This is an adaptation of the official minutes recorded by Deputy Clerk Shanci Dorius.  It is not the complete or official minutes, which are available by request from the clerk’s office.  These minutes have been edited for length, sequence, and context.

Denied Permit and Development Code Issues

Blake Love appeared before the Oneida County Board of Commissioners to discuss concerns regarding the Oneida County Development Code. Mr. Love stated there are areas of confusion within the code and expressed concern that the code may become more bureaucratic and burdensome rather than serving its intended purpose of assisting the citizens of Oneida County.

Mr. Love cited concerns regarding fees, modifications to department policies, and provisions of the code that may be open to interpretation. He referenced setback requirements as an example, stating he believed the public setback should be 30 feet rather than the 60 feet currently required in the code for accessory structures in agricultural zones.

Commissioner Lewis commented that when the code was initiated in the fall of 2022, it was not perfect and has since undergone multiple amendments. Chairman Lewis added that members of the public may submit suggestions for potential development code updates by completing the form available on the county website.

The Board of Commissioners recommended that Mr. Love present the examples he discussed to the Planning and Zoning Board for further discussion and review. No decisions were made.

Revisions to Road Use Ordinances

The Board of Commissioners discussed the county gravel policy and the need to revise the 2009 ordinance to clarify violations and establish enforceable penalties when individuals alter or perform work on county roads without notifying the Road and Bridge Department. The current ordinance lacks specific enforcement provisions, which has limited its effectiveness.

The Board indicated support for revising the ordinance and developing a winter maintenance agreement. The Board also supported including the agreement in building permit packets and making the information available on the county website. Commissioner Lewis moved to delegate a committee, potentially including Commissioner Eliason, Attorney Lyle Fuller, and Road Supervisor Dianna Dredge, to propose a new ordinance for road maintenance that provides enforceable county highway standards. Seconded by Commissioner Jeppsen. Motion carried.

Non-Compliant Approaches

The Board of Commissioners discussed non-compliant approaches to county roads, including situations where approaches or alterations occur without prior coordination with the Road and Bridge Department. The Board noted that clearer ordinance language and enforceable provisions may help address these situations as part of proposed revisions to the road use ordinance. Additionally, citizens who wish to haul gravel must follow guidelines set by the Road and Bridge Department.  Gravel hauling permit was accepted. 

R&B - Overtime Request for March to Blade Roads

Road and Bridge (R&B) Supervisor Dianna Dredge requested approval for overtime hours. The department has four graders, and one must have a roller behind it; therefore, the overtime would be limited to five employees from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday. This expense is within the approved budget.  Approved.

Rocky Mountain Power Substation Update – Steve Leichty

Steve Liechty, Regional Business Manager with Rocky Mountain Power, provided an update on the substation repair project currently underway, which may take up to a year to complete. A temporary mobile substation with one breaker has been installed to maintain service, including supporting the grid in Malad and handling added summer loads from heat and irrigation. Due to capital constraints, meaning limited funds are currently available, full reconstruction may not be completed until 2027. 

The Board commended Rocky Mountain Power for restoring power within 14–16 hours following the catastrophic event on December 2, 2025, which caused a major outage impacting thousands of residents in and near Malad. Mr. Liechty will provide periodic updates and does not anticipate issues beyond the capital constraints. The Board also thanked Rocky Mountain Power for community grants awarded in the past, and Mr. Liechty expressed RMP’s support. No motions were needed for this progress update.

Forest Service – Liberty Gold/Black Pine Gold Mine Project Update

Heidie Torrealday, Regional Geologist and Minerals Program Lead for the USDA Forest Service Intermountain Region, provided an update on the Liberty Gold / Black Pine Gold Mine Project. She was joined by Bryce Anderson, Pocatello Assistant Field Manager (BLM); Blaine Newman, Pocatello Field Manager (BLM); Kyson Crofoot, Pocatello Field Office Geologist (BLM); and Elisabeth Campbell, Community Relations Coordinator (Liberty Gold). The update gave the Board the opportunity to ask questions about the project’s progress.

Ms. Torrealday explained the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, noting that publication of the draft NEPA will launch the first public comment period for the Mine Plan of Operations. A public meeting is tentatively scheduled at Raft River High School on April 15, 2026, with a virtual meeting on April 14, 2026.

