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minutes meeting date 2025-12-22 · fetched 2026-09-09 · 25647 characters · official file · plain text
POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 1 of 10 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, December 22, 2025 POWER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Meeting Minutes Commission Chambers 543 Bannock Ave. American Falls, ID 83211 www.powercounty.id.us Monday, December 22, 2025, 9:00 a.m. I. CALL TO ORDER The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session Monday, December 22, 2025, and called the meeting to order at the hour of 9:03 am, in the Commission Chambers of the Power County Courthouse. II. COMMISSIONERS/STAFF PRESENT: Commissioner Chris Fehringer, Chair Commissioner Kryst Krein Commissioner Jason Povey ABSENT: None STAFF: Sharee Sprague, Clerk Mariano Villa, Deputy Clerk Brock Bischoff, Legal Counsel OTHER PARTIES PRESENT: Kami Chandler Macie Evans Andi Higgins Jacklyn Taylor Josh Campbell Jeff Rankin Laura Porath Deanna Curry III. AGENDA A. NOTICES/REPORTS 1. Board Updates: The following board updates were discussed; Extension Office – Commissioner Fehringer reports that he has been working with Extension agent Anthony Simerlink to draft a report outlining the roles and services provided by the Extension office. The goal is to improve services where needed and inform the community of the services offered at the Extension office. Commissioner Fehringer states he will forward those reports to the board. SICOG – Commissioner Povey informed the board that there will be an update from SICOG during the next meeting regarding the demolition of the annex building. POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 2 of 10 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, December 22, 2025 Planning & Zoning – Commissioner Krein reports that he will be attending town hall meetings on January 8, 2026 at 6:30 pm at Arbon Elementary and on January 15, 2026 at 6:30 pm in Rockland. Commissioner Krein states that he would be taking questions from the public regarding county ordinances or any other county related matters. He further states that the Commissioner Fehringer and Commissioner Povey are welcome to attend, however if they do then it will have to be published as per Idaho code. Veterans Services – Commissioner Povey updated the board on the cement pad for the flag deposit box. Clerk Sprague reports that it will be shipped on the 13th of January. Waterways – Commissioner Krein informed the Commission that St. Anthony and other communities located near lakes and rivers are developing river parks that support kayaking, tubing, fishing, and other water-related recreation. Commissioner Krein emphasized that he is not seeking county funding but would like to pursue grant opportunities that could allow the county to develop similar projects. 2. Resolution 2025-10 Veteran & ADA Parking: After discussion with legal counsel, it was agreed that no resolution was needed for this item. 3. American Falls/Aberdeen Ground District Water Discussion: Commissioner Krein reports that the American Falls/Aberdeen Ground Water district submitted an invoice to the county for a water meter reading. The State mandates that users record and submit meter readings. If the user fails to do so, a representative of the Ground water district will go and perform this task which results in a fee. Commissioner Krein explained that since the county owned property is being leased by Mr. John Isaac, that the invoice should forwarded to him in accordance with the lease agreement. 4. IT Update: Commissioner Povey reported that the Commissioners’ email accounts have been updated. Discussions were held regarding the potential establishment of a joint IT services partnership with the City, with the goal of sharing IT resources and services between the two entities. An update was provided on the new County website, which is scheduled to launch soon. Sollus will coordinate with CivicPlus to conduct training and will then relay that information to authorized staff responsible for making website updates. The launch of the new website represents a significant milestone in enhancing the County’s online presence. Commissioner Povey also reported adjustments to Sollus’ onsite work schedule, with half-day coverage on Mondays and Thursdays and full-day coverage on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Discussions were held regarding transferring funds from the IT budget line to the contract services line. Sollus will coordinate with Deputy Auditor Miles to ensure all invoices are submitted and processed appropriately. Budget adjustments were approved to better support IT department operations. The IT purchase limit has been increased to $5,000, providing additional flexibility and streamlining procurement for necessary IT expenditures. 