Madison County | minutes | meeting 2025-09-22 | Regular Meeting source: https://www.madisoncountyid.gov/Document center/Meeting Minutes/2025/September 22, 2025ab.pdf?t=202511101356580 Abbreviated Minutes: Complete Set of Minutes Are on File in The Clerk’s Office Madison County Commissioner Meeting Minutes September 22, 2025 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 Meetings: September 29, 2025, October 14 and 27, 2025. Schedule of Commissioners and reports on various meetings: Commissioner Mendenhall will attend an Eastern Idaho Public Health meeting on October 2nd. Discussion Items: After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the appointment of Jaden Cornelius as a Hospital Board member. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Appoint Planning and Zoning members: Names were discussed and phone calls will be made. Discussion regarding a meeting with Snowmobile Grooming Board: Todd shared that two landowners have approached him requesting a meeting before winter with a representative from the Grooming Board, the Commissioners and Tyler from Road and Bridge. Their concern involves a designated trail section that is not being used, and they would like to understand what it would take to change the trail designation or map. It was discussed that trail modifications must be approved by the State and that the County may not have the authority to add or remove trails without permission. To move the conversation forward, Dustin will make phone calls and begin forming a plan to schedule a future discussion if needed. Motion to release burn ban in Madison County: This motion was on the last agenda, and was approved. Award grant for Snowmobile/Idaho Parks and Rec to Wilcox Logging, Inc.: After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve Wilcox Logging, Inc. to perform the work as outlined in the grant for Snowmobile/Idaho Parks and Rec. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Contracts/Documents: After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the Beer and Wine Licenses for Walmart Store and Walmart Fuel Station, Valley Wide, Café Sabor, Nitro Station LLC and El Tequila Mexican Restaurant. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the Department Wage Requests including a 2.5% COLA increase and up to a 2.5% merit increase. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Review and sign: Insurance documents, Legacy. This was on a previous agenda. After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve Polling Locations for the November 4th Election. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve Chairman Todd Smith to sign closing papers for the Parkinson property totaling 545,912.50. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve Madison County, Ambulance and Mosquito’s L2’s. 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 $1,079,242.78. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. After review and discussion, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the Commission meeting minutes for August 14, 2025, and September 8, 2025. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Personnel Actions: After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the Personnel Actions. Regarding discussion about certificate increases for the Sheriff’s office, Vince and Ann Marie will meet to determine the best way to report and track the increases. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve Certificates of Residency as vetted in the Clerk’s office for Diego Silva, Aubree Mace, Kassandra Larsen and Aidan Badillo. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to hold a work meeting September 29, at 8:30 a.m. Commissioner Parkinson seconded. The motion passed. Asking BYU-I to report their findings, discuss property purchases and planning for additional projects will be the topics of discussion. Executive Session: Commissioner Smith made a motion to go into Executive Session at 8:31 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 9:21 a.m. Public Comment: No one present to comment. Planning and Zoning: Findings of Fact: Zone Change-AG to TAG-Hill, Weekes, Larsen The subject property is approximately 114.85 combined acres, and is currently identified as Agriculture on the Zoning Map. The application seeks to zone the parcel as Transitional Agriculture. After review and discussion, and having found that the application generally meets the hearing factors for a zone change as outlined in Madison County Code 102-1, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve the application from Gary & Donna Hill, Darnell Weekes, and Rex & Joy Larsen to change the zoning from agriculture to transitional agriculture on the combined 114.85 -acres of land as proposed in application materials received July 29, 2025. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Preliminary Plat- Patriot Plaza-Forge Holdings, LLC- Matt Bitter: 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. As a subdivision, the application will be reviewed according to Madison County Code Chapter 115. Once developed, land uses within the subdivision will comply with those outlined in Madison County Code 117-54 (Commercial Zone). Matt shared his vision for supporting economic development in Madison County by attracting more small businesses, with a particular focus on creating job opportunities for BYU-Idaho students. His plan includes designing aesthetic commercial spaces with attractive facades rather than basic metal shop structures, to enhance appeal. Matt also plans on establishing an owners association responsible for maintaining a fire suppression tank and a small entryway. The required maintenance is expected to be minimal, and the overall approach is intended to support growth while maintaining a clean, professional environment. Matt mentioned that he has spoken with Tyler regarding the design for the left turn lane. Details of the discussion may be forthcoming as planning and design progress. After review and discussion and having found that the application from Forge Holdings for the Preliminary Plat for the Patriot Plaza Subdivision meets the criteria outlined in Madison County Code Section 115, Commissioner Parkinson made a motion to approve the application materials received July 28, 2025, with the development agreement to be worked out with the final plat. Commissioner Mendenhall seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Ordinance: Ordinance #513 Zone Change-AG to TAG-Hill, Weekes, Larsen After review and discussion, Commissioner Mendenhall made a motion to approve Ordinance #513, Zone change from AG to TAG for the Hills, Weekes’ and Larsen’s. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Fairgrounds, Discussion regarding a dance after the rodeo with Mayor Merrill and Brett Crandall BYU-Idaho has requested permission to host a dance at the Madison County Fairgrounds following their annual rodeo, which is part of Spirit Week. The dance is scheduled for 9:00–10:30 p.m., and there is also interest in incorporating fireworks at future events. Any event music and chaperone requirements would match campus standards. Sheriff Ball emphasized the need for a security plan for events exceeding a specific attendance threshold. Evan reiterated that proper security is essential, regardless of event size. Commissioner Smith directed Brett to work with Alan at BYU-Idaho to create a detailed security and operations plan, and Evan provided Brett a letter outlining his concerns. Commissioner Smith also suggested that security measures be included in all future events by default. The Fairgrounds has been approved for use, with Commissioner Mendenhall noting that Evan has been asked to keep it open to any community partners, provided proper steps are followed. Mayor Merrill clarified that community use of city facilities such as the community reader board and Porter Park requires a sponsorship and security plan. Applicants also fill out a use permit, pay a rental fee and law enforcement presence. Evan raised a concern about ensuring that there is a clear cleanup plan. Commissioner Mendenhall noted past events that caused neighbor complaints, but viewed the event as a possible beginning of a relationship, potentially leading to annual use of the fairgrounds by BYU-Idaho for similar celebrations. Connor Brown, Business Development Manager of E-Cyclers of Idaho, Presentation: E-Cyclers of Idaho, a certified electronic waste facility, has contracted with the transfer station to handle waste collection. Their services include collecting, refurbishing, and reselling electronic waste, ensuring nothing collected ends up in a landfill. They provide free pickups within 50 miles and have secure data wiping capabilities for sensitive materials. Despite these offerings, many community members are unaware of where to bring their electronic waste. The organization is seeking to increase public awareness and outreach in Madison County. Commissioner Smith expressed support for increasing public education and outreach, noting that the County currently hosts a free household hazardous waste program twice a year, and asked whether a similar structure could be applied to electronic waste. E-Cyclers is interested in partnering with BYU–Idaho, Madison County Library, or City Hall for future events. Connor said there is potential for INL (Idaho National Laboratory) to assist with marketing costs and a suggestion was made to organize a "Free Battery Day" once a month as part of this outreach initiative. Sonnie Haws, C&D Prices changes: Sonnie presented proposed price changes for the C&D site, including comparisons of rates charged in other counties. A public hearing to review and discuss the proposed changes has been scheduled for October 14, 2025. Tyler Saurey, Update on flashing signs and plans on the Salem Hwy/3500 and compression brake use on 3000 on the east end: Flashing signs have been ordered for the Salem Highway to improve visibility and safety. There was discussion about the ongoing issue with compression brake usage, which has been a source of complaints from nearby residents. Counsel advised that implementing an ordinance to restrict compression brakes would require a public hearing. As a next step, residents who are impacted may be asked to gather signatures to demonstrate community support for such an ordinance. Commissioner Parkinson will have Amy from Road & Bridge reach out to other counties to research how they have handled compression brake ordinances, which will help inform Madison County's approach. Executive Session: Commissioner Smith made a motion to go into Executive Session at 11:47 a.m. Executive Session Idaho Code § 74-206(1) (b) employee matters, (c) property acquisition 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 12:54 p.m. Commissioner Smith adjourned the meeting at 1:02 p.m. Commissioner Parkinson seconded and voting was unanimous. The motion passed. Approved: Todd Smith, Commissioner Brent Mendenhall, Commissioner Dustin Parkinson, Commissioner Attest: Kim Muir, County Clerk