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minutes meeting date 2026-04-27 · fetched 2026-09-09 · 24886 characters · official file · plain text
POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 1 of 10 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, April, 2026 POWER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Meeting Minutes Commission Chambers 543 Bannock Ave. American Falls, ID 83211 www.powercounty.id.us Monday, April 27, 9:00 a.m. I. CALL TO ORDER The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session Monday, April 27, 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: Kami Chandler Macie Evans Andi Higgins Dave Zimmerman Kade Smith Kirk Mottishaw Brad Erickson Ryan Grayson Cody Brower Maggie Mann III. AGENDA A. NOTICES/REPORTS 1. Public Comment: There was no participants for public comment. 2. Falls View Cemetery Discussion: Kade Smith, Dave Zimmerman and Chet Taylor presented a proposal for the purchase of approximately 5.81 acres adjacent to Falls View Cemetery to allow for future expansion. The property is located south of the existing cemetery and includes irrigation water delivery to the property line. Mr. Smith explained that the cemetery is gradually approaching long-term capacity and described the acquisition as a rare opportunity to secure suitable land for future generations, noting that nearby alternatives are limited due to terrain and utility constraints. Financial projections indicated that future plot sales could eventually offset the purchase cost; however, the cemetery currently relies primarily on tax revenue and does not have sufficient funds available to acquire the property while maintaining POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 2 of 10 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, April, 2026 ongoing operations and planned improvements. Additional discussion included nearby the possibility of future easement revenue that could assist with funding at a later date. Cemetery representatives requested county assistance in securing the property and expressed willingness to discuss repayment options in the future. Commissioners requested additional time to review the proposal and consider available options. 3. Snow Removal Discussion: The Commission previously approved a payment for snow removal at the new Planning & Zoning/4-H Building. Clerk Sprague informed the Commission that, following a discussion with Kat Snow Removal, the vendor clarified that an employee had erroneously listed the wrong address on the invoice. Consequently, the Commission moved to vacate the previous approval; no payment is required. 4. Local Assistance & Tribal Contingency Fund Discussion: Commissioners discussed the status of Local Assistance & Tribal Contingency Funds, including ongoing efforts to separate those funds from earlier ARPA allocations. Currently there is approximately $518,000 in that fund. Clerk Sprague explained that once separated, the LATCF funds would not carry the same spending deadlines and could remain available for future county use through 2040. Discussion centered on possible future uses for the funds. While the original intent involved construction of a new county building, commissioners indicated that current facility needs are being addressed through departmental relocations and that no immediate building project is anticipated. Alternative future uses, including IT infrastructure projects, were briefly discussed. Clerk Sprague also confirmed that required compliance reporting has been completed despite ongoing technical issues with the federal reporting portal. 5. Commissioner’s Discussion: Commissioners discussed the importance of improving internal communication regarding maintenance, landscaping, and county property decisions following confusion surrounding recent discussed/proposed projects. The discussion emphasized the need for clearer coordination among commissioners before work proceeds on county property. Additional discussion focused on public communications and the spread of rumors regarding county finances and landfill discussions. Commissioners clarified that certain budgeted funds had been carried forward rather than “given back,” and that discussions regarding landfill options were preliminary brainstorming conversations rather than formal decisions. Commissioners emphasized the importance of distinguishing personal opinions from official Commission positions when speaking publicly. 6. IT Update: The Sollus team provided an update on current IT projects, including efforts to resolve communication and access issues with M2 security systems through a direct coordination meeting. Work also continues on implementation of a county-hosted 3CX phone system upgrade and preparations for a future Computer Arts system upgrade later in the year. The department is also reviewing potential budget impacts related to SQL Server licensing requirements. In addition, a malfunction affecting the county’s online public records request portal was reported and submitted for support review. Overall, projects remain in progress with no major immediate obstacles identified. 7. District Judge Update – Judge Brower: Judge Brower met with commissioners to introduce himself and discuss efforts to increase the visibility and accessibility of district POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 3 of 10 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, April, 2026 judges in rural counties, including Power County and to state that he is currently running for re-election for District Judge for the 6th District. He provided background on his legal, military, and prosecutorial experience and discussed his commitment to constitutional principles, fairness, and ensuring individuals feel heard throughout the judicial process. The judge noted that district judges intend to rotate through surrounding counties more frequently so residents become more familiar with the judiciary and the individuals appearing on election ballots. Discussion also included the wide range of cases handled at the district court level, including land use appeals, regulatory matters, and major criminal cases. 