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minutes meeting date 2026-05-11 · fetched 2026-09-09 · 19050 characters · official file · plain text
POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 1 of 8 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, May 11, 2026 POWER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Meeting Minutes Commission Chambers 543 Bannock Ave. American Falls, ID 83211 www.powercounty.id.us Monday, May 11, 2026, 9:00 a.m. I. CALL TO ORDER The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session Monday, May 11, 2026, and called the meeting to order at the hour of 9:00 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: Jeff Rankin Chet Taylor Andi Higgins Laura Porath Anthony Simerlink Ryan Grayson Kasey Kendall Brad Rogers Kami Chandler Katy Bergholm Dough Tanner Tami Moore Michele Poletti Gary Krell III. AGENDA A. NOTICES/REPORTS 1. Public Comment: Katie Burkholm, Regional Administrator for the Pocatello DEQ office, and Doug Tanner, Waste Management and Remediation Manager, provided an overview of current DEQ activities in Power County. Major projects include nearly $15.4 million in drinking water infrastructure improvements in American Falls, including an $11.5 million ARPA-funded drinking water project and a $3.9 million lead service line replacement initiative. Additional ongoing work includes the Don Plant site, FMC cleanup efforts, and landfill collaboration with the county. Doug Tanner reviewed DEQ program responsibilities, including solid waste, hazardous materials, underground storage tanks, spill response, brownfield coordination, and highway slag disposal oversight. He noted that much of his recent work has focused on solid waste management issues. POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 2 of 8 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, May 11, 2026 2. Elected Official’s/Department Head Meeting: Department Heads and Elected Official’s presented the following updates; Emergency Management: Director Chandler informed the group of meeting dates and times for LEPC meetings. Sheriff’s Office: Sheriff Kendall updated the group on staff updates and upcoming interviews to fill open positions and ongoing budget discussions with the auditor’s office. Probation Department: Director Grayson states that they will hopefully start drug testing in the new building. Staff are currently informing individuals where drug tests will now be held. Clerk’s Office: Clerk Sprague informed the group on early voting for the May 19th Primary Election. She states that she is available for budget scheduling for each department. Extension Office: Extension agent Anthony Simerlink states they held an outreach demonstration with students at JR Simplot. They were able to explain stewardship practices with representatives from the conservation district and explain and promote 4-H to the students. Discussion also included relocating the garden project closer to the main building for increased visibility and accessibility. Mr. Simerlink was concerned with spraying that can carry over to the garden and states that he would like to plant juniper trees to help mitigate this issue. Prosecutor’s Office: Prosecutor Bischoff updated the group on his schedule for the week as he will be out of the office attending trainings. Building Maintenance: Maintenance Director Chet Taylor provided a time frame for completion on the prosecutor’s ramp. Mr. Taylor also said he is fixing sprinklers and will be working on the sprinklers near the Sheriff’s office as well. Treasurer: Treasurer Curry states that warrants of distraint have been collected and thanks the Sheriff’s office for their assistance on this matter. There are 7 parcels that they would like to get resolved before August’s tax hearing date. Treasurer Curry also wanted to know if she could use the remote access contract she forwarded to legal and IT for review. The IT team states that the technical side is finished with the only remaining items are adding users and invoicing. They state they will follow up with Treasurer Curry to resolve this matter. IT: IT reported transitioning departments to the Know B4 security awareness training system and reminded employees to complete required training. Staff also completed network setup and camera installation for the new drug testing and museum building. POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 3 of 8 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, May 11, 2026 Additional updates included vendor reviews for printing services and M2 Automation support, plans for a centralized countywide IT budget covering computers, phones, and internet services, and the transition to a 3CX cloud-hosted phone system. Landfill Update: Landfill Director Jeff Rankin states that he is working on the landfill budget for the upcoming fiscal year. They are also working on updating their fees as well as exploring grants for multiple projects. Planning & Zoning: Administrator Andrea Higgins states that their office has been very busy. They will have a busy planning & zoning meeting as there are many items to address. The board has not discussed their summer meeting schedule yet as multiple members were absent during the last meeting, however, they are planning to discuss this item in their upcoming meeting. On a separate matter, a date has been set for spraying on BLM lands. Assessor’s Office: Assessor Porath states that assessments will be sent out in the next couple of weeks. Commissioners: As budget season approaches, Commissioner Krein encouraged the group to contact the Commissioner’s or Clerk Sprague with any questions regarding their budget. Commissioner Povey asked for the group and their staff to be mindful of posting or engaging in any political posts on social media for local elections as the county can be held liable for these kinds of interactions. To address this, the county