Bannock County | minutes | meeting 2026-01-08 | January 8, 2026, Commissioner Meetings source: https://www.bannockcounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/20260108-Minutes-Final.pdf 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