Fremont County | minutes | meeting 2026-08-31 | BOCC Aug 31 2026 Public Hearing source: https://fremont.municipalcodeonline.com/book/content?type=minutes&name=BOCC_Aug_31_2026_Public_Hearing BOCC Aug 31 2026 Public Hearing FREMONT COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING MINUTES August 31, 2026 Present for the meeting were: Commissioners Blair Dance, Rick Hill, and Mark Chandler Also attended by: Clerk Meredith Mattingly, Deputy Clerk Kim Fletcher, and Civil Attorney Blake Hall Commissioner Dance called the meeting to order and welcomed those in attendance. Commissioner Chandler made a motion to approve the agenda for August 31, 2026 as presented. Commissioner Hill seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Planning and Building Administrator Tom Cluff RE: Department Report – action item; Discuss Fees – action item This item was cancelled and will be rescheduled for another meeting. Extension Tom Jacobsen RE: Fair update Mr Jacobsen reported on the 4H and FFA portion of the Fair. This year, we had 149 livestock entries at the fair, and sold 113 market animals for $356,000.00. It shows that the community loves and supports our kids. Besides the livestock, we had 296 FFA members with 466 projects that included school projects and day camp projects that presented at the fair and will be going on to the State Fair. Shooting sports used up 450 targets. Mr. Jacobsen discussed some of the needs at the fairgrounds. The electrical system needs to be upgraded. They have bids to improve the system and are waiting for a third bid. There were many issues with the breakers going out and having to be turned on, or power having to be turned off in different areas so other areas could use it. The livestock portion really needs to be considered so the animals can stay cool. The barns also need to be improved. The pig barn is currently in good shape, though the inside could use upgrades. The sheep barn and beef barns are starting to lean, he would like to begin a discussion about what needs to happen to these buildings. There is a potential sponsorship to update the pig barn, we would just need to hire someone to do the work. The parking is also an issue. There is never enough parking for handicapped and elderly patrons. He feels some signage would help. He discussed establishing MOU’s between the Fair Board, 4H, Pioneer Days to help with communication about the uses for the fairgounds and the responsibilities of those uses. All in all, it was a successful fair, even during the day when it was hot and there weren’t livestock shows going on. The power was an issue, but the events and entertainment brought a lot of people. He feels this is the best fair we’ve had in 20 years. Fair Board Rebecca Anderson RE: Fair update Ms. Anderson reported our new Fair Board members are phenomenal and worked very hard. Attendance at the fair was higher than its ever been. Vendors reported they made more money this year than last year, including a former restaurant owner that did very well as a vendor this year. We had a lot of compliments about the arena dirt this year, which was really nice because we’ve worked hard to improve it. New events came in that were very successful. Our books and advertising were out earlier which helped a lot with letting people know when the fair was starting and the events that we were having. Power was an issue; we have 2 bids out now for improvements, and are waiting for a 3rd bid that should hopefully be coming this week so we can get those taken care of soon. The main breaker was tripped several times. Logan was very busy; if we could get him help the week of the fair it would be nice but he has been great. They did use every bit of their budget, so they will look at next year and see how much they can adjust. The Board sends out a sponsor letter every year asking for set amounts; they would like to change it next year and ask people to sponsor specific events so they can see how much those events cost, what a sponsorship for that event would look like, and if they’d be willing to contribute to those events. She knows it would all end up going into the main budget and isn’t sure how it would affect it, so at this point it just an idea but it may help these events still be able to happen and still work with the budget. The events were very successful and there are a few they would like to bring back because of the positive feedback, including the Ranch Rodeo and the Truck and Tractor Pulls. The youth rodeo had about 146 entries, which is the most we’ve ever had. The Horse Posse competition on Saturday also had a lot of entries. We had concerts every night, which might just need to be rescheduled to a different time of day because it was so hot the time they were scheduled. The plan going forward is to update the electrical, which needs to happen sooner rather than later. Another issue we may need to consider is that our arena rent doesn’t cover the expense of having an event at our fairgrounds. Now that we are running the tractor, the black widow, and having to rent a sound system, and borrowing a water tank to water the arena; we may need to address the rent and make sure we aren’t going in the hole to bring outside events there. We talked about having the livestock buildings in a 5-year plan of things that need to be addressed, but they may need to be addressed sooner. Commissioner Dance asked if there are grant opportunities to address these issues. She said yes, we are looking at some grants. She would like to talk about