Caribou County public meetings in 2020
17 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
County Commissioners
The Caribou County Commissioners approved a conditional use permit for Dr. Wayne Cutler to place three storage containers at 661 North Hooper Avenue in Soda Springs. They also approved a $24,000 Homeland Security Grant, a memorandum of understanding with Bannock County for repeater access, and increased EMS gift cards from $30 to $50. The board approved claims totaling $533,340.32 and payroll of $182,752.63.
- Approved conditional use permit for 3 storage containers at 661 N Hooper Ave (motion carried)
- Approved $24,000 Homeland Security Grant (motion carried)
- Approved MOU with Bannock County for repeater access (motion carried)
- Approved EMS gift card increase to $50 (motion carried)
- Approved purchase of 86-inch UHD TV for ~$1,500 (motion carried)
- Approved claims of $533,340.32 and payroll of $182,752.63 (motion carried)
- Approved certificate of residency (motion carried)
- Signed annual snow removal agreement with Bonneville County
County Commissioners
The Caribou County Commissioners modified a memorandum of understanding with Robyn and Laurie Thomas, forgiving the remaining $7,500 owed for Centennial books if they digitize 31 boxes of family records and photographs within five years. The board also approved a $1,000 donation to the Area of Aging's Red File Program, denied an indigent case, and approved multiple claims and agreements. The meeting included an executive session with no decisions made.
- Modified MOU with Robyn and Laurie Thomas: $7,500 debt forgiven if records digitized within 5 years
- Donated $1,000 to Area of Aging's Red File Program for Caribou County
- Denied Indigent Case Number 2021-1 as applicant not medically indigent
- Approved claims: FY2020 $100,568.83, FY2021 $90,422.46, remittances $28,564.21, payroll $174,079.67
- Approved minutes of October 12, 2020 as presented and October 16, 2020 as amended
- Signed memorandum of agreement with Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections
- Entered into agreement with JR Simplot for road maintenance in Timber Creek area
- Convened executive session at 10:01 A.M. pursuant to I.C. 74-206(b); no decisions made
Commissioner Special Meeting
The Caribou County Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Board of Trustees of Caribou Memorial Hospital to create a new nonprofit corporation, Caribou Community Hospital (CCH), to construct, own, and operate a new hospital in Soda Springs. The MOU includes transferring $200,000 to the County Hospital in October 2020 and setting aside another $200,000 for repairs, with the county transferring all hospital assets to CCH once financing is secured. The nursing home must remain open through at least August 31, 2021, after which the county will decide whether to continue, sell, or close it. The meeting was a special session to discuss and approve this MOU.
- Approved MOU creating Caribou Community Hospital nonprofit to build and operate new hospital
- Approved $200,000 transfer to County Hospital in October 2020 for operating expenses
- Approved $200,000 set aside for repairs to hospital systems (air handlers, elevators, etc.)
- Approved requirement that nursing home remain open through at least August 31, 2021
- Approved transfer of all County Hospital assets to CCH upon financing secured
- Approved that hospital reverts to county ownership if CCH cannot obtain financing by September 30, 2022
County Commissioners
The Caribou County Commissioners appointed J. Adam Mabey as interim sheriff to fill the term of Sheriff Kelly Wells, who resigned effective October 2. They also approved the purchase of two 2015 lease-return road graders at $210,000 each, awarded Sheriff Wells his duty gun and badge, and approved claims and payroll totaling $368,018.10. The meeting included discussion of a COVID-19 policy for county employees and public comments about the Caribou Memorial Hospital.
- Appointed J. Adam Mabey as interim sheriff (motion carried)
- Approved purchase of two 2015 lease-return road graders at $210,000 each (motion carried)
- Awarded Sheriff Kelly Wells his duty gun and badge for retirement (motion carried)
- Approved claims of $187,619.03 and payroll of $181,336.49 (motion carried)
- Approved minutes of August 31, 2020 as presented and September 14, 2020 as amended (motion carried)
County Commissioners - Special Meeting
The Caribou County Commissioners held a special meeting to discuss a proposed memorandum of understanding between the county and the Caribou County Memorial Hospital/Living Center. No formal action was taken; commissioners expressed concerns about the agreement's wording and said it was not ready to be adopted. Public comment included questions about the nursing home's future, tax impacts, and employee concerns. The meeting adjourned with plans to continue discussion at the September 14 regular meeting.