5. Sheriff’s Office Update: Sheriff Campbell appeared before the Commission with the following updates. Sheriff Campbell reported that multiple candidates are currently being vetted for dispatch and civil position. There is a projected delay of approximately three weeks to one month before new hires can begin, due to payout obligations for departing employees. Recruitment efforts are also underway with Idaho State POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 3 of 10 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, December 22, 2025 University, with the goal of hiring two to three graduates from a class of approximately twenty. Broader staffing challenges were highlighted, including difficulties competing with private sector wages, with a starting salary of approximately $49,000 compared to $70,000 or more in private companies. Retention remains an issue, as younger workers are frequently changing jobs every 18 to 24 months for higher pay. The Sheriff noted this is a statewide and national issue, citing the Idaho State Police losing officers to Oregon due to higher wages and an overall nationwide staffing crisis. Ongoing challenges in jail operations, noting that the jail has been operating with a skeleton crew for nearly two years. Discussion occurred regarding the possibility of closing the jail if sufficient staffing levels cannot be maintained. The Sheriff also noted that the Legislature is have held discussions regarding creating a regional jail. High inmate housing costs were also discussed, with the Sheriff’s association proposing a change to housing rates compared to the current structure. Regarding vehicles Sheriff Campbell reports the two new trucks are currently being upfitted at Bancorp’s Sandy office and are expected to be completed approximately three weeks early. The vehicles will include advanced lighting systems with 360-degree coverage, as required by Idaho regulations. Cameras are also being installed, with one set ready for delivery. The Sheriff explained that the initial upfitting quote did not account for Idaho’s 360-degree lighting requirement. As a result, there is an additional cost of approximately $800 to $1,000 per vehicle to add the required side lighting. An alternative option discussed was to re-sign the lease with the lighting included, which would increase the lease cost by a couple hundred dollars. Commissioner Krein states budgeted funds can be used towards the lease and then replenished if there are any overages. Regarding decommissioning, the Sheriff reported that several vehicles were decommissioned last Friday. Cameras are being removed from those vehicles and will be installed in the new units, with cameras costing approximately $500 per vehicle. Insurance payouts from a totaled vehicle will be applied toward next year’s vehicle leases. The Sheriff states that the title for the bus at the shooting range is expected to arrive any day. Once that arrives they will remove it and place a container in its place for storage. Sheriff Campbell states two of his deputies received certifications. On a separate matter, the Sheriff states that a concerning issue is radio issues. He would like to revisit possibly using the PAPS mountain radio site. He would also like to apply for grants thru SICOG for new radios. Sheriff Campbell also raised a billing concern from White Cloud, stating that the bill was supposed to paid in February. The Commissioner’s contacted Emergency Management Director, Francis Beitia for an update. She states that the process is out of her hands as the grant is going through the process of getting accepted. The Commissioner’s informed Director Beitia to keep them updated as they would like this issue to be resolved as soon as possible. 6. Building & Grounds: The following items were discussed under building & grounds; Museum Building: Hill grading and site work have been completed to a high standard. Commissioner Fehringer reported that JS Smedley Co. LLC, which is performing the concrete work at the museum building, has requested an additional advance of $5,000. POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 4 of 10 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, December 22, 2025 Commissioner Fehringer stated that the Board will authorize the advance, contingent upon there being no additional change orders once the project is complete. Handrails and Awnings: Handrail quotes received to date are significantly higher than anticipated, ranging from $12,000 to $28,000. A local Rockland vendor will provide sketches for awnings and handrails to allow for competitive bidding. The Board also discussed the possibility of having FFA metal shop students fabricate the handrails and awnings. Panic Buttons: A bid was received in the amount of $20,000, which includes cameras and wired panic buttons. More affordable wearable panic button options are still being explored; however, system setup costs remain high regardless of the option selected. Server Room Access: Currently, only Sollus has key access to the server room. A flood occurred last week due to an air conditioner leak, during which the Treasurer observed water coming from under the door but was unable to access the room. The Commissioners approved obtaining a key to be stored at the clerk’s department for emergency access. Camera Issues: Ongoing issues with the M2 system were discussed. A camera at one of the facilities has been inoperable since September and was reported prior to the warranty expiration; however, it is now out of warranty with an estimated replacement cost of $5,000. Commissioner Povey stated that Sollus is working to resolve the issue. Office Reallocation: The Commissioners agreed that the office and storage room located next to the break room will be reallocated to meet the needs of the Building and Grounds Director. 