Board of Commissioners
Downloadable reports, legal documents, meeting minutes, and public records
About Document Flags: Flags such as Open Meeting Violation, Constitutional Issue, and Legal Issue are indicators of potential concerns only. They are generated during document review to highlight areas that may warrant further examination. These flags are not legal conclusions, findings of fact, or determinations of wrongdoing.
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Commissioners — Minutes — 2023-02-27 Concern Energy/Data Center Exec Session Open Meeting Violation
Jerome County Board of Commissioners meeting minutes from February 27, 2023, covering commissioner reports from various community events and board meetings, administrative approvals including software licenses and airport projects, updates on Snake River Canyons Park development, probation office reports, Idaho Power's $100,000 contribution for Shoshone Falls overlook engineering studies, and discussions about the controversial Lava Ridge Wind Project with public comment period extension.
Executive Session Decisions
- Executive session held from 11:18-11:20 A.M. regarding personnel matters under Idaho Code 74(206)(1)(b), but no specific decisions from this session were reported in the public record
Open Meeting Law Concerns
- Executive session was very brief (2 minutes) which raises questions about whether substantive personnel matters could have been properly discussed
- Document appears to be truncated mid-sentence during the Lava Ridge Wind Project discussion, potentially indicating incomplete minutes
Decisions Made
- Motion carried to renew appointments of John Toolson, Gary Oliver, and Ralph Kincheloe to the Airports Advisory Board
- Approved Rocky Mountain West invoice for $16,000 for broadband study
- Approved time records for seven employees for February 12-25, 2023 payroll period
- Motion carried to approve $13,800 cost to Environmental Systems Research Institute (esri) for upgraded GIS license
- Signed catering permit for South Hills Bar & Grill for March 4, 2023 event
- Motion carried to approve contract with CentralSquare's Public Safety Software Solution for Jerome County Sheriff's Office for $89,911.86
- Motion carried to sign Agreement for Professional Services for Hazelton Airport taxiway project with JUB Engineers
- Claims approval was continued until February 28
Energy, Data Centers & Ordinances
- Lava Ridge Wind Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) discussion with Magic Valley Energy representatives
- BLM extended public comment period for Lava Ridge Wind Project by 30 days until April 20
- Magic Valley Energy comfortable with BLM's Option C as compromise for wind project
- Discussion about wind project's impact on grazing (document truncated)
- Idaho Power's involvement in economic development and recreational projects including $100,000 contribution for Shoshone Falls overlook engineering studies and additional $250,000 pledged for construction
Constitutional & Social Concerns
- Lava Ridge Wind Project generating local opposition with residents present to voice concerns
- Community Unity gathering specifically focused on celebrating Mexican culture and helping people work together, suggesting potential community tensions
Guests, Speakers & Presentations
- Jim Walters and Ellen Riffle - Hazelton Airport property inquiry
- Mark Reyes, GIS specialist - software license upgrade request
- Bill Bridges and Sue Williams, Snake River Canyons Park Managing Board - park updates
- Mario Umana, Juvenile Probation Administrator - monthly probation report
- Deserae Calbo, Misdemeanor Probation Administrator - monthly probation report
- Seven Idaho Power representatives (Aaron Utz, Jordan Rodriguez, Brad Bowlin, Jim Mason, Joe Kendall, Fred Noland, Nathan Murry) - Shoshone Falls overlook funding presentation
- Larry Hall, Jerome 20/20 - economic development
- Kent Atkin, JUB Engineers Airport Consultant - Hazelton Airport taxiway project
- Cody Westover and Desea Lance, IT personnel - sheriff's office software upgrade
- Deputy Sheriffs Rick Bohling and Chad Kingsland - software needs
- Sheriff George Oppedyk and Tanner Johns - software approval
- Amy Schutte, Luke Papez, and Shawn Mock, Magic Valley Energy - Lava Ridge Wind Project update
- County Assessor Mark Swenson - wind project discussion
- Local residents Cody Bradford, Kye Copeland, Brode Mitchell, and Tanner Johns - wind project concerns
Upcoming Dates & Activities
- February 28 - continued claims approval
- March 1 - Deserae Calbo supervisor training in Boise
- March 4, 2023, 2 P.M. until 12 A.M. - South Hills Bar & Grill catering event at Risk Barn
- March 27, 2023 - bid opening scheduled for Hazelton Airport taxiway project