8. Building & Grounds: Updates were provided on ongoing improvements at the fairgrounds, including upgraded lighting, a new sound system, water line work, and equipment repairs. Commissioners noted that the overall condition of the grounds has improved and discussed the possible future need for a dedicated groundskeeper position. Additional discussion focused on communication and process issues related to railing removal and replacement at the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Commissioners established new procedures requiring contractors to formally present bids before work begins, with clearly defined scopes of work, payment schedules, and change-order requirements. Commissioner Fehringer was designated as the primary contact for Buildings and Grounds matters to improve coordination and accountability moving forward. On other matters, landscaping work for the Prosecutor’s will move ahead and Maintenance Director Chet Taylor will meet with Prosecutor Bischoff to discuss different rock choices. It was also agreed that the railings for the prosecutors office will not be repurposed railings due to rusting. 9. Board Updates: The following board updates were held; Great Rift: Commissioner Povey states that they will be holding an upcoming meeting. SICOG: Commissioner Povey states that Amanda Collins has left as well as Lane. A representative from SICOG will also reach out regarding revolving loan fund that can help out the landfill. Guardianship Board: Commissioner Povey states that Annette Colton will be stepping down from the Guardianship Board. Museum: Commissioner Krein states that the grand opening for the museum went well. 10. Public Surplus Discussion: Deputy Clerk Mariano Villa reports that he has been in touch with representatives with Idaho Public Surplus to register Power County and create an account. Deputy Villa states that he will forward any contracts/agreements to Prosecutor Bischoff for review. 11. Southeastern Idaho Public Health District – FY27 Budget Request: The Southeastern Idaho Public Health District presented its FY 2027 budget request, with the budget hearing scheduled for May 28, 2026, at the Bannock County office. Maggie Mann provided an overview of the proposed budget and the district’s financial outlook. Power County’s requested contribution totals $126,712, representing an increase of POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 4 of 10 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, April, 2026 $1,040, or approximately 0.8%, over the current year. Annual rent costs for the local office will remain unchanged at $23,140.District-wide, the proposed budget reflects several operational adjustments. Staffing levels are projected to decrease by 2.41 full- time equivalent positions, representing an approximate 3% reduction. Overall expenditures are expected to decrease by $78,402, which is less than a 1% reduction overall. Personnel costs are projected to rise due primarily to increased employee health insurance expenses, while operating costs are expected to decline significantly because of reduced demand for vaccinations. No capital outlay expenditures are currently projected for FY 2027. Revenue projections show a modest increase in county contributions district-wide. Although the board initially considered maintaining a flat budget with no increase, it ultimately recommended a 1% increase after discussion and adjustments related to fiscal year timing and reserve fund usage. Contract revenues and fee revenues are both projected to decline.The funding formula for county contributions remains based on 70% population and 30% assessed market value. Power County’s population component was calculated at $75,411, while the market value component totaled $51,301. It was noted that Power County experienced the district’s largest population decrease over the past year, while also seeing substantial growth in assessed market value. District representatives also discussed several public health concerns, including a significant decline in vaccination rates over the past 18 months and the increased risk of measles outbreaks, particularly with current outbreaks occurring in Utah. Concerns were also raised regarding the loss of statutory authority to exclude unvaccinated children from schools during outbreaks. The Commissioner’s thanked Ms. Mann for her presentation and will have an answer for her during the upcoming special meeting. B. MOTIONS: 1. Amended Agenda: A motion to amend and approve the April 27, 2026, agenda, to include claims to prevent the county from incurring late fees, was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, motion unanimously carried. 