community sponsorships. She has also talked to the Bonneville County Fair Board as well; they rent their buildings during the winter for storage to help counter some of their costs, which is something we could look into. There is also a grant coming up that would allow people to set up trailer camping spots and have electrical and water hookups at the fairgrounds. Another thing she’s looked into but doesn’t feel its feasible, would be to put an RV dump out there. Mr. Hall stated that Bonneville County also leases out their fairgrounds for events like gun shows and other types of commercial events. Ms. Anderson confirmed. She does her own livestock jackpot event that is separate from the fair. She can’t do it at our fairgrounds because the only place to show at our fairgrounds is under a tent, and the tent isn’t up, so she holds it at the Madison County fairgrounds. Commissioner Chandler asked how many people come to this event. Ms. Anderson stated usually between 120 to 150 showmen come from across southeast Idaho. She would hold it at our fairgrounds if she could. Commissioner Chandler commended the Fair Board for all of their work this year. The grounds do have some issues we do need to take care of, but they’ve done a great job handling it. Commissioner Hill thanked the Fair Board. They have a great group and everyone has been willing to come and help. They made a lot of good plans, tried a lot of good things, and worked hard to make it work. The budget was very small but they got a lot out of it. He also thanked Erika O’Shea for all of her hard work for the Fair Board. Commissioner Dance appreciates the cupcake wars, but has yet to actually eat one. He was advised by Dana Miller and Erika O’Shea not to do it. Ms. Anderson stated they are currently doing a Farmers Market at the fairgrounds. It started late in the year, but they are going to be running it through Labor Day. Because it did start so late, they are talking about extending past that because there are farmers still harvesting. The sale is on Thursdays from 4-8pm. Parks and Rec Director Greg Grant RE: Enclosed Snowmobile Trailer Purchase – action item; Golf Course AC Replacement – action item Mr. Grant discussed purchasing an enclosed trailer for the Snowmobile program in island park. They have been using the weed trailer for the last few years. He has 3 bids, 2 are local and the 3rd is down in Idaho Falls. He is looking at an 18 foot by 8.5 foot enclosed trailer, and the funds would come from the Reserve Emergency Fund for snowmobile. The first bid is from Triangle V in the amount of $11,235, The second bid is from High Country Trailer in the amount of $10,040, , and the third bid is from Interstate Trailer in Idaho Falls in the amount of $11,519. Triangle V and High Country Trailer are local. Commissioner Hill made a motion to approve the purchase of an enclosed trailer for Snowmobile from High Country Trailer Sales in the amount of $10,040 to come out of their Reserve Emergency Fund. Commissioner Chandler seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Mr. Grant discussed the need to replace the air conditioning at the Golf Course. He attempted to get 3 bids but was only able to get 2. They have struggled to get people to come out to the Golf Course and look at their HVAC system. The bids he has are from Bigfoot Heating and Cooling and from 24-Hour Heating and Cooling out of Sugar City. He asked both companies if 2 mini-split units would work for their system and was told they could do it. Both units will be upstairs. The big AC unit is no longer compatible with the electrical system so these would be replacing the old AC unit. The bid from Bigfoot Heating and Cooling, $23,000.85, and the bid from 24-hour Heating and Cooling is $7,500. Both of these bids are for 2 mini-split units, they are different brands of units, but have the same specs. This is in the Golf budget. Commissioner Chandler made a motion to approve the bid from 24-hour Heating and Cooling for 2 mini-splits for the Golf Course in the amount of $7,500. Commissioner Hill seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Treasurer Lori Beard and Assessor Carol Blanchard RE: Software Contract – action item This item was cancelled and will be rescheduled for another meeting. Probation Director Darin Burrell RE: Review and Sign 3B and Bannock contracts for 2027 - action item; Quarterly Report Mr. Burrell presented the juvenile detention MOUs with 3B and Bannock County for 2027. The amounts are the same as this year. Commissioner Chandler made a motion to approve the Memorandum of Agreement between Bannock County (representing the District 6 Juvenile Detention Center) and Fremont County for FY2027. Commissioner Hill seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Commissioner Chandler made a motion to approve the Memorandum of Agreement between Bonneville, Bingham, and Butte Counties (representing 3B Juvenile Detention Center) and Fremont County for FY2027. Commissioner Dance seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Mr. Burrell reported the 5C vehicles are being distributed. The two impalas will be put on surplus. Fremont County School District will be picking up the van. Clark County has taken the Tahoe, and Fremont County Juvenile Probation would like the Traverse. He is working on the possibility of surplussing another vehicle to help pay for it. Dayanna finished POST certification for Juvenile Probation Academy. The class size was largest since their inception, and she placed #3 academically. Because