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minutes meeting date 2025-09-22 · fetched 2026-09-09 · 22074 characters · official file · plain text
BOCC Sept 22 2025 Public Hearing FREMONT COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING MINUTES September 22, 2025 Present for the meeting was: Commissioners Blair Dance, Rick Hill, and Mark Chandler Also attended by: Clerk Abbie Mace, Deputy Clerk Kim Fletcher, and Civil Attorney Blake Hall Commissioner Dance called the meeting to order and welcomed those in attendance. Commissioners RE: Executive Session IC 74-206(1)(d) – action item Commissioner Dance made a motion to go into executive session pursuant to IC 74-206(1)(d) To consider records that are exempt from disclosure as provided in chapter 1, title 74, Idaho Code; at 9:02 a.m. Commissioner Hill seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with Commissioner Dance voting “Aye”, Commissioner Hill voting “Aye”, and Commissioner Chandler voting “Aye”. Commissioner Dance declared the meeting open at 10:03 a.m. Chief Deputy Sheriff Cody Gudmunson and Sheriff Bart Quayle RE: Ordering Vehicles – action item; CAD Project Funding – action item Mr. Gudmunson discussed ordering new vehicles for the Sheriff’s Department. He presented bids from the state; the Dodge Durangos came in the cheapest again at $46,552.00 each, and they would like to get 3 of those. They would also like to get 2 Dodge Ram pickups to help with Search and Rescue in the amount of $41,891.00 each. These will come out of next year’s budget. He also presented a list of the 5 vehicles they will surplus that these vehicles will be replacing. Commissioner Hill made a motion to approve the purchase of 2 2024 Dodge Ram 1500 Classics in the amount of $41,890.00 each, and 3 2025 Dodge Durango Pursuits in the amount of $46,552 for the Sheriff’s Department. Commissioner Chandler seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Mr. Gudmunson discussed funding for the CAD systems. They currently run Computer Arts which was bought out by Motorola, but they won’t service it. He has bids from other services to replace the system from Tyler Technologies, Motorola Flex, Central Square, and Sunridge Systems. The 2 with the best bids cost-wise are Central Square at $242,146 up front and $113,572 per year, and Sunridge Systems at $365,321 up front and $30,342 yearly. CAI is working for us, but is slowly failing. They are trying to get ahead of it before it fails. IT Manager Josh Warnke explained that Harris is the company who bought them out, and like with the property program, they aren’t going to do any upgrades to the program and it will have an end of life, but we don’t know when it will happen. Sunridge would be the most cost-effective option over the long term. He would like to know if they could use some of the ARPA funds to help pay for this, and then they may have the majority of the yearly funding in their budget. For the first year, we would need to pay the $365,321 plus the annual we are currently paying for CAI while we are switching over. Commissioner Hill feels we would be fine to use some of the ARPA for this project. We do have other projects in mind for those funds but we should be ok to help with this as well. Commissioner Chandler made a motion to move forward to allow the Sheriff’s office to get a proposed contract from Sunridge to review in the amount of $365,321 up front and $30,342 yearly to be paid from the ARPA monies. Commissioner Hill seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Treasurer Lori Beard RE: Credit Card Processors and Fees – action item Ms. Beard discussed the history of our current credit card processors. Past Commissioners and the previous Treasurer decided we would have one system that would be managed by the Treasurer, but we have been finding there are a lot of new programs coming out with different processes. Fair, 4H and Landfill are using Square, and IT is currently managing it. Every other department is using Payport and right now they have been giving us the best fee rates of 2.5% + $1.00. Her office just has the 2.5%. She would like to know if the Commissioners would like the fees to be the same across the board or if they are ok with each department determining their own fee rates. She would also like to know if they would be ok allowing each department the decision to choose and manage their own credit card processors so it doesn’t all fall on her. IT Network Manager Chad Quayle discussed the Square processors and fees and how much we have collected the last 2 years, and how much we have paid. Commissioner Dance asked for clarification about what she is asking. Ms. Beard asked if the commissioners would like the processors to be more uniform across the board, or if each department could make the decision about what would work best for them and be responsible for those processors and their maintenance, and what they bring in; she wouldn’t be responsible for them anymore. She would be fine with everyone being responsible for their own system. Commissioners agreed, since we are already using multiple providers, there shouldn’t be an issue with expanding to other providers and allowing the departments to have responsibility over those providers if they choose to. Parks & Rec Director Greg Grant RE: Mini Excavator for Golf