- April 20 - extended deadline for Lava Ridge Wind Project public comments
- April 25 - South Central Community Action Partnership Empty Bowls fundraiser
- May 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024 - GIS licensing renewal period
- October 1 - target date for CentralSquare software to go live when Computer Arts contract terminates
- Fall 2023 - North Side Canal decommissioning around Hazelton Airport
- 2023 - Hazelton Airport taxiway project design phase
- Following year (2024) - Hazelton Airport taxiway construction phase
Key Points
- Commissioner reports from various meetings and events
- Southern Idaho Regional Solid Waste District recycling proposals
- True West Beef executive open house
- Joe Robinette's 50-year fire department service recognition
- Community Unity gathering for Mexican culture celebration
- Lava Ridge Wind Project BLM open house
- Airport Advisory Board reappointments
- Hazelton Airport property lease/purchase inquiry
- Rocky Mountain West broadband study invoice approval
- Employee time record approvals
- GIS software license upgrade
- Snake River Canyons Park updates and improvements
- Juvenile probation statistics and graffiti cases
- Misdemeanor probation statistics
- Idaho Power Shoshone Falls overlook funding presentation
- Hazelton Airport taxiway paving project
- Sheriff's office software upgrade from Computer Arts to CentralSquare
- Lava Ridge Wind Project Draft EIS public comment period extension
Commissioners — Minutes — 2026-03-02 Exec Session Open Meeting Violation
Minutes from the Jerome County Board of Commissioners meeting on March 2, 2026, documenting commissioner reports on various community meetings and activities, approval of routine administrative matters including destruction of old election and evidence records, IT equipment purchases totaling $39,040, HR training approval, and GIS software renewal and conference attendance.
Executive Session Decisions
- Executive session was held per Idaho Code 74-206(1)(b) for personnel matters from 11:01 am to 11:31 am, but no specific decisions from the executive session were disclosed in the minutes
Open Meeting Law Concerns
- Executive session topic is vaguely described as 'for personnel' without specifying which personnel matter exception under Idaho Code 74-206(1)(b) applies
- No mention of public comment period in the meeting structure
Decisions Made
- Approved Resolution 2026-13 for destruction of old election records from 2021-2025 (unanimous)
- Approved IT purchases for switches and computers totaling $39,040.00 (unanimous)
- Approved $975 for PSHRA training for Jesse Vallez (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 2026-14 for destruction of old evidence records (unanimous)
- Approved $2,800 for Mark Reyes to attend ESRI user convention in San Diego in July (unanimous)
- Approved GIS software renewal with ESRI for $5,825.00 (unanimous)
- Accepted parking space lease bid of $35 per space per month
- Approved claims as presented (unanimous)
- Approved PTO payout requests (unanimous)
Guests, Speakers & Presentations
- Steve Hines - Extension Office monthly report
- Cy Lootens - Resolution for destruction of old election records
- Matthew McGregor - IT purchases and updates
- Eli Bair - IT matters
- Gary Taylor - Executive session and evidence records destruction
- Sam Beus - Executive session
- Jesse Vallez - HR training expense request
- Rick Bohling - Evidence records destruction
- Mark Reyes - GIS monthly report
Upcoming Dates & Activities
- Tomorrow's meeting mentioned for Snake River Canyon Parks security discussion
- HR training classes mentioned as 'taking place soon'
- ESRI user convention in San Diego in July 2026
- Upcoming bid for waste transfer station mentioned by Commissioner Howell
Key Points
- Commissioner activity reports
- Extension Office monthly report
- Destruction of old election records
- IT purchases for broadband grant completion
- Website search engine optimization issues
- Security camera installation progress
- HR training expenses
- Destruction of old evidence records
- GIS monthly report and software licensing
- Auction for parking space lease
- Claims approval
- Employee PTO payouts
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Commissioners — Minutes — 2025-03-03 Concern Energy/Data Center Exec Session Open Meeting Violation
Jerome County Board of Commissioners meeting minutes from March 3, 2025, covering routine county business including commissioner reports, department monthly reports, ordinance discussions, budget approvals, and various administrative matters. Key topics included non-conventional energy ordinances, sheriff's office software purchases, tax matters, and emergency management updates.
