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minutes meeting date 2026-01-08 · fetched 2026-09-09 · 6304 characters · official file · plain text
January 8, 2026, BOCC Minutes
Meeting Details
Date of Meeting:
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Commissioners present:
Ernie Moser, Jeff Hough, and Ken Bullock
Clerk of the Board:
Nancy Allen for Jason C. Dixon
Absent Board Members:
Staff present:
Deputy Clerk Nancy Allen, Comptroller Kristi Klauser, and HR Director
Matthew Phillips
Agenda Details
AGENDA
Work Session and Claims Meeting (action items)
Agenda:
1
•
Emma Iannacone, Public Information Officer, providing a recap of PIO Key Performance
Indicators for 2025 (requested 10 minutes)
2
•
Discussion about Zoning Ordinances (requested 10 minutes) (action item)
3
•
Discussion pertaining to the Bannock County travel policy (requested 10 minutes) (action item)
4
•
Review and approval of Coroner’s Vehicle Emergency Lighting Use Policy (requested 5 minutes)
(action item)
5
•
Tour the 2nd floor of the Elections Building (previously the YDC) and discuss future possibilities
for that space (potential action item)
6
Claims Agenda:
•
Board of Ambulance District: Invoices and Commissioner Report
•
Board of Commissioners: Invoices, Commissioners Reports, and Credit Applications
•
Salary Rate Approval Forms/Notice of Separation with Potential Executive Session under Idaho
Code §74-206(1)(a)&(b) regarding personnel with potential action following adjournment of
Executive Session
•
Payroll Report
•
Alcohol Licenses and Permits
•
Certificate of Residency Approval
•
Mileage Reimbursement Requests
•
Technology Request Form
•
Memorandum Authorization for Accounts Payable
•
Cardholder User Agreement and Authorization
Meeting Notes
1
9:00 AM Hough called the meeting to order and reviewed agenda changes. Iannacone presented key
performance indicators and reviewed social media analytics, website activity, email lists, public
announcements, and press releases.
9:13 AM Discussions ensued on implementing a weekly Commissioners blog, sharing department wins,
repeat website hits, using a thumbnail for YouTube, and disseminating balanced information.
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF
BANNOCK COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
January 8, 2026, BOCC Minutes
2
9:26 AM Planning Director Hal Jensen and Assistant Director Tristan Bourquin appeared. Hough
explained after the timeline discussion last week, the Board asked Radford to look into phasing adoption
of sections of the ordinance. Radford reviewed that final ordinances are the Commissioners’ and the
manner for drafting them would be their decision.
9:27 AM Bourquin questioned the driving factor to piece meal adoption of the ordinance. Discussion
ensued on adopting sections now, amending later, alternative energy, and financial considerations being
affected due to the delay.
9:31 AM Radford clarified the research done was on order of section adoption. A clunky aspect will be
when the renewable energy ordinance is passed, the existing zoning ordinance would have to be amended
to be consistent, and same with the subdivision ordinance.
9:32 AM Bourquin understood that there are property owners waiting on decisions with their property
based on whether the alternative energy ordinance moves forward. Bullock confirmed and reiterated
financial concerns, and concerns of being behind all others already allowing alternative energy.
Discussion was had regarding representing citizens, the ordinance process, and sections of the ordinance.
Bourquin proposed a solution to add Multiple Use zones back and not tackle a mass rezone, and adopt the
current map as part of the new ordinance. That would allow moving forward and making amendments as
the remaining sections are completed. That would reduce the takings analysis as well.
9:40 AM Jensen reviewed the process for Multiple Use zones and difficulties that arise. Jensen relayed
they have been working toward a linear document like the building code.
9:47 AM Hough pointed out the Comp Plan is a guiding document with goals and is referenced in
ordinances, which are the guard rails.
9:49 AM Questions arose on what to include in the alternative energy section. 9:53 AM Moser does not
want to piece meal; picking and choosing to benefit certain individuals. Hough indicated that nuclear
needs added in order to be part of discussions happening at INL. Jensen pointed out the grid is
national/international and regulated by government. The Board participates in meetings with energy
industries has not been at the forefront of sharing what is known. It’s time to get in front of the general
public and share the knowledge and why the need is there and what needs to happen in Bannock County
and why.
10:03 AM Discussions ensued on sections to work on now, timeline proposal disagreements, leaving
Multiple Use, and minimizing regulatory takings analysis. Bourquin will put together a revised timeline
for Tuesday.
3
10:13 AM Bullock discussed the existing travel policy and suggested using the GSA rate each year for
mileage reimbursement and for both ways. Klauser reported changes adopted by Commission that have
not been updated online. Bullock added concerns for a guest driving a county vehicle and suggested there
would be less risk to pay mileage.
10:21 AM Phillips explained the County has a permissive use policy that allows others to drive, even for
volunteers, with permission and it would be covered. Discussion ensued on restricting drivers under 18,
GSA rates, mileage reimbursements for personal vehicles, staff that take vehicles home, and the number
of fleet vehicles. The discussion will continue Tuesday.
4
10:12 AM Coroner Torey Danner appeared. The emergency lighting use policy has been reviewed by
legal. Moser moved to approve the Coroner’s Vehicle Emergency Lighting Use Policy. The motion
passed.
5
Cancelled.
6
10:35 AM Hough moved to approve the claims. The motion passed.
Action Item Summary
ACTION/DIRECTION
ASSIGNED TO
Revised ordinance timeline to be drafted for Tuesday.
Planning
Travel policy discussion continued to Tuesday.
Clerk/Commission
Coroner’s Vehicle Emergency Lighting Use Policy was approved.
Coroner
Items from the claims agenda were approved.
Clerk/Auditing
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