Power County | minutes | meeting 2026-04-13 | Commissioner's Agenda source: https://www.powercounty.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04132026-298 POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 1 of 9 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, April 13, 2026 POWER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Meeting Minutes Commission Chambers 543 Bannock Ave. American Falls, ID 83211 www.powercounty.id.us Monday, April 13, 2026, 9:00 a.m. I. CALL TO ORDER The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session Monday, June 1, 2023, 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: Andi Higgins Jeff Rankin Ryan Grayson Chet Taylor Anthony Simerlink Brad Erickson Kasey Kendall Kami Chandler Macie Evans Jared Hedelius Vernon Miller Jacob Taylor Jason Williams Kristen Jensen Mark Dahlquist Kasey Kendall Amanda Collins Mark Blanschott Byron Marshall Nick Andreason III. AGENDA A. NOTICES/REPORTS 1. Public Comment: No public comment was given. 2. Elected Officials/Department Head Meeting: The following updates were given by each department head and elected official. POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 2 of 9 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, April 13, 2026 Probation Department: Director Grayson reports that day-to-day operations are the same. At the moment they are working through logistics and notifying individuals that drug testing has been moved to a different building. Sheriff’s Office: Sheriff Kendall reports that new patrol vehicles were received. Jail inspection completed (certification delayed due to staffing gaps). Critical incident debriefings scheduled (April 14-15) following April 3rd incident and emphasized value of inter-agency relationships. Clerks: Clerk Sprague states that she is working with IT to fix the records request section on the county website encouraged everyone to update their emails, so any incoming requests go to the correct department. Clerk Sprague reports that if a department is contracting a new vendor, to make sure they go speak with Payroll Clerk Miles to make sure all proper documentation is submitted. Clerk Sprague also states that when emails are going out for any billings, to please include Payroll Clerk Miles. Clerk Sprague states she will get budget sheets to each department this week and will be available for any questions. Request sheets are due back to the Clerks office on May 15th. Planning & Zoning: Building Administrator Higgins reports that they are busy as construction has started to pick up and more permits are being requested. Equipment for weed spraying is operational with the first spray job scheduled. Cost-share program now requires license numbers before chemicals for spraying are distributed. Regarding any by law changes requiring the PNZ board meeting more frequently during the busy summer months (August-September), Ms. Higgins states that the PNZ board will be discussing this matter at their upcoming meeting. Extension Office: Extension Agent, Anthony Simerlink, reports that the Extension office and the Soil Conservation District held an education class for 4th graders at JR. Simplot Elementary. They are planning on doing this again in May for Ag days. Mr. Simerlink states that he attended a conference in Moscow, Idaho and attended workshops with county educators. Seed starting class is scheduled for Thursday and Friday with demonstrations being held at the fairgrounds in May or June. Commissioner Fehringer asked Mr. Simerlink that it would make sense if they also promoted 4-H at these events. Ambulance: Chief Chandler reports that they are currently working on staff support with events that happened on April 3rd and working on bettering steps to support staff when events like this occur. Emergency Management: Chief Chandler reports on grant opportunities and upcoming LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Committee) trainings. POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 3 of 9 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, April 13, 2026 Building & Grounds: Building & Grounds manager Chet Taylor states that there are surplus items available for departments. Mr. Taylor further gave an update regarding the museum building and fire alarm installation that will take place soon. Mr. Taylor states that fire extinguishers will be repurposed and placed in the new museum building. Regarding the new ramp at the Prosecutor’s office, Mr. Taylor states that it has just recently been poured and they will wait for it to settle before continuing work. Commissioner Fehringer states that the bushes at the health department were overgrown and making it difficult for ones to park next to the building. It was agreed that most of the bushes would be taken out. Landscaping at the Sheriff’s office is still being discussed as it was originally agreed to take out a section of the lawn and replace it with rocks. As a safety precaution, it was agreed to have further discussions with the Sheriff to discuss alternatives. On a separate matter, Mr. Taylor states that the new boat shed doors will be installed this Wednesday. Landfill: Landfill Director Jeff Rankin states that free yard waste day is on Saturday, April 25th. IT: Sollus reported and received feedback for the following items; Phone system review: three options presented (renew current, upgrade to cloud, switch to 3CX) the group preferred option 3 due to cost – effectiveness. File server cleanup is now underway. Amazon Business account restructuring for department-level purchasing control. NITRO workspace has been installed for the Clerks office. Camera management/permissions were also discussed. 