Executive Session Decisions
- Executive session was held per Idaho code 74-206(1)(b) from 11:24 am to 11:30 am - no specific decisions from this session were mentioned in the minutes
Open Meeting Law Concerns
- Document appears to be truncated mid-sentence during legal counsel discussion, potentially indicating incomplete minutes
- No mention of public comment period in the agenda or minutes
Decisions Made
- Approved matching funds for water ways grant in amount of $4,862.00 and matching amount of $2,431.00
- Approved purchase of background software for Sheriff's office and HR at annual cost of $4,020.00
- Approved increased mileage and per diem rates - mileage $0.70 per mile, breakfast $14.50, lunch $20.30, dinner $31.90, effective 3/3/2025
- Approved Marty Luhr to proceed with snowplow blade purchase if price cannot be negotiated down
- Approved Marty Luhr to sign up and pay for airport managers conference
- Approved tax cancellation for parcel RPJ18200010030 not to exceed $345.75 for property overvaluation
- Approved property tax exemption application for Renew Church Inc for parcel 11 E Main Street
- Approved claims as presented by staff
- Approved minutes from 2/24/25
- Approved indigent claims as presented by staff
- Approved GIS department airfare for upcoming conference
Energy, Data Centers & Ordinances
- Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are currently allowed under Jerome County ordinance with permits
- Transmission towers require specialized permits
- Planning and Zoning wants to update ordinances to make storage systems follow same process as transmission towers
- Discussion of potential moratorium on battery energy storage systems on private property
- Legal counsel advised Board could wait until there is an application to start moratorium process
- Non-conventional energy ordinance updates are delayed due to other priority ordinances
Constitutional & Social Concerns
- Records request discussion involving personal phone calls, texts, and emails of commissioners
- Legal counsel advised personal phone provider would have no records of calls
- Commissioner Watkins confirmed his phone call in question was not recorded
- Records request could be marked as unavailable or non-existent for items that don't exist
Guests, Speakers & Presentations
- Steve Hines, John Cauhorn, Mark Reyes, Julie Arroyo - Extension Office monthly report
- Mark Reyes, Julie Arroyo, John Cauhorn - GIS monthly report
- Kacie Buhler, Jesse Vallez, Chad Kingsland, Julie Arroyo - Planning and Zoning ordinances discussion
- Jesse Vallez, Chad Kingsland, Julie Arroyo - Sheriff's office matters
- Cy Lootens, Mark Swenson, Marty Luhr - County policies and snowplow purchase
- Jeff Schroeder - Martha and Marys Pantry lease discussion
- Mark Swenson - Tax cancellation and exemption matters
- Kirsten Hartley, Penny Lewis - Emergency Management report
- Penny Lewis, Nina Lagle - Property tax discussion
- Mike Seib, Cy Lootens - Legal counsel
Upcoming Dates & Activities
- April 22nd - Empty bowls auction
- End of 2025 - Deadline for area of city impact ordinance adoption or cities lose defined impact areas
- February 26th - Emergency management training was held (past date mentioned in report)
- Tax deed jeopardy timeline for delinquent property
Key Points
- Commissioner activity reports
- Extension Office monthly report and grant applications
- GIS department monthly report
- Non-conventional energy ordinances
- Agriculture Protection Area ordinance
- Area of city impact ordinance
- Planning and Zoning board reappointments
- Sheriff's office background software
- Water ways grant
- County mileage and per diem policy updates
- Snowplow purchase
- Martha and Marys Pantry lease discussion
- Tax cancellation and property tax exemption
- Claims approval
- Minutes approval
- Indigent matters
- Emergency Management monthly report
- Property tax delinquency discussion
- Legal counsel matters including copier lease and records requests
Commissioners — Minutes — 2026-03-03 Concern Energy/Data Center Open Meeting Violation
This document records a Jerome County Commissioners meeting from March 3, 2026, covering two main agenda items: a comprehensive review of employee handbook and policies, and discussion of county involvement with Snake River Canyon Parks including power sources, payment systems, security, and employee hiring processes. The meeting included an executive session for personnel matters and concluded with plans to continue park discussions in two weeks.