Course – action item; Storage Container for Grooming Mr. Grant presented bids for a mini excavator for the Golf Course. We’re continually renting equipment to do work at the golf course and this would help save us some money. He has bids from Mountain West Equipment for a Kubota in the amount of $23,820.57, Western States CAT for $27,606.09, and John Deere in the amount of $31,085.59. He’s also been told about a Typhoon Mini Excavator you can order out of Salt Lake for $11,000, but he doesn’t know the specs of the machine; someone who is familiar with the Typhoon says that they use them and like them and have never had issue with them, but you can’t get parts for them. Civil Attorney Blake Hall has concerns about accepting a bid that doesn’t meet our specs. Mr. Grant asked the commissioners their thoughts on this machine. He likes the price, but does worry about spending this kind of money and not being able to get parts. Although he’s been told the smaller machine works great and has never had an issue, the other machines, he can go and see and we would be able to get parts for. Commissioner Hill worries about having to replace the whole machine in the future. It would be a one-time purchase coming out of the Commissioner’s funds, because the golf course doesn’t have this in their budget, and won’t likely have it in a future budget. Commissioner Hill made a motion to purchase for the Kabota Mini Excavator from Mountain West equipment in the amount of $23,820.57 to come out of the ARPA money, which was the lowest of the 3 machines that met our specs. Commissioner Chandler seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Mr. Grant presented estimates for a storage container for the snowmobile shed. He has received 3 quotes. The first is from Heavy Metal Storage in the amount of $7350; the second is from Diversified Containers in the amount of $7000; and the third is from Oxbox in Rigby in the amount of $7545. This purchase would come from the Snowmobile contingency fund. He would prefer the one from Heavy Metal Storage because they are local and feel more reputable. Diversified Containers are out of Idaho Falls, but he found them online. However, they do have good reviews. Civil Attorney Blake Hall noted that statute dictates the Commissioners have to accept the lowest bid. Commissioner Chandler made a motion to accept the bid from Diversified Containers in the amount of $7000 to come out of the Snowmobile contingency fund. Commissioner Hill seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Cache Crain RE: Straw Maze – action item This appointment was cancelled. Mitchell Trainor / Hedrick Fire Protection RE: Bid to check fire extinguishers – action item Mr. Trainor discussed bidding to check the fire extinguishers for our county buildings this year. His boss, Joe Hedrick, and his brothers started Hedrick Fire Protection Company in California about 20 years ago, and have moved up here to Rexburg about 15 years ago. They bought out FireWise last year. FireWise had in their records that they used to check the fire extinguishers here at the Courthouse, so Hedrick would like an opportunity to put in a bid to continue to check them for us. Commissioner Hill stated we have other buildings within the county that would also need to be done. Commissioners Dance would like to see a pricing sheet, and wondered if there is an option for a bulk rate if we have all of our buildings done. Mr. Trainor will get a pricing sheet together and make an appointment for a future meeting. Public Hearing RE: Amend Fremont County Development Code to Appeal and Replace Appendix O – action item FREMONT COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PUBLIC HEARING Amend FCDC to Repeal and Replace Appendix O Fremont County Courthouse/Commissioners Room September 22, 2023, 1:00 PM Present for the meeting was: Commissioners Blair Dance, Rick Hill, and Mark Chandler Also attended by: Clerk Abbie Mace, Deputy Clerk Kim Fletcher, Civil Attorney Blake Hall, Planning and Building Planner Sara Bowersox Commissioner Dance called the hearing to order, welcomed those in attendance, and introduced county employees. Commissioner Dance asked Clerk Abbie Mace if the hearing had been properly noticed. Clerk Mace stated that it had. Commissioner Dance explained the purpose of the hearing and asked if any of the Commissioners have a conflict on this hearing. Commissioners have no conflict. Commissioner Dance turned the time over to Planning and Building Planner Sara Bowersox to discuss the purpose of this hearing. Ms. Bowersox stated that early this year there was a conversation about how appendix O should be updated regarding cellphone towers. Our code said something different in appendix O than it said elsewhere. We also wanted to clear up structural standards. The state has also come out with some new guidelines which pushed us to update our code. We held a hearing on May 19th to consider the draft staff had prepared and between the changes to Idaho Code and written comments that had come in prior to that hearing, staff identified changes that could improve the draft so a decision was tabled. We held another hearing on July 21st, and following our second hearing, P&Z recommended the Commissioners approve the ordinance to repeal and replace the Fremont County Development Code Appendix