3. Wool Grower’s Association/Animal Control Budget Request: Jared Hedelius, State Director for Idaho Wildlife Services, presented a funding request on behalf of the Animal Damage Control (ADC) Board, clarifying that the agenda had been mislabeled as the Wool Growers Association. Power County is part of ADC District 4, which serves eight counties and operates under the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. The program assists livestock producers and the general public with wildlife damage issues, including predators, nuisance animals, and invasive species. Funding is derived from a combination of industry taxes, state contributions, and county support, with additional federal assistance covering equipment, vehicles, and partial staffing. The county currently receives services from two trappers assigned to the region. A request of approximately $2,000 annually was presented, with acknowledgment of increased costs due to inflation. Commissioners took the request under advisement for the upcoming budget cycle and requested that future invoices align with the county’s fiscal year. 4. Pocatello Mayor Dahlquist Update: Mayor Mark Dahlquist provided an update on city priorities and ongoing projects, emphasizing economic development, housing, and fiscal transparency. He discussed challenges surrounding the LA Semiconductor plant, including layoffs and pending sale efforts, and noted ongoing support from the city and state. Updates were also provided on Simplot’s land needs, SME Steel’s expansion and job creation, and airport development efforts, including infrastructure improvements and expanded flight options. Additional topics included progress on the Northgate development, housing initiatives through NeighborWorks, and regional collaboration POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 4 of 9 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, April 13, 2026 efforts. The mayor highlighted the importance of partnerships with surrounding communities and ongoing discussions regarding industrial expansion, water availability, and redevelopment opportunities. 5. M2 Update: Discussion’s were held with M2 regarding Admin access issues. The access request has been pending for approximately a month with M2 requiring a signed release of liability document before granting access. M2 agreed to provide revised document specifying the primary contact be Sheriff Kendall with the Sollus IT team as secondary administrators. The Commissioner’s requested detailed cost breakdowns (hardware, implementation, travel) for metal detector and PA office access control quotes for transparency to evaluate value and maximize budget allocation. M2 agreed to provide "as much as allowed" - policy limits detail but can separate equipment from mobilization costs. Another item discussed was user management for camera access. 6. Landfill Update: Landfill Director Jeff Rankins presented an opportunity to acquire a used 80-foot scale at a low initial cost; however, significant additional expenses for parts, site preparation, and installation would bring the total investment to over $100,000. Concerns were raised regarding the condition and age of the equipment, lack of site readiness, and competing priorities, including regulatory issues and pending grant applications. Due to these factors, the county elected not to move forward with the purchase at this time and may continue using alternative fee structures. 7. IT Update: The IT team reports that the fiber line for the museum was mistakenly cut during renovations. It should take approximately 1-2 weeks to replace. Discussions were also held regarding copiers and printers. It was agreed for this item to be addressed at the next meeting. 8. Budget Workshop: No action or update was taken on this item. 9. Herd District Discussion: The board addressed critical legal issues regarding the county’s existing herd districts, which were established between 1911 and 1917. These districts are currently considered effectively invalid because they predate modern fencing requirements enacted in 1947 and 1957, meaning courts generally cannot enforce fencing agreements within them. While this lack of validity does not create legal liability for the county, it does mean the county is not responsible for managing or enforcing these districts, despite common citizen misconceptions to the contrary. To manage these misunderstandings, the recommended response to livestock complaints is to clarify that the issue falls outside county jurisdiction, direct citizens to the state brand inspector, or advise them of their right to seek restitution for animal care through small claims court. The commissioners discussed several long-term options, including reconvening the herd committee to review each district, or disbanding the invalid districts entirely. 10. Developer Agreement: Commissioners discussed the potential development of a county ordinance to allow developer agreements for large-scale projects. It was noted that certain developments, such as battery facilities or other industrial projects, may not generate significant traditional property tax revenue; however, developer agreements could provide an opportunity for the county to negotiate alternative contributions to support infrastructure improvements, community projects, and other public benefits. The proposed process would involve Planning and Zoning developing an POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 5 of 9 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, April 13, 2026 ordinance framework for commissioner review and adoption. Once established, the ordinance would provide the county with the legal authority to negotiate formal agreements with future developers. Commissioners indicated they would bring the matter forward to Planning and Zoning to begin the ordinance development process. 