Open Meeting Law Concerns
- Executive session topic listed as 'personnel' under Idaho Code 74-206(1)(b) but no specific details provided about what personnel matters were discussed or what decisions resulted from the 43-minute closed session
Decisions Made
- Motion to go into executive session per Idaho Code 74-206(1)(b) for personnel - passed with unanimous roll call vote
- Decision to have park employees hired through the security company rather than directly by the county
- Decision that Snake River Canyon Parks board would decide hours and pay for park employees
Energy, Data Centers & Ordinances
- Discussion that all power to Snake River Canyon Parks would need to come from solar, generators, or other outside power sources with no direct power connection to the park
Constitutional & Social Concerns
- County employee policy prohibiting recording and cameras in workplace
Guests, Speakers & Presentations
- Jesse Vallez - presented on employee handbook standards of conduct, policies including no recording/camera policy, work from home policy, travel/vehicle use policies, and PTO/ESL time policies
- Cy Lootens - participated in both employee handbook discussion and Snake River Canyon Parks discussion
- Bill Bridges - provided quotes and information about park employee hiring through security company
- Matthew McGregor - provided information about park power requirements and Tyler Technologies QR code payment system
- Nina Lagle - present for Snake River Canyon Parks discussion
- Jody Revai - present for Snake River Canyon Parks discussion
- Eli Bair - present for Snake River Canyon Parks discussion
Upcoming Dates & Activities
- Snake River Canyon Parks discussion to continue again in two weeks (approximately March 17, 2026)
Key Points
- Comprehensive Employee Handbook and Policies Review
- Standards of conduct for county employees
- No recording and no camera policy
- Working from home policy
- Travel and vehicle use policies
- PTO and ESL time policies
- Snake River Canyon Parks county involvement scope
- Park power sources and infrastructure
- QR code payment processing for RV park
- Security cameras for the park
- Employee hiring processes for park operations
- Personnel matters (executive session)
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Commissioners — Minutes — 2024-01-15 Duplicate
This document is a brief official notice for the Jerome County Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for Monday, January 15, 2024. The document serves to formally record that no meeting was held on this date due to the observance of Martin Luther King Day, a federal holiday.
Duplicate Check
This appears to be a standard template format used for documenting cancelled meetings due to holidays. The minimal content and formal structure suggest it follows a typical government documentation pattern for recording meeting cancellations.
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Commissioners — Minutes — 2024-03-04 Concern Exec Session Open Meeting Violation
Minutes from the Jerome County Board of Commissioners meeting on March 4, 2024, covering routine administrative matters, reports from commissioners and department heads, approval of various contracts and expenditures, discussion of broadband project proposals, tax adjustment judgments related to utility assessments, and adoption of a military caregiver proclamation.
Executive Session Decisions
- Commissioner Howell excused himself after an executive session mentioned in February 13 minutes amendment
Open Meeting Law Concerns
- Document appears truncated mid-sentence in the legal counsel section, potentially indicating incomplete minutes
Decisions Made
- Approved MOU with Idaho State Police for forensic toxicology analysis
- Signed retail alcoholic beverage license for Jerome Country Club
- Approved multiple employee leave requests
- Approved claims totaling $5,500.55 for Insurance Deductible Trust Fund
- Approved minutes from February 13 (amended), February 27, and February 29
- Approved indigent matter and signed release of lien for Case No. 0910-049
- Approved $1,800 purchase of ground sterilant for Jerome Airport
- Accepted ETS proposal for broadband project
- Sold county candy machine to Larry Laub for $100
- Approved payment of $196,940.08 for Idahydro Tax Settlement Reimbursement to multiple taxing districts
- Adopted Proclamation 2024-1 supporting military and veteran caregivers
- Designated Scott Denning as point of contact for caregiver support
- Tabled solicitor ordinance pending consultation with sheriff
Constitutional & Social Concerns
- Discussion of Unity Alliance dinner promoting understanding of immigrants and their contributions to communities
- Commissioners' attendance at Republican Presidential Caucus with reported 80% support for Donald Trump
Guests, Speakers & Presentations
- Mary Luhr - Airport Manager discussing chemical purchase
- Linda Montgomery - South Central Public Health Report (via email)
- Steve Hines - Extension Office monthly report
- Mark Reyes - GIS Specialist mapping report
- Bob Duchen and Tom Duchen - River Oaks Communications broadband project
- Larry Laub - County candy machine purchase proposal
- Tracee McKim - ARPA and CARES funding updates
- Cy Lootens - Solid waste fees discussion