of her, Fremont County was well represented. He discussed the RACE meeting last week where they discussed resources for this year. He is working with the Idaho Juvenile Justice Commission to roll out a statewide program with different law enforcements called “Handle With Care” for kids that law enforcement have dealt with in certain situations the night before that may need extra support in school the next day. Details would still be private, schools would just be notified that those kids would need to be “handled with care” that day or that week. The hope is to prevent kids from being driven further into the system. FREMONT COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PUBLIC HEARING Payne Road Validation/Vacation Fremont County Courthouse/Commissioners Room Monday, August 31, 2026, 1:00 PM Present for the meeting were: Commissioners Blair Dance, Rick Hill, and Mark Chandler Also attended by: Clerk Meredith Mattingly, Deputy Clerk Kim Fletcher, Civil Attorney Blake Hall, Planning and Zoning Planner Sara Bowersox, and Planning and Zoning Planner Dusty Rigby, Road and Bridge Secretary Debbie Davis, and Road and Bridge Rowdy Rigby Commissioner Dance called the hearing to order and welcomed those in attendance. He also introduced county employees in attendance. He turned the time over to Mr. Hall to serve as the hearing officer for this hearing. Mr. Hall explained this hearing is to discuss the validation and/or vacation of a portion of 1325 North in the Marysville Lamborn Addition, extending East from 3700 East in Marysville. This is Application #26-053. He asked if any of the Commissioners have a conflict on this hearing. Commissioners have no conflict. Mr. Hall asked Clerk Meredith Mattingly if the hearing had been properly noticed. Clerk Mattingly stated that it had. Mr. Hall turned the time over to Planning and Building Planner Dusty Rigby to present the Staff Report. Dusty Rigby, 125 N Bridge Street, St. Anthony, ID. Ms. Rigby stated we are here today for a road validation/vacation. First, we want to establish this road is a County road, and then determine whether or not it is in the County’s best interest to vacate the road. The County received a petition from Susan Payne to validate/vacate a portion of 1325 North in the Lamborn Addition of the township of Marysville plat. The road extends east from 3700 East in Marysville. The road was dedicated to the public on the Lamborn Addition plat in 1910 but was never built or maintained by Marysville or the County. The platted right-of-way borders the south side of Susan Payne’s property, and the north side of Ronald Rowsell’s property. The Lamborn Addition had another right-of-way to the east of this one, as well as one to the southeast, that were both vacated in 1998. Ms. Payne’s well for her home has been in the ROW for an unknown period of time; a search of well records did not locate a drilling record for the property. There is also a shed in the ROW for her property. The structures and surrounding vegetation look to be at least 20 years old. Rocky Mountain Power has a powerline across 2 poles placed at the west and east ends of the ROW in an unknown utility easement. Idaho Statute states roads may be created as public roads in many ways, one of which is being dedicated through the plating process. Ms. Payne is not requesting to vacate the whole plat, only the portion just south of her property. Ms. Rigby outlined items for the Commissioners to consider when making their decision whether or not to validate/vacate the road. There were comments submitted on this issue. Two comments were in support of abandoning the ROW. The third was opposed because he has an adjoining subdivision and would like to use this ROW as another entrance into his subdivision. Commissioner Dance asked if there is any record of public funds being used for the maintenance, construction, or otherwise of this road. Debbie Davis said no because the road was never built. She believes there is possibly a canal right-of-way through this ROW as well; the Marysville pipeline may run underground through this ROW, so any easement would need to take this into consideration. Commissioner Chandler asked which direction the irrigation easement runs. Ms. Davis believes it is east and west. Commissioner Dance asked for confirmation that vacating this road won’t landlock any property. Ms. Rigby stated this is correct. The neighboring plat is done and they already have an entry into the subdivision. Commissioner Hill asked if the piece of ground they want to subdivide is required to have more than one entrance in and out of the subdivision. Sara Bowersox stated the requirement that they would need 2 if the number of lots is greater than 16. This subdivision only has 6. Commissioner Dance asked what would happen to the property if it was vacated. Blake Hall explained the north half of the ROW would go to the property to the north, and the south half would go to the property owner to the south. Commissioner Dance asked if the structures on the ROW are in the correct places so the ownership of those structures will stay with the correct property owners. Ms. Rigby said yes. Commissioner Dance asked if there is anything in the record indicating why this portion of the ROW wasn’t vacated when the other portion was vacated. Ms. Rigby said no. It’s possible those owners just didn’t have ownership of the properties surrounding this right of way so it wasn’t included, but there really isn’t a way to be sure. There wasn’t a petition to vacate this