Commissioners Address Rock Fire, Home Burials and Road Complaints
At the County Commissioner meeting held on August 18, 2025, members approved the consent agenda before proceeding to discussions with Steve Shelton, the head of Waste Management. Shelton shared a quick update on the status of the new pumps for the well and informed the Commissioners that through Valley County, Lakeshore disposal will begin hauling in two loads per week. Commissioner Daren Ward requested that Shelton look into the cost of transportation and what the County could do to cut costs by no longer utilizing a third-party transfer company.
Meredith Fisher, with Planning and Zoning, initiated a brief exchange on noise ordinances after a complaint regarding barking dogs was brought to the Commissioners some weeks ago. Fisher made a point that agricultural timber grazing (ATG) zones lack noise restrictions, unlike rural residential zones. Commissioner Viki Purdy observed, “When you take the calves away from the mamas, there’s a lot of noise out there sometimes. So, what are we going to do, regulate that too? Yeah, not going to happen.” Fisher noted that noise regulation was intentionally excluded from the ATG zone in the 2006 ordinance, but could be reconsidered in the future.
Another small item involved communication towers. A telecommunications company petitioned to amend the county’s 1,500-foot setback requirement for residential and commercial buildings, claiming it was overly restrictive. Fisher clarified that property owners may waive the setback with signed consent, but the company argued the restriction remained burdensome. There was worry over imposing towers on unwilling residents. Understandably, members of the public may not be receptive. Per Fisher’s suggestion, the board agreed to wait on the company’s specific amendment language, rather than demands, before further considering inquiries from these companies.
Fishers’ time in front of the Commissioners concluded with updates on Brundage Phase 2. The preliminary plat was approved with conditions, but Fisher emphasized the need for greater specificity in commercial use designations. She stated, “The application had language to the effect of, ‘the commercial uses could include but are not limited to X, Y, and Z.’ We need to refine that.” Traffic impacts were also reviewed, with concerns that if lots transitioned into primary residences, traffic volumes could exceed the original study assumptions. Final findings and conditions are expected to be submitted to the board in September.
Road and Bridge head, Adam Balderson, opened with an examination of citizen complaints starting with the condition of Sturrock Way, a short road with only three residences. While one resident had previously requested graveling, Balderson disagreed with the need, “I don’t think it needs gravel. I mean, there’s a little bit of gravel on there, and it’s holding solid,” he explained. It is Balderson’s opinion that the county should not respond to individual demands but can evaluate road conditions as needed. Commissioners were in support of his logic. Similarly, complaints from Indian Valley residents regarding washboard conditions on local roads have been made. Commissioners acknowledged the frustration while stressing the limits of grading schedules. This brought on a discussion of broader road maintenance issues, particularly the performance of gravel and mag chloride applications. Commissioners noted the difficulty of maintaining moisture in local rock and the tendency for roads to washboard. Iveson expressed interest in extending mag chloride treatments to high-traffic roads such as Fruitvale–Glendale, despite concerns about cost. Iveson stressed, “In the long run, it would pay off. It’s going to decrease the amount of maintenance that you’re doing on it.” For next year, Balderson will consider the bad parts of the road within the Fruitvale area and price out a solution. Balderson was pleased to inform Commissioners that applications for open positions are trickling in. At least three individuals from New Meadows expressed interest, which commissioners welcomed. The board reviewed pending equipment leases, including loaders and Caterpillar patrols, and discussed potential modifications such as front fenders to improve snow clearing. Questions were also raised about Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding stability in fiscal year 2026. Balderson presented Commissioners with a $4,200 estimate to move an air conditioner at the county shop, debating whether in-house staff could complete the work at a lower cost.
Commissioners shifted their focus to the city-owned property and plans for repurposing an existing building. They noted that a rough set of building plans existed but needed updating to reflect the current layout. Discussion centered on which departments might relocate there, including Extension, Building, Planning and Zoning, and possibly the commission offices. The board agreed to raise the issue at the next department head and elected officials’ meeting. Additionally, questions were raised regarding election operations at the new facility. Commissioners debated whether a staff member should be permanently stationed there or if the space should serve only during elections. They emphasized cross-training staff and designing flexible office use. The board weighed options for relocating departments, focusing on the need to keep some offices nearby. Commissioner Ward noted that although moving certain offices might create efficiency challenges, the actual distance was small. “We’re talking 100 yards. It’s not miles,” while Clerk Sherry Ward cautioned that retraining the public on new locations would be difficult. Historically, the public has been resistant to change. Security was also discussed; funding from the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) for cameras and controlled-access doors was considered. With six access points, Commissioners agreed that not all entrances would require key card control, but security needed careful planning. The possibility of renting out portions of the building to private entities was mentioned. However, commissioners expressed doubt, citing empty commercial space already available in Council alone.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the school district for the new school resource officer (SRO) was reviewed by Commissioners. Prosecuting Attorney Peter Donovan is expected to make the necessary adjustments and corrections.
