Fire Mitigation, Rock Pits, & Happy Neighbors
On August 12th, Sherry Ward- Clerk, Commissioners Daren Ward, Joe Iveson, Viki Purdy were in attendance and started the County Commission meeting with the liquor license approval for the Jackson food store which will officially begin operating in the old Shell Station on the 13th of August.
Approval was given for Mark Dixon with the Music Festival to extend parking across the highway into the county parking lot as the fair grounds are in use with the fire camp.
Planning and Zoning, Meredith Fisher shared that there is a date change for the Yantis rock pit meeting from 19th to 26th at 7:30 for interested parties. Two sites were originally proposed; one was withdrawn from opposition by two neighbors living within a one mile radius of the location. The second site location is past the C. Ben Ross reservoir on the ridge by the yellow bus. Research continues to determine which homes within a one mile radius would be affected by the operation of a rock pit, as well as what effects there may be on the quality of water.
There have been complaints and concerns about the blasting in the J.I. Morgan rock pit owned by Seubert. Ms. Fisher was present for a blast which she said was like a firecracker sounds. The reporting neighbors however said the blast was not typical and that they usually shake pictures off the walls. The Van Dorn subdivision was platted next to the existing rock pit and property buyers take responsibility knowing there is a quarry business. Adams County has no authority in this matter, however the Van Dorn subdivision is encouraged to work with the company as other property owners have done who live around other Seubert operations.
A request for a right-of-way variance for a proposed shop to be placed within 25’ of a fenced right-of-way in Mesa on Highland Lane encouraged a wide ranging discussion. The IDOT right of way is 80 feet from center line, with an exception for sub-divisions. Commissioner Purdy asked why such a wide area and the discussion speculated on reasoning. The proposed shop is inside 25 feet of the owner’s fenced right-of-way. Commissioner Iveson said, “I have a problem telling people what to do when it’s their right-of-way”. Planning and Zoning will take pictures and report next week.
Approved Agreements and Budget Items:
An emergency and facilities land use agreement with the Forest Service for the Adams County Fair Grounds for a fire camp at 400$ a day.
A contract for Braun Jensen for a rock hauler and excavator.
Move $421k from the road & bridge fund into the capital projects road and bridge fund 2024-13.
The janitor contract with adjustments has not been received. This item moved to next meeting.
Sheriff Ryan Zollman reported that the fire evacuation for Cuprum and Bear have been lifted, except for the mine. Kleinschmidt Grade and Ladore roads remain closed for fire use. The fire reduction work the County just completed along Calf Pen road stopped the fire in that area. The commissioners will continue to work on fuel reduction projects.
The air conditioning in the jail continues to work for a record 2 weeks in a row. The issue was a small leak in the older pipes and the system lost coolant. At the time the units were replaced, the older pipes weren’t included in the contract. The Sheriff’s office is currently running with one cooling unit. Sheriff Zollman also suggested that the heating and cooling units undergo preventative maintenance then start a scheduled maintenance program for the whole courthouse every 6 months. Discussion to be continued.
The jail is currently housing 15 state and 6 county inmates. Sheriff Zollman commented they try to balance the number of inmates.
Solid Waste, Steve Shelton reported that the fire camp is recycling over 1200 lbs. of cardboard a day, plus aluminum and tin cans which diverts a substantial load from the landfill.
The pond at the landfill is ready and waiting for liner etc. There is the possibility that the pond liner is out 5-6 weeks. Pricing could run as high as $750,000 for the liner. He also reminded that there will be additional costs for the leach field and piping. He described the substantial pile of dirt from the pond dig, which should be screened to use for cover. The many large rocks fall apart and are not good for riprap. Suggestions were offered to bring in a crusher to break the rocks for land fill needs and the large landscape sized rocks could be put it out for bid, possibly to a landscape company.
It was reported that 12.5 tons of tires were shipped out and the landfill has stopped doing weigh slips.
Six Price Valley residents representing the community along Price Valley Road asked the commissioners to reduce the speed limit from 35mph to at least 25mph. The road is dangerous and traffic has tripled since the Wilkes Brothers purchased property and closed other road access to the area. “It’s dangerous to walk on the road, or even drive”, commented Kelly. The residents have put up signs, and the Sheriff’s department did put up their traffic trailer which helped some.
The Commissioners approved the speed limit drop to 25 mph. Adam Balderson said the Road and Bridge department already has signage and will get the signs changed.
The second item the group brought to the commission was the dust and breakdown of the road. “It’s brutal”, said Dan Kelly, the spokesman. The first 1.5 miles of the road contains most of the residences. “Mag chloride actually helps save the roads”, Commissioner Ward commented. Commissioner Iveson said, “We’ll work on the mag chloride if we can find it in the budget to do the mile (of road)”.
The Price Valley neighborhood representatives left with smiles and gratitude.
Justin Nyquist & Mary Kummer representing the Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICRMP) reviewed and explained the building values appraisal changes. There was discussion of differences from ICRMP numbers and the county valuation; which differences will be addressed individually through Sherry Ward’s office. ICRMP deductibles were reformulated to separate vehicles etc. into a category apart from buildings. Adams County received the lowest of increases for the next insurance period.
Commissioners then moved into executive session with Prosecutor Boyd.