O. Civil Attorney Blake Hall asked if there is a map that shows where the area of limitation would be for new towers. Ms. Bowersox stated the amendment doesn’t provide a specific limitation, but instead establishes that the request to establish a new tower must demonstrate a need for a tower in that location. Commissioner Dance clarified that we don’t necessarily have a dimensional placement for the towers, but that placement is based on need. Ms. Bowersox stated this is correct, but do have a portion of the ordinance that talks about density, and we asked that the spacing of the towers be at least 2 miles apart from each other, unless need is demonstrated otherwise. There is finite capacity for use, so we do have a need for more towers. Mr. Hall discussed the 1996 Telecommunication Act as it relates to cell tower siting for local Planning and Zoning authority which provides for 3 protections for those seeking to erect towers. 1. Local ordinance may not unreasonably discriminate amongst providers or the services they provide. 2. Local governments may not propose a blanket prohibition against the placement of telecommunication towers (which we have never done). 3. Local governments may not impose more stringent environmental affects limits on radiofrequency limits than the FCC. Commissioner Dance asked for more explanation about how we can’t be in conflict with the FCC, but we also can’t be in conflict with the FAA. Ms. Bowersox explained that not every tower is required to have lights on them, but we differ to their rules as far as to what towers need to have on them. Some may also require paint. We also have a list of preferences for how the towers should look so antennas will be as small as possible to create as small of a profile as possible. Commissioner Chandler asked if we have any permit requests for new towers. Ms. Bowersox said no. We have had 2 in recent years but neither were approved because of the distance issue, and it couldn’t be determined that they were needed. Commissioner Dance asked if they have had any resources they have relied on to help guide the development of this ordinance and in becoming more compliant with federal regulations. Ms. Bowersox said yes. Our GIS Manager Jacob Farnes has been our internal resource who has done all of the background research on the code updates. He is very involved in telecommunications and towers and is very knowledgeable. She has been involved as well, but he did the bulk of the research. Commissioner Dance asked if there are any restrictions for residential tower density. Ms. Bowersox stated she didn’t believe so. She discussed the guidelines and requirements that have been addressed in the ordinance. Mr. Hall stated the FCC does have a restriction for towers within residential areas; they are not allowed. Commissioner Dance explained the procedure of the public comment portion of the hearing. Commenters will have 5 minutes to comment and are asked to state their name and address for the record. They may not make a decision today; they have 60 days to make a decision. PUBLIC COMMENT: Sheryl Hill, 308 Highland Street, Ashton. Ms. Hill is opposed to this application. She doesn’t feel any of the proper procedures have been followed and outlined her interpretation of the job responsibilities of the County Civil Attorney, Planning and Zoning Board, and County Commissioners. She feels the P&Z Administrator and P&Z Board are limited to reviewing and approving/denying permit applications throughout the county, and that they don’t have the authority to create or recommend the approval of ordinances that will affect the county. Josh Leonard, 251 W Front Street, Suite 310, Boise. Mr. Leonard is here representing Horvath Towers, a nationwide cell tower company. He first thanked staff for the work they have done on the drafts of this ordinance. He also thanked the Planning and Zoning Commission and their understanding of the need to update Appendix O. He disagrees with the previous commenter that procedure hasn’t been followed. He feels procedure has been followed exactly as it should. P&Z is a recommending board; they recommend to the Commissioners that the Ordinance be approved, but the Commissioners make the final decision about whether or not they are adopted into the Code. Overall his clients agree with the recommended changes to Appendix O. They do wish some rules could be relaxed but understand why P&Z made the recommendations they did. He discussed reasons he feels the Ordinance should be approved. He also discussed some clarifications that may need to be made in the wording of some parts of the ordinance. Jeff Patlovich, 637 W 2nd S, St. Anthony. He has been involved with cell towers for many years. He is not necessarily opposed to this ordinance, he just has some issues with the wording of some portions of the ordinance. He pointed out some inconsistencies that need some clarification. We received no written comments to submit to the record. Commissioner Dance stated that there will be no more public comment after this meeting. He thanked everyone for their comments and attendance. The hearing was closed at 1:42 p.m. There being no further business to come before the board, the hearing was adjourned. Miscellaneous Commissioner Hill made a motion to approve the claims for September 22, 2025 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 minutes from September 8, 2025 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 Junior College Application for the College of Eastern Idaho Fall 2025-Spring 2026 academic year for Trevor Bagley. 