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minutes meeting date 2026-02-09 · fetched 2026-09-09 · 24683 characters · official file · plain text
POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 1 of 11 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, February 9, 2026 POWER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Meeting Minutes Commission Chambers 543 Bannock Ave. American Falls, ID 83211 www.powercounty.id.us Monday, February 9, 2026, 9:00 a.m. I. CALL TO ORDER The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session Monday, February 9, 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: Andi Higgins Teri Porter Shelley Lish Jeff Rankin Laura Porath Deanna Curry Gary Krell Chet Taylor Kasey Kendall Josh Campbell Kami Chandler Jacklyn Taylor Stephen Freiburger Mandi Everett Doug Tanner Mia Cate Kennedy Tyre Holfer Sarah Wilson Cecil Sweeney Jeff Evans Kasey Kendall Vincent Harris Kasey Kendall III. AGENDA A. NOTICES/REPORTS 1. Public Comment: Three residents provided public comments during the meeting; Shelley Lish (1837 Taghee, Power County): Shelley Lish expressed concerns about how ordinances were reviewed during the recent Planning and Zoning Board meeting, stating that not all items were properly POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 2 of 11 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, February 9, 2026 addressed and that public comment was closed prematurely. She also raised concerns about potential impacts of ordinance changes on her rural residential property, particularly due to its proximity to heavy industrial zoning and nearby commercial operations. Teri Porter (1831 Taghee, Power County): Teri Porter expressed concerns regarding code enforcement, specifically the requirement of three signed complaints before action is taken. She reported a heavy industrial business operating in a rural residential area, resulting in increased traffic and activity, and stated that her concerns have not been adequately addressed. Gary Krell (312 Buchanan St, American Falls): Gary Krell inquired about the process for appointing the next sheriff following Sheriff Campbell’s resignation. In response, he was provided with a detailed explanation of the appointment and subsequent election process. 2. Elected Officials/Department Head Meeting: The following updates were reported; IT Department IT continues deploying computers, with the Sheriff’s Office nearly complete. The file server update is underway. Work continues on improving landfill internet and camera systems. Website training is still being scheduled. IT will determine if unused conduit is needed; a satellite dish will not be used at the new museum building. Building & Grounds (BNG) Chet Taylor discussed annex demolition plans, including backfill and compaction. Dirt is estimated at $20,000. The landfill may have available dirt, though hauling costs remain a concern. Assessor’s Office Assessor Porath reported steady operations and ongoing coordination with the state on agricultural values. Residential values are stabilizing. Categories 3 and 5 are expected to perform well, with slight decreases in Category 5. The office remains busy and has reorganized staff duties. Treasurer’s Office Warrants of distraint have been issued, and a new text notification system has been implemented. Landfill The ID sticker program is working well, helping identify out-of-county users and improve compliance. POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 3 of 11 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, February 9, 2026 Prosecutor’s Office The office remains busy. A new form process has been implemented to improve documents in need for legal review. Policy updates will be presented as a resolution. Extension Office Recent classes were successful and are being posted online. A pesticide course is scheduled for February 24–26 with current registrations underway. The office received a grant for cold frames and will coordinate on a trust account. The Commission Mr. Simerlink encouraged to reach out to schools and the Fair board for greater involvement in activities and the fair. The advisory committee meets February 20. Planning & Zoning The department remains busy. A potato cellar was removed, and Simplot submitted new building plans. Staff continue ordinance work, with a weed meeting planned for March. Clerk’s Office The office is preparing for elections, with candidate filing beginning soon. Online filing is being tested, and training is underway. Travel policy updates may be needed due to increased mileage and per diem rates. Commissioner Krein Working on Planning & Zoning, emergency services, and herd district efforts. Budget season is approaching; departments should reach out with questions. Ambulance Department Operations remain busy. A new ambulance is expected late summer. A fundraiser will be held this Wednesday from 5:00–7:00 p.m., with donations and volunteers welcomed. Commissioner Fehringer Suggested holding individual department meetings for more detailed discussions. Departments may request agenda time as needed. Commissioner Povey Currently working on IT policies and procedures. Sheriff’s Office Operations are steady. A recent jail incident resulted in one transfer and one medical furlough. The Sheriff announced his retirement after 30+ years and is preparing for transition while thanking departments for their support. 