will soon be adopting an official social media policy. Chief Chandler states that the EMS is currently drafting a policy and well forward it to legal for review. Commissioner Fehringer reminded the group that the desk located in the backroom of the Commissioners chambers is for everyone’s use. 3. City of Rockland Discussion: Mayor Gretchen Munk and Clerk Robin Reaves discussed ongoing water infrastructure and financial challenges facing the City of Rockland. With only 137 water users, the city struggles to spread infrastructure costs across a small customer base. The city recently experienced failure of both water pumps within six months, requiring emergency replacement of aging equipment after 30 years of service. Officials explained that grant opportunities were denied because repairs had to be completed before funding applications could be submitted. Current residential water rates average approximately $87 monthly, with sewer rates at $49.77. Existing debt obligations on prior sewer and water projects limit the city’s ability to take on additional loans. Rockland is requesting county assistance for emergency pump expenses and a proposed Variable Frequency Device project estimated at $55,000– 60,000 to improve water delivery reliability. The Commissioners state that they will consider their request during budget review. 4. Assessor’s Update: Appraiser Kevin Frank and Assessor Porath reviewed the county’s reappraisal process and upcoming assessment notices. The county is transitioning to a geographic-area reappraisal method rather than category-based reviews to improve consistency in property valuations. State ratio requirements have tightened, and POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 4 of 8 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, May 11, 2026 current county assessments are estimated at approximately 81% of actual market sales values. The county currently has nearly 8,400 parcels, with new construction projected at approximately $5 million this year. Assessment notices will be mailed by early June. Officials noted that most valuation concerns are resolved informally with property owners before formal Board of Equalization appeals become necessary. 5. Aid For Friends Budget Request: Tammy Moore and Michelle Poletti presented a funding request on behalf of Aid for Friends, the region’s only ADA-compliant homeless shelter serving single men, women, and families together in Southeast Idaho. The organization provides shelter services, case management, housing assistance, and regional homelessness assessments. Officials explained that the shelter receives only about $38,000 annually in HUD funding, which covers less than one-fourth of operational costs. The shelter works closely with regional agencies, courts, hospitals, and law enforcement and serves residents from multiple counties, including Power County. Commissioners stated they would take the funding request under advisement as part of the county budget process. 6. Planning & Zoning Ordinance Discussion: Commissioners discussed concerns regarding slow progress on planning and zoning reform and emphasized the need to address future growth and development. Proposed changes include creating individual ordinances for major project types, updating the comprehensive plan to better define land uses, and hiring a consultant to assist with ordinance development and process improvements. Commissioners stated they intend to move forward with reforms to support growth and economic development while addressing constituent concerns. 7. Budget Workshop: No action was taken on this item. 8. Bancorp Lease Schedule: The following vehicle lease schedules thru BANCORP were presented to the Commissioner’s; • 2024 Ram 1500 SSV Crew Cab 4x4 with a base payment of $12,893.08. • 2024 Ram 1500 SSV Crew Cab 4x4 with a base payment of $12,884.96. Because the lease was previously approved, no formal motion was required, only Chairman Fehringer's signature. B. MOTIONS: 1. Agenda: A motion to approve the agenda for Monday, May 11, 2026, was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the Board, motion unanimously carried. 2. Board Updates: The following board updates were presented; Guardianship Board: Commissioner Krein reported that Susan Love will replace Annette Colton on the Guardianship Board and thanks Annette for her service. Commissioner Krein also stated that the board nominates Kim McGraw to fill a vacant position. Following discussion, a motion to appoint Susan Love and Kim McGraw to the Guardianship board was presented by Commissioner Krein with a second by Commissioner Povey. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 5 of 8 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, May 11, 2026 Airport: Commissioner Fehringer stated that recent hangar inspections confirmed all hangars are being used in compliance with FAA standards. Fair Board: Commissioner Fehringer states that planning is underway for summer and fall events. Great Rift: Commissioner Povey stated that the Portneuf Development representative is no longer there. Further communication will be needed to continue receiving updates. SICOG: Commissioner Povey stated that there has been a significant amount of turnover at SICOG. It was agreed to invite a representative to provide updates at the next meeting. 3. Maverik Group LLC – Liquor License: A motion to approve the retail alcohol license application name change for Maverik Group LLC, formally Maverik Inc, was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. 