2. Consenting Agenda: The following items were approved under the consenting agenda; Approval of Past Meeting Minutes: Minutes for the meeting held on March 30, 2026, were approved. Treasurer Update: Treasurer Deanna Curry presented the Board of Commissioners with a LGIP monthly statement, Treasurer’s Cash, Month End Reports ending March 2026. Reports were discussed and approved by the board. Certificate of Residency Application for Junior College Tuition l.C. §33-2110: Pursuant to l.C. §33-2110 the Commissioner’s approved the following Applications for Certificate of Residency for Junior College Tuition assistance; Applicant Name Accredited College Term Covered POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 5 of 10 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, April, 2026 Dennis C. Harris College of Southern Idaho Spring 2026 Oscar D. Itehua College of Southern Idaho Spring 2026 3. Claims: A motion to approve the claims approval report in the amount of $$191,571.42 was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following an audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. Upon approval of the Board, the summary of claims paid are as follows; FUND Paid 0001 GENERAL FUND (CURRENT EXPENSE) $ 28,873.76 0003 FAIR BOARD $ 500.00 0004 POWER COUNTY AMBULANCE DIST. $ 5,948.45 0006 DISTRICT COURT $ 2,494.13 0008 JUSTICE FUND $ 10,114.93 0009 DRUG COURT $ 2,214.22 0011 HEALTH DISTRICT $ 37.65 0015 ELECTIONS $ 5,803.03 0020 REVALUATION $ 63.50 0023 SOLID WASTE (LANDFILL) $ 1,855.91 0027 WEEDS $ 496.28 0038 WATERWAYS $ 4,608.13 0039 MUSEUM $ 983.77 0041 AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT $ 101,212.73 0050 PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TAXES $ 26,135.82 0051 BOND – WATER RIGHTS $ 229.11 Total Amount Paid $ 191,571.42 POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 6 of 10 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, April, 2026 4. Convene as Ambulance District Board at 9:14 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. 5. Ambulance Administration & Financial Report: EMS Chief Kami Chandler and Deputy Chief Macie Evans presented the March 2026 ambulance report, noting a total of 49 billable calls and 32 non-billable calls during the month. Call volume included 28 Basic Life Support (BLS) calls and 21 Advanced Life Support (ALS) calls. Transport activity consisted of inter-facility transfers, transports to Power County Hospital, and transports to Portneuf Medical Center, most of which were completed for protocol compliance. The department also completed two medically necessary hospital-to-home transports after all other transportation options had been exhausted. Discussion focused on a proposed fee structure for non-transport responses, which would implement an approximate $150 flat fee to help offset crew wages and fuel costs associated with call- outs where no patient transport occurs. Budget concerns were also reviewed, particularly the low remaining balances in the medical supplies and miscellaneous expense accounts midway through the fiscal year. Chief Chandler reported that the EMS SAVE grant application for QRU equipment remains pending, with award notifications expected later this summer. An application for a Zoll monitor through the Firehouse Subs grant program was denied, though plans are in place to reapply through an alternate funding source with assistance from SICOG. Chief Chandler also announced upcoming attendance at the Idaho Fire Chiefs Association conference and discussed development of a recognition program for major incident responders, including certificates and commemorative valor coins. Chief Chandler further states that there will be changes to consider and will continue to update the policy when it comes with handling situations with staff regarding the incident that occurred on April 3rd. Following discussion, a motion to approve the Ambulance Financial Report was presented by Commissioner Krein with a second by Commissioner Povey. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. 6. Reconvene as Board of County Commissioners at 9:32 pm: A motion to adjourn as the Power County Ambulance District Board and reconvene as the Power County Commissioners was presented by Commissioner Fehringer with a second by Commissioner Povey. Following an audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. 7. Ordinance O-2026-01 Amendment to Title 10 Chapters 1 &2; Update and Corrections: Power County Ordinance 2026-01 was presented before the Commission at 10:01 pm. The following parties acknowledged roll call of attendance; • Kryst Krein, Commissioner • Jason Povey, Commissioner • Chris Fehringer, Commissioner • Brock Bischoff, Legal Counsel • Mariano Villa, Deputy Clerk • Sharee Sprague, Elected Clerk POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 7 of 10 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, April, 2026 • Andi Higgins • Dave Zimmerman Andi Higgins reports the proposed ordinance was published in the Power County Press on April 8th, 2026. Ms. Higgins read the ordinance into the record. Upon conclusion, a motion to adopt Power County Ordinance 2026-01 was presented by Commissioner Krein with a second by Commissioner Povey. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. 8. Ordinance O-2026-02 Amendment to Title 10 Chapters 3-9; Updates and Corrections: Power County Ordinance 2022-02 was presented before the Commission at 10:01 pm. The following parties acknowledged roll call of attendance; • Kryst Krein, Commissioner • Jason Povey, Commissioner • Chris Fehringer, Commissioner • Brock Bischoff, Legal Counsel • Mariano Villa, Deputy Clerk • Sharee Sprague, Elected Clerk • Andi Higgins • Dave Zimmerman Andi Higgins reports the proposed ordinance was published in the Power County Press on April 8th, 2026. Ms. Higgins read the ordinance into the record. Upon conclusion, a motion to adopt Power County Ordinance 2026-02 was presented by Commissioner Krein with a second by Commissioner Povey. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. 