11. Public Defender’s Office: Clerk Sprague reports that the Public Defender’s office is ready to move to the new county-owned building located at 70 Fort Hall Ave. The Public Defender’s office would like to know if they could use the desk in the office space they were going to be using. The Commissioner’s granted this request. Currently, the county does not charge the Public Defender’s office rent because its status as a full-service office shared between Power and Oneida Counties requires the county to provide rent- free space until 2029. While Oneida County continues to pay its share for the joint operation, Clerk Sprague has already documented the square footage being utilized to establish future lease rates once the mandate expires. With the office now entering active use, Sprague projects an increase in utility costs and noted that expenses for snow removal and grounds maintenance must also be tracked. These overhead factors will be fully evaluated when the county prepares to transition the space to a paid lease agreement in 2029. 12. Primary Election Ballot Security: The county reviewed ballot security procedures, including the use of official ballot markings and secure storage protocols with continuous surveillance. All measures meet state requirements. Early voting is scheduled to begin April 29, with locations and times established to maximize accessibility. The county is also evaluating a potential new location for future early voting to improve space and efficiency. 13. Building & Grounds: The following items were discussed under building & grounds; Mosquito Abatement Discussion: Representatives from VDCI provided an update on mosquito control operations, noting recent staffing changes and early-season surveillance efforts. Trapping began in March, with minimal activity observed so far. Expanded monitoring and testing for West Nile virus will begin as the season progresses, with additional control measures implemented as needed. The program remains responsive to both threshold levels and public concerns. Hammond Helicopter’s: Representatives from Hammond Helicpoter’s reported that they are in the process of obtaining permits and all proper applications for sewer services for their hanger located in Savage Field. As the county owns the land that the building sits on, documentation would be forwarded for legal review and scheduled for a further meeting. B. MOTIONS: 1. Agenda: A motion to approve the agenda for Monday, April 13, 2026, was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the Board, motion unanimously carried. 2. Convene as Ambulance District Board at 10:46 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 POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 6 of 9 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, April 13, 2026 Commissioner Krein. Following an audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. 3. Ambulance District Stryker Purchase & Update: Ambulance Chief Chandler, presented a purchase order for Stryker defibrillator unit. The total cost for the unit is $69,996.44. Funding will be drawn from existing EMS capital accounts, including capital equipment and capital vehicle line items, which together provide sufficient funds to cover the expense. No additional budget appropriation is required. Following discussion, a motion to approve the purchase of the Stryker unit as submitted and to pay out of the Ambulance department’s capital equipment and vehicle lines, in the amount of $69,996.44. was presented by Commissioner Krein with a second by Commissioner Povey. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. 4. Reconvene as Board of County Commissioners at 10:48 am: A motion to adjourn as the Power County Ambulance District Board and reconvene as the Power County Commissioners was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following an audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. 5. Probation Update: Probation Director Ryan Grayon appeared with the following updates; • Cash Box Request: Purpose for this request is to make change for drug testing payments when clients bring large bills. Mr. Grayson requested two cash boxes with $100 in each box. Currently, money collected from testing is being receipted and turned into the clerk’s office. Following discussion, a motion to approve two cash boxes for the Probation office, with $100 in each box, and coordinate with Clerk Sprague for implementation, was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. • The Probation Department approved a step increase due to completion of training and requests Brisseth Carreon Avalos receive $16.73 hourly as compensation for completion of assigned job duties. Following discussion, a motion to approve the salary rate form for Brisseth Carreon Avalos was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. • Director Grayson reported zero juvenile probationers in jail over the last couple months, with about half of current caseload being status offenders (truancy, etc.) who can only be jailed by judge order 6. Resolution 2026-07 FY26 Budget Changes: Chairman Fehringer opened the meeting for Resolution 2026-07 A Resolution for budget changes at 11:28 am and roll call of attendance is as follows; • Commissioner Fehringer • Commissioner Povey • Commissioner Krein • Clerk Sharee Sprague • Deputy Clerk Mariano Villa • Kristen Jensen POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 7 of 9 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, April 13, 2026 Clerk Sprague read Resolution 2026-07 into the record. Clerk Sprague noted spelling errors while reading the resolution. Following discussion, a motion to approve Resolution 2026-07, with corrections, was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. 