3. Hospital District Lease Discussion: The County Commissioners and Jacklyn Taylor discussed the hospital district’s interest in leasing approximately half of the available space in the county building, though no formal lease has been drafted. Utilities would POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 4 of 11 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, February 9, 2026 be divided proportionally, and installation of water meters is planned as part of a future city project. The hospital district is awaiting potential rural health grant funding from the Idaho legislature, which may impact timing and use of the space. The county will provide a lease proposal for the hospital district’s review, and both parties expressed interest in moving forward, as the county aims to utilize the currently vacant space. 4. Landfill Update: The county will need to review and potentially adjust landfill fees to help cover upcoming DEQ compliance and construction costs. Additional planning meetings will be necessary to address long-term funding. 5. Portneuf Valley Discussion: Discussion focused on TIF district boundaries, property valuations, and projected tax increment revenue. Topics included how TIF funding works, development timelines, and impacts on the county tax base. Further coordination with the Assessor and review of financial projections and agreements will be required. 6. Assessor’s Office Update: The DMV is experiencing heavy and unpredictable demand, especially from seasonal H-2A workers and overflow from neighboring counties. Limited staffing and space are creating operational strain. Proposed solutions include expanding office space, adding testing stations, improving communication with farmers, and reviewing the current fee structure. 7. Accrual Report: The Commissioner’s reviewed accrual balances. All departments were given prior notice to have employees use excess accrual time. Following discussion, it was decided that excess balances are forfeited per policy, with one exception due to a system issue. 8. Public Defenders Office Discussion: The Public Defender’s Office will relocate to the Extension Office to address space limitations. Some concerns were raised about reduced court access and workflow disruptions, but leadership agreed it is the best long-term solution. Renovations are being planned to accommodate staff and improve functionality. 9. Sheriff’s Office Update: New rifles with suppressors have been received, with training scheduled within 30 days. Updated state requirements significantly increase training standards for firearms instructors. Additional joint training with Bannock and Bingham Counties is also planned. Sheriff Josh Campbell formally announced his retirement on February 2, 2026, and is working on transition planning. 10. Fire Department Discussion: Planning committee and invite other entities anybody who would be impacted by fire, not just flame and smoke. That is why they coordinate with the health department as well. Points of contact on this item will be Commissioner Krein and Fire Chief CJ Sweeney. On a separate matter, discussions were held on barrier systems. Chief CJ Sweeney proposed the acquisition of four additional traffic barriers. These 16-foot by 7-foot black canvas shields are designed for rapid deployment to protect emergency scenes from onlookers across Power County, including Rockland. The equipment will support the Fire Department, EMS, Search and Rescue, and the Sheriff’s Office. To address the varying budgets of these departments, the approved funding solution involves the County purchasing the barriers upfront and subsequently invoicing each participating agency for their agreed portion. Chief POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 5 of 11 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, February 9, 2026 Sweeney is currently obtaining final pricing to present at the February 23rd meeting, where final contribution amounts will be determined. 11. Personnel/Compensation Policy Discussion: During the Travel and Personnel Compensation Policy discussion, it was noted that the April 2025 policy is already outdated. To resolve this, it was proposed to adopt federal GSA rates, which offer more stability. Notable updates include increasing mileage rates and implementing location-based per diem rates for high-cost areas like Boise and Sun Valley. The County decided to maintain the per diem approach to simplify administration and reduce the burden of tracking receipts for both employees and clerks. Discussions also included having 35-hour employees receive time-and-a-half compensatory time, aligning them with the 1.5:1 rate provided to 40-hour employees. All overtime and comp time will require manager approval and must be used within the current pay cycle. Prosecutor Bischoff and Clerk Sprague are currently finalizing the draft policies for a formal presentation to elected officials and department heads on February 23rd. 12. IT Update: IT continues deploying computers and upgrading the file server. Starlink service was approved for three landfill sites to improve connectivity and camera reliability. The county is transitioning to Microsoft 365 licensing for improved security and management. Website access issues and IT cost controls are still being addressed. B. MOTIONS: 1. Agenda: A motion to approve the agenda for Monday, February 9, 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 to approve the consenting agenda was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. The following items under the consenting agenda were approved; Claims: The following claims report was approved; FUND Paid 0001 GENERAL FUND (CURRENT EXPENSE) $ 79,874.81 0004 POWER COUNTY AMBULANCE DIST. $ 5,932.66 0006 DISTRICT COURT $ 