7. Emergency Services Discussion: The Commissioners discussed and assessed damages caused by the windstorm that occurred on December 17. Emergency response contacts were discussed, including coordination with Emergency Response Director Francis Beitia to ensure all contact information is current. The importance of providing timely public information on where to go during an emergency was also discussed. The Commissioners requested that any damage assessments from the Sheriff’s Office and other departments be communicated as soon as possible during and after an emergency so the information can be relayed promptly to residents. B. MOTIONS: 1. Agenda: A motion to approve the agenda for Monday, December 22, 2026, was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the Board, motion unanimously carried. 2. Consenting Agenda: A motion to approve the consenting agenda with changes submitted by Clerk Sprague to the minutes and corrections to claims by Deputy Auditor Miles was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the Board, motion unanimously carried. The following items were approved; Claims: The following claims report was approved; FUND Paid 0001 GENERAL FUND (CURRENT EXPENSE) $ 20,858.05 POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 5 of 10 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, December 22, 2025 0003 FAIR BOARD $ 500.00 0004 POWER COUNTY AMBULANCE DIST. $ 2,052.08 0006 DISTRICT COURT $ 3,485.05 0008 JUSTICE FUND $ 16,041.52 0009 DRUG COURT $ 2,215.79 0010 ENHANCED 911 SERVICES $ 7,911.54 0011 HEALTH DISTRICT $ 377.02 0020 REVALUATION $ 71.54 0023 SOLID WASTE (LANDFILL) $ 40,731.99 0027 WEEDS $ 86.02 0038 WATERWAYS $ 249.34 0039 MUSEUM $ 274.10 0041 AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT $ 35,047.00 0050 PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TAXES $ 27,682.21 Total Amount Paid $ 157.583.25 Approval of Past Meeting Minutes: Minutes for the Board of County Commissioner’s meeting held on December 8, 2025 were approved. Commissioner Fehringer authorized use of electronic signature on the minutes. 3. Convene as Ambulance District Board at 9:07 am: A motion to adjourn as the Power County Board of County Commissioners and convene as the Power County Ambulance District Board was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following an audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. 4. Ambulance Administration & Financial Report: Director Kami Chandler appeared before the Board and presented the accounts receivable reports for the date ending November 2025. Following discussion, a motion to accept the Financial Reports as submitted was presented by Commissioner Fehringer with a second by Commissioner Fehringer. Following audible call of the Board, motion unanimously carried. Director Chandler reported a total of 41 billable ambulance calls. She stated that the EMS initially operated without formal policies, which was identified as a critical issue. Since then, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) have been developed, reviewed by legal counsel, and approved by the Board of County Commissioners within the past year. Policies were written to align with the county policies, and additional SOPs continue to be developed as needed. Director Chandler reviewed the billing process, noting that Systems Design West is the current billing company and that billing-related tasks require a significant portion of time. Patient signatures are essential for insurance claims, and missing signatures cause billing delays. To fix this issue, Director Chandler states that she will be returning incomplete reports to providers. Discussions were also held regarding CPR trainings and its availability to county employees. 5. Reconvene as Board of County Commissioners at 9:27 am: A motion to adjourn as the Power County Ambulance District Board and reconvene as the Power County POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 6 of 10 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, December 22, 2025 Commissioners was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following an audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. 