This is an adaptation of minutes taken by County Clerk Shanci Dorius, not the complete, official minutes (which are space-prohibitive).  The full minutes can be obtained by contacting the Oneida County Clerk’s Office.

IN ATTENDANCE: Commissioner Chairman Bill Lewis, Commissioner Brian Jeppsen, and Commissioner Ken Eliason. 

City Sewer System – Air Quality Issues

Residents Harry and Patsy Sherman shared concerns about an air quality issue related to Malad City’s new Wastewater Treatment Plant. They reported that odors from the facility make it difficult to be outdoors or keep windows open at their home. The Shermans noted that the facility’s aeration pumps must run continuously to properly treat the water and mitigate odor. 

The Shermans contacted the Mayor and City Superintendent of Public Works, as the lagoon is managed by the city.  Additionally, Scott MacDonald, with Idaho DEQ, is investigating the matter and recommended that residents document concerns and meet with the County Board of Commissioners, the Mayor, and City Public Works to discuss further actions.   Commissioner Lewis motioned to send a letter, with a re-cap of the commissioner meeting minutes, to Scott McDonald at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and designate Commissioner Brian Jeppsen as the point of contact from the Board of County Commissioners. Motion carried.

Review of Emergency Preparedness Active Shooter Exercise

The recent Active Shooter Exercise held in Malad on August 7 was considered a success in evaluating the county’s emergency preparedness, revealing both strengths and areas needing improvement. The exercise demonstrated that the current number of law enforcement officers is insufficient to manage a large-scale emergency, and it also exposed significant weaknesses in the county’s communication systems during a crisis. In response, the Sheriff’s Office is working with a vendor to explore available options to improve coverage and enhance communication capabilities for future emergency situations.

Emergency Communications (via text)

About a week prior to the commissioner meeting, Malad City residents experienced a water issue and many residents did not receive any (or all) of the communications that were sent out. Commissioners discussed possible ways to improve the communication process, noting that some current technologies, such as AlertSense, require residents to opt-in to receive notifications via phone or text. 

Commissioners noted that Mayor Joan Hawkins and Sheriff Doug Williams are also taking steps to enhance the communications system. Sheriff Williams is waiting for system updates to Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), which is managed by FEMA and allows authorized authorities quickly send emergency alerts to the public via phone, TV, radio, and digital road signs, websites, and more.

Alsco Floor Mat Estimate

Building Maintenance Supervisor Tory Richardson reported that the county currently utilizes the services of Mountain Valley Floor Mats for floor mat services.  The company is now under new ownership and has had a history of miscellaneous billing issues with the county.  

Mr. Richardson has been in contact with Alsco for several months and they have presented the county with several service alternatives, including the option to buy the mats and clean them ourselves or to continue having a bi-weekly professional cleaning service.  

Alsco has proposed a 3-year services agreement and commissioners expressed their preference in having a trial period prior to committing to the full term.

Commissioner Lewis motioned to cancel the service with Mountain Valley Floor Mats effective September 1, 2025 and begin services with Alsco with a clause in the agreement stating that the County must be satisfied with Alsco’s performance in order to continue for the full 3-year term. Motion carried.

Steps to Validate County Road Map(s)

After discussion over several meetings, Attorney Lyle Fuller recommended the county assume the county followed the directions from twenty-years ago (July 1, 2005) that required counties to publish a county road map and update it every 5-years.  On this premise, and as long as there are no new roads the county is claiming (not deeded to the county), no public hearing is needed to update and publish a current county road map.  Road & Bridge Admin Lisa Baker noted that most of Oneida County roads are prescriptive, not deeded.  A resolution would state what Oneida County considers to be a county road.  One issue this will address is that it will keep people from closing off public access roads.  

Attorney Lyle Fuller will work with Mrs. Baker to prepare a resolution (to adopt a county map) that will be ready to sign at a future meeting.