- No formal decisions were made at the special meeting
- Discussed proposed hospital/nursing home agreement, with commissioners saying it was not ready to sign
- Commissioner Somsen leaned toward running a bond on an upcoming election for the hospital issue
- Commissioner Mathews suggested contacting financing companies to explore funding options
- Meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.; next regular meeting set for September 14, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.
County Commissioners
The Caribou County Commissioners approved the FY2021 budget of $15,437,898, adopted Ordinance 2020-02 to refund the 2012 jail bond for $2,195,000, and approved several purchases and variances. They also approved a 60-foot setback variance for Thomas Sumner and a 70-foot variance for Paul and Angie Mendenhall, with Commissioner Somsen recusing from the latter. The board approved the purchase of 10 Motorola APX 900 radios for $2,800 each and a computer for the Extension Office, and hired Rachel Hamilton as an Administrative Assistant.
- Approved FY2021 budget of $15,437,898 (unanimous)
- Adopted Ordinance 2020-02 to refund 2012 jail bond for $2,195,000 (unanimous)
- Approved 60-foot setback variance for Thomas Sumner (unanimous)
- Approved 70-foot setback variance for Paul and Angie Mendenhall (2-0, Somsen recused)
- Approved purchase of 10 Motorola APX 900 radios at $2,800 each (unanimous)
- Approved purchase of computer and docking station for $1,788.09 (unanimous)
- Hired Rachel Hamilton as Administrative Assistant for Extension Office (unanimous)
- Approved claims of $331,370.15 and payroll of $341,692.58 (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Caribou County Commissioners approved a conditional use permit for APC Towers to install a 135-foot communication tower with a 6-foot lightning rod in the Bancroft area, as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Board. The permit includes a lighting condition requested by Idaho Fish and Game to limit bird attraction. The board also approved payment of claims and remittances totaling $1,977,122.44 and payroll claims of $201,792.01, and signed a Multiple Listing Services contract for approximately $1,000 per year.
- Approved conditional use permit for APC Towers communication tower in Bancroft (motion carried)
- Approved claims and remittances of $1,977,122.44 and payroll claims of $201,792.01 (motion carried)
- Approved minutes of July 13, 2020 as presented (motion carried)
- Signed Multiple Listing Services contract for approximately $1,000 per year (motion carried)
County Commissioners
The Caribou County Commissioners approved paying off the remaining $100,000 balance on the 963-D loader to avoid interest, and hired Curtis Weber for $2,000 annually to care for Freedom Park lawn. They also approved claims and remittances totaling $420,989.52 and payroll claims of $187,763.03, and extended the COVID-19 state of emergency through August 24, 2020. Most of the meeting was budget review for FY2021, with a projected overall decrease of $28,154.
- Approved paying off $100,000 remaining balance on 963-D loader (motion carried)
- Hired Curtis Weber for $2,000 annually for Freedom Park lawn care (motion carried)
- Approved claims and remittances of $420,989.52 and payroll claims of $187,763.03 (motion carried)
- Extended COVID-19 state of emergency declaration through August 24, 2020
- Lowered value of 1-acre parcel 07S39E190001 from $12,000 to $8,000 (motion carried)
- Agreed to hire part-time employee in recorder's office (20-hour week, PERSI eligible)
- Approved minutes of June 8, 2020 as presented
- Added Curtis Weber to agenda (motion carried)
County Commissioners
The Caribou County Commissioners voted to cancel the 2020 Caribou County Fair due to insurance and CDC guideline concerns, though 4-H and market animal events will still occur. They also approved a conditional use permit for Dave and Kelly Traughber to operate a short-term rental at 1573 Fish Creek Road, with parking conditions as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The board approved a $7,500 transfer to the IDAWY Solid Waste District, accepted the May 19 primary election results, and approved claims and payroll totaling $640,891.41.