6. CB1 Subdivision Approval: Building Administrator, Andrea Higgins, presented CB1 subdivision for approval. Administrator Higgins states that all proper notices were published along with the approval of the finding of facts and conclusion of law, which was approved by the planning and zoning board. Following discussion, a motion to approve CB1 Subdivision as submitted was presented by Commissioner Krein with a second by Commissioner Povey. Following audible call of the Board, motion unanimously carried. 7. TJM Holdings LLC Subdivision Approval: Building Administrator, Andrea Higgins, presented TJM Holdings LLC subdivision for approval. Administrator Higgins states that all proper notices were published along with the approval of the finding of facts and conclusion of law, which was approved by the planning and zoning board. Following discussion, a motion to approve TJM Holdings LLC subdivision as submitted was presented by Commissioner Krein with a second by Commissioner Povey. Following audible call of the Board, motion unanimously carried. 8. Lott Subdivision Approval: Building Administrator, Andrea Higgins, presented Lott subdivision for approval. Administrator Higgins states that all proper notices were published along with the approval of the finding of facts and conclusion of law, which was approved by the planning and zoning board. Following discussion, a motion to approve Lott Subdivision as submitted was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the Board, motion unanimously carried. 9. Jail Medical Services Discussion: Power County Hospital District CEO Jacklyn Taylor, appeared to discuss terms for jail medical services for the Power County jail. Sheriff Campbell states that he is happy with the agreement as long as the services on the agreement are fulfilled. Following discussion, a motion to approve the contract agreement for medical and mental health services between the Power County Hospital District and the Power County jail was presented by Commissioner Fehringer with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. Commissioner Povey abstained. 10. Surplus: The Sheriff’s department submitted the following list of surplus vehicles; VIN Property Description Location Estimated Value Working Condition Disposition 3GCUYAEF2kG153734 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Sheriff’s Office $7,000 Yes Sell 3GCUKNEC7HG218309 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Sheriff’s Office $4,000 Yes Sell POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 7 of 10 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, December 22, 2025 1D7KS28D17J589592 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT Sheriff’s Office $2,000 Yes Sell 3GCUKNECXJG222375 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 SSV Sheriff’s Office $500+ Totaled Sell 1C4RDJFG6NC1850202 2022 Dodge Durango Sheriff’s Office $500+ Motor Gone Sell 1D7KS28D17J589592 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 Sheriff’s Office $500+ Fair Sell 1FALP52UXRG125202 1995 Ford Taurus Sheriff’s Office $500+ Fair Sell 1GHCU06DOMT314826 1991 Oldsmobile Van Sheriff’s Office $500+ Fair Sell 1FAFP4046YF173343 2000 Ford Mustang Sheriff’s Office $500+ Fair Sell Sheriff Campbell states the vehicles will be sold through Bancorp. Following discussion, a motion to approve the surplus list as submitted was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. 11. Landfill Update: Discussions were held with Landfill Director Jeff Rankin regarding potential methods to mitigate the financial impact of transferring waste to the Millner Landfill site. One Option discussed was compacting waste to reduce the number of trips required for hauling to Millner. Additional discussions addressed possible fee increases at the Power County Landfill. Clerk Sprague informed the Board that the statutory levy limit has already been met. Proposed solutions included weighing all waste hauls, eliminating the 500 – pound free load allowance and increasing construction and demolition disposal fees. The Commissioners agreed that the financial impacts must be full evaluated before any fee increases are implemented. Regarding staff updates, Mr. Rankin states that he would like to hire a part time employee to work approximately 300 total hours a year. The new hire would cover when someone is sick or away on vacation. Mr. Rankin was instructed to meet with the payroll clerk to make sure all new hire documentation is submitted. On a separate matter, the board discussed Mr. David Zimmerman’s request to waive fee’s totaling approximately $1,800 due to a misunderstanding regarding a permit. Following discussion, a motion to waive $300.00 of the $1,800 bill for David Zimmerman was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call, the motion unanimously carried. 