She also discussed the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST41) process, which provides oversight for permitting, review, and transparency. Agencies involved include the Bureau of Land Management, USDA Forest Service, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Idaho Department of Lands, and the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources. The NEPA process is anticipated to be completed by 2028.

A proposal is under consideration with the Idaho Transportation Department and Federal Highways to construct a new on/off ramp at Stone/Black Pine Road for light vehicle traffic. Heavy loads will use Highway 30 at Snowville, Utah, with costs covered by Liberty Gold. Public feedback, including from the Juniper community, may result in additional alternatives.

The total Bureau of Land Management disturbance is estimated at approximately 1,000 acres, which may affect ranchers’ grazing areas and livestock movement across the freeway. No action was required, as this was an informational update.

Resolution No. 2026-03-01 to Accept Idaho Division of Aeronautics Grant Acceptance - Airport Runway Lighting & Threshold Displacement

Kathy Ray, Airport Secretary, provided an update on the Airport Runway Lighting and Threshold Displacement Project. Ms. Ray reported that J-U-B Engineering Services, Inc. (JUB) inspected the airport, prepared a proposed scope of work to develop engineering cost estimates, and confirmed the project is eligible for a no-match grant of up to $675,000 through the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) Division of Aeronautics. Engineering work is anticipated to take approximately two months before the project proceeds to bid for electrical and earthwork components. The project must be completed by 2028, and the Airport Board hopes work can begin this year.

Steffen Verdin, Planning and Development Manager with the ITD Division of Aeronautics, assisted in preparing a comprehensive proposal outlining potential future needs at the airport, including hangar expansion, fencing, electrical upgrades, and a generator, to guide priorities once grant funds become available.

Attorney Lyle Fuller clarified that the consultant selection process was conducted through a request for qualifications rather than a competitive bid. The proposed acknowledgement letter from the County confirms the selection of J-U-B Engineers, Inc. (JUB) as the consultant, allowing them to begin evaluating the scope of work. Attorney Fuller noted that a separate agreement outlining the consulting services is expected to follow.

Airport Grant Acceptance

The Board of Commissioners considered Resolution No. 2026-03-01, authorizing acceptance of a no-match grant of up to $675,000 from the Idaho Division of Aeronautics (IDOA) for the Airport Runway Lighting and Threshold Displacement Project. The resolution does not specifically identify J-U-B Engineers, Inc. (JUB), who were previously selected via a request for qualifications as the project consultant, but approves acceptance of the grant funding.

Weeds - Trailer Purchase

County Weed Supervisor Cody Clyde submitted information for the Board’s review regarding four potential trailers for purchase to house the weed-spraying drone and related equipment. An enclosed trailer would accommodate the drone, its equipment including the generator used to recharge the drone batteries, and a 4-wheeler. The ramps would allow Mr. Clyde to load the generator without assistance, providing him everything needed while in the field. Purchase would use available Weed Department capital funds.

Weeds - 5-Year Plan

County Weed Supervisor Cody Clyde presented elements of the Weed Department’s five-year plan, including acquisition of a new building, use of the recently approved drone trailer, staffing considerations for a full-time apprentice or seasonal technician, and budget clarifications regarding county facility spraying and potential adjustments to the regular weed budget. No decisions were made.

Plat Map Approval - Monson Canyon Subdivision / Mike Asay

Darla Tombaugh, Planning & Zoning Administrative Assistant, presented the plat map for the Monson Canyon Subdivision at 5100 West off North Daniels Road in Malad, Idaho. She read a letter from Planning & Zoning Administrator Rhonda Neal recommending approval, noting the project meets county code for minor subdivisions, all documentation and fees have been completed, and no public concerns remain. The plat has been signed by all required parties.

On Call Pay for Sheriff’s Department

Sheriff Doug Williams discussed on-call pay for the department with the Board of Commissioners and requested approval of a $3 per hour on-call rate, which equates to $11,360. If an officer is called out, they would clock in for regular pay, with a minimum call-out period of two hours before returning to the on-call rate.  Approved.

