resident about this need.
To add roadways to this ordinance, it would take future public hearings for each addition.
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 Ordinance
#519, Authorizing Madison County to regulate the use of compression brakes in the area of 1000
W and Salem Hwy. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion
passed. Road & Bridge will post a sign between 1000 W and Salen Hwy. notifying drivers that
compression brakes are not allowed at this location.
Sheriff Ron Ball, Swearing in of New Deputies:
Sheriff Ball swore in the following:
Dispatch: Eliza Stone and Darcie Condie
Patrol: Tyson Ware
Detention: Gabriel Roa, Ian Stone, Jaden Gray, Tristain Kappes and Skyler Klingler
Cory Foster, East Idaho State Fair report:
While not a record-breaking year, the rodeo drew an impressive 250,000–260,000 attendees over
nine days, reflecting its continued success and strong community support. Organizing the event
required significant manpower and coordination. Over the past 15 years, the rodeo has been
nominated five times for national recognition and has won twice, showcasing its high standards
and popularity. Recently, the event moved into the medium market category, which is based on
the payout per contestant. Notably, the rodeo ranks in the top 5 out of 250 rodeos nationwide over
the last decade and a half, thanks to exceptional hospitality and attention to contestant experience,
providing meals and free sweatshirts to participants and use of jumbotrons for instant replay, which
is highly valued by the participants as well as a culture of treating contestants like family.
The event continues to be a major highlight for that county, with approximately 250 contestants
participating annually. While concerts have been attempted, the market appears oversaturated,
making them challenging to execute successfully. Some years yield positive results, while others
do not. Despite this, organizers emphasize a consistent focus on maintaining a strong overall
outcome and have succeeded in staying financially ahead overall.
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The Board is currently pursuing several projects, with one key focus being the development of a
new beef barn. There is a recognized need for a dedicated location for the barn, and efforts are
underway to accumulate the necessary property. The County has also been saving funds in advance
to help support this important upgrade. The board’s primary goal is to operate without needing to
request additional funding, maintaining financial independence. Todd commended the fair
operations, stating he attends every year and believes it is well-managed. He also expressed strong
support for Brandon and the many responsibilities he oversees.
The number of Madison County youth participating in the fair continues to rise, reflecting strong
community engagement and support for local programs. A portion of every grandstand event ticket
sold goes directly to support the Madison County Fair Foundation. The Foundation shares the same
board members as the fair but holds separate meetings to manage its specific initiatives and
financial matters.
Matt Nielson, City of Rexburg, America 250 discussion:
Matt and Scott Johnson presented projected estimates for the upcoming celebration event and
informed the Commissioners that the City Council has officially adopted the estimates. Proposed
average ticket price is $42 plus a family discount deal. The team is optimistic about surpassing the
current budget by increasing donations and selling more tickets than currently projected. The
firework show is planned to feature a five-minute finale, and two additional fireworks locations
will be set up for July 4th, aimed at those who can’t attend the America 250 event.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve commitment
to share in losses or gains with the City of Rexburg for the America 250 event. Commissioner
Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
Evan Wise, Rodeo Contracts & Discussion about Fairgrounds Property:
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the
Independent Contractor Agreement with Brad Narducci for the rodeo upcoming in 2026.
Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the Contractor
Agreement with Jeff Lucas, Rodeo Announcer. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was
unanimous. The motion passed.
Evan inquired about the possibility of installing a culvert on the north side of the new fairground
property. However, the decision was made to put the project on hold for now, due to the potential
need for environmental studies. There was also discussion about possibly waiting until full funding
is available to complete the project all at once.
Morgan/Jared, Commission Room Podium Options / Sign for Administration Building:
Morgan and Jared presented various options for a new podium intended to improve both
functionality and professional appearance during meetings. Key features of the proposed podium
include mobility, with wheels for easy movement, connectivity options for presenters to plug in
their computers and a more modern, professional design. Additionally, Jared confirmed that he
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can add the Madison County seal to the podium, giving it a customized and official look suitable
for use in public meetings and presentations.
After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the purchase of
option #3 for an empire lectern podium. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was
unanimous. The motion passed.
Jared will install a Madison County sign at the back of the Administration Building to make the
facility more clearly identifiable and to distinguish it from nearby businesses. This effort aims to
improve visibility and reduce confusion for visitors.
Angie Moffat, Tax Cancellation:
After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve tax
cancellations in connection to homeowner exemptions, listed as follows: Commissioner
Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed.
Executive Session: Commissioner Smith made a motion to go into Executive Session at 11:57
a.m. Executive Session Idaho Code § 74-206(1)(b) employee matters and (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 12:24 p.m.
Lunch/Work Meeting discussion on upcoming session with Commissioners and
Representatives Weber and Raybould and Senator Ricks:
Counties are the backbone of Idaho. They deliver vital services every Idahoan depends on. Like
everyone, counties are feeling the pains of inflation, yet they continue working hard to hold the
line on property taxes while still providing the core services required by Idaho law such as law
enforcement, search and rescue, EMS, operating jails, ensuring free and fair elections and
maintaining safe roads and bridges.
To help counties continue to provide for the health and safety of Idahoans, the Idaho Association
of Counties has set the following legislative priorities:
• Partner with the Idaho legislature to provide full transparency of the costs of county
services required by the state, including providing non-property tax revenue sources for
any future state-mandated county services.
• Identify alternative county revenue sources, including a lodging tax imposed on tourists
and leveraging sales tax to fund county infrastructure, to reduce overall reliance on
property taxes and stop the trickle-down tax shift to homeowners, farmers and small
businesses.
• Amplify the voice of counties in federal land use decision-making by codifying the
standing of county commissioners as local land use experts.
• Increase transparency by giving counties the option to legally publish notices on their
websites, providing fee public notice of county actions instead of requiring publication in
newspapers with declining circulation.
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There was further discussion about water and property taxes.
Commissioner Smith adjourned the meeting at 2:25 p.m.
Approved:
Todd Smith, Commissioner
Brent Mendenhall, Commissioner
Dustin Parkinson, Commissioner
Attest:
Kim Muir, County Clerk
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