Sheriff Ryan Zollman announced that local Chris Carlisle had been hired as the new SRO. Carlisle brings over 25 years of law enforcement experience and has already been volunteering with the sheriff’s office for three years. “He’ll be a really good asset to the department, to the agency. I think he’ll be really good for the school as well,” Zollman expressed. The sheriff’s office also added a new volunteer position filled by Jessica Rogers, a retired military peer-support leader. She had recently completed chaplain school in Spokane and is now certified to provide chaplaincy and first responder peer support. Her role includes assisting with death notifications, supporting deputies during traumatic events, and providing emotional support for first responders. To support Rogers’ work, Ada County donated a 2016 Chevy Tahoe with 220,000 miles. The board approved annual MOUs with Council Valley Ambulance and Meadows Valley Fire and Ambulance. These agreements keep the county in compliance with 911 grant requirements. A motion was made and unanimously approved.
U.S. Forest Service representatives Paul Klasner and Jason Greenway provided Commissioners with detailed updates on the Rock Fire, which is burning across both the Payette and Boise National Forests. According to reports from an infrared flight the previous night, the fire covers 815 acres on the Payette, 1,737 on the Boise, and that splits up to 855 in Valley County and 1,819 in Adams County. Maps of closure areas were provided, and road status was discussed. The Middle Fork Road and 206 road were confirmed open despite their proximity to the fire boundary. However, the Boise National Forest closed road 435 south of Cascade due to concerns about connectors leading into the fire area. Other fire activity in the area had been minimal. One small fire near Price Valley and the Quartz Fire near McCall were reported under control, with the Quartz Fire totaling 11 acres.
District staff provided several operational updates. Repairs continue on the Goose Creek Trail footbridge (Trail 353), with decking expected soon. Graveling on Smoky Boulder Road was reported complete, and one active timber sale—the Grouse Timber Sale northwest of Lost Valley Reservoir—was underway. Most district staff were currently assigned to fire suppression or seasonal fieldwork. Commissioners asked about the status of a snowmobile parking expansion near Brundage Mountain (Gordon Heights). Uncertainty remained regarding any progress being made toward renovations.
U.S. Forest Service Representatives reported on pond and tank improvements within the Creek allotment, where six permittees had been affected by the Rock Fire closure. Virtual collars on livestock proved helpful for tracking during the fire. Coordination with permittees continued to minimize disruption. Updates were provided on several timber projects. Operations continue at two locations within the closure areas. Additional work is planned, including new layout projects in Huckleberry. When asked about scale, representatives explained the Huckleberry project covered approximately 60,000 acres and would generate multiple sales over several years. Concerns about roadside tree marking were raised by residents, prompting clarification that shaded fuel breaks were designed to leave trees standing for ecological benefits.
Two exploration decisions were recently signed—Cutty Exploration in Washington County and the Freeze project in Adams County. Another proposal, Fall Creek, was pending. Hercules was the only project currently operating, with a one-year timeline from the start of operations.
Adams County reported progress on fuel mitigation programs supported by National Forest Foundation funding. Officials noted that funds would support work along power lines and private property treatments. Commissioner Iveson highlighted the county’s efficiency after last week’s comprehensive fire mitigation funds breakdown. Nearly 10,000 acres of non-commercial thinning were planned for completion this year, though some contractors might require extensions. Iveson went on to praise staff and contractors for their work, noting the importance of employee dedication.
For the last order of business, Coroner Sue Warner and Prosecuting Attorney Peter Donovan presented a draft ordinance addressing the regulation of home burial sites, including enforcement, property title requirements, and potential penalties. The conversation began with questions about how the ordinance would be enforced. Warner clarified that property sales must disclose burial sites, requiring changes to the deed. An example from Lemhi County was referenced, where a child was buried without disclosure to a new property owner, creating conflict when the family visited the grave. The Commissioners agreed that Adams County should avoid similar issues.
Prosecuting Attorney Peter Donovan noted that failure to record burials could result in misdemeanor penalties, accruing daily. However, he raised concerns about penalizing landowners for unknown historic burials. Donovan explained, “I took Lincoln County’s ordinance and added a provision saying that it only applies to people who actually know there’s a burial there or could reasonably know by exercising some privileges.” This stirred questions about whether residents could move remains if selling property. Clerk Sherry Ward recalled a past case involving a family attempting to relocate remains across state lines, which proved prohibitively expensive due to embalming and transport regulations. Donovan confirmed that state law requires involvement of a licensed mortician and compliance with Idaho Code.
Discussion turned to which provisions would apply retroactively. Donovan clarified that spatial requirements, such as distances from wells and waterways, would only apply to new burials. However, notice and deed-recording requirements would apply to both past and future burials. This raised concerns about fairness. As an example, Donovan compared the situation to vehicle laws: “You’re not being penalized for it having gone out when it went out; you’re penalized for not currently having it as your own. It’s kind of like that.” Commissioners agreed that further review of the enforcement language might be needed. An emphasis on the importance of clear public communication is detrimental. Coroner Warner noted, “That’s been the problem… people just kind of interpret it the way they want to. At least we have something to say, here it is.” Donovan confirmed that the ordinance would require publication, either in full or as a summary, with 30 days’ notice before adoption. The favored action is to publish a summary at less cost, while ensuring public understanding. Commissioners agreed that further discussion be scheduled for September 22.