1,237.03 0008 JUSTICE FUND $ 14,959.24 0009 DRUG COURT $ 274.40 0010 ENHANCED 911 SERVICES $ 1,200.30 0011 HEALTH DISTRICT $ 298.11 0015 ELECTIONS $ 116.08 POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 6 of 11 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, February 9, 2026 0020 REVALUATION $ 11,385.00 0023 SOLID WASTE (LANDFILL) $ 14,919.89 0027 WEEDS $ 141.77 0038 WATERWAYS $ 1,990.21 0039 MUSEUM $ 321.14 0041 AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT $ 158.14 0050 PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TAXES $ 2,168.00 0051 BOND – WATER RIGHTS $ 134,438.75 Total Amount Paid $ 269,415.53 Approval of Past Meeting Minutes: Minutes for the Commissioner’s meeting held on January 15th were approved. Certificate of Residency; College Tuition Assistance Application: The following certificate of residency; college tuition assistance applications were approved; Applicant Name Accredited College Term Covered Annmarie Medina College of Southern Idaho 2026 Spring Semester Lorelei L. Bullard College of Southern Idaho 2026 Spring Semester Treasurer Update: Treasurer Deanna Curry submitted the Board of Commissioners with a LGIP monthly statement, Treasurer’s Cash, Joint Quarterly Report ending December 2025. Reports were discussed, reviewed and accepted by the Board. 3. Mile Marker 48 – Udy Subdivision: A motion to approve Mile Marker 48 – Udy Subdivision was presented by Commissioner Krein with a second by Commissioner Povey. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. 4. DEQ Update: Power County is entering a compliance agreement with DEQ to address landfill closure, groundwater contamination (VOCs), and long-term monitoring. Required components include closure plans, methane and groundwater monitoring, corrective actions, and a 30-year post-closure plan. The project runs through 2029, with closure plans due July 2026 and construction beginning in 2027. Engineering costs are estimated at ~$250K–$280K, with construction costs still pending. Following discussion, a motion to accept the compliance agreement with the DEQ (2026 BAD4) POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 7 of 11 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, February 9, 2026 was presented by Commissioner Krein with a second by Commissioner Povey. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. 5. Sheriff’s Office WYSM Agreement: A motion to approve WDYSM (Why’d You Stop Me) agreement and authorize to apply electronic signatures where needed was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. 6. Senior Center Defibrillator Discussion: Ron Anderson reports that there was miscommunication regarding the installation of new defibrillators at the Senior Center. Confusion arose if the defibrillators were going to be paid by the Senior Center or through EMT. Following discussion, a motion to approve the payment for the defibrillator in the amount of $633.35 was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. 7. FY2026 Partnerships for Success: Law Enforcement Grant: Power County discussed two Partnership for Success grant opportunities, both of which were approved for participation. The first is a Prevention Grant focused on reducing underage drinking and marijuana use. This federally funded grant, administered through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, requires a $5,000 (20%) county match. Implementation will include collaboration with local prevention coalitions, use of evidence-based strategies, youth education efforts, and coordination with schools and community organizations. The second is a Law Enforcement Grant for drug interdiction, administered by the Office of Drug Policy. The award amount is $12,000, reduced from the original $33,000 due to a shortened grant timeline, and will run from February 2026 through September 30, 2026. Funds will support additional patrols for drug enforcement and participation in DEA-sponsored prescription drug take-back events. This marks the county’s third year participating in the program. The grant will fund deputies working outside their regular shifts, and Power County received a score of 79% on the application. The shortened timeline is due to federal government shutdown impacts. Following discussion, a motion to approve the FY2026 Partnerships for Success grants, was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. 8. Personnel Updates: Payroll Clerk Chelsy Fehringer reports that Marissa Johnson has resigned from the Sheriff's Office. Ms. Fehringer advises that the employee is eligible for separation benefits as follows; • 0.75 hours of Compensation pay for a total of $18.43 • 0.60 hours of Vacation pay for a total of $14.74 • 80 hours worked during the last payroll for a total of $1,965.60 • Employee is eligible for (3) month(s)COBRA Insurance Coverage through the County Sheriff’s Office: • The Power County Sheriff's Office hired a Civil Deputy and requests Stephanie POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 8 of 11 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, February 9, 2026 Ramirez receive $47,840.00 annually or $23.00 hourly as compensation for completion of assigned job duties. • The Power County Sheriff's Office hired a Detention Deputy and requests Rebecca Titterington receive $43,680.00 annually or $21.00 hourly as compensation for completion of assigned job duties. • The Power County Sheriff’s Office hired a Dispatcher and requests Trinity McLaren receive $43,680.00 annually or $21.00 hourly as compensation for completion of assigned job duties. Following discussion, a motion to approve the personnel as submitted, was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. 