12. Tax Cancellations: Assessor Porath presented several tax cancellation requests for 2025. Upon review, a motion to approve the tax cancellations and penalty tax fee for RPD1327-07 was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 8 of 10 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, December 22, 2025 Parcel No. Reason for Cancellation Cancelled Amount RPA0623-00 As Per Assessor $1,672.00 RPA1357-03 As Per Assessor $12,302.62 RPA2005-26 As Per Assessor $587.03 RPD1327-07 As Per Treasurer (Landfill Fee) $276.00 TOTAL TAXES CANCELLED $14,837.65 13. Treasurer Update: Treasurer Deanna Curry presented the Board of Commissioners with a LGIP monthly statement, Treasurer’s Cash, Month End Report ending November 2025. Reports were discussed and reviewed by the Board and following discussion, a motion to accept the reports was presented by Commissioner Krein with a second by Commissioner Fehringer. Following an audible call of the board, motion unanimously carried. 14. Signage: The Commissioner’s reviewed quote #9243 submitted by Sign Up Signs and Graphics. The board approved the quote with the exception of updating the new county seal to the quote. Following discussions, a motion to approve quote #9243 submitted by Sign Up Signs and Graphics in the amount of $1,468.70, to be paid out of the ARPA fund, was presented by Commissioner Krein with a second by Commissioner Povey. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. Discussions were also held regarding the ADA parking near the park and installing signs there. It was agreed that this was a decision for the American Falls City Council. 15. Personnel: The Sheriff’s Office submitted personnel requisition new hire forms for approval; • Detention Deputy – $48,880 annual salary • Detention Deputy – $48,880 annual salary • Patrol Deputy -- $52,000 annual salary Following discussion, a motion to approve the new hire forms as submitted was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. 16. Indigent Release: A motion to release indigent lien 2019-13 was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. IV. EXECUTIVE SESSION: 1. Executive Personnel Session I.C. 74-206(1)(b) 10:08 am: A motion to enter into executive session to consider personnel actions pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)(b) was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Fehringer. Deputy Clerk Mariano Villa conducted roll call on the motion; • Commissioner Povey, AYE • Commissioner Krein, AYE • Commissioner Fehringer, AYE Following roll call of the Board, motion unanimously carried. Upon conclusion of discussion, Commissioner Fehringer declared the meeting open at 10:14 am. POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 9 of 10 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, December 22, 2025 2. Executive Indigent Session pursuant to I.C. §74-206 10:22 am: A motion to enter into executive session pursuant to I.C. §74-206, to consider records that are exempt from disclosure under Chapter 3, Title 9, Idaho Code, specifically indigent medical applications was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Deputy Clerk Mariano Villa conducted roll call on the motion; • Commissioner Povey, AYE • Commissioner Krein, AYE • Commissioner Fehringer, AYE Following roll call of the Board, motion unanimously carried. Upon conclusion of discussion, Commissioner Fehringer declared the meeting open at 10:25 a pm. 3. Executive Personnel Session I.C. 74-206(1)(b) 11:36 am: A motion to enter into executive session to consider personnel actions pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)(b) was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Deputy Clerk Mariano Villa conducted roll call on the motion; • Commissioner Povey, AYE • Commissioner Krein, AYE • Commissioner Fehringer, AYE Following roll call of the Board, motion unanimously carried. Upon conclusion of discussion, Commissioner Fehringer declared the meeting open at 11:46 am. 4. Executive Personnel Session I.C. 74-206(1)(b) 12:57 pm: A motion to enter into executive session to consider personnel actions pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)(b) was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Deputy Clerk Mariano Villa conducted roll call on the motion; • Commissioner Povey, AYE • Commissioner Krein, AYE • Commissioner Fehringer, AYE Following roll call of the Board, motion unanimously carried. Upon conclusion of discussion, Commissioner Fehringer declared the meeting open at 1:43 pm. V. ASSESSMENTS/CONCLUSIONS: 1. Next Meeting: The next regular session for the board to meet is slated for January 12, 2026 2. Adjourn: Having no further business to come before the Board, a motion to adjourn was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the Board, motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 1:44 pm. The foregoing minutes were approved by the Board of County Commissioners during the Regular Board Meeting held January 12, 2026. ATTEST: MARIANO VILLA, Deputy Clerk __________________________________ COMMISSIONER FEHRINGER, Chairman POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 10 of 10 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, December 22, 2025
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