portion. Commissioner Chandler asked if there are any records for the well. Ms. Rigby said no. The property owner may have an idea, but her research didn’t come up with anything. Commissioner Dance asked if the well is currently functioning. Ms. Rigby said yes. Susan Payne, PO Box 762, Ashton, ID. Ms. Payne read a letter that was written on her behalf by her daughter, Jamie Smith (Payne). The letter states that the property has been in the family for over 100 years and was previously owned by her grandparents. Her mother has cared for and maintained the property under the understanding that the road had long been abandoned. Reopening the roadway would have significant impacts on the property in many ways. There is a water well located where the proposed roadway would be constructed, as well as a former irrigation ditch that has been converted into underground waterlines. There are also powerlines that run across the area. Her mother has faithfully paid property taxes on the property for many years and has maintained the property believing it was hers to enjoy and protect. The proposed roadway would run through her yard which would take away the privacy and peace her mother currently enjoys. Ms. Smith understands the neighboring properties may need another access, but it has never been used as a road. She asks the Commissioners to consider other possible alternatives, and allow the abandoned roadway to remain vacated to preserve her mother’s property as it has existed for many years. Blake Hall asked Ms. Payne if she knows when the well was put in. Ms. Payne stated her husband was raised there, and the well was installed when he was a boy. He was 76 when he passed. The well has been there for an established long period of time. Commissioner Chandler asked how deep the well is. Ms. Payne doesn’t know. She does know that you have to climb down a ladder to get to the pump. Mr. Hall explained the Public Comment portion of the hearing. Each person that has signed up to comment will be allotted 5 minutes to comment. At the beginning of their time, they will need to announce their full name and address for the record. Comments need to be related to the road validation/vacation issue, and everyone must be courteous. Written comments that were submitted before will be part of the public record. There will be no more public comment after this hearing, and no decision will be made today. Mr. Hall opened the meeting for public comment. PUBLIC COMMENT: Ronald Rankin, 3710 E 1350 N Ashton, ID. Mr. Rankin owns 20 acres to the east of Ms. Payne’s property and he has subdivided the property into 2 subdivisions, the Lamborn East Addition and Country View Estates. The way the subdivisions are set up, there is a road that runs into the property to the north; there are 6 buildable lots that only have 1 road in and out and 1 roundabout at the end of each road. He is concerned that if there is an emergency, there is only 1 way in and out, and emergency vehicles could block people that are trying to leave in the case of an emergency. Another entrance into the subdivision would also allow school buses, garbage trucks, and other trade vehicles access to the subdivisions. He asked for the option of the south 50 feet of the Payne property to be maintained by the County for a future road. He has dedicated a 50 foot easement on the bottom portion of the plats of his 2 subdivisions. He would like the option to extend that easement across this property to 3700 E. He created the plans for his subdivisions based on the original subdivision plat. Commissioner Dance asked Sara Bowersox if the one proposed entrance to Country View Estates would be enough. Ms. Bowersox stated the short plat has already been approved and recorded with just the yellow road in place. Emergency Management Coordinator Keith Richey would have been asked to comment on the issue of only 1 road, and he expressed no concerns about the approval with only one entrance in and out of the subdivision. He was also asked to comment on this vacation, and he had no concerns about vacating this subject road today. Commissioner Chandler asked if the third subdivision has an access road. Mr. Rankin stated there is a County road that runs adjacent to that subdivision. David Payne, 985 Pine Street, Ashton, ID. Mr. Payne stated that after his brother passed, Neil Christiansen, who was a Commissioner at the time, contacted him to have Susan collect signatures to help keep this road closed. There have been a few efforts to open it up, but other Commissioners told them no. The well house is there, and he’s not sure whether or not her power comes from the well house to power a trailer that is on the property. His father purchased the property from the Spencer’s in 1943. He isn’t sure if his father or the Spencer’s built the house and the well house, but they have been on the property for at least 80 years. He believed things were settled when Neil Christiansen had Susan collect those signatures to keep the road closed while he was Commissioner. The public comment portion of the hearing was closed at 1:46 p.m. In her rebuttal statement, Ms. Susan Payne presented a survey of her property she had done 2 years ago that shows the right-of-way was vacated during a previous decision. She would like this document to be made part of the record. Mr. Hall thanked everyone for their comments and attendance. He stated that this matter will now be taken under advisement, and that the Commissioners have 60 days to issue a written decision. When they