- Approved $7,500 transfer from Caribou County Solid Waste budget to IDAWY Solid Waste District (motion carried)
- Approved conditional use permit for Dave and Kelly Traughber short-term rental at 1573 Fish Creek Road, with parking conditions per P&Z recommendation (motion carried)
- Accepted May 19 primary election results (motion carried)
- Donated $1,600 toward a drinking fountain at Freedom City Park, disbursed after other costs are secured (motion carried)
- Canceled the 2020 Caribou County Fair; 4-H and market animal events will still take place (motion carried, Commissioner Somsen dissenting)
- Approved claims of $316,714.41 and payroll of $324,177.00, and approved May 26, 2020 minutes as amended (motion carried)
- Added Caribou County Fair Board to the agenda (motion carried)
- Approved Stephanie Bonney as bond counsel for jail bond refinance (motion carried)
County Commissioners
The Caribou County Commissioners approved claims and remittances totaling $294,781.48 and payroll claims of $175,932.15, and approved the May 11, 2020 minutes as amended. They also approved a $6,498.24 bid from Centennial Lube for a Toro zero-turn lawn mower, and directed that the Mill Creek road sign be replaced to identify the road as Mill Canyon. The tax deed hearing was postponed at the request of the Treasurer.
- Approved claims and remittances of $294,781.48 and payroll claims of $175,932.15 (motion carried)
- Approved minutes of May 11, 2020 as amended (motion carried)
- Approved $6,498.24 bid from Centennial Lube for a Toro Model #74493 zero-turn riding lawn mower (motion carried)
- Directed Road and Bridge to replace the Mill Creek sign to identify the road as Mill Canyon
- Agreed to open the courthouse to the public starting May 30, with signs advising masks are recommended but not required
- Agreed to place cameras near restroom facilities to address vandalism
- Postponed the tax deed hearing per the Treasurer's request
County Commissioners
The Caribou County Commissioners approved an indigent case (2020-5), paid claims totaling $197,004.14 and payroll of $487,847.02, and entered into an agreement with Valley Office Systems for a copier. They also approved a $500 bid for Senior Center repairs. No decision was made on the Caribou Blue Landing re-plat, which was tabled until the next meeting.
- Approved indigent case 2020-5 (motion carried)
- Approved claims and remittances of $197,004.14 and payroll of $487,847.02 (motion carried)
- Approved $500 bid by Dave Davis for Senior Center repairs
- Approved agreement with Valley Office Systems for Sharp MXMS501 copier (motion carried)
- Tabled Caribou Blue Landing re-plat decision until April 27 meeting
County Commissioners
The Caribou County Commissioners met on March 23, 2020, and approved several actions. They acknowledged the Madsen Subdivision plat as the governing rule for wells and septic systems, exempting future landowners from the community system requirement. They also renewed property tax exemptions for three organizations, approved claims and payroll totaling $724,076.37, and accepted a late certificate of residency. No decisions were made in executive session.
- Acknowledged Madsen Subdivision plat as governing rule for wells/septic (motion carried)
- Renewed property tax exemptions for Historical Society, Chesterfield Foundation, Lions Club (motion carried)
- Approved claims $394,894.22 and payroll $329,182.15 (motion carried)
- Approved late certificate of residency for Octavio Perez (motion approved)
- Held off on Bear River Electric bid until another bid arrives
- Agreed to help with sewer line repair costs at Senior Citizens Center pending formal bids
- Granted P&Z permission to meet with department heads for planning data
County Commissioners
The Caribou County Commissioners held a special meeting to address the COVID-19 pandemic and adopted Resolution 2020-04, declaring a state of emergency. They also discussed restricting courthouse access, allowing employees' children to use office computers after hours, and continuing regular meetings with limited attendance.