9. Fairgrounds Update: Commissioners approved a contract with Cullpepper & Merryweather Circus for a performance scheduled June 27, 2026, at the Power County Fairgrounds. The agreement included a small upfront contract fee of $290.00 to be paid from the Fair Board budget. Ticket sales will be managed by Fair Board volunteers, with revenue-sharing arrangements providing a percentage of ticket proceeds back to the county. Operational planning responsibilities will include volunteer coordination, utility marking, waste management, ticket accountability, and cash reconciliation procedures. Commissioners discussed promoting the event through community activities and viewed the circus as a low-risk fundraising opportunity with strong potential for community participation. An additional memorandum of understanding will be prepared to clarify responsibilities between the county and Fair Board. Following discussion, a motion to approve the contract with Cullpepper and Merryweather Circus and authorize a $290 demand check, to be paid out of the Fair Board budget, was presented by Commissioner Fehringer with a second by Commissioner Krein Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. On a separate matter, Commissioner Fehringer states that the Commission had previously authorized the purchase of poles for lighting and fixtures at the fairgrounds in the amount of $1,200 but did not formally make a motion to approve the purchase. Following discussion, a motion to approve the payment of $1,200 to Stag Electric for poles 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, April, 2026 10. Tax Exemptions: A motion to approve the tax cancellations as presented with the exception of RPA 0728-00 was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. Parcel No. Owner Tax Exemption RPA1192-00 A.F. Community Church 100% RPA1202-00 A.F. Community Church 100% RPA0727-01 American Falls Christian Fellowship 100% RPA0729-00 American Falls Christian Fellowship 100% RPA0749-00 American Falls Theatre Guild 100% RPD2302-04 Arbon Valley Bible Church 100% RPA0419-00 Calvary Baptist Church Of 100% RPD2668-06 Corporation Of The Presiding 100% RPD2668-08 Corporation Of The Presiding 100% RPB0124-01 Corp. Of Presiding Bishop Lds 100% RPB0043-00 Congregational Church 100% RPB0052-00 First Congregational Church Of 100% RPB0030-00 Daughters Of Utah Pioneers 100% RPD0134-01 Evangelical Lutheran Church 100% MHZ0396-03 Franciscan Sisters Of The Eucharist 100% RPA1355-03 Health West Inc. 100% RPA0862-00 Latin American Council Of 100% RPA1562-00 Lds Church Tax Admin. 100% RPB0149-01 Lds Church Tax Admin. 100% RPD2671-01 Lds Church Tax Admin 100% RPA1033-00 Lds Church Tax Admin 100% RPA1549-00 Lds Church Tax Admin 100% RPA1365-16 Powerhouse Christian 100% RPC0629-00 Presiding Bishop Of The Church 100% RPA0999-00 Roman Catholic Diocese 100% RPA1002-00 Roman Catholic Church 100% RPA0748-00 Roland Evans American Legion 100% RPA0973-00 St. Johns Lutheran Church 100% RPA0874-00 St. Johns Lutheran Church 100% RPA0888-00 Templo Emanuel 100% RPA0888-02 Templo Emanuel 100% RPA0005-00 Trinity Christian School Inc 100% RPA0004-00 Trinity Christian School Inc 100% RPA0003-00 Trinity Christian School Inc 100% RPA0923-00 United Methodist Church The (Leasing – Youth Center) 100% POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 9 of 10 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, April, 2026 11. Hammond Helicopter Request: Representatives from Hammond Helicopters presented a septic system permit request for their hangar located at the Savage Field. The proposed system will serve a single restroom facility within the shop building and includes a septic tank and drain field. All required inspections, documentation, and permit fees had been completed prior to approval, including verification that the site is located beyond the distance required for connection to the city sewer system. Discussion clarified that the county owns the leased airport property, while Hammond Helicopters owns the hangar structure and will own and maintain the septic system improvements. Commissioners noted that any future lease transfer would include responsibility for the system. Hammond Helicopters continues to provide agricultural spraying and weed control services throughout southeastern Idaho and northern Utah. Following discussion, a motion to approve the septic tank permit for the Hammond Helicopter Hanger was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. 12. Personnel: Payroll Clerk Chelsy Fehringer reports that Barbara Workman has resigned from the Sheriff's Office. Ms. Fehringer advises that the employee is eligible for separation benefits as follows; • 30.5 hours of Compensation pay for a total of $835.09 • 99 hours of Vacation pay for a total of $2,710.62 • 80 hours worked during the last payroll for a total of $2,190.40 • Employee is eligible for (3) month(s)COBRA Insurance Coverage through the County Following discussion a motion to accept personnel updates as submitted and issue a payout to Barbara Workman in the total amount of $5,736.11 and authorize 3 months COBRA Insurance Coverage for the employee only was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following an audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. C. POINTS OF ORDER: 1. FY27 Budget Planning: No action or discussion was held on this item. IV. EXECUTIVE SESSION: 1. Executive Personnel Session I.C. 74-206(1)(b) 11:18 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 11:25 am. V. ASSESSMENTS/CONCLUSIONS: POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 10 of 10 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, April, 2026 1. Next Meeting: The next regular session for the board to meet is slated for May 11, 2026 2. Adjourn: Having no further business to come before the Board, a motion to adjourn was presented by Commissioner Krein with a second by Commissioner Povey. Following audible call of the Board, motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 2:37 pm. The foregoing minutes were approved by the Board of County Commissioners during the Regular Board Meeting held February 7, 2022. ATTEST: MARIANO VILLA, Deputy Clerk __________________________________ COMMISSIONER FEHRINGER, Chairman Mariano Villa Jr.
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