do, notice of their decision will be mailed out. There being no further business to come before the board, the hearing was adjourned. Idaho Department of Lands Chad Taylor RE: IP Lease on Bootjack for Potential RV Dump Station Mr. Taylor discussed a request from the City of Island Park for a lease to put in an RV Dump Station on Department of Lands property on Bootjack Drive and Red Rock Road. Department of Lands wanted to make sure the Commissioners were aware this is happening and approve of it. Commissioners stated they are aware and have had a discussion about it with Rowdy Rigby and Brandon Harris about an RV Dump being installed at this location. Commissioner Dance clarified this is the Red Rock Road and Hwy 20 intersection. Mayor Ard said yes, and IDL will be putting in additional parking to help access it. The location is within City limits, but it is on IDL property. Blake Hall asked if they are looking for a letter of support from the Commissioners. Mr. Taylor stated a letter would be very helpful for what they are trying to do. Rowdy Rigby doesn’t feel the impact of the expanded parking area will be worrisome, even during the winter for plowing. Mr. Hall asked if IP will be responsible for the sewer hookup fees. Mayor Ard said yes. Idaho Department of Parks and Rec also stated they will fund the project because they closed the one at Henry’s Lake and won’t repair it or reopen it; it was too far to connect it to sewer, so they will fund it if Island Park builds it. He isn’t sure the City will ever make money on it, but he believes it is a problem that needs to be fixed. Mr. Hall asked Mayor Ard to prepare a letter for the Commissioners to sign so it is worded the way they want it. Commissioners agreed, they will be happy to support the project. They encouraged Mayor Ard and Mr. Taylor to talk to the City of Ashton about their dump station to see how they are managing theirs; they may have some insight about things that could help. Miscellaneous Commissioner Hill made a motion to approve the claims for August 31, 2026 as presented. Commissioner Chandler seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Commissioner Chandler made a motion to approve the minutes from August 17, 2026 as amended. Commissioner Hill seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Commissioner Hill made a motion to approve the Special Meeting minutes from August 24, 2026 as presented. Commissioner Chandler seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Commissioner Hill made a motion to approve the Junior College Application for the College of Eastern Idaho Fall 2026-Spring 2027 academic year for Liam Squires, Brentlie Gould, and Josie Parkinson. Commissioner Chandler seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Commissioner Hill made a motion to approve the 2026-2027 Retail Alcoholic Beverage License for: #11 Star Bar #12 Ashton Quick Stop #13 511 Main Fountain and Pizzaria #14 Henry’s Lake Station #15 Family Dollar #31130 #16 Family Dollar #26398 #17 Idaho Dunes RV #18 Timberline Golf #19 Island Park Village Resort #20 Imperial Club #21 Albi’s Golf #22 Sam Patch Co Grocer & Sundries #23 Yellowstone Golf & RV Resort #24 Blue Buffalo Resort #25 Broulim’s Supermarket #26 Silver Horseshoe #27 Silver Horseshoe Inn Commissioner Chandler seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Clerk Mattingly discussed a letter we received from Zions Bank which discusses engaging with Arbitrage Compliance Specialists to perform a compliance audit of the jail expansion. Ms. Mattingly explained she was contacted by Zions Bank. Now that we are 5 years into our loan with the Jail Expansion, from what she understands, they need to see if there is any money that we owe to the IRS. Mr. Hall reviewed the document and explained that when Fremont County built the jail, they signed bonds to ensure tax exempt status. Every 5 years we need to make sure our tax exempt status still stands, so this company will assist in preparing the documentation needed to show the County’s tax exempt status still stands and that we are compliant. Commissioner Dance made a motion to approve the letter of engagement with Arbitrage Compliance Specialists in the amount of $2900. Commissioner Chandler seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Clerk Mattingly discussed a request from Lyndon Rinehart of the Lions Club to contribute 2 hams for the community Thanksgiving dinner for 2026. Mr. Rinehart just wants to make sure this offer from the county was still good and that it could be expected this year. Commissioners said yes. Ms. Mattingly will let Mr. Rinehart know. Clerk Mattingly presented our annual Coroners Pathology Agreement with Ada County for 2027. Mr. Hall has reviewed this document, it’s just a renewal of our current contract, and he believes it is ready for approval. Commissioner Dance made a motion to approve the agreement for Pathology Services between Fremont County and Ada County, the funding coming from the Coroner’s budget. Commissioner Chandler seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Commissioner Dance made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 2:38 p.m. Commissioner Chandler seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. There being no further business to come before the board the meeting was adjourned. _________________________________ Blair Dance, Chairman Fremont County Commissioner Attest: _____________________________ Meredith Mattingly, Clerk HISTORY Recorded by Min. 614431 Public Hearing 08-31-2026 on 9/8/2026