7. SICOG Update: SICOG representatives discussed delays impacting the courthouse annex demolition project, particularly related to federal agency coordination and historic preservation requirements. A key concern is the need to expend ARPA funds by the end of 2026. Progress continues on public communication planning and funding mechanisms, while efforts are underway to resolve outstanding issues with the EPA and State Historic Preservation Office as well as continuing to search for grant opportunities. On a separate matter, Clerk Sprague states that SICOG have sent emails containing invoices Commissioner Povey. The invoice in need of pay is in the amount of $3,637.50. After discovering that the emails were automatically being sent to the junk folder, a motion to approve the payment to SICOG in the amount of $3,637.50 through demand check was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. 8. Board Updates: The following board updates were presented; Guardianship Board: Commissioner Krein states that the Guardianship board submitted Edith Bregitzer as a board member. Following discussion, a motion to appoint Edith Bregitzer to the Guardianship board was presented by Commissioner Krein with a second by Commissioner Fehringer. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. Soil & Water Conservation: Commissioner Krein reported on an incident where a resident who made a complaint against Idaho Power for cutting down their wind break trees. The soil water and conservation district will work with the resident to plant new trees. Commissioner Krein states he reached out to Idaho Power to see what they can do to assist with this item. Planning & Zoning: Commissioner Krein states that the last PNZ meeting went very well and commended Ms. Higgins and the board. Health District: Commissioner Fehringer reports that in the recent Health District meeting he attended, he was informed that Utah has the leading number of cases for measles. The health district is encouraging the community to consider vaccinations in order to prevent the spread of this disease. Fair board: Commissioner Fehringer states that the Fair board is actively working on getting more community involvement for the fair. 9. Personnel: The following items were discussed under personnel; POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 8 of 9 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, April 13, 2026 Probation Office: This salary approval request was approved under the Probation Office update. Sheriff’s Office: Byron Marshall presented two award nominations for Sheriff Casey Kendall. The Medal of Valor recognizes his actions during an April 3rd incident, where he directly engaged in a dangerous situation alongside deputies. Following discussions, a motion to award Sheriff Kasey Kendall the Medal of Valor was presented by Commissioner Krein with a second by Commissioner Povey. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. The Distinguished Service Medal honors his 20 years of service. Both awards were supported by staff petitions. Following discussions, a motion to award Sheriff Kasey Kendall the Distinguished Service Medal for his years of service was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. Clerk Sprague will work with Deputy Marshall to determine what budget line the certificates and medals will be paid out of. 10. Consenting Agenda: The following items were approved under the consenting agenda; Approval of Past Meeting Minutes: Minutes for meetings held on March 9th and April 3rd, 2026, were approved. Consenting Agenda: The following claims report was approved; FUND Paid 0001 GENERAL FUND (CURRENT EXPENSE) $ 47,192.27 0004 POWER COUNTY AMBULANCE DIST. $ 3,921.84 0005 POWER COUNTY ABATEMENT DIST. $ 16,060.00 0006 DISTRICT COURT $ 1,448.80 0008 JUSTICE FUND $ 14,420.97 0009 DRUG COURT $ 156.80 0010 ENHANCED 911 SERVICES $ 1,241.05 0011 HEALTH DISTRICT $ 31,819.17 0015 ELECTIONS $ 4,196.01 0020 REVALUATION $ 8,685.93 0023 SOLID WASTE (LANDFILL) $ 33,780.81 0027 WEEDS $ 87.57 0038 WATERWAYS $ 2,737.79 POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 9 of 9 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, April 13, 2026 0039 MUSEUM $ 164.45 0041 AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT $ 13,306.30 0050 PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TAXES $ 190.95 0051 BOND – WATER RIGHTS $ 1,323.90 Total Amount Paid $ 180,734.61 11. Surplus: The Sheriff’s office and IT department both submitted a list of surplus items for their departments. Following discussions, a motion to declare the submitted items as surplus from both the Sheriff’s Office and IT department was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. Surplus items will be attached with the minutes when approved. IV. EXECUTIVE SESSION: 1. Executive Session 74-206 1(b): After discussion with legal counsel, the Commissioner’s agreed that this item does not qualify for an Executive Session and instead will be addressed under personnel. V. ASSESSMENTS/CONCLUSIONS: 1. Next Meeting: The next regular session for the board to meet is slated for April 27, 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 1:47 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.