R&B – Ratify Woodruff Bridge Documents

Due to a fast-approaching project completion deadline, documents related to the Woodruff Bridge Project were signed last week to allow Whitaker Construction to proceed with their work. These documents were then presented to the entire board for ratification.

R&B – Traffic Control & Water Diversion for Woodruff Bridge

Road & Bridge Supervisor Dianna Dredge requested Board approval to proceed with renting equipment necessary for completion of the Woodruff Bridge Project. At this time, the specific equipment and rental timeframe have not yet been determined, and therefore formal quotes have not been obtained.

One rental option under consideration is Whitaker Construction, the contractor awarded the project, as they are familiar with project requirements and located closer than other potential vendors, such as Rain for Rent.

Ms. Dredge informed the Board that she will make a good faith effort to contact multiple vendors for pricing and availability once equipment needs are finalized. She will document all communications in accordance with Idaho Code § 67-2806 to ensure compliance with procurement requirements.

The Board acknowledged the urgency of the project and expressed support for continuing the rental inquiry process under applicable purchasing laws.

R&B – Request to Purchase a Used Plow Truck and Belly Dump Trailer

Road & Bridge Supervisor Dianna Dredge requested Board authorization to purchase a used plow truck and a belly dump trailer, both needed for department operations. The plow truck is expected to be listed on the Idaho State Surplus Property site, and due to high demand, Ms. Dredge sought advance approval to proceed with the purchase when it becomes available. The Board approved the purchase of the plow truck, which is within the department’s current approved budget.

Ms. Dredge also identified a used belly dump trailer available for purchase at a price of $18,000. However, it was disclosed that the trailer is owned by the father-in-law of a Road & Bridge employee. Due to the potential conflict of interest, the Board deferred action on this item pending legal review. County Attorney Lyle Fuller will evaluate whether the proposed purchase complies with applicable conflict-of-interest laws and will report back at a future meeting.

VSO – Non-Renewal of Tyler Technologies MOU for VetraSpec Software

Veterans Service Officer Dave Colton informed the Board that he will not be renewing the agreement for the VetraSpec veterans’ benefits software, provided through Tyler Technologies. He cited a lack of sufficient case volume to justify the continued expense. As required by the memorandum of understanding, a 30-day notice of cancellation will be submitted.

GEM Grant Applications – Opportunity

The Board discussed the availability of grants of up to $50,000, requiring a 20% county cash match ($10,000), for eligible economic development projects. Potential uses for the funds include tourism planning, improvements to public spaces, enhancements at the fairgrounds, and the installation of 30-amp electrical outlets for vendor use along the fairgrounds fence line.

Water Filtration – Purchase Arrangements

In January, the Board approved the purchase of a water filtration system for emergency use by the county. The system was ordered prior to obtaining the required Emergency Activity Number (EAN), which is necessary for reimbursement through the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) program.

It was determined that Oneida County will reimburse Commissioner Jeppsen $418.70 for the purchase and will subsequently submit the expense for reimbursement through EMPG funds.

Courtroom Remodel – Chairs & Desks

As part of the courtroom remodel project, approximately 40 new chairs are needed for the gallery and an additional 5 chairs for the foyer. Clerk Lon Colton informed the Board that suitable chairs have been identified, but connector components will also be required.

Clerk Colton noted that there are sufficient funds available in the Tribal Funds account to cover the final furnishings for the remodel—including chairs, desks, and related items—with an estimated total cost of approximately $25,000.

American Legian – Invitation for BOCC to attend “Historical Building Award” Ceremony

Commissioners have been invited to attend a historical building award ceremony on September 17, recognizing the American Legion. Jean Thomas was instrumental in securing this award. Although the Commissioners are scheduled to attend a conference that week, they will make an effort to attend the ceremony.

Website Renewal

A five-year agreement for $4,100/yr with Revize for renewal of the County’s website services contract was presented to the Board for approval and signature. As part of the renewed agreement, Revize will assist in improving and updating the County’s website.