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minutes meeting date 2025-11-10 · fetched 2026-09-09 · 19260 characters · official file · plain text
BOCC Nov 10 2025 Regular Meeting FREMONT COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING MINUTES November 10, 2025 Present for the meeting were: Commissioners Blair Dance, Rick Hill, and Mark Chandler Also attended by: Clerk Abbie Mace, Deputy Clerk Kim Fletcher, Clerk Elect Meredith Mattingly, Civil Attorney Blake Hall, Treasurer Lori Beard, and Assessor Carol Blanchard. Clerk Abbie Mace offered the prayer. Commissioner Chandler led the pledge. Commissioner Dance called the meeting to order and welcomed those in attendance. Treasurer Lori Beard reported they are working on the tax drive. Their program is 30 years old, so she is asking that people be patient because it is a slow process. We are also still having problems with the bank and hope that eventually those issues will be solved. Assessor Carol Blanchard reported they have been preparing some of the new construction and building permits, as well as checking occupancy. They have been putting the sub roll and new construction together. Those assessments will be going out on November 17th and they can be contested on December 1st in our BOE Sub Roll meeting. She will set that time up with Deputy Clerk Fletcher. She has participated in several public records software meetings to find something that will work better for us. They have been productive and she hopes to come to the commissioners with information soon. She will be attending District 6 meetings this week, and next week she will be attending the Fall IAC meetings. The state will be checking her compliance this month as well to see of we need to make any adjustments. Clerk Abbie Mace reported we had the election last week and had a larger turnout than we anticipated. Usually in off years we are happy if we have 20% turnout, but we had about 35%. There was some disappointment for some of the boards, and the school bond and the Sugar-Salem library permanent levy were unsuccessful. Things went smoothly and our new ExpressVotes worked very well. This week the auditors are coming so she will send an email out to remind everyone; they will be here for the next week and a half. She is working with Meredith to help the transition to her becoming the new Clerk go smoothly. Last month we signed a contract with TitleOne so we will be working with them soon. They will be coming into the area, we assume their office will be in Rexburg. We are working with Computer Arts to get them coordinated. Commissioner Hill reported he attended the public records request discussion, as well as a software demonstration in the Treasurer’s office. He appreciates what they are doing and feels some of those programs would really benefit the county. He met with the architect earlier about a security entrance on the west side of the building; he has some proposals. The Solid Waste meeting; the regional landfill is open and they have been taking garbage for a week. They have to be careful about what they can take so they are still sending some to Jefferson County. Madison County has paved the road up to about a mile to the new landfill and have plans to widen and finish paving in the next year or so. Fun Farm bridge is finished and open. He helped with the election set up and take down. Fair Board had a meeting; they have made a lot of improvements to the fairgrounds and have held several events. They did a trunk-or-treat and had a lot of kids come, and they are planning a Christmas event. The Annex North Suite B; we are starting to move in, the last thing we are waiting for is Blackfoot to hook up the phones, but hopefully that will be done soon and everyone will be moved over. He attended the benefits meeting on Wednesday and we had good attendance. Mr. Packer did a great job; things went much smoother this year. He had asked how everyone felt about the change and the general consensus was positive, so we achieved what we set out to do last year. He went on the tour of 5C and felt Commissioner Chandler did a great job, and appreciates the hard work he is putting into it. He hopes we can continue to make this facility work for us. Commissioner Chandler reported all of the commissioners were able to participate on the voting machine testing and he learned there was more to the election than he knew. They were also able to help with moving the equipment and visit the polling places. He got on the 3B Detention agenda a little bit ago and met with them the first week in October to talk about a regional facility. He attended the RACE meeting and appreciates the hard work they do for our youth. He attended the county safety meeting. We had a Golf Board meeting; a few members resigned because we are trying to update the business model at the golf course. He attended a few of the insurance orientation meetings and he feels they went well. He attended the discussion about the security of our west entrance, and is impressed with the company we are looking at to do that construction. We had a tour of the 5C Detention Center, hoping that we can turn it into a regional detention center. He was grateful for those that attended, and for the interest in keeping the building running. We will be touring 3B next week and have another meeting to follow. Commissioner Dance expressed his appreciation for Commissioner Hill and Commissioner Chandler for helping to cover their workload. They all want to be able to be involved in as much as they can in the county, but sometimes it is overwhelming, he is grateful for their willingness to split responsibilities and keep each other informed. This Board has a great working relationship. He attended the Eastern Counties Highways Board Association meeting in Sugar City. It was a training meeting to help people learn how to apply for grants and other funding. In the follow-up meeting, we were ranked 2nd on 2 projects. Cloud Seeding; he met with them at the last of last month. There is a lot of activism about putting an end to cloud seeding because of false information being spread about the issue. He did a Teton Dam Site inspection with Rowdy Rigby regarding some security issues. Teton Flood50 meeting; they have been established as a non-profit organization and received their tax ID number, and are starting fund raising efforts. He Attended East Idaho Public Health; this was their quarterly meeting. They are dealing with the federal government and their closure which trickles down to state and local governments and how they have to handle funding and layoffs as well as trying to be fiscally responsible. The Teton Recreation Coalition as well as BLM and several other groups, are concerned with dam site security, which is why Rowdy visited the site with him. They have plans to help with this, and some funding from BOR to make it possible. The Teton Dam Site overlook is completed, and the kiosks just need to be installed. We held our Idaho Association of District Boards of Health in Boise for 3 days in October; there was a lot of information provided and exchanged, but the biggest takeaway was the need to keep the association in place and a viable organization, otherwise there is no voice from the public health sector in the state to the state legislators. He attended the EMS mass casualty training in North Fremont and it was fascinating how coordinated everyone was in all of the confusion. Over 40 people participated in the training. He was only able to attend 1 of the insurance meetings. He was also able to help with the election day equipment distribution with Commissioner Chandler. Social Services Debbie Biorn 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 9:40 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 9:43 a.m. Commissioners released a lien. Deputy Clerk Meredith Mattingly RE: Levy Presentation – action item Ms. Mattingly presented the Levies for FY2025. We had 3 districts who did not comply with Transparency Idaho so they cannot have an increase in their levy. The 2nd page is a comparison of the previous 2-year levy rates. Commissioner Dance made a motion to accept the Fremont County tax levies for FY2025. Commissioner Chandler seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Commissioners RE: Canvass November 4, 2025 Election Results – action item Elections Clerk Bonita Sutton presented the results of the November 4, 2025 election. Election day went quite smoothly, and our turnout was really good compared to previous elections at 35%. Commissioner Dance stated we will table this item until 2:40 pm due to an omission of some information. Ms. Sutton presented a new packet of information; the only difference is the last 2 pages, which adds the results from Madison County’s elections that were included as part of our election. There is a new program the state is still learning, so she is still learning it as well. She updated the Commissioners about some of the options we are looking into for polling locations for our May election now that we won’t be able to use the LDS churches anymore. Commissioner Dance made a motion to accept the canvass of the November 4, 2025 election. Commissioner Chandler seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Public Works Director Brandon Harris RE: Executive Session IC 74-206(1)(b) – action item Commissioner Dance made a motion to go into executive session pursuant to IC 74-206(1)(b) To consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school student; at 10:30 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 11:12 a.m. Probation Director Darin Burrell RE: Purchasing Body Armor – action item; Annual IDJC Report – action item Mr. Burrell discussed purchasing body armor for his probation officers. His officers are going out and doing field work. They have opted to stop carrying firearms but he feels they should be wearing body armor, so he reached out to the Sheriff for guidance. He has a bid from Angel Armor, it will cost $750 per unit, but he wanted to make sure he had enough in his budget to cover it. At most he feels it would cost $2300 for what he needs. Clerk Mace stated this amount is well below having to bid it out. Mr. Burrell reviewed the annual IDJC report. He does this report every year and submits it to the state. Clerk Mace does the financial portion of the report, which reviews how we spent the dollars we received from the state. Commissioner Chandler made a motion to accept the County Annual Juvenile Justice Report to the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections. Commissioner Hill seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Commissioner Hill made a motion to accept the Juvenile Justice Annual Financial Report. Commissioner Chandler seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Sheriff Bart Quayle RE: Executive Session IC 74-206(1)(b) – action item Commissioner Dance made a motion to go into executive session pursuant to IC 74-206(1)(b) To consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school student; at 11:30 a.m. Commissioner Chandler 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 11:52 a.m. 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 1:00 p.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 1:36 p.m. Commissioners RE: Bid Opening for Janitorial Services at North Annex – action item Commissioner Hill opened the bidding for janitorial services at the north annex building. He has 2 bids for these services, after reviewing their previous contracts and scopes of work. He talked to Debbie Davis and a few others, and they don’t feel they will get as much traffic as they do in the South Annex, so once a week should be adequate, and Darrin could come every day to take out garbage and clean bathrooms. McNiel Cleaning and Lucky Dawg both came in and looked through the building. McNiel’s bid was $480 and Lucky Dawg came in at $726.33 per month. Commissioner Chandler made a motion to accept the bid from McNiel Cleaning at $480 per month to do the janitorial services for the North Annex Suite B. Commissioner Hill seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Planning and Building Administrator Tom Cluff and Planner Sara Bowersox RE: Proposed Software Purchase – action item; Seely Farms Division 1 Final Plat – action item; Rigby Estates – action item Ms. Bowersox discussed a proposal for purchasing new software. They have been looking at various software packages for the past year to help handle their permits, and have finally chosen one they like. They do have a contract that Blake Hall has reviewed. One of the features of this software is that there is a portal that will allow people to apply online which will help save time for employees. There is also a tool that will help answer questions about properties. Set-up will take about 8 months. Commissioner Dance asked if there is any conflict with our current software. Ms. Bowersox stated she doesn’t believe so. IT has been involved in some of these meetings and they don’t feel there should be any issue. Commissioner Hill asked about our current software. Ms. Bowersox explained we currently use Computer Arts and everything is manually collected and put into the system, and it simply holds data, but people don’t have access to any information in the system. This new software will allow them to track the progress of their paperwork and applications without having to call into the office, which should help save time for everyone. It should also help with public records requests and collecting documentation well. Clerk Mace asked if they have the money for this software in their budget. Ms. Bowersox said yes. Commissioner Hill made a motion to approve the purchase of software package by the Planning and Zoning Department from Clariti in the amount of $102,110.00. Commissioner Chandler seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Ms. Bowersox presented application #23-031 for Seely Farms Division 1 Final Plat along with Findings of Facts, Conclusions of Law and Decision. Commissioner Chandler made a motion to approve application #23-031 for Seely Farms Division 1 Final Plat along with Findings of Facts, Conclusions of Law and Decision. Commissioner Hill seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Ms. Bowersox presented application #25-066 for Rigby Estates along with Findings of Facts, Conclusions of Law and Decision. Commissioner Hill made a motion to approve application #25-066 for Rigby Estates Div #1 along with Findings of Facts, Conclusions of Law and Decision. Commissioner Chandler seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Miscellaneous Commissioner Hill made a motion to approve the claims for November 10, 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 minutes from October 27, 2025 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 Junior College Application for the North Idaho College Spring 2026 academic year for Austen Larsen, and to College of Southern Idaho Fall 2025-Spring 2026 academic year for Trayven Lopez and Sage Lyon. Commissioner Chandler seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Commissioner Hill made a motion to approve Idaho Liquor Catering Permit No 1091 for Café Sabor in Island Park to be used January 15th and 16th 2026 for the period of 2 evenings at Sawtell Resort for the Out West Sledfest event. Commissioner Chandler seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Commissioner Hill presented a letter of support for water storage expansion. A resolution was passed in the state legislature to take to Washington, and a request was made to discuss it in our meeting. If the Commissioners are in agreement, a copy of the letter will be sent to our representatives to encourage them to support the resolution. Commissioners signed the letter. Commissioner Hill discussed approving signs for the North Annex Building. He has a bid for the outside door signage, as well as a bid for the inside doors from SignPro. He received an estimate from AlphaGraphics, but they don’t do the install, so he wasn’t comfortable accepting their estimate. They also didn’t seem like they wanted to take the job anyway. Their prices were comparable. Commissioner Chandler made a motion to approve the external signage from SignPro in the amount of $4,553.78, as well as the internal signage and vinyl for the doors in the amount of $2,162.50 to be paid for from the ARPA monies. Commissioner Hill seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Clerk Mace presented the Colonial Life contract for employee benefits to start their next cycle, as well as the Aflac Open Enrollment. Commissioner Dance made a motion to ratify our County Clerk Abbie Mace’s signing the Colonial Life and Aflac insurance extensions. Commissioner Chandler seconded the motion. A full voice vote was heard with all commissioners voting in favor. Commissioner Chandler made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 2:54 p.m. Commissioner Hill 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. 610622 Regular Commissioner Meeting 11-10-2025 on 11/17/2025
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