9. Board Updates: The following board updates were presented; Fair Board: Commissioner Fehringer states that Shane Bolgen has stepped down from the Fair Board. Following this vacancy, the board recommended Kyle Matthews for consideration. Following discussion, a motion to appoint Kyle Matthews to the Fair board, was presented by Commissioner Fehringer with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. Commissioner Fehringer states that they are planning a review and assigning job titles to each member. Airport: Commissioner Fehringer reported that operations at the airport are proceeding well. He noted that tenants will be cleaning their individual hangars as part of ongoing maintenance. State Fair: Commissioner Fehringer stated that the State Fair board is performing well and has successfully purchased additional ground to accommodate increased parking needs Health District: Commissioner Fehringer reported that the Health District board was scheduled to hold a meeting on the following Wednesday. Herd District: Commissioner Krein reported that he is researching options for installing fencing within certain herd district areas. He plans to consult with legal counsel to discuss specific questions and available alternatives. Waterways: Commissioner Krein noted that the Waterways board will resume meetings shortly to begin preparations for the upcoming year. Museum: Commissioner Krein reports that they are about to start moving items to the new building. POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 9 of 11 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, February 9, 2026 Planning & Zoning: Commissioner Krein commended the Planning & Zoning board for their collaborative efforts during the last meeting. He noted that new members are transitioning well and are working diligently to get up to speed on ongoing projects and policies. Detention Facility: Commissioner Krein reports that the detention facility and 0 intakes in January. 10. Building & Grounds: Building and Grounds Director Chet Taylor presented 3 separate bids for approval. 1. Ralphs 208 Construction: (Estimate 1160) Insurance claim for work done to building after a vehicle crashed into the building. Total cost: $9,987.33 2. Ralphs 208 Construction: (Estimate 1165) Replacing garage doors for Sheriff’s boat shed. Total Cost: $11,122.89. 3. Ralphs208 Construction: (Estimate 1161) Extension office interior construction. Total Cost: $6,800.00. Mr. Taylor states that he attempted and contacted multiple contractors to submit bids for these projects, however, the only ones that submitted estimates was Ralphs 208 Construction. Following discussion, a motion to pay Estimate 1161 in the amount of $6,800 to be paid from ARPA, and additionally pay Estimate 1165 for $11,122.89 out of ARPA, if it falls under ARPA (if not then it will have to be revisited) and the Estimate 1160 to be paid from tort, was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. On a separate matter, Mr. Taylor reports that Nolan Buffy has withdrawn his bid for the annex building demolition as he had another contract that he is still busy on a separate contract. On an additional item, Mr. Taylor states that he will presented a bid for landscape work at the new 4-H building. He states the bid is from Eagle Rock to fill areas with rocks in the amount of $9,800 that he will present during the next meeting. 11. Surplus: The following surplus items were submitted by the Landfill; Inventory Tag Description Value Working? Decision S-DM30ZTR3301 Briggs & Stratton Blue Dixon Zero Turn $0 No Trash 7475431221K424 Red Murray 42” 17 HP $0 No Trash S-L521212 AC Farm Welder $0 No Trash 1775 Metal Desk $0 YEs Donate/Trash POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 10 of 11 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, February 9, 2026 Following discussion, a motion to accept the surplus list as submitted from the Landfill, was presented by Commissioner Krein with a second by Commissioner Povey. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. 12. Ada County Pathology Services Agreement: A motion to approve the Ada County Pathology Services Agreement was presented by Commissioner Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. 13. Passthrough Fund Agreement: A motion to approve the Pass Thru Funds Recipient Agreement through the Probation Department was presented by Commissioner Krein with a second by Commissioner Povey. Following audible call of the board, the motion unanimously carried. C. POINTS OF ORDER: 1. America 250 Proclamation: This item was tabled to a further date as it needed to be labeled as a Resolution and published. IV. EXECUTIVE SESSION: 1. Executive Personnel Session I.C. 74-206(1)(b) 12:15 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 1:09 pm. 2. Executive Personnel Session I.C. 74-206(1)(b) 1:13 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 1:19 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 Povey with a second by Commissioner Krein. Following audible call of the Board, motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 3:40 pm. POWER COUNTY COMMISSION Page 11 of 11 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Monday, February 9, 2026 The foregoing minutes were approved by the Board of County Commissioners during the Regular Board Meeting held March 30, 2026. ATTEST: MARIANO VILLA, Deputy Clerk __________________________________ COMMISSIONER FEHRINGER, Chairman
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