Sheriff: Hiring Practices (resident of the County)

Sheriff Doug Williams brought to the Board of Commissioners a discussion regarding residency requirements for deputies. Concerns were raised about distance, the use of patrol vehicles when living outside the county, and potential turnover if deputies move to positions in their home counties. Two applicants from neighboring counties were noted. A suggestion was made to consider purchasing a property that could be rented by a deputy, with costs potentially offset by improved retention and reduced fuel expenses. No decisions were made.

Sheriff: Comp-Time Preference

Sharon Jutila with SMJ Consulting confirmed with Sheriff Doug Williams that department employees may choose to accrue comp time or receive pay for overtime. County policy does not currently specify a comp-time procedure, so Fair Labor Standards Act regulations apply. Employees in the Sheriff’s Department have submitted letters indicating they prefer overtime pay rather than accruing comp time. The Board discussed sending a memo to current employees regarding opting out of comp time and noted that any refinements to the policy will be addressed at a future meeting. Clerk Lon Colton suggested paying out accrued comp time and discontinuing the program. No decisions were made.

ICRMP Premium Discount Letter

Chairman Bill Lewis referenced a letter from the county insurance provider, ICRMP, stating that a law enforcement liability deductible of $50,000 per covered occurrence will be introduced, but could be waived when members complete the applicable annual assessments for patrol and detention (for counties operating their own jail). The letter noted that for the upcoming policy year, 2026–2027, which renews on October 1, 2026, the assessments for Oneida County have been completed, and the liability deductible for law enforcement has been waived. Chairman Lewis thanked Sheriff Williams for his proactive efforts in ensuring employees had completed their assessments and were trained, which reduced the assessed risk with the insurance company.

Credit Card Policy Updates

The Board of Commissioners reviewed a revised credit card policy, which included minor updates for clarification. Changes addressed language regarding gratuities, tips, and room service when using a county credit card, as well as a note regarding spending limits for the corporate credit card account.

Collection Agency Agreement

The Board of Commissioners discussed entering into an agreement with CBP Affiliated Services of Pocatello to assist in collecting unpaid fines and fees. CBP Affiliated Services would handle collections at no cost to the county. Under the agreement, the county would receive 100% of collected debt once CBP’s collection fee is satisfied. While payments are being applied toward CBP’s fee (up to 33% billed to the debtor), the county would receive 80% of each payment, with the agency retaining 20%. Idaho law requires the county to make a reasonable attempt to collect debts and maintain records, including providing at least one written notice. The Board noted that entering into the agreement would increase the court clerk’s workload.

Tree Maintenance Plan at the Courthouse Grounds

Clerk Lon Colton walked the courthouse grounds with Arborist Trevor Robbins to assess the health of the trees. The north-side tree closest to the roadway has undergone significant pruning, and systematic pruning over the next five years could help maintain the trees’ health. The south-side tree also requires care. Options discussed included pruning the existing trees to prevent fruit from dropping onto sidewalks and planting additional 2-inch trees approximately 15 feet to the west, allowing them to establish before potentially removing the current trees. Estimated costs were $800 to prune the two trees and approximately $6___ for the new trees, with an additional $300 if the order is placed after the event center tree order. Suggested species included oak, maple, or linden.  Commissioner Jeppsen moved to have Arborist Trevor Robbins with Healthy Greens remove the northern-most crab tree on the courthouse lawn and continue pruning the trees on the south. Carried.

Tempered Glass Tops for Attorney Tables in the Courtroom

The Board of Commissioners discussed installing tempered glass on the attorney table tops in the courtroom to protect the soft wood surfaces. Hess Lumber provided a quote of $500 for the tempered glass.

County Employee Training through NACO

The Board of Commissioners discussed high-performance leadership classes recommended by the National Association of Counties (NACO). Clerk Lon Colton, who participated in the program a few years ago, explained that the training includes projects, reading assignments, and video excerpts from professionals in the field, and described the overall experience as positive and beneficial. The Board noted that NACO offers scholarships and occasional discounted pricing for the courses and indicated they will reach out to department heads to gauge interest in participation.

Executive Session Protocol

The Board of Commissioners discussed procedures for executive sessions, including having discussion prior to making a decision rather than moving directly into a motion. The Board also discussed the best time to hold executive sessions during the meeting. No decisions were made.