- Adopted Resolution 2020-04 declaring a state of emergency due to COVID-19 (motion carried)
- Agreed to restrict family members from entering the Courthouse during business hours
- Allowed employees' children to use office computers after hours, with a request to disinfect before leaving
- Decided to continue regular meetings, with department heads advised not to attend unless they have important new business
County Commissioners
The Caribou County Commissioners held a special meeting to address COVID-19, canvass the March 10 election, and consider a waiver for nitrate-reducing septic tanks in Afton's Way Subdivision. They approved drafting a waiver for existing lots in the subdivision, accepted the election results, and adopted County Order 2020-01 restricting courthouse access. The commissioners also discussed but did not formally declare an emergency, asking staff to draft a declaration for a future meeting.
- Approved drafting a waiver for nitrate-reducing septic tank requirement on existing lots in Afton's Way Subdivision (motion carried)
- Canvassed and accepted votes from the March 10, 2020 presidential primary and school district election (motion carried)
- Adopted County Order 2020-01 restricting courthouse access, with probation department authorized to refuse entry (motion carried)
County Commissioners
The Caribou County Commissioners approved a conditional use permit for a 20-lot RV park at Tin Cup Mountain Guest Ranch, despite concerns about a private road easement. They also approved buying a 2009 Caterpillar track hoe and a 2020 Ford F350 for the Road and Bridge Department, and approved a $200,000 gift to the Caribou Memorial Hospital Living Center. Several executive sessions were held with no decisions made.
- Approved purchase of 2009 Caterpillar 308 track hoe and 2020 F350 for Road and Bridge (motion carried)
- Approved conditional use permit for Tin Cup Mountain Guest Ranch RV Park (20 lots) (motion carried)
- Approved $200,000 gift to Caribou Memorial Hospital Living Center in Oct 2020 and $100,000 in Feb 2021 (motion carried)
- Approved claims of $222,000.49 and payroll claims of $181,436.92 (motion carried)
- Approved memorandum of agreement with Idaho Department of Lands for excess fire equipment (motion carried)
- Approved 63-month lease with Valley Office Supply for Sharp MX5071 at $312/month (motion carried)
County Commissioners
The Caribou County Commissioners approved the purchase of a 160H motor grader from A+ Contractors for $56,500, and approved sponsoring a $150,000 Phase II Block Grant for the Caribou County Senior Citizen's Center. They also approved certificates of residency for three students, including past-due fees for two, and approved claims and remittances totaling $3,298,577.43 plus payroll claims of $178,414.95. No decisions were made during the executive session.
- Approved $56,500 bid from A+ Contractors for 160H motor grader
- Approved sponsorship of $150,000 Phase II Block Grant for Senior Citizen's Center
- Approved certificates of residency for 3 students, including past-due fees for 2
- Approved claims and remittances of $3,298,577.43 and payroll claims of $178,414.95
- Approved minutes of January 13, 2020 as presented
- Agreed $10,000 is fair charge for First American Title access to old recorded documents
County Commissioners
The Caribou County Commissioners adopted Resolution 2020-03, which adopts the revised 2012 comprehensive plan, and Ordinance 2020-01, a zoning ordinance amendment, both following public hearings. The board also approved a $1,000 wall oven purchase for the courthouse kitchen, discussed the potential purchase of a 963 track loader for the landfill, and approved claims and payroll totaling $848,045.64 and $502,747.23 respectively. No decisions were made during the three executive sessions.
- Adopted Resolution 2020-03 adopting revised 2012 comprehensive plan
- Adopted Ordinance 2020-01 zoning ordinance amendment
- Approved purchase of wall oven for courthouse kitchen
- Approved claims and remittances for FY2020 totaling $848,045.64
- Approved payroll claims totaling $502,747.23
- Adopted Resolution 2020-01 appointing Phil Christensen as Chairman
- Adopted Resolution 2020-02 setting travel reimbursement rate at 57.5 cents per mile
- Approved minutes of December 9, 2019