4. Sheriff’s Office Update: The Commissioner’s and Sheriff Kendall discussed surplus vehicle disposal options and was advised to utilize Idaho Public Surplus rather than Gauge Auto for older vehicles and equipment. One issue remains with a Durango that still carries an outstanding Bancorp title balance. Sheriff Kendall also discussed ongoing hiring efforts and proposed wage adjustments to remain competitive and reward employee longevity. Budget concerns were identified in several operational lines, particularly uniforms and staffing costs. Sheriff Kendall states he will meet with Clerk Sprague to review the budget. Additionally, the Sheriff discussed a proposed $500 contribution toward a regional Flock license plate reader camera project in the Coldwater area, citing investigative benefits to the county. The Sheriff also presented the following personnel requisition forms to the Commissioner’s; • The Sheriff's Department would like to hire an employee to fill a patrol deputy position and requests the salary to be $46,800.00-$47,840.00 annually or $22.50-$23.00 hourly as compensation for completion of assigned job duties. • The Sheriff's Department would like to hire an employee to fill a dispatch specialist position and requests the salary to be $43,680.00-$45,760.00 annually or $21.00-$22.00 hourly as compensation for completion of assigned job duties. • The Sheriff's Department would like to hire an employee to fill a detention deputy position and requests the salary to be $45,760.00 annually or $22.00 hourly as compensation for completion of assigned job duties. • The Sheriff's Department would like to hire an employee to fill a detention deputy position and requests the salary to be $45,760.00-$47,840.00 annually or $22.00-$23.00 hourly as compensation for completion of assigned job duties. • The Sheriff's Department and District Court-Clerk’s Office would like to hire an employee to fill a Part-time Courthouse Security position and requests the salary to be $25,350.00 annually or $25.00 hourly as compensation for completion of POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 6 of 8 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, May 11, 2026 assigned job duties. Staff Updates: Payroll Clerk Lissette Aguirre reports that LaDonna Torres has resigned from the Sheriff's Office. Ms. Fehringer advises that the employee is eligible for separation benefits as follows; • 0 hours of Compensation pay for a total of $0 • 0 hours of Vacation pay for a total of $0 • 39 hours worked during the last payroll for a total of $760.50 • Employee is eligible for (0) month(s)COBRA Insurance Coverage through the County Following discussion, a motion to approve the personnel requisition forms and accept the resignation and payout of Ladonna Torres was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. 5. Consenting Agenda: Following discussions, a motion to approve the consenting agenda as submitted was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board the motion unanimously carried. The following items were approved under the consenting agenda; Approval of Past Meeting Minutes: Minutes for meetings held on April 13th, April 27th and May 1, 2026, were approved. Claims: The following claims report was approved; FUND Paid 0001 GENERAL FUND (CURRENT EXPENSE) $ 7,308.87 0004 POWER COUNTY AMBULANCE DIST. $ 3,970.52 0006 DISTRICT COURT $ 1,028.32 0008 JUSTICE FUND $ 22,184.47 0010 ENHANCED 911 SERVICES $ 693.82 0011 HEALTH DISTRICT $ 274.43 0015 ELECTIONS $ 201.88 0020 REVALUATION $ 9,957.49 0023 SOLID WASTE (LANDFILL) $ 29,986.27 0027 WEEDS $ 142.95 0038 WATERWAYS $ 5,445.81 0039 MUSEUM $ 131.44 Total Amount Paid $ 81,326.27 6. Building & Grounds: The following items were discussed; • Sheriff’s Office (Rec Room Door): Maintenance Director Chet Taylor presented estimate #1173 to fix the Sheriff’s Office rec room door in the amount of $3,059.82 from Ralphs 208 Construction. Mr. Taylor states that Ralph’s 208 Construction was the only company to bid for the job. Following discussions, a motion to approve the estimate from Ralphs 208 Construction to fix the Sheriff’s POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 7 of 8 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, May 11, 2026 office rec room door and pay up to $3,059.82 (to be paid out of Jail Repairs 8850600) was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. A demand check was NOT authorized. • Railings: Maintenance Director Chet Taylor presented a bid to reinstall railings at the annex for safety purposes. The bid was in the amount of $700. Following discussion, the Commissioner’s state that the contractor needs to be contacted to send a revised estimate that includes a breakdown of the work to be done. The Commissioner’s decided to approve the bid contingent on a new updated estimate being submitted with detailed description of the work that needs to be done and the approval of Chairman Fehringer. Motion was made by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. (Paid out of ARPA and NO demand check) 7. Burial Application: A motion to approve the burial application for Pamela Spradlin in the amount of $1,200 was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. 8. Personnel: Personnel items were discussed and approved under the Sheriff’s Office update. IV. EXECUTIVE SESSION: 1. Executive Personnel Session I.C. 74-206(1)(b) 11:57 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 12:33 pm. V. ASSESSMENTS/CONCLUSIONS: 1. Next Meeting: The next regular session for the board to meet is slated for February 7, 2022 2. Adjourn: Having no further business to come before the Board, a motion to adjourn was presented by Commissioner Fehringer with a second by Commissioner Fehringer. Following audible call of the Board, motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 10:00 am. The foregoing minutes were approved by the Board of County Commissioners during the Regular Board Meeting held February 7, 2022. ATTEST: __________________________________ POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 8 of 8 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, May 11, 2026 MARIANO VILLA, Deputy Clerk COMMISSIONER FEHRINGER, Chairman Mariano Villa Jr.
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