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 2025-2026 Retail Alcoholic Beverage License for: #39 Go C Goe Teton Junction #40 Phillips Lodge / Lodgepole Grill #41 Three Rivers Ranch Commissioner Chandler seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Insurance meetings have been set for October 28th at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and 6pm, and October 29th at 8am and 11am in order to accommodate everyone’s work schedules. Meetings should only last about an hour because we shouldn’t have to go into as much detail as last year since everyone has switched over to the individual plans. Commissioner Dance discussed the propane bid from Fall River Propane for the next year. He submitted a request to them for a bid in June. We do have a lot left over propane from last year, so they agreed 25,000 gallons would be sufficient to add to what we have. Their bid is $1.39 per gallon. He did reach out for other bids and didn’t receive a response. Commissioner Dance made a motion to approve the bid from Fall River Propane for 25,000 gallons of propane in the amount of $1.39 per gallon. Commissioner Hill seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Commissioner Dance discussed the transfer of the Mack’s Inn/Forest Service Lease covering our RV Dump Property to the City of Island Park. Brandon Harris would like to transfer this lease to the City of Island Park. Civil Attorney Blake Hall stated that according to Idaho Code the county can donate real property as long as we didn’t acquire it by tax deed, and as far as he is aware, we didn’t acquire this piece by tax deed. We would need to determine the value of the property. Clerk Mace asked if he just wants to transfer the dump site. Commissioner Dance stated there is a restroom that would also need to be transferred. The Forest Service is on board for this transfer. Mr. Hall stated he received an email from Mr. Harris that the restrooms are part of the wastewater treatment facility and are part of the lease, and they would be transferred to the City of Island Park as part of a special use permit. Commissioners have some questions and still need some clarification on what would be transferred. They will ask Mr. Harris to come to our next meeting for further discussion. Commissioner Dance postponed the viewing of a collection of photos for Fun Farm Bridge to next week’s meeting. Clerk Mace presented a Notice of Renewal for Zions Bancorporation for the jail expansion for FY2026. They require us to do a formal notice of renewal each year. It needed to be turned in last week so she asked Commissioner Dance to come in and sign it. Commissioner Hill made a motion to continue the Notice of Renewal for Zions Bancorporation for 2025 for the jail expansion. Commissioner Chandler seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Civil Attorney Blake Hall presented a resolution to increase the fees for Ambulance. At our last meeting, Mr. Mecham presented a list of fees he wanted to increase and was instructed, again, this needs to be done with a resolution. He stated we don’t do this every year, but we have, in fact, done this the last several years. Deputy Clerk Kim Fletcher created this resolution for presentation, and Mr. Hall has reviewed it for approval. Commissioner Chandler made a motion to adopt Resolution 2025-17 increasing the Fremont County Ambulance District fees by 4.99% as of October 1, 2025. Commissioner Hill seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Commissioners reviewed applications we have received for the Fair Board. Commissioner Hill feels both applicants would be an asset to the board feels interviews would be appropriate. Commissioners directed Deputy Clerk Kim Fletcher to schedule interviews for these applicants when they will be able to attend. Clerk Mace discussed opening the budget to handle overspending issues for the fair. The Fair Board overspent what was budgeted in their budget by about $20,000, but they have brought in that amount of money that we didn’t anticipate through their events at the fair. So, we need to open the budget to receive that $20,000 into the budget and put it where the shortfalls are. Commissioner Dance made a motion to open the budget for the Fair Board and the $20,000 of unanticipated monies as presented. Commissioner Hill seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Commissioner Hill received a bid for the concrete drain for the North Annex Building from Lyle Rumsey in the amount of $9,500.00. Commissioner Hill made a motion to approve a concrete bid from Rumsey Construction in the amount of $9,500.00 for a drain in the Annex building parking lot from the ARPA funds. Commissioner Chandler seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Commissioner Hill made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 2:11 p.m. Commissioner Dance 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: _____________________________ Abbie Mace, Clerk HISTORY Recorded by Min. 609920 Public Hearing 09-22-2025 on 9/29/2025
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