- Connor Godsey - Enterprise Fleet Management follow-up
- Kevin Thibault and Chris Garner - EDA Architects for jail remodel
- Mark Swenson - Assessor for tax adjustment judgment
- Tevian Kober - Treasurer for tax adjustment
- Robert Rios - State Appraiser for tax adjustment
- Mike Seib - Legal counsel
Upcoming Dates & Activities
- March 11 - Fuel Purchase Agreement with Mark Doerr continued
- March 12 - Selection Committee to score jail remodel qualification documents
- May 8 - Governor's ceremony for Military Caregiver Month
- End of 2024 - ARPA funds must be committed
- End of 2026 - ARPA funds must be spent
- Two weeks from meeting - Larry Laub to return and pay for candy machine
- 90 days - Taxing districts to reimburse county for tax settlement
Key Points
- Commissioner reports and activities
- Habitat for Humanity program updates
- Snake River Canyons Park improvements
- Republican Presidential Caucus attendance
- Unity Alliance dinner on immigrant contributions
- Idaho State Police forensic services MOU
- Retail alcoholic beverage licensing
- Employee leave requests
- Claims and financial approvals
- Chemical purchase for airport weed control
- Broadband project ETS proposal
- County candy machine sale
- ARPA and CARES funding status
- Solid waste fees and transfer station payments
- Enterprise Fleet Management vehicle leasing proposal
- Jail remodel qualification requests
- Tax adjustment judgment for utility assessments
- Military caregiver proclamation
- Fuel purchase agreement
- Solicitor ordinance discussion
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Commissioners — Minutes — 2023-03-06 Energy/Data Center Open Meeting Violation
Minutes from Jerome County Commissioners meeting on March 6, 2023, covering routine county business including commissioner reports, financial approvals, department updates, and policy decisions. Key agenda items included airport management, 4-H funding request, wind project opposition resolution, tax exemption consideration for housing development, and IT infrastructure needs.
Open Meeting Law Concerns
- Document appears to be truncated mid-sentence in the quarterly report section, potentially indicating incomplete minutes
Decisions Made
- Approved claims totaling $159,749.48 for various funds
- Approved $1,050 expenditure for Jerome Airport garage door repair
- Approved purchasing beacon lights, microphones, and rental car improvements for airport
- Donated $2,500 from discretionary fund to Clever Clover 4-H team for national competition
- Approved joint resolution opposing Lava Ridge Wind Project
- Approved $17,630.30 for SQL Server licenses, prosecutor laptop, and four scanners
- Approved $3,370.70 for ten office chairs for Annex courtrooms
- Authorized $25,000 check for Snake River Canyons Park gravel
- Authorized $22,017.20 check for former jail demolition
Energy, Data Centers & Ordinances
- Joint resolution approved opposing Lava Ridge, Salmon Falls, and Taurus Wind Projects by six counties (Jerome, Minidoka, Twin Falls, Lincoln, Gooding, Camas)
- Discussion of rumor regarding 800 East Road maintenance being related to Lava Ridge Wind Farm construction
- Plans for new data center to be built in courthouse for IT infrastructure
Guests, Speakers & Presentations
- Marty Luhr - Interim Airports Manager report on fuel sales, repairs, and Airport Appreciation Day
- Steve Hines and Katie Scheer - Extension Office report with 4-H members Bailey Hinton, Amanda Jackson, Bryar James, Eliza Dugan requesting funding
- Mark Reyes - GIS mapping report and training updates
- Larry Hall - Jerome 20/20 executive director discussing Summit Springs tax exemption
- Chip Gallagher - Summit Springs Townhomes requesting 5-year tax exemption
- Mike Williams - Jerome city administrator supporting housing development
- Cody Westover and Desea Lance - IT report on sheriff's office outage and security needs
Upcoming Dates & Activities
- June 24 - Airport Appreciation Day scheduled
- April 6 - Potential multi-county meeting at Hunt Relocation Center for joint resolution signing
- March 13 - Continued meeting for Tracy Perkins county easement matter
- January 1, 2025 - Tax exemption would begin for Summit Springs project if approved
- August - Deadline for 4-H members' national competition fundraising
Key Points
- Commissioner activity reports
- Claims approval and financial matters
- Airport operations and management
- 4-H program funding request
- GIS mapping services
- Lava Ridge Wind Project opposition
- County property easement
- Summit Springs Townhouse tax exemption
- County IT infrastructure and security
- Court equipment purchases
- Empty Bowls fundraising event
- East end medical facility funding
- Snake River Canyons Park expenditures
- Former jail demolition
- ARPA funding usage
Commissioners — Minutes — 2026-03-09 Concern Energy/Data Center Open Meeting Violation
This document contains the minutes from a Jerome County Board of Commissioners meeting held on March 9, 2026. The meeting covered various administrative matters including zoning amendments, planning commission bylaw changes, board appointments, infrastructure projects, and emergency procedures. Key items included a land rezone for RV park development, reappointment of a long-serving health board member, and discussions about energy ordinance workshops.
Open Meeting Law Concerns
- Commissioner Howell recused himself from the zoning map amendment discussion due to previous meetings on the matter, but the specific nature of his conflict and whether proper procedures were followed is not detailed
- The meeting recessed and reconvened with Commissioner Howell absent for 'personal matters' without clear justification for the absence during official business
Decisions Made
- Approved airport hangar land lease agreement for Daryl and Brenda Oster
- Reappointed Linda Montgomery to South Central Public Health board with term ending 2031, with resignation planned for June 2027
- Approved $3,524.57 for fairgrounds sprinkler system drain line repair
- Approved temporary hiring of family member by Amanda Worthington with specific stipulations
- Approved $1,444.00 bid for airport chain link fence installation
- Approved signing paperwork for ETS broadband to apply for special use permit for communications tower
- Approved claims as presented by staff
- Scheduled energy ordinance workshop for March 23, 2026 at 6 pm
Energy, Data Centers & Ordinances
- Board discussed next steps for Planning and Zoning Commission workshop regarding energy ordinance
- Workshop scheduled for March 23, 2026 at 6 pm
- Gary Armstrong from Madison County planning and zoning department will attend to discuss their county's energy ordinance
- Board emphasized need for strict conditions on permits for all energy projects including wind, solar, etc.
- Board expressed need for more information about dangers of various energy projects
- Concerns raised about protecting natural resources around the county
- Public comments requested in advance of the workshop
Constitutional & Social Concerns
- Declaration of Independence pledge initiative for 250th anniversary, suggesting civic engagement focus
Guests, Speakers & Presentations
- Ryan Christensen and David Thibault - zoning map amendment presentation for Danso LLC
- Mike Matthews, Samantha Marshall, Jessica Hammond, Cy Lootens, and Brenda Weekes - Congressional office employees outreach
- Ryan Christensen - Planning and Zoning Commission bylaw changes
- Brenda Oster and Daryl Oster - airport hangar lease agreement
- Linda Montgomery - South Central Public Health Board reappointment (via phone)
- Eric Jackson, Cy Lootens, and Tevian Kober - active shooter procedures and county vehicle usage
- Amanda Worthington and Cy Lootens - fairgrounds capital funds and temporary employee
- Marty Luhr and Cy Lootens - airport gates and credit cards
- Mark Swenson, Tracy Perkins, and Cy Lootens - Declaration of Independence pledge
- Matthew McGregor and Cy Lootens - ETS judicial complex tower decision
- Jerry Holton - Fair Board MOU and energy ordinance workshop planning
Upcoming Dates & Activities
- June 2027 - Linda Montgomery planned resignation from health board
- End of June 2026 - end date for temporary fairgrounds employee
- July 4th - target date for Declaration of Independence pledge completion
- March 23, 2026 at 6 pm - energy ordinance workshop
- Term ending 2031 - Linda Montgomery's health board appointment
Key Points
- Commissioner reports on legislative sessions and meetings
- Zoning map amendment from A-2 to REC-1 for Danso LLC property
- Congressional office employee outreach discussion
- Planning and Zoning Commission bylaw changes
- Airport land lease agreement and bylaws
- South Central Public Health Board member reappointment
- Active shooter procedure discussion and approval
- County vehicle usage policy
- Jerome County Fairgrounds capital funds and temporary employee hiring
- Airport gates, fencing, and credit card payment systems
- Declaration of Independence pledge initiative
- ETS Judicial Complex communications tower installation
- Memorandum of Understanding with Fair Board
- Claims approval
- Energy ordinance workshop planning
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Commissioners — Minutes — 2023-01-16 Duplicate
This document is a brief notice stating that the Jerome County Board of Commissioners did not hold their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, January 16, 2023, due to the observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day federal holiday.
Duplicate Check
This appears to be a standard template notice used when meetings are cancelled for federal holidays, as it contains only basic formatting and a brief holiday observance statement with no substantive content.
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Commissioners — Minutes — 2025-03-10 Energy/Data Center Open Meeting Violation
This document contains the minutes from the Jerome County Board of Commissioners meeting held on March 10, 2025. The meeting covered routine county business including commissioner reports, maintenance updates, budget approvals, airport improvements, IT infrastructure projects, broadband network agreements, and staffing discussions.
Open Meeting Law Concerns
- No mention of public comment periods in the agenda or minutes
- The meeting was recessed and reconvened without clear explanation of the purpose of the extended break
Decisions Made
- Approved new tires for maintenance van from Wickel tires for $806.64
- Approved Middle Snake River Water Resource Commission budget and Jerome County's portion of $2,680.00
- Approved Idaho Airport Aid Program grant agreement accepting $3,414.15
- Approved implementation of sleds at Administrative Offices Building and Judicial Complex for wireless network communication
- Approved pursuit of hiring new victim witness coordinator position
- Approved claims as presented by staff
- Approved minutes from 3/3/25 meeting
Energy, Data Centers & Ordinances
- Discussion of battery energy storage system fire safety protocols with fire marshal Don
- Both Commissioner Watkins and Commissioner Howell reported conversations with fire marshal about lack of current processes for handling battery energy storage system fires
- Fire marshal committed to adding battery energy storage system emergency procedures to fire department practices for upcoming year
Guests, Speakers & Presentations
- Brent Culbertson - Maintenance department monthly report
- Julie Arroyo - Middle Snake River Water Resource Commission budget
- Kent Atkin - Airport grant forms and taxi lane design
- Cy Lootens - Airport grant forms
- Tracee McKim - Airport grant forms
- Thomas Leija - Airport grant forms and taxi lane design
- Matthew McGregor - IT infrastructure and broadband discussion
- Jacob Johnson - ETS broadband and point-to-point projects
- Chad Larsen - IT and broadband discussion
- Scott Linsley - IT and broadband discussion
- Bob Duchen - Broadband discussion
- Sam Beus - Victim Witness Coordinator position discussion
- Shayne Nope - Prosecuting responsibilities and victim witness coordinator
Upcoming Dates & Activities
- Upcoming fiscal year - deadline for hiring new victim witness coordinator position
- Upcoming year - when fire department plans to add battery energy storage system emergency procedures
Key Points
- Commissioner reports on various meetings and activities
- Maintenance department monthly report and tire replacement
- Middle Snake River Water Resource Commission budget approval
- Airport grant approvals and taxi lane design project
- IT infrastructure improvements including tower removal and installation
- Broadband network management and Indefensible Right of Use agreements
- Claims approval
- Victim Witness Coordinator position creation
- Previous meeting minutes approval
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Commissioners — Minutes — 2024-03-11 Concern Exec Session Open Meeting Violation
This is the Jerome County Commissioners meeting minutes from March 11, 2024, documenting routine administrative business including time record approvals, claims processing, departmental reports, and various county matters. The meeting included discussions about generator maintenance, probation department staffing and raises, planning and zoning updates, election equipment upgrades, fleet services presentation, airport management, and legal counsel on guardianship issues.
Executive Session Decisions
- After a 9:38-9:44 AM executive session regarding property acquisition, the Board determined to wait for more information
- After a 5:15-5:30 PM executive session regarding personnel matters, no action was taken (document appears cut off)
Open Meeting Law Concerns
- Document appears to be truncated at the end, cutting off mid-sentence after the second executive session
- No mention of public comment periods or opportunities for public input during the meeting
Decisions Made
- Approved Time Records for Brent Culbertson, Scott Denning, Andrea Gonzalez, Mark Reyes, Tanya Stitt, Mario Umana, and Cody Westover for February 25 - March 9, 2024 pay cycle
- Approved leave requests for Mario Umana, Mark Reyes, and Tanya Stitt
- Approved Catering Permit for The Establishment dba Depot Grill for April 17 event at Moss Greenhouse
- Approved minutes of December 18, 2023
- Approved claims totaling $232,626.75 for March 5-11, 2024
- Decided to create new line item in maintenance budget for jail repairs in FY 2024-25
- Approved raise for Erica Bravo based on changed job description and duties, effective March 12
- Approved $1,730 election system software upgrade for security
- Approved $2,323.30 donation to IAC for NACo Center for Public Lands Counties for FY 2024 only
- Determined Tanya Stitt should seek bids for generator repair and maintenance
- Determined Unified Fleet Services representative should meet with Sheriff to discuss financial viability
Constitutional & Social Concerns
- Hostile work environment complaint mentioned, with legal counsel advising employee to contact private attorney
- Community guardianship program struggling with volunteer board membership and conservatorship issues for vulnerable adults
Guests, Speakers & Presentations
- Tanya Stitt - Emergency Management Director discussing generator needs
- Brent Culbertson - Maintenance Supervisor presenting maintenance report
- Andrea Gonzalez - Senior Probation Officer presenting probation matters and statistics
- Kacie Buhler - Planning and Zoning Administrator providing department report
- Cy Lootens - Clerk requesting election equipment approval and presenting NACo donation request
- Mike Scott, Bodie Taylor, and Clete Carter - Unified Fleet Services representatives presenting vehicle leasing proposal
- Gary Taylor - Chief Deputy Sheriff participating in fleet services discussion
- Marty Luhr - Airport Manager discussing airport operations
- Scott Denning - Board of Community Guardians coordinator presenting guardianship issues
- Harold and Merilee Waters - Citizens addressing fair vendor conflict
- Mike Seib - Legal Counsel providing legal advice on multiple matters
Upcoming Dates & Activities
- April 17 - Depot Grill catering event at Moss Greenhouse from 4 PM-10 PM
- March 12 - Effective date for Erica Bravo's wage increase
- April 11 - Andrea Gonzalez virtual attendance at McCall Adult Misdemeanor Probation Administration Association meeting
- Within next two weeks - Kacie Buhler plans to hire for open position
- March Planning and Zoning Commission meeting scheduled
- June - Airport Day event with potential helicopter from St. Luke's
- October - Possible new budget year hiring for probation officer position
- FY 2024-25 - New jail repair line item in maintenance budget
Key Points
- Commissioner reports from community meetings
- Time record approvals
- Leave requests
- Catering permit approval
- Previous meeting minutes approval
- Claims approval
- Generator maintenance and block heater needs
- Property acquisition matters
- Jail maintenance and budget allocation
- Probation department statistics and staffing
- Employee raises and job description changes
- Planning and zoning activities
- Election equipment upgrades
- Fleet services leasing proposal
- Airport operations and advisory board appointments
- National Association of Counties donation
- Community guardianship program issues
- Fair vendor conflict resolution
- Legal counsel on various matters
- Hostile work environment complaint
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Commissioners — Minutes — 2024-03-12 Concern Open Meeting Violation
Jerome County Board of Commissioners meeting on March 12, 2024, primarily focused on the RFQ selection process for remodeling former jail space in the courthouse. The meeting included rating three construction companies and preparing interview questions, followed by a separate session with the Fair Board to address concerns about Commissioner Howell's interactions with Fair and Rodeo operations.
Open Meeting Law Concerns
- Meeting appears to have reconvened at 6 P.M. with only two of three commissioners present (Crouch and Watkins), potentially creating quorum concerns
- No mention of proper public notice for the 6 P.M. reconvened session with Fair Board
- Discussion of personnel-related concerns about Commissioner Howell may have warranted executive session rather than public discussion
Decisions Made
- Committee agreed not to use Hayes Construction for RFQ consideration
- Decided to rate Peterson Brothers, Big D Construction, and Core Construction
- Determined to interview all three rated companies
- Formulated six specific interview questions for contractor interviews
- Decided to have Waters family and Fair manager meet with Commissioners to resolve vendor booth conflict
- Determined Commissioner Howell would not be barred from Fair or rodeo events regardless of liaison status
Constitutional & Social Concerns
- Potential personnel/interpersonal conflict involving elected official (Commissioner Howell) and Fair Board operations
Guests, Speakers & Presentations
- Maintenance Supervisor Brent Culbertson - RFQ Selection Committee member
- Architect Kevin Thibault - RFQ Selection Committee member
- Assessor Mark Swenson - attended RFQ selection meeting
- Fair Board directors - expressed concerns about Commissioner Howell
Upcoming Dates & Activities
- 2024 Fair - mentioned in context of Waters family vendor booth request
- Scheduled meeting between Waters family, Fair manager, and Commissioners - no specific date given
Key Points
- RFQ selection for jail remodel project
- Construction company evaluations and ratings
- Interview question preparation for contractors
- Fair Board concerns about Commissioner Howell
- Commissioner liaison roles for Fair Board
- Harold and Merilee